A metallo-cavitand (1-2Pd) showed unprecedented binding selectivity and sequestration of p-functionalized toluene isomers in water. The host-guest complexation was studied using 1H and COSY NMR methods and xylene-isomer complexes were examined by using DFT calculations. A liquid-liquid extraction scheme was developed for the separation of p-functionalized toluenes.Conventional 3D printing of graphene requires either a complex formulation of the ink with large quantities of polymers or essential post-processing steps such as freeze drying to allow printability. Here we present a graphene capillary suspension (GCS) containing 16.67 wt% graphene nanoparticles in aqueous suspension with 3.97 wt% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a stabiliser and a small quantity of the immiscible liquid octanol. This is shown to have the appropriate rheological properties for 3D printing, which is demonstrated through the fabrication of a simple lattice structure by direct writing and air drying at room temperature. The printed structure has a porosity of 81%, is robust for handling with a compression strength of 1.3 MPa and has an electrical conductivity of 250 S m-1. After heat treatment at 350 °C conductivity is 2370 S m-1 but the strength reduces to 0.4 MPa. X-Ray tomography of the internal architecture after printing shows the formation of the capillary suspension eliminates ordering of the 2D materials during extrusion through the printer nozzle. Thus capillary suspensions can be used to direct write graphene 3D structures without the necessity of complicated drying steps or burn-out of large quantities of polymer additions, facilitating shape retention and property control as compared to current 2D material ink formulations used for 3D printing.Two-dimensional (2D) magnets with room temperature ferromagnetism and semiconductors with moderate band gap and high carrier mobility are highly desired for applications in nanoscale electronics and spintronics. By performing the first-principles calculations, we investigate novel Fe, Co, Ni carbide based pristine (M2C) and functionalized (M2CT2, T F, O, OH) MXenes. Our calculations show that Fe2C, Co2C, Ni2C, Fe2CF2, Fe2CO2, Fe2C(OH)2, Co2CF2, Co2C(OH)2 and Ni2CF2 are dynamically and mechanically stable. More importantly, Fe2C, Co2C, Fe2CF2 and Fe2C(OH)2 exhibit intrinsic ferromagnetism (magnetic moments 2-5μB per unit cell). Monte Carlo simulations suggest high Curie temperatures of 590 and 920 K for Fe2C and Fe2CF2, respectively, at the HSE06 level owing to the large spin magnetic moments and strong ferromagnetic coupling. Based on the deformation potential theory, we predict high and anisotropic hole mobility (0.2-1.4 × 104 cm2 V-1 s-1) for semiconducting Fe2CO2 and Co2C(OH)2. Additionally, Ni2CF2 demonstrates highly anisotropic electron mobility together with a direct band gap. Our results further show the effectiveness of surface functionalization in modulating the electronic and magnetic properties and broadening the properties of MXenes to achieve long-range intrinsic ferromagnetism well above room temperature and high carrier mobility.BACKGROUND The exosomes (Exo) derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are capable of attenuating the apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) elicited by proinflammatory cytokines. However, it remains unknown whether MSC-derived Exo also exert a protective effect on NPCs in the pathological acid environment. MATERIAL AND METHODS NPCs were divided into 3 groups Group A, pH 7.1-7.3; Group B, pH 6.5-6.7 and Group C, pH 5.9-6.1. The NPCs were cultured in the above-defined acidic medium, and 3 different amounts of Exo were added into the media. Finally, the expression of the caspase-3, aggrecan, collagen II, and MMP-13 was analyzed and compared among the different groups. RESULTS Compared with cells cultured at pH 7.1-7.3 (Group A), proliferation activity of NPCs cultured at pH 5.9-6.7 (Group B and C) decreased significantly. Collagen II and aggrecan expression was also obviously reduced with the decrease of cell proliferation. Conversely, the expression of caspase-3 and MMP-13 significantly increased. Further experiments showed that proliferation activity was significantly attenuated in NPCs cultured at pH 5.9-6.1 without Exo treatment (Group E) compared with those cultured at pH 7.1-7.3 without Exo treatment (Group D). CONCLUSIONS In the pathological acid environment, MSC-derived Exo promotes the expression of chondrocyte extracellular matrix, collagen II, and aggrecan, and reduces matrix degradation by downregulating matrix-degrading enzymes, protecting NPCs from acidic pH-induced apoptosis. This study reveals a promising strategy for treatment of IVD degeneration.It has been demonstrated that perception of objects automatically evokes potential actions to interact with those objects; this is termed as affordance. The present study investigated how the corresponding affordance effect of graspable objects was modulated by the cue about risk levels of object. Participants were presented with pictures of dangerous graspable objects or neutral graspable objects. The participants were required to perform an upright/upside down discrimination task by pressing different keys. Results showed that both the affordance effects of dangerous object and neutral object in children were enhanced when a cue preceded the object, t(35) = 3.83, p less then .01, Cohen's d = 1.29. These results indicate that the prompt of risk level can improve individual's appropriate manipulation to the object.Weight loss maintenance is crucial for obesity management, yet optimal dietary patterns for this period are not established. We aimed to explore the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and weight loss maintenance. Sample includes 565 adults (62% women) of the MedWeight study. Eligible volunteers were those reporting intentional weight loss of ≥10%, starting from a BMI≥25 kg/m2, over 12 months prior to enrollment. Based on current weight, participants were characterized as maintainers (≤90% max weight), or regainers (>95% max weight). Socio-demographics and weight history were recorded. Dietary intake was assessed by 2 non-consecutive 24-hour recalls within 10 days, and analyzed in energy, macronutrient, and food group intake. Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet was assessed with the MedDietScore (range 0-55, greater scores showing higher adherence).  https://www.selleckchem.com/products/pf-06821497.html  Protein intake was higher in maintainers than regainers (p less then 0.001). When MedDietScore quartiles were considered, a linear trend for weight loss maintenance was revealed (p less then 0.