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Lead-free perovskite-like semiconductors exhibit promising optoelectronic properties for various applications, including signal detection. However, the photocurrent density in these materials is often constrained by limitations in photogenerated charge dynamics. In this study, we introduced bromine dopants into CuBiI4 crystalline films for the first time and observed a significant enhancement in photocurrent density, increasing by approximately 4.8 times compared to undoped CuBiI4. Through comprehensive investigations into band structures, charge separation, and recombination dynamics, we elucidated the mechanisms underlying this enhancement, which proved to have a profound impact on charge densities. Specifically, the internal generation of photocharge densities was found to be influenced by several factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Pro-protein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) decreases the clearance of the pathogenic lipids, supporting the potential role of PCSK9 in the prognosis of sepsis. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, patients with sepsis were consecutively recruited from 1 to 2020 to 30 September 2021 at the First People's Hospital of Huaihua, China. All the eligible patients were categorized into low-PCSK9 and high-PCSK9 groups, based on their PCSK9 levels at admission. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves and Cox proportional hazards regression were used to evaluate the association between PCSK9 level and 28-day mortality of sepsis. Results: Of the 203 enrolled patients, 56 (27.59%) died during the 28-day follow-up. The PCSK9 level was positively related to the C-reactive protein level. The cut-off point of PCSK9 levels for 28-day mortality risk was 370 ng/ml. Through comparison between high-PCSK9 (> 370 ng/ml) with low-PCSK9 (≤ 370 ng/ml) groups, the adjusted HR for mortality was 2.56 (95% CI: 1.25–5.23, p = 0.01). Conclusions: The 28-day mortality of sepsis increased significantly as the baseline circulating PCSK9 level exceeded 370 ng/ml, indicating circulating PCSK9 levels may be a potential biomarker to predict the prognosis of sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microstructures and mechanical properties of Mg–3Sn–0.1Ca–xMM (mischmetal, x = 0.3, 0.6, and 0.9 wt.%) alloys were investigated. Optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) were used to characterize the microstructures and phase constitutions of the cast and rolled alloys. Room temperature tensile tests were conducted to obtain the mechanical properties and macro-textures to evaluate the texture weakening effect results of the MM. The results show that an abundance of second phase formed, confirmed as the (Ca,MM)MgSn phase, and the volume fraction increased with the increasing MM addition. The tensile yield strength of the as-cast alloys increased with the MM addition, but the elongation decreased. All of the rolled Mg–3Sn–0.1Ca–xMM alloys showed a strong basal texture, and only slightly decreased in intensity after annealing treatment due to the particle-stimulated nucleation of recrystallization. The as-annealed Mg–3Sn–0.1Ca–0.6MM alloys exhibited the highest tensile strengths of 266.5 ± 3.3 MPa and 136.1 ± 3.7 MPa, which are mainly ascribed to grain refinement strengthening, Orowan strengthening and texture strengthening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]