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Designing a step-scheme (S-scheme) heterojunction photocatalyst with vacancy engineering is a reliable approach to achieve highly efficient photocatalytic H2production activity. Herein, a hollow ZnO/ZnS S-scheme heterojunction with O and Zn vacancies (VO, Zn-ZnO/ZnS) is rationally constructed viaion-exchange and calcination treatments. In such a photocatalytic system, the hollow structure combined with the introduction of dual vacancies endows the adequate light absorption. Moreover, the O and Zn vacancies serve as the trapping sites for photo-induced electrons and holes, respectively, which are beneficial for promoting the photo-induced carrier separation. Meanwhile, the S-scheme charge transfer mechanism can not only improve the separation and transfer efficiencies of photo-induced carrier but also retain the strong redox capacity. As expected, the optimized VO, Zn-ZnO/ZnS heterojunction exhibits a superior photocatalytic H2production rate of 160.91 mmol g–1h–1, approximately 643.6 times and 214.5 times with respect to that obtained on pure ZnO and ZnS, respectively. Simultaneously, the experimental results and density functional theory calculations disclose that the photo-induced carrier transfer pathway follows the S‐scheme heterojunction mechanism and the introduction of O and Zn vacancies reduces the surface reaction barrier. This work provides an innovative strategy of vacancy engineering in S-scheme heterojunction for solar‐to‐fuel energy conversion.

Photocatalytic water splitting to produce H2using semiconductor photocatalysts is a reliable approach to alleviating energy shortages and environmental pollution. However, the inadequate light-harvesting ability, rapid photogenerated carrier recombination, and inferior redox capacity of the individual photocatalysts restrict their photocatalytic activity. To address these limitations, a hierarchical S-scheme heterojunction of ZnIn2S4-nanosheet-decorated flower-like TiO2microspheres for enhancing photocatalytic H2evolution, purposely constructed through in situchemical bath deposition, has been reported. The as-synthesized TiO2/ZnIn2S4heterojunctions exhibited ZnIn2S4-content-dependent photocatalytic activity for solar-driven H2evolution. As a result, the optimized TiO2/ZnIn2S4heterojunction exhibited a superior photocatalytic H2evolution rate of 6.85 mmol g–1h–1, approximately 171.2- and 3.9-fold with respect to that obtained on pure TiO2and ZnIn2S4, respectively, mainly attributed to the unique hierarchical structure, extended light-harvesting ability, enhanced redox capacity, and improved separation and transfer efficiencies of the photogenerated carriers induced by the S-scheme heterojunctions. Simultaneously, a detailed analysis of the S-scheme electron transfer pathway in the TiO2/ZnIn2S4heterojunction was performed using in situirradiated X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. This study provides insights into the design of highly active heterojunction photocatalysts for sustainable solar-to-fuel energy conversion.

Solar-driven semiconductor photocatalysis technology is deemed to be a potential strategy to alleviate environmental crisis and energy shortage. Thus, the exploration of high-efficiency photocatalysts is the key to promoting the development and practical application of photocatalysis technology. As a typical photocatalyst, TiO2has gained extensive attention because of its superb stability, environmental-friendliness, and low price. However, the rapid photo-induced carrier recombination, inadequate light absorption, and insufficient reduction capacity are still the major drawbacks that significantly hamper its photocatalytic performance. Fortunately, the above shortcomings can concurrently overcome by constructing TiO2-based step-scheme (S-scheme) heterojunction photocatalysts with other semiconductors, during which the respective advantages can not only achieve significant spatial carrier separation and robust light-harvesting ability but also preserve the strong redox capacities. Herein, this review presents the latest development in improving the photocatalytic performance of TiO2viathe S-scheme heterojunction. Specifically, the classification of TiO2-based S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts has been detailly described, mainly including metal oxides, metal chalcogenides, organic semiconductors, and other semiconductors. Then, we summarize the current research progress of TiO2-based S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts in photocatalytic H2evolution, CO2reduction, H2O2production, and pollutant degradation. Simultaneously, various characterization strategies for understanding the photo-induced carrier transfer pathway are also reviewed. Finally, we propose several drawbacks and future prospects in the development of TiO2-based S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts. It presents an insight into constructing high-efficiency TiO2-based S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts for energy conversion and environmental remediation.

The thermal deformation behavior of spray formed Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy was investigated by the isothermal hot compression tests at the strain rates of 0.001–10 s−1with the temperature range of 350–450 °C. An Arrhenius constitutive equation was established by the corrected strain-stress curves, and then the processing map was constructed based on the 3D instability map and 3D power dissipation map. The influence of strain rate and temperature on both flow stress and dynamic softening has been unveiled. The results show that dynamic recovery (DRV) is the primary softening mechanism and dynamic recrystallization (DRX) is substantively retarded due to the fine dispersed particles uniformly distributed in the spray formed alloy. Continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDRX) is the primary DRX mechanism at a low temperature or high strain rate. DRX grain was observed at the grain boundaries, especially at the triple junctions. The appropriate thermal deformation condition is recommended at the temperature range from 430 °C to 450 °C and strain rates from 0.003 s−1to 0.1 s−1.

• Summarized the difference dimensions of S-scheme heterojunctions. • Discussed the electron transfer process from the dimensionality of heterojunctions. • Concluded methods to prove the formation of S-scheme heterojunction. • Reviewed the applications of S-scheme heterojunction in different fields. S-scheme heterostructure photocatalysts utilize the synergistic and superposition effects of materials, effectively separating electrons and holes, maintaining strong redox capacity, and addressing issues encountered by current photocatalytic reactions. This review explores the origins and unique benefits of S-scheme heterojunctions. Specifically, we summarized and discussed the effects of different dimensions of semiconductors constituting S-scheme heterojunctions and the similarities and differences in electron transfer processes when constructing heterojunctions. Additionally, we analyzed several methods for proving the formation of S-scheme heterojunctions and the electron transfer process, both directly and indirectly. Finally, we review the applications of S-scheme heterojunctions in various fields of photocatalysis, including photocatalytic water splitting, pollution degradation, CO 2 reduction and other related photocatalytic applications. Our hope is that this review will provide an essential reference for the development and application of S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Roping is a troublesome surface defect of aluminium alloy sheets that hinders their application in the automobile industry. When the aluminium alloy sheets are subjected to tension, the texture components of various distributions will lead to non-uniform morphology and thus initiate roping. In the current paper, the correlation of roping defect with texture and surface morphology is probed by experiments and crystal plasticity simulation in four aluminium alloy sheets. Depending on the extension length of roping lines along the rolling direction, short and long roping are identified from the tested aluminium alloy sheets. With crystal plasticity simulation, texture variances for different roping degrees are comparatively analysed. The short roping is induced by short clusters of individual hard components, while the long roping is initiated by the long bands where different hard components are mixed. The experimental and simulation results also indicate that roping does not result from specific textures in the aluminium alloy sheets, and the alternative spatial aggregation of soft and hard texture components plays a predominant role in roping development. A roping intensity index RI is also proposed to quantitatively grade roping intensity and show excellent accuracy and robustness in practice.

The Co–N4–C single-atom catalysts (SACs) have attracted great research interest in the energy storage and conversion fields owing to 100% atom utilization. However, enhancing the Co loading for higher electrocatalytic performance is still challenging. In this context, we propose an engineering strategy to fabricate the high Co atomic loading Co–N4–C SACs based on the zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 (ZIF-67)@yeast construction. The rich amino groups provide the possibility for Co2+ion anchorage and ZIF-67@yeast construction via the biomineralization of yeast cells. The functional design induces the formation of Co–N4–C sites and regulates the porosity for exposure of such Co–N4–C sites. As a result, the Co–N4–C sites were anchored on spherical micrometer flower carbonaceous materials through our novel strategy. The as-obtained optimal sample exhibited a Co atomic loading of 12.18 wt % and a specific surface area of 403.26 m2g–1. High Co atomic loading and large specific surface area delivered excellent electrocatalytic kinetics as well as a high discharge voltage of 1.08 V at 10 mA cm–2for more than 100 h in Zn–air batteries. This work represents a promising strategy for fabricating high-loading SACs with high activity and good durability.

Solar-powered semiconductor photocatalysis is considered a powerful strategy for addressing environmental pollution and energy crisis. Nevertheless, the separation and transfer abilities of photogenerated photocatalysts remain unsatisfactory. Herein, dual Ti3C2nanosheets/Ag co-catalysts synergistically decorated hierarchical flower-like TiO2microspheres for boosting photocatalytic H2production were fabricated by electrostatic self-assembly and subsequent photoreduction procedures. The optimal Ag/Ti3C2/TiO2composite demonstrated an excellent photocatalytic H2-production rate of 1024.72 μmol g−1h−1under simulated solar irradiation, achieving nearly 40, 2.3, and 1.8 folds with respect to that obtained on pristine TiO2, optimized Ti3C2/TiO2composite, and Ag/TiO2composite, respectively. The considerably improved photocatalytic H2-production activity is associated with the synergistic effect of the hierarchical flower-like structure of TiO2, excellent electrical conductivity of Ti3C2, and surface plasmon resonance effect of Ag, which enhances the light absorption capacity and promotes the separation and transfer of photogenerated carriers. This study provides insight into the design of high-efficiency photocatalysts with dual co-catalysts for solar H2production.

The perovskite La2/3Sr1/3MnO3(LSMO)-based heterostructures have attracted considerable interest for their potential applications in oxide spintronics, topological electronics, and electrocatalysis. This interest originates due to several key properties exhibited by these heterostructures, which include spin-orbit coupling, high-temperature ferromagnetism, high conductivity, and rich oxygen octahedral distortion. This paper provides a systematic and timely review of the magnetic anisotropy progression in LSMO-based heterostructures because it presents opportunities in oxide spintronic applications. First, a description of the current status of LSMO-based heterostructures is provided, followed by an explanation of the motivations for this review. The factors of compressive strain and substrate orientation are then incorporated to manipulate magnetic anisotropy in manganite oxides heterostructures. The third section summarizes the effects of recent interfacial coupling engineering, oxygen octahedral rotation, and symmetry mismatch dependency on magnetic anisotropy in manganite heterostructures. The fourth section examines the electric-field control of magnetic anisotropy in manganite heterostructures, including the ionic-liquid-gating and reversible switching. Finally, a conclusion of the review is presented, along with a summary of future challenges and outlooks in the tuning methods of magnetic anisotropy for applications in high-density energy-storage magnets.

Commonly affected in early-life population, the impact of allergic phenotypes on mid- or late-life health is less discussed. This study is to explore the association of allergic phenotypes including atopic dermatitis (AD), asthma, eosinophils count (EC), and sarcopenia. We conducted observational studies and mendelian randomization (MR) analysis based on UK Biobank (UKB), the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) and data from genome-wide association study (GWAS). Based on the UKB data, AD, asthma and EC were positively correlated with pre-sarcopenia and decreased skeletal muscle mass index and hand grip in fully adjusted model. Asthma and EC were significantly associated with sarcopenia while AD was marginally associated (p= 0.095). Based on the CHARLS cohort, asthma significantly added 109.4% risk for pre-sarcopenia in adjusted model (relative risk = 2.094; p= 0.002), respectively. Both asthma (β= 0.100, p= 0.006) and EC (β= 0.023, p= 0.017) exerted significantly casual effects on pre-sarcopenia. However, as for sarcopenia, merely EC exhibited a significantly casual effect (β= 0.005, p= 0.048). Significant casual effects of AD (β= – 0.027, p= 0.003), asthma (β= – 0.029, p= 0.027) and EC (β= – 0.041, p< 0.001) on decreased appendicular lean mass (ALM) were observed using the inverse-variance weighted method and the Mendelian randomization pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) method. Our results revealed a contributory role of AD, asthma and EC on sarcopenia, especially in terms of decreased ALM, an indicator for sarcopenia diagnosis. The findings of our study will raise the awareness of preventing aging-related disorders or geriatric syndromes among allergic populations.

The use of single-atom catalysts is a promising approach to solve the issues of polysulfide shuttle and sluggish conversion chemistry in lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. However, a single-atom catalyst usually contains a low content of active centers because more metal ions lead to generation of aggregation or the formation of nonatomic catalysts. Herein, a 2D conductive metal–organic framework [Co3(HITP)2] with abundant and periodic Co–N4centers was decorated on carbon fiber paper as a functional interlayer for advanced Li–S batteries. The Co3(HITP)2-decorated interlayer exhibits a chemical anchoring effect and facilitates conversion kinetics, thus effectively restraining the polysulfide shuttle effect. Density functional theory calculations demonstrate that the Co–N4centers in Co3(HITP)2feature more intense electron density and more negative electrostatic potential distribution than those in the carbon matrix as the single-atom catalyst, thereby promoting the electrochemical performance due to the lower reaction Gibbs free energies and decomposition energy barriers. As a result, the optimized batteries deliver a high rate capacity of over 400 mA h g–1at 4 C current and a satisfying capacity decay rate of 0.028% per cycle over 1000 cycles at 1 C. The designed Co3(HITP)2-decorated interlayer was used to prepare one of the most advanced Li–S batteries with excellent performance (reversible capacity of 762 mA h g–1and 79.6% capacity retention over 500 cycles) under high-temperature conditions, implying its great potential for practical applications.

Control of magnetic anisotropy in low-dimensional systems is of paramount importance in terms of their fundamental and technological perspectives. La0.7Sr0.3MnO3(LSMO) is a ferromagnetic half-metal with a high Curie temperature and many efforts have been made to control its magnetic anisotropy. However, the relationship between the evolution of the magnetic anisotropy orientation and the electronic structure of low-dimensional LSMO still remains poorly understood. Here, the high-quality superlattices comprised of LSMO and SrMnO3(SMO) layers are synthesized with a compatible structure at the atomic scale. Their magnetic anisotropy is gradually varied from planar to perpendicular by increasing the SMO thickness, and the special fourfold magnetic anisotropy is also observed at the intermediate superlattice thickness. The evolution of the magnetic anisotropy in these systems is confirmed by the electronic transport and magnetic measurements. Moreover, X-ray linear dichroism measurements and first-principles calculations reveal the interfacial orbital reconstruction with the in-plane to out-of-plane magnetic reorientation transition. Therefore, a new microscopic method for magnetic anisotropy manipulation is developed in the present study, enabling discovery of novel phenomena as well as control of the magnetic properties.

Metagenomic analysis has facilitated prediction of a variety of carbon utilization potentials by uncultivated archaea including degradation of protein, which is a wide-spread carbon polymer in marine sediments. However, the activity of detrital catabolic protein degradation is mostly unknown for the vast majority of archaea. Here, we show actively executed protein catabolism in three archaeal phyla (uncultivated Thermoplasmata, SG8-5; Bathyarchaeota subgroup 15; Lokiarchaeota subgroup 2c) by RNA- and lipid-stable isotope probing in incubations with different marine sediments. However, highly abundant potential protein degraders Thermoprofundales (MBG-D) and Lokiarchaeota subgroup 3 were not incorporating 13C-label from protein during incubations. Nonetheless, we found that the pathway for protein utilization was present in metagenome associated genomes (MAGs) of active and inactive archaea. This finding was supported by screening extracellular peptidases in 180 archaeal MAGs, which appeared to be widespread but not correlated to organisms actively executing this process in our incubations. Thus, our results have important implications: (i) multiple low-abundant archaeal groups are actually catabolic protein degraders; (ii) the functional role of widespread extracellular peptidases is not an optimal tool to identify protein catabolism, and (iii) catabolic degradation of sedimentary protein is not a common feature of the abundant archaeal community in temperate and permanently cold marine sediments.

• Mo-doped NiCo 2 Co 4 was prepared in yolk-shell structure with a porous core. • The anode exhibited highly reversible capacity and excellent rate performance. • The pathway of Li+ transportation was shortening by yolk-shell structure. • Electrolyte infiltration was enhanced by providing more active surface. Hollow ternary metal oxides have shown enormous potential in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), which is ascribed to their complex chemical composition, abundant active defect sites, and the synergy effect between metals. In this work, we synthesized Mo-doped NiCo 2 O 4 porous spheres with yolk-shell structure by using a simple self-templating method. Surprisingly, other than the yolk-shell structure we had obtained, the inner core of the yolk-shell was also porous, which could fully enhance the electrolyte infiltration and promote the transmission of lithium ions (Li+) and electrons (e−). The diameter of the porous core in the yolk-shell sphere was about 530 nm, and the outer shell's thickness was up to 110 nm. In addition, the unique pores in the core appeared in the diameter of about 85 nm. With this structure, the volume expansion of the anode could be well inhibited during charge/discharge. It exhibited prominent electrochemical performance with high reversible capacity (1338 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1), satisfactory cycle life (1360 mA h g−1 after 200 cycles at 100 mA g−1), and exceptional rate capability (820 mA h g−1 at 2000 mA g−1) as anode material in LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conjugation of protein and chlorogenic acid was expected to change protein structure and improve protein functional properties. The study investigated the effect of covalent interactions of soy protein isolate (SPI) and chlorogenic acid (CA) at different concentrations (20, 40, 60, 80, 100 μmol/g protein) on the interface-related functions and antioxidant activities. The results showed that the conjugation rate was directly proportional to the CA concentration. The results of SDS-PAGE analysis revealed that covalent complexes were formed. The intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy and ultraviolet spectroscopy indicated that CA tended to unfold the structure of SPI. Correspondingly, the flexibility was greatly enhanced by 183.06%, and a significant decrease (26.06%) in the surface hydrophobicity was caused. In addition, the DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities constantly increased by 10.87% and 33.08 μmol Trolox Equivalent (TE)/g protein with CA of 100 μmol/g protein. However, the solubility, emulsifying stability and foaming properties increased first and then decreased with the increase of CA concentration. They all reached the maximum when CA was 80 μmol/g protein, respectively, 47.77 ± 0.15%, 39.55 ± 1.27 min, and 3155.76 ± 52.02%. And the particle size was the smallest at this time, particles smaller than 10 nm had the largest volume fraction. In summary, SPI had the greatest improvement in the interface-related functional properties and excellent antioxidant activities with CA of 80 μmol/g protein. This work elucidates that SPI-CA covalent conjugates can be used as a new food ingredient in emulsion food systems to improve food quality.

Photocatalytic degradation and hydrogen production using solar energy through semiconductor photocatalysts are deemed to be a powerful approach for solving environmental and energy crisis. However, the biggest challenge in photocatalysis is the efficient separation of photo-induced carriers. To this end, we report that the mesoporous TiO2nanoparticles are anchored on highly conductive Ti3C2MXene co-catalyst by electrostatic self-assembly strategy. The constructed mesoporous TiO2/Ti3C2composites display that the mesoporous TiO2nanoparticles are uniformly distributed on the surface of layer structured Ti3C2nanosheets. More importantly, the as-obtained mesoporous TiO2/Ti3C2composites reveal the significantly enhanced light absorption performance, photo-induced carriers separation and transfer ability, thus boosting the photocatalytic activity. The photocatalytic methyl orange degradation efficiency of mesoporous TiO2/Ti3C2composite with an optimized Ti3C2content (3 wt%) can reach 99.6% within 40 min. The capture experiments of active species confirm that the •O2−and •OH play major role in photocatalytic degradation process. Furthermore, the optimized mesoporous TiO2/Ti3C2composite also shows an excellent photocatalytic H2production rate of 218.85 μmol g–1h–1, resulting in a 5.6 times activity as compared with the pristine mesoporous TiO2nanoparticles. This study demonstrates that the MXene family materials can be applied as highly efficient noble-metal-free co-catalysts in the field of photocatalysis.

Metagenomic analysis has facilitated prediction of a variety of carbon utilization potentials by uncultivated archaea including degradation of protein, which is a wide-spread carbon polymer in marine sediments. However, the activity of detrital catabolic protein degradation is mostly unknown for the vast majority of archaea. Here, we show actively executed protein catabolism in three archaeal phyla (uncultivated Thermoplasmata, SG8-5; Bathyarchaeota subgroup 15; Lokiarchaeota subgroup 2c) by RNA- and lipid-stable isotope probing in incubations with different marine sediments. However, highly abundant potential protein degraders Thermoprofundales (MBG-D) and Lokiarchaeota subgroup 3 were not incorporating 13C-label from protein during incubations. Nonetheless, we found that the pathway for protein utilization was present in metagenome associated genomes (MAGs) of active and inactive archaea. This finding was supported by screening extracellular peptidases in 180 archaeal MAGs, which appeared to be widespread but not correlated to organisms actively executing this process in our incubations. Thus, our results have important implications: (i) multiple low-abundant archaeal groups are actually catabolic protein degraders; (ii) the functional role of widespread extracellular peptidases is not an optimal tool to identify protein catabolism, and (iii) catabolic degradation of sedimentary protein is not a common feature of the abundant archaeal community in temperate and permanently cold marine sediments.

The technique of electrical field to manipulate physicochemical properties of oxide heterostructures has ample potential in electronic and ionitronic devices. SrCoO3–xis a famous “sponge” material displaying topotactic structural phase transition from perovskite (0 ≤ x≤ 0.25) to brownmillerite (x= 0.5) accompanied by the magnetic phase transition from ferromagnetism to antiferromagnetism, which can be controlled reversibly by electric field via the ionic liquid gating method. Here, the exchange spring effect can be observed at the perovskite SrCoO3–x(P-SCO)/La0.7Sr0.3MnO3(LSMO) bilayer, while the exchange bias effect is received at the brownmillerite SrCoO2.5(B-SCO)/LSMO bilayer. The reversible and nonvolatile switching of the exchange spring and exchange bias effect can be achieved in these SCO3–x/LSMO bilayers by utilizing ionic liquid gating to control the annihilation or generation of oxygen vacancies. In addition, the variations in the stacking orders of these SCO3–x/LSMO bilayers are investigated because the previous SCO3–xlayer always acts as the cover layer. It is worth noting that LSMO/SCO3–xbilayer magnetization is strongly suppressed when the SCO3–xlayer is used as the bottom layer. Combined with the X-ray line dichroism measurements, it is suggested that the bottom SCO3–xlayer would induce the spin arrangements in the LSMO layer to have the tendency toward the out-of-plane orientation. This is the reason for the sharp decrease in magnetization of LSMO/SCO3–xbilayers. Our investigations accomplish a reversible control of the exchange coupling transition in all-oxide bilayers and provide the foundation for further electric-field control of magnetic properties.

Isobaric vapor–liquid equilibrium (VLE) data for the ternary system of ethyl acetate + acetonitrile + acetate-based ionic liquids (ILs) were obtained with a modified Othmer still at 101.3 kPa, and the used ILs were 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([BMIM][Ac]) and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([EMIM][Ac]). The VLE data were correlated with the nonrandom two-liquid model and fitted well, indicating that the minimum mole fractions of [BMIM][Ac] and [EMIM][Ac] to eliminate azeotrope were 0.028 and 0.067, respectively. Both [BMIM][Ac] and [EMIM][Ac] led to a salting-out effect on ethyl acetate, and a higher concentration of ILs signified a stronger salt effect. In addition, interactions between ILs and solvents were estimated, and the polarity was analyzed with the σ-profiles, revealing the effect of ILs and the separation mechanism of the ternary system. The results indicated that both [BMIM][Ac] and [EMIM][Ac] could be qualified as solvents to separate ethyl acetate and acetonitrile. Based on the experimental data measured on the equilibrium scale and the separation mechanism calculated at the molecular scale, this work provides a useful strategy for studying the application of IL in extractive distillation in the future.

Vapor–liquid equilibrium (VLE) data for the ternary system of acetonitrile + ethanol + ionic liquids (ILs) were obtained at 101.3 kPa, and used ILs were 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([BMIM][NTf2]), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([EMIM][NTf2]), and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium diethylphosphate ([BMIM][DEP]). The nonrandom two-liquid (NRTL) model was used to correlate the VLE data and fitted well, indicating that the minimum mole fractions of [BMIM][NTf2], [EMIM][NTf2], and [BMIM][DEP] to eliminate the azeotrope was 0.053, 0.063, and 0.065, respectively. These ILs led to an outstanding “salting-in” effect on ethanol, and the salting effect on acetonitrile was inapparent. Higher concentrations of ILs signified a stronger salt effect as well as higher equilibrium temperatures. The results indicated that [BMIM][NTf2], [EMIM][NTf2], and [BMIM][DEP] could be used as good candidate entrainers to separate acetonitrile and ethanol in extractive distillation.

Significant amounts of organic carbon in marine sediments are degraded, coupled with sulfate reduction. However, the actual carbon and energy sources used in situhave not been assigned to each group of diverse sulfate-reducing microorganisms (SRM) owing to the microbial and environmental complexity in sediments. Here, we probed microbial activity in temperate and permanently cold marine sediments by using potential SRM substrates, organic fermentation products at very low concentrations (15–30 μM), with RNA-based stable isotope probing. Unexpectedly, SRM were involved only to a minor degree in organic fermentation product mineralization, whereas metal-reducing microbes were dominant. Contrastingly, distinct SRM strongly assimilated 13C-DIC (dissolved inorganic carbon) with H2as the electron donor. Our study suggests that canonical SRM prefer autotrophic lifestyle, with hydrogen as the electron donor, while metal-reducing microorganisms are involved in heterotrophic organic matter turnover, and thus regulate carbon fluxes in an unexpected way in marine sediments.

Asgard is a recently discovered archaeal superphylum, closely linked to the emergence of eukaryotes. Among Asgard archaea, Lokiarchaeota are abundant in marine sediments, but their in situ activities are largely unknown except for Candidatus‘Prometheoarchaeum syntrophicum’. Here, we tracked the activity of Lokiarchaeota in incubations with Helgoland mud area sediments (North Sea) by stable isotope probing (SIP) with organic polymers, 13C-labelled inorganic carbon, fermentation intermediates and proteins. Within the active archaea, we detected members of the Lokiarchaeota class Loki-3, which appeared to mixotrophically participate in the degradation of lignin and humic acids while assimilating CO2, or heterotrophically used lactate. In contrast, members of the Lokiarchaeota class Loki-2 utilized protein and inorganic carbon, and degraded bacterial biomass formed in incubations. Metagenomic analysis revealed pathways for lactate degradation, and involvement in aromatic compound degradation in Loki-3, while the less globally distributed Loki-2 instead rely on protein degradation. We conclude that Lokiarchaeotal subgroups vary in their metabolic capabilities despite overlaps in their genomic equipment, and suggest that these subgroups occupy different ecologic niches in marine sediments.

Rare-earth nickelates possess intrinsic charge order, orbital order, and electron-lattice coupling, which make them very interesting for applications in oxide-based electronic devices. In this study, we grew NdNiO3–δ(NNO) films with oxygen pressures changing from 27 to 10−5 Pa. With decreasing oxygen pressure, the antiferromagnetic state of the NNO film becomes a ferromagnetic state, and the resistance increases significantly. According to combined X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray linear dichroism measurements, the ratio of Ni2+-ions increases with decreasing oxygen-pressure, and the preferred orbital occupation changes from x2-y2to 3z2-r2. In addition, using the ionic-liquid gating method to control the migration of oxygen vacancies, both the magnetic properties and resistance of NNO films can be modulated reversibly. The oxygen vacancy induces a valence in the Ni ions and the orbital occupation changes, which alters the magnetic properties and the electronic transport in these NNO films. This study describes a novel tunable method for electronic devices that use NdNiO3–δfilms, and opens new doors for future improvements and functionalities.

Asgard is a recently discovered archaeal superphylum, closely linked to the emergence of eukaryotes. Among Asgard archaea, Lokiarchaeota are abundant in marine sediments, but their in situ activities are largely unknown except for Candidatus‘Prometheoarchaeum syntrophicum’. Here, we tracked the activity of Lokiarchaeota in incubations with Helgoland mud area sediments (North Sea) by stable isotope probing (SIP) with organic polymers, 13C-labelled inorganic carbon, fermentation intermediates and proteins. Within the active archaea, we detected members of the Lokiarchaeota class Loki-3, which appeared to mixotrophically participate in the degradation of lignin and humic acids while assimilating CO2, or heterotrophically used lactate. In contrast, members of the Lokiarchaeota class Loki-2 utilized protein and inorganic carbon, and degraded bacterial biomass formed in incubations. Metagenomic analysis revealed pathways for lactate degradation, and involvement in aromatic compound degradation in Loki-3, while the less globally distributed Loki-2 instead rely on protein degradation. We conclude that Lokiarchaeotal subgroups vary in their metabolic capabilities despite overlaps in their genomic equipment, and suggest that these subgroups occupy different ecologic niches in marine sediments.

The dimensionality of the crystal structure plays a vital role in artificial heterostructures composed of different transition metal oxides. Nonlinear layer-thickness dependence of the exchange bias effect was observed in high-quality SrCuO2/La0.7Sr0.3MnO (LSMO) superlattices induced in the present work by dimensional evolution. In the SCO(n)/LSMO(8) superlattices with thickness below the critical value (5 u.c.), the exchange bias effect decreased and the saturated magnetization increased with increase in SCO thickness. By contrast, the exchange bias effect increased and the saturated magnetization decreased in S(n)L(8) superlattices with thickness above the critical value. This is because the lattice SCO material underwent a breathing-like structural transformation from the planar to a chain-like structure. The results indicate the interfacial superexchange coupling mainly present in the chain-like S(n)L(8) superlattices through X-ray absorption spectroscopy and first principles calculations. This superexchange coupling generated a weak localized magnetic moment to pin the adjacent ferromagnetic layer. However, in the thicker S(n)L(8) superlattices, evolution of magnetic properties was induced by the long-range antiferromagnetic order in the planar SCO layer. Our findings demonstrate that the dimensionality driven structural variation is an effective method to manipulate the electronic reconstruction and the associated physical properties, paving a pathway for the advancement of strongly correlated materials.

In recent years, photocatalytic technologies have been extensively studied and diffusely used in water splitting, decomposition of organic pollutants, reduction of carbon dioxide, etc. As a type of eye-catching semiconductors, BiVO 4 , Bi 2 WO 6 , and Bi 2 MoO 6 (denoted as Bi a AO b) have become a hotspot in photocatalytic researches due to their crystal structure stability, high light quantum and electronic transmission efficiency, and outstanding energy utilization capacity. However, pristine Bi a AO b (A = V, W, and Mo) possesses several drawbacks, such as low separation efficiency of photo-excited electron-hole pairs, low specific surface area, as well as the poor quantum utilization, which restrict their photocatalytic performance. Considerable efforts, such as nanostructure modification, surface engineering, and heterojunction/homojunction fabrication, have been conducted to solve these problems. This integrated review aims to sum up recent advances in current studies on fabrication of high efficiency Bi a AO b photocatalysts to accelerate the developments of Bi a AO b -based materials in the photocatalysis (PC) field. The current challenges and prospects of Bi a AO b are emphasized which stretches the existing fundamental theories of PC as well as provide a promising strategy to fabricate high efficiency Bi a AO b catalysts to control environmental pollution and assist the sustainable development of energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Previous studies have shown that there may be a positive correlation between serum uric acid levels and hyperthyroidism. However, the relationship between thyroid function and serum uric acid in healthy people is unclear. This study analyzed the relationship between impaired thyroid hormone sensitivity and serum uric acid levels, and presented them in quantitative form. Research design and methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 4460 adults (male: 2300; female: 2160) who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2007 to 2010. Parameters representing central sensitivity to thyroid hormones were calculated as: thyroid feedback quantile-based index (TFQIFT4), thyroid stimulating hormone index (TSHI), and total thyroxine (T4) resistance index (TT4RI); Peripheral sensitivity to thyroid hormone was evaluated by FT3/FT4 ratio. In addition, we have innovated total triiodothyronine (T3) resistance index (TT3RI) and TFQIFT3indexes based on FT3 and TSH. Multiple linear regression models were used to evaluate the correlation between thyroid resistance index and serum uric acid, and the results were presented graphically as smooth curve fittings. Results: Higher levels of serum uric acid were associated with decreased sensitivity to thyroid hormones in euthyroid individuals. In conjunction with an increase in the thyroid hormone sensitivity index value, uric acid levels gradually increased as well. Furthermore, we found a segmented relationship between TT3RI and serum uric acid changes. The saturation and threshold analyses indicated that 18.85 was the turning point (logarithmic likelihood ratio test = 0.036). When TT3RI &lt; 18.85, the relationship between serum uric acid and TT3RI was not significant [β(95% CI) 0.47 (− 0.05, 1.00), P= 0.077], but when TT3RI > 18.85, there was a significant rise in serum uric acid with an increase in TT3RI [β(95% CI) 3.94 (0.94, 6.95), P= 0.010]. A further finding of the interaction test was that impaired thyroid hormone sensitivity and uric acid changes vary among different age groups and BMI levels. Conclusions: Decreased sensitivity to thyroid hormones was associated with high levels of serum uric acid in people with normal thyroid function. The interaction test shows that different age groups and BMI groups impact the association between impaired thyroid hormone sensitivity and serum uric acid. Furthermore, smooth curve fitting revealed a segmental relationship between TT3RI and serum uric acid levels.

Background: Thyroid dysfunction is associated with abnormal glucose-insulin homeostasis, and the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index has been recommended as a convenient surrogate of insulin resistance (IR). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between TyG and thyroid function in the US population. Methods: We analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted from 2007 to 2012 in a cross-sectional manner. Aside from conventional thyroid parameters, our study evaluated the central sensitivity to thyroid hormones (THs) using the thyroid feedback quantile-based index (TFQI), thyrotropin resistance index (TT4RI), and thyrotropin index (TSHI). To evaluate peripheral sensitivity to THs, we calculated the ratio of free triiodothyronine (FT3) to free thyroxine (FT4) and the sum activity of peripheral deiodinases (SPINA-GD). In the 1848 adults, multivariable linear regression, subgroup, and interaction analyses were employed to estimate the association between TyG and thyroid parameters. The nonlinear relationship was addressed by smooth curve fittings and generalized additive models. Results: After adjusting covariates, we demonstrated a significant negative association between TyG and FT4 (β = − 0.57, p&lt; 0.001), and a positive relationship between TyG and thyroid-stimulating hormone (β = 0.34, p= 0.037), as well as TgAb (β = 17.06, p= 0.005). Subgroup analysis indicated that the association between TyG and TgAb was more pronounced in the female subjects (β = 32.39, p&lt; 0.001, p for interaction= 0.021). We also confirmed an inverse correlation between TyG and central sensitivity to THs, as assessed by TSHI and TT4RI (βTSHI = 0.12, p &lt; 0.001; βTT4RI = 2.54, p= 0.023). In terms of peripheral sensitivity to THs, we found a significant positive correlation between TyG and FT3/FT4 (β = 0.03, p= 0.004), and SPINA-GD (β = 2.93, p= 0.004). Conclusion: The present study established a noteworthy association between TyG and thyroid parameters, indicating a strong link between IR and thyroid dysfunction. Further investigations are warranted to validate these results.

Negative exchange bias is usually discovered in ferromagnetic (FM)/antiferromagnetic (AFM) heterostructures after a field-cooling (FC) process. Relatively, positive exchange bias (PEB) is a rarely observed phenomenon. So far, almost all of the models for PEB whether undergoing FC or zero-field-cooling (ZFC) treatment have been explained by an interaction of strong AFM coupling at the interface. In this work, by selecting a special material of SrFeO3–xas the AFM layer, coupled with FM-La0.7Sr0.3MnO3(LSMO), we obtain a novel PEB effect of the bilayer after ZFC measurement, of which the shift directions are unfixable and dependent on the initial magnetization direction. Based on a transient magnetic field to control the remanence (Mr) direction of LSMO at room temperature and then cooling below the TNof SrFeO3–xwithout any magnetic field disturbance, the shift direction can be locked only toward the transient magnetic field. Combined with experimental results and first-principles calculations, we propose that the above phenomena are explained as the field-induced AFM phase of SrFeO3–xtransforming into the FM phase at an FM coupling bilayer interface. Thus, our finding may provide a new approach to realize and tune the zero-field-cooling PEB with FM coupling heterostructures.

In this work, epitaxial growth of LaMnO3thin films on different substrates using pulsed laser deposition under tensile and compressive strain was studied. The intrinsic exchange bias effect was observed in the single A-type antiferromagnetic LaMnO3films no matter whether the tensile or compressive strain was supplied by the substrates. Due to the lattice mismatch between the film and different substrates, the intense strain can induce MnO6octahedral rotation in the bottom region of the film neighboring the substrate, which leads to the distortion of MnO6octahedron and the net magnetic behavior. However, the upper part maintains the original A-type antiferromagnetic order due to strain relaxation. The exchange bias effect in single films is attributed to the coupling between the bottom canted magnetic part and the upper antiferromagnetic region. The observation of exchange bias in single films on different substrates enables the emergence of a new class of biasing components in spintronics, which are based on strain-engineering. 本文用脉冲激光沉积系统外延生长了LaMnO3(LMO)薄膜, 研究了拉应力和压应力对薄膜磁学性质的影响, 发现在拉应力和压应力的衬底上, 外延生长这种A型反铁磁LMO薄膜, 均可出现交换偏置现象. 这是因为外应力导致衬底与薄膜界面处的MnO6氧八面体发生转动, 从而使临近衬底的LMO薄膜下层出现了净磁矩表现铁磁性; 而那些远离衬底的LMO薄膜上层则由于外应力的释放, 仍保持原有的反铁磁性. 因此, LMO薄膜中自发的交换偏置现象, 源于铁磁性与反铁磁性之间的交换耦合作用. 这种在单一LMO薄膜中实现交换偏置的现象, 为自旋阀器件的优化设计提供了一种新方法.

Graphical abstract Highlights • Flower-like mesoporous TiO 2 hierarchical spheres (FMTHSs) were fabricated. • FMTHSs are assembled by petals, which is full of ordered stratified structure. • FMTHSs2 electrode shows initial discharge capacity of 212.4 mA h g−1 at 0.2 C. • FMTHSs electrode exhibits excellent cycling stability and rate capability. Abstract In this study, flower-like mesoporous TiO 2 hierarchical spheres (FMTHSs) with ordered stratified structure and TiO 2 nanoparticles (TNPs) were synthesized via a facile solvothermal route and an etching reaction. Multilamellar vesicles (MTSVs) and unilamellar TiO 2 /SiO 2 vesicles (UTSVs) were prepared using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and didodecyldimethylammonium bromide as structure-directing agents under different solvothermal conditions. FMTHSs and TNPs were obtained from the etching reactions of MTSVs and UTSVs, respectively, in an alkaline system. FMTHSs display flower-like, ordered stratified structures on each petal. The thickness of the ordered stratified structure is approximately 3–6 nm, and the number of layers is approximately 2–4. The FMTHSs2 electrode exhibits the first discharge capacity of 212.4 mA h g−1 at 0.2 C, which is higher than that of TNPs electrode (167.6 mA h g−1). The discharge specific capacity of FMTHSs2 electrode after 200 cycles at 1 C is 105.9 mA h g−1, which is higher than that of TNPs electrode (52.2 mA h g−1) after the same number of cycles. The outstanding performance of FMTHSs2 electrode is attributed to the advantages of FMTHSs. In particular, their own stratified structure can provide additional active sites for reactions. The hierarchical structure can provide short diffusion length for Li+, large electrolyte–electrode contact area, and superior accommodation of the strain of Li+ intercalation/deintercalation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new hollow fiber-liquid/solid phase microextraction for extraction of ginsenosides from a Chinese compound formula was established using Al2O3nanoparticles as the adsorbent. The enhancement technique involved dispersing Al2O3particles in n-butanol to fill the pores and lumen of a polyether sulfone membrane fiber. The optimum extraction conditions were as follows: n-butanol as the acceptor phase; total of 11 hollow fiber bars; extraction time of 50 min; methanol as the desorption solvent. The limits of detection for ginsenosides Rg1, Re, and Rb1were 0.066, 0.306, and 0.400 μg mL−1, respectively. The extraction recovery ranged from 88.61% to 94.29% with a relative standard deviation (RSD) < 6.30%. The proposed method was successfully applied to determine ginsenosides in a Yangshenguiling oral liquid and acceptable results were obtained.

Core-shell Fe3O4@C@MnO2 microspheres were fabricated using multi-step solution-phase interface deposition. Fe3O4 nanoparticles were coated with SiO2 via the Stober method and further covered with resorcinol and formaldehyde (RF) resins. Fe3O4@C nanoparticles with inter-lamellar void were obtained by carbonizing RF under N2, and etching SiO2 with NaOH. These nanoparticles served as template and were further coated with MnO2 shell to prepare Fe3O4@C@MnO2 microspheres. The resultant composites showed a typical core-shell structure with distinct magnetite core, 10 nm inter-lamellar void, a 30 nm thick carbon layer in the middle layer, and a 50 nm thick MnO2 shell at the outer layer. Fe3O4@C@MnO2 microspheres served as supercapacitor electrode materials. The electrochemical performance of the Fe3O4@C@MnO2 electrode was investigated using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and galvanostatic charge-discharge. Fe3O4@C@MnO2 electrode showed a specific capacitance of 158 F g[?]1 at 0.5 A g[?]1 and outstanding cycle stability with 89.7% capacitance retention after 2000 cycles. By contrast, the specific capacitance of Fe3O4@C electrode was 117 F g[?]1 at 0.5 A g[?]1 exhibited and only 75.2% capacitance retention after 2000 cycles. Thus, Fe3O4@C@MnO2 microspheres had great potential in supercapacitor applications in the future.

In the pursuit of high-temperature superconductivity like that in cuprates, artificial heterostructures or interfaces have attracted tremendous interest. It has been a long-sought goal to find similar unconventional superconductivity in nickelates. However, as far as we know, this has not yet been experimentally realized. To approach this objective, we synthesized a prototypical superlattice that consists of ultrathin LaNiO3and La0.7Sr0.3MnO3layers. Both zero resistance and the Meissner effect are observed using resistive and magnetic measurements of the superlattice. These are experimental indicators for superconductivity in new superconductors. X-ray linear dichroism causes the NiO2planes to develop electron-occupied x2–y2orbital order similar to that of cuprate-based superconductors. Our findings demonstrate that artificial interface engineering is suitable for investigating novel physical phenomena, such as superconductivity.

Novel zinc-nickel-cobalt ternary oxide nanosheets were successfully synthesized viaan easy solvothermal method followed by calcination and were tailored to have different numbers of wrinkles by controlling the volume ratio of the components in the mixed solvent. Nanosheets with more wrinkles yielded a large specific surface area(111.61 m2/g), which improved their electrochemical properties. The resulting products were characterized using a three-electrode system in 6 mol/L KOH electrolyte solution. With unique structures, the nanosheets with more wrinkles displayed a good capacitive behavior and an excellent specific capacitance retention of 97.18% after 2000 continuous charge-discharge cycles. Considering their high electrochemical performance and simple fabrication, we proposed that these unique zinc-nickel-cobalt oxide nanosheets are promising supercapacitor electrodes for energy storage applications.

Paramagnetic LaNiO3(LNO)-based heterostructures have been attracting the attention of researches, especially since the interesting exchange bias (EB) effect has been observed in (111)-oriented LaMnO3(LMO)/LNO superlattices (SLs). However, this effect is not expected to occur in the (001) direction SLs. In this paper, we report the observation of an unexpected EB effect in (001)-oriented (LMO)3/(LNO)tSLs. The orbits of interfacial Mn/Ni ions preferentially occupy the strain-stabilized x2– y2in ultrathin LNO layers [t≤ 4 unit cells (u.c.)]. Conversely, as the LNO layer becomes thicker (t≥ 6 u.c.), the EB effect is absent, and the orbits are reconstructed to form the 3z2– r2preferential occupancy. The absence of the EB in thicker LNO-based SLs is attributed to the interfacial charge transfer suppressed by orbital reconstruction as a consequence of the increasing LNO thickness. In the thinner LNO-based SLs, the larger charge transfer results in stronger localized magnetic moments for the cause of the EB effect. These results provide a useful interpretation of the relationship between macroscopic magnetic properties and the microscopic electronic structure in oxide-based heterostructures.

Artificial heterostructures based on LaNiO3(LNO) have been widely investigated with the aim to realize the insulating antiferromagnetic state of LNO. In this work, we grew [(La0.7Sr0.3MnO3)5-(LaNiO3)n]12superlattices on (001)-oriented SrTiO3substrates by pulsed laser deposition and observed an unexpected exchange bias effect in field-cooled hysteresis loops. Through X-ray absorption spectroscopy and magnetic circular dichroism experiments, we found that the charge transfer at the interfacial Mn and Ni ions can induce a localized magnetic moment. A remarkable increase of exchange bias field and a transition from metal to insulator were simultaneously observed upon decreasing the thickness of the LNO layer, indicating the antiferromagnetic insulator state in 2 unit cells LNO ultrathin layers. The robust exchange bias of 745 Oe in the superlattice is caused by an interfacial localized magnetic moment and an antiferromagnetic state in the ultrathin LNO layer, pinning the ferromagnetic La0.7Sr0.3MnO3layers together. Our results demonstrate that artificial interface engineering is a useful method to realize novel magnetic and transport properties.

Several characteristics distinguish lung cancer in women from that in men, with adenocarcinoma being more prevalent in women and occurring more frequently in nonsmoking women. Uncertainty surrounds the relationship between women-specific reproductive factors and lung cancer risk.

Background: Soluble Klotho (S-Klotho) is an anti-aging protein mainly secreted by the kidneys. Hyperuricemia is prevalent among middle-aged and elderly individuals, which affects the development of various chronic diseases. However, there are relatively few studies investigating the association between plasma S-Klotho levels and hyperuricemia in middle-aged and elderly individuals. This study sought to clarify the relationship between S-Klotho and the risk of hyperuricemia in middle-aged and elderly people. Methods: During 2007–2016, a total of 50,588 people participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Finally, 12,441 middle-aged and elderly people (aged 40–79) completed the soluble Klotho tests and had obtained complete data. S-Klotho was detected by ELISA kit, and the relationship between S-Klotho and hyperuricemia was assessed by multiple logistic regression. Hyperuricemia is defined as serum uric acid levels higher than or equal to 420 mmol/l in men and 360 mmol/l in women. Results: In the middle-aged and elderly, plasma S-Klotho levels were negatively correlated with hyperuricemia, and there was a saturation effect. The inflection point of S-Klotho was 927.8 pg/ml (logarithmic likelihood ratio test = 0.002). When plasma S-Klotho &lt; 927.8 pg/ml, the prevalence of hyperuricemia in middle-aged and elderly individuals with higher levels of S-Klotho decreased by 25.6% compared with those with low levels of S-Klotho [Q4 vs Q1, OR: 0.744, 95%CI: (0.634, 0.874), P&lt; 0.001]; In different age groups, S-Klotho had a significantly greater effect on hyperuricemia in middle-aged people [age: 40–65 years, Q4 vs Q1, OR (95%CI): 0.69 (0.58, 0.82), P&lt; 0.001; Age > 65 years: Q4 vs Q1, OR (95%CI): 0.72 (0.56, 0.92), P= 0.008)].When the level of S-Klotho was higher, the risk of hyperuricemia in men was lower than that in women [male: Q4 vs Q1, OR (95%CI): 0.67 (0.56, 0.81), P&lt; 0.001; female: Q4 vs Q1 (95%CI):0.72 (0.58, 0.88),P&lt; 0.001]. Conclusions: In middle-aged and elderly individuals, plasma S-Klotho levels were inversely correlated with hyperuricemia, with a saturation effect. Given the limitations of the research results, the underlying mechanism between S-Klotho and hyperuricemia should be further explored.

Objectives: Thyroid hormones play an instrumental role in chondrogenic differentiation and matrix maturation. However, studies investigating the relationship between thyroid function and the risk of osteoarthritis (OA) remain scarce. This study was designed to investigate the correlation between thyroid status and OA from a novel perspective of sensitivity to thyroid hormones. Methods: The study included 8478 people from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2010. The sensitivity to thyroid hormone indices included Thyrotroph Thyroxine Resistance Index (TT4RI), Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSHI), Thyroid Feedback Quantile-based Index (TFQI), and Free Triiodothyronine /Free thyroxine (FT3/FT4), which were calculated based on serum free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Considering the complex survey design and sample weights, we employed multivariate linear regression models and stratified analysis to evaluate the correlation between sensitivity to thyroid hormone indices and OA. Results: Study results indicated that participants with OA had elevated TT4RI, TSHI, and TFQI levels, and lower FT3/FT4 levels compared to those with non-arthritis. After adjusting for other covariates, FT3/FT4 was negatively associated with the risk of OA (OR = 1.162, 95%CI 1.048–1.478, P= 0.021); (OR = 1.261, 95%CI 1.078–1.623, P= 0.042). In subgroup analyses stratified by gender and BMI, participants with OA had higher TFQI levels compared to those without OA in both genders. (OR = 1.491, 95%CI 1.070–2.077, P= 0.018); (OR = 2.548, 95%CI 1.929–3.365, P&lt; 0.001). The higher TFQI levels were consistently associated with the increased prevalence of OA in the BMI (&lt; 18.5 kg/m2) group after adjusting for different covariates, but not in other BMI groups. In, addition, TFQI performed better than FT3/FT4, TSHI, and TT4RI on ROC analyses for OA prediction. Conclusions: The levels of FT3/FT4, TSHI, TT4RI, and TFQI are strongly associated with the prevalence of OA, which illustrates the complex correlation between the thyroid system and chondrogenic differentiation. TFQI may be used as a helpful indicator to predict OA and provide novel ideas for the evaluation and treatment of OA.

CoPS nanoparticles encapsulated with S, P, N tri-doped carbon material (SPNC) were proposed as bifunctional electrocatalyst of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) derived from zeolitic imidazolate framework-67. Density functional theory calculations consistently revealed that P element in CoPS@SPNC improves the electrical conductivity and reduces OH∗ hydrogenation energy barrier on Co sites, thereby facilitating the overall ORR/OER activities. A flexible Zn–air battery with CoPS@SPNC delivered an overpotential of 0.49 ​V, an energy efficiency above 80%, and a discharge voltage of 1.29 ​V at 2 ​mA ​cm−2for 80 ​h.

Mesoporous materials have large ratio surface areas, an average pore diameter, and ordered pore arrangement, showing promising application in the fields of catalysis, adsorption, separation, and functional materials. In this study, short rod-shaped mesoporous silica (SRSMS) were prepared using poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and P123 as dual templates and functionalized with (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) by a postsynthesis-grafting method. The synthesis conditions, including PEG chain length and PEG concentration, when the dual templates were added to the reaction system are discussed. The results show that the d100increased continuously with the increase of PEG concentration and molecular weights (MW). When PEG with different MW was added, the pore size of SRSMS changed a little, while it increased with increasing PEG content. Pore volumes and surface areas of SRSMS decreased, while the two-dimensional hexagonal p6mmmesoscopic structure remained after functionalization. Porcine pancreaticlipase (PPL) was used as a model enzyme for studying the effect of amino-functionalization on loading amount and enzymatic activity. As a result, functionalized SRSMS immobilized PPL showed the better reusability, higher catalytic activity, and thermal stability.

The control of magnetism by electric means in single-phase multiferroic materials is highly desirable for the realization of next-generation magnetoelectric (ME) multifunctional devices. Nevertheless, most of these materials reveal either low working temperature or antiferromagnetic nature, which severely limits the practical applications. Herein, we selected room-temperature multiferroic Ga0.6Fe1.4O3(GFO) with ferrimagnetism to study electric-field-induced nanoscale magnetic domain reversal. The GFO thin film fabricated on the (111)-orientated Nb-doped SrTiO3single-crystal substrate was obtained through the pulsed laser deposition method. The test results indicate that the thin film not only exhibits ferroelectricity but also ferrimagnetism at room temperature. More importantly, reversible and nonvolatile nanoscale magnetic domains reversal under pure electrical fields is further demonstrated by taking advantage of its ME coupling effect with dependent origins based on iron ions. When providing an appropriate applied voltage, clear magnetic domain structures with large size can be easily manipulated. Meanwhile, the change ratio of the electrically induced magnetizations in the defined areas can reach up to 72%. These considerable merits of the GFO thin film may provide a huge potential in the ME multifunctional devices, such as the multi-value, low-energy-consuming, and nonvolatile memory and beyond.

Effect of strain path change on formability and microstructural characteristics of AZ31B automotive magnesium sheet material is studied at 300degC. The standard forming tests are carried out using Nakazima tests within the environmental chamber. The strain path change tests are performed by in-plane uniaxial, plane strain and balanced biaxial pre-strained specimens in the first stage and Nakazima test in the second stage. The enhancement in the activity of prismatic and pyramidal slip as well as a reduction in material anisotropy with increase in temperature is responsible for improvements in formability. Compared to the standard FLD, all uniaxial, plane strain, and balanced biaxial pre-strained materials exhibit higher limit strains. This rise in FLD also incorporates the effect of additional annealing during temperature rise period prior to testing which cannot be avoided with the present experimental set-up and test methodology. The pre-strain effect is reduced by additional annealing effect caused by elevated temperature soaking time. At 300degC, the pre-strained material is almost fully recovered and behaves as the as-received material. Also, significant dynamic recrystallization is observed at 300degC.

Core-shell Fe3O4@C@MnO2microspheres were fabricated using multi-step solution-phase interface deposition. Fe3O4nanoparticles were coated with SiO2via the Stöber method and further covered with resorcinol and formaldehyde (RF) resins. Fe3O4@C nanoparticles with inter-lamellar void were obtained by carbonizing RF under N2, and etching SiO2with NaOH. These nanoparticles served as template and were further coated with MnO2shell to prepare Fe3O4@C@MnO2microspheres. The resultant composites showed a typical core-shell structure with distinct magnetite core, 10 nm inter-lamellar void, a 30 nm thick carbon layer in the middle layer, and a 50 nm thick MnO2shell at the outer layer. Fe3O4@C@MnO2microspheres served as supercapacitor electrode materials. The electrochemical performance of the Fe3O4@C@MnO2electrode was investigated using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and galvanostatic charge-discharge. Fe3O4@C@MnO2electrode showed a specific capacitance of 158 F g−1at 0.5 A g−1and outstanding cycle stability with 89.7% capacitance retention after 2000 cycles. By contrast, the specific capacitance of Fe3O4@C electrode was 117 F g−1at 0.5 A g−1exhibited and only 75.2% capacitance retention after 2000 cycles. Thus, Fe3O4@C@MnO2microspheres had great potential in supercapacitor applications in the future.

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