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A systematic analysis of the spatiotemporal evolution patterns and factors influencing ecological land (EL) can support the optimization of EL protection policies and ensure the stability of regional ecosystems. Based on remote sensing data, using the gravity center shift model, the landscape pattern index, and the equivalent factor method, the characteristics of EL evolution in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) region from 1980 to 2020 were analyzed. A fixed-effects model was used to quantitatively explore the factors influencing EL evolution and heterogeneity analysis. The results are as follows: (1) The EL area exhibited a trend of initial decrease followed by a subsequent increase during the study period. The most significant area transfer occurred between cropland and EL, but, after the 21st century, the proportion of area transfer between construction land and EL noticeably increased. (2) The compactness and fragmentation of EL showed a certain spatiotemporal stability, but the spatial distribution of compactness and fragmentation hot and cold spots exhibited significant differences. The fragmentation hot spots mainly displayed a strip distribution, while those of compactness showed a clustered distribution. (3) Although the ecosystem service value in the BTH region demonstrated dynamic "M"-shaped changes, the distribution of hot and cold spots still exhibited spatial stability. Regulating services consistently occupied a higher proportion of the sub-service functions, while cultural services still needed further enhancement. (4) Factors influencing the evolution of areas and values demonstrated similarities. The landscape was significantly influenced by construction land, showing a non-linear "U"-shaped relationship with fragmentation. Different economic development gradients and altitudes exhibited differentiated characteristics in terms of their influencing factors. This study provides scientific support for dynamically and precisely adjusting governmental EL management policies, contributing to the sustainable development of regional socio-economics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • FeS nanoparticles were synthesized in situ in the GA hydrogels, yielding of FeS/GA hydrogels. • FeS/GA hydrogels induced bacterial death through the combination of ferroptosis damage and energy metabolism disruption. • FeS/GA hydrogels regulated macrophage responses in the inflammatory microenvironment. • FeS/GA hydrogels promoted the bacteria-infected diabetic wound healing in a simple, effective, and safe manner. Diabetic wound treatment faces great challenges in clinic. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is one of the most frequently isolated pathogens from the diabetic infections, which can severely impede wound healing time. Herein, ferrous sulfide (FeS) nanoparticles were fabricated through an in situ reaction between Fe2+ and S2− in glycyrrhizic acid (GA) solution. As the FeS nanoparticles aged, the solution gradually transformed into a gel, exhibiting excellent mechanical strength, injectability, and biocompatibility as a wound dressing. In addition to its own pharmacological effects, GA could act as the protector for FeS from oxidation of air. It also provided a weak acidic microenvironment, facilitating the pH-dependent dissolution reaction of FeS to release H 2 S and Fe2+. Notably, the effective antibacterial performance of the FeS/GA hydrogels towards S. aureus and multi-drug resistant S. aureus (MRSA) was achieved via the degradedly released Fe2+ and H 2 S through combination of ferroptosis damage and energy metabolism disruption. Moreover, FeS/GA hydrogels effectively modulated the proportion of M1/M2 macrophages, reduced the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, and significantly enhanced the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts in vitro. Importantly, in an MRSA-infected diabetic wound model, the FeS/GA hydrogels efficiently eradicated bacteria and regulated the inflammatory microenvironment, thereby promoting the diabetic wound repair. Overall, our study establishes a novel strategy for developing multifunctional hydrogels that serve as an effective therapeutic platform for managing bacteria-infected diabetic wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increased use of artificial light and the prolonged use of optoelectronic products, light damage (LD) to the human retina has been identified as a global vision‐threatening problem. While there is evidence of a significant correlation between light‐induced retinal damage and age‐related vision impairment in age‐related macular degeneration, it is unclear how light‐induced retinal degeneration manifests itself and whether there are agents capable of preventing the development of LD in the retina. This study investigated a mechanism by which blue light leads to photoreceptor death. By observing blue light exposure in retinal organoids and photoreceptor cells, we concluded that there could be significant apoptosis of the photoreceptors. We demonstrate that regenerating islet‐derived 1 alpha (REG1A) prevents photoreceptors from undergoing this LD‐induced apoptosis by increasing expression of the anti‐apoptotic gene Bcl2 and downregulating expression of the pro‐apoptotic gene Bax, resulting in reduced mitochondrial damage and improved aerobic capacity in photoreceptor cells. For the first time, REG1A has been shown to restore mitochondrial function and cell apoptosis after LD‐induced damage, suggesting its potential application in the prevention and treatment of retinal vision loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) usually have superior properties than pristine polymers. Understanding the dynamics properties in PNC system is crucial to reveal the mechanism of property change unpon the addition of nanoparticles (NPs), and therefore for a better design of the material properties. In this short perspective, we summarize recent advances mainly from theoretical and simulation studies of dynamics properties in polymer nanocomposite system. One is the "vehicle model" which reveals that diffusion dynamics of sticky NP is coupled to surrounding chain segments. Similarly, recent simulations demonstrate that such coupling also exists in all-polymer nanocomposite wich is composed of linear polymer chains and single-chain nanoparticles (SCNPs). These SCNPs have almost the same chemical composition as the matrix chain. Therefore, it is assumed that such all-polymer nanocomposite can act as a model system where there are no enthalpic interactions between NPs and polymer chains. Although the above dynamic coupling was found in the above two different systems containing inorganic NPs or relatively small organic SCNPs, it was found that the length scale of such dynamic coupling (the thickness of the matrix/NP interface) is comparable to the NP size, which is surprisingly consistent in the above two different systems. In addition, a chain-length dependence of the NP influence on the chain dynamics reported from a recent joint simulaiton and experimental study of all-polymer nanocomposite system, and a theoretical model developed for such phenomena are also reviewed. At the end, we give an outlook of this field, especially for possible chain-length dependence of complex dynamics in sticky-NP systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deriving priorities of objects from preference relations is an important research topic for decision making with preference information. In this paper, this issue is solved for fuzzy preference relations using representable uninorms, with which several alternative definitions of representable uninorm-based consistency (⊗-consistency) are provided for complete and incomplete fuzzy preference relations. In particular, a procedure to evaluate incomplete fuzzy preference relations with arbitrary n − 1 independent preference values is provided. Furthermore, a novel acceptable ⊗-consistency is defined by the proposed local priority vectors, and then a method to check and reach the ⊗-consistency of fuzzy preference relations by reducing the distances between the optimal priority vector and local ones is proposed. Specific examples are illustrated to show how the models work, and comparisons with the existing methods are also offered to show the advantages of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insights into the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in disease pathogenesis have made them attractive therapeutic targets, and numerous miRNAs have been functionally linked to Hirschsprung disease (HSCR), a life-threatening genetic disorder due to defective migration, proliferation, and colonization of enteric neural crest cells (ENCCs) in the gut. Recent studies have demonstrated that miR-424 strongly inhibits migration in a variety of cell types and its potential target RICTOR is essential for neural crest cell development. We therefore sought to interrogate how miR-424 and RICTOR contribute to the pathogenesis of HSCR. We utilized HSCR cases and human neural cells to evaluate the miR-424-mediated regulation of RICTOR and the downstream AKT phosphorylation. We further developed an ex vivo model to assess the effects of miR-424 on ENCC migration and proliferation. Then, single-cell atlases of gene expression in both human and mouse fetal intestines were used to determine the characteristics of RICTOR and AKT expression in the developing gut. Our findings demonstrate that miR-424 levels are markedly increased in the colonic tissues of patients with HSCR and that it regulates human neural cell migration by directly targeting RICTOR. Up-regulation of miR-424 leads to decreased AKT phosphorylation levels in a RICTOR-dependent manner, and this, in turn, impairs ENCC proliferation and migration in the developing gut. Interestingly, we further identified prominent RICTOR and AKT expressions in the enteric neurons and other types of enteric neural cells in human and mouse fetal intestines. Our present study reveals the role of the miR-424/RICTOR axis in HSCR pathogenesis and indicates that miR-424 is a promising candidate for the development of targeted therapies against HSCR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When the pentazolate anion (cyclo-N5−) was treated with oxone, a peak of m/z = 86 was detected via liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS), which is the same molecular weight as the pentazolate N-oxide anion. After separation we obtained a completely new structure consisting of NaN5, sodium acetate, and acetic acid with a confirmed molecular weight of 86 as an impurity peak in the oxone system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adverse events(AEs) related to hepatotoxicity have been reported in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). As the number of adverse events increases, it is necessary to assess the differences in each immune checkpoint inhibitor regimen. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between ICIs and hepatotoxicity in a scientific and systematic manner. Data were obtained from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System database (FAERS) and included data from the first quarter of 2014 to the fourth quarter of 2021. Disproportionality analysis assessed the association between drugs and adverse reactions based on the reporting odds ratio (ROR) and information components (IC). 9,806 liver adverse events were reported in the FAERS database. A strong signal was detected in older patients (≥65 years) associated with ICIs. hepatic adverse events were most frequently reported with Nivolumab (36.17%). Abnormal liver function, hepatitis, and autoimmune hepatitis were most frequently reported, and hepatitis and immune-mediated hepatitis signals were generated in all regimens. In clinical use, patients should be alert to these adverse effects, especially in elderly patients, who may be aggravated by the use of ICI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Combinations of drugs are becoming increasingly common in oncology treatment. In some cases, patients can benefit from the interaction between two drugs, although there is usually a higher risk of developing toxicity. Due to drug–drug interactions, multidrug combinations often exhibit different toxicity profiles than those of single drugs, leading to a complex trial scenario. Numerous methods have been proposed for the design of phase I drug combination trials. For example, the two-dimensional Bayesian optimal interval design for combination drug (BOINcomb) is simple to implement and has desirable performance. However, in scenarios where the lowest and starting dose is close to being toxic, the BOINcomb design may tend to allocate more patients to overly toxic doses, and select an overly toxic dose combination as the maximum tolerated dose combination. Method: To improve the performance of BOINcomb in the above extreme scenarios, we widen the range of variation of the boundaries by setting the self-shrinking dose escalation and de-escalation boundaries. We refer to the new design as adaptive shrinking Bayesian optimal interval design for combination drug (asBOINcomb). We conduct a simulation study to evaluate the performance of the proposed design using a real clinical trial example. Results: Our simulation results show that asBOINcomb is more accurate and stable than BOINcomb, especially in some extreme scenarios. Specifically, in all ten scenarios, the percentage of correct selection is higher than the BOINcomb design within 30 to 60 patients. Conclusion: The proposed asBOINcomb design is transparent and simple to implement and can reduce the trial sample size while maintaining accuracy compared with the BOINcomb design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advances in perovskite ferroelectrics have fostered a host of exciting sensors and actuators. Defect engineering provides critical control of the performance of ferroelectric materials, especially lead‐free ones. However, it remains a challenge to quantitatively study the concentration of defects due to the complexity of measurement techniques. Here, a feasible approach to analyzing the A‐site defect and electron in alkali metal niobate is demonstrated. The theoretical relationships among defect concentration, conductivity, and oxygen partial pressure can be established based on the defect chemistry equilibria. The type and concentration of defects are reflected through the conductivity variation with oxygen partial pressure. As a result, the variation of defect concentration gives rise to defect‐driven interfacial polarization, which further leads to distinct properties of the ceramics. e.g. abnormal dielectric behavior. Furthermore, this study also suggests a strategy to manipulate defects and charges in perovskite oxides for performance optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advances in perovskite ferroelectrics have fostered a host of exciting sensors and actuators. Defect engineering provides critical control of the performance of ferroelectric materials, especially lead‐free ones. However, it remains a challenge to quantitatively study the concentration of defects due to the complexity of measurement techniques. Here, a feasible approach to analyzing the A‐site defect and electron in alkali metal niobate is demonstrated. The theoretical relationships among defect concentration, conductivity, and oxygen partial pressure can be established based on the defect chemistry equilibria. The type and concentration of defects are reflected through the conductivity variation with oxygen partial pressure. As a result, the variation of defect concentration gives rise to defect‐driven interfacial polarization, which further leads to distinct properties of the ceramics. e.g. abnormal dielectric behavior. Furthermore, this study also suggests a strategy to manipulate defects and charges in perovskite oxides for performance optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of gender, age, dose and other factors in the adverse reaction process of pseudocholelithiasis caused by ceftriaxone is controversial. In this study, we further explored potential risk factors using the FAERS database. The reported odds ratio (ROR) and the information component (IC) of specific candidate factors were calculated by using the ROR method and the Bayesian confidence promotion neural network (BCPNN) method respectively to detect potential risk factors in adverse events(AEs) of ceftriaxone and hepatobiliary calculi(HBC). One candidate factor will be considered as a suspicious signal, or potential risk factors if its lower limit of 95% confidence interval of ROR (ROR025) is greater than 1 and its lower limit of 95% confidence interval of IC (IC025) is greater than 0. A total of 764 AEs of HBC were used to this analysis to evaluate candidate risk factors: Age group, Gender, Dose. Child (1–12 years): male ROR025 = 6.64, IC025 = 2.42, female ROR025 = 6.66, IC025 = 2.40. Adolescent group (12–18 years): male ROR025 = 5.47, IC025 = 2.08; elderly (≥65 years): female ROR025 = 1.25, IC025 = 0.22. Gender was not detected as a risk factor for HBC caused by ceftriaxone. However, Male infants, male children, female children, adolescent male, and elderly female were potential risk factors for HBC caused by ceftriaxone based on criteria ROR025 > 1 and IC025 > 0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important types of noncoding RNAs, and there is a lack of holistic and systematic understanding of the functions they play in disease. We proposed a research strategy, including two parts network analysis and network modelling, to analyze, model, and predict the regulatory network of miRNAs from a network perspective, using unstable angina pectoris as an example. In the network analysis section, we proposed the WGCNA & SimCluster method using both correlation and similarity to find hub miRNAs, and validation on two datasets showed better results than the methods using correlation or similarity alone. In the network modelling section, we used six knowledge graph or graph neural network models for link prediction of three types of edges and multilabel classification of two types of nodes. Comparative experiments showed that the RotatE model was a good model for link prediction, while the RGCN model was the best model for multilabel classification. Potential target genes were predicted for hub miRNAs and validation of hub miRNA-target gene interactions, target genes as biomarkers and target gene functions were performed using a three-step validation approach. In conclusion, our study provides a new strategy to analyze and model miRNA regulatory networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An exceptional Zn-based MOF material with two-fold hetero-interpenetrated nets consisting of a 3D lcy network and a novel 3D (3,9)-coordinated framework has been constructed. The Zn-based MOF exhibits a rare yellow-green fluorescence and can be used as a fluorescence sensor to detect carbaryl with a detection limit of 4.5 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is the major reason for acid rain and respiratory illness in humans. Therefore, rapid, portable, and effective detection of NO2 is essential. Herein, a novel and simple method to construct a ZnO-SnO2 heterojunction is fabricated by pyrolysis of bimetallic metal organic frameworks. The sensitivity of ZnO-SnO2 heterojunction towards 0.2 ppm NO2 under 180 °C is 37, which is 3 times that of pure ZnO and SnO2. The construction of heterojunction speeds up the response-recovery process, and this kind of material exhibits lower detection limit. The construction of heterojunction can significantly improve the NO2 sensitivity. The selectivity, stability, and moisture resistance of ZnO-SnO2 heterojunction are carried out. This could enable the realization of highly selective and sensitive portable detection of NO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper concerns the existence and precise expression form of entire solutions to a certain type of delay-differential equation. The significance of our results lie in that we generalize and supplement the related results obtained recently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new NaN5 framework, [Na4(N5)4(H2O)2]·H2O·2MeOH, was synthesized by changing the content of auxiliary ligands. It features a UNJ-type zeolite topology with double right-handed helical chains constructing enclosed channels filled with water and methanol molecules. This work demonstrates the structural diversity of NaN5 frameworks, and their self-assembly can be regulated using appropriate solvents and additives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the risk of asthma and multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in interleukin 7 receptor (IL7R) and IL6 genes, as well as the gene- environment interactions. This is a hospital- based case- control study. A total of 430 patients with asthma were continuously recruited. Four SNPs within IL7R and IL6 gene were genotyped by PCR based restriction fragment length polymorphism. The Hardy- Weinberg balance of all participants was tested by SNPstats. The best interaction combination of four SNPs in IL7R and IL6 genes and smoking was screened by generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR). Logistic regression was used to test the association between four SNPs and asthma, and stratified analysis for rs1800795 gene-smoking interaction, synergy index (SI) was calculated. The rs1494558-G and rs1800795-C were associated with an increased risk of asthma, adjusted ORs (95% CI) was 1.81 (1.29–2.42) and 1.75 (1.20–2.28), respectively. GMDR indicated that the test accuracy for two-locus model involving rs1800795 and smoking was 0.5721, and the p =.011, the results providing evidence for rs1800795 gene-smoking interaction. The asthma risk was higher in smokers with GC or CC genotype than the sum of risks in subjects with smoking or GC or CC genotype alone, compared to the never smokers with GG genotype, the OR (95%CI) was 4.97 (3.01–7.24), and the synergy index (SI) was 1.68 (1.08–2.60). The rs1494558-G and rs1800795-C alleles, gene- environment interaction between rs1800795 and smoking were all associated with increased asthma risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A thermosensitive hydrogel based of DAC and P407 is facilely prepared. • DAC displays increased positive charges through the grafting of L-Arg to CS. • The DAC/P407-gel can undergo thermo-responsive sol–to–gel phase transition. • The DAC/P407-gel has good air permeability due to its 3D porous structure. • DAC can increase the mechanical strength and biological indexes of the DAC/P407-gel. A thermosensitive hydrogel based on 6-deoxy-6-arginine grafted chitosan (DAC) and poloxamer 407 (P407) is prepared for wound repair. Since P407 is a thermosensitive polymer, the resultant DAC/P407-gel exhibits thermo-responsive sol–to–gel phase transition behaviors with a phase transition temperature (T sol/gel) of ∼ 26.5 °C, making it an appropriate material for wound healing. The DAC/P407-gel has a three-dimensional (3D) network structure with large amounts of pores, and the good air permeability of the hydrogel makes it an attractive candidate as wound dressing. The introduction of DAC can not only increase the mechanical strength of the hydrogel but also significantly enhance its biological indexes including antibacterial activity, blood-clotting index (BCI) and hemocompatibility. The cytotoxicity test reveals that the developed DAC/P407-gel also shows outstanding cytocompatibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainable development goals (SDGs) reflect the pursuit of achieving spatial justice. Both SDG 1.4 and SDG 11.1 reflect a concern for urban services. Life service resources, which are the new concept proposed by the Chinese government, also call for sustainable development path. However, few studies have focused on the realization of spatial justice in life service resources. This paper proposes a two-level, four-step analysis framework composed of quantity, structure, pattern, and coupling coordination to perceive the spatial justice of life service resources. Based on remote sensing technology and geographic information science, this paper acquires and analyses multi-source data including population density, building outlines, point of interests, subway lines, etc. Furthermore, the case study in downtown Beijing found the following: (1) The total life service resources are extensive and varying in type; (2) regional differences are evident and low-level equilibrium and high-level priority development coexist; (3) life service resources are concentrated in contiguous and multi-centre clusters with a greater north–south than east–west difference; (4) the overall level of life service resources is low, specifically for "high in the centre and low in the periphery" and "high in the east and low in the west". Future management should consider narrowing the development gap and formulating industry development plans to improve spatial justice. Finally, the comparison between Beijing and London and more cities in the future needs to consider the urban development stage, population density, and other aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been reported that fucoidan possesses anti-diabetic activities by inhibiting α-glucosidase activity, improving β-cell dysfunction, and enhancing insulin sensitivity. However, as a macromolecular carbohydrate, fucoidan is rarely absorbed and indigestible in gastrointestinal tract. The study aimed to explore whether the fucoidan can regulate glucose metabolism by improving intestinal barrier and inflammation in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats. A high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin was used to induce T2DM rats. Different doses of fucoidan (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) were administered respectively by lavage to T2DM rats for 8 weeks and saline was given to controls. The results showed that in addition to hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia, T2DM rats were also characterized by increased intestinal permeability and proinflammatory cytokines. Notably, fucoidan reduced fasting blood glucose and insulin resistance index along with alleviated the accumulation of proinflammatory cytokines in T2DM rats. Furthermore, fucoidan repaired the intestinal barrier function, which was accompanied by the up-regulation of tight junction proteins and the improvement of intestinal inflammation via inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB signaling. Meanwhile, fucoidan also mitigated the liver damage, and alleviated insulin resistance by activating PI3K/AKT signaling. Collectively, these findings supported the potential of fucoidan to be used as a functional ingredient to prevent T2DM. [Display omitted] • Fucoidan ameliorated glucose metabolism in T2DM rats. • Fucoidan enhanced intestinal barrier function by upregulating tight junction proteins. • Fucoidan relieved inflammation by regulating TLR4/NF-κB signaling in T2DM rats. • Fucoidan alleviated insulin resistance by regulating PI3K/AKT signaling in T2DM rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conazole fungicide propiconazole is frequently found in vegetables although usage is not allowed. To overcome the high-cost and time-consuming labour requirements of instrumental methods, we developed a simple and visual lateral flow immunoassay for the sensitive determination of propiconazole. A hapten was carefully designed to raise a monoclonal antibody against propiconazole. Bal b/c mice were immunised with the hapten-carrier protein conjugate and a specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) was produced. Based on this mAb, a sensitive immunochromatographic strip assay (ICA) was established for rapid screening of propiconazole in vegetable samples. After optimisation of analytical parameters, the ICA strip showed a detection limit of 0.13 ng g−1 and a linear range from 0.5 to 80 ng g−1 using a strip reader. The assay also can be read by the naked eye with a visual limit of detection of 80 ng g−1. The recoveries for spiked vegetable samples by ICA ranged from 85.2% to 114.9%, with a coefficient of variation less than 11.7%. The assay time is within 45 min for a single sample including the sample pre-treatment. For spiked and blind samples, the detection capability of ICA was equivalent to liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swietenia macrophylla King (Meliaceae), a valuable tree species, is extensively cultivated in tropical regions, holding significant economic value. The seeds and leaves of S. macrophylla , obtained as a by-product of wood processing, have been demonstrated to possess hypoglycemic and lipid-lowering effects. To further explore their potential applications, eighteen new phragmalin-type limonoids (1 – 18), alongside thirteen known analogues (19 – 31), were isolated from the leaves of Swietenia macrophylla. Swietelactones A (1) and B (2) represent a pair of C-1′ heterotropic isomers characterized by a rare spiro[5,5]undecane moiety and a distinctive C-15 ethyl chain. Swietelactone C (3) is notable as the first identified 2,3- seco phragmalin limonoid, presumably formed via Baeyer-Villiger oxidation. Swietelactones D (4) and E (5) exhibit a stereoscopic configuration that deviates from the typical structure of limonoids, representing the first instance of a 9 β -H limonoid. Compounds 3 , 8 - 13 , 16 , 17 , 20 , 21, 23, 24 demonstrated inhibitory effects on hepatic glucose production in mouse primary hepatocytes (MPH) models and triglyceride production in Hep G2 cells at a concentration of 40 μM. Moreover, compound 21 was found to initiate a cascade reaction, suppressing the expression of PCK1, a crucial gluconeogenic enzyme. This inhibition occurs through the downregulation of PKA-α protein and its downstream phosphorylated CREB protein, ultimately reducing hepatic glucose production. This research may offer valuable insights supporting the potential medical application of S. macrophylla as a natural hypoglycemic agent. [Display omitted] • Eighteen new phragmalin-type limonoids were isolated from the leaves of Swietenia macrophylla. • Compounds 1 - 3 exhibit unique and novel skeleton structures. • These compounds showed great hypoglycemic potential. • This research provided new evidence for the medicinal research of Swietenia macrophylla. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to building up excess water pressure, debris flows differ markedly from other water-sediment mixtures in mountain basins. Although a number of mechanisms are known to create excess water pressure, persistent high excess water pressure develops in static-quasistatic debris-flow slurries when possible triggers such as saturation, contraction, and Reynolds stress are absent. This suggests that there exist more fundamental mechanisms for the creation and persistence of high excess water pressure. Using 12 clastic materials with four maximum diameters up to 40 mm from three typical debris flows in Southwest China, we make comparative measurements of excess water pressure, gravity drainage, and decanting of water on 12 pairs of debris-water mixtures. It is found that saturation is not a mechanism for excess water pressure generation, which can be ascribed to the heterogeneity of saturated sediments. Mixing undoubtedly creates persistent high excess water pressure in the mixed saturated sediments. Thorough mixing causes the homogenization of water-saturated sediments through random grain rearrangements. The particles in the homogeneous debris-water mixtures stay suspended in water, resulting in excess water pressure derived from particle weight. More significant is the integration of clasts and water over the timescales for debris-flow durations promoted by mixing, which leads to the persistence of high excess water pressure. The development of persistent high excess water pressure in sediment-water mixtures is controlled by external factor—mixing, and internal factors, including sorting of sediments and water content of mixtures. • Water pressure, gravity drainage and decanting of water are measured. • Mixing generates high and persistent excess water pressure in debris flows. • Excess water pressure results from the transfer of particle weight to water. • Sorting of debris, water content, and mixing control excess water pressure build-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalytic reduction of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) to 4‐aminophenol (4‐AP) over high‐performance and stable metal nanoparticle catalyst is highly desirable. This study experimentally demonstrated that graphdiyne (GDY), an all‐carbon two‐dimensional material composed of two hybrid carbon atoms (sp and sp2), can uniformly disperse copper nanoparticles through simple microwave reduction and has excellent 4‐NP reduction ability. Cu/GDY shows an extraordinary reaction rate constant of 0.9984 min−1, Moreover, the catalytic activity is maintained almost intact within five cycles. These encouraging results demonstrated that the unique pores and electronic structure of GDY enhance the stability of anchored metal nanoparticles and have great potential to degrade 4‐NP as a promising support for copper nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead-free 0.945K0.48Na0.52Nb0.96Ta0.04O3-0.055BaZrO3 + 6%MnO + xZrO2 piezoelectric ceramics sintered in a reducing atmosphere were prepared by conventional solid-state reaction methods. The use of the ZrO2 dopant resulted in an increase in the rhombohedral (R) phase in orthorhombic (O)/R coexisting phases. Nonstoichiometric ZrO2 dopant addition could effectively improve the anti-reduction properties of KNN-based ceramics via controlling the oxygen vacancy concentration. In particular, 2% mol nonstoichometric ZrO2 dopant addition could improve the activation energy of the grain boundary (Egb) via increasing the grain boundary thickness. The addition of the ZrO2 dopant could improve the fatigue resistance of the unipolar piezoelectric strain of 0.945K0.48Na0.52Nb0.96Ta0.04O3-0.055BaZrO3 + 6%MnO ceramics. The optimum inverse piezoelectric coefficient of ceramics at x = 0.01 reached up to ∼465 pm V−1 at a low driving electric field E of 20 kV cm−1 at room temperature, and the temperature stability of reached 155 °C. After 106 unipolar fatigue cycles, the β value of 0.945KNNT-0.055BZ + 6Mn + xZr ceramics could be preserved to more than 86%. The 0.945K0.48Na0.52Nb0.96Ta0.04O3-0.055BaZrO3 + 6%MnO + xZrO2 ceramic is a lead-free material with great potential to be applied in the fabrication of multilayer ceramic actuators with Ni inner electrodes in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An enantioselective synthetic approach for preparing manginoids and guignardones, two types of biogenetically related meroterpenoids, is reported. This bioinspired and divergent synthesis employs an oxidative 1,3‐dicarbonyl radical‐initiated cyclization and cyclodehydration of the common precursor to forge the central ring of the manginoids and guignardones, respectively, at a late stage. Key synthetic steps include silica‐gel‐promoted semipinacol rearrangement to form the 6‐oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane skeleton and the Suzuki–Miyaura reaction of vinyl bromide to achieve fragment coupling. This synthesis protocol enables the asymmetric syntheses of four fungal meroterpenoids from commercially available materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An enantioselective synthetic approach for preparing manginoids and guignardones, two types of biogenetically related meroterpenoids, is reported. This bioinspired and divergent synthesis employs an oxidative 1,3‐dicarbonyl radical‐initiated cyclization and cyclodehydration of the common precursor to forge the central ring of the manginoids and guignardones, respectively, at a late stage. Key synthetic steps include silica‐gel‐promoted semipinacol rearrangement to form the 6‐oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane skeleton and the Suzuki–Miyaura reaction of vinyl bromide to achieve fragment coupling. This synthesis protocol enables the asymmetric syntheses of four fungal meroterpenoids from commercially available materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porphyrin‐based NiFe porous organic polymers (POPs) have been synthesized with good porosity and large BET surface areas (261 to 313 m2 g−1). These bimetallic POPs exhibit RuO2‐like OER activity, with the reaction for catalyst FeTAPP‐NiTCPP‐POP reaching a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at a low overpotential of 338 mV and with a small Tafel slope of 52 mV dec−1. FeTAPP‐NiTCPP‐POP was stable over a long period under reaction conditions. These bimetallic POPs exhibit better catalytic activity than their monometallic counterparts, due to synergetic interactions between the iron and nickel centers to facilitate the electrocatalytic process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) have recently emerged as prospective photoactive materials coupled with Pt or Pd cocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution. Herein, we report visible‐light driven hydrogen generation catalyzed by heterogeneous systems combining CTF photosensitizers and a noble‐metal‐free cocatalyst for the first time. CTF‐HC2 was doped with two‐dimensional Ni(II) pyrimidine‐2‐thiolate ([Ni(pymt)2]n) to yield a series of x‐[Ni(pymt)2]n/CTF‐HC2 (x=3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 24 wt %) composites. Illuminated with λ>420 nm, [Ni(pymt)2]n/CTF‐HC2 materials display excellent photocatalytic performance for H2 generation from water. The highest hydrogen evolution rate is up to 3472 μmol h−1 g−1, which is 68 times of bare CTF‐HC2 (51 μmol h−1 g−1) and 1.16 times of CTF‐HC2 doped 2.0 wt % Pt (2991 μmol h−1 g−1). The efficient and recyclable heterogeneous photocatalytic H2 production from water under visible light has been established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit ripening is a highly coordinated process at the transcriptional level, requiring a hierarchical regulatory network formed by transcription factor and ripening-related genes. MADS-box transcription factors are core regulators that play a key function in the ripening process of fruit, targeting a large amount of downstream ripening-related genes. However, the upstream regulators of MADS-box transcription factors are poorly understood. In this study, we identified an ethylene response factor PpERF61 by yeast one-hybrid screening with the promoter of PpSEP1 (MADS-RIN homologs). The expression pattern of PpERF61 was closely associated with ethylene biosynthesis and fruit softening across six peach cultivars. The transient overexpression and VIGS assay showed that overexpression or silencing of PpERF61 in peach promoted or inhibited fruit softening, while ethylene production was increased or decreased, respectively, demonstrating that PpERF61 has effect on ethylene generation and fruit softening during peach ripening. As a nuclear-localized transcription factor, PpERF61 activated the ripening-related genes transcription, including PpACO1 , PpACS1 , PpPL1 , and PpPL15 , by binding directly to their promoters. Interestingly, PpERF61 acts as upstream of PpSEP1 and binds directly to the PpSEP1 promoter, thereby forming PpERF61-PpSEP1 module to promote the PpPG2 and PpPG3 transcription. Based on these findings, we conclude that PpERF61 positively regulates ethylene biosynthesis and fruit softening by directly activating ripening-related genes or activating the PpERF61-PpSEP1 signaling cascade. Collectively, these results enrich knowledge of the complex cascade network for peach fruit ripening. • PpERF61 expression pattern is correlated with peach fruit ripening. • PpERF61 modulates ethylene generation and fruit softening. • PpERF61 directly binds to and activates PpACO1, PpACS1, PpPL1 and PpPL15 expression. • PpERF61 acts as an upstream regulator of PpSEP1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new cadinane-type sesquiterpene named cornifronone is isolated from the body surface of a mason bee (Osmia cornifrons)–derived Streptomyces sp. OC1611-8A. Its structure is identified by high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry data and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic analysis. The absolute configuration of cornifronone was determined by electronic circular dichroism spectra calculations. Cornifronone inhibits hexokinase activity with a mean IC50 of 124.3 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A divergent synthetic approach to biogenetically related diterpenoids such as ent‐kauranes, ent‐trachylobanes, ent‐beyerane, and ent‐atisane has been developed. The unified synthetic route involves the De Mayo reaction to rapidly generate the bicyclo[3.2.1]‐octane moiety of ent‐kaurane. The key reactions also include bioinspired nucleophilic cyclopropanation generating the [3.2.1.02,7]‐tricyclic core of ent‐trachylobane and regioselective cyclopropane fragmentation furnishing ent‐beyerane and ent‐atisane through the nucleophilic attack and protonation of the cyclopropane ring. This strategy enables the asymmetric total syntheses of six diterpenoids from the commercially available geraniol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A divergent synthetic approach to biogenetically related diterpenoids such as ent‐kauranes, ent‐trachylobanes, ent‐beyerane, and ent‐atisane has been developed. The unified synthetic route involves the De Mayo reaction to rapidly generate the bicyclo[3.2.1]‐octane moiety of ent‐kaurane. The key reactions also include bioinspired nucleophilic cyclopropanation generating the [3.2.1.02,7]‐tricyclic core of ent‐trachylobane and regioselective cyclopropane fragmentation furnishing ent‐beyerane and ent‐atisane through the nucleophilic attack and protonation of the cyclopropane ring. This strategy enables the asymmetric total syntheses of six diterpenoids from the commercially available geraniol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Readily available 1‐sulfonyl‐1,2,3‐triazole and benzoquinone‐derived alcohols were employed in a synthesis protocol for the formation of α‐(2‐hydroxyphenyl)‐α‐aminoketone. The cascade reaction includes the formation of rhodium carbene, O−H bond 1,3‐insertion, Claisen rearrangement as well as aromatization. Valuable benzoxazinone and 3‐aminobenzofuran were obtained after one‐step derivatization. Moreover, an estrone derivative was modified via the protocol with extraordinary efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tracheal injury could cause intratracheal scar hyperplasia which in turn causes benign tracheal stenosis (TS). With the increasing use of mechanical ventilation and ventilator, the incidence of TS is increasing. However, the molecular mechanisms of TS have not been elucidated. It is significant to further explore the molecular mechanisms of TS. Methods: The repeatability of public data was verified. Differently expressed genes (DEGs) and most significant genes were identified between TS and normal samples. Enrichment analysis of Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were analyzed. The comparative toxicogenomics database were analyzed. TS patients were recruited and RT‐qPCR were performed to verify the most significant genes. Results: There exist strong correlations among samples of TS and normal group. There was a total of 194 DEGs, including 61 downregulated DEGs and 133 upregulated DEGs. GO were significantly enriched in mitotic nuclear division, cell cycle, and cell division. Analysis of KEGG indicated that the top pathways were cell cycle, and p53 pathway. MKI67(OMIM:176741), CCNB1(OMIM:123836), and CCNB2(OMIM:602755) were identified as the most significant genes of TS, and validated by the clinical samples. Conclusion: Bioinformatics methods might be useful method to explore the mechanisms of TS. In addition, MKI67, CCNB1, and CCNB2 might be the most significant genes of TS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to explore whether RhoG/Rac1 was involved in migration and invasion of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC). Materials and Methods: RhoG and Rac1 were evaluated in two SACC cell lines, namely SACC‐83 and SACC‐LM, with low and high rates of lung metastasis, respectively. Functional changes were evaluated using cell proliferation, transwell, and wound‐healing assays, and molecular events were investigated using real‐time PCR and Western blot assays. Results: RhoG and Rac1 were highly expressed and more activated in SACC‐LM cells than in SACC‐83 cells. RhoG overexpression promoted SACC‐83 cell migration and invasion through activating Rac1. The knockdown of RhoG or Rac1 partially blocked epiregulin‐induced migration and invasion in SACC‐83 cells. Epiregulin‐induced activation of RhoG/Rac1 in SACC‐83 cells was blocked by a Src inhibitor, or an AKT inhibitor or AKT siRNA, or an ERK1/2 inhibitor. Moreover, the epiregulin‐induced phosphorylation of AKT and ERK1/2 in SACC‐83 cells was blocked by a Src inhibitor, and the epiregulin‐induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was blocked by an AKT inhibitor or AKT siRNA. Overexpression of activated AKT induced activation of ERK1/2 and RhoG. Conclusions: RhoG/Rac1 signaling pathway was involved in SACC cell migration and invasion. RhoG/Rac1 at least partially mediated epiregulin/Src/AKT/ERK1/2 signaling to promote SACC cell migration and invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of mining activities on groundwater quality is a growing concern due to highly toxic metals in the tailings. Carbonate rocks are common in the surrounding rocks of ore deposits. But such mining districts generally do not have the conditions to construct traditional tailings impoundments due to the different degrees of karstification. This paper utilises field investigations, chemical analyses, and permeability tests, etc. to study the effect of tailings impoundments on the underlying karst water systems in the Gejiu world-class Sn-polymetallic mine located in a typical karst region in southern China, with samples collected from both karst springs deriving from the mining area and tailings porewater. Because of the abundance of sulphide minerals in the ores, acid mine drainage is expected to pose a high risk. However, the results indicate that the tailings porewater is moderately neutral and is characterized by the SO4–Ca–Mg hydrochemical type. This can be attributed to the substantial buffering capacity of carbonate minerals. Pollution elements in the tailings porewater mainly include SO42− and toxic metals including As, Cd, Mn, Pb, and Hg. The type of pollution factors and the degree of contamination are not consistent in the different tailings impoundments. The hydrochemical classification of four karst springs distributed in the south of the mining area is HCO3–Ca–Mg. The concentrations of SO42− and the toxic constituents in the springs are far below the national standards for drinking water. The spring water not being contaminated may be attributed to the operation mode of the tailings impoundments (peripheral discharge and reuse of ponded water), the residual clay between the tailings impoundments and the carbonate bedrocks and the sufficient buffering capacity of the underlying karst systems. The tailings disposal at the Gejiu tin mine within the natural karst depressions is able to provide a reference for the operation of karst mines in China and elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• N -sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazole was used as a 1-aza-[4C] synthon. • Excellent chemoselectivity was observed. • Fused pyrimidine and seven-membered 1 H -1,4-diazepine were synthesized effectively. A new synthetic application of N -sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles acting as a 1-aza-[4C] synthon via the 1,2-shift reaction of an α-imine rhodium carbene was developed for the synthesis of fused pyrimidine derivatives. The high reactivity of the strained three-membered 2 H -azirine ring facilitated the unusual cyclization of electron-deficient dienes with electron-deficient dienophiles. The compatibility was good with common functionalities tolerated. Excellent chemoselectivity was observed, and no reactions occurred between the rhodium carbene and 2 H -azirine. The products could be converted into seven-membered multi-functionalized 1 H -1,4-diazepine derivatives, illustrating the potential application of the protocol in medium-sized N -heterocycle synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to simulate the rainfall-runoff process of mountain torrents in the Shou River Basin located in the southern part of Wenchuan County, Sichuan Province. The basin encountered a significant flood disaster on August 20, 2019, resulting in substantial human and economic losses, as well as limited hydrological data availability. This research employs a unidirectional coupling approach by integrating the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) with the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) to accurately simulate rainfall-runoff processes. To account for the non-uniform distribution of precipitation within mountainous watersheds, high-precision rainfall data generated by WRF are extracted and utilized as input for the SWMM model. The quantitative comparison between the evolution of spatial distribution of rainstorms and hourly precipitation processes demonstrates that the WRF model effectively captures dynamic changes in rainstorms. Analysis results indicate a trend of rainfall center movement from midstream to downstream, with sub-watersheds' superimposed effect on rainfall response leading to increased flood peak response, duration, and destructive power. This study provides an effective method and reference for predicting and assessing mountain flood disasters in data-scarce areas such as the Shou River Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of heat-induced antigen retrieval technologies with Tris-EDTA buffer has dramatically improved immunostaining of specific antigens for routine immunohistochemical detection (Krenacs et al., 2010) [1]. However, little evidence exists on whether heat-Induced antigen retrieval utilizing Tris-EDTA buffer can strip western blot (WB) membranes and allow sequential reprobing. Here, we serendipitously discover that ∼95 °C Tris-EDTA buffer with 0.01% Tween 20 could repeatedly strip the Nitrocellulose membranes (NC). After electroblotting, NC blots were soaked into Tris-EDTA stripping buffer (∼95 °C, 10–25min) and we could perform at least five rounds (the following antibodies used: Vinculin, Atg7, Caspase-3, UBA5, JNK and ERK1/2) stripping in sequential chemiluminescent detections. The NC membranes also show clear western signals and background without losing transferred proteins during the reprobing process of WB. Hence, this study report additional new roles of the heat-Induced antigen retrieval Tris-EDTA buffer with 0.01% Tween 20. The method is simpler, more affordable and harmless for the nitrocellulose paper, which will be helpful for effective reprobing in western blotting applications. [Display omitted] • We discover that heat-induced antigen retrieval technologies can strip the NC blots repeatedly up to 5 times. • Modified stripping protocol is composed of 0.1 M Tris, 0.01 M EDTA and 0.01% Tween-20 (pH 9.0–9.5). • The stripping buffer is easier and more efficient for probing different proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peach (Prunus persica) is a typical climacteric fruit, having an obvious peak of ethylene release during ripening. Transcriptional regulators play key roles in fruit ripening. NAP (NAC-like, activated by AP3/P1) protein is a subfamily of the NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2 and CUC2) transcription factor (TF) family. Here, we discovered the function of peach NAP subfamily NAC TF, PpNAP6, homologous to the tomato ripening-related TF NOR. In the pulp of 'Zaofengwang' peach, PpNAP6 is highly expressed, and its transcript level decreased gradually throughout the whole development period, however, it is up-regulated at onset of peach ripening. Transient transformation experiments showed that PpNAP6 over-expression in peach fruit increased ethylene release and accelerated fruit ripening, while PpNAP6 down-expression inhibited ethylene biosynthesis. Dual-luciferase reporter assay (DLR) and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) proved that PpNAP6 can directly bind to the promoters of key ethylene biosynthesis genes PpACS1 and PpACO1 , and activate their transcription. Moreover, PpNAP6 was heterologously overexpressed in tomato nor mutant, and the transgenic lines showed the overexpression of PpNAP6 could partially recover its ripening-inhibited phenotype. Interestingly, PpNAP6 activates ethylene biosynthesis during peach ripening, whereas its transcription was inhibited treated with ethephon and enhanced with 1-MCP treatment. In summary, our work revealed that PpNAP6 regulates peach fruit ripening through ethylene biosynthesis, and may be involved in the fine regulation of ethylene via a feedback mechanism. • PpNAP6 involves in peach ripening by activating PpACS1 and PpACO1 expression. • Ectopic-expression of PpNAP6 could partially restore the ripening phenotype of nor. • PpNAP6 showed a negative response with ethephon treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

o -Phthalic anhydride/Zn(OTf) 2 co-catalyzed Beckmann rearrangement was developed, producing the corresponding amide in up to 99% yield with acid-sensitive functionalities tolerated well, and the scale of the reaction could be enlarged to 77 mmol and the excellent yield was maintained. A successive procedure was developed. Moreover, the reaction was carried out at rt under nearly neutral conditions, and the workup was concise. These features illustrated the potential of the protocol in amide synthesis. Image 1 • Anhydride/Lewis acid co-catalyst was employed in Beckmann rearrangement. • Mild (rt, nearly neutral) conditions were established for Beckmann rearrangement. • Excellent yield was maintained when scaled up to 77 mmol. • Successive procedure provided a green protocol for amide synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rock avalanches have an important impact on the geomorphological evolution of mountain landscapes. Rock avalanche-debris geometry holds important clues related to the processes of the disaster predisposition, occurrence and rapid runout of rock avalanche-debris flows. The morphological features of the debris of the Touzhai rock avalanche deposit in Southwest China are examined as a specific case with the help of three-dimensional laser scanning, polarization microscopy (for polished sections) and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The unexpectedly high roundness is the most impressive morphological characteristic of the Touzhai rock avalanche-debris, particularly that of sand-plus silt-sized particles. The shapes of 12 scanned metric-sized boulders are closer to cubes than to spheres. 90% of the 114 scanned subangular blocks with a mean particle diameter of 12.04 cm and an average specific surface area of 0.225 cm2/g fall into the spherical domain of Zingg's classification diagram according to their flatness ratio and elongation ratio, and the average sphericity of 0.798 further indicates that they are more akin to cubes compared with spheres. The average form factor of the 1201 sand-sized grains is 0.784 with a standard deviation of 0.044, indicating that they are nearly spherical, and the solidity ranging from 0.951 to 0.974 also strongly shows that these particles are close to smooth spheres. Most of the grains in the size range of <0.075 mm are sub-angular except slaty secondary clay minerals of <0.005 mm based on the visual estimation under FESEM. The detailed qualitative and quantitative contrasts between the morphometric characteristics of the Touzhai rock-avalanche debris and those of the fresh basalt fragments demonstrate that the geometry of the former is dominated by the pre-failure predesign in which the basalt, primary and secondary structures, unloading and weathering acted together. Weathering was the direct contributor to its high roundness. The dynamic fragmentation triggering newly generated ruptures during the post-failure motion was less important, which should be the case in some rock avalanches in other regions. The slope pattern of "large creeping main slide mass + lower intact locked segment" generalized according to this study should be applicable to some other rock avalanches worldwide, and can help the pre-event identification of the potential rock-avalanche sites. Our results support the hypothesis of "aerification of debris" to explain the high mobility of rock avalanches. Highly fragmented source rockmass with enough fine grains should be necessary for the occurrence of rock avalanches and long, rapid runout of the rock avalanche-debris flows. • A combination of 3D laser scanning, optical microscopy and FESEM is uniquely used. • The geometry of the debris from a large rock-avalanche deposit is quantified. • The studied debris has unexpectedly high roundness. • The high roundness was derived from of the predesign of the rock avalanche. • Some of the conclusions should be applicable to similar rock avalanches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Debris flows occurring in well-vegetated alpine areas usually contain a range of sizes of woody debris. Large woody debris (LWD), which has a retaining effect on further transportation of debris downstream, is mainly distributed in upstream reaches, and the amount of small woody debris (SWD) deriving from LWD increases dramatically midstream and downstream. The Dongyuege (DYG) bouldery debris flow with a sandy-matrix took place in a wildwood area, causing 96 deaths and its clay-sized fraction does not contain typical clay minerals. However, its total travel distance and runout distance in a low-gradient reach (between 2° and 5°) upstream of the depositional fan apex reached 11 km and 3.3 km, respectively. The abundant SWD in the DYG debris flow might have played a crucial role in slurrying, persistence, and the long runout over the low gradient. To understand why this debris flow extended so far, slurrying experiments, pore water escape experiments, and excess pore pressure experiments were performed. Crude debris (CD) collected from the DYG debris flow deposit was used throughout the experiments, the tested materials of which are separated into CD-containing SWD with a maximum grain size (MGS = 2 mm), purified debris (PD) without SWD with a MGS of 2 mm, and SWD < 2 mm in diameter. In the five slurrying experiments with PD-SWD-water mixtures, as the SWD content was elevated from 0.0 to 2.0 wt%, the current velocity of escaping pore water decreased uniformly from 17.2 to 0.9 mm/s. When the SWD content was 1.0 wt% or greater, the mixtures can be considered as one-phase flows of viscous fluids. The six pairs of pore water escape experiments based on the slurries remolded with CD and PD, respectively showed that the time needed for pore water to escape from the CD slurries was much greater than those from their PD counterparts. Also, measured was the dissipation rate of the relative excess pore pressure of CD and PD slurries of various densities and volumes, which showed that most of the rates of the PD-slurries were always greater than CD-slurries. Overall, the results show that SWD has a strong influence on the slurrying of the DYG debris without typical clay minerals found in other debris flows, and SWD helps to sustain the high excess pore pressure in the interior of the debris flow mass which resulted in the extended travel distance over such a low gradient. SWD favors the formation and stability of one-phase water-debris mixtures because of its large specific surface area and low density, which makes it able to absorb fine particles and able to be suspended in slurry flows over long timescales. In well-vegetated mountainous areas, SWD should be taken into account in the assessment of debris-flow hazards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Construction of S-scheme heterojunctions and increasing the specific surface area are considered effective strategies to enhance photocatalytic performance. In this work, ZnO and ZnO/CeO 2 with inverse opal structure were constructed by the high-temperature template removal method. Then a simple UV photoreduction method was used to construct the photocatalysts with Ag/ZnO/CeO 2 inverse opal (Ag/ZnO/CeO 2 IO). The degradation behavior of the composite for rhodamine B (RhB) was investigated. Specifically, the photodegradation of RhB by Ag/ZnO/CeO 2 exhibited good photostability and the best removal efficiency compared with ZnO inverse opal (ZnO IO) and ZnO/CeO 2 inverse opal(ZnO/CeO 2 IO), which was 2.7 times higher than that of ZnO IO. The synergetic effect of the composite effectively improves the electron adsorption capacity, and the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect of Ag nanoparticles enhances its photo availability, thus improving the photocatalytic activity. This work provides a new strategy for ZnO-based composites in degrading wastewater pollution. • Common photocatalysts are limited by their wide band gap and low light utilization. • The construction of heterojunctions and the introduction of noble metal nanoparticles are often used to enhance photocatalytic performance. • Organic combination of Ag, ZnO and CeO 2 for the construction of inverse opal photonic crystal. • Photocatalytic performance is synergistically enhanced by surface plasmon resonance, slow photon effect and electron adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A GCTS medium-sized triaxial apparatus is used to conduct a single-line method wetting test on three kinds of rockfill materials of different mother rocks such as mixture of sandstone and slate, and dolomite and granite, and the test stress conditions is the combination of spherical stress p and deviatoric stress q. The test results show that (1) for wetting shear strain, the effects of spherical stress p and deviatoric stress q are equivalent, and wetting shear strain and deviatoric stress q show the power function relationship preferably. (2) For wetting volumetric strain, the effect of deviatoric stress q can be neglected because it is extremely insignificant, and spherical stress p is the main influencing factor and shows the power function relationship preferably. (3) The wetting strains decrease significantly with the increase in initial water content and sample density generally, but the excessively high dry density will increase the wetting deformation. Also, the wetting strains will decrease with the increase in the saturated uniaxial compressive strength and average softening coefficient of the mother rock. Based on the test results, a wetting strain model is proposed for rockfill materials. The verification results indicate that the model satisfactorily reflects the development law of wetting deformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of alloying Nb with Mo on the structure and hydrogen permeation properties of Nb metal have been investigated by XRD analysis, PCT measurements, and three-point bending tests. The results indicate that all the as-prepared Nb 100-x Mo x (x = 2, 7, 14) alloy samples are Nb-based solid solutions with a BCC structure, which are hydrogenated into their corresponding hydrides with the NbH 0.95 phase after interaction with hydrogen. The lattice deformations of the BCC structure and NbH 0.95 phase are due to the difference in size between Nb and Mo atoms. The Nb 86 Mo 14 sample has a higher hydrogen-diffusion coefficient value (1.84 × 10 −9 cm/s), higher hydride-formation enthalpies (- 35.8 kJ/(mol·H 2 )) with the maximum force and displacement before/after the hydrotreatment, indicating that alloying with Mo can greatly improve the hydrogen-diffusion behavior and anti-bending properties of Nb metal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]