Enhancement of oxygen reduction activity and stability via introducing acid-resistant refractory Mo and regulating the near-surface Pt content

Although Pt Ni catalyst possesses good oxygen reduction activity, its poor stability is the main obstacle for the commercialization of proton exchange membrane fuel cells(PEMFCs). In this work, we introduce the acid-resistant refractory Mo to enhance the structure stability and modify the electronic structure of Pt in the prepared PtNi catalyst, improving the catalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction(ORR). In addition, near-surface Pt content in the nanoparticle is also optimized to balance the ORR activity and stability. The electrochemical results show that the alloy formed by Mo and Pt Ni is obviously more stable than the PtNi alloy alone, because the acid-resistant Mo and its oxides effectively prevent the dissolution of Pt. Especially, the Pt3 Ni3 MoN/C exhibits the optimal ORR catalytic performance in O2-saturated 0.1 mol L^(-1) HClO4 aqueous solutions, with mass activity(MA) of 900 m A mg^(-1) Pt at 0.90 V vs. RHE, which is 3.75 times enhancement compared with the commercial Pt/C(240 mA mg^(-1) Pt). After 30 k accelerated durability tests, its MA(690 m A mg^(-1) Pt) is still 2.88 times higher than the pristine Pt/C. This study thus provides a valuable method to design stable ORR catalysts with high efficiency and has great significance for the commercialization of PEMFCs.

Role of mitochondria in regulating micro RNA activity and its relevance to the central nervous system

Mitochondria serve as the powerhouse of cells,respond to cellular demands and stressors,and play an essential role in cell signaling,differentiation,and survival.Aberrant mitochondria function has been linked to diverse and complex human diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases,cancers,myopathies,premature aging,and metabolic syndromes（Nunnari and Suomalainen,2012）.

Novel Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Plant-growth Regulation Activity of(1S,4R)-4,7,7-Trimethyl-6-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane-1,4-diol

The title compound,（1S,4R）-4,7,7-trimethyl-6-oxabicyclo [3.2.1] octane-1,4-diol（C（10）H（18）O3）, has been synthesized from terpinolene via one-step catalytic synthetic method and structurally characterized by means of HRMS, IR, 1H-NMR, （13）C-NMR and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The compound crystallizes in trigonal, space group R-3, with a = 27.892（9）, b = 27.892（9）, c = 6.720（2） A, γ = 120°, Z = 18, V = 4527（3） A3, Dc = 1.230 g/cm3, Mr = 186.24, λ（Mo Kα） = 0.71073？, μ = 0.09 mm（-1）, F（000） = 1836, the final R = 0.051 and wR = 0.161. The title compound molecule contained a 6-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane skeleton and two hydroxyl groups, which were connected through intermolecular O–H…O hydrogen bonds to generate a two-dimensional network. Especially, the preliminary bioassay showed that the title compound can promote the root growth and shoot elongation of rape（Brassica campestris） at low concentration（0.62570 mmol·L^-1） and inhibit them at high concentration（〉 70 mmol·L^-1）.

Synthesis and plant-growth regulatory activities of novel imine derivatives containing 1H-1,2,4-triazole and thiazole rings

Eleven new imine derivatives 6 containing 1H-1,2,4-triazole and thiazole rings were synthesized by the condensation of 5-((1H- 1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl)-4-tert-butylthiazol-2-amine with various substituted benzaldehydes.The structures of the title compounds were characterized by ~1H NMR,MS and elemental analysis.The plant-growth regulatory activities of these compounds were evaluated.The primary bioassay results indicated that these target compounds exhibited promising plant-growth regulatory activities.

SHP2 regulates skeletal cell fate by modifying SOX9 expression and transcriptional activity

Chondrocytes and osteoblasts differentiate from a common mesenchymal precursor, the osteochondroprogenitor（OCP）, and help build the vertebrate skeleton. The signaling pathways that control lineage commitment for OCPs are incompletely understood. We asked whether the ubiquitously expressed protein-tyrosine phosphatase SHP2（encoded by Ptpn11） affects skeletal lineage commitment by conditionally deleting Ptpn11 in mouse limb and head mesenchyme using ＂Cre-lox P＂-mediated gene excision.SHP2-deficient mice have increased cartilage mass and deficient ossification, suggesting that SHP2-deficient OCPs become chondrocytes and not osteoblasts. Consistent with these observations, the expression of the master chondrogenic transcription factor SOX9 and its target genes Acan, Col2a1, and Col10a1 were increased in SHP2-deficient chondrocytes, as revealed by gene expression arrays, q RT-PCR, in situ hybridization, and immunostaining. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that SHP2 regulates OCP fate determination via the phosphorylation and SUMOylation of SOX9, mediated at least in part via the PKA signaling pathway. Our data indicate that SHP2 is critical for skeletal cell lineage differentiation and could thus be a pharmacologic target for bone and cartilage regeneration.

Magnolol protects against acute gastrointestinal injury in sepsis by down-regulating regulated on activation,normal T-cell expressed and secreted

BACKGROUND Sepsis is a major medical challenge.Magnolol is an active constituent of Houpu that improves tissue function and exerts strong anti-endotoxin and anti-inflammatory effects,but the mechanism by which it reduces intestinal inflammation in sepsis is yet unclear.AIM To assess the protective effect of magnolol on intestinal mucosal epithelial cells in sepsis and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.METHODS Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),IL-6,and regulated on activation,normal T-cell expressed and secreted(RANTES)levels in serum and ileal tissue in animal studies.The histopathological changes of the ileal mucosa in different groups were observed under a microscope.Cell Counting Kit-8 and cell permeability assays were used to determine the concentration of drug-containing serum that did not affect the activity of Caco2 cells but inhibited lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced decrease in permeability.Immunofluorescence and Western blot assays were used to detect the levels of RANTES,inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinaseβ(IKKβ),phosphorylated IKKβ(p-IKKβ),inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinaseα(IκBα),p65,and p-p65 proteins in different groups in vitro.RESULTS In rats treated with LPS by intravenous tail injection in the presence or absence of magnolol,magnolol inhibited the expression of proinflammatory cytokines,IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-αin a dose-dependent manner.In addition,magnolol suppressed the production of RANTES in LPS-stimulated sepsis rats.Moreover,in vitro studies suggested that magnolol inhibited the increase of p65 nucleation,thereby markedly downregulating the production of the phosphorylated form of IKKβin LPS-treated Caco2 cells.Specifically,magnolol inhibited the translocation of the transcription factor nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)from the cytosol into the nucleus and down-regulated the expression level of the chemokine RANTES in LPS-stimulated Caco2 cells.CONCLUSION Magnolol down-regulates RANTES levels by inhibiting the LPS/NF-κB signaling pathways,thereby suppressing IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-αexpression to alleviate the mucosal barrier dysfunction in sepsis.

Enhanced dealkalization of bauxite residue through calcium-activated desulfurization gypsum

A novel integrated approach to remove the free alkalis and stabilize solid-phase alkalinity by controlling the release of Ca from desulfurization gypsum was developed.The combination of recycled FeCl_(3)solution and EDTA activated desulfurization gypsum lowered the bauxite residue pH to 7.20.Moreover,it also improved the residual Ca state,with its contribution to the total exchangeable cations increased(68%-92%).Notably,the slow release of exchangeable Ca introduced through modified desulfurization gypsum induced a phase transition of the alkaline minerals.This treatment stabilized the dealkalization effect of bauxite residue via reducing its overall acid neutralization capacity in abating pH rebound.Hence,this approach can provide guidance for effectively utilizing desulfurization gypsum to achieve stable regulation of alkalinity in bauxite residue.

Predictive active control of building structures using LQR and artificial intelligence

This study presents a neural network-based model for predicting linear quadratic regulator(LQR)weighting matrices for achieving a target response reduction.Based on the expected weighting matrices,the LQR algorithm is used to determine the various responses of the structure.The responses are determined by numerically analyzing the governing equation of motion using the state-space approach.For training a neural network,four input parameters are considered:the time history of the ground motion,the percentage reduction in lateral displacement,lateral velocity,and lateral acceleration,Output parameters are LQR weighting matrices.To study the effectiveness of an LQR-based neural network(LQRNN),the actual percentage reduction in the responses obtained from using LQRNN is compared with the target percentage reductions.Furthermore,to investigate the efficacy of an active control system using LQRNN,the controlled responses of a system are compared to the corresponding uncontrolled responses.The trained neural network effectively predicts weighting parameters that can provide a percentage reduction in displacement,velocity,and acceleration close to the target percentage reduction.Based on the simulation study,it can be concluded that significant response reductions are observed in the active-controlled system using LQRNN.Moreover,the LQRNN algorithm can replace conventional LQR control with the use of an active control system.

Research progress on electronic and active site engineering of cobalt‐based electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction

Electrocatalytic water splitting has been identified as a potential candidate for producing clean hydrogen energy with zero carbon emission.However,the sluggish kinetics of oxygen evolution reaction on the anode side of the watersplitting device significantly hinders its practical applications.Generally,the efficiency of oxygen evolution processes depends greatly on the availability of cost‐effective catalysts with high activity and selectivity.In recent years,extensive theoretical and experimental studies have demonstrated that cobalt(Co)‐based nanomaterials,especially low‐dimensional Co‐based nanomaterials with a huge specific surface area and abundant unsaturated active sites,have emerged as versatile electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reactions,and thus,great progress has been made in the rational design and synthesis of Co‐based nanomaterials for electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reactions.Considering the remarkable progress in this area,in this timely review,we highlight the most recent developments in Co‐based nanomaterials relating to their dimensional control,defect regulation(conductivity),electronic structure regulation,and so forth.Furthermore,a brief conclusion about recent progress achieved in oxygen evolution on Co‐based nanomaterials,as well as an outlook on future research challenges,is given.

Impact of Outdoor Activities in Different Landscape Environments on the Physical and Mental Health of College Students

To investigate whether outdoor activities have an improvement effect on the emotions of young people and the differences in the impact of outdoor activities on the emotions of young people under different landscape environmental conditions,the participating students are asked to engage in outdoor activities in different landscape environments and divided into four groups.Each group is assigned to engage in outdoor activities in four types of landscape areas:open lawn area,low shrub area,dense forest area,and waterfront area.The activities include outdoor yoga and making leaf mandalas.The results show that outdoor yoga has the best effect on reducing pulse and blood pressure and regulating emotions in open lawn area and waterfront area,followed by leaf mantras in waterfront area and outdoor yoga in dense forest area.However,both activities have no significant effect in low shrub area.

Regulation of Cleavage Activity of Ser-His Dipeptide on DNA by Phosphorylation

The cleavage reactions of Ser-His and its N-terminal phosphorylated form - N-(O,O-diisopropyl) phosphoryl seryl-histidine (DIPP-Ser-His) were studied on DNA. It was found that the phosphorylation of Ser-His caused the lost of the cleavage activity on DNA. The result might give some clue on the regulation of the activity of protein by phosphorylation.

On the Treatment of Insomnia with Fang’s Scalp Acupuncture Based on the Therapy of “Regulating Mental Activities and Smoothing the Liver”

As a common clinical disease,insomnia was usually treated with anti-psychotic or sedativehypnotic drugs in Western medicine,which showed a fast efficacy,as well as easy drug tolerance and side effects.In traditional Chinese medicine,the basic and key pathogenesis of insomnia are believed to be“the restlessness of the mind”,as well as“the absence of the mind”;and the treatment mainly focus on“regulating mental activities and smoothing the liver”.By combining the theoretical basis and characteristics of Fang’s scalp acupuncture,this paper aims to explain the advantages of Fang’s scalp acupuncture in the treatment of insomnia,and provide new ideas and methods for its clinical treatment.

Activity regulation and applications of metal-organic framework-based nanozymes

As a new generation of artificial enzymes,nanozymes show outstanding advantages such as high stability,low cost,and facile synthesis,which endow them with promising applications in biomedical and environmental fields.Among the various reported nanozymes,metal-organic frameworks(MOFs)could mimic the active center of natural enzymes and provide a hydrophobic environment,which makes MOFs attractive alternatives to natural enzymes.Owing to the highly structural diversity and tailorability of MOFs,rational design will contribute to improve the activity of MOF-based nanozymes and promote their potential applications in both biomedical and environmental fields.Therefore,a comprehensiye suminary of activity regulatory strategies of MOF-based nanozymes is urgently needed.Firstly,we summarized the activity regulatory strategies of MOFs with intrinsic enzyme-like activities via modulation of metal nodes,ligands,structures and morphologies.Then the applications of MOF-based nanozymes in biosensing,hazardous degradation,antibacterial,and cancer therapy were also introduced.Finally,the current challenges and future perspectives were discussed in depth.It is highly expected that this review will provide a better understanding on the rational design of novel high-performance MOF-based nanozymes.

Synergically regulated silver species and surface oxygen on manganese oxide for promoted activity of formaldehyde oxidation

Formaldehyde(HCHO)is a common indoor pollutant that is detrimental to human health.Its efficient removal has become an urgent demand to reduce the public health risk.In this work,Ag-MnO_(x)-based catalysts were prepared and activated under different atmosphere(i.e.,air,hydrogen(H_(2))and carbon monoxide(CO))for efficient oxidation of HCHO.The catalyst activated with CO(Ag/Mn-CO)displayed the highest activity among the tested samples with 90% conversion at 100℃ under a gas space velocity of 75,000 mL/(g_(cat)·hr).Complementary characterizations demonstrate that CO reduction treatment resulted in synergically regulated content of surface oxygen on support to adsorb/activate HCHO and size of Ag particle to dissociate oxygen to oxidize the adsorbed HCHO.In contrast,other catalysts lack for either abundant surface oxygen species or metallic silver with the appropriate particle size,so that the integrate activity is limited by one specific reaction step.This study contributes to elucidating the mechanisms regulating the oxidation activity of Ag-based catalysts.

Effect of IL-4 on altered expression of complement activation regulators in rat pancreatic cells during severe acute pancreatitis

AIM： To investigate the effect of IL-4 on the altered expression of complement activation regulators in pancreas and pancreatic necrosis during experimental severe acute pancreatitis （SAP）. METHODS： SAP model of rats was established by retrograde injection of 5% sodium taurocholate （1 mL/kg） into the pancreatic duct. We immunohistochemically assayed the expression of three complement activation regulators： decay accelerating factor （DAF; CD55）, 20 ku homologous restriction factor （HRF20; CD59） and membrane cofactor protein （MCP; CEH6）, in the pancreatic acinar cells of rats at 0, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h after the induction of SAP model. Meanwhile the levels of amylase and lipase were determined, and morphological examination was performed. Then, 61 rats were randomly divided into three groups. Group A （n = 21） received no treatment after the SAP model was established; group B （n = 20） was given IL-4 （8 IJg/animal） intraperitoneally 0.5 h before the SAP model was established; group C （n = 20） was given IL-4 （8 μg/animal） intraperitoneaUy 0.5 h after the SAP model was established. Plasma amylase and lipase, extent of pancreatic necrosis and expression of complement activation regulators were investigated 6 h after the induction of SAP model. RESULTS： Three complement activation regulators were all expressed in pancreatic acinar cells. MCP was not found on the basolateral surface as reported. Contrary to the gradually increasing plasma level of amylase and lipase, expression of complement activation regulators decreased after SAP model was set up. At the same time, the severity of pancreatic necrosis was enhanced. A strong negative correlation was found between the expression of MCP, DAF, CD59 in pancreatic acinar cells and the severity of pancreatic necrosis （r = -0.748, -0.827, -0.723; P〈0.01）. In the second series of experiments, no matter when the treatment of IL-4 was given （before or after the induction of SAP model）, the serum level of amylase or lipase was decreased and the extent of pancreatic necrosis was ameliorated significantly. Compared to SAP control group, the expression of DAF and CD59 in pancreas was reinforced when IL-4 was given before the induction of SAP model （P〈0.01, P〈0.05）, but the expression of MCP was not influenced （P〉0.05）. The expression of DAF was enhanced, when IL-4 was given after the induction of SAP model （P〈0.05）, but the expression of CD59 and MCP did not change （P〉0.05）. CONCLUSION： Complement activation regulators may participate in the pathogenesis of pancreatic inflammation. Downregulation of complement activation regulators expression may be one of the causes of pancreatic necrosis. IL-4 treatment may control SAP aggravation by enhancing expression of DAF and CD59 in pancreas and decreasing pancreatic necrosis. Moreover, DAF and CD59 may play an important role in the regulation of complement activation regulators during SAP.

Physiological roles of mitogen-activated-protein-kinase-activated p38-regulated/activated protein kinase

Mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPKs)are a family of proteins that constitute signaling pathways involved in processes that control gene expression,cell division, cell survival,apoptosis,metabolism,differentiation and motility.The MAPK pathways can be divided into conventional and atypical MAPK pathways.The first group converts a signal into a cellular response through a relay of three consecutive phosphorylation events exerted by MAPK kinase kinases,MAPK kinase,and MAPK.Atypical MAPK pathways are not organized into this three-tiered cascade.MAPK that belongs to both conventional and atypical MAPK pathways can phosphorylate both non-protein kinase substrates and other protein kinases.The latter are referred to as MAPK-activated protein kinases.This review focuses on one such MAPK-activated protein kinase,MAPK-activated protein kinase 5(MK5)or p38-regulated/activated protein kinase(PRAK).This protein is highly conserved throughout the animal kingdom and seems to be the target of both conventional and atypical MAPK pathways.Recent findings on the regulation of the activity and subcellular localization,bona fide interaction partners and physiological roles of MK5/PRAK are discussed.

Associations among children's situational motivation,physical activity participation,and enjoyment in an active dance video game

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between children's situational motivation and physical activity(PA)levels in a Dance Dance Revolution(DDR)program,and perceived PA enjoyment.Methods:A sample of 215 elementary children participated in a weekly 30-min DDR program.Children's situational motivation toward DDR(intrinsic motivation,identified regulation,external regulation,and amotivation)was measured,followed by the measurement of their accel-erometer-determined moderate to vigorous PA(MVPA)in DDR.Children then reported their PA enjoyment.Results:Only intrinsic motivation was positively related with children's MVPA in DDR and PA enjoyment.However,other motivational beliefs were not significantly related to MVPA and PA enjoyment.Regression analyses further suggested intrinsic motivation was the significant predictor for MVPA and PA enjoyment.Conclusion:Children who experienced fun and learned new things when playing DDR reached high PA levels in DDR,as well as developed generalized feeling states of enjoyment.

Mechanism of active silica nanofluids based on interface-regulated effect during spontaneous imbibition

The ultra-low permeability reservoir is regarded as an important energy source for oil and gas resource development and is attracting more and more attention.In this work,the active silica nanofuids were prepared by modifed active silica nanoparticles and surfactant BSSB-12.The dispersion stability tests showed that the hydraulic radius of nanofuids was 58.59 nm and the zeta potential was−48.39 mV.The active nanofuids can simultaneously regulate liquid-liquid interface and solid-liquid interface.The nanofuids can reduce the oil/water interfacial tension(IFT)from 23.5 to 6.7 mN/m,and the oil/water/solid contact angle was altered from 42°to 145°.The spontaneous imbibition tests showed that the oil recovery of 0.1 wt%active nanofuids was 20.5%and 8.5%higher than that of 3 wt%NaCl solution and 0.1 wt%BSSB-12 solution.Finally,the efects of nanofuids on dynamic contact angle,dynamic interfacial tension and moduli were studied from the adsorption behavior of nanofuids at solid-liquid and liquid-liquid interface.The oil detaching and transporting are completed by synergistic efect of wettability alteration and interfacial tension reduction.The fndings of this study can help in better understanding of active nanofuids for EOR in ultra-low permeability reservoirs.

The Effect of Plant Growth Regulator and Active Charcoal on the Development of Microtubers of Potatoes

With the detoxicated seedling of a potato cultivation breed named “Mire” as the material, the effect of auxins CCC, 6-BA, and active carbon to microtubers of potato (Solanum tubersum L.) was investigated under the in-vitro circumstances. The result indicated the exogenous auxins improved the production and quality of microtubers of potatoes. The effect of induction can be described as CCC > CCC + 6-BA > 6-BA > CK, the number of microtubers in per flask is 8.17 > 7.67 > 7.29 > 5.46, and the number of large potatoes in per flask is 6.33 > 5.17 > 3.17 > 1. In addition, by adding 0.5‰ of active charcoal, the growth period was shortened from 25.0 days to 9.33 days on average, and the amount of larger potatoes increased 8.54%. These results benefited the growth of microtubers of potato.