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A sodium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (NaFSI)‐based multifunctional electrolyte is developed by partially replacing NaPF6 salt in the electrolyte to improve the wide temperature range working capability of NaNi1/3Fe1/3Mn1/3O2/hard carbon (NNFM111/HC) sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). The capacity retention of the SIBs with NaFSI‐NaPF6 dual salt electrolyte increases from 47.2 % to 75.5 % after 250 cycles at 25 °C, and from 51.0 % to 82.3 % after 80 cycles at 45 °C, and the 1 C discharge capacity retention at the low temperature of −20 °C also increases 26.8 %. In the single salt system, NaPF6 effectively passivate the aluminum foil and NaFSI passivate the electrode/electrolyte interface. The synergistic effect of NaPF6 and NaFSI greatly improves the battery performance in a wide temperature range. This NaFSI‐based dual salt electrolyte also effectively overcomes the flaws when the SIBs using NaFSI or NaPF6 independently, and makes it more suitable for SIBs, indicating promising prospects in the commercial application of NNFM111/HC SIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ensuring sufficient preload of bolted connections is crucial for maintaining the safety of railway operations. Accidents resulting from loose bolts caused by inadequate preload are a recurring concern. Traditional bolt preload detection methods suffer from reliability issues and bulky equipment requirements. To address these challenges, this study proposes a novel solution utilising passive wireless measurement systems. However, the communication effectiveness of these systems can be significantly impacted by the surrounding metal environment. This research introduces an intelligent clover washer design to mitigate the adverse effects of eddy currents induced by the metal environment. The design incorporates a new clover antenna and washer structure, effectively reducing the influence of the metal environment and improving the communication quality. The proposed design has undergone comprehensive prototyping, simulation and experimental verification. The results demonstrate a significant improvement over the traditional circular antenna and washer combination under similar conditions. Specifically, the sensing distance of the new clover washer is enhanced by 60% and the stable communication distance is improved by 75%. The experimental results highlight the ability of the new clover smart washer to generate a stronger spatial magnetic field and exhibit reduced susceptibility to the metal washer, thereby enhancing communication effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By now, as the promising high‐energy cathode materials of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), the high‐nickel LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) still have technical problems such as poor electrode‐electrolyte interface stability and sensitivity to H2O and HF in the electrolyte to be solved. In this work, isocyanoethyl methacrylate (IMA) containing −N=C=O group is developed as a bifunctional electrolyte additive through the film‐forming, H2O removal, and HF reduction to modify the electrode‐electrolyte interfaces and improve the performance of NCM811/graphite LIBs. After 450 cycles under the normal voltage range of 2.75 to 4.20 V, the capacity retention of the battery with 0.5 wt.% IMA additive increases from 50.7 % to 78.0 % compared to the battery without the additive. And under the high voltage range of 2.75 to 4.40 V, the capacity retention of the battery with IMA increases from 62.8 % to 81.9 % after 150 cycles. It is demonstrated that the IMA additive as the H2O and HF scavenger of electrolyte also facilitate the electrochemical oxidation‐reduction reactions on two electrodes to form high‐quality interfacial films, which stabilizes the anode and cathode interfaces and subsequently improves the cycling performance of the batteries. These results show that the electrolyte with IMA additive has promising prospects in the application of high‐nickel NCM‐based LIBs and provide the idea to evaluate the organic molecules containing −N=C=O group as the functional electrolyte additives as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A functional electrolyte containing 3,3‐diethylene di‐sulfite (DES) additive is developed to improve the performances of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811)/graphite batteries, especially at high charging cut‐off voltage of 4.50 V. It is indicated that under the conventional conditions of 25 °C and 1 C after 300 cycles in the voltage range of 2.75–4.30 V, the batteries with 0.25 % DES can increase the maximum capacity retention from 66.61 % to 77.25 % initial discharge capacity compared with the batteries without DES. Especially, when the charge cut‐off voltage is increased to 4.50 V, the batteries with 1 % DES exhibit higher capacity retention (82.53 %) after 150 cycles than the batteries without DES (51.19 %). The electrochemical tests and spectroscopic characterization show that this functional DES electrolyte additive well regulates the anode and cathode interfaces with more stabilized films and smaller impedance, which promotes the interfacial extraction and insertion of Li+. In addition, the interfacial film can inhibit the dissolution of the transition metal element Ni from the cathode and protect the structure stability of NCM811 material. The electrolyte containing DES additive reveals promising prospects in the application of NCM811/graphite batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium bisoxalatodifluorophosphate (LiBODFP) is a promising multifunctional lithium salt-type electrolyte additive used to enhance the performance of 5 V LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO)-based lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Compared to cells without the additive, the cycling retention of the LNMO/Li half cells with 1.0% LiBODFP was improved from 77.6% to 93.7% at a 1C rate after 300 cycles. The capacity retention of the high voltage LNMO/graphite full cells with LiBODFP reached 82% at a 0.5C rate after 100 cycles, which was much higher than that of the cells without the additive (50%). It is shown that the LiBODFP can be preferentially oxidized and reduced to form robust interface films with low resistance and high conductivity on the surfaces of LNMO cathodes and graphite anodes, respectively. The LiBODFP-derived interface film can protect the cathode and anode materials, alleviate the decomposition of the electrolyte, and prevent the dissolution of metal ions from the LNMO cathode and their deposition on the graphite surface. This work provides an effective strategy for developing a functional electrolyte that matches the requirement of LNMO-based batteries with a high-voltage window and enhanced performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether necroptosis occurs in high glucose (HG)-induced H9c2 cardiac cell injury and whether the activation of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) can inhibit necroptosis. H9c2 cardiac cells were treated with 35 mM glucose to establish a HG-induced cell injury model. Alda-1 (20 µM), a specific activator of ALDH2 and necrostatin-1 (Nec-1, 100 µM), an inhibitor of necroptosis were used to treat H9c2 cardiac cells under HG conditions. Cell viability was measured using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was measured by the dihydroethidium staining method. ALDH2 activity was measured at 450 nm. The mRNA and protein expression of ALDH2, necroptosis-associated genes, receptor-interacting protein (RIP)1, RIP3 and mixed lineage kinase domain like pseudokinase (MLKL), were analyzed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. The expression of cleaved caspase-3 protein was also examined by western blotting. The results demonstrated that under HG conditions, cell viability, ALDH2 activity, mRNA and protein expression were decreased. Furthermore, ROS generation, mRNA and protein expression of RIP1, RIP3, MLKL and the protein expression of cleaved caspase-3 were increased. Treatment with Alda-1 or Nec-1 attenuated HG-induced downregulation of ALDH2 activity, mRNA and protein expression. In addition, RIP1, RIP3, MLKL mRNA, and protein expression were downregulated. Furthermore, Alda-1 but not Nec-1 decreased cleaved caspase-3 protein expression. Collectively these data indicated that activation of ALDH2 protected H9c2 cardiac cells against HG-induced injury, partly by inhibiting the occurrence of necroptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capacitive fringing field sensors have been used in some non‐contact detections. A lateral displacement measurement method based on fringing field capacitors is investigated by simulations and experiments in this study. For the conventional interdigitated structure, the periodic electric field distribution is obtained because of those alternate electrodes, which produces periodic capacitances along with the target displacement. However, it is inconvenient to construct measurement systems due to the non‐linear capacitance output. A dentate structure is proposed to improve the output characteristics of displacement measurement. The periodic uniform electric field is achieved by the dentate electrodes, which brings the linear capacitance variation in every period. Indium–tin oxide film was employed to fabricate a prototype, and the experiment results indicate that the dentate structure can be used in the lateral displacement measurement for its linear output characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A low‐cost and passive medical examination solution based on near‐field communication (NFC) technology is presented in this Letter. NFC antenna is responsible for inducing energy from the smartphone and transmitting data. The signal of medical sensor is acquired and calculated by microcontroller; the result is sent to the smartphone by NFC and displayed on Android application. In order to adapt to the low energy induction of NFC, maximum output of 5 mA at 3 V, a ponded energy method based on time control is designed to achieve that higher power consumption at time of signal acquisition. A body temperature detection prototype was fabricated to verify such medical detection system. Experimental results show that the system can work stably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transient pressure measurement system applied in an explosion field is usually characterized by non-real-time measurement due to the conflict between quick signal acquisition and limited communication bandwidth. The correct signal acquisition is launched by triggering, but the false triggering often leads to measurement failure due to the fact that the operating status of system cannot be real-time detected in an explosion condition. A distributed wireless measurement system with data extraction technology is proposed in this paper to improve the reliability of transient pressure measurement. A long-time signal acquisition is achieved by mass data storage to eliminate the trigger mode. On the other hand, an effective data segment is extracted by signal identification, which improves the efficiency of data transmission and data processing. A measurement system based on data extraction technology was designed and implemented in an explosion field, and the measurement node was characterized by sampling rate of 1 Msps, data storage of 128 Gb, effective data segment of 512 kW, and Wi-Fi wireless network coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five new ursane-type triterpenoidal saponins ( 1 – 5 ), together with five known ones ( 6 – 10 ), were isolated from the EtOH extract of the roots of Ilex cornuta . The structures of saponins 1 – 5 were elucidated as 19 α -hydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid 3 β -O- β -D-glucuronopyranoside ( 1 ), 19 α -hydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid 3 β -O- β -D-glucuronopyranoside-6-O-ethyl ester ( 2 ), 19 α -hydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid 3 β -O- α -L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 2)- β -D-glucuronopyranoside ( 3 ), 3 β -O-[ α -L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 2)- β -D-glucuronopyranosyl]-19 α -hydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid 28-O- β -D-glucopyranosyl ester ( 4 ) and 3 β -O-[ α -L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 2)- β -D-glucuronopyranoside-6-O-methyl ester]-19 α -hydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid 28-O- β -D-glucopyranosyl ester ( 5 ), on the basis of spectroscopic analyses (IR, ESI-MS, HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR) and chemical reactions. Protective effects of compounds 1 – 10 against H 2 O 2 -induced H9c2 cardiomyocyte injury were tested. Compounds 1 – 5 , 7 , and 10 showed cell-protective effects. Among them compound 5 exhibited the highest activity. No significant DPPH radical scavenging activity was observed for compounds 1 – 10 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food toxins are a hidden threat that can cause cancer and tremendously impact human health. Therefore, the detection of food toxins in a timely manner with high sensitivity is of paramount importance for public health and food safety. However, the current detection methods are relatively time-consuming and not practical for field tests. In the present work, we developed a novel aptamer-chip-based sample-to-answer biosensor (ACSB) for ochratoxin A (OTA) detection via fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). In this system, a cyanine 3 (Cy3)-labeled OTA-specific biotinylated aptamer was immobilized on an epoxy-coated chip via streptavidin-biotin binding. A complementary DNA strand to OTA aptamer at the 3′-end was labeled with a black hole quencher 2 (BHQ2) to quench Cy3 fluorescence when in proximity. In the presence of OTA, the Cy3-labeled OTA aptamer bound specifically to OTA and led to the physical separation of Cy3 and BHQ2, which resulted in an increase of fluorescence signal. The limit of detection (LOD) of this ACSB for OTA was 0.005 ng/mL with a linearity range of 0.01–10 ng/mL. The cross-reactivity of ACSB against other mycotoxins, ochratoxin B (OTB), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), zearalenone (ZEA), or deoxynilvalenol (DON), was less than 0.01%. In addition, this system could accurately detect OTA in rice samples spiked with OTA, and the mean recovery rate of the spiked-in OTA reached 91%, with a coefficient of variation (CV) of 8.57–9.89%. Collectively, the ACSB may represent a rapid, accurate, and easy-to-use platform for OTA detection with high sensitivity and specificity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study explored the correlations of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) gene polymorphisms with susceptibility and the condition of primary nephrotic syndrome. A total of 200 patients with primary nephrotic syndrome in Qilu hospital were collected as disease group, and 200 healthy people were selected as control group. Genomic deoxyribonucleic acids (DNAs) of nucleated cells in the peripheral blood were extracted to detect the gene polymorphisms of TNF-α (rs1799724 and rs1800629) and IL-10 (rs1800872 and rs141219090). Allele distributions at rs1799724 (P=0.003) and rs1800629 (P=0.011) of TNF-α gene and at rs1800872 (P=0.033) of IL-10 gene in disease group were different from those in control group. In the disease group, allele C frequency at rs1799724 and allele A frequency at rs1800629 of TNF-α gene and allele T frequency at rs1800872 of IL-10 gene were higher. There were differences between rs1799724 (P=0.007) and rs1800629 (P=0.002) of TNF-α gene. In addition, there was a difference in the frequency of the dominant model of TNF-α gene rs1800629 between disease group and control group (P=0.035), and the frequency of dominant model GG+GA was remarkably lower in the disease group. Additionally, TT genotype at rs1799724 of TNF-α gene was obviously related to the plasma TNF-α level (P<0.05), and the plasma TNF-α level was significantly increased in disease group. AA genotype at rs141219090 of IL-10 gene had a notable correlation with the plasma IL-10 level (P<0.05), and the plasma IL-10 level in disease group was markedly raised. Additionally, CT genotype at rs1799724 of TNF-α gene was related to the 24-h urine protein level (P=0.035), GG genotype at rs1800872 of IL-10 gene was associated with the plasma albumin level (P=0.031), and GG genotype at rs141219090 was related to the serum creatinine level (P=0.047). TNF-α and IL-10 gene polymorphisms are predominantly correlated with the susceptibility and the condition of primary nephrotic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimization of electrode-electrolyte interfacial properties plays a key role in the stable operation of high-energy density lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) over a wide temperature range. In this work, a functional electrolyte using dihydro-1,3,2-dioxathiolo [1,3,2]dioxathiole-2,2,5,5-tetraoxide (D-DTD) molecules as an overall-functional additive is designed and used to enhance the comprehensive performance of LiNi 0.5 Co 0.2 Mn 0.3 O 2 /graphite batteries under extreme conditions, namely, a high 4.4 V working potential and a wide temperature range of −30 °C–60 °C. The batteries with D-DTD exhibit stable coulombic efficiency, enhanced cycling stability, and superior rate performance. Specifically, the batteries with D-DTD retain 89.1% of their original reversible capacities after 150 cycles at room temperature, while only 55.4% and 84.0% capacity retentions are obtained from the batteries without additive and with 1,3,2-dioxathiolane-2,2-dioxide (DTD), respectively. Interestingly, the addition of D-DTD to the baseline electrolyte promotes higher cycling retentions of 77.2% (45 °C) and 92.5% (−10 °C) after 100 cycles in comparison to 14.7% and 82.1% with DTD-added electrolyte, respectively. It is demonstrated that D-DTD can participate in the construction of interfacial films on both cathode and anode, which contributes to stabilizing the electrode-electrolyte interfaces and reducing parasitic interfacial reactions of LIBs. Image 1 • Sulfur-containing D-DTD is studied as an overall-functional electrolyte additive. • The batteries with D-DTD show enhanced performance over a wide temperature range. • D-DTD additives show better performance than well-known DTD additives. • The D-DTD-derived interfacial films exhibit high stability and low impedance. • The unique functions of the D-DTD additives in the electrolyte are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A flow measurement method based on fringing field capacitors is proposed. Alternate annular electrodes are fabricated on the surface of the tube to constitute the capacitor structure, and the fringing field penetrates the wall to achieve the detection of fluid. The electric field between two electrodes distributes along the annular wall, which is conducive to analyse the relationship of the capacitance and the flow. The proposed measurement method is suitable for the industrial applications due to the simple structure and low cost. A water flow measurement experiment was implemented by making foil capacitor on the surface of a plastic tube. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A thin film thermocouple (TFTC) on printed circuit board (PCB) substrate is investigated for measuring transient high temperature. The thermal conductivity of PCB is smaller than that of ceramic, which indicates less influence of substrate on heat conduction of TFTC. Therefore, PCB is suitable to make fast response sensors although it cannot withstand continuous high temperature as ceramic. On the other hand, the TFTC is fabricated on the PCB with measurement circuit together, which integrates a miniature measurement unit. A k‐type TFTC was fabricated by magnetron sputtering while the film naturally connected with tracks of PCB, which achieves an integration of the sensor with measurement circuit. Experimental result indicates that the response time of TFTC is less than 2 ms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1,2,3,4-Tetrakis(2-cyanoethoxy)butane (TCEB) is first evaluated as a functional electrolyte additive to increase the charge cutoff voltage and energy density of pouch LiCO 2 (LCO)/artificial graphite (AG) lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) at a high temperature of 45 °C. The charge (0.7 C) and discharge (1 C) tests show that TCEB effectively improves the cycle stability of cells under a high charge cutoff voltage of 4.5 V. At 25 °C, the capacity retention of the cells with TCEB increases from 0.0% to 72.1% after 1200 cycles. At 45 °C, the capacity retention of the cells without TCEB after 50 cycles is close to 0.0%, while the capacity retention of the cells with TCEB is still 81.6%, even after 350 cycles. The spectroscopic characterization results demonstrate that the TCEB electrolyte additive participates in the construction of a self-repair electrode/electrolyte interface film. Subsequently, low impedance and strong protective layers are formed on the two electrode surfaces. The quantitative analysis results and a theoretical calculation also show that TCEB effectively inhibits the dissolution of Co 3+ and maintains the structural integrity of electrode materials. These results indicate that TCEB endows LIBs with excellent cycle stability and is a promising electrolyte additive for the high-voltage and high-temperature conditions of LCO-based LIBs.

To observe the changes in NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in a rat model of diabetes-induced lung injury, and investigate the effect of low-dose ethanol on the production of NLRP3 inflammasome. The type I diabetic mellitus (DM) rat model was established, and the rats were divided into four groups: normal control group (CON group), low-dose ethanol group (EtOH group), diabetes group (DM group) and DM+EtOH group. The rats were fed for 6 and 12 weeks, respectively. The ratio of lung wet weight/body weight (lung/body coefficient) was calculated, and the changes of pulmonary morphology and fibrosis were observed by HE and Masson staining. The changes in pulmonary ultra-structure were examined by electron microscopy. The expressions of mitochondrial acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) and NLRP3 inflammasome key factors, NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1 proteins were detected by western blot. Compared with the CON group, the lung/body coefficient was increased (P<0.05), lung fibrosis occurred, ALDH2 protein expression was decreased, and NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1 protein expressions were increased in the DM rats (P<0.05). Compared with the DM group, the lung/body coefficient and fibrosis degree were decreased, ALDH2 protein expression was increased (P<0.05), and NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1 protein expressions were decreased in the DM+EtOH group (P<0.05). Hence, low-dose ethanol increased ALDH2 protein expression and alleviated diabetes-induced lung injury by inhibiting the production of NLRP3 inflammasome.

In the present study, g-C 3 N 4 with various morphologies was successfully synthesized via a variety of facile in situ methods. The as-prepared products were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results obtained using square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) showed that when g-C 3 N 4 was applied as an electrochemical sensor, it exhibited excellent sensitivity and selectivity for the detection of heavy metal ions including Pb(ii), Cu(ii) and Hg(ii). Compared to nanoporous graphitic carbon nitride (npg-C 3 N 4 ) and g-C 3 N 4 nanosheet-modified glass carbon electrode (GCE), g-C 3 N 4 successfully realized the individual and simultaneous detection of four target heavy ions for the first time. In particular, g-C 3 N 4 displayed significant electrocatalytic activity towards Hg(ii) with a good sensitivity of 18.180 μA μM -1 and 35.923 μA μM -1 under the individual and simultaneous determination conditions, respectively. The sensitivity for simultaneous determination was almost 2 times that of the individual determination. Moreover, the fabricated electrochemical sensor showed good anti-interference, stability and repeatability; this indicated significant potential of the proposed materials for application in high-performance electrochemical sensors for the individual and simultaneous detection of heavy metal ions., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts to declare., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

The chemokine receptor CXCR4 is highly expressed and associated with poor prognosis in multiple malignancies. Upon engagement by its ligand, CXCL12, CXCR4 triggers intracellular signaling pathways that control trafficking of cells to tissues where the ligand is expressed, such as the bone marrow (BM). In hematologic cancers, CXCR4-driven homing of malignant cells to the BM protective niche is a key mechanism driving disease and therapy resistance. We developed a humanized CXCR4 immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) antibody (Ab), PF-06747143, which binds to CXCR4 and inhibits CXCL12-mediated signaling pathways, as well as cell migration. In in vivo preclinical studies, PF-06747143 monotherapy rapidly and transiently mobilized cells from the BM into the peripheral blood. In addition, PF-06747143 effectively induced tumor cell death via its Fc constant region-mediated effector function. This Fc-mediated cell killing mechanism not only enhanced antitumor efficacy, but also played a role in reducing the duration of cell mobilization, when compared with an IgG4 version of the Ab, which does not have Fc-effector function. PF-06747143 treatment showed strong antitumor effect in multiple hematologic tumor models including non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and multiple myeloma (MM). Importantly, PF-06747143 synergized with standard-of-care agents in a chemoresistant AML patient-derived xenograft model and in an MM model. These findings suggest that PF-06747143 is a potential best-in-class anti-CXCR4 antagonist for the treatment of hematologic malignancies, including in the resistant setting. PF-06747143 is currently in phase 1 clinical trial evaluation (registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02954653)., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest disclosure: All authors were employees of Pfizer Inc. at the time the work was performed. None of the authors received grants for this work.