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Understanding and determining the composition and evolution of the upper mantle is valuable to unravel Earth's evolutionary geodynamics. The compositions of oceanic basalts are inevitably biased by the preferential melting of fusible mantle components and the pooling of melts from multiple sources. Here we present whole rock and mineral chemistry as well as Re‐Os isotopic systematics of the Table Mountain ophiolitic mantle massif from the Bay of Islands ophiolite complex, complemented by thermodynamic models of melt extraction. The Table Mountain lherzolites were formed by moderate degrees (5%–15%) of shallow polybaric melting. We divide the harzburgites into two types. Type I harzburgites represent residues of high‐pressure melting, and Type II harzburgites appear to have been further modified by second‐stage flux melting above a subduction zone induced by slab sediment‐derived aqueous fluids. The Table Mountain peridotites display highly variable "initial" 187Os/188Os485 Ma isotope compositions, including 0.1252–0.1253 for the Type I harzburgites, 0.1217–0.1236 and 0.1192–0.1198 for both lherzolites and Type II harzburgites. These Os isotopic variations cannot be generated by different degrees of partial melting of a homogenous fertile mantle immediately prior to obduction, and hence must have been inherited from ancient melting events. The Table Mountain lherzolites with inherited ancient melting signals are of particular significance because they demonstrate that the record of earlier melting events is not limited to ultra‐refractory harzburgites but is also present even in relatively fertile lherzolites. Our observations underscore the ubiquity of ancient melting signatures in the entire compositional spectrum of the depleted upper mantle. Plain Language Summary: Documentation of the diversity of compositions in Earth's present‐day mantle provides essential clues with which to unravel Earth's evolutionary geodynamics. Oceanic basalts are used as messengers to probe the composition of accessible upper mantle; however, their compositions are strongly biased to the products of those fertile parts of the upper mantle. To circumvent this issue, the compositions of occurrences of upper mantle rocks exposed at the Earth's surface (ophiolitic peridotites, abyssal peridotites and oceanic lithospheric mantle xenoliths) can be used to construct a picture of the nature of the upper mantle. We present whole rock and mineral chemistry, Re‐Os isotopic systematics as well as detailed thermodynamic modeling of the Table Mountain mantle massif from the Bay of Islands ophiolitic mantle massif of Newfoundland. Our results lead us to propose that significant Os isotope heterogeneities are revealed among the Table Mountain peridotites, most of which, even the fertile lherzolites, have been inherited from ancient melting events. Our results show that the convecting upper mantle is highly heterogeneous. Even those rocks that remain closest to their primal compositions are shown to carry signatures of ancient melting events that have been retained over billions of years. Key Points: Geochemical features and thermodynamic modeling reveal a record of melting events under both convergent and divergent plate marginsSignificant Os isotope heterogeneities show that the melting events occurred long before obduction of the massif onto the continentThe convecting upper mantle preserves heterogeneous domains with different fertilities and melting histories for long periods [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbamazepine (CBZ, an antiepileptic) is metabolized by multiple CYP enzymes to its epoxide and hydroxides; however, whether it is genotoxic remains unclear. In this study, molecular docking (CBZ to CYPs) and cytogenotoxic toxicity assays were employed to investigate the activation of CBZ for mutagenic effects, in various mammalian cell models. Docking results indicated that CBZ was valid as a substrate of human CYP2B6 and 2E1, while not for CYP1A1, 1A2, 1B1 or 3A4. In the Chinese hamster (V79) cell line and its derivatives genetically engineered for the expression of human CYP1A1, 1A2, 1B1, 2E1 or 3A4 CBZ (2.5 ~ 40 μM) did not induce micronucleus, while in human CYP2B6-expressing cells CBZ significantly induced micronucleus formation. In a human hepatoma C3A cell line, which endogenously expressed CYP2B6 twofold higher than in HepG2 cells, CBZ induced micronucleus potently, which was blocked by 1-aminobenzotriazole (inhibitor of CYPs) and ticlopidine (specific CYP2B6 inhibitor). In HepG2 cells CBZ did not induce micronucleus; however, pretreatment of the cells with CICTO (CYP2B6 inducer) led to micronucleus formation by CBZ, while rifampicin (CYP3A4 inducer) or PCB126 (CYP1A inducer) did not change the negative results. Immunofluorescent assay showed that CBZ selectively induced centromere-free micronucleus. Moreover, CBZ induced double-strand DNA breaks (γ-H2AX elevation, by Western blot) and PIG-A gene mutations (by flowcytometry) in C3A (threshold being 5 μM, lower than its therapeutic serum concentrations, 17 ~ 51 μM), with no effects in HepG2 cells. Clearly, CBZ may induce clastogenesis and gene mutations at its therapeutic concentrations, human CYP2B6 being a major activating enzyme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the determination of cyazofamid and its major metabolite 4-Chloro-5-(4-tolyl)-1H-imidazole-2-carbonitrile (CCIM) in oily samples. Samples were extracted with acetonitrile, which contained 1% acetic acid and cleaned-up with C18 and Florisil absorbents. Recoveries ranged from 75.91% to 109.85% with coefficients of variation from 5.14% to 10.69%. The limits of detection (LODs) and the limits of quantification (LOQs) were >0.0020 mg kg−1 and ≤0.0040 mg·kg−1, respectively, which were smaller than maximum residue levels established by Australia for oily samples. The proposed fragmentation pathway of cyazofamid and CCIM were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For improving the overall energy storage performance of aqueous zinc-ion battery (ZIB) systems, it is important to identify new cathode materials with superior characteristics. Along these lines, in this work, Na, K, and structural water were pre-inserted in vanadium oxide via a simple solution reaction method at room temperature. More specifically, Na2V6O16·1.96H2O (NVO) and K2V6O16·2.13H2O (KVO) nanorods were successfully prepared using CH3COONa and CH3COOK, respectively, and commercial V2O5 powder as starting materials. The NVO and KVO nanorods exhibited high Zn2+ storage ability; while the specific capacity of the NVO cathode reached 366.8 mAh g−1 at 0.3 A g−1, its capacity retention was 86.6% after 1000 consecutive cycles at 3 A g−1, and the KVO cathode also showed impressive performance. NaV3O8 and KV3O8 were prepared for comparison by annealing NVO and KVO at high temperatures. The comparison of their cycling stability, Zn2+ diffusivity coefficients, and electronic conductivity with the same characteristics of both NVO and KVO cathodes demonstrated that the presence of structural water had a positive impact on the electrochemical performance of the prepared materials. The high performance of NVO and KVO is mainly attributed to the synergistic effect between structural water and metal ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• AlphaMELTS modeling geochemically distinguishes melt depletion from refertilization. • Lherz harzburgites are pristine melting residues with insignificant refertilization. • Lherz lherzolites close to websterites represent secondary refertilized products. • It yields the timing of melt depletion (peak at 2.0 Ga) and similarly ancient refertilization (∼ 1.5-2.0 Ga). • Refertilization will profoundly affect the stability and rigidity of the SCLM. Geochemically distinguishing the products of melt depletion from refertilization and constraining the timing of such mantle-melt interactions in the subcontinental lithosphere (SCLM) remain outstanding research issues. Here we utilize alphaMELTS thermodynamic modeling of both partial melting and refertilization to revisit the origins of the Lherz mantle rocks from the Pyrenean orogenic mantle massifs. Thermodynamic modeling reveals subtle but critical differences between refertilization (i.e., elevated TiO 2 /Al 2 O 3 and higher HREE in both whole rocks and clinopyroxenes) and partial melting processes. Harzburgites from the Lherz massif comprise predominantly pristine residues of partial melting and subordinately refertilized products with low melt/rock ratios. The Lherz lherzolites that show close spatial associations with olivine websterite layers represent secondary rocks, derived from refertilization involving the pristine, refractory harzburgites and upwelling N-MORB-like melts. Lherzolites with no intimate spatial association to olivine websterites are open to an additional origin, i.e., via stationary cooling at the base of lithosphere after moderate adiabatic upwelling of asthenospheric mantle. The Re-depletion model ages (T RD) of refractory harzburgites yield a systematic peak melting age of 2.0 Ga. We have developed a novel solution for constraining the relatively ancient age of refertilization (∼ 1.5 – 2.0 Ga) through the approach of an adapted percolation model to assess the behavior of Re-Os and Lu-Hf isotopic systems. Together with a comprehensive dataset of global on- and off-cratonic SCLM, this study has successfully distinguished silicate-melt induced refertilization from partial melting on elemental level, demonstrated the contribution of different melting mechanisms to the distinctive SCLM compositional evolution in the history, and highlighted how profound a role that refertilization has played on the variations of geochemical buoyancy and mechanical robustness and eventually on the stability and longevity of the ancient SCLM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bats serve as natural hosts for various infectious agents that can affect both humans and animals, and they are geographically widespread. In recent years, the prevalence of bat-associated pathogens has surged on a global scale, consequently generating significant interest in bats and their ectoparasites. In this study, we specifically selected the Miniopterus fuliginosus as the host and conducted bat captures in Nanjian Yi Autonomous County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, and the other in Mouding Township, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, located in Yunnan Province, China. Ectoparasites were meticulously collected from the bat body surface, alongside blood samples for subsequent analyses. Following collection, the ectoparasites were methodically identified and subjected to comprehensive ecological analysis. Additionally, DNA was extracted from both the bat blood and bat flies, with conventional PCR techniques utilized for molecular screening of four pathogens: Anaplasma sp., Babesia sp., Hepatozoon sp., and Bartonella sp. The capture efforts yielded a total of 37 M. fuliginosus , from which 388 ectoparasites were recovered, including 197 gamasid mites (C r = 50.77%, P M = 94.59%, M A = 5.32, M I = 5.63) and 191 bat flies (C r = 49.23%, P M = 75.68%, M A = 5.16, M I = 6.82). Notably, Steatonyssus nyctali (Y = 0.28, m*/m = 2.44) and Nycteribia allotopa (Y = 0.23, m*/m = 1.54) predominated among different individuals of M. fuliginosus , exhibiting an aggregated distribution pattern. The infection rates of Bartonella sp. were identified to be 18.92% (7/37) among bats and 37.17% (71/191) among bat flies, based on the testing of 37 bats and 191 bat flies. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the Bartonella sequences exhibited similarity to those found in bats and bat flies within China and South Korea. This study not only contributes to our comprehension of ectoparasite infection in M. fuliginosus but also establishes a foundation for potential exploration of their role as vectors. [Display omitted] • Ecological analysis of ectoparasites on bats collected from Yunnan, China. • Investigating the presence of four pathogens carried by bats and their ectoparasites. • Providing reference for the vector potential of ectoparasites on bats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We cloned and produced recombinant Phosphotyrosyl phosphatase activator (PTPA) protein from Haemonchus contortus (rHCPTPA). • The pNPP phosphatase activity of bovine PP2A 1 was increased, due to the existence of rHCPTPA, dose-dependently. • rHCPTPA could be bound by goat PBMCs and exerts its immunomodulatory effects on multiple aspects. Suppression and modulation of the host immune response to parasitic nematodes have been extensively studied. In the present study, we cloned and produced recombinant phosphotyrosyl phosphatase activator protein from Haemonchus contortus (rHCPTPA), a parasitic nematode of small ruminants, and studied the effect of this protein on modulating the immune response of goat peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Enzymatic assays revealed that rHCPTPA enhanced the p-nitrophenylphosphate phosphatase activity of bovine PP2A 1. Immunohistochemical tests verified that the HCPTPA protein was localised mainly in the bowel wall and on the body surface of worms. It was also shown that serum produced by goats artificially infected with H. contortus successfully recognised rHCPTPA, which conjugated with goat peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The rHCPTPA was then co-incubated with goat peripheral blood mononuclear cells to assess its immunomodulatory effects on proliferation, apoptosis, cytokine secretion, migration and nitric oxide production. Our results showed that rHCPTPA suppressed the proliferation of goat peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated by concanavalin A and induced apoptosis in goat peripheral blood mononuclear cells. After rHCPTPA exposure, IFN-γ and IL-2 expression was markedly reduced, whereas secretion of IL-10 and IL-4 was significantly elevated, in goat peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Moreover, rHCPTPA down-regulated nitric oxide production and migration of goat peripheral blood mononuclear cells in a dose-dependent manner. These results illuminate the interaction between parasites and hosts at the molecular level, suggest a possible immunomodulatory target and contribute to the search for innovative proteins that might be candidate targets for drugs and vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fusion protein of C. perfringens Cpa247-370, Cpb108-305 and EtxH118P toxin was generated. • B. subtilis expressing C. perfringens recombinant toxin protein rCpa-b-x was constructed. • Immunization with recombinants can elicit cellular and humoral immune responses. • Immunization with recombinants protected mice from C. perfringens toxins. The anaerobic pathogen Clostridium perfringens is the most potent cause of intestinal diseases, such as enterotoxemia, hemorrhagic enteritis, and lamb dysentery, in sheep. Three toxinotypes (B, C, and D) are usually the cause of these diseases and are mainly mediated via three important exotoxins: alpha toxin (CPA), beta toxin (CPB), and epsilon toxin (ETX). We have designed a chimeric protein, rCpa-b-x, that contains the C-terminal binding region of CPA, partial sequence of CPB, and ETX (Cpa247-370, Cpb108-305, and EtxH118P, respectively) according to the principle of structural vaccinology. The rCpa-b-x protein was then expressed by pHT43 plasmid in vivo using Bacillus subtilis as a delivery vector (Bs-pHT43-Cpa-b-x). The immunological activity of the rCpa-b-x protein was verified by western blot and its immunological efficacy was evaluated in a murine model. Oral administration with a recombinant agent caused local mucosal and systemic immune responses, and serum lgG and intestinal mucosal secretory IgA (sIgA) antibody titers were significantly increased. Levels of IL-2, IL-4, and IFN-γ were significantly higher in lymphocytes isolated from the Bs-pHT43-Cpa-b-x group compared with levels from the control groups. The percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in the Bs-pHT43-Cpa-b-x and inactivated vaccine (IV) groups were in the normal range. Mice of vaccine groups and control groups were challenged with 1x LD 100 unit filtrate containing alpha, beta, and epsilon toxins. Mice in the Bs-pHT43-Cpa-b-x group were found to have lower rates of morbidity. The active immunization of mice with Bs-pHT43-Cpa-b-x still maintained 85% to 90% survival at the end of the 10-day observation period, whereas mice of control groups died within two to five days. The results of this study demonstrate the effectiveness of Bs-pHT43-Cpa-b-x in preventing C. perfringens infection in mice, and that Bs-pHT43-Cpa-b-x could be considered a potential vaccine against C. perfringens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The c. 1·85 Ga Sudbury Igneous Complex (SIC) is the igneous remnant of one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved impact structures on Earth and contains some of the world's largest magmatic Ni–Cu–PGE sulfide deposits. Most of the mineralization occurs in Sublayer, Footwall Breccia and inclusion-bearing quartz diorite (IQD), all of which contain significant (Sublayer and IQD) to minor (Footwall Breccia) amounts of olivine-bearing mafic–ultramafic inclusions. These inclusions have only rare equivalents in the country rocks and are closely associated with the Ni–Cu–PGE sulfide mineralization. They can be divided into three groups on the basis of petrography and geochemical characteristics. Group I (n = 47) includes igneous-textured olivine melanorite and olivine melagabbronorite inclusions in the Whistle and Levack embayments on the North Range with Zr/Y, Zr/Nb, Nb/U and Zr/Hf similar to igneous-textured Sublayer matrix. Group I inclusions are interpreted to be anteliths that crystallized from a mixture of SIC impact melt and a more mafic melt, probably derived by melting of ultramafic footwall rocks. Group II includes Group IIA (n = 17) shock metamorphosed wehrlite and olivine clinopyroxenite inclusions in the Levack embayment and Group IIB (n = 2) shock metamorphosed olivine melanorite inclusions in the Foy Offset on the North Range. Group II inclusions have similar trace element patterns [e.g. negative Th–U, Nb–Ta–(Ti), Sr and Zr–Hf anomalies] and overlapping Nb/U to a layered mafic–ultramafic intrusion in the footwall of the Levack and Fraser deposits, which together with their limited distribution suggests that Group II inclusions are locally-derived xenoliths. Group III (n = 21) includes phlogopite lherzolite and feldspar lherzolite inclusions with igneous, recrystallized and shock-metamorphic textures in the Trill, Levack and Bowell embayments, and the Foy Offset dike on the North Range. They have no equivalents in the exposed country rocks. The calculated parental magma is similar to continental arc basalt formed by approximately 5% partial melting of garnet peridotite. Ol–Cpx–Pl thermobarometry of several Group III inclusions indicate equilibration at 900–1120 ºC and 210 ± 166 MPa to 300 ± 178 MPa, suggesting crystallization in the upper-middle crust (7·7 ± 6·6 to 10·9 ± 6·5 km), prior to being incorporated into the lower parts of the impact melt sheet during impact excavation. The exotic xenoliths provide information about the depth of impact and composition of upper-middle crust in the Sudbury region at 1850 Ma, the local xenoliths provide information about the thermomechanical erosion process that followed generation of the impact melt, the anteliths provide information about the early crystallization history of the SIC, and all of the inclusions provide constraints on the genesis of Sublayer, IQD, footwall breccia, and associated Ni–Cu–PGE mineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many squeal studies of brake system finite element (FE) model neglected the disc rotation effect. This paper, based on modal theory and FE modal result, presents a novel method to construct a disc brake model that concerns disc rotation and analyzes its dynamic instability. The rotation effect is embodied in velocity-dependent rotating disc equivalent modal parameters, which are derived through time-space and coordinate transformation and proved to be orthogonal with respect to system matrices in state-space. Through modal synthesis with stationary components, system eigenfunction is formulated in modal space. A comprehensive squeal analysis concerning both rotation and friction negative slope effect is then conducted through complex eigenvalue analysis and modal composition analysis. The result shows the dependency of system instability on rotation speed. Under constant friction, disc rotation is a destabilizing factor to the system as it not only raises the squeal propensity and strengthens the split of eigenvalue loci of mode-merging instability, but also gives rise to additional squeal modes that cannot be generated by mode-merging. Velocity-dependent friction model with negative slope character is proved to generate negative damping and destabilize the system at low speed range. Over high speed range, however, the system becomes more stable due to the decline of friction magnitude. Mechanisms responsible for the squeal are discussed, it is demonstrated that mode-merging induced by the friction coupling is the major mechanism for brake squeal. The destabilizing effects on the system which stems from the split of repeated-root modes caused by rotation, as well as the negative damping effect caused by velocity-dependent negative slope friction, are relatively limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our previous proteomics study, we identified Miro domain-containing protein (Miro-1), an excretory and secretory product of the pole worm, Haemonchus contortus , binds to goat peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in vivo . However, our understanding of the role of Miro-1and its potential immune impact on goat PBMCs is limited. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Miro-1 on functions of goat PBMCs in vitro. Recombinant protein (rMiro-1) was expressed in a prokaryote and incubated with goat PBMCs. Western blot analysis showed that rMiro-1 is successfully recognized by goat sera infected with H. contortus . Immunofluorescence analysis using rat antibodies against rMiro-1 indicated that this protein binds to goat PBMCs in vitro. Treatment of goat PBMCs/monocytes with various concentrations of rMiro-1 resulted in the upregulation of IL-2, IL-4, and IL-17, which in turn promoted cell proliferation, migration, the release of NO in PBMCs, and enhancement of phagocytosis of monocytes. These findings suggested that rMiro-1 stimulates PBMCs activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modification and destruction of the sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) has been identified in numerous studies. However, what principally controls the susceptibility and extent of destruction of the SCLM and how this leads to the corresponding variation of the overlying crust remain long-standing issues. Here we provide an integrated study of petrology, mineralogy, and geochemistry, including highly siderophile element (HSE) abundances and whole-rock and/or mineral Os-Hf-Sr-Nd isotopic compositions of mantle peridotite xenoliths from Hainan Island, together with a compiled dataset from the eastern South China Craton (SCC) to investigate the mechanism and timing of replacement and destruction of the SCLM. The mantle xenoliths from the eastern SCC are overall more fertile than cratonic lithospheric mantle, and have generally experienced various extents of metasomatic enrichment, including carbonate and silicate melt metasomatism. In addition, the absence of Archean ages and compositional or temporal stratification of the SCLM beneath the eastern SCC indicates that the Archean lithospheric mantle may have been replaced/reworked and has essentially vanished, hence the present underlying lithospheric mantle is a relatively new and young lithospheric mantle. The formation time of the SCLM underneath Hainan Island constrained by both the Re Os and Lu Hf isotopic systems is late Mesoproterozoic (∼1.2 Ga), largely consistent with the Meso- to Neoproterozoic peak of whole-rock T RD ages (0.9–1.3 Ga) of the refractory mantle peridotites in the compiled dataset. This age distribution can be reconciled with the assembly time of the Rodinia supercontinent, indicating a close linkage between the replacement of large-scale lithospheric mantle via mantle convection erosion and regional continental amalgamation. Meanwhile, the relative location to the plate margins influences the preservation of the cratonic mantle. The SCLM located at the plate margin (e.g., eastern SCC compared to western SCC), where destructive processes frequently occur, is susceptible to destruction, whereas that within the plate interior is likely to remain relatively intact. • Hainan Island mantle peridotites are more fertile than cratonic mantle. • Hainan Island lithospheric mantle was stabilized in the late Mesoproterozoic. • Replacement of large-scale lithospheric mantle is related to Rodinia assembly. • Relative location to plate margins controls the destruction of lithospheric mantle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coarsening of the basketweave α + β microstructure in Ti-6Al-4V is a common phenomenon that occurs during thermal cycling in both additive manufacturing and cyclic heat treatment. Such a coarsening process is driven by multiple dissolution and precipitation transformations rather than by conventional Ostwald ripening. It is clear that during the first cycle, the complete dissolution of the thinnest α plates at the heating stage provides large spaces for surviving plates to regrow at the cooling stage, which results in coarsening after the first cycle. However, it is still unclear how the α plates continue to vanish and the remaining α plates sustainably coarsen in the repeated thermal cycles. In this study, cyclic heat-treatment experiments and phase-field simulations were conducted to illustrate the mechanism of sustained coarsening during thermal cycling. It was found that in addition to the complete dissolution of the thinnest α plates in the first thermal cycle, α-plate vanishing continued during repeated thermal cycling in two ways, which has not been reported before. The origin of such sustained vanishing of α plates is related to the Gibbs–Thomson effect. Moreover, the influences of cycling frequency and total duration on the transformation coarsening are detected. Both the experimental and simulation results indicate that long cycling duration results in severe coarsening, while for a given duration time, the final coarsening of the α plates is almost independent of the cycling frequency. [Display omitted] • During the repeated thermal cycling,α–plates vanishing can continue in three ways. • The origin of sustained vanishing of α plates is related to Gibbs–Thomson effect. • The transformation coarsening is more sensitive to cycling time than frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasma gondii 10 kDa excretory–secretory antigen (TgESA10) is involved in the early stages of host invasion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immune protective efficacy of a DNA vaccine encoding TgESA10 gene against acute T. gondii infection in mice. The gene sequence encoding TgESA10 was inserted into the eukaryotic expression vector pVAX I, and the efficacy of intramuscular vaccination of BALB/c mice with pVAX-ESA10 was analyzed. Mice immunized with pVAX-ESA10 elicited high titers of total IgG, IgG 1 , IgG 2a , IgA and IgM antibodies, while IgE showed no changes. Analysis of cytokine profiles revealed significant increases of IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-17, while no significant changes were detected in TGF-β1. Additionally, we found that pVAX-ESA10 enhanced the activation of CD4 + and CD8 + T cells and the expression of MHC-I and MHC-II molecules in spleen in mice. Immunization with pVAX-ESA10 significantly prolonged survival time (14.3 ± 1.7 days) after challenge infection with the virulent T. gondii RH strain, compared with the control groups which died within 8 days. These results suggested that TgESA10 DNA vaccine could trigger strong humoral and cellular responses and induce partial protection against acute toxoplasmosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Cr phase can be uniformly dispersed by addition of Y in the as-cast Cu-0.9Cr and Cu-1.45Cr alloys. • The effects of CRA and SSA processes on the properties of the Cu-0.9Cr-Y and Cu-1.45Cr-Y alloys were studied. • Y-containing Cu-Cr alloys posses better over-aging resistance because the coarsening of Cr is suppressed during CRA. • The difference of softening temperature between the Cu-Cr and Cu-Cr-Y alloys is investigated. The effects of Y content on the microstructure and properties of Cu-0.9Cr and Cu-1.45Cr alloys were investigated systematically in present manuscript. Cu-Cr-(Y) alloys were prepared by vacuum melting and casting, solid solution treatment at 960 °C, (90% cold rolling) and aging treatment at 460 °C. The results indicate that the addition of 0.1 wt% Y refines the eutectic structure of as-cast Cu-0.9Cr and Cu-1.45Cr alloys. Besides, the hardness of Cu-Cr-(Y) alloys after solid solution treatment increases with the increase of the Y content. CRA (cold-rolling and aging) process can enhance the hardness of peak-aged alloys compared with SSA (solid solution and aging), the peak-aged hardness and corresponding conductivity of cold-rolled alloys slightly increase by addition of Y. Especially, when CRA for 300 min, the ultimate tensile strength, hardness of Cu-0.95Cr-0.1Y alloy (433 MPa, 146.8 HV) are superior to those of Cu-0.9Cr alloy (333 MPa, 102 HV), indicating that addition of Y significantly inhibits the over-aging during CRA. The TEM results reveal that Cr precipitates of FCC and BCC structures exist in the Cu-Cr-Y alloy aged for 300 min, and Y element suppresses the coarsening of Cr precipitates and the reduction of dislocation density. Moreover, the softening temperature of peak-aged Cu-Cr-Y alloys is ~70 °C higher than that of Cu-Cr alloys since the addition of Y inhibits the coarsening of Cr precipitates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrodynamic torque converter is a major component of an automatic transmission. It transfers power from the engine to the transmission gearing system. The hydrodynamic torque converter has been applied in numerous automatic transmissions such as passenger cars, trucks, buses and trains. The external performance of hydrodynamic torque converter is affected by its internal flow characteristics. In order to study the internal flow characteristics of hydrodynamic torque converter, the internal flow field of hydrodynamic torque converter was tested based on particle image velocimetry (PIV) technology. As a powerful optical technique, instantaneous measurement of flow velocity at several positions in a plane can be tested by PIV. Instead of measuring at only one point in the flow field, such as laser doppler velocimetry and hot-wire anemometer, PIV has the ability to capture the spatial velocity distribution for a whole field simultaneously with high resolution. The technique is non-intrusive and no probe disturbs the flow. These features have made PIV a very useful technique in the characterization of unsteady and turbulent flow fields. PIV measurement can be performed in combination with other optical measurement methods to increase the understanding of complex phenomena. In order to capture high-quality flow images, hydrodynamic torque converter of transparent type was manufactured in imitation of the actual hydrodynamic torque converter, and plexiglass was chosen as the manufacturing material. In order to improve the transparency of experimental prototype, surface polishing was carried out several times. Aluminium powder was chosen as tracer particle, and distilled water was chosen as flowing medium. High speed camera was applied to capture flow images with different particle diameters and different particle concentrations under different working conditions. The shooting speed of charge-coupled device (CCD) was 1000 frames per second. The velocity field and vorticity field of radial section in turbine were acquired through images preprocessing and cross-correlation calculation of 2 successive frames. A contrastive analysis of flow field distribution and complex flow phenomenon in flow area was done. It was found that flow parameters recognized and extracted in flow area were much richer when the concentration of particles was higher (2.4 g particles input to 1 500 mL distilled water) and the diameter of particles was smaller (10 μm). At this time, the information of velocity field and vorticity field was more reliable. Complex flow phenomena, such as multi-scale vortex and reverse flow, were caused because of distribution structure of high-gradient flow field and inhomogeneous distribution of velocity field. And also, the energy loss of internal flow in hydrodynamic torque converter was caused. As the speed ratio increased, the structure of internal flow field became more disciplinary and the energy loss became lower. It has important engineering significance for structure optimization and performance improvement of hydrodynamic torque converter through the analysis of experimental measurement results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polybrominated biphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a group of persistent organic pollutants with endocrine-disrupting, neurotoxic, tumorigenic and DNA-damaging activities. They are hydroxylated by human liver microsomal CYP enzymes, however, their mutagenicity remains unknown. In this study, 2,2′,4,4′-tetrabromobiphenyl ether (BDE-47, relatively abundant in human tissues) was investigated for micronuclei induction and DNA damage in mammalian cells. The results indicated that BDE-47 up to 80 μM under a 6 h/18 h (exposure/recovery, covering 2 cell cycles) regime did not induce micronuclei in V79-Mz and V79-derived cell lines expressing human CYP1A1 or 1A2, while it was moderately positive in human CYP2B6-, 2E1-and 3A4-expressing cell lines (V79-hCYP2B6, V79-hCYP2E1-hSULT1A1 and V79-hCYP3A4-hOR, respectively). Following 24 h exposure, BDE-47 induced micronuclei in V79-hCYP2E1-hSULT1A1 and V79-hCYP3A4 cells at increased potencies. In the human hepatoma (HepG2) cells BDE-47 (48 h exposure) was inactive up to 40 μM, however, pretreatment of the cells with ethanol (0.2%, v:v, inducer of CYP2E1) or rifampicin (10 μM, inducer of CYP3A4) led to significant micronuclei formation by BDE-47; pretreatment with bisphenol AF (100 nM) also potentiated BDE-47-induced micronuclei formation (which was blocked by a CYP2E1 inhibitor trans -1,2-dichloroethylene or a CYP3A inhibitor (ketoconazole). Immunofluorescent staining of centromere protein B with the micronuclei formed by BDE-47 in HepG2 cells pretreated with ethanol or rifampicin demonstrated selective formation of centromere-containing micronuclei. The increased phosphorylation of both histones H2AX and H3 in HepG2 by BDE-47 also indicated an aneugenic potential. Therefore, this study suggests that BDE-47 is an aneugen activated by several human CYP enzymes. [Display omitted] • 2,2′,4,4′-Tetrabromobiphenyl ether (BDE-47) is aneugenic in mammalian cells. • The aneugenicity of BDE-47 depends on metabolic activation by human CYP enzymes. • Human CYP3A4 and 2E1 might be the major enzymes activating BDE-47. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Natrojarosite is a very important material. In this paper biosynthesis of pure natrojarosite by immobilized Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans was described. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ICP-AES and XRD analysis revealed the character of natrojarosite. The process is principally influenced by extracellular substances. H+ reduction and the oxidation of Fe2+ can accelerate production of the precipitation. Monovalent cation of the precipitation depends on pH value, especially the type and concentration of monovalent cation in solution. This research thus shows a novel application of A. ferrooxidans. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The basal plane dislocation (BPD) density is one of the most important defects affecting the application of SiC wafers. In this study, numerical simulations and corresponding experiments were conducted to investigate the influence of cooling processes, seed-bonding methods, and graphite crucible materials on the BPD density in an 8-inch N-type 4H-SiC single crystal grown by the physical vapor transport (PVT) method. The results showed that the BPD density could be effectively reduced by increasing the cooling rate, optimizing the seed-bonding method, and adopting a graphite crucible with a similar coefficient of thermal expansion as the SiC single crystal. The BPD density in the experiments showed that a high cooling rate reduced the BPD density from 4689 cm−2 to 2925 cm−2; optimization of the seed-bonding method decreased the BPD density to 1560 cm−2. The BPD density was further reduced to 704 cm−2 through the adoption of a graphite crucible with a smaller thermal expansion coefficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A special surface grain was studied by LSR experiments and phase-field simulations. • The effects of thermal conditions on the surface microstructure were analyzed. • A selection map of surface grain morphology was established. • This study can give some new insights into the surface microstructure during LSR. During laser materials processing, the cooling rate (R) and thermal gradient (G) near the molten pool surface region are much higher than those in the traditional casting conditions, which may result in special solidification microstructures. In this study, the surface microstructure of near β titanium alloys was investigated by conducting both laser surface remelting experiments and phase-field simulations. It was found that the grains nucleated near the surface region of the molten pool exhibit near globular shape with 〈1 1 0〉-oriented side branches, which are very different from the ordinary dendrite morphology in casting conditions. Phase-field simulations were used to detect the formation mechanism of such special surface grain morphology. It was illustrated that the surface grain morphology is determined by the combined effect of high cooling rate (R) and high vertical thermal gradient (G). The high R results in the morphology transition from needle-like dendrite to near globular shape by increasing the undercooling and reducing the impact of anisotropy of interface energy. The high G promotes the grain contour to be more close to globular and facilitates the fins-like side branches to develop along 〈1 1 0〉 direction. Furthermore, a selection map of surface grain morphology at various thermal conditions (R and G) was established, which can be applied to predict the surface grain morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• rHCETFα suppressed the proliferation of goat PBMCs stimulated by concanavalin A. • rHCETFα significantly induced apoptosis in goat PBMCs. • rHCETFα modulated the secretion of cytokines in goat PBMCs. • rHCETFα up-regulated NO production in goat PBMCs. • rHCETFα inhibited phagocytosis of goat monocytes. Suppression and modulation of the host immune response to parasitic nematodes have been extensively studied. In the present study, we cloned and produced recombinant electron transfer flavoprotein α subunit (ETFα) protein from Haemonchus contortus (rHCETFα), a parasitic nematode of small ruminants, and studied the effect of this protein on modulating the immune response of goat peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and monocytes. Immunohistochemical tests verified that the HCETFα protein was localized mainly in the intestinal wall and on the body surface of worms. Immunoblot analysis revealed that rHCETFα was recognized by the serum of goats artificially infected with H. contortus. Immunofluorescence analysis indicated that rHCETFα bound to the surface of PBMCs. rHCETFα was co-incubated with goat PBMCs to observe the immunomodulatory effects exerted by HCETFα on proliferation, apoptosis, cytokine secretion and nitric oxide (NO) production. The results showed that rHCETFα suppressed the proliferation of goat PBMCs stimulated by concanavalin A and induced apoptosis in goat PBMCs. After rHCETFα exposure, IL-2, IL-4, IL-17A and TNF-α expression was markedly reduced, whereas secretion of TGF-β1 was significantly elevated, in goat PBMCs. Moreover, rHCETFα up-regulated NO production in a dose-dependent manner. FITC-dextran internalization assays showed that rHCETFα inhibited phagocytosis of goat monocytes. These results elucidate the interaction between parasites and hosts at the molecular level, suggest a possible immunomodulatory target and contribute to the search for innovative proteins that may be candidate targets for drugs and vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Modulation of the host immune response by nematode parasites has been widely reported. Rhodaneses (thiosulfate: cyanide sulfurtransferases) are present in a wide range of organisms, such as archaea, bacteria, fungi, plants and animals. Previously, it was reported that a rhodanese homologue could be bound by goat peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in vivo. Methods: In the present study, we cloned and produced a recombinant rhodanese protein originating from Haemonchus contortus (rHCRD), a parasitic nematode of small ruminants. rHCRD was co-incubated with goat PBMCs to assess its immunomodulatory effects on proliferation, apoptosis and cytokine secretion. Results: We verified that the natural HCRD protein localized predominantly to the bowel wall and body surface of the parasite. We further demonstrated that serum produced by goats artificially infected with H. contortus successfully recognized rHCRD, which bound to goat PBMCs. rHCRD suppressed proliferation of goat PBMCs stimulated by concanavalin A but did not induce apoptosis in goat PBMCs. The production of TNF-α and IFN-γ decreased significantly, whereas secretion of IL-10 and TGF-β1 increased, in goat PBMCs after exposure to rHCRD. rHCRD also inhibited phagocytosis by goat monocytes. Moreover, rHCRD downregulated the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-II on goat monocytes in a dose-dependent manner, but did not alter MHC-I expression. Conclusions: These results propose a possible immunomodulatory target that may help illuminate the interactions between parasites and their hosts at the molecular level and reveal innovative protein species as candidate drug and vaccine targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wang, Y.J.; Li, C.H., and Tao, S., 2020. Risk prevention and control of marine coal enterprises based on supply-side reform. In: Al-Tarawneh, O. and Megahed, A. (eds.), Recent Developments of Port, Marine, and Ocean Engineering. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 110, pp. 137–140. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. In the context of supply-side reform, aiming at providing scientific references and guiding methods for the hierarchical risk prevention and control of marine coal enterprises, this paper explores the risk factors of marine coal enterprises and proposes several risk prevention and control methods; it adopts questionnaire survey and induction method to research and analyze marine coal enterprises, and obtains the rank of the risk factors of marine coal enterprises from high to low as: organization management> core competence> production and sales> key resources> safety assurance > policies and regulations> industry market; the paper proposes four types of risks: large risk volume/low controllability; large risk volume /high controllability; small risk volume/low controllability; small risk volume/high controllability. The research results lay a basis for the in-depth discussion of risk identification, prevention and control, and provide a strong data support for the accurate identification of risk factors and the risk prevention and control methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Interleukin 2 (IL‐2) is an important immune regulatory factor in the immune response of the host. However, little is known about the inhibitor of host IL‐2 in Haemonchus contortus infection. In this study, we found that globin domain‐containing protein (HCGB) and Protein Y75B8A.8 (HC8) from H contortus excretory and secretory products are two binding proteins of IL‐2 in goats. The yeast two‐hybrid screening further validated the positive interactions of IL‐2 with HCGB and HC8. Meanwhile, we found that HC8 had inhibitory effects on IL‐2‐induced peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) proliferation, while HCGB did not. Furthermore, transcriptional analysis revealed that HC8 could block the IL‐2‐activated signalling pathway. Our results showed that HC8 was a functional inhibitor of goat IL‐2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pressureless sinter-joining of cost-effective micron-Ag flake pastes at temperatures below 200 °C poses significant challenges due to their poor surface activity and low tapped density. Herein, we propose a novel solvent and interface engineering approach to enhance the contact among adjacent micron-Ag flakes and between the flakes and substrates. The solvent-enhanced sintering process is proposed, and its effect on the resistivity and shear strength of sintered Ag patterns and joints is studied in detail. Results show that the solvents with high wetting abilities on the Ag flakes and substrates are instrumental in achieving low resistivity and high shear strength in the sintered Ag patterns and joints. In particular, when the solvents possess high surface tension, they generate strong capillary adhesion among Ag flakes and substrates. This reduces the gap between Ag flakes and substrates, thereby promoting bonding among the Ag flakes by minimizing the distance of atom diffusion. Finally, mixed solvents of 50 % α-Terpineol and 50 % dipropyleneglycol methyl ether acetate show a synergistic effect due to the balance between wettability and surface tension, which enables the sintered joints to achieve an exceptional shear strength of 27 MPa even at an ultralow temperature of 160 °C. This achievement represents the state-of-the-art pressureless sinter-joining of Ag pastes and holds promising potential for practical use in power electronic packaging applications. [Display omitted] • Solvent-interface engineering enables low-temperature sintering of micron-Ag pastes. • A high shear strength of ∼25 MPa was achieved after sintering at 160 °C. • Solvents with high surface tension generate high capillary adhesion among Ag flakes. • SiC MOSFET modules were fabricated using micron-sized Ag flake pastes as die attach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the global pandemic of bat-associated pathogens has led to increasing attention on bat ectoparasites. Numerous studies have identified human-associated pathogens in Nycteribiidae, indicating their potential as vectors. In this study, the first complete sequencing of the mitochondrial genome of Nycteribia allotopa Speiser, 1901 was sequenced and analyzed. We also compared the mitochondrial sequences of N. allotopa with those available in the database for other Nycteribiidae species. The complete mitochondrial genome of N. allotopa was found to be 15,161 bp in size with an A + T content of 82.49%. Nucleotide polymorphism analysis of 13 protein-coding genes from five species of Nycteribiidae showed that nad6 exhibited the most significant variation, while cox1 was the most conserved. Furthermore, selection pressure analysis revealed cox1 to exhibit the strongest purifying selection, while atp8, nad2 , nad4L , and nad5 showed slightly looser purifying selection. Pairwise genetic distances indicated that cox1 and cox2 were evolving comparatively slowly, whereas atp8 , nad2 , and nad6 were evolving comparatively quickly. Phylogenetic trees constructed using Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood methods demonstrated that all four families within the superfamily Hippoboscoidea clustered into one branch each, indicating their monophyly. N. allotopa was found to be most closely related to the same genus N. parvula. This study significantly enriches the molecular database for Nycteribiidae and provides invaluable reference data for future species identification, phylogenetic analysis, and exploration of their potential as vectors for human-associated pathogens. [Display omitted] • The mitochondrial genome of Nycteribia allotopa was sequenced for the first time. • The genome were analyzed and compared with other genome of the family Nycteribiidae. • The phylogenetic relationships of the Hippoboscoidea have been further defined. • It provides a reference for phylogeny and species identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a new kind of smart materials for fabricating ionic electric actuator, Chitosan Gel Polymer (CGP) known as bionic artificial muscle, has broad application prospects and high academic value with advantages of simple structure, good biocompatibility and large deflection under low driving voltage (≤5 V). In this paper, effects and enhancement mechanism of the heat treating optimization technology on response speed performance of the CGP actuator were mainly investigated. Furthermore, its preparation process including material selection, membrane fabrication and the assembly along with fabrication principle were deeply researched. The CGP actuator consisted of two parts; electric actuating membrane which is sandwiched between non-metallic electrode membranes. On one hand, high viscosity chitosan inside the actuating membrane served as framework which gives access to anions and cations within the electrode membranes. On the other hand, Multi-walled Carbon Nanotube (MCNT) was adopted to modify chitosan in the electrode membrane for obtaining good conductivity and stable chemical character. Moreover, response speed of the CGP actuator that underwent repeated heat treating for a short time, would be continuously improved with the increase of heat treating times. But as the heat treating time prolonged, electromechanical properties of the CGP actuator began to degrade. In addition, since conduction velocity of microscopic ions inside the CGP actuator was presented as macroscopic current magnitude, the experimental results revealed that the changing trend of response speed was almost in accord with the current trend of the CGP actuator. Both of these are fitted in a quadratic function relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of the treatment of scoliosis with a pedicle screw system through paraspinal intermuscular approach (PIA). Methods: This is a retrospective case series study. A total of 10 patients diagnosed with scoliosis had surgical indications and treated with a pedicle screw system in one‐stage posterior surgery by PIA from March 2013 to April 2015 at the First Hospital of Jilin University were enrolled in this study. The average age of the patients was 14.9 years, including one male and nine females. The operative information and surgical results, including Cobb angle correction, correction loss, global balance (including Frontal Plane Balance [FPB] and Sagittal Plane Balance [SPB]), and fusion rate were reviewed. Functional outcomes including visual analog scale (VAS) back pain score, leg pain score, and Scoliosis Research Society‐22 questionnaire (SRS‐22) were used to evaluate the quality of life of patients preoperatively and at last follow‐up. Results: Each patient was followed up at least six times. The average follow‐up time was 43.2 months. Mean scoliosis and kyphosis improved from 68.5° ± 18.1°to 18.7° ± 11.8° and from 34.4° ± 17.9°to 24.0° ± 6.7°, respectively (p < 0.05); at last follow‐up, it was 20.1° and 24.7°, respectively (p > 0.05). During the follow‐up, mean coronal and sagittal correction loss was 1.4° ± 1.2°and 0.7° ± 0.8°, respectively (p > 0.05). Mean FPB improved from 32.7 to 11.7 mm (p < 0.05); Mean SPB changed from 0.3 to −0.7 mm (p > 0.05). No dural tears were observed during the corrective surgery or wound infection or implant‐related complications. No pseudoarthrosis was identified according to the last follow‐up three‐dimensional (3D) CT scan. All the domains in SRS‐22 questionnaire show statistically significant improvement at the last follow‐up (p < 0.05). The VAS back pain scores improved from a mean preoperative score of 1.7 to a mean postoperative score of 0.2 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This original one‐stage posterior PIA is safe and effective in the treatment of scoliosis, which is characterized with less blood loss, shorter operation time, and satisfactory bony fusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the theoretical analysis of grain growth kinetics, the roles of curvature and stochastic effects have been an open question for many years. Considering contributions of microstructure entropy and a phenomenological grain topological energy, the present work develops a thermodynamic dissipation-based framework for representing the stochasticity and spatial correlations in grain growth. This framework reveals the correlations between previous mean-field and stochastic theories, whose validities are further assessed by the 3-D Aboav-Weaire relationship. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterostructured double-phase composites are promising electrode candidates for high-performance secondary metal batteries due to their superior capacity and ion transfer kinetics compared with the pristine phase. Herein, a Zn3V3O8/VO2 (ZVO/VO) heterostructure with abundant phase boundaries was designed as the cathode for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs). The preparation method is based on a solid pre-intercalation approach, and the Zn content in the ZVO/VO heterostructure can be precisely controlled. The electrochemical performance of ZVO/VO containing different amounts of Zn, pristine ZVO, and VO phases was compared. ZVO/VO showed superior capacity and cycling stability compared to pristine ZVO and VO. The ZVO/VO heterostructure showed a capacity of 328.4 mA h g−1 at 0.3 A g−1 after 200 cycles. The long-term cycling performance of ZVO/VO was evaluated at 3 A g−1, and it delivered a capacity retention of 90.5% after 1000 cycles. The ion storage mechanism of the ZVO/VO electrode was analyzed by ex situ X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This work provides a simple strategy for designing vanadium-based heterostructure composites as advanced cathodes for ZIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Live dietary microbes have been hypothesized to promoting human health. However, there has been lacking perceptions to crystallize nexus between consumption of foods with live microbes and mortality.To investigate the association of consumption of foods with medium to high amounts of live microbes with all-cause, cancer-specific, and cardiovascular disease (CVD)-specific mortality.The data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2018 at baseline linked to the 2019 National Death Index records. Based on consumption of foods that were categorized as either having medium or high microbial content (MedHi foods), participants were classified into three groups. Kaplan–Meier survival curves and multivariable Cox regression models were used to estimate the association of consumption of MedHi foods with mortality. Population-attributable fractions (PAFs) of consumption of MedHi foods in relation to mortality risk were also estimated.A total of 35,299 adults aged ≥ 20 years were included in this study. During a median follow-up of 9.67 years, compared with adults in G1, those in G3 had 16% (hazard ratio [HR], 0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77–0.90) reduced risk of all-cause mortality, and 23% (HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.67–0.89) reduced risk of CVD-specific mortality. The PAF of high (G3) vs. intermediate or low consumption of MedHi foods (G1 + G2) with all-cause and CVD-specific mortality was 3.4% and 4.3%, respectively.Consumption of foods with higher microbial concentrations is associated with a reduced risk of all-cause and CVD-specific mortality in US adults.Objective: Live dietary microbes have been hypothesized to promoting human health. However, there has been lacking perceptions to crystallize nexus between consumption of foods with live microbes and mortality.To investigate the association of consumption of foods with medium to high amounts of live microbes with all-cause, cancer-specific, and cardiovascular disease (CVD)-specific mortality.The data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2018 at baseline linked to the 2019 National Death Index records. Based on consumption of foods that were categorized as either having medium or high microbial content (MedHi foods), participants were classified into three groups. Kaplan–Meier survival curves and multivariable Cox regression models were used to estimate the association of consumption of MedHi foods with mortality. Population-attributable fractions (PAFs) of consumption of MedHi foods in relation to mortality risk were also estimated.A total of 35,299 adults aged ≥ 20 years were included in this study. During a median follow-up of 9.67 years, compared with adults in G1, those in G3 had 16% (hazard ratio [HR], 0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77–0.90) reduced risk of all-cause mortality, and 23% (HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.67–0.89) reduced risk of CVD-specific mortality. The PAF of high (G3) vs. intermediate or low consumption of MedHi foods (G1 + G2) with all-cause and CVD-specific mortality was 3.4% and 4.3%, respectively.Consumption of foods with higher microbial concentrations is associated with a reduced risk of all-cause and CVD-specific mortality in US adults.Methods: Live dietary microbes have been hypothesized to promoting human health. However, there has been lacking perceptions to crystallize nexus between consumption of foods with live microbes and mortality.To investigate the association of consumption of foods with medium to high amounts of live microbes with all-cause, cancer-specific, and cardiovascular disease (CVD)-specific mortality.The data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2018 at baseline linked to the 2019 National Death Index records. Based on consumption of foods that were categorized as either having medium or high microbial content (MedHi foods), participants were classified into three groups. Kaplan–Meier survival curves and multivariable Cox regression models were used to estimate the association of consumption of MedHi foods with mortality. Population-attributable fractions (PAFs) of consumption of MedHi foods in relation to mortality risk were also estimated.A total of 35,299 adults aged ≥ 20 years were included in this study. During a median follow-up of 9.67 years, compared with adults in G1, those in G3 had 16% (hazard ratio [HR], 0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77–0.90) reduced risk of all-cause mortality, and 23% (HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.67–0.89) reduced risk of CVD-specific mortality. The PAF of high (G3) vs. intermediate or low consumption of MedHi foods (G1 + G2) with all-cause and CVD-specific mortality was 3.4% and 4.3%, respectively.Consumption of foods with higher microbial concentrations is associated with a reduced risk of all-cause and CVD-specific mortality in US adults.Results: Live dietary microbes have been hypothesized to promoting human health. However, there has been lacking perceptions to crystallize nexus between consumption of foods with live microbes and mortality.To investigate the association of consumption of foods with medium to high amounts of live microbes with all-cause, cancer-specific, and cardiovascular disease (CVD)-specific mortality.The data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2018 at baseline linked to the 2019 National Death Index records. Based on consumption of foods that were categorized as either having medium or high microbial content (MedHi foods), participants were classified into three groups. Kaplan–Meier survival curves and multivariable Cox regression models were used to estimate the association of consumption of MedHi foods with mortality. Population-attributable fractions (PAFs) of consumption of MedHi foods in relation to mortality risk were also estimated.A total of 35,299 adults aged ≥ 20 years were included in this study. During a median follow-up of 9.67 years, compared with adults in G1, those in G3 had 16% (hazard ratio [HR], 0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77–0.90) reduced risk of all-cause mortality, and 23% (HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.67–0.89) reduced risk of CVD-specific mortality. The PAF of high (G3) vs. intermediate or low consumption of MedHi foods (G1 + G2) with all-cause and CVD-specific mortality was 3.4% and 4.3%, respectively.Consumption of foods with higher microbial concentrations is associated with a reduced risk of all-cause and CVD-specific mortality in US adults.Conclusions: Live dietary microbes have been hypothesized to promoting human health. However, there has been lacking perceptions to crystallize nexus between consumption of foods with live microbes and mortality.To investigate the association of consumption of foods with medium to high amounts of live microbes with all-cause, cancer-specific, and cardiovascular disease (CVD)-specific mortality.The data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2018 at baseline linked to the 2019 National Death Index records. Based on consumption of foods that were categorized as either having medium or high microbial content (MedHi foods), participants were classified into three groups. Kaplan–Meier survival curves and multivariable Cox regression models were used to estimate the association of consumption of MedHi foods with mortality. Population-attributable fractions (PAFs) of consumption of MedHi foods in relation to mortality risk were also estimated.A total of 35,299 adults aged ≥ 20 years were included in this study. During a median follow-up of 9.67 years, compared with adults in G1, those in G3 had 16% (hazard ratio [HR], 0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77–0.90) reduced risk of all-cause mortality, and 23% (HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.67–0.89) reduced risk of CVD-specific mortality. The PAF of high (G3) vs. intermediate or low consumption of MedHi foods (G1 + G2) with all-cause and CVD-specific mortality was 3.4% and 4.3%, respectively.Consumption of foods with higher microbial concentrations is associated with a reduced risk of all-cause and CVD-specific mortality in US adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although most of deep-learning-based hyperspectral image (HSI) classification methods achieve great performance, there still remains a challenge to utilize small-size training samples to remarkably enhance the classification accuracy. To tackle this challenge, a novel two-branch spectral–spatial-feature attention network (TSSFAN) for HSI classification is proposed in this paper. Firstly, two inputs with different spectral dimensions and spatial sizes are constructed, which can not only reduce the redundancy of the original dataset but also accurately explore the spectral and spatial features. Then, we design two parallel 3DCNN branches with attention modules, in which one focuses on extracting spectral features and adaptively learning the more discriminative spectral channels, and the other focuses on exploring spatial features and adaptively learning the more discriminative spatial structures. Next, the feature attention module is constructed to automatically adjust the weights of different features based on their contributions for classification to remarkably improve the classification performance. Finally, we design the hybrid architecture of 3D–2DCNN to acquire the final classification result, which can significantly decrease the sophistication of the network. Experimental results on three HSI datasets indicate that our presented TSSFAN method outperforms several of the most advanced classification methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) was established in response to multiple subduction-accretion-collision processes. However, the origin and evolution of the accreted arc terranes remain unclear, as exemplified by the question how ancient and juvenile materials were accreted and constructed in the accretionary belts. This question is addressed here by presenting in-situ zircon U Pb and Hf isotopic, whole-rock elemental and Sr Nd isotopic analyses of the four Late Paleozoic igneous rock units from Xilinhot in the southeastern CAOB. The new geochronological and geochemical data support the existence of two Late Carboniferous to Permian magmatic arc systems — Ulistai active continental margin and Baolidao arc belt. These arc systems are characterized by magmatic activity extending from 330 to 250 Ma, with two magmatic "flare-ups" (325–295 Ma vs. 295–270 Ma). The first magmatic "flare-up" (325–295 Ma) includes high-K calc-alkaline rhyolites, dacites and alkali-feldspar granites, which can be interpreted to have originated from re-melting of the juvenile lower crust beneath a continental arc induced by the Paleo-Asian oceanic ridge subduction. The second magmatic "flare-up" (295–270 Ma) reveals a seaward migration of magmatism due to slab rollback subsequent to ridge subduction. The Middle to Late Permian shoshonitic andesites witnessed the closure of the Hegenshan ocean during this period. In combination with previously reported Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic data, we suggest that the Baolidao arc belt and some other arc terranes (e.g., Bainaimiao arc) in the southeastern CAOB were built upon Precambrian microcontinents that have been largely fragmented and significantly reworked. In summary, ridge subduction accompanied by slab rollback played an important role in the rejuvenation of microcontinents and accretion of arc terranes in the southeastern CAOB. • The 325–270 Ma magmatism in SE CAOB was linked to ridge subduction & slab rollback. • The 262–250 Ma andesites witnessed the closure of the Hegenshan ocean. • The Baolidao arc belt was built upon a Precambrian terrane during the Late Paleozoic. • Ridge subduction & slab rollback played a key role in crustal growth in SE CAOB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Methyltransferases (MTFs) are broad range of enzymes, which are ubiquitously expressed in diverse organisms ranging from bacteria to animals. MTFs proteins have been associated with various biological/cellular processes including transcriptional regulation, subcellular protein and RNA localization, signal transduction and DNA-damage repair. However, the role of MTFs in immune mechanism during host–parasite interaction has not been addressed yet. Results: An open reading frame (764 bp) of methyltransferase-type 12 gene of H. contortus denoted as HcMTF-12, was successfully cloned using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) followed by prokaryotic expression in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3 strain). The recombinant HcMTF-12 protein (rHcMTF-12) was about 47 kDa along with a fusion vector protein of 18 kDa. Immunoblot results identified the native protein MTF-12 with antibodies produced in rats against rHcMT-12, whereas rHcMTF-12 protein was recognized with sera of goat experimentally infected with H. contortus. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the native MTF-12 protein was mainly located in the periphery (cuticle) of parasite sections as well as within the pharynx and intestinal region. An immunofluorescence assay validated that rHcMTF-12 attached to the surface of goat PBMCs. Furthermore, the cytokines transcription of IL-2, IFN-γ and IL-4 transcripts of PBMCs incubated with rHcMTF-12 were enhanced in a dose-dependent manner. The secretion of TGF-β1 and IL-10 was significantly decreased. However, IL-6 production was not significantly different as compared to the control groups. Moreover, the migration activity and nitric oxide (NO) production by PBMCs were induced considerably, whereas the proliferation of PBMCs cells was negatively affected when incubated with the rHcMTF-12 protein. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that HcMTF-12 significantly mediated the functions of PBMCs, and it might be a potential candidate for therapeutic interventions against haemonchosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fasciola hepatica is a helminth parasite with a worldwide distribution, which can cause chronic liver disease, fasciolosis, leading to economic losses in the livestock and public health in many countries. Control is mostly reliant on the use of drugs, and as a result, drug resistance has now emerged. The identification of F. hepatica genes involved in interaction between the parasite and host immune system is utmost important to elucidate the evasion mechanisms of the parasite and develop more effective strategies against fasciolosis. In this study, we aimed to identify molecules in F. hepatica excretory and secretory products (FhESPs) interacting with the host peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), Th1-like cytokines (IL2 and IFN-γ), and Th17-like cytokines (IL17) by Co-IP combined with tandem mass spectrometry. The results showed that 14, 16, and 9 proteins in FhESPs could bind with IL2, IL17, and IFN-γ, respectively, which indicated that adult F. hepatica may evade the host immune responses through directly interplaying with cytokines. In addition, nine proteins in FhESPs could adhere to PBMCs. Our findings provided potential targets as immuno-regulators, and will be helpful to elucidate the molecular basis of host-parasite interactions and search for new potential proteins as vaccine and drug target candidates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

14-3-3 proteins have been found to be an excreted/secreted antigen and assumed to be released into the host–parasite interface and described in several unicellular and multicellular parasites. However, little is known about the immunomodulatory effects of H. controtus 14-3-3 protein on host cell. In present study, 14-3-3 isoform 2 gene, designated as Hcftt-2, was amplified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from the adult H. contortus cDNA and cloned into expression plasmid pET32a (+) and expression of the recombinant protein (rHcftt-2) was induced by IPTG. Binding activity of rHcftt-2 to goat peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was confirmed by immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and modulatory effects on cytokine production, cell proliferation, cell migration and nitric oxide (NO) production were observed by co-incubation of rHcftt-2 with goat PBMCs. Sequence analysis showed that it had significant homology with the known 14-3-3 protein isoform 2. Results of IFA revealed that, the rHcftt-2 was bound to the cell surface. We found that, the productions of IL10, IL-17, IFN-γ and cell migration of PBMCs were increased after the cells were incubated with rHCftt-2. However, the productions of IL-4, NO and cell proliferation of the PBMCs were significantly decreased in dose depended manner. Our results showed that the Hcftt-2 played important suppressive regulatory effects on the goat PBMCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A surrogate model for dendritic microstructures in solidification is established. • A rational way to choose the reduced-order features is proposed. • Including more reduced-ordered features may worsen the microstructure prediction. Establishing a rigorous quantitative relationship between solidification parameters and microstructure is critical for facilitating the fabrication of metallic components with desired properties. Conventional approaches are time and effort intensive and lack a rigorous framework for the systematic and accurate quantification of microstructure. In this study, a novel data science approach is applied to extract high-value, computationally low-cost process-structure linkages from phase field simulations of dendritic grain growth during solidification. Reduced-order measures, which are adequate for identifying the salient features of microstructures and evaluating the effects of solidification process parameters, are obtained through two-point statistics and principal component analysis. Building on these reduced-order measures, computationally efficient surrogate models are established using various regression methods. It is demonstrated that the surrogate model with the best predictive performance can provide good predictions of not only the reduced-order measures but also the two-point statistics. Moreover, it is found that some reduced-order measures exhibit very complex relations with process parameters, which results in poor prediction accuracy. Compared with discarding the features with inaccurately predicted values, including them may lead to worse recovery of higher-order microstructure statistics. These results highlight the importance of microstructure feature selection in the improvement of prediction accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase coarsening in multiphase materials is a fundamental and crucial process in the study of microstructure evolution, for which a thorough understanding of kinetics can make a significant contribution to material processing and performance design. In this work, a new framework in the dimensionless Lifshitz-Slyozov-Wagner space is developed to study the kinetics of transient coarsening co-controlled by interface and matrix diffusion. The dynamic equations for individual particles are derived from the thermodynamic extremal principle, in consideration of energy dissipations by matrix diffusion, interface migration/reaction, and trans-interface diffusion. The effects of initial particle size distribution and finite volume fractions are clarified. Different from the conventional viewpoints, the time for transient coarsening is found to change non-monotonically with the width and tail length of the initial distribution. The ultralong transient coarsening with 'quasi-steady' distributions can occur for systems initiated from both the 'wide & long tail' and 'narrow & short tail' distributions. Furthermore, this work proves the existence of a unique attractor state for the steady stage and reveals the numerical origin of 'quasi-steady' distributions, which answers Brown's unsolved puzzle for years [LC Brown. Acta Metall 1989;37:71]. Finally, an increase in volume fraction is shown to directly shorten the transient stage dominated by single mechanism (matrix diffusion or interface), but indirectly delay the transition from the interface-dominated state to the diffusion-controlled stage. These findings not only offer new insights into the previous observations in microgravity experiments [VA Snyder, J Alkemper, PW Voorhees, Acta Mater 2001;23:699], but also theoretically describe the limiting coarsening behaviors at ultrahigh volume fractions [H Yan, KG Wang, ME Glicksman. Acta Mater 2022;117964]. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Toxoplasma gondii can infect almost all warm-blood animals including human beings. The high incidence and severe damage that can be caused by T. gondii infection clearly indicates the need for the development of a vaccine. T. gondii elongation factor 1-alpha (TgEF-1α) plays an important role in pathogenesis and host cell invasion for this parasite. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immune protective efficacy of a DNA vaccine encoding TgEF-1α gene against acute T. gondii infection in mice.Methods: A DNA vaccine (pVAX-EF-1α) encoding T. gondii EF-1a (TgEF-1α) gene was constructed and its immune response and protective efficacy against lethal challenge in BALB/c mice were evaluated.Results: Mice inoculated with the pVAX-EF-1α vaccine had a high level of specific anti-T. gondii antibodies and produced high levels of IFN-gamma, interleukin (IL)-4, and IL-17. The expression levels of MHC-I and MHC-II molecules as well as the percentages of both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells in mice vaccinated with pVAX-EF-1α were significantly increased (p < 0.05), compared with those in all the mice from control groups (blank control, PBS, and pVAXI). Immunization with pVAX-EF-1α significantly (p < 0.05) prolonged mouse survival time to 14.1 ± 1.7 days after challenge infection with the virulent T. gondii RH strain, compared with mice in the control groups which died within 8 days.Conclusions: DNA vaccination with pVAX-EF-1α triggered strong humoral and cellular responses and induced effective protection in mice against acute T. gondii infection, indicating that TgEF-1α is a promising vaccine candidate against acute toxoplasmosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Emissions of pollutants (not including CO 2) are monetized in terms of the pollutant discharge fee. • A considerable risk of emission spillovers between CO 2 and other pollutants now exists in China. • More perfect option for future emissions reduction must be implemented without delay. Environmental quality is strongly coupling with the result of emissions reduction in most countries, while emissions reduction is influenced by the diversity of control policies, engineering facilities and development patterns. Further, local in which technical or policy that concern the control of target emissions will impact other pollutants emission. In China, the emissions of both CO 2 and other pollutants increased substantially during the past decades. With the development of emissions reduction, it promoted a considerable risk of emissions spillovers caused by the present mechanism. In this study, we assessed the contributions of emissions spillovers to emission reductions by applying a more comprehensive indicator of pollutants, pollutant discharge fee (PDF), at the national, regional and provincial levels. The results shown positive and significant mutual effect between the PDF and CO 2 emissions. That is, CO 2 emission is significantly related with the process of other pollutants emissions reduction. Additionally, the positive correlation indicated further increases with the Five-Year Plan (FYP) cycle. Emissions spillovers have become an urgent risk for China. With the performance change, emissions reduction and environmental governance should heighten integration. Regional-level and provincial authorities must reconsider the matched emissions sustainability responsibilities and policies to avoid emissions spillovers and achieve meaningful emission controls. The study therefore suggested that a hierarchy of emission reductions, in the hope to promote emission reductions, improve environmental quality and contribute greenhouse gas reductions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Assessed emissions reduction during the past years. • Significant performance changes in China's emissions reduction. • Four major recommendations are raised. With the rapid development of industrialization and urbanization, emissions reduction is becoming an urgent mission for China. This work aims to review and analysis the effectiveness of emissions reduction in China based on the pollution discharge fee (PDF) and Five-year plan (FYP). The results show that, the emissions performance appeared significantly temporal performance changes under the current framework. Due to FYP and environment tax (ET) in parallel is an inevitable choice for environment and emission management, the connection and match among the existing emissions reduction policies are suggested to be enhanced. Four significant recommendations are raised: establishing dynamic economic regulation on emissions feedbacks, improving synchronization matching on information and data, increasing the audit on the technical applications and integrating more supporting policy with ET. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• TPPPS inhibits the replication of Fu-J (SDAU1005) in DF-1 cells. • TPPPS significantly inhibits the replication of Fu-J (SDAU1005) and the growth of its associated tumor in vivo. • TPPPS up-regulated immune-related genes activate immune signaling pathways, and down-regulated tumor-associated gene expression inhibits tumor-associated signaling pathways, thereby exerting antiviral and antitumor effects in vivo. Avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J) has resulted in considerable economic losses in the poultry industry. In recent years, fibrosarcoma induced by ALV-J, which contains the v-fps oncogene, has gained momentum, and this has brought about new challenges to the poultry industry. To study the inhibitory effects of Taishan Pinus Massoniana pollen polysaccharide (TPPPS) on acute ALV-J infection and tumor development, antiviral and antitumor models of the Fu-J (SDAU1005) strain of ALV-J were established in vitro and in vivo. The results of in vitro experiments showed that TPPPS significantly inhibited viral replication in a dose-dependent manner during adsorption and pretreatment stages. The results of in vivo experiments have shown that TPPPS significantly reduced the viral load in the plasma and tumor tissues, as well as inhibited tumor growth. We further examined the difference in transcriptome expression by using RNA-Seq technology. A total of 560 differentially expressed genes were identified that included 329 up-regulated genes and 231 down-regulated genes. The up-regulated genes were mainly immune-related genes, whereas the down-regulated genes were mainly tumor-regulated genes. Gene Ontology (GO) term enrichment included immune system processes, positive regulation of immune system processes, regulation of immune system processes, leukocyte activation, cell activation, and protein binding. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed that the main immune and tumor-related pathways included T-cell receptor signaling pathway, cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, JAK-STAT signaling pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway, and Ras signaling pathway. In summary, our results preliminarily point to the antiviral and antitumor mechanism of TPPPS in vivo and in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The molecular structure of Fasciola gigantica 14-3-3 protein has been characterized. However, the involvement of this protein in parasite pathogenesis remains elusive and its effect on the functions of innate immune cells is unknown. We report on the cloning and expression of a recombinant F. gigantica 14-3-3 epsilon protein (rFg14-3-3e), and testing its effects on specific functions of goat peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Methods: rFg14-3-3e protein was expressed in Pichia pastoris. Western blot and immunofluorescence assay (IFA) were used to examine the reactivity of rFg14-3-3e protein to anti-F. gigantica and anti-rFg14-3-3e antibodies, respectively. Various assays were used to investigate the stimulatory effects of the purified rFg14-3-3e protein on specific functions of goat PBMCs, including cytokine secretion, proliferation, migration, nitric oxide (NO) production, phagocytosis, and apoptotic capabilities. Potential protein interactors of rFg14-3-3e were identified by querying the databases Intact, String, BioPlex and BioGrid. A Total Energy analysis of each of the identified interaction was performed. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis was conducted using Funcassociate 3.0. Results: Sequence analysis revealed that rFg14-3-3e protein had 100% identity to 14-3-3 protein from Fasciola hepatica. Western blot analysis showed that rFg14-3-3e protein is recognized by sera from goats experimentally infected with F. gigantica and immunofluorescence staining using rat anti-rFg14-3-3e antibodies demonstrated the specific binding of rFg14-3-3e protein to the surface of goat PBMCs. rFg14-3-3e protein stimulated goat PBMCs to produce interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), corresponding with low levels of IL-4 and interferon gamma (IFN-γ). Also, this recombinant protein promoted the release of NO and cell apoptosis, and inhibited the proliferation and migration of goat PBMCs and suppressed monocyte phagocytosis. Homology modelling revealed 65% identity between rFg14-3-3e and human 14-3-3 protein YWHAE. GO enrichment analysis of the interacting proteins identified terms related to apoptosis, protein binding, locomotion, hippo signalling and leukocyte and lymphocyte differentiation, supporting the experimental findings. Conclusions: Our data suggest that rFg14-3-3e protein can influence various cellular and immunological functions of goat PBMCs in vitro and may be involved in mediating F. gigantica pathogenesis. Because of its involvement in F. gigantica recognition by innate immune cells, rFg14-3-3e protein may have applications for development of diagnostics and therapeutic interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]