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The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process is a key priming activity of fibroblasts in pulmonary fibrosis during silicosis. Ets-like protein-1 (Elk-1) is a critical modulator that promotes functional changes in cells, and the effects are mediated by oxidative stress (OS). However, whether ELK-1 is involved in EMT of silicosis remains unclear. In addition, researchers have found that Elk-1 is involved in the expression of the gene zc3h12a, which encodes the protein MCPIP1, and MCPIP1 is a member of the zinc finger Cys-Cys-Cys-His (CCCH)-type protein family. A previous study from our lab showed that ZC3H4, which is also a member of the CCCH-type protein family, critically affected the regulation of EMT during silicosis. However, it has not yet been elucidated if ELK-1 acts at the promoter for zc3h4to increase its expression in a mechanism that is similar to that of the zc3h12agene and whether such regulation ultimately controls EMT. Therefore, we explored the correlation between ELK-1 and ZC3H4 expression and tested the underlying mechanisms affecting ELK-1 activation induced by silica. Our study identifies that SiO2-mediated EMT via ELK-1, with the upstream activity of OS and the downstream signaling of ZC3H4 expression resulting in enhanced EMT. These findings suggest that the nuclear transcription factor ELK-1 may be useful as a novel target for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.

The performance of organic solar cells (OSCs) is mainly related to the bulk heterojunction (BHJ) microstructure of specific active layer systems, which is often in a metastable state. A promising strategy to address the abovementioned shortcomings of BHJs is to develop single-component active layer materials. Owing to the single-component small molecule materials with defined chemical structures generally exhibit poor absorption spectra, herein we first introduced narrow bandgap Y-series acceptors into the molecular skeleton of single-component materials, and designed two molecular dyads, SM-Et-1Y and SM-Et-2Y. The optical bandgaps (Egopts) of the two dyads are 1.364 and 1.361 eV, respectively, which are much smaller than those of previously reported single-component molecules. Consequently, the SM-Et-2Y-based single-component OSCs (SCOSCs) showed a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.07%, superior to SM-Et-1Y (2.53%), which is one of the highest PCEs reported for SCOSCs to date. Moreover, both SM-Et-1Y- and SM-Et-2Y-based devices exhibited excellent photo-stability, retaining over 90% of their initial performance after 250 h of continuous illumination. Our results provide a deeper understanding of the molecular backbone and a guiding principle for the rational design or selection of non-fullerene single-component materials with suitable donor/acceptor ratios.

Gesture recognition is an effective method to voice-off communication in daily life, offering an intuitive and immersive means to interactive terminal. Current commercialized solutions to gesture recognition are exposed to limitations of either susceptibility to environmental conditions or the huge cost on fabrication, energy, and computing power. Here, we propose a deep-learning-enabled smart gesture recognition glove system that can capture and recognize the hand gesture in real time and execute the users’ interactive instructions for multifunctional rescue tasks. The self-powered gesture recognition glove system can successfully classify 7 typical gestures with an accuracy as high as 98.57%. As a proof of concept, a rescue vehicle equipped with water pump, dexterous robotic arm, or laser radar is demonstrated to be guided by gestures outside the environment to complete rescue tasks even in environments that are inaccessible to humans. We aim to use the self-powered gesture recognition glove for future intelligent interaction and intelligent manufacturing, especially in the diversified scenarios that require more advanced and dexterous manipulations in the dark or blocked spaces.

The development of efficient and stable organic photovoltaic (OPV) systems for commercial applications has long been a primary objective. While single-component material systems have demonstrated promising operational and thermal stability, their efficiency still lags behind that of multicomponent bulk heterojunction devices due to limitations in scarce building blocks, complex synthesis processes, and challenges in controlling morphology. In this work, we present a novel approach by introducing a fused-ring electron acceptor as a pendant segment, which offers new possibilities for the development of double-cable single-component copolymers. This innovative strategy not only broadens their spectral absorption but also simplifies their synthesis complexity. Through careful adjustment of molecular weight, we achieved an outstanding power conversion efficiency of 9.35% and a minimized energy loss of 0.517 eV, which is one of the best results reported for structure well-defined double-cable copolymer-based OPVs. Impressively, the designed double-cable polymers exhibit excellent photo, thermal, and mechanical stabilities, further highlighting their potential for practical applications.

Plasma-catalytic conversion of CO2and H2O into energy gases at room temperature was studied in a dielectric barrier discharge reactor. CO, H2, and traces of CH4were observed as the products in an argon atmosphere. Moreover, NiO with different morphologies was prepared and loaded on cordierite as catalysts. Compared with NiO-grain and NiO-sheet, NiO-sphere showed higher catalytic performance; the yields of H2, CO, and CH4were 354.3, 21.0, and 0.061 μmol·h–1·gcat–1, respectively. Characterization indicated that highly dispersed NiO nanoclusters, chemical adsorption of CO2, and defect formation may be the factors that promoted the catalytic performance. Subsequently, a kinetic analysis was performed for further understanding the reaction process.

The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process is a key priming activity of fibroblasts in pulmonary fibrosis during silicosis. Ets-like protein-1 (Elk-1) is a critical modulator that promotes functional changes in cells, and the effects are mediated by oxidative stress (OS). However, whether ELK-1 is involved in EMT of silicosis remains unclear. In addition, researchers have found that Elk-1 is involved in the expression of the gene zc3h12a, which encodes the protein MCPIP1, and MCPIP1 is a member of the zinc finger Cys-Cys-Cys-His (CCCH)-type protein family. A previous study from our lab showed that ZC3H4, which is also a member of the CCCH-type protein family, critically affected the regulation of EMT during silicosis. However, it has not yet been elucidated if ELK-1 acts at the promoter for zc3h4to increase its expression in a mechanism that is similar to that of the zc3h12agene and whether such regulation ultimately controls EMT. Therefore, we explored the correlation between ELK-1 and ZC3H4 expression and tested the underlying mechanisms affecting ELK-1 activation induced by silica. Our study identifies that SiO2-mediated EMT via ELK-1, with the upstream activity of OS and the downstream signaling of ZC3H4 expression resulting in enhanced EMT. These findings suggest that the nuclear transcription factor ELK-1 may be useful as a novel target for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.

The application of most hydrogel bio‐adhesives is greatly limited due to their high swelling, low underwater adhesion, and single function. Herein, a spatial multi‐level physical‐chemical and bio‐inspired in‐situ bonding strategy is proposed, to develop a multifunctional hydrogel bio‐glue using polyglutamic acid (PGA), tyramine hydrochloride (TYR), and tannic acid (TA) as precursors and 4‐(4,6‐dimethoxytriazine‐2‐yl) −4‐methylmorpholine hydrochloride(DMTMM) as condensation agent, which is used for tissue adhesion, hemostasis and repair. By introducing TYR and TA into the PGA chain, it is demonstrated that not only can the strong adhesion of bio‐glue to the surface of various fresh tissues and wet materials be realized through the synergistic effect of spatial multi‐level physical and chemical bonding, but also this glue can be endowed with the functions of anti‐oxidation and hemostasis. The excellent performance of such bio‐glue in the repair of the wound, liver, and cartilage is achieved, showing a great potential in clinical application for such bio‐glue. This study will open up a brand‐new avenue for the development of multifunctional hydrogel biological adhesive. A multifunctional hydrogel bio‐glue is developed using polyglutamic acid, tyramine hydrochloride, and tannic acid as precursors and based on a spatial multi‐level physical‐chemical and in situ bonding strategy. The achieved hydrogel bio‐glue shows excellent performance in tissue adhesion and hemostasis as well as in the repair of the wound, liver, and cartilage.

A series of eight polymethoxychalcone Mannich base derivatives 2a-2h was synthesized via the microwave-assisted Mannich reaction of natural product 2'-hydroxy-3,4,4',5,6'-pentamethoxychalcone (1) with various secondary amines and formaldehyde. Compared to conventional heating method (80°C), the microwave-assisted method (700W, 65°C) is efficient with short reaction time (0.5-1 h) and good yields (74-88%). The antiproliferative activities of eight Mannich base derivatives were evaluated in vitro on a panel of three human cancer cell lines (Hela, HCC1954 and SK-OV-3) by CCK-8 assay. The results showed that all of the Mannich base derivatives exhibited potential antiproliferative activities on tested cancer cell lines with the IC50 values of 9.13-48.51 µM. Some active compounds exhibited more activity as compared to positive control cis-Platin. Among them, compound 2b revealed to have the strongest antiproliferative activity against all the three cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 9.13 to 11.24 µM.

The effect of the impregnation solvent in a Fe-ZSM-5 system on the performance was evaluated for the selective catalytic reduction by ammonia (NH3-SCR) of nitric oxide (NO). As a result, water (H2O) as the solvent caused more iron clusters to form on the zeolite support and decreased the activity at low temperature. When absolute methanol was used, the iron particle was silk-like and uniformly distributed outside the pore structure of the zeolite, resulting in a poor performance at high temperature and poor sulfur dioxide (SO2) and H2O resistance. Also, for Fe-ZSM-5 impregnated with a mixed solvent, the iron particle was in excellent dispersion inside and outside the porous structure of the zeolite. A widened active temperature window, good SO2and H2O resistance, and good hydrothermal stability were due to the appropriate ratio of Fe3+and plenty of surface-adsorbed oxygen.

Fe-BEA catalysts are active for the NH3-SCR of NO. For industrial application, a binder should be added to the Fe-BEA catalysts to make them tightly adhere to the monoliths. The addition of alumina and zirconia as binders to the Fe-BEA led to a different effect on NO conversion. The catalytic activity of the mixed samples was evaluated by the temperature programmed procedure in a flow-reactor system, and the mechanism was analyzed via SEM, BET, XRD and XPS. It was found that larger iron particles were formed by the migration of parent iron particles in the Fe-BEA catalyst with alumina. This led to the increase of Fe3+magnitude and iron cluster, enhancing the abilities of NO oxidation and storage. Accordingly, the SCR activity increased slightly in low temperature but decreased sharply in high temperature. For the Fe-BEA with zirconia sample, NO oxidation and storage abilities decreased due to the less iron clusters. The increase of Fe3+magnitude resulted in higher catalytic oxidation ability, which gave rise to little change in the SCR activity compared with the Fe-BEA.

The composite oxides xAg/Co0.93Ce0.07(x= Ag/(Co+Ce) molar ratio), intended for use as high performance catalytic materials, were successfully prepared via citric acid complexation. The effects of silver on the performance of these substances during soot combustion were subsequently investigated. Under O2, the 0.3Ag/Co0.93Ce0.07catalyst resulted in the lowest ignition temperature, T10, of 197 °C, while the minimum light-off temperature was obtained from both 0.2Ag/Co0.93Ce0.07and 0.3Ag/Co0.93Ce0.07in the NOxatmosphere. These materials were also characterized by various techniques, including H2, soot and NOxtemperature programmed reduction, X-ray diffraction, and electron paramagnetic resonance, Raman, X-ray photoelectron, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analyses. The results demonstrated that silver significantly alters the catalytic behavior under both O2and NOx, even though the lattice structure of the mixed oxide is not affected. Surface silver oxides generated under the O2atmosphere favor soot combustion by participating in the redox cycles between soot and the silver oxide, whereas the AgNO3that forms in a NOx-rich atmosphere facilitates soot abatement at a lower temperature. The inferior activity of AgNO3relative to that of Ag2O results in the different catalytic performance in the presence of NOxor O2.

Plasma-coupled catalysis is a promising volatile organic compounds (VOCs) removal technology because of its interactional principles of plasma decomposition and catalytic oxidation. However, the problem of harmful by-products is still in trouble. A series of rare earth doped RE-NiOx(RE = Ce, Y, La) composite oxides were synthesized by metal organic frameworks (MOFs)-derived method for coupled plasma oxidation of benzene and by-product ozone removal. Compared with plasma alone, the 1%La-NiOxcatalyst shows the best enhancement of 50% for benzene conversion with complete removal of a maximum of 800 ppm ozone. The energy consumption for 90% benzene removal efficiency (η90%) is also reduced from 3600 to 1200 J/L. Characterization results of RE-NiOxcatalysts indicate that the doping of La causes interaction and synergistic effect between La and Ni, and the surface oxygen and lattice oxygen with defects play crucial roles in benzene oxidation and ozone decomposition, respectively. In addition, the decomposition mechanism of benzene and ozone under plasma is proposed. Plasma is responsible for the indiscriminate bond breaking in benzene and oxygen to form a variety of organic intermediates and ozone, while the La-NiOxcatalyst selectively oxidizes the intermediates to COx/H2O and decomposes the ozone into oxygen.

Two novel series of sixteen aminoalkyl-substituted polymethoxychalcone derivatives 2a―2h and 3a―3h were synthesized from 2′-hydroxy-3,4,5,4′,6′-pentamethoxy chalcone(1) through extending alkoxy side chain at the 2′-position, and introducing amine hydrogen bond receptor at the end of the side chain. The structures of all the synthesized compounds were confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and MS techniques. Furthermore, all the compounds were tested for antiproliferative activities in vitroagainst a panel of three human cell lines(HeLa, HCC1954 and SK-OV-3) viaCCK-8 assay. The results show that all the target compounds exhibit antiproliferative activities against the three human cancer cells with IC50values of 4.62―48.21 μmol/L, except compound 2h against SK-OV-3 cells. Most of these compounds were more active when compared to the positive control cis-Platin.

Objectives:Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had a global impact and is spreading quickly. ChuanKeZhi injection (CKZI) is widely used in asthma patients. In this paper, we aimed to explore active compounds of CKZ and determine potential mechanisms against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) through network pharmacology, molecular docking and dynamic simulation studies. Materials and Methods:We used the Systematic Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCMSP) to screen active compounds and potential target proteins of CKZ. COVID-19 target genes were screened via the American National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) gene database and human gene database (GeenCards). The protein interaction network was constructed by the Protein Interaction Network Database (Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING)) platform. GO enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were performed by the Metascape database. The main active compounds of CKZ were docked with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), spike protein S1, and SARS-CoV-2-3CL pro and also docked with hub targets. We performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies for validation. Results:We finally obtained 207 CKZ potential targets and 4681 potential COVID-19 targets. Key targets included mainly AKT1, TNF, IL6, VEGFA, IL1B, TP53, JUN, CASP3, etc. There were 217 Gene Ontology (GO) items in the GO enrichment analysis (p< 0.05). The main KEGG pathways included the advanced glycation end products (AGE)- receptor for AGE (RAGE) signalling pathway in diabetic complications, rheumatoid arthritis, chemical carcinogenesis-receptor activation, alcoholic liver disease, etc. Molecular docking and dynamics simulation studies both exhibited great binding capacity. Conclusions:Network pharmacology, molecular docking and dynamics simulation studies were used to identify the potential and key targets, pharmacological functions, and therapeutic mechanisms of CKZI in the treatment of COVID-19. CKZI may be an effective and safe drug in COVID-19 treatment. However, further work is needed for validation.

Diesel soot, a major contributor to PM emission, severely threatens human health and the environment. Catalytic oxidation of trapped diesel soot is a feasible solution to alleviating this problem. In this study, highly active Co–Ce catalysts were synthesized by the citric acid complex method and their catalytic behaviour was investigated by means of TG analysis. The best catalytic performance was acquired over the Co0.93Ce0.07catalyst with T10= 315 °C and T50= 370 °C. These catalyst samples were also characterized by XRD, Raman spectrum, soot-TPR, H2-TPR, O2-TPD, XPS and in situRaman spectra. Cerium cations were partially incorporated into the lattice of Co3O4in Co–Ce mixed oxides, which led to the lattice expansion. This structure modification brought about a series of changes in the surface and the lattice of these catalysts. The capability of oxygen adsorption and desorption was slightly improved, and the redox ability of mixed oxides was intensified owing to the strong interaction between Co3O4and CeO2. Surface lattice oxygen and bulk lattice oxygen could also be activated at a lower temperature. Moreover, active oxygen species (superoxide and peroxide) as well as carbon–oxygen intermediates (carbonyl and formate species) were discovered in soot combustion. Reactions for producing formate species were important steps for the soot–O2reaction. The enhanced effects of both redox mechanism and oxygen spillover mechanism were probably due to the synergistic effect between the two oxides.

This study reports a simple and easy colorimetric method for measuring glucose consumption in tissues. Some technical parameters obtained from previous single factor tests and orthogonal designs were validated by single factor test in this study, and the kinetics of glucose consumption reaction was analyzed. Our results show that the kinetics of glucose consumption fits Michaelis-Menten equation with max and Km at 0.0942 g/Lh and 14.83 g/L respectively. Further comparative analysis of glucose consumption in diabetic and normal mice using the reported colorimetric method demonstrates that the rate of glucose consumption in liver, muscle, kidney, and brain from diabetic mice is significantly lower than those from normal control, respectively. The analysis of enzymatic activity and intermediate metabolite in the livers reaction solution indicates the existence of significant differences between normal and diabetic mice. The significance of the method is more close to the glucose metabolism in vivo and without the need for expensive equipment and specialized technical expertise. With analyses of some enzymes activities and intermediates involved in glucose metabolism, the present method can be applied in the diagnosis of diabetic patients.

The "two sessions" of the company in 2019, the company's chairman, Comrade Kou Wei, put forward the strategic goal of "three-type two networks, world-class", making it clear that the 2021 will initially become a world-class Energy Internet company with Global Competitiveness It has also laid out key tasks in the distribution sector, including the strategy for vigorously fighting poverty through services and rural revitalization, making continuous efforts to improve the business environment for electricity generation, upgrading the construction of power distribution networks, and establishing standards and demonstration zones for power distribution networks. The company proposed the "1135" New Era Power Distribution Management Strategy: customer-centered, to improve power supply reliability as the main line, to strengthen standardized construction, lean operation and maintenance, intelligent management and control, we will endeavor to build a first-class modern distribution network with good structure, equipment, technology, management and service. By improving the distribution network's ability of intelligent perception, data fusion and intelligent decision-making, a "clean, low-carbon, safe and efficient" intelligent distribution network energy system is constructed. The comprehensive error of electric energy measurement in distribution network is composed of voltage transformer error, current transformer error, watt-hour meter error and voltage drop of secondary circuit of voltage transformer. The measurement error caused by the voltage drop of the secondary circuit of the voltage transformer accounts for a large proportion of the total errors of electric energy measurement. Because the voltage drop is too large, causes the little electricity quantity as well as the generation and supply quantity imbalance, the line loss gives the negative number the example all to appear.

Since the beginning of the twenty-one th century, with the rapid development of China's economy and the continuous progress of China's power industry, it has contributed an indelible force to the development of China's socialist undertakings The construction of power grid is very important to the development of society. The normal operation of the power grid can not be separated from regular inspection of power grid equipment and lines, so as to keep abreast of and understand the operation of power transmission lines and changes in the surrounding environment and Line Protection Areas Is the power supply enterprise a heavy daily work. Manual inspection is a traditional inspection method, but also the main way of transmission line inspection. Due to the complex terrain of the transmission line corridor, there are almost no patrol roads in some sections along the route in some harsh conditions such as river-crossing or high mountains and steep mountains. This patrol method has great labor intensity and difficult working conditions Transmission lines can not get timely feedback, and can not observe the real-time intuitive operation of lines and equipment. In this case, in response to the national "Internet +" strategic thinking, we initiated the "Internet +", "UAV +" and "VR +" all-ecological power grid patrol mode Realize the power network equipment long-distance inspection, all-round inspection, real-time simulation inspection, inspection in bad environment, so that the cause of power inspection can take off.

With the improvement of ecological environment and the expansion of the scale of power grid construction, "bird damage" has brought great hidden dangers to the safe and stable operation of power grid. On the one hand, human awareness of natural protection has been enhanced, the speed of bird reproduction has been accelerated, and the threat of birds to the line has gradually increased. On the other hand, bird damage prevention measures were not considered in the early design of power grid. Bird damage was prevalent in operation. After bird damage, the response measures were not timely, the treatment efficiency was low, and the number of line trips and non-outages increased. Especially in some backward areas, once the power grid loses contact with the provincial network, it will cause large-scale blackouts in the county (township) often occur, which directly affects the safe, stable and reliable operation of the power grid. It is urgent to prevent bird damage on the line.

At present, the fire accidents caused by power equipment operation in substations are on the rise, especially for large transformers and high-resistance oil-filled equipment. The fire hazard and harm of electric power equipment can not be ignored. With the improvement of substation automation, Higher Requirements are put forward for fire safety, reliability, fire efficiency and preventive measures, so it is necessary to analyze and design the intelligent fire control system of UHV substation.

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) outcomes of extensive tenosynovectomy on patients with diffuse flexor hallucis longus tenosynovitis combined with effusion (DFHLT-E).Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing extensive tenosynovectomy for DFHLT-E in the same foot and ankle center from January 2013 to December 2016 were selected; a total of 14 patients were included in the final analysis. Patients with a minimum 1-year follow-up were evaluated with physical examination, MRI, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) clinical midfoot scale, and visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores.Results: The 14 patients were followed up for an average of 15.0 ± 2.3 months (12–18 months). There were no recurrences in all clinical examinations at the final follow-up. The AOFAS score was improved from 61.57 ± 10.70 before surgery to 90.28 ± 9.41 at the final follow-up. The difference was statistically significant (p= 0.001). The VAS score was improved from 4.00 ± 0.82 before surgery to 0.43 ± 0.53 at the final follow-up (p< 0.001). MRI examination revealed two patients with small residual and limited effusion with no clinical symptoms. Superficial pin infection was observed in one patient, and two patients had transient neurostimulation.Conclusions: Extensive tenosynovectomy is an effective alternative for the treatment of DFHLT-E with less complications or recurrence.