[Effect of Activated Carbon Addition on the Anaerobic Fermentation of Corn Straw in Mesophilic and Thermophilic Conditions].

In order to improve the methane production and concentration, effect of activated carbon addition on the anaerobic fermentation of corn straw under the conditions of mesophilic temperature (38℃) and thermophilic temperature(50℃) was investigated in this study. The results showed that the addition of activated carbon could significantly promote methane production. Compared with the control group in mesophilic and thermophilic conditions, cumulative methane production could be increased by 63% and 96% in test groups.

[Utilization of Copper (Ⅱ) Wastewater for Enhancing the Treatment of Chromium (Ⅵ) Wastewater in Microbial Fuel Cells].

The effect of copper (Ⅱ) wastewater addition on the treatment of chromium (Ⅵ) wastewater in dual-chamber microbial fuel cells (MFCs) was investigated for different Cr(Ⅵ)/Cu(Ⅱ) concentration ratios (2:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:4) and external resistances (10, 500, 1000, 2000 Ω). The results demonstrated that the addition of Cu(Ⅱ) and Cr(Ⅵ) into the cathode chamber of MFCs could enhance the Cr(Ⅵ) removal efficiency. The Cr(Ⅵ) removal efficiency increased with the increase in the Cr(Ⅵ)/Cu(Ⅱ) concentration ratio.

[Degradation Characteristics and Metabolic Pathway of a Pyrene-Degrading Strain].

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) pose a potential threat to ecosystems due to their mutagenic, carcinogenic, and teratogenic effects. Microbial degradation has been suggested as the best way to remove PAHs from contaminated environments. Screening of bacterial strains capable of efficiently degrading PAHs is the key to the bio-remediation technique.

Carbon-Quantum-Dots-Loaded Ruthenium Nanoparticles as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Production in Alkaline Media.

Highly active, stable, and cheap Pt-free catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are facing increasing demand as a result of their potential use in future energy-conversion systems. However, the development of HER electrocatalysts with Pt-like or even superior activity, in particular ones that can function under alkaline conditions, remains a significant challenge. Here, the synthesis of a novel carbon-loaded ruthenium nanoparticle electrocatalyst (Ru@CQDs) for the HER, using carbon quantum dots (CQDs), is reported.

Expression and purification of the SNX1/SNX6 complex.

The sorting nexin (SNX) family proteins play an essential role in vesicular transport, cell signaling, and membrane remodeling. The SNX members SNX1/2 and SNX5/6 form dimers, and mediate endosome-to-trans Golgi network (TGN) transport through coordinating cargo selection and membrane remodeling. It is well-known how a SNX-BAR protein forms a homodimer; however, it is less clear how a heterodimer is formed.

Interfacial Targeting of Sessile Droplets Using Electrospray.

We report on the use of electrospray atomization to deliver nanoparticles and surfactant directly to the surface of sessile droplets. The particles delivered to the target droplet remained adsorbed at its interface since they arrived solvent-free. Upon complete evaporation, the interface of the target drop was mapped to the underlying substrate, forming a nanoparticle deposit.

Short- and mid-term outcomes of robotic versus laparoscopic distal pancreatosplenectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: A retrospective propensity score-matched study.

Background: Robotic distal pancreatectomy exhibits short-term benefits over laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy. The use of minimal invasive techniques to carry out distal pancreatosplenectomy (DPS) for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains controversial and has not gained popular acceptance. A comparative study was designed to analyze the short- and mid-term outcomes of robotic DPS (RDPS) versus laparoscopic DPS (LDPS) on patients with PDAC.

Placebo treatment facilitates social trust and approach behavior.

Placebo effect refers to beneficial changes induced by the use of inert treatment, such as placebo-induced relief of physical pain and attenuation of negative affect. To date, we know little about whether placebo treatment could facilitate social functioning, a crucial aspect for well-being of a social species. In the present study, we develop and validate a paradigm to induce placebo effects on social trust and approach behavior (social placebo effect), and show robust evidence that placebo treatment promotes trust in others and increases preference for a closer interpersonal distance.

Dynamic changes of Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines and human beta defensin 2 in HIV-infected patients with oral candidiasis during the first year of highly active anti-retroviral therapy.

Objective: To investigate the change of Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines and human beta defensin 2 (HBD-2) in HIV-infected patients with oral candidiasis (OC) and gather information about OC-specific immunity.

Design: During the 1st year of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART), 25 HIV-infected patients were followed up at the baseline, 3rd, 6th, 12th month. At each visit, oral manifestations were examined; oral rinses were collected and cultured for Candida; peripheral venous blood was taken to determine CD4 + T cell counts and HIV RNA viral load (VL); both unstimulated whole saliva and peripheral venous blood were taken to determine cytokine (IL-4, IL-17(A/F), IFN-γ) and HBD-2 levels.

Poly(,-dimethylacrylamide-octadecyl acrylate)-clay hydrogels with high mechanical properties and shape memory ability.

As a type of important intelligent materials, shape memory hydrogels (SMHs) have gathered a lot of interest due to their promising applications. However, preparing SMHs with excellent mechanical properties still remains a big challenge. In this study, a new type of SMHs with excellent mechanical strength is created.

Structure and Dynamics of Stimuli-Responsive Nanoparticle Monolayers at Fluid Interfaces.

Stimuli-responsive nanoparticles at fluid interfaces offer great potential for realizing on-demand and controllable self-assembly that can benefit various applications. Here, we conducted electrostatic dissipative particle dynamics simulations to provide a fundamental understanding of the microstructure and interfacial dynamics of responsive nanoparticle monolayers at a water-oil interface. The model nanoparticle is functionalized with polyelectrolytes to render the pH sensitivity, which permits further manipulation of the monolayer properties.

Optimization of ionic liquids-based microwave-assisted hydrolysis of puerarin and daidzein derivatives from Radix Puerariae Lobatae extract.

Ionic liquids-based microwave-assisted hydrolysis was successfully applied for hydrolysis of puerarin and daidzein derivatives from Radix Puerariae Lobatae extract. The ionic liquids with different cations and anions have been investigated, and [Omim]HSO was selected as catalyst. In addition, the hydrolysis parameters, including catalyst quantity, ionic liquids concentration, microwave power and microwave time, were optimized by Response Surface Methodology.

PmCBFs synthetically affect PmDAM6 by alternative promoter binding and protein complexes towards the dormancy of bud for Prunus mume.

The survival in freezing temperature for woody plants is exclusively dependent on the perception of coldness and induction of dormancy. CBF/DREB1 transcriptional factors join cold-response conduits and the DAM genes, especially PmDAM6, are well-known regulators of dormancy. Despite the immense importance, little is documented on the association between CBF proteins and the complexity of the promoter region in PmDAM6 with the function of bud dormancy in P.

Salivary human beta-defensins affected by oral Candida status in Chinese HIV/AIDS patients undergoing ART.

Objectives: To observe relationships between oral Candida status and salivary human beta-defensin 2 and 3 (hBD-2 and hBD-3) levels in HIV/AIDS patients of Guangxi, China during the first year of antiretroviral therapy (ART) dynamically, and to understand the influence of ART on oral Candida status and salivary hBDs expressions.

Methods: A prospective self-controlled study was carried to observe the dynamic changes of CD4 T cell counts, oral Candida carriages and salivary hBD-2,3 expressions in HIV/AIDS patients during the first year of ART. A total of 90 HIV/AIDS patients were enrolled and were examined at the baseline, 3rd, 6th, 12th month of ART.

Constructions of Unextendible Maximally Entangled Bases in [Formula: see text].

We study unextendible maximally entangled bases (UMEBs) in [Formula: see text] (d < d'). An operational method to construct UMEBs containing d(d' - 1) maximally entangled vectors is established, and two UMEBs in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are given as examples. Furthermore, a systematic way of constructing UMEBs containing d(d' - r) maximally entangled vectors in [Formula: see text] is presented for r = 1, 2, …, d - 1.

Crosstalk of PmCBFs and PmDAMs Based on the Changes of Phytohormones under Seasonal Cold Stress in the Stem of Prunus mume.

Plants facing the seasonal variations always need a growth restraining mechanism when temperatures turn down. C-repeat binding factor () genes work essentially in the cold perception. Despite lots of researches on , the multiple crosstalk is still interesting on their interaction with hormones and dormancy-associated MADS (DAM) genes in the growth and dormancy control.

Kinetically Controlled Two-Step Amorphization and Amorphous-Amorphous Transition in Ice.

We report the results of in situ structural characterization of the amorphization of crystalline ice Ih under compression and the relaxation of high-density amorphous (HDA) ice under decompression at temperatures between 96 and 160 K by synchrotron x-ray diffraction. The results show that ice Ih transforms to an intermediate crystalline phase at 100 K prior to complete amorphization, which is supported by molecular dynamics calculations. The phase transition pathways show clear temperature dependence: direct amorphization without an intermediate phase is observed at 133 K, while at 145 K a direct Ih-to-IX transformation is observed; decompression of HDA shows a transition to low-density amorphous ice at 96 K and ∼1  Pa, to ice Ic at 135 K and to ice IX at 145 K.

Polymer-Passivated Inorganic Cesium Lead Mixed-Halide Perovskites for Stable and Efficient Solar Cells with High Open-Circuit Voltage over 1.3 V.

Cesium-based trihalide perovskites have been demonstrated as promising light absorbers for photovoltaic applications due to their superb composition stability. However, the large energy losses (E ) observed in inorganic perovskite solar cells has become a major hindrance impairing the ultimate efficiency. Here, an effective and reproducible method of modifying the interface between a CsPbI Br absorber and polythiophene hole-acceptor to minimize the E is reported.

Structural and functional insights into sorting nexin 5/6 interaction with bacterial effector IncE.

The endosomal trafficking pathways are essential for many cellular activities. They are also important targets by many intracellular pathogens. Key regulators of the endosomal trafficking include the retromer complex and sorting nexins (SNXs).

Ubiquitination Regulates the Proteasomal Degradation and Nuclear Translocation of the Fat Mass and Obesity-Associated (FTO) Protein.

Genetic polymorphisms in the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene have been strongly associated with obesity in humans. The cellular level of FTO is tightly regulated, with alterations in its expression influencing energy metabolism, food intake and body weight. Although the proteasome system is involved, the cellular mechanism underlying FTO protein turnover remains unknown.

Evaluating the versatility of EEG models generated from motor imagery tasks: An exploratory investigation on upper-limb elbow-centered motor imagery tasks.

Electroencephalography (EEG) has recently been considered for use in rehabilitation of people with motor deficits. EEG data from the motor imagery of different body movements have been used, for instance, as an EEG-based control method to send commands to rehabilitation devices that assist people to perform a variety of different motor tasks. However, it is both time and effort consuming to go through data collection and model training for every rehabilitation task.

Different organic loading rates on the biogas production during the anaerobic digestion of rice straw: A pilot study.

The aim of this work was to investigate the mesophilic methane fermentation of rice straw at different organic loading rates (OLRs) in a 300m bioreactor. It was found that biogas production increased when the OLR was below 2.00kg VS/(m·d).

miR-93-5p/IFNAR1 axis promotes gastric cancer metastasis through activating the STAT3 signaling pathway.

Aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) plays an important role in gastric cancer (GC) development. miR-93-5p has shown opposing functions in different types of cancers, but the exact expression pattern and molecular mechanism of miR-93-5p in GC development remain to be elucidated. Here, we reported that miR-93-5p expression was increased in GC tissues compared with the adjacent normal tissues and that its overexpression was correlated with distant metastasis and poor survival in GC patients.

Effects of different biofilm carriers on biogas production during anaerobic digestion of corn straw.

This study investigated the performance of anaerobic digestion systems using four types of fibrous biofilm carriers, a polypropylene, a polyester, a polyamide, and a polyurethane fiber material. The biogas and methane production, pH, chemical oxygen demand, total solids content, volatile solids content, residual coenzyme F, and microbial community compositions were determined during the experimental runs. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy was employed to identify the microbial consortium and examine their attachment onto the surface of the four fibrous biofilm carriers.

[Cadherin switching induced by P120-catenin can promote the migration and invasion of oral squamous cell cancer cells].

Objective: The main goal is to investigate the role of P120-catenin (P120ctn) in cadherin switching, as well as migration and invasion, of oral squamous cell cancer (OSCC) cells.

Methods: The plasmid pGFP-V-RS-P120ctn shRNA was used to transfect TSCCA cells and significantly reduce the expression of P120ctn in these cells. Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were conducted to determine the mRNA and protein expression levels of P120ctn, E-cadherin (E-cad), and N-cadherin (N-cad).