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Titanium oxide (TiO2) coated polyimide has broad application prospects under extreme conditions. In order to obtain a high-quality ultra-thin TiO2 coating on polyimide by atomic layer deposition (ALD), the polyimide was activated by in situ oxygen plasma. It was found that a large number of polar oxygen functional groups, such as carboxyl, were generated on the surface of the activated polyimide, which can significantly promote the preparation of TiO2 coating by ALD. The nucleation and growth of TiO2 were studied by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy monitoring and scanning electron microscopy observation. On the polyimide activated by oxygen plasma, the size of TiO2 nuclei decreased and the quantity of TiO2 nuclei increased, resulting in the growth of a highly uniform and dense TiO2 coating. This coating exhibited excellent resistance to atomic oxygen. When exposed to 3.5 × 1021 atom cm−2 atomic oxygen flux, the erosion yield of the polyimide coated with 100 ALD cycles of TiO2 was as low as 3.0 × 10−25 cm3/atom, which is one order less than that of the standard POLYIMIDE-ref Kapton® film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Patient-derived xenografts (PDX) are valuable models in preclinical oncology drug development. However, they are not well suited for testing immune-based therapies. In contrast, when humanized mice are developed by xenotransplantation of irradiated mice with human CD34+ stem cells to allow for the growth of human tumor tissue in the context of a humanized immune system, it is possible to evaluate the response to both targeted therapy and immune therapy. Unfortunately, humanized mice transplanted with human PDX tissue frequently develop graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Here, we optimized a protocol for generating humanized PDX mouse models with considerably reduced development of GVHD, making preclinical trials with immune checkpoint inhibitors possible. Current methodologies for developing PDX in humanized mice in preclinical trials with immune-based therapies are limited by GVHD. Here, we compared two approaches for establishing PDX tumors in humanized mice: (1) PDX are first established in immune-deficient mice; or (2) PDX are initially established in humanized mice; then established PDX are transplanted to a larger cohort of humanized mice for preclinical trials. With the first approach, there was rapid wasting of PDX-bearing humanized mice with high levels of activated T cells in the circulation and organs, indicating immune-mediated toxicity. In contrast, with the second approach, toxicity was less of an issue and long-term human melanoma tumor growth and maintenance of human chimerism was achieved. Preclinical trials from the second approach revealed that rigosertib, but not anti-PD-1, increased CD8/CD4 T cell ratios in spleen and blood and inhibited PDX tumor growth. Resistance to anti-PD-1 was associated with PDX tumors established from tumors with limited CD8+ T cell content. Our findings suggest that it is essential to carefully manage immune editing by first establishing PDX tumors in humanized mice before expanding PDX tumors into a larger cohort of humanized mice to evaluate therapy response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymeric materials, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET), are widely used in various fields because of their beneficial properties. Functional films are deposited on these materials through different approaches, such as plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD), to enhance their performance and prolong their life span. However, the inert and thermally fragile nature of most polymers hinders deposition. We developed a strategy for the PEALD of nanoscale Al2O3 films on PET substrates. First, a PET substrate is subjected to alkali treatment, which gives it basic hydrophilicity for the subsequent dopamine modification. After 24 h of dopamine deposition, the substrate shows adequate active sites (phenolic hydroxyl groups), which can chemisorb large amounts of precursor during the initial deposition. The island growth mode was observed during the PEALD processes. We analyzed the detailed chemical components of Al2O3 on alkali-treated PET and dopamine-modified PET. After 100 cycles of deposition, the Al2O3 films on both samples contained much hydrogen. Benefitting from the more active sites, we observed more continuous Al2O3 film on dopamine-modified PET, which exhibited excellent water vapor blocking performance. Our findings suggest that dopamine could act as a ‘bridge’ between polymers and PEALD functional films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Particulate matter is one of the primary air pollutants in urban subway stations. Characteristics of particulate matter concentration is specific due to the heterogeneity of subway system in each city. The spatio-temporal distribution of particulate matter (PM 10 and PM 2.5) concentrations in a typical urban subway station of Nanning city was analyzed. PM 10 and PM 2.5 concentrations of winter were both significantly higher than those of spring, summer and autumn (P<0.001). PM 10 and PM 2.5 concentrations of station were significantly higher than those of the ground control (P<0.001). PM 10 and PM 2.5 concentrations of ticket office were significantly higher than those of platform, security checkpoint and passageway (P<0.001). PM 10 and PM 2.5 levels of station during the rush hour were significantly higher than those during the non-rush hour (P<0.001). There is a positive correlation between PM (PM 10 and PM 2.5) levels and passenger flow of station. The results indicated that the spatio-temporal distribution of PM (PM 10 and PM 2.5) level may be ascribed to seasonal factor, passenger flow, and layout structure of station respectively. The findings of this study therefore make them possible to be the part of preliminary foundation of subway-related standards improvement for airborne particulate matter in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent studies have found bi-directional relations between stress and sleep. However, few studies have examined the daily associations between stress and electroencephalography (EEG) measured sleep.Purpose: This study examined the temporal associations between repeated ecological momentary assessments of stress and EEG-estimated sleep.Methods: Ninety-eight international or interstate undergraduate students (Mage = 20.54 ± 1.64, 76.5% female, 84.7% Asian) reported their stress levels four times daily at morning awakening, afternoon, evening, and pre-bedtime across 15 consecutive days (>4,000 total observations). Next-day stress was coded as an average of morning, afternoon, and evening stress. Z-Machine Insight+ recorded over 1,000 nights EEG total sleep time (TST), sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset, sleep efficiency (SE), slow-wave sleep (SWS), and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep duration. Multilevel models, adjusted for covariates (i.e., sociodemographic, health factors, and daily covariates) and lagged outcomes, tested the daily within- and between-level stress-sleep associations.Results: After adjusting for covariates, within-person shorter TST (b = -0.11 [-0.21, -0.01], p = .04), lower SE (b = -0.02 [-0.03, 0.00], p = .04), less SWS (b = -0.38 [-0.66, -0.10], p = .008), and less REM sleep (b = -0.32 [-0.53, -0.10], p = .004) predicted higher next-day stress. Pre-bedtime stress did not predict same-night sleep. No significant results emerged at the between-person level.Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that poor or short sleep, measured by EEG, is predictive of higher next-day stress. Results for sleep architecture support the role of SWS and REM sleep in regulating the perception of stress. Given that only within-person effects were significant, these findings highlight the importance of examining night-to-night fluctuations in sleep affecting next-day stress and its impact on daytime functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Resilience in children with early family life adversity is linked with successful adulthood psychological outcomes. However, whether resilience influences daily emotional responses to stress remains unclear. This study examined whether resilience capacity in the context of early family risks predicts better daily stress and affect outcomes during a stressful transition.Methods: International and interstate undergraduates (N = 98; aged 18-25 years) were grouped as Resilient (high family risk, high resilience), Vulnerable (high family risk, low resilience), or Control (low family risk, average anxiety and depression). Daily negative (NA) and positive affect (PA), perceived stress, and stressors were assessed 4-times daily across 14 consecutive days (4333 total surveys; 73.7% completion rate). Affect reactivity was operationalized as the NA and PA slopes on perceived stress from each survey.Results: The Resilient group did not differ from the Control group on all outcomes. The Vulnerable group reported significantly higher number of stressors, perceived stress levels, NA, and NA reactivity than the Resilient and Control groups (all p < .001); as well as significantly lower PA (p = .024) and PA reactivity (p = .003) than the Control group.Limitations: Our findings are not generalizable to other populations and cannot determine causality.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that resilience capacity is protective against the effects of early family risks on a daily basis. However, significant findings were limited to emotional distress outcomes and not supported for PA, suggesting resilience capacity may attenuate emotional distress but not positive emotions in response to stress in emerging adults with family risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypercholesterolemia and gut microbiota dysbiosis are associated with the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Hawthorn fruits has shown to be cardioprotective and hypocholesterolemic. However, no studies to date have studied the biological activity of hawthorn seed oil (HSO). The present study was to investigate if HSO could favourably reduce plasma cholesterol and modulate gut microbiota in hypercholesterolemia hamsters. Methods: Golden Syrian hamsters (age, 8 weeks) were randomly divided into five groups (n = 8, each) and fed one of the following five diets, namely a non-cholesterol diet, a high cholesterol diet containing 0.15% cholesterol (HCD); a HCD diet with addition of 4.75% HSO (LHSO), a HCD diet with addition of 9.5% HSO (HHSO), a HCD diet with addition of 0.50% cholestyramine as positive control diet. After 6-week dietary intervention, plasma lipids, inflammatory markers, atherosclerosis plaque, hepatic and fecal lipids were quantified. Microbiota in fresh feces were analysed by sequencing 16S rRNA genes, while RT-PCR and Western blot analyses were employed to quantify the expression of genes involved in cholesterol homeostasis. Results: HSO at a dose of 9.5% HSO could decrease plasma cholesterol and non-HDL-cholesterol by 15%. Additionally, both HSO experimental groups also suppressed mRNA of 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl-CoA Reductase (HMG-CoA-R). Supplementation of HSO at 4.75% could significantly increase the excretion of fecal acidic sterols, accompanied by elevation of short-chain fatty acid levels in feces. The analyses of gut microbiome indicated that HSO supplementation could selectively alter the genera abundance of gut bacteria that were correlated with cholesterol metabolism including unclassified_f__Christensenellaceae, Ruminococcaceae_NK4A214_ group, norank_o_Gastranaerophilales, Faecalibaculum, Peptococcus, norank_f__Clostridiales_vadinBB60_group and Ruminococcus_2. Conclusions: HSO supplementation was able to decrease plasma cholesterol by favourably modulating gut microbiota composition and gut-derived metabolites associated with cholesterol regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) are promising materials due to their rich active sites and straightforward synthesis. However, their limited conductivity and electron transfer inefficiency hinder practical applications. This study utilizes a simple one-pot synthesis approach to produce a tungsten-disulfide (WS 2) and iron-cobalt Prussian blue analogue composite (WS 2 -PBA), enhancing conductivity and electron transfer rate performance. Through the inclusion of sodium citrate into the solution, the S-edge site concentration of WS 2 increases. This augmentation introduces additional active sites and defects into the catalyst, enhancing its catalytic activity. The effectiveness of the WS 2 -PBA 3D-Origami paper device for lactate detection in sweat is also evaluated for biomedical applications. The device demonstrated a robust relationship between the lactate concentration and current intensity (R2 = 0.997), with a detection limit of 1.83 mM. Additionally, this platform has successfully detected lactate in clinical sweat, correlating with the high-performance liquid chromatography test results, suggesting promising prospects for clinical diagnosis. In the future, the excellent catalytic and R ct performance of the WS 2 -PBA will enable its use in biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The atlanto-occipital joint is composed of the superior fossa of the lateral masses of the atlas (C1) and the occipital condyles. Congenital Atlanto-occipital fusion (AOF) involves the osseous union of the base of the occiput (C0) and the atlas (C1). AOF or atlas occipitalization/assimilation represents a craniovertebral junction malformation (CVJM) which can be accompanied by other cranial or spinal malformations. AOF may be asymptomatic or patients may experience symptoms from neural compression as well as limited neck movement. The myodural bridge (MDB) complex is a dense fibrous structure that connects the suboccipital muscular and its related facia to the cervical spinal dura mater, passing through both the posterior atlanto-occipital and atlanto-axial interspaces. It is not known if atlas occipitilization can induce structural changes in the MDB complex and its associated suboccipital musculature. The suboccipital region of a cadaveric head and neck specimen from an 87-year-old Chinese male having a congenital AOF malformation with resultant changes to the MDB complex was observed. After being treated with the P45 plastination method, multiple slices obtained from the cadaveric head and neck specimen were examined with special attention paid to the suboccipital region and the CVJM. Congenital atlanto-occipital fusion malformations are defined as partial or complete fusion of the base of the occiput (C0) with the atlas (C1). In the present case of CVJM, unilateral fusion of the left occipital condyle with the left lateral mass of C1 was observed, as well as posterior central fusion of the posterior margin of the foramen magnum with the posterior arch of C1. Also noted was a unilateral variation of the course of the vertebral artery due to the narrowed posterior atlanto-occipital interspace. Surprisingly, complete agenesis of the rectus capitis posterior minor (RCPmi) and the obliques capitis superior (OCS) muscles was also observed in the plastinated slices. Interestingly, the MDB, which normally originates in part from the RCPmi muscle, was observed to originate from a superior bifurcation within an aspect of the nuchal ligament. Therefore, the observed changes involving the MDB complex appear to be an effective compensation to the suboccipital malformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined whether resilience capacity moderates the association of daily perceived stress and affect with cortisol diurnal slope among relocated emerging adults. Relocated undergraduates (N = 98; aged 18–25 years) were recruited from three groups: Resilient, Vulnerable, and Control. The Resilient group required Risky Family Questionnaire (RFQ) scores ≥ 29 and Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) scores ≥ 3.6. The Vulnerable group required RFQ scores ≥ 29 and BRS scores ≤ 3. The comparison Control group required RFQ scores ≤ 21 and T-scores < 60 on PROMIS anxiety and depression symptoms. Mixed-effects models were used to test the unique associations of perceived stress, negative affect, and positive affect x group interactions (predictors) on diurnal cortisol slope (outcome) across 14 consecutive days. The Resilient group did not moderate the associations between daily stress or affect on cortisol diurnal slope. Instead, both the Resilient and Vulnerable groups with early family risk, showed a steeper diurnal slope unique to higher stress and a flatter slope unique to higher negative affect. Results suggest that riskier early family life was significantly associated with altered cortisol diurnal slope outcomes to stress (i.e., demand) and negative affect (i.e., distress). These associations were not attenuated by current resilience capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is the current first-line treatment for metastatic melanoma, it is effective for ~ 52% of patients and has dangerous side effects. The objective here was to identify the feasibility and mechanism of RAS/RAF/PI3K pathway inhibition in melanoma to sensitize tumors to ICB therapy. Methods: Rigosertib (RGS) is a non-ATP-competitive small molecule RAS mimetic. RGS monotherapy or in combination therapy with ICB were investigated using immunocompetent mouse models of BRAFwt and BRAFmut melanoma and analyzed in reference to patient data. Results: RGS treatment (300 mg/kg) was well tolerated in mice and resulted in ~ 50% inhibition of tumor growth as monotherapy and ~ 70% inhibition in combination with αPD1 + αCTLA4. RGS-induced tumor growth inhibition depends on CD40 upregulation in melanoma cells followed by immunogenic cell death, leading to enriched dendritic cells and activated T cells in the tumor microenvironment. The RGS-initiated tumor suppression was partially reversed by either knockdown of CD40 expression in melanoma cells or depletion of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells. Treatment with either dabrafenib and trametinib or with RGS, increased CD40+SOX10+ melanoma cells in the tumors of melanoma patients and patient-derived xenografts. High CD40 expression level correlates with beneficial T-cell responses and better survival in a TCGA dataset from melanoma patients. Expression of CD40 by melanoma cells is associated with therapeutic response to RAF/MEK inhibition and ICB. Conclusions: Our data support the therapeutic use of RGS + αPD1 + αCTLA4 in RAS/RAF/PI3K pathway-activated melanomas and point to the need for clinical trials of RGS + ICB for melanoma patients who do not respond to ICB alone. Trial registration: NCT01205815 (Sept 17, 2010). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: CD40 expression correlates with the type I anti-tumor response and better survival. Pan-cancer bioinformatics characterization reveals reduced CD40 expression in 11 cancer types, including RASmut melanoma compared to nevi. RAS mutation correlates with reduced CD40 expression in malignant melanoma. CD40 expression is associated with better response to immune checkpoint blockade therapy in melanoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To develop and validate an accelerated free-breathing 3D whole-heart magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) technique using a radial k-space trajectory with compressed sensing and curvelet transform. A 3D radial phyllotaxis trajectory was implemented to traverse the centerline of k-space immediately before the segmented whole-heart MRA data acquisition at each cardiac cycle. The k-space centerlines were used to correct the respiratory-induced heart motion in the acquired MRA data. The corrected MRA data were then reconstructed by a novel compressed sensing algorithm using curvelets as the sparsifying domain. The proposed 3D whole-heart MRA technique (radial CS curvelet) was then prospectively validated against compressed sensing with a conventional wavelet transform (radial CS wavelet) and a standard Cartesian acquisition in terms of scan time and border sharpness. Fifteen patients (females 10, median age 34-year-old) underwent 3D whole-heart MRA imaging using a standard Cartesian trajectory and our proposed radial phyllotaxis trajectory. Scan time for radial phyllotaxis was significantly shorter than Cartesian (4.88 ± 0.86 min. vs. 6.84 ± 1.79 min., P -value = 0.004). Radial CS curvelet border sharpness was slightly lower than Cartesian and, for the majority of vessels, was significantly better than radial CS wavelet (P -value < 0.050). The proposed technique of 3D whole-heart MRA acquisition with a radial CS curvelet has a shorter scan time and slightly lower vessel sharpness compared to the Cartesian acquisition with radial profile ordering, and has slightly better sharpness than radial CS wavelet. Future work on this technique includes additional clinical trials and extending this technique to 3D cine imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Negative photoconductive phototransistors, referring to transistors that exhibit a decrease in photocurrent under illumination, have the potential to revolutionize optoelectronic applications involving light, such as optoelectronic logic circuits and visual neural simulation. Currently, achieving negative photoconductivity (NPC) requires complex material design or interface structure construction. However, achieving precise control over NPC behaviors poses a significant challenge. Herein, a simple yet effective strategy is demonstrated for realizing controllable NPC responses in organic phototransistors through ambipolar transport modulation. Due to the controversy between the preferred exciton dissociation/charge separation direction and the gate electric field driven charge drift direction, the main semiconductor channel (n‐ or p‐channel) exhibits NPC behavior under illumination. The validity of this mechanism has been confirmed through intensive studies by varying the component and combination of the p‐n heterostructure. Moreover, devices utilizing ambipolar transport exhibit a wavelength‐selectivity NPC response due to the absorption characteristics of the combined semiconductor materials. Most encouragingly, by incorporating both negative and positve photoconductivity along with wavelength‐selective responses, high‐contrast image sensing, information encryption and decryption, as well as optoelectronic logic circuit design is successfully achieved. This work promotes the design and development of bidirectional optoelectronic devices and offers a new route for developing attractive multifunctional optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) are commonly used first-line drugs for treating cerebral thrombosis and stroke in China. However, the synchronized and targeted delivery of active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) poses a significant challenge for modern TCM formulations. Methods: Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was modified using 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC), an analog of acetylcholine, and subsequently adsorbed the major PNS onto the modified albumin to produce MPC-BSA@PNS nanoparticles (NPs). This novel delivery system facilitated efficient and synchronized transport of PNS across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) through active transport mediated by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Results: In vitro experiments demonstrated that the transport rates of R1, Rg1, Rb1, and Rd across the BBB were relatively synchronous in MPC-BSA@PNS NPs compared to those in the PNS solution. Additionally, animal experiments revealed that the brain-targeting efficiencies of R1 + Rg1 + Rb1 in MPC-BSA@PNS NPs were 2.02 and 7.73 times higher than those in BSA@PNS NPs and the free PNS group, respectively. Conclusions: This study presents a simple and feasible approach for achieving the targeted delivery of complex active ingredient clusters in TCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CD40 is a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily of receptors expressed on a variety of cell types. The CD40–CD40L interaction gives rise to many immune events, including the licensing of dendritic cells to activate CD8+ effector T cells, as well as the facilitation of B cell activation, proliferation, and differentiation. In malignant cells, the expression of CD40 varies among cancer types, mediating cellular proliferation, apoptosis, survival and the secretion of cytokines and chemokines. Agonistic human anti-CD40 antibodies are emerging as an option for cancer treatment, and early-phase clinical trials explored its monotherapy or combination with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immune checkpoint blockade, and other immunomodulatory approaches. In this review, we present the current understanding of the mechanism of action for CD40, along with results from the clinical development of agonistic human CD40 antibodies in cancer treatment (selicrelumab, CDX-1140, APX005M, mitazalimab, 2141-V11, SEA-CD40, LVGN7409, and bispecific antibodies). This review also examines the safety profile of CD40 agonists in both preclinical and clinical settings, highlighting optimized dosage levels, potential adverse effects, and strategies to mitigate them. [Display omitted] • CD40L-CD40 signaling plays an intricate role in regulation of immune and malignant cells in the tumor microenvironment. • CD40 is linked to both biological and immunological functions. • Preclinical studies and clinical development of CD40 agonism therapies underscore its significance in cancer treatment. • Careful management of dosage optimization and adverse effects is crucial for future design of CD40 agonism cancer therapy. • Cytokine therapies, RAS/RAF/PI3K pathway targeted therapies, and CART therapies can potentially be incorporated with CD40 agonism therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal barrier coating obtained by atmospheric plasma spraying (APS TBCs) has a distinct lamellar microstructure, in which the splats discontinuous interfaces running parallel to the metal/ceramic interface contribute largely to the reduction in the effective thermal conductivity of APS TBCs. The dependency of such contribution on the topological structure of the interface discontinuity is investigated in the present work. Firstly, the concept of discontinuity of splats interfaces was defined to quantify the splats discontinuous interfaces revealed by microscopic observations. Then, the microstructure model with a random distribution of discontinuous interfaces was established by utilizing the finite element simulation method to investigate the effect of interlayer discontinuity on thermal conductivity of the APS TBCs. Finally, an optimal topological structure of the interface discontinuity was found to be responsible for the lowest effective thermal conductivity of the APS TBCs and typical parametrical tendencies demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a method for retrieving the line charge density and the current of a downward leader based on ground observations of lightning images and electric field changes was proposed and examined. The method was then applied to two downward negative leaders in a rocket-triggered lightning discharge with measurements of broadband interferometric images and electric field changes at close distance. Only the descending channel portion between about 900–400 m high of the two leaders were analyzed, where the channel was in free air rather than the trace of triggering wire. The line charge density for both leaders showed a general increasing trend with a big impulsive change around 500 m high, as the leaders moved downward, which was in good agreement with the prediction of existing downward leader models. The range of the line charge density was similar for the two leaders (−0.03 to −0.32 mC/m and −0.02 to −0.33 mC/m, respectively). The impulsive change of the line charge density was corresponding to a sharp turn of the leader channel around 500 m high, which may imply that the sharp turn of the leader channel was probably associated with a pre-existing local positive space charge pocket. The estimated leader currents for two leaders (−20 to −315 A and −77 to −541 A, respectively) were also in good agreement with independent estimations in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both cholesterol and oxidized cholesterol (OXC) are present in human diets. The incidence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) is increasing in the world. The present study was to investigate the mechanism by which OXC promotes colitis using C57BL/6 mice as a model. Results shown that more severe colitis was developed in OXC-treated mice with the administration of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in water. Direct effects of short-term OXC exposure on gut barrier or inflammation were not observed in healthy mice. However, OXC exposure could cause gut microbiota dysbiosis with a decrease in the relative abundance of short-train fatty acids (SCFAs)-producing bacteria (Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Blautia) and an increase in the abundance of some potential harmful bacteria (Bacteroides). OXC-induced symptoms of colitis were eliminated when mice were administered with antibiotic cocktails, indicating the promoting effect of OXC on DSS-induced colitis was mediated by its effect on gut microbiota. Moreover, bacteria-depleted mice colonized with gut microbiome from OXC-DSS-exposed mice exhibited a severe colitis, further proving the gut dysbiosis caused by OXC exposure was the culprit in exacerbating the colitis. It was concluded that dietary OXC exposure increased the susceptibility of colitis in mice by causing gut microbiota dysbiosis. [Display omitted] • Oxidized cholesterol (OXC) exists in human diet. • Short-term oral exposure of OXC exacerbated chemical-induced colitis in mice. • Gut microbiota composition in healthy mice was altered with OXC. • OXC caused a decrease in beneficial bacteria and short-chain fatty acids and an increase in pro-inflammatory bacteria. • Fecal microbiota transplantation experiments proved OXC aggravated colitis in mice was mediated by gut microbiota dysbiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Cold-set emulsion gels were fabricated from oil droplets coated by mixed proteins: whey protein and lactoferrin. The impact of protein composition, droplet concentration, pH, and ionic strength on the microstructure, texture, and stability of the cold-set emulsion gels was determined. Protein composition had a major influence on gel strength, with the strongest emulsion gels being formed at an optimized protein composition (0.5 wt% whey protein and 1.5 wt% lactoferrin). The storage modulus of the emulsion gels increased from 149 to 1590 Pa as the droplet concentration increased from 10 to 40 wt%. The gel strength could also be modulated by adjusting pH, with the strongest gels being formed at pH = 6.5, where the net charge on the droplets was neutral. Increasing the ionic strength weakened the electrostatic interactions, which inhibited droplet aggregation and led to a decrease in gel strength. These results may be useful for designing cold-set emulsion gels with rheological properties that can be tailored for specific commercial products. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Cold-set emulsion gels were fabricated from mixed proteins without heating. • The properties of emulsion gels depended on protein composition and pH. • The addition of NaCl disrupted the cold-set emulsion gel structure. • Stronger gel strength were obtained with an increase in oil content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The solid solutions comprising amorphous conjugated polymer PCDTBT and different fullerene derivatives, i.e. crystalline PC 71 BM and amorphous NC 60 BA, have been investigated. It is found that the solid solution based on NC 60 BA could produce more hole carriers at the room temperature due to a smaller activation energy from trap state to free carriers compared to that based on PC 71 BM. A higher hole carrier density could effectively fill traps and reduce the recombination loss during charge transport process. The solid solution based on PC 71 BM shows enhanced exciton dissociation probability at the solid solution/C 60 heterojunction interfaces. With combining the advantages of both the solid solutions, a small amount of amorphous NC 60 BA was introduced into the PCDTBT:PC 71 BM bulk heterojunction structure and the ternary BHJ PSCs composed of PCDTBT, PC 71 BM and NC 60 BA were fabricated. The ternary PSCs display outstanding photovoltaic performance compared to the binary PCDTBT:PC 71 BM bulk heterojunction PSCs. Graphical abstract With the same device structure, the ternary polymer solar cells based on the PCDTBT:NC 60 BA:PC 71 BM blend demonstrate much better photovoltaic performance than the binary PCDTBT:PC 71 BM blend solar cells. Image Highlights • The electrical and photovoltaic characteristic between the PCDTBT:NC 60 BA and PCDTBT:PC 71 BM solid solution are different. • The carrier density in PCDTBT:NC 60 BA solid solution is higher than that in PCDTBT:PC 71 BM solid solution. • The measured activation energy in PCDTBT:NC 60 BA solid solution is smaller than that in PCDTBT:PC 71 BM solid solution. • The ternary PSCs based on PCDTBT:NC 60 BA:PC 71 BM blend show superior photovoltaic performance to the binary PCDTBT:PC 71 BM PSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The solid solution phenomenon in the amorphous PCDTBT:PC 71 BM blend was investigated. It has been disclosed that the PCDTBT:PC 71 BM blend with less than 20% PC 71 BM may form a kind of solid solution structure, which demonstrates a deeper HOMO level, a higher hole mobility, more free charges and less trap density than those of the pure PCDTBT film. It may well explain why the typical PCDTBT:PC 71 BM bulk heterojunction solar cells require higher PC 71 BM ratio to achieve a high power conversion efficiency. In that case, a portion of PC 71 BM is well intermixed with PCDTBT to form a solid solution phase and others form a pure PC 71 BM phase. It is the PCDTBT:PC 71 BM solid solution but not the pure PCDTBT to serve as the donor phases and to form interpenetrating networks with PC 71 BM phases. The PCDTBT:PC 71 BM solid solution phases favor to increase the V OC and enhance the charge collection leading to a high photovoltaic performance for the PCDTBT:PC 71 BM bulk heterojunction solar cells. Graphical abstract The PCDTBT:PC 71 BM blend with less than 20% PC 71 BM may form a kind of solid solution structure, which demonstrates a deeper HOMO level, a higher hole mobility, more free charges and less trap density than those of the pure PCDTBT film. A graphical schematic illustrates the interpenetrating networks composed of the solid solution and PC 71 BM in a practical PCDTBT:PC 71 BM BHJ solar cells. Image Highlights • The existence of the solid solution comprising of PCDTBT and PC 71 BM was confirmed by UPS and CV measurement. • Electric characteristics of the solid solution was studied by the FET and the varied temperature conductivity measurement. • The difference of photovoltaic characteristics between pure PCDTBT and the solid solution were compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of inclusion size and chemical composition on acicular ferrite (AF) nucleation and possible nucleation mechanisms were discussed. With the use of low-carbon structure steel containing 13 ppm Mg, the chemical composition and size of inclusions were quantified by scanning electron microscopy combined with an energy dispersive spectroscopy system. Results showed that the complex inclusions MgO-MnS and MgO-Al 2 O 3 -MnS are the most effective inclusions for inducing AF nucleation in Mg-containing A36, and their probabilities of AF nucleation are 35.8% and 41.4%, respectively. Moreover, the inclusion size in the range of 1–2 μm exhibits the most remarkable ability to induce AF formation. AF nucleates at the interface of MgO and MgO-Al 2 O 3 because of the low lattice misfit with AF. Complex inclusions, such as MgO-MnS and MgO-Al 2 O 3 -MnS, present a better ability of inducing AF formation than that of MnS due to the Mn-depleted zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: This study examined pathological quality‐of‐surgery indicators in laparoscopic and open rectal cancer resection specimens. Methods: Retrospective analysis of consecutive, prospectively recorded laparoscopic (LR) or open (OR) resections for rectal cancer. Indicators included integrity of the perirectal fascial envelope, circumferential margin clearance, lymph node yield and distal margin clearance. Results: Between January 2007 and December 2013, 168 LR and 189 OR were performed. Univariate analysis showed that the presence of tumor within 1 mm of the circumferential margin was lower in LR (13/168 vs 28/189 cases, P = 0.039) as was a distal margin of clearance of < 1 cm (3/165 vs 12/186, P = 0.032). There was no difference in the surgical disruption of the fascial envelope (P = 0.091) or the percentage of specimens with a lymph node yield < 12 (P = 0.576) between the LR and OR groups. Multivariate analysis did not reveal any significant differences in pathological outcomes. Conclusion: With careful case selection, laparoscopic surgery has similar pathological outcomes to open surgery for rectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tips of large horizontal-axis wind turbines can easily reach high speeds, thus raising the concern that compressibility effects may influence turbine wakes and ultimately power production. All past studies have assumed that these effects are negligible. Compressibility effects are assessed here in terms of blade aerodynamic properties and variable density separately. Using the Blade Element Momentum (BEM) method, we find that under normal operating conditions (i.e., wind speed  < ∼ 15 m s −1 and tip speed ratio TSR  < ∼ 12 ) aerodynamic corrections to the lift and drag coefficients of the blades have a minimal impact, thus the incompressible coefficients are adequate. To assess the variable-density effects, numerical simulations of a single turbine and two aligned turbines, modeled via the actuator line model with the default aerodynamic coefficients, are conducted using both the traditional incompressible and a compressible framework. The flow field around the single turbine and its power performance are affected by compressibility and both show a strong dependency on TSR. Wind speed and turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) differences between compressible and incompressible results origin from the rotor tip region but then impact the entire wind turbine wake. Power production is lower by 8% under normal operating conditions (TSR ∼ 8) and 20% lower for TSR ∼ 12 due to compressibility effects. When a second turbine is added, the front turbine experiences similar effects as the single-turbine case, but TKE differences are enhanced while wind speed differences are reduced after the second turbine in the overlapping wakes. These findings suggest that compressibility effects play a more important role than previously thought on power production and, due to the acceptable additional computational cost of the compressible simulations, should be taken into account in future wind farm studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interlaminar damages were investigated on the carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite laminate under laser irradiation. Firstly, the laminated T700/BA9916 composites were exposed to continuous wave laser irradiation. Then, the interface cracking patterns of such composite laminates were examined by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Finally, the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was performed to compute the interface stress of the laminates under laser irradiation. And the effects of the laser parameters on the interlaminar damage were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emotional reactivity predicts poor health and psychopathology. Despite its theoretical importance, little research has tested whether coping predicts emotional reactivity to stressors. We analyse three studies to test this hypothesis for negative (NA) and positive affect (PA) reactivity to daily stressors. 422 Participants (72.5 % females, M age = 22.79 ± 5.36) came from three longitudinal, ecological momentary assessment (EMA) studies across 7–15 days (ACES N = 190; DESTRESS N = 134; SHS N = 98). Coping was measured at baseline. NA, PA, and daily stressors were assessed via EMA. Mixed effects linear models tested whether coping predicted NA and PA reactivity, defined as their slope on within- and between-person daily stressors. Behavioural disengagement and mental disengagement coping predicted greater within-person NA reactivity across all studies (all p <.01, all f 2 = 0.01). Denial coping predicted greater within-person NA reactivity in ACES and DESTRESS (both p <.01, f 2 from 0.02‐0.03) and between-person in ACES and SHS (both p <.01, f 2 from 0.02 to 0.03). For approach-oriented coping, only active planning coping predicted lower within-person NA reactivity and only in DESTRESS (p <.01, f 2 = 0.02). Coping did not predict PA reactivity (all p >.05). Our findings cannot be generalised to children or older adults. Emotional reactivity to daily stressors may differ from severe or traumatic stressors. Although data were longitudinal, the observational design precludes establishing causality. Avoidance-oriented coping strategies predicted greater NA reactivity to daily stressors with small effect sizes. Few and inconsistent results emerged for approach-oriented coping and PA reactivity. Clinically, our results suggest that reducing reliance on avoidance-oriented coping may reduce NA reactivity to daily stressors. • Emotional reactivity to stressors was measured with ecological momentary assessment. • Avoidance-oriented coping predicted greater negative affect reactivity in 3 studies. • Active planning coping predicted lower negative affect reactivity in 1 study. • No coping strategy predicted positive affect reactivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Our study demonstrates a novel strategy for the ultrathin ALD-Al 2 O 3 film depositing onto polyethylene terephthalate via polydopamine modification (PDA@PET). • Earlier nucleation, more consecutive growth, and more conformal film are observed during the ALD onto PDA@PET. • The presence of the PDA layer narrowed the region of TMA infiltration into the PET, resulting in the formation of a conformal film on the surface. • An ultrathin ALD-Al 2 O 3 film on PDA@PET shows excellent water vapor blocking performance. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) has drawn considerable attention recently for depositing functional films on polymers. However, most polymers are inert and thermally fragile, thus posing many challenges during deposition. This study presents a novel strategy for ALD of an ultrathin Al 2 O 3 film on alkali-treated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) via polydopamine (PDA) modification. The tightly adherent PDA layer exhibited numerous robust active sites (phenolic hydroxyl groups), which are highly desirable for precursor chemisorption during ALD. The modification process was systematically characterized. The PET substrate showed many active sites and a smooth surface after 24 h of PDA deposition. The island growth mode was found during the ALD of an Al 2 O 3 film on the samples. The PDA layer absorbed a large quantity of the precursor (trimethylaluminum [TMA]) during the initial deposition, contributing to the early nucleation and continuous growth of the Al 2 O 3 film. In addition, the presence of the PDA layer narrowed the region of TMA infiltration into the PET, resulting in the formation of a conformal film on the surface. Transmission electron microscopy indicated that an Al 2 O 3 film with a thickness of about 10 nm was formed on the PDA-modified PET substrate after 100 ALD cycles, and exhibited excellent water vapor blocking characteristics. These findings suggest that the added PDA layer has tremendous potential to act as a bonding layer between polymers and ALD functional films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer solar cells (PSCs) based on the PBDTTT-EFT (polymer donor):N2200 (polymer acceptor) blend have been fabricated with the active layer processed with various solvents including o -dichlorobenzene ( o -DCB), chlorobenzene (CB), chloroform (CF), and CF: p -xylene (PX) mixed solvent. A highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.37% is achieved with the active layer processed with CF:PX mixed solvent. The dependence of short-circuit current density ( J SC ) on incident light intensity indicates that the charge recombination is to some extent suppressed in the device with the active layer processed with the CF:PX mixed solvent and results in an enhanced J SC . Morphology studies disclosed that the domains are preferential face-on orientation in the active layers processed with o -DCB, CB and CF, while it shows a combined face-on and edge-on orientation in CF:PX-processed film. The long-lived trap-assisted charge recombination originated from the active layer morphological variance has been focused on and investigated. And the nanosecond transient absorption experiment further demonstrated that the PBDTTT-EFT:N2200 film processed with o -DCB shows obvious long-lived trap-assisted charge recombination, while the trap-assisted charge recombination is effectively suppressed in the PBDTTT-EFT:N2200 film processed with CF:PX mixed solvent. This implies that deep localized traps correlated with the PBDTTT-EFT:N2200 morphology are reduced by using the CF:PX mixed solvent to process the active layer. In addition, the domains with a mixed orientation in the active layer may also enhance the three-dimensional charge transport and hence improve the charge-collection efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is a general consensus that oocyte quality is the key to embryo survival in pig reproduction. Thus, study on regulation of the ovary-associated gene is of great significance in pig breeding. Peptidylarginine deiminases (PADs) are a family of enzymes which catalyze the conversion of arginine to citrulline in proteins. The peptidylarginine deiminases type VI gene ( PADI6 ) is mainly expressed in the ovary, and plays an important role in oocyte growth, fertilization and early embryo development. However, until now, little is known about its transcriptional regulation mechanism. Here, we firstly isolated and characterized the 5′-flanking region of porcine PADI6 gene. We determined the transcription start site using 5′-rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) analysis, and identified the minimal promoter (− 85/+68) that drove the basal expression of PADI6 by constructing various progressive deletions. Mutational analysis and electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated Sp1 bound to the − 56/− 47 region of the PADI6 promoter. Furthermore, overexpression of Sp1 significantly increased the promoter activity and promoted PADI6 gene expression, and accordingly, inhibition of Sp1 expression with specific siRNA significantly reduced the promoter activity and suppressed the PADI6 expression. In addition, inhibition of Sp1 binding by Mithramycin A treatment reduced the transcriptional activity of PADI6 in a dose-dependent manner. Taken together, these data indicate that Sp1 is essential for the transcriptional regulation of PADI6 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Hong Kong, the general view still follows the biomedical discourse to define aging. The government and leading gerontologists follow the prevailing representation of elderly and describe growing old as a process of becoming "frail, infirm, and vulnerable" (Fealy et al., 2012: 91). Discussions of demographic trends often focus on the drastic effects of an aging society on economic development. Our research indicates that Hong Kong's construction of aging is a product of its market-driven economy. Drawing from the life stories of eight participants born in the 1930s,we examine themeaning of aging and the formation of character in a specific historical context, adopting the life-course perspective. We wish to understand how larger movements in the social and political world shaped the experiences of the participants and the strategies they developed to maintain agency and control in life. The participants in our study struggled for survival through unprecedented political disasters and social turmoil in their youth. When they reached maturity in the 1960s and 1970s, they devoted themselves to bettering their lives and contributed to the economic boom of the city. We maintain that the biomedical model offers a reductive and unjust means of viewing the people in this cohort, who are often seen as a problem and a burden. Challenging the prevailing ageist attitude, we set the life stories of the participants against the dominant biomedical model of aging. Our work aims to establish a just description of the life experiences of Hong Kong people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Tea catechins have been shown to have beneficial effects on the alleviation of obesity, the prevention of diabetes, and the amelioration of metabolic syndrome. The purpose of the present work is to explore the underlying mechanisms linking the intestinal microbiota and anti‐obesity benefits of green tea, oolong tea, and black tea catechins in C57BL/6J mice fed with a high‐fat diet (HFD). RESULTS: The results indicated that, after the dietary intake of three tea catechins, obesity and low‐grade inflammation were significantly alleviated. Hepatic steatosis was prevented, and this was accompanied by the upregulation of the mRNA and protein expressions of hepatic peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPARα). Metagenomic analysis of fecal samples suggested that the three tea catechins similarly changed the microbiota in terms of overall structure, composition, and protein functions by regulating the metabolites, facilitating the generation of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and repressing lipopolysaccharides. CONCLUSION: The anti‐obese properties of three tea catechins were partially mediated by their positive effect on gut microbiota, hepatic steatosis alleviation, and anti‐inflammatory activity. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the soft soil reinforcement under vacuum preloading, the plastic drainage board is convenient for construction, has stable quality, and can be mass production, etc., it is usually used as vertical drainage channel of vacuum preloading technology. However its filter fabrics have wide varieties and great difference of performance. To explore the influence of different filter fabrics to vacuum preloading, we designed single well model test to study three kind filter fabrics. The results show that the seepage path is shorter, the soil pore and filter fabrics are smoother the effect of vacuum improve soft foundation is better. The filter fabrics with bigger aperture have strong ability to resist siltation so the effect of disposing soft soil is better. The filter fabrics whose fibers are strong can resist mechanical deformation and soft foundation improved well. During the test, the soil next to the vertical drainage channel run away and the aperture is bigger the distance is shorter the greater the loss of soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nb-doped TiO2 ( TNO) films, which are highly conductive and transparent, can be used as transparent conductive oxide ( TCO) films. A predominant manufacturing method for TCO film is magnetron sputtering, and the material of the sputtering target affects the performance of the film. The objective of this study was to investigate the sintering densification, microstructure, and electrical properties of TNO and TiO2 sputtering targets. The results showed that the segregation of Nb at the grain boundary in TNO helps to facilitate densification and inhibit grain growth. After 1200°C sintering, the sintered density of TNO target achieves almost 100% of the theoretical density. Moreover, the Nb2 O5 additive greatly improves the electrical properties, decreasing the resistivity of TiO2 from >108 Ωcm to 4.6 × 101 Ωcm. Correlations between TNO sputtering target investigated in this study and TNO sputtered film reported in the literature are also preliminarily established. The resistivity of TNO film with an anatase structure is obviously lower than that of TNO target with a rutile structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With rapidly advancing computer technology, the demand for color images is growing with time for both quantity and quality, especially for various display panels. The purpose of this paper is to develop color calibration methods with hardware and software compensations for a surrounding true-color LED display system to enhance the performance of the true-color image display. To have an even LED lighting-time control and a linear relationship between RGB input value and output luminance, pulsewidth modulation driving schemes are employed in driving LED display. The color calibration techniques also include gamma correction for gradation of the luminance, compensation for the RGB input values on the basis of LED white point, and weighting filter to eliminate the interference from the adjacent LEDs. The experimental results indicate that the color-calibrated LED display system offers a very wide color gamut, and gives a great enhancement in color saturation and brilliance. For the color-calibrated LED display system, the display quality is obviously improved, and it exhibits a colorful and saturated color display. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The perovskites used for optoelectronic devices have been more attractive during recent years due to their wide variety of advantages, such as their low cost, high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY), high carrier mobility, flexible bandgap tunability, and high light absorption ability. However, optoelectronic applications for traditional inorganic and organic materials present dilemmas due to their hardly tunable bandgap and instability. On the other hand, there are some more important benefits for perovskite nanocrystals, such as a size-dependent bandgap and the availability of anion exchange at room temperature. Therefore, perovskite NC-based applications are currently favored, offering a research direction beyond perovskite, and much research has focused on the stability issue and device performance. Thus, the synthesis and applications of perovskite NCs need to be thoroughly discussed for the future development of solar cells, light-emitting diodes, photodetectors, and laser research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A plasmonic infrared photodetector with narrow bandwidth infrared absorption was investigated. The structure is constructed by a hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) film covered on a patterned Au layer consisting of the Au disk resonators and Au interdigitated electrodes on an Al2O3/Au substrate. This device exhibited narrow bandwidth infrared absorption corresponded to the localized surface plasmon resonance in the Au-disk/Al2O3/Au tri-layers resonators. The absorption of infrared energy heats up the top hydrogenated amorphous silicon film and reduces the film resistance which can be detected. The optical and electrical characteristics of the photodetector were studied. It was founded that the peak responsivities appeared at the wavelength which coincided with the localized surface plasmon resonance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence accumulated over the last decade has shown that allopolyploid genomes may undergo complex reticulate evolution. In this study, 13 accessions of tetraploid Elymus pendulinus were analyzed using two low-copy nuclear genes ( RPB2 and PepC) and two regions of chloroplast genome ( Rps16 and trnD-trnT). Previous studies suggested that Pseudoroegneria ( St) and an unknown diploid ( Y) were genome donors to E. pendulinus, and that Pseudoroegneria was the maternal donor. Our results revealed an extreme reticulate pattern, with at least four distinct gene lineages coexisting within this species that might be acquired through a possible combination of allotetraploidization and introgression from both within and outside the tribe Hordeeae. Chloroplast DNA data identified two potential maternal genome donors ( Pseudoroegneria and an unknown species outside Hordeeae) to E. pendulinus. Nuclear gene data indicated that both Pseudoroegneria and an unknown Y diploid have contributed to the nuclear genome of E. pendulinus, in agreement with cytogenetic data. However, unexpected contributions from Hordeum and unknown aliens from within or outside Hordeeae to E. pendulinus without genome duplication were observed. Elymus pendulinus provides a remarkable instance of the previously unsuspected chimerical nature of some plant genomes and the resulting phylogenetic complexity produced by multiple historical reticulation events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Both RPB2 and PGK1 data supported that E. ciliairs has multiple origins. [•] The St genome in E. ciliaris species has a complex evolutionary history. [•] Both RPB2 and PGK1 data suggested the absence of St genome in accession PI 377532. [•] cpDNA RPS16 clearly indicated St species as maternal of the accession PI 377532. [•] Two lineages of St genome present in E. ciliaris species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The solubilities of CO2 in aqueous diethylenetriamine/piperazine were measured. [•] Measurements were performed at temperatures (313.2 to 353.2)K and pressures up to 900kPa. [•] Solubilities of CO2 in the studied systems were found higher than in typical amine solvents. [•] A modified Kent Eisenberg model was used to correlate the obtained solubility data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Daily activities are associated with affective experiences. A 24-h day can be separated into five mutually exclusive activity types: sleep, awake in bed, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light-intensity physical activity (LIPA), and sedentary behavior (SB). Most research has examined these activities independently and not collectively, yet increased time in one activity must be offset by decreasing other activities. Using compositional isotemporal substitution analyses, this study examined the associations between time spent in daily activities and affect, including both high and low arousal positive and negative affect. Method: Across three separate studies, daily activities and affect were measured throughout 7–15 days (Mdays = 10) in 361 healthy community adults (72.5% females, Mage = 22.79 years). Activities were objectively assessed using accelerometry and self-reported affect was assessed using repeated ecological momentary assessments. Minutes spent in each activity and affect values across the three studies were averaged for each participant. Results: Longer sleep duration at the expense of time awake in bed was associated with lower high arousal negative affect (e.g., nervousness, b = − 0.24, p =.007). More MVPA at the expense of LIPA or SB was associated with higher high arousal positive affect (e.g., happiness, b = 0.35, p =.027). Activity composition was not associated with low arousal positive or negative affect (all p ≥.06). Conclusion: Associations between 24-h activity composition and affect differed based on types of activities, types of affect, and the interrelationships between activities within the composition. Findings can aid interventions to develop integrated guidance on the optimal activity patterns for mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The electrodeposition behavior and material properties of the Ni–P alloy coatings produced in emulsified supercritical CO2 (sc-CO2) bath with different surfactants (dodecyl octaethylene glycol ether (C12EO8) and a commercial fluorosurfactant) were investigated. The formation of holes or voids which is normally found in conventional aqueous coating could be avoided if the electrodeposition was conducted in the emulsified sc-CO2 bath with proper addition of surfactant, but with the sacrifice of current efficiency. At a lower concentration of surfactant addition, the experimental results showed that fluorosurfactant was more effective than C12EO8 in reducing the surface roughness and void formation in the coating. A significant increase in micro-hardness of the Ni–P coating was observed if it was electrodeposited in the emulsified sc-CO2 bath as compared with that formed at conventional aqueous bath. The wear rate of the Ni–P coating formed in the emulsified sc-CO2 bath was relatively lower with fluorosurfactant as the surfactant than that with C12EO8. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We examined evolutionary mechanisms in the tetraploid Elymus caninus by comparing the phylogenetic relationships of 21 accessions suggested by sequence data from two single copy nuclear genes, the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB2) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (pepC), and one non-coding chloroplast region, TrnD/T. Elymus caninus is known combining two different genomes, an St genome and an H genome. Data from two single copy nuclear genes showed that there are two versions of the St genome in the species, St1 and St2. Most accessions combined one of these versions with an H genome version but two accessions had both versions of the St sequence for RPB2. This suggests that the RPB2gene may have been duplicated without chromosome doubling, possibly induced by transposable element. Our data also indicate that the H genome sequences in E. caninus have multiple origins, and a close phylogenetic relationship between Hordeum bogdanii and H sequences in some accessions of E. caninus. Thus, it is more likely that H. bogdanii is one of the major donors of the H copy in E. caninus. The maternal origin of E. caninus is the St genome species. There was no correlation between the geographic origin of the accessions and their sequence divergence. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Since the steam methane reforming usually increases thetemperatureof stream and concentration of CO2, this work introducesa CO2reformer that can produce syngas by consuming CH4and CO2. In the proposed configuration, a CO2reformer is directly added between the steam methane reforming(SMR) process and a high-temperature shift (HTS) converter. To pursuethe process optimization with respect to maximizing hydrogen productionand minimizing carbon dioxide emission, a nondominated sorting geneticalgorithm-II (NSGA-II) is employed to solve a constrained multiobjectiveoptimization (MOO) problem. Finally, the proposed system configurationwith heat recovery manner is validated by an Aspen HYSYS simulator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The electrodeposition of Ni–P alloy in an emulsified supercritical carbon dioxide (sc-CO2) bath was investigated to explore the effect of H3PO3 concentration (ranging from 0 to 1.6M) on the material characteristics of the deposits. The experimental results showed that the P content in the deposit increased with increasing H3PO3 concentration in the emulsified sc-CO2 bath, while the weight gain of the Ni–P film decreased. At the same concentration of H3PO3, the significant decreases in weight gain and P content of the Ni–P films deposited in the emulsified sc-CO2 bath were found, as compared with that plated in the conventional aqueous electrolyte at ambient pressure. X-ray photoelectron analyses revealed that the carbon-containing Ni–P deposit could be obtained in the bath with the presence of sc-CO2 fluid. Transmission electron microscopy was employed for microstructure analysis. The average grain size of the Ni–P films deposited in the conventional aqueous electrolyte at ambient pressure or in the emulsified sc-CO2 bath varied, depending on the H3PO3 concentration and P content. The Ni–P films deposited from the emulsified sc-CO2 bath had a higher hardness as compared with that formed in conventional electrolyte. The hardness of Ni–P alloy deposited in the emulsified sc-CO2 bath was enhanced by the additional solid solution strengthening mechanism. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nucleotide variation in 8 diploid Pseudoroegneria species was characterized using two single copy nuclear genes, the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB2) and the translation elongation factor G (EF-G), and one chloroplast TrnD/T intergenic region. Among the Pseudoroegneria species studied, the estimates of nucleotide diversity (π) ranged from 0.04577 (RPB2) and 0.00183 (TrnD/T) for Pseudoroegneria tauri to 0.10667 (RPB2), 0.06174 (EF-G) and 0.03743 (TrnD/T) for Pseudoroegneria spicata. The highest nucleotide diversity of the RPB2 data set was found for P. spicata among the taxa analyzed. Our phylogenetic analyses separated the accessions of P. spicata into several groups, with 7 accessions of P. spicata forming a highly supported subclade (BS = 100%, PP = 1.00). The phylogenetic analysis also suggests that P. spicata, Pseudoroegneria gracillima and Pseudoroegneria stipifolia have a closer relationship than the other species within Pseudoroegneria. Pseudoroegneria libanotica and P. tauri were also found to exhibit a high level of sequence homology, however, only nuclear gene data (RPB2 and EF-G) clearly indicated the differentiation between the P. libanotica + P. tauri group with other St genome species. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract  The endophytic fungus Nodulisporium sylviforme produces taxol, a diterpene alkaloid compound that has unique anti-neoplastic activity. In this study, suppression subtractive hybridization was performed to identify genes in N. sylviforme that were involved in the up-regulation of taxol production. A total of 91 clones represented the differentially expressed genes were selected based on reverse blotting results. These clones were then sequenced and analyzed using BLAST-X comparisons that revealed that about 37.8% of the ESTs were homologous to 17 different proteins with known function, 20.7% were homologous to nine hypothetical proteins and the remaining 41.5% had no identifiable homology; these may be novel genes. Two enzymatic genes involved in taxol production were found. The data presented in this study provide the first primary overview of a set of genes that are differentially expressed in N. sylviforme during taxol biosynthesis and form a solid foundation for the construction of high taxol-yielding genetically engineered strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When women from mainland China are newly arrived in Hong Kong, their first difficulty is usually environmental stress. Their socio-economic situation often limits their ability to express their expectations related to their living space. In order to enable the women to voice their views and become participants in urban planning, our research group adopted interdisciplinary participatory action research, including non-participant observation, in-depth interviews, focus groups, photovoice, visual simulation-modelling workshops, etc. In the process, we asked these newly arrived woman to 1) offer comments on their current living situation; 2) describe clearly their preferred housing environment; and 3) propose suggestions to the Hong Kong Government in respect to housing and neighbourhood planning. This article intends to demonstrate the validity of the use of these methods to promote participatory democracy in the context of an urban living environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a case study on public space furniture design for older persons in Hong Kong. Spatial and temporal dimensions of culture; Use of public space furniture by older persons; Importance for furniture design to cater to physiological, psychological, social and ideological pleasures of users.

We have searched three hot molecular cores for submillimetre emission from the nucleic acid building block pyrimidine. We obtain upper limits to the total pyrimidine (beam-averaged) column densities towards Sgr B2(N), Orion KL and W51 e1/e2 of and , respectively. The associated upper limits to the pyrimidine fractional abundances lie in the range . Implications of this result for interstellar organic chemistry, and for the prospects of detecting nitrogen heterocycles in general, are discussed briefly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]