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• BaP exposure generated multifaceted toxic effects on marine medaka. • BaP exposure induced morphological and physiological abnormalities. • BaP exposure induced oxidative stress and compromised antioxidant defense. • BaP exposure led to the disruption of oxidative phosphorylation. • BaP triggered apoptosis in marine medaka larvae. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) accumulate and integrate into aquatic environments, raising concerns about the well-being and safety of aquatic ecosystems. Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a persistent PAH commonly detected in the environment, has been extensively studied. However, the broader multifaceted toxicity potential of BaP on the early life stages of marine fish during chronic exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations needs further exploration. To fill these knowledge gaps, this study assessed the in vivo biotoxicity of BaP (1, 4, and 8 μg/L) in marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) during early development over a 30-day exposure period. The investigation included morphological, biochemical, and molecular-level analyses to capture the broader potential of BaP toxicity. Morphological analyses showed that exposure to BaP resulted in skeletal curvatures, heart anomalies, growth retardation, elevated mortality, delayed and reduced hatching rates. Biochemical analyses revealed that BaP exposure not only created oxidative stress but also disrupted the activities of antioxidant enzymes. This disturbance in redox balance was further explored by molecular level investigation. The transcriptional profiles revealed impaired oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle pathways, which potentially inhibited the oxidative respiratory chain in fish following exposure to BaP, and reduced the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH). Furthermore, this investigation indicated a potential connection to apoptosis, as demonstrated by fluorescence microscopy and histological analyses, and supported by an increase in the expression levels of related genes via real-time quantitative PCR. This study enhances our understanding of the molecular-level impacts of BaP's multifaceted toxicity in the early life stages of marine medaka, and the associated risks. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The double- or multi-buffer structures for CdTe solar cells were proposed on the foundation of energy band analysis. • The feasibility of the graded design for back contacting via extending double structure to multi structures was demonstrated. • The best back buffer should be a composite of different materials for realizing collective contribution in CdTe solar cells. Back buffer materials play a significant role in improving both open-circuit voltage and fill factor, and developing new materials and structures can be essential for further improvement. In this paper, we have compared the different cases with only one buffer and concluded that single buffer layer always has some innate defects because of the actual constraints. And on the foundation of detailed energy band analysis, we propose that a double- or multi- back buffer structure has the potential to fully mitigate the disadvantage of a single layer and combine the strengths of different materials. The simulation based on this theory demonstrates that the combination of different layers behaves as what we expected and outputs much better performance. It is shown that two layers with reasonable alignment and suitable carrier density are nearly enough for most cases while for extreme cases, more layers are required. Our further simulation provides real designs based on different kinds of back buffer materials, and this work might be instructional for designing new back buffer structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the complexity and integration of integrated chips increasing, existing integrated circuits electromagnetic interference techniques using metallic probes cannot meet the emerging demand at single die level or wafer level, which requires micron spatial resolution and ultraweak invasiveness. In this article, we developed a non‐invasive near field probe in the fiber format using nitrogen‐vacancy center in diamond, which was attached to the tip of fiber as microwave B‐field sensing element. Subsequently, we applied the fiber diamond probe to near field scanning of a low noise amplifier chip and a power amplifier chip. Through numerical simulation, we find that the surface field strength is proportional to current density at chip surface, thus this probe can be used as a current imaging technique at microwave frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Stable levels of SMZ accumulation and metabolic rates were observed in female fish. • Biotransformation of SMZ in males is susceptible to exposure concentrations. • Gut microbiome reactions to SMZ exhibit variations depending on sex. • Ruegeria acts as an indicator for the transmission of antibiotic resistance genes. The present study was undertaken to explore the effects of sulfamethazine (SMZ) dietary exposure on the enrichment of the intestine microbial structure, and antibiotic resistance gene (ARGs) transmission in marine medaka, with respect to antibiotic dose, duration, and sex. In male fish, a dietary exposure of 10 μg/L SMZ led to a heightened SMZ enrichment in the intestine, whereas metabolite (N-SMZ) levels were elevated at a higher exposure concentration (100 μg/L). Conversely, female fish exhibited stable levels of accumulation and metabolic rates across the exposure period. The composition of intestinal microorganisms revealed that exposure duration exerted a greater impact on the abundance and diversity of gut microbes, and microbial responses to SMZ varied across exposure time points. The expansion of Bacteroidetes and Ruegeria likely stimulated SMZ metabolism and contributed to the more balanced level of SMZ and N-SMZ observed in females. In males, short-term SMZ stress resulted in a disruption of intestinal homeostasis, while the rise in the abundance of the Fusobacteria and Propionigeniuma suggested a potential enhancement in intestinal anti-inflammatory capacity over time. Overall, female medaka exhibited greater adaptability to SMZ, and males appear to experience prolonged effects due to SMZ. A total of 11 ARGs and 5 mobile genetic elements (MGEs) were identified. Ruegeria is the main carrier of two types of MGEs (IS1247, ISSm2-Xanthob), and may serve as an indicator of ARG transmission. Therefore, it is rational to consider some fish breeding areas in natural waters as potential "reservoirs" of antibiotic resistance. This research will provide a valuable reference for the transmission of drug resistance along the food chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider a class of stochastic nonlinear Markovian jump systems (MJSs) with partly unknown transition rate and time-varying delays. The system under consideration is subject to the mode uncertainties and nonlinear term and disturbance term which are unknown. The main mission is to design the observer-based sliding mode controller for such a complex system. An observer is first constructed, and then we design an integral sliding mode surface such that the MJSs satisfy the reaching condition. The sliding mode control law ensures the stochastic stability of the closed-loop system. Finally, an example is given to illustrate the proposed results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate the design, analysis, and measurement of an ultra-thin and dual-functional polarization converter to achieve both linear to linear (LTL) and linear to circular (LTC) polarization conversion at the same time. The simulation results illustrate that the LTL polarization conversion can be maintained from 10.1 to 12.3 GHz, 15.0 to 21.0 GHz, and 28.6 to 30.8 GHz with the polarization conversion ratio (PCR) above 80%, and at 11.0, 18.5, and 30.1 GHz, the PCR is nearly 100%. The LTC polarization can be realized in the frequency range of 22.8 to 28.6 GHz, and the axial ratio (AR) is better than 3 dB. In addition, the polarization conversion capability is stable for oblique incident angles up to 15 deg. The experiments are carried out to validate the property, which show that the proposed converter can successfully achieve the broadband LTL and LTC polarization conversion simultaneously with an ultra-thin design. This converter has potential applications in microwave communications, remote sensing, and imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Multiband Ultraviolet Spectrum Imager (MUSI) is an optical remote sensing instrument scheduled to launch on the Fengyun‐4C meteorological satellite in 2024. MUSI is designed to measure the airglow emissions between ∼120 and 160 nm above the East Asia and Pacific region from a geostationary orbit to infer ionospheric parameters. Here we develop a lookup‐table algorithm for retrieving the peak electron density (nmF2) and the Total Electron Content (TEC) from nighttime observations of the OI 135.6 nm emission. The algorithm takes into account the north‐south asymmetry of the equatorial ionization anomaly and the atmospheric variations with solar activity and local time. Analysis of synthetic observations shows that the assumptions made in the algorithm only lead to ∼2%–4% uncertainties in the retrievals under the modeled ionospheric conditions. The algorithm is verified by retrieving nmF2 and TEC from the Global‐Scale Observations of the Limb and Disk (GOLD) mission and comparing with coincided radio measurements. The comparison indicates almost negligible systematic differences (typically less than ∼3%) between the GOLD and the ionosonde nmF2, which are within the error limit of the GOLD retrievals. The accuracy of the GOLD TEC retrievals is shown to be comparable to (or in some sense even better than) that of the measurements from the Global Navigation Satellite System. Several simplified yet robust retrieval methods are also developed, which can be readily implemented for both existing and upcoming missions. Our results promote far ultraviolet (FUV) remote sensing to be a key technology for accurate determination of the ionospheric state. Key Points: We develop a lookup‐table algorithm for ionosphere retrieval with the FUV spectral imager on the Fengyun‐4C geostationary satelliteAssumptions made in the algorithm lead to only ∼2%–4% uncertainties in the nmF2 and Total Electron Content (TEC) retrievals under the modeled ionospheric conditionsThe algorithm is verified by retrieving nmF2 and TEC from the Global‐Scale Observations of the Limb and Disk observations and comparing with external radio measurements [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diamond based quantum sensing for on‐chip electromagnetic field imaging is an emerging field. While smaller diamond probes offer higher spatial resolution, their lower fluorescence intensity poses a challenge for the traditional Avalanche Photo Diode. In this work, we propose a tapered fiber diamond probe containing Nitrogen‐vacancy center and utilize a single photon counter module as the detector. A time domain differential pulse sequence is introduced to suppress noise caused by laser intensity fluctuation. By analyzing the relationship between the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and parameters of differential pulse sequence, we derived the formula of SNR and the basic cycle (M $M$), and obtained the optimal SNR in the same measurement time through trade‐off between two different kinds of noise. The technique was applied to a waveguide microstrip filter chip, accurately imaging the current density distribution. Our results have potential applications in on‐chip testing and failure analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotics are widely consumed in the intensive mariculture industry. A better understanding of the effect of antibiotics on intergenerational antibiotic resistance in organisms is urgent since intergenerational transmission is crucial for the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment. Herein, marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) chronically exposed to low doses of sulfamethazine (SMZ) hormetically affected the progeny, characterized by increased richness and diversity of fecal microbiota and intestinal barrier-related gene up-regulation. Progeny immunity was modulated and caused by genetic factors due to the absence of significant SMZ accumulation in F1 embryos. In addition, some of the top genera in the progeny were positively correlated with immune diseases, while the expression of some immune-related genes, such as TNFα , IL1R2 , and TLR3 changed significantly. This further indicated that the host selection caused by changes in progeny immunity was probably the primary determinant of progeny intestinal microbial colonization. Metagenomic analysis revealed that Proteobacteria represented the primary carriers of ARGs, while parental SMZ exposure facilitated the distribution and enrichment of multiple ARGs involved in the antibiotic inactivation in the progeny by promoting the diversity of Gammaproteobacteria and Bacteroidetes, further illustrating that antibiotic selection pressure persisted even if the offspring were not exposed. Therefore, SMZ induced hormesis in the progeny at the expense of increasing antibiotic resistance. Collectively, these findings provide a comprehensive overview of the intergenerational effect of antibiotics and serve as a reminder that the ARG transmission induced by the intergenerational impact of antibiotics on organisms should not be ignored. [Display omitted] • Parental sulfamethazine exposure induced hormesis in the progeny of marine medaka. • Immune changes of progeny (host selection) determined gut microbial colonization. • Hormesis occurred in the progeny at the cost of increasing antibiotic resistance. • Gammaproteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were the dominant hosts of specific ARGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β-Diketone antibiotics (DKAs) can produce chronic toxicity in aquatic ecosystems due to their pseudo-persistent in the environment. In this study, after long-term DKA exposure to zebrafish (Danio rerio), 47 protein spots had greater than 2-fold differential expression as compared to the control; there were 26 positive proteins with 14 up-regulated and 12 down-regulated. The main functions of the differentially expressed proteins were related to signal transduction mechanisms and the cytoskeleton. Of the 26 target genes, 11 genes were consistent between their transcriptional and translational levels. Low dose DKA exposure (4.69 and 9.38 mg/L) stimulated spontaneous movement in zebrafish. Changes in both creatine kinase activity and creatine concentration showed a similar trend to zebrafish activity. There was no obvious change in SV-BA after DKA exposure, while a reduction of heart rate was concomitant with increasing DKA concentrations. DKAs also induced severe histopathological changes in zebrafish heart tissue, such as dissolution of cristae and vacuolation of mitochondria. These results demonstrated that trace-level DKA exposure affects a variety of cellular and biological processes in zebrafish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plasticizer di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is becoming increasingly abundant throughout the global environment as plastic pollution becomes highly severe, especially in the ocean. The adverse effects of DEHP have garnered increasing concern as they are recognized as endocrine disruptors. However, information on the effects of DEHP in marine organisms remains limited. In this study, acute toxic effects on marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) following DEHP exposure were investigated. Transcriptome analysis was performed on the livers of medaka exposed to DEHP for 6 and 24 h. Results showed that 1595 genes were affected in all the analyzed specimens, and several genes expressed variably according to sex. Some pathways associated with immunity, metabolism, and endocrine system were significantly enriched, with the complement system appearing to be the most affected immune pathway. Pathway enrichment indicated that, under acute DEHP exposure, the immune response of females tended to be more sensitive than that of males. In addition, ferroptosis occurred in response to DEHP exposure, which resulted in an enrichment of the ferroptosis pathway along with iron overload, an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) content, and a decrease in glutathione (GSH) levels. These results indicate that a form of cell death characterized by iron-dependence occurred following DEHP exposure, but the underlying mechanism requires further analysis. This study implies that DEHP can alter some molecular regulation patterns within a short period and induce cell death through ferroptosis. Image 1 • DEHP induced the enrichment of immune, metabolism pathways in marine medaka. • Complement system appeared to be the most affected immune pathway in marine medaka. • Female immune response seemed to be more sensitive than males under DEHP exposure. • Ferroptosis occurred in marine medaka following DEHP exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the improvement in efficiency of CdTe solar cell becomes more and more difficult, it is very necessary to engage in research on CdTe solar cell with innovative structure or new materials. In this work, we first proposed a design idea of constructing cadmium telluride on silicon to form a CdTe/Si composite absorption layer and then achieving an innovative high efficiency solar cell with a basic structure of n-Zn 1-x Mg x O/p-CdTe/p-Si/Au. This kind of solar cell has the advantages of relatively high open-circuit voltage and large short-circuit current, because photons with a wavelength range of 825 nm–1100 nm can not be absorbed by CdTe with a bandgap of 1.5 eV while they can be absorbed by silicon with a bandgap of 1.12 eV, thereby extending the long-wave response of sunlight. Numerical simulation of solar cell was carried out by using SCAPS-1D software to study the impacts of materials parameters such as thickness, doping concentration, valence band offset (VBO) and interface state density of CdTe/Si on device performances. Results indicated that thinner CdTe and suitable thick Si were beneficial for the cell with high efficiency. Particularly, the interface states between CdTe and Si severely degraded cell performance, so an innovative CdSi x Te y layer was proposed for the first time to effectively reduce the lattice mismatch and modify the interface properties between CdTe and Si. Finally, the highest theoretical conversion efficiency of 28.36% accompanied by open-circuit voltage of 0.838 V, short-circuit current of 39.28 mA/cm2, and fill factor of 86.11% of solar cell with SnO 2 :F/Zn 1-x Mg x O/CdTe/CdSi x Te y /Si/ZnTe:Mo/Au structure was obtained by optimizing numerical simulation design. An innovative solar cell structure with a CdTe/Si composite absorber (not tandem cell) is proposed. Numerical simulation show that cell of this structure can achieve high theoretical efficiency by effectively extending the long-wave response to about 1100 nm compared with conventional CdTe solar cell Image 1 • An innovative high efficiency solar cell with CdTe/Si composite absorber (not tandem cell) was proposed. • Numerical simulation results indicated that the EQE of CdTe/Si composite absorber solar cell was extended to about 1100 nm. • Highest theoretical conversion efficiency of 28.36% of this solar cell was obtained by optimized numerical simulation design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transparent MoO x thin films with varied composition were successfully prepared by sputtering and the effects of oxygen contents on the composition stoichiometry, defect states, work functions, electrical and optical properties of MoO x films were systematically studied. These thin films were then utilized in cadmium telluride solar cells to act as back contact buffers. As compared with the CdTe solar cells with Au back contact, deteriorated performance was witnessed in those with MoO x buffers. The deterioration was demonstrated to be caused by the oxidation of CdTe surface, the large valence band offset and the insufficient work function. Finally, by optimizing the back contacts to form a CuCl/MoO x /ITO composite back contact, the efficiency was improved to 11.8%. This work demonstrates feasible approaches to prepare MoO x thin films with varied oxygen concentrations which could be easily applied to many other thin film solar cells and provide important indications in the preparation and optimization of the performance for bifacial devices. • The effects of oxygen contents on the properties of sputtered MoO x films were studied. • The performance deterioration mechanism of CdTe solar cell with MoO x back contact was clarified. • By forming a CuCl/MoOx/ITO composite back contact, the efficiency was improved to 11.8%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Promoting the browning of white fat may be a potential means of combating obesity. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effect of resveratrol (RES) on the body weight and browning of white fat in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice and the potential associated mechanism in vivo. Eight-week-old male mice were randomized to receive different treatments: (1), chow without any additional treatment (chow); (2), chow plus 0.4% resveratrol (chow-RES); (3), HFD without any additional treatment (HFD); and (4), HFD plus 0.4% resveratrol (HFD-RES). After 4 weeks of feeding, additional 8-week-old male recipient mice were randomly allocated to the following 4 treatments: (5), HFD and received feces from chow-fed mice; (6), HFD and received feces from chow-RES-fed mice; (7), HFD and received feces from HFD-fed mice; and (8), HFD and received feces from HFD-RES-fed mice. RES treatment significantly inhibited increases in fat accumulation, promoted the browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) and alleviated gut microbiota dysbiosis in HFD-fed mice. Subsequent analyses showed that the gut microbiota remodeling induced by resveratrol had a positive role in WAT browning, and sirtuin-1 (Sirt1) signaling appears to be a key component of this process. Overall, the results show that RES may serve as a potential intervention to reduce obesity by alleviating dysbiosis of the gut microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chinese government has established a three‐tier maternal care system covering the entire country and providing integrated antenatal care (ANC) for pregnancies. This study aimed to analyze the direct and indirect effects of ANC services on early childhood development. A community‐based cross‐sectional survey was conducted for mothers' ANC visits and assessments of early childhood development in Shanxi and Guizhou provinces, China. A total of 1660 mother–child dyads were included in current analyses: 29.2% of mothers did not receive any ANC (ANC1), 23.3% of mothers received ANC three or fewer times (ANC2), and 47.5% of mothers received ANC four or more times (ANC3). Children whose mothers received ANC services had a significantly lower risk of overall developmental delay (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.44–0.81 for ANC2; and OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.34–0.59 for ANC3) and social‐emotional developmental delay (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.49–0.94 for ANC3). Furthermore, a significant pathway relationship mediated by maternal depression and nurturing care was found between ANC and developmental delay. This study showed ANC services significantly reduced the risk of developmental delay in offspring. We also suggest that a nationwide ANC system can be a good delivery platform for scaled‐up early childhood development interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast milk is the best source of essential nutrients and bioactive components for infants under 6 months. However, little is known about what affects breastfeeding intentions and practices of Chinese mothers. With measures of individual, setting, and sociocultural factors, this study examined determinants of exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months of infancy in China. Methods: Data were obtained from a national cross-sectional survey in China in 2018 that included 5237 infants under 6 months with available measurements of breastfeeding. A 24-h reported food recall method was applied to assess breastfeeding and complementary food intake in the past 24 h. Potential breastfeeding determinants categorized into six aspects were measured: (1) infant health, (2) maternal sociodemographic characteristics, (3) maternal health, (4) breastfeeding support from family, friends, and workplace, (5) social support for breastfeeding, and (6) maternal breastfeeding experiences and knowledge. Reasons for non-commencement or early cessation of breastfeeding were evaluated for non-breastfed infants. For breastfed infants, multivariate logistic regression was used to explore the determinants of exclusive breastfeeding. Results: About 30 % (29.5%) of infants under 6 months were exclusively breastfed; 2.3% (2.3%) had never been breastfed and 3.2% had ceased breastfeeding. No breast milk (60.7%), maternal illness (13.9%), and infant illness (13.1%) were the top three reasons for non-commencement of breastfeeding. Insufficient breast milk was the reason given for ceasing breastfeeding early by almost two thirds of caregivers who had stopped breastfeeding. The following factors were associated with exclusive breastfeeding: maternal higher education, formal employment with ≥6 months of paid maternity leave, support of the husband and best friends for breastfeeding, a breastfeeding-supportive society, and better breastfeeding knowledge and experiences (a previous successful breastfeeding experience ≥6 months and early initiation of breastfeeding). Maternal age of ≥40 years, caesarean delivery, and infant disease history were associated with non-exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusions: The exclusive breastfeeding rate is still very low in China. Multidimensional barriers contribute to this situation. A comprehensive intervention framework is needed to increase optimal breastfeeding and achieve substantial public health gains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing integration and complexity of chips, the problem of wafer‐level electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is becoming more and more prominent, and the spatial resolution and operating frequency of existing EMC test techniques can no longer meet the demand for wafer‐level EMC testing. In this work, a surface H‐field imaging system based on a micron‐sized diamond crystal containing nitrogen‐vacancy centers is proposed, which is micrometer resolved, quantum calibrated, frequency tunable, and nonintrusive to the H‐field of the device to be tested. The surface H‐field of a limiter chip at different input power is scanned for imaging, revealing how the energy is dissipated across the chip when exceeding limiting power. The result is essential for understanding the workings of the limiter chip and for optimizing the chip design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diamond based quantum sensing is a fast-emerging field with both scientific and technological importance. The nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center, a crystal defect in diamond, is a unique model system for microwave sensing application due to its excellent photo-stability, long spin coherence time in ambient conditions. In this work, we systematically optimized the measurement parameters for microwave sensing. The system noise is analyzed, and 1/f noise is suppressed by introducing a differential algorithm. The gain of avalanche photodiode and the gating window of the pulsed fluorescence is optimized to further suppress the noise floor. The decoherence of spin is characterized by varying the duration of the laser and microwave. The minimal detectable power on a standard microstrip is characterized with sampling time down to 1 ms, showing flat frequency dependence. The results have important implications toward fast measurement of broadband microwave power, especially in the field of IC testing and radar signal processing under intense electromagnetic interference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The global COVID-19 pandemic has generated major mental and psychological health problems worldwide. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety, distress, and insomnia during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: We searched online biomedical databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Ovid, CNKI, and Wanfang Data) and preprint databases (SSRN, bioRxiv, and MedRxiv) for observational studies from January 1, 2020 to March 16, 2020 investigating the prevalence of mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic.Results: We retrieved 821 citations from the biomedical databases and 53 citations from the preprint databases: 66 studies with 221,970 participants were included in our meta-analysis. The overall pooled prevalence of depression, anxiety, distress, and insomnia was 31.4%, 31.9%, 41.1% and 37.9%, respectively. Noninfectious chronic disease patients, quarantined persons, and COVID-19 patients had a higher risk of depression (Q=26.73, p<0.01) and anxiety (Q=21.86, p<0.01) than other populations. The general population and non-medical staff had a lower risk of distress than other populations (Q=461.21, p< 0.01). Physicians, nurses, and non-medical staff showed a higher prevalence of insomnia (Q=196.64, p<0.01) than other populations.Limitations: All included studies were from the early phase of the global pandemic. Additional meta-analyses are needed to obtain more data in all phases of the pandemic.Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic increases the mental health problems of the global population, particularly health care workers, noninfectious chronic disease patients, COVID-19 patients, and quarantined persons. Interventions for mental health are urgently needed for preventing mental health problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ohmic back contact is one of the keys to fabricate high efficient CdTe solar cells, as it can improve fill factor FF and open-circuit voltage V oc. In this work, antimony-containing reduced graphene oxide (RGO) was prepared and used as a back contact for CdTe thin film solar cells, in which antimony is an effective dopant for CdTe and RGO acts as a hole transport layer and diffusion barrier of antimony in the solar cells. Post deposition annealing was performed to activate the back contact layer and passivate the interface defect states. Electrical performance and apparent quantum efficiency characterization were performed to investigate device performance of CdTe solar cells with antimony-containing RGO back contacts. The results indicate that, the introduction of extrinsic doping near the CdTe back surface serves to reduce the back contact depletion width and enhance the built-in potential to enable the tunnelling of majority carrier holes through the barrier, and the RGO is beneficial for the formation of Ohmic back contact on CdTe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lutein is utilized in food industry as a natural colorant or functional ingredient. Nevertheless, its application is limited by its chemical instability. The aim of this research was to develop and optimize lutein microencapsulated powders (LMPs) by spray drying to enhance storage stability of lutein. In formulation screening, LMPs, with inulin and modified starch as combined encapsulating materials (EMs), exhibited maximum encapsulation efficiency (EE) of 80.0 ± 0.6% and retention value (RV) of 87.9 ± 0.4%. The preparation process was further optimized by Box-Behnken design with EMs concentration, proportion of inulin and modified starch as EMs and inlet-drying temperature as crucial factors. EE, RV and product yield (PY) as critical quality attributes were considered. The micro-structural characterizations of six experimental LMPs were observed by scanning electron microscopy and used to describe the effects of the three crucial factors on morphological characterization of LMPs. Subsequently, the optimal condition for preparing LMPs was identified by response surface analysis. The actual EE, RV and PY values of the optimal LMPs were measured to be 85.0 ± 0.5, 90.1 ± 0.4 and 91.2 ± 0.7%, respectively. In the stability assessment, temperature degradation kinetics of microencapsulated lutein was analyzed. The chemical stability of the optimal LMPs significantly increased after exposure to four different temperatures. • Preparation of LMPs was rationally optimized to enhance lutein stability in storage. • Combined carbohydrates EMs provided more EE compared with simple material. • The composition of EMs significantly impacted the surface morphology of LMPs. • Excessive drying temperature damaged the microparticle surface. • The lutein loss of LMPs followed exponential one phase decay kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Novel TO/ZMO buffer structure for improved CdTe device performance was demonstrated. • TO/ZMO bilayer buffer improves the band-alignment of front contact. • TO/ZMO bilayer buffer reduces recombination and facilitates electron extraction. • The mechanisms of the CdTe device with TO/ZMO bilayer buffer were discussed. Abstract Achieving high open-circuit voltage (V o c) for CdTe thin film solar cells is challenging. We report that a ZnMgO (ZMO) buffer can improve V o c and the performance of CdTe solar cells when deposited on the tin oxide (SnO 2 or TO) coated fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates. The TO/ZMO bilayer buffer brings a better energy band matching at the front contact of CdTe thin film solar cells, which can reduce interface carrier recombination and facilitate electron extraction. Our best-performing CdTe solar cell using the TO/ZMO bilayer buffer has achieved a power conversion efficiency of 16.76%, with an open-circuit voltage of 838.75 mV, a short-circuit current density of 27.32 mA cm−2, and a fill factor of 73.14%, much higher than those of devices based on TO buffer. Our results suggest that a careful interface modification of front contact layers provides a simple and effective route to further improving the performance of CdTe solar cells with a higher V o c. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Weibull function was used to fit stem radius variations in cold seasons. • Stem shrinkage in Picea meyeri was greater on the forest edge after stem freeze. • The diurnal temperature range regulated the freeze-induced seasonal and diurnal variations in stem size. • Stem freeze or thaw was active when the daily minimum air temperature was around −2.5 °C. Dendrometer-derived stem radius variations (SRV) have been demonstrated as useful tools to test cold acclimation, which could reflect the tree water (ice) balance in winter and thus the frost stress. However, most previous studies focus on stem increment and water relations during growing seasons, stem radius variations in cold seasons and the underlying tree physiological information are not fully exploited, limiting our understanding of the response of mid- and high-latitudinal forests to warming winter. Hourly SRV in spruces (Picea meyeri) across an elevational transect of 700 m were observed over 6 consecutive years (2012–2017) in the present study. Elevation-specific variations in the onset of stem freeze and thaw, and the magnitude of seasonal and diurnal SRV in cold seasons were explored, and ultimately their dominant environmental factors were determined. Before stem freeze, seasonal and diurnal SRV showed linear trends with elevation, which were mainly affected by air and soil water conditions. Whereas, after stem freeze, the seasonal SRV and thus the stem dehydration was greater at the lower and upper limits of the forest belt, and the daily amplitude of freeze-thaw cycles was greater at high elevations. The diurnal air temperature range dominantly controlled the SRV on different time scales after stem freeze. Stem freeze and thaw in P. meyeri was active when the daily minimum air temperature was -2.5 °C in our study region. The onset of stem freeze and thaw advanced and delayed with elevation corresponding to a rate of 5.2 and 7.5 days/ °C when adjusted for the monitored lapse rate of 0.63 °C per 100 m, respectively. Together these findings highlight the value of high-precision variations in stem size to indicate the potential freezing stress, and trees growing at high elevations might suffer greater stress caused by frost dehydration and freeze-thaw under ongoing climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we developed a novel integrated apparatus to perform phase separation based on magnetic-stirring, salt-induced, liquid–liquid microextraction for determination of five fluoroquinolones in animal-based foods by HPLC analysis. The novel integrated apparatus consisted of three simple HDPE (high density polyethylene) parts that were used to separate the solvent from the aqueous solution prior to retrieving the extractant. The extraction parameters were optimized using the response surface method based on central composite design: 791 μL of acetone solvent, 2.5 g of Na 2 SO 4 , pH 1.7, 3.0 min of stir time, and 5.5 min centrifugation. The limits of detection were 0.07–0.53 μg kg −1 and recoveries were 91.6–105.0% for the five fluoroquinolones from milk, eggs and honey. This method is easily constructed from inexpensive materials, extraction efficiency is high, and the approach is compatible with HPLC analysis. Thus, it has excellent prospects for sample pre-treatment and analysis of fluoroquinolones in animal-based foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The removal efficiency of Cu2+ by Spirulina platensis (strain FACHB-834), in viable and heat-inactivated forms, was investigated in the presence and absence of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate ( LAS). When the initial Cu2+ concentration was in the range of 0.5-1.5 mg · L−1, a slight increase in growth rate of FACHB-834 was observed. In contrast, when Cu2+ or LAS concentrations were at or higher than 2.0 or 6.0 mg · L−1, respectively, the growth of FACHB-834 was inhibited and displayed yellowing and fragmentation of filaments. The presence of LAS improved Cu2+ removal by ~20%, and accelerated attainment of Cu2+ retention equilibrium. For the 2- mg · L−1 Cu2+ treatments, retention equilibrium occurred within 2 d and showed maximum Cu2+ removal of 1.83 mg · L−1. In the presence of LAS, the ratio of extracellular bound Cu2+ to intracellular Cu2+ taken up by the cells was lower (1.05-2.26) than corresponding ratios (2.46-7.85) in the absence of LAS. The percentages of extracellular bound Cu2+ to total Cu2+ removal (both bound and taken up by cells) in the presence of LAS ranged from 51.2% to 69.3%, which was lower than their corresponding percentages (71.1%-88.7%) in the absence of LAS. LAS promoted biologically active transport of the extracellular bound form of Cu2+ into the cell. In contrast, the addition of LAS did not increase the maximum removal efficiency of Cu2+ (61.4% ± 5.6%) by heat-inactivated cells compared to that of living cells (59.6% ± 6.0%). These results provide a theoretical foundation for designing bioremediation strategies using FACHB-834 for use in surface waters contaminated by both heavy metals and LAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]