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Abstract The impregnated layer solution combustion synthesis (SCS) technique was employed to synthesize CaO-based sorbents supported by inert stabilizers so as to improve the cyclic CO2 uptake stability. Four different inert stabilizers were evaluated for their impact on the cyclic CO2 uptake stability of sorbents. It found that the Mg-based inert stabilizer significantly outperforms the other three in improving cyclic CO2 sorption capabilities of sorbents synthesized by the impregnated layer SCS method. Moreover, MgO-supported sorbent pellets were prepared via graphite hydrophobic layer-assisted casting, with the magnesia load within the pellets being regulated between 15 and 45 wt %. It is the addition of MgO stabilizer that significantly improves the performance of CaO-based sorbents, with the improvements being notably more pronounced at higher MgO loads. The calcium-based sorbent pellets containing 45 wt % MgO show extremely stable CO2 sorption performance; after 17 cycles, the carbonation conversion rate is 73.6%, about three times the rate of pellets without MgO loading. The uniform dispersion of MgO inert stabilizer inside pellets improves high-temperature sintering resistance and, concurrently, enhances the mechanical property. Furthermore, the use of waste cigarette butts as impregnated layer templates, rather than other organic additives, will significantly reduce the cost of synthesizing MgO-supported CaO-based sorbents. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Electrochemical CO2 reduction (ECR) to value-added products is regarded as a sustainable strategy to mitigate global warming and energy crisis, and designing highly efficient and robust catalysts is essential. In this work, transition metal sulfides (TMS)-decorated CuS microflower-like structures were prepared via the one-pot hydrothermal synthesis method for ECR to CO, and the influence of TMS doping on ECR performance was demonstrated. Characterization of the catalysts was performed using XRD, FESEM-EDS, N2 physisorption, and XPS, revealing the successful loading of TMS, the formation of microflower-like architectures and the generation of sulfur vacancies. Electrochemical tests demonstrated that doping ZnS, Bi2S3, CdS and MoS2 improved the intrinsic CO2 reduction activity of the CuS catalyst. Particularly, the MoS2-CuS composite catalyst with imperfect petal-like structure showed uniform distribution of edge Mo sites, which worked synergistically with the formed grain boundaries (GBs) and undercoordinated S vacancy sites in promoting CO2 activation, stabilizing *COOH adsorption, facilitating *CO desorption, and lowering the energy barrier of the potential-limiting step for improved CO selectivity. The MoS2-CuS catalyst achieved a maximum CO selectivity of 83.2% at –0.6 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and a high CO cathodic energetic efficiency of 100%. At this potential, the catalyst maintained stable catalytic activity and CO selectivity during a 333-min electrolysis process. The findings will offer a promising avenue for the development of efficient and stable catalysts for CO production from ECR.

Electrochemical CO2 reduction to synthetic fuels and commodity chemicals using renewable energy offers a promising approach to mitigate CO2 emissions and alleviate energy crisis. Copper-based catalysts show potential for electrochemical CO2 reduction applications, while they face the key challenges of high potential, sluggish kinetics, and poor selectivity. In this work, Cu-Zn, Cu-Co, Cu-Cd, and Cu-In bimetallic catalysts are synthesized via the electrodeposition method for electrochemical CO2 reduction to syngas with adjustable CO/H2 ratios. The bimetallic catalysts are characterized using various techniques to reveal their crystalline structures, morphologies, and elemental compositions. The structure-property-activity relationships of these catalysts are investigated to identify optimal candidates for electrochemical CO2 reduction applications. The findings reveal that the bare Cu mesh catalyst exhibits poor CO2 reduction activity, and the products are dominated by hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The bimetallic catalysts exhibit improved CO2 reduction performance, with the Cu-Zn and Cu-Cd catalysts showing excellent activity, and the CO/H2 ratio in syngas can be tuned over a wide range by adjusting the applied potential. The Cu-Zn and Cu-Cd catalysts demonstrate outstanding performance with Faradic efficiencies of ∼90 % and ∼80 % towards syngas production with CO/H2 ratios of ∼2.0 and ∼1.5 at −0.81 and −1.01 V vs. RHE, respectively, making the produced syngas suitable for various industrial applications. Stability tests over 450 min show that the Cu-Zn and Cu-Cd catalysts maintain stable catalytic activity, syngas selectivity and CO/H2 ratio, making them robust candidates for syngas production. The results will provide valuable insights into the design of robust catalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction, offering a promising path toward sustainable syngas production.

Abstract Background Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino, commonly known as “southern ginseng”, contains high amounts of ginsenoside derivatives and exhibits similar biological activities with Panax ginseng (C. A. MEY) (ginseng), which is usually used as a low-cost alternative to ginseng. G. pentaphyllum has therapeutic effects on liver diseases. However, the mechanisms underlying its hepatoprotective action have not been fully elucidated. Methods The protective effects of the ethanolic extract of G. pentaphyllum (GPE) were evaluated using an experimental carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver disease model. Potential targets of GPE were predicted using the “Drug-Disease” bioinformatic analysis. Furthermore, comprehensive network pharmacology and transcriptomic approaches were employed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of GPE in the treatment of liver disease. Results The pathological examinations showed that GPE significantly alleviated hepatocyte necrosis and liver injury. GPE significantly downregulated Bax and cleaved-PARP expression and upregulated Bcl-2 expression during CCl4-induced hepatocyte apoptosis. We compared the effects of four typical compounds in GPE -a ginsenoside (Rb3) shared by both GPE and ginseng and three unique gypenosides in GPE. Notably, Gypenoside A (GPA), a unique saponin in GPE, markedly reduced hepatocyte apoptosis. In contrast, ginsenoside Rb3 had a weaker effect. Network pharmacology and transcriptomic analyses suggested that this anti-apoptotic effect was achieved by upregulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway mediated by PDK1. Conclusions These results suggested that G. pentaphyllum had a promising hepatoprotective effect, with its mechanism primarily involving the upregulation of the PDK1/Bcl-2 signaling pathway by GPA, thereby preventing cell apoptosis. Graphic Abstract

In this study, the magnetic CoFe2O4 was fabricated and utilized as catalysts to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for removal of dibenzothiophene (DBT) in model oil with the extraction-coupled catalytic combined with oxidation desulfurization system (ECODS). The prepared magnetic CoFe2O4 was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Vibrating Sample Magnetometer VSM etc. The results showed that the prepared magnetic CoFe2O4 with a large specific surface area and exhibited excellent magnetism, phase composition, crystallinity and uniform distribution of the elements. The sulfur removal of DBT in n-octane was 95 % in 60 min at 40 °C under the conditions: 6 mL of model oil (600 ppm), O/S = 3:1 and 125 mg of CoFe2O4 powder. The possible mechanism of desulfurization was proposed by GC–MS. In conclusion, CoFe2O4 magnetic nanoparticles function well in both desulfurization and catalysis for PMS.

Urban vitality is a concept that reflects dynamic changes in economic, social, and cultural aspects, emphasizing the importance of diversified land use and dense population. With technological advancements, research methods on urban vitality are increasingly diverse, particularly with the application of big data and geographic information systems providing new perspectives and tools for such studies. Currently, research on the vitality of inland Central Plains cities in China is relatively limited and largely confined to specific administrative areas, leading to an inadequate understanding of basic economic activities and population distribution within cities. Therefore, this study aims to explore the spatial distribution characteristics of urban vitality and its influencing factors in Zhengzhou’s main urban area, providing a scientific basis for urban planning and sustainable development. This study utilizes methods that include Densi graph curve analysis, the entropy method, and the multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) model, integrating statistical data, geographic information, and remote sensing imagery of Zhengzhou in 2023. The MGWR model analysis reveals: (1) Urban vitality in Zhengzhou’s main urban area exhibits a concentric pattern, with high vitality at the center gradually decreasing toward the periphery, showing significant spatial differences in economic, population, and cultural vitality. (2) Various influencing factors positively correlate with urban vitality in the main urban area, but due to shortcomings in urban development strategies and planning, some factors negatively impact vitality in the central area while positively affecting vitality in peripheral areas. Based on these findings, this study provides relevant evidence and theoretical support for urban planning and sustainable development in Zhengzhou, aiding in the formulation of more effective urban development strategies.

Abstract Catalytic hydrogenation of unsaturated hydrocarbons to alkenes and alkanes using molecular hydrogen is one of the most fundamental transformations in organic synthesis. While methodologies involving transition metals as catalysts in homogeneous and heterogeneous processes have been well developed, metal‐free catalytic hydrogenation offers an ideal approach for future chemistry. Herein, the common and inexpensive quaternary ammonium salts are first introduced as catalysts in the catalytic hydrogenation system for the transformations from alkynes or olefins into the corresponding olefins or alkanes. Interestingly, the hydrogenation process of alkynes can be controlled to selectively produce alkenes or alkanes under different conditions. Moreover, the possible mechanism is discussed in new insights into the catalytic behavior of quaternary ammonium salts.

Abstract Background For cancer therapy, the identification of both selective autophagy targets and small molecules that specifically regulate autophagy is greatly needed. Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) is a recently discovered BH3 receptor that forms a protein‒protein interaction (PPI) with Bcl-2-interacting mediator of cell death (Bim). Herein, a specific inhibitor of the Hsp70-Bim PPI, S1g-2, and its analog S1, which is a Bcl-2-Bim disruptor, were used as chemical tools to explore the role of Hsp70-Bim PPI in regulating mitophagy. Methods Co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence assays were used to determine protein interactions and colocalization patterns. Organelle purification and immunodetection of LC3-II/LC3-I on mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi were applied to identify specific types of autophagy. Cell-based and in vitro ubiquitination studies were used to study the role of the Hsp70-Bim PPI in parkin-mediated ubiquitination of outer mitochondrial membrane 20 (TOMM20). Results We found that after the establishment of their PPI, Hsp70 and Bim form a complex with parkin and TOMM20, which in turn facilitates parkin translocation to mitochondria, TOMM20 ubiquitination and mitophagic flux independent of Bax/Bak. Moreover, S1g-2 selectively inhibits stress-induced mitophagy without interfering with basal autophagy. Conclusions The findings highlight the dual protective function of the Hsp70-Bim PPI in regulating both mitophagy and apoptosis. S1g-2 is thus a newly discovered antitumor drug candidate that drives both mitophagy and cell death via apoptosis. Graphical Abstract

Augmentative release of parasitoids has been an important component of integrated insect management for stored product protection. Understanding the effect of different temperatures on the growth and development of parasitoids is in favor of mass rearing of parasitoids. Habrobracon hebetor Say (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a highly cosmopolitan, gregarious ecto-parasitoid of a variety of Lepidopterous larvae. Thus, the growth and development of H. hebetor reared on Ephestia elutella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae were investigated at 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 °C. Habrobracon hebetor could complete growth and development, and the developmental duration decreased with increasing temperature at 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 °C. The development threshold temperatures of H. hebetor eggs, larvae, pupae, and egg-to-adult stages were 13.89, 6.39, 9.24, and 9.29 °C, and the effective accumulated temperatures were 23.33, 46.40, 142.68, and 240.31 °C·d, respectively. The total number of eggs laid by H. hebetor, the hatching rate of H. hebetor eggs, and the percentage of female offspring reached the maximum of 192.39, 83.89%, and 74.04% at 30 °C, respectively. There was no significant difference in pupal survival rate in the temperature range of 15 °C to 35 °C. At 30 °C, the pre-oviposition duration of H. hebetor was the shortest (0.87 d). Therefore, the optimal rearing temperature of H. hebetor was 30 °C. The present results are useful for the large-scale rearing of H. hebetor using E. elutella larvae as hosts and effectively implementing the biological control of stored-product insects.

Background: Coronary artery dilation (CAD) had rarely been described as a cardiac complication of febrile disease other than Kawasaki disease (KD). There are rare cases complicated by CAD reported in patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection. Case presentation: A 6-year-old boy with severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) was transferred to our hospital due to significant respiratory distress on the 11th day from disease onset. Nadroparin, levofloxacin, and methylprednisolone followed by oral prednisone were aggressively prescribed. His clinical condition gradually achieved remission, and the drugs were withdrawn on the 27th day. Regrettably, the recurrent fever attacked him again in the absence of infection-toxic manifestations. Necrotizing pneumonia (NP) was found on chest CT. And echocardiography revealed right CAD (diameter, 3.40mm; z-score, 3.8), however, his clinical and laboratory findings did not meet the diagnostic criteria of KD. CAD was proposed to result from MP infection, and aspirin was prescribed. Encouragingly, the CAD regressed one week later (diameter, 2.50mm; z-score, 1.4). Additionally, the child defervesced seven days after the initiation of prednisone and Nadroparin treatment. The patient was ultimately discharged home on the 50th day. During follow-up, the child was uneventful with normal echocardiography and fully resolved chest CT lung lesions. Conclusions: CAD can develop in patients with severe MP infection. Pediatricians should be alert to the possibility of CAD in patients with severe MP infection and recognize that CAD might also develop in febrile disease rather than KD.

In order to realize the desilication of phosphate rock by reverse flotation, the selection of appropriate amine collectors and reasonable flotation conditions are the key to the desilication of phosphate rock by reverse flotation. Through flotation experiments, the collection effects of four different amine collectors, including fatty amines, amine ethers, ether amines and oxidized amines, on quartz were compared. The experiments show that different amine collectors have different flotation properties for collophanite at the same pH value. In weakly alkaline medium, the basic order of the collection capacity of fatty amine reagents for SiO2 is as follows: the flotation collection performance of coconut diamine for silicate minerals is better than that of n-octylamine, dodecylamine, coconut diamine and isothirteen amine, but the loss rate of phosphorus by isothirteen amine reagent is lower, followed by coconut diamine, dodecylamine, coconut oil amine and n-octylamine had greater loss of phosphorus. The collection capacity of amine ethers for SiO2 is as follows: the collection capacity of coconut amine polyoxyethylene ether for silicate minerals is stronger than that of dodecylamine polyoxyethylene ether, and the P2O5 loss rate of flotation tailings of dodecylamine polyoxyethylene ether is higher than that of coconut amine polyoxyethylene ether; The collection capacity of ether amine reagents for SiO2 is as follows: the collection capacity of isodecanetramine for silicate minerals is weaker than that of C10 ether amine, and the loss rate of P2O5 of isodecanetramine flotation tailings is higher than that of C10 ether grease; The test results show that the flotation performance of the same type of amine reagent is basically similar, and there are some small differences. The collection capacity of fatty diamine with the same carbon chain composition for collophanite is stronger than fatty monoamine. The basic order of flotation performance from strong to weak is diamine > monoamine > ether amine > amine ether > oxide amine.

Abstract Metastasis is a major cause of colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality, but its molecular mechanisms are still not fully understood. Here, we show that upregulated DDX39B correlates with liver metastases and aggressive phenotypes in CRC. DDX39B is an independent prognostic factor associated with poor clinical outcome in CRC patients. We demonstrate that Sp1 potently activates DDX39B transcription by directly binding to the GC box of the DDX39B promoter in CRC cells. DDX39B overexpression augments the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC cells, while the opposite results are obtained in DDX39B-deficient CRC cells. Mechanistically, DDX39B interacts directly with and stabilizes PKM2 by competitively suppressing STUB1-mediated PKM2 ubiquitination and degradation. Importantly, DDX39B recruits importin α5 to accelerate the nuclear translocation of PKM2 independent of ERK1/2-mediated phosphorylation of PKM2, leading to the transactivation of oncogenes and glycolysis-related genes. Consequently, DDX39B enhances glucose uptake and lactate production to activate Warburg effect in CRC. We identify that Arg319 of DDX39B is required for PKM2 binding as well as PKM2 nuclear accumulation and for DDX39B to promote CRC growth and metastasis. In addition, blocking PKM2 nuclear translocation or treatment with glycolytic inhibitor 2-deoxy-D-glucose efficiently abolishes DDX39B-triggered malignant development in CRC. Taken together, our findings uncover a key role for DDX39B in modulating glycolytic reprogramming and aggressive progression, and implicate DDX39B as a potential therapeutic target in CRC.

Sesquiterpene valencene is dominant in flavedo tissues of sweet oranges and imparts a unique woody aroma. However, the interaction between the biosynthetic pathways of valencene and other nutritional compounds is less studied. Sesquiterpenoids were significantly accumulated in a previously reported glossy mutant of orange (MT) than the wild type (WT), especially valencene and caryophyllene. In addition, we identified several other pathways with variations at both the transcriptional and metabolic levels in MT. It's interesting to found those up-regulated metabolites in MT, such as eukaryotic lipids, kaempferol and proline also showed strong positive correlation with valencene along with fruit maturation while those down-regulated metabolites, such as phenylpropanoid coumarins and most of the modified flavonoids exhibited negative correlation. We then categorized these shifted pathways into the ‘sesquitepenoid-identical shunt’ and the sesquitepenoid-opposite shunt’ and confirmed the classification result at transcriptional level. Our results provide important insights into the connections between various fruit quality-related properties.

The analysis of iodine content in kelp is mainly focused on determining total iodine content, which lacks a rapid and sensitive analytical method for iodine species corresponding to iodate, iodide, monoiodotyrosine (MIT), and diiodo-tyrosine (DIT). Based on exploring the pretreatment methods of enzymatic hydrolysis of kelp, a rapid determination method of high-performance liquid chromatography and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS) for different iodine species existed in kelp samples was established. The pretreatment method is trypsin hydrolysis of kelp samples treated at 50°C for 10 hours, then the extraction solution was obtained by centrifugation, and filtration was proved for the first time. A high-efficiency separation anion-exchange column (Dionex IonPac AS-14) for iodate, iodide, MIT, and DIT with 0.1 mol·L−1(NH4)2CO3 solution at pH = 9 as a mobile phase, a flow rate of 0.8 mL·min−1 for the first 1500 s, and 1.2 mL·min−1 for the last 1800 s was confirmed. The linear ranges of the standard calibrations on four iodine species are 1.0–150 μg·L−1, and the detection limits are 1.62, 1.02, 1.59, and 2.55 μg·L−1, respectively, while the RSD values of four iodine species are all less than 2%. Under the optimized conditions, the proposed method was successfully applied for the speciation analysis of iodine in kelp samples.

The solid-liquid phase equilibria for the quaternary system (NaCl + NH4Cl + NaHCO3 + NH4HCO3 + H2O) at 283.15 and 313.15 K were studied with the isothermal solution method. There are four crystallization regions corresponding to NaCl, NH4Cl, NaHCO3, and NH4HCO3, five univariant solubility curves, and two invariant points saturated with the three coexisting minerals in the phase diagrams at the two temperatures. A comparison of the phase diagrams at 283.15 and 313.15 K shows that the areas of regions for NaCl, NaHCO3, and NH4Cl increase obviously. In contrast, the area of NH4HCO3 region decreases significantly as the temperature rises. The density and refractive index in the quaternary system change regularly with the concentration changing. The calculated densities and refractive indices in the quaternary system at the two temperatures with the empirical equations agree well with the experimental values.

The selective elimination of radioactive cesium from complicated wastewater is imperative in view of environment and human health. Montmorillonite has been accepted as one of the most promising adsorbents for cesium purification. However, its poor selectivity still remains a major challenge. Herein, a novel montmorillonite-sulfur composite was developed via a facile one-step solvent-free method and used for Cs+ removal. Owing to the fact that soft Lewis base S2− ligand interacted more strongly with softer Lewis acid Cs+ than other cations, the capacity and selectivity towards Cs+ was significantly enhanced. In this case, a large capacity of 160.9 mg g−1 was achieved. The distribution coefficient value (∼4000 mL g−1) was 3-times larger than that of pristine montmorillonite (∼1500 mL g−1). Moreover, this composite could be easily recycled and reused within five times recycling experiments. Therefore, this low-cost and facilely prepared composite are expected to be used for the selective removal of Cs+ from complicated wastewater containing various competing ions.

Abstract Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the world. Relapse and metastasis are important factors endangering the life of breast cancer patients, but the mechanism is still unclear. The stabilization of p53 is essential for preventing carcinogenesis, and ubiquitination is one of the main ways to regulate the stability of p53. Tripartite motif-containing 31 (TRIM31) is a new member of the TRIM family and functions as an E3 ubiquitin ligase. It acts as a cancer promoter or suppressor in the malignant processes of multiple cancers. However, the function of TRIM31 in breast cancer progression remains unknown. In this study, we showed that TRIM31 is downregulated in breast cancer tissues and negatively correlated with breast cancer progression. Both gain- and loss-of-function assays indicated that TRIM31 inhibits the proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion of breast cancer cells. Further investigation demonstrated that TRIM31 directly interacts with p53, and inducing the K63-linked ubiquitination of p53 via its RING domain, Meanwhile, TRIM31 suppresses the MDM2-mediated K48-linked ubiquitination of p53 through competitive inhibiting the interaction of MDM2 and p53, leading to the p53 stabilization and activation. Knockdown of p53 reversed the inhibitory effects of TRIM31 on the growth and metastasis of breast cancer cells. Moreover, we found that the RING and coiled-coil (C–C) domains of TRIM31 were essential for its tumor suppressor function. Taken together, our findings reveal a novel mechanism by which TRIM31 suppresses breast cancer development through the stabilization and activation of p53 and define a promising therapeutic strategy for restoring TRIM31 to treat breast cancer.

Tripartite motif (TRIM) 31 is a new member of the TRIM family and functions as an E3 ubiquitin ligase. Abnormal TRIM31 expression leads to a variety of pathological conditions, such as cancer, innate immunity diseases, sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction, cerebral ischemic injury, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and hypertensive nephropathy. In this review, we comprehensively overview the structure, expression and regulation of TRIM31 in cancer. Moreover, we discuss the dual role of TRIM31 in human cancer, and this dual role may be linked to its involvement in the selective regulation of several pivotal cellular signaling pathways: the p53 tumor suppressor, mTORC1, PI3K-AKT, NF-κB and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. In addition, we also discuss the emerging role of TRIM31 in innate immunity, autophagy and its growing sphere of influence across multiple human pathologies. Finally, a better understanding of the dual role of TRIM31 in cancer may provide new therapeutic strategies aimed at inhibiting the cancer-promoting effects of TRIM31 without affecting its tumor suppressor effects.

Central nervous system (CNS) infections in adults are rare because of normal immunity and the existence of the blood brain barrier, which prevents the invasion of pathogenic microorganisms. Liver transplant recipients are at an increased risk of opportunistic infections (OI) due to immunosuppressive therapy compared to those with normal immunity. Early diagnosis and timely implementation of treatment are critical for the successful treatment of these infections. We present two cases of intracerebral OI after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), with different clinical presentations. Patient 1 presented with epileptic seizures, mainly manifested as unresponsiveness, unconsciousness, and coma complicated with involuntary limb twitching. Patient 2 presented with a consciousness disorder, mainly manifested as unclear consciousness content, poor orientation, calculation power, and logical ability. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) examination of the cerebrospinal fluid confirmed human herpesvirus 6 B (HHV-6B) infection in patient 1 and intracranial Aspergillus infection in patient 2. Intracranial OI has insidious onset and atypical clinical manifestations. NGS can allow for the proper diagnosis and monitoring of the effects of treatment.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease that is persistent and nonspecific. There are several medications available for the treatment of UC. However, conventional UC medications have substantial adverse effects, low clinical effectiveness, and a high recurrence rate. Therefore, it is critical to discover new medicines that are both safe and effective for UC patients. Natural polysaccharides offer a wide range of pharmacological benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-virus, anti-tumor, anti-aging, immune enhancement, and gut flora regulation. In the therapy of UC, natural polysaccharides can modulate inflammatory factors, the immune system, and intestinal flora, and preserve the intestinal mucosa. It demonstrates a good curative effect and is of safety to use, thereby being a potential treatment for UC patients. This paper covers the structure, the pharmacological effects on UC, and the mechanisms of natural polysaccharides. Finally, limitations, challenges, and perspectives are discussed. It is hoped that the findings of this publication will inspire more natural polysaccharides research and provide a theoretical foundation for the creation of new UC medications.

Electrochemical CO2 reduction to CO using copper-based catalysts has been recognized a promising approach to realizing anthropologic carbon cycle. However, copper-based catalysts face the challenges of low reduction activity and poor selectivity in CO2 reduction reaction. Tuning particle size and oxygen vacancy represents an efficient strategy for boosting their activity and selectivity. Herein, we reported the preparation of nanostructured CuO catalysts for selective electrochemical CO2 reduction to CO. Several templates were employed in the template-assisted hydrothermal process to regulate the particle size and oxygen vacancy. Structure-property-activity relationships of the CuO nanostructures depend on the template effect. CuO-PVP and CuO-SDS synthesized using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as templates exhibited smaller particles sizes and higher concentrations of oxygen vacancy defects. Under the applied potential of −0.93 V vs. RHE, the desired CuO-PVP and CuO-SDS catalysts exhibited good CO2 reduction activity with high electrochemical surface area normalized partial current density of 2.21 and 1.37 mA/cm2 for CO production and outstanding CO selectivity with high faradaic efficiencies of 48.2 and 50.5%. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicated that oxygen vacancies in the CuO nanostructures not only promoted CO2 adsorption and activation but facilitated CO desorption from the catalyst surface, and therefore boosted the activity and CO selectivity in CO2 reduction. The results have deepened the understanding of the structure-property-activity relationships of CuO catalysts, and these will provide guidance for designing highly efficient and robust catalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction to CO.

Nitrification inhibitors (NIs) can be used to reduce both NO3−-N leaching and N2O-N emissions. However, the comparative efficacies of NIs can be strongly affected by soil type. Therefore, the efficacies of four nitrification inhibitors (dicyandiamide (DCD), 3, 4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP), nitrogenous mineral fertilizers containing the DMPP ammonium stabilizer (ENTEC) and active ingredients: 3.00–3.25% 1, 2, 4-triazole and 1.50–1.65% 3-methylpyrazole (PIADIN)) were investigated in three different textured N-fertilized (0.5 g NH4+-N kg−1 soil) soils of Schleswig-Holstein, namely, Marsch (clayey), Östliches Hügelland (loamy) and Geest (sandy) under a controlled environment. Total CO2-C and N2O-N emissions were significantly higher from Marsch than Östliches Hügelland and Geest. In Marsch, DMPP showed the highest inhibitory effect on CO2-C emission (50%), followed by PIADIN (32%) and ENTEC (16%). In Östliches Hügelland, DCD and PIADIN showed the highest and equal inhibitory effect on CO2-C emission (73%), followed by DMPP (64%) and ENTEC (36%). In Marsch and Östliches Hügelland, DCD showed the stronger inhibitory effect on N2O-N emission (86% and 47%) than DMPP (56% and 30%) and PIADIN (54% and 16%). In Geest, DMPP was more effective in reducing N2O-N emission (88%) than PIADIN (70%) and DCD (33%). Thus, it can be concluded that DCD is a better NI for clay and loamy soils, while DMPP and PIADIN are better for sandy soils to inhibit soil nitrification and gaseous emissions.

This study describes the synthesis and vacuole-inducing activity of 5-((4-(pyridin-3-yl)pyrimidin-2-yl)amino)-1H-indole-2-carbohydrazide derivatives, including five potent derivatives 12c, 12 g, 12i, 12n, and 12A that exhibit excellent vacuole-inducing activity. Remarkably, 12A effectively induces methuosis in tested cancer cells but not human normal cells. In addition, 12A exhibits high pan-cytotoxicity against different cancer cell lines but is hardly toxic to normal cells. It is found that the 12A-induced vacuoles are derived from macropinosomes but not autophagosomes. The 12A-induced cytoplasmic vacuoles may originate from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and be accompanied by ER stress. The MAPK/JNK signalling pathway is involved in the 12A-induced methuotic cell death. Moreover, 12A exhibits significant inhibition of tumour growth in the MDA-MB-231 xenograft mouse model. The excellent potency and selectivity of 12A prompt us to select it as a good lead compound for further development of methuosis inducers and investigation of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying methuosis.

The solubilities in the system NaCl–Na2SO4–NaB(OH)4–H2O and its subsystems were calculated with two models based on Pitzer model. The model I assumes that there are four boron species corresponding to B(OH)3, B(OH)4–, B3O3(OH)4– and B4O5(OH)42– along with OH– in the solution. The model II assumes only one boron species B(OH)4– in the solution. The calculated solubilities are in accordance with the experimental data in the ternary systems NaCl–NaB(OH)4–H2O and Na2SO4–NaB(OH)4–H2O. The assumption of only one boron species B(OH)4− can be applied in the solubility calculation for the systems containing metaborate. The distribution of four boron species were obtained with model I in the borate solution. The mole fraction of the four boron species are mainly affected with the total boron concentration in the solution, but rarely effected by the concentration of Cl– and SO42–. B(OH)4− is the dominant boron species in the metaborate solution. The phase diagram and Pitzer model for the quaternary system were then used to conduct evaporation simulation. The evaporation-crystallization route and order of salt precipitation during the evaporation were demonstrated. The results of the evaporation simulation of brine can be used as a theoretical reference for salt separation and purification from brine resources.

Wild teas are considered as valuable resource for studying domestication and breeding. Here, Zhang et al. report genome of wild tea DASZ and transcriptome of 217 accessions, which clarify pedigree of Chinese tea cultivars and show tea may not have undergone long-term artificial directional selection on flavor-related metabolites.

Copper-catalysed asymmetric C–C bond-forming reactions using organometallic reagents have developed into a powerful tool for the synthesis of complex molecules with single or multiple stereogenic centres over the past decades. Among the various acceptors employed in such reactions, those with a heterocyclic core are of particular importance because of the frequent occurrence of heterocyclic scaffolds in the structures of chiral natural products and bioactive molecules. Hence, this review focuses on the progress made over the past 20 years for heterocyclic acceptors.

Rheum tanguticum (R. tanguticum) has been widely used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases in clinical. However, limited research exist on the quality evaluation of various R. tanguticum locations, which has certain drawbacks. In this study, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used to comparative study on the chemical contents of R. tanguticum, to clarify the relationship between the chemical contents and the spatial distribution of R. tanguticum. First of all, the FTIR spectra of 18 batches of R. tanguticum were examined. Following the cluster analysis, the FTIR spectra of various production locations differed. To some extent, establishing the double index analysis sequence of common and variation peaks may differentiate distinct production locations of medicinal materials. The HPLC fingerprint of R. tanguticum was constructed to further explore the link between components and their origin. PCA of common peaks of 18 batches of R. tanguticum indicated that R. tanguticum grown in Gannan and Qinghai had a tendency to separate t[2], however this trend was not noticeable. Then, OPLS-DA model was established, and the key differential components of R. tanguticum produced in Gannan and Qinghai were discovered to be R16, R37, R46, and R47 (Aloe emodin) (VIP ≥ 1 and P < 0.05). At last, Pearson's test was used to examine the relationship between longitude, latitude, altitude, and composition. Longitude was significantly positively correlated with R28 and R30 (P < 0.05), and a very significantly positively correlated with R35, R36, R37, R46, and R47 (P < 0.01). Latitude was significantly negatively correlated with R34, R35, and R40 (P < 0.05), and extremely significantly negatively correlated with R28, R30, R36, R37, R46, and R47 (P < 0.01). Altitude was significantly positive correlation with R36 and R37 (P < 0.01). The results of our study can provide insights into R. tanguticum quality control and aid in establishing a natural medication traceability system.

The isothermal dissolution equilibrium method was employed to obtain the solubilities and physicochemical properties of the quaternary system (LiCl + LiBO2 + Li2B4O7 + H2O) at 308.15 K in this work. The dry-salt phase diagram, water-phase diagram, and physicochemical properties, including density, refractive index, and pH against composition in the quaternary system, were established for the first time. The dry-salt phase diagram includes two invariant points, five univariate solubility curves, and four single salt crystalline phase regions (LiCl·H2O, LiBO2·2H2O, LiBO2·8H2O and Li2B4O7·3H2O), respectively. In addition, the physicochemical properties of density, refractive index, and pH in the system change regularly with the changing of the lithium metaborate concentration. Based on the Pitzer model, the mixing ion parameters of θCl,B4O5(OH)4, θB(OH)4,B4O5(OH)4 and Ψ(Li,Cl,B4O5(OH)4, ΨLi,B (OH)4,B4O5(OH)4 and the predictive solubilities in the quaternary system were fitted. Although there is a slight deviation between the calculated and experimental values, the solubility of boron in the quaternary system agrees well, which provides data support for the study of the solubility of boron.

Ion-selective electrodes directly respond to the activity of target ions without destroying the existing form of the original electrolyte, so ion-selective electrodes have been widely used in various fields. Mean activity coefficient of NaNO3 in the ternary system (NaNO3 + CsNO3 + H2O) at 298.15 K was measured by electromotive force (EMF) with the cell: Na+ ion-selective electrode (Na-ISE)|NaNO3 (mA), CsNO3 (mB)|NO3- ion-selective electrode (NO3-ISE) with total ionic strengths from 0.01 to 4.5 mol·kg-1 at different ionic strength fractions (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8). The results showed that the Na-ISE and NO3-ISE have a good Nernst response, and the mean activity coefficients of NaNO3 are obtained via the Nernst equation. Based on the data of mean activity coefficients of NaNO3, the relationship diagrams of activity coefficients of NaNO3 against ion strengths in the ternary system were demonstrated, and the Pitzer mixing ion-interaction parameters θNa,Cs and ψNa,Cs,NO3 were obtained.

ObjectivesTo investigate the diagnostic performance of the Kaiser score and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) to differentiate Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) Category 4 lesions at dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI.MethodsThis was a single-institution retrospective study of patients who underwent breast MRI from March 2020 to June 2021. All image data were acquired with a 3-T MRI system. Kaiser score of each lesion was assigned by an experienced breast radiologist. Kaiser score+ was determined by combining ADC and Kaiser score. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of Kaiser score+, Kaiser score, and ADC. The area under the curve (AUC) values were calculated and compared by using the Delong test. The differences in sensitivity and specificity between different indicators were determined by the McNemar test.ResultsThe study involved 243 women (mean age, 43.1 years; age range, 18–67 years) with 268 MR BI-RADS 4 lesions. Overall diagnostic performance for Kaiser score (AUC, 0.902) was significantly higher than for ADC (AUC, 0.81; p = 0.004). There were no significant differences in AUCs between Kaiser score and Kaiser score+ (p = 0.134). The Kaiser score was superior to ADC in avoiding unnecessary biopsies (p < 0.001). Compared with the Kaiser score alone, the specificity of Kaiser score+ increased by 7.82%, however, at the price of a lower sensitivity.ConclusionFor MR BI-RADS category 4 breast lesions, the Kaiser score was superior to ADC mapping regarding the potential to avoid unnecessary biopsies. However, the combination of both indicators did not significantly contribute to breast cancer diagnosis of this subgroup.

Anthropogenic CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion and industrial processes are considered as the major contributors to global warming and climate change. Deploying carbon capture, storage and utilization (CCUS) has been perceived as one important strategy to mitigate CO2 emission and to realize carbon neutrality. Dry potassium-based adsorbents with desirable attributes show promise for capturing CO2 from flue gas and other ultra-dilute gas stream. The past decade has witnessed rapid development in dry potassium-based CO2 adsorbents. This review summarizes the recent progress of potassium-based adsorbents in CO2 capture. A detailed and in-depth discussion concerning the carbonation pathways is presented. Strategies for carbonation enhancement are demonstrated from the perspective of the rational design of adsorbents and process optimizations. Kinetics modelling of the carbonation and regeneration behaviors of potassium-based adsorbents is then illustrated. Apart from flue gas cleaning, the potential applications of potassium-based adsorbents in other fields such as low-concentration CO2 removal from environmental control and life support systems (ECLSSs), direct air capture (DAC), and integrated CO2 capture and utilization (ICCU) have also been discussed. Finally, comments on the main challenges and future opportunities of the dry potassium-based adsorbents are provided.

To effectively develop the rare earth elements resources from the geothermal waters, it is essential to understand the volumetric properties of the aqueous solution system to establish the relative thermodynamic model. In this study, densities of YCl3 (aq) at the molalities of 0.08837–1.60639 mol·kg−1 from 283.15 K to 363.15 K at 5 K intervals and ambient pressure were measured experimentally by an Anton Paar digital vibrating-tube densimeter. Based on experimental data, the volumetric properties including apparent molar volume (Vϕ) and the coefficient of thermal expansion of the solution (α) of the binary systems (YCl3 + H2O) were derived. The 3D diagram (mi, T, Vϕ) of apparent molar volumes against temperature and molality was plotted. On the basis of the Pitzer ion-interaction model of electrolyte, the Pitzer single-salt parameters (βMX0v, βMX1v, and CMXv) for YCl3 and temperature-dependence equation F(i, p, T) = a1 + a2ln(T/298.15) + a3(T-298.15) + a4/(620-T) + a5(T-227) as well as their coefficients ai (i = 1–5) in the binary system were obtained for the first time. The values of Pitzer single-salt parameters of YCl3 agree well with the calculated values corresponding to the temperature-dependence equations, indicating that single-salt parameters and temperature-dependent formula obtained in this work are reliable.

The densities and pH values in the system NaBO2–Na2SO4–H2O at 298.15 K and 323.15 K were investigated. Combining the equilibrium constants for different boron species, the distributions of six boron species in the mixed solution were calculated with total boron concentration and pH values. The molar fractions of the six boron species are mainly affected by the total boron concentration and temperature, but rarely affected by the concentration of SO42–. The dominant boron species in the mixed solution at the two temperatures is B(OH)4‒. The mole fraction of B(OH)3, B5O6(OH)4‒, and B3O3(OH)4‒ can be neglected. The polyborate ions are easier to form as the temperature increases. The results of distribution for boron species in this study and those with the Pitzer model can both be used to describe the distribution of boron species in the mixed solution.

Efficient removal of radioactive cesium from complex wastewater is a challenge. Unlike traditional precipitation and hydrothermal synthesis, a novel vast specific surface area adsorbent of copper hexacyanoferrates named EA-CuHCF was synthesized using a one-pot solvothermal method under the moderate ethanol media characterized by XRD, SEM, EDS, BET, and FTIR. It was found that the maximum adsorption capacity towards Cs+ was 452.5 mg/g, which is far higher than most of the reported Prussian blue analogues so far. Moreover, EA-CuHCF could effectively adsorb Cs+ at a wide pH range and low concentration of Cs+ in geothermal water within 30 minutes, and the removal rate of Cs+ was 92.1%. Finally, the separation factors between Cs+ and other competitive ions were higher than 553, and the distribution coefficient of Cs+ reached up to 2.343 × 104 mL/g. These properties suggest that EA-CuHCF synthesized by the solvothermal method has high capacity and selectivity and can be used as a candidate for Cs+ removal from wastewater.

This case report describes a 43-year-old female initially diagnosed with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia that then experienced metastasis to the liver and then subsequently to the pancreas nearly 4 years after the primary diagnosis. After resection of the body and tail of the pancreas, the postoperative histopathological examination confirmed a placental site trophoblastic tumour that had developed after several cycles of chemotherapy for the original primary tumour and the liver metastases. This type of sequential recurrence of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia in the primary site or metastatic sites, such as the liver or pancreas, can be cured by a comprehensive treatment strategy involving surgery and/or salvage chemotherapy and continuous follow-up over a long period, especially for patients with a high-risk status.

Introduction: To explore the moderating effect of physical activity and the mediating effect of depression on the relationship between marital satisfaction and adolescents’ problematic internet use (PIU). Methods: This study adopted a sample of 288 adolescents and their parents, and measured adolescents’ depression, PIU, physical activity, and parents’ marital satisfaction. Results: These results showed that parental marital satisfaction negatively predicted adolescents' PIU. Adolescents’ depression played a mediating role between parental marital satisfaction and adolescents’ PIU. Further mediated moderation effect analysis showed that the interaction between marital satisfaction and adolescents' physical activity affected the PIU through adolescents’ depression. Specifically, for individuals with lower physical activity, the marital satisfaction affected the PIU through adolescents' depression. However, for the group with higher physical activity, physical activity weakened the effects of marital satisfaction on adolescents' depression, and the mediating effect of depression did not reach a significant level. Conclusion: These results are of theoretical and practical significance in understanding and intervening to address adolescents' PIU.

This paper reports the molar heat capacities of β-CsB5O8·4H2O, which were measured by an accurate adiabatic calorimeter from 298 to 373 K with a heating rate of 0.1 K/min under nitrogen atmosphere. Neither phase transition nor thermal anomalies were observed. The molar heat capacity against temperature was fitted to a polynomial equation of Cp,m (J·mol−1·K−1) = 618.07702 + 39.52669[T − (Tmax + Tmin)/2]/(Tmax − Tmin)/2] − 3.46888[(T − (Tmax + Tmin)/2)/(Tmax − Tmin)/2]2 + 7.9441[(T − (Tmax+ Tmin)/2)/(Tmax − Tmin)/2]3. The relevant thermodynamic functions of enthalpy (HT − H298.15), entropy (ST − S298.15), and Gibbs free energy (GT − G298.15) of cesium pentaborate tetrahydrate from 298 to 375 K of 5 K intervals are also obtained on the basis of relational expression equations between thermodynamic functions and the molar heat capacity.

Densities of sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) aqueous solution with the molality varied from 0.19570 to 1.94236 mol·kg−1 at temperature intervals of 5 K from 283.15 to 363.15 K and 101 ± 5 kPa were measured by a precise Anton Paar Digital vibrating-tube densimeter. Apparent molar volumes (VΦ) and thermal expansion coefficient (α) were obtained on the basis of experimental data. The 3D diagram of apparent molar volume against temperature and molality and the diagram of thermal expansion coefficient against molality were generated. According to the Pitzer ion-interaction equation of the apparent molar volume model, the Pitzer single-salt parameters (βM,X0υ, βM,X1υ, βM,X2υ, and CM,Xυ, MX = NaAsO2) and their temperature-dependent correlation F(i, p, T) = a1 + a2ln (T/298.15) + a3(T − 298.15) + a4/(620 − T) + a5/(T − 227) (where T is temperature in Kelvin and ai are the correlation coefficients) for NaAsO2 were obtained for the first time. The predictive apparent molar volumes agree well with the experimental values, and those results indicated that the single-salt parameters and the temperature-dependent formula are reliable.

In this paper, in order to understand the thermodynamic properties of natural minerals of pinnoite (MgB2O4·3H2O, Pin) and inderite (Mg2B6O11·15H2O, Ind) deposited in salt lakes, heat capacities of two minerals were measured using a precision calorimeter at temperatures from 306.15 to 355.15 K after the high purity was synthesized. It was found that there are no phase transitions and thermal anomalies for the two minerals, and the molar heat capacities against temperature for Pin and Ind were fitted as Cp,m,pin = −2029.47058 + 16.94666T − 0.04396T2 + 3.89409×10−5T3 and Cp,m,Ind = −30814.43795 + 282.68108T − 0.85605T2 + 8.70708×10−4T 3, respectively. On the basis of molar heat capacities (Cp,m) of Pin and Ind, the thermodynamic functions of entropy, enthalpy, and Gibbs free energy at the temperature of 1 K interval for the two minerals were obtained for the first time.

Phase diagram is a powerful tool to guide the exploitation of thermal energy materials. Heat storage technology of phase-change material (PCM) was widely used to solve major energy utilization problems on large energy consumption and low utilization efficiency. In this work, a novel solid-liquid phase diagram of the binary system octadecanoic acid (C18-acid) + octadecanol (C18-OH) was investigated using the differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The phase-change temperature and phase-change enthalpies against the composition of C18-acid and C18-OH were determined experimentally, and then the binary phase diagram of T–X (X expresses the mass fraction of C18-OH in the two components of C18-acid and C18-OH) was established for the first time. The phase diagram belongs to a binary simple system with one eutectic point, and the content of C18-OH at eutectic point is 0.4 in mass fraction. Neither solid solution nor copolymer was formed. The thermal chemical properties on the phase-change latent heat (Q), phase-change temperature (Tp), and the thermal conductivity (λ) for the composition at the eutectic point of the binary system are 198.7 J·g−1, 44.2°C, and 0.2352 W·m−1·K−1, respectively. This result indicates that the material at eutectic point has a great potential to be used as energy storage material for supply of heat and scouring bath.

The solubilities; concentration of four boron species B(OH)3, B(OH)4−, B3O3(OH)4−, and B4O5(OH)42−; and H+ (OH–) in the system Na2O–B2O3–H2O were calculated with the Pitzer model. The boron species B5O6(OH)4− was not considered in the model calculation. The calculated solubility and pH data are in accordance with the experimental results. The Pitzer model can be used to describe the experimental values. The distributions of the four boron species in the solution were obtained. The mole fractions of the four boron species are mainly affected by the ratio of B2O3 and Na2O in the solution. The dominant boron species in the solution saturated with different salts vary greatly. The results can supply a theoretical reference for sodium borate separation from brine.

Abstract Background The increasing genomic complexity of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the most common form of acute leukemia, poses a major challenge to its therapy. To identify potent therapeutic targets with the ability to block multiple cancer-driving pathways is thus imperative. The unique peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase Pin1 has been reported to promote tumorigenesis through upregulation of numerous cancer-driving pathways. Although Pin1 is a key drug target for treating acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) caused by a fusion oncogene, much less is known about the role of Pin1 in other heterogeneous leukemia. Methods The mRNA and protein levels of Pin1 were detected in samples from de novo leukemia patients and healthy controls using real-time quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot. The establishment of the lentiviral stable-expressed short hairpin RNA (shRNA) system and the tetracycline-inducible shRNA system for targeting Pin1 were used to analyze the biological function of Pin1 in AML cells. The expression of cancer-related Pin1 downstream oncoproteins in shPin1 (Pin1 knockdown) and Pin1 inhibitor all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) treated leukemia cells were examined by western blot, followed by evaluating the effects of genetic and chemical inhibition of Pin1 in leukemia cells on transformed phenotype, including cell proliferation and colony formation ability, using trypan blue, cell counting assay, and colony formation assay in vitro, as well as the tumorigenesis ability using in vivo xenograft mouse models. Results First, we found that the expression of Pin1 mRNA and protein was significantly increased in both de novo leukemia clinical samples and multiple leukemia cell lines, compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, genetic or chemical inhibition of Pin1 in human multiple leukemia cell lines potently inhibited multiple Pin1 substrate oncoproteins and effectively suppressed leukemia cell proliferation and colony formation ability in cell culture models in vitro. Moreover, tetracycline-inducible Pin1 knockdown and slow-releasing ATRA potently inhibited tumorigenicity of U937 and HL-60 leukemia cells in xenograft mouse models. Conclusions We demonstrate that Pin1 is highly overexpressed in human AML and is a promising therapeutic target to block multiple cancer-driving pathways in AML.

Two studies were conducted to explore the effect of parental sex on well-being due to parenthood. Study 1 analyzed the sixth wave of the World Values Survey data. The results indicated that parents were happier than their respective childless peers. However, the effect of motherhood was significantly higher than that of fatherhood. Furthermore, Study 2 analyzed the data from 354 single-child parents in China. The results showed that perceived parent–child facial resemblance moderated the sex difference in well-being. Specifically, in the high parent–child facial resemblance group, both fathers and mothers showed high levels of well-being; however, in the low parent–child facial resemblance group, the well-being level of mothers was higher than fathers. These results supported the renovated pyramid of needs and the hypothesis of paternal uncertainty.

Parent-child facial resemblance (PCFR) is one of the direct cues used to assess the genetic relationship between two individuals. Due to the inner fertilization of humans, fathers are liable to suffer from paternal uncertainty. When a father perceives low father-child facial resemblance, he would become anxious, which is detrimental to his immune system and physical health. For a mother, however, she can assure her genetic relationship to her children and does not need any external cues to verify her maternity. Thus, the mother-child facial resemblance does not influence the mothers’ physical health. To test these hypotheses, we examined the moderating effect of parental gender and the mediating effect of trait anxiety on the relationship between PCFR and physical health of parents. The results showed that fathers’ PCFR positively predicted their physical health, whereas the mothers’ PCFR failed to show any predicting effect on mothers’ physical health. Furthermore, trait anxiety mediated the relationship between fathers’ PCFR and their physical health. The implications for paternal uncertainty, gender difference, and public policy were discussed.

In order to recover cesium tetraborate pentahydrate (Cs2O·2B2O3·5H2O) from the high concentration cesium-containing salt lake brines and geothermal water resources, the molar heat capacity of Cs2O·2B2O3·5H2O has been measured with a precision calorimeter at the temperature from 303 to 349 K. It was found that there is no phase transition and thermal anomalies. The molar heat capacity of cesium tetraborate pentahydrate is fitted as Cp,m (J·mol−1·K−1) = 593.85705 + 48.0694[T − (Tmax + Tmin)/2]/(Tmax − Tmin)/2] + 24.86395[(T − (Tmax + Tmin)/2)/(Tmax − Tmin)/2]2 + 0.53077[(T − (Tmax + Tmin)/2)/(Tmax − Tmin)/2]3, and the relevant thermodynamic functions of enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy of cesium tetraborate pentahydrate are also obtained at intervals of 2 K from 303 to 349 K.

Overlying sediment and pore waters were collected in summer and winter at upstream (Jintang) and downstream (Neijiang) sites of the Tuohe River, which is one of the five largest tributaries of the Yangtze River in China. Phosphorus species, including soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), soluble unreactive phosphorus (SUP), and total dissolved phosphorus (TDP), and some diagenetic constituents including dissolved Fe(II), Mn(II), and sulfide in overlying and pore waters, were measured systematically. The seasonal variations and vertical distributions of phosphorus species in overlying and pore waters at both sampling sites were obtained to elucidate some aspects of the transport and transformations of phosphorus. Based on the profiles of pore and overlying waters as well as the TDN/TDP data during an algal bloom in 2007, it was clearly demonstrated that phosphorus was the main factor limiting the phytoplankton growth in the Tuohe River.