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The growing demand for electric vehicles has led to an urgent need for higher-energy-density batteries. Silicon (Si) has been regarded as an alternative to graphite as an anode material owing to its high theoretical capacity. Nevertheless, the large volume change in Si during repeated charge/discharge causes serious particle fracture, leading to rapid capacity degradation. Silicon suboxide (SiO x) anodes show better cycling performance than Si because of their alleviated volume variation, yet still have unsatisfactory electrode reaction kinetics. Herein, fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC)-based electrolyte is proposed to enhance the electrochemical properties of SiO x anodes. A higher specific capacity of ∼1500 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and an excellent rate capability of ∼1050 mAh g−1 at 4 A g−1 are obtained for the SiO x anode, which ensures an 83.5% capacity retention of SiO x ||LiFePO 4 cells after 300 cycles. The theoretical calculations and experimental studies reveal that FEC forms a weakly solvating electrolyte, enabling easier Li-ion desolvation and fast electrode reaction kinetics. Moreover, FEC reinforces the Li+-anion coordination owing to its weak solvating capability, thus a LiF-rich electrode/electrolyte interphase is formed through the co-decomposition of FEC and PF 6 − anions, leading to a tough SEI film formation with rapid ionic conductivity and good mechanical property. [Display omitted] • Excellent rate performance and cycling stability are achieved for microsized SiO x. • Constructing weak solvation structure by FEC to reduce Li+ desolvation energy. • Anion-derived SEI film is promoted by FEC-driven solvation sheath. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Urolithin A was a reversible and uncompetitive inhibitor of α -glucosidase. • Urolithin A statically quenched the endogenous fluorescence of α -glucosidase. • Urolithin A combined with acarbose showed an additive inhibitory effect. • Urolithin A interacted with α -glucosidase by key residues Arg269, Thr273, and His258. In this study, the mechanism of interaction between urolithin A, a gut metabolite of ellagitannins, and α -glucosidase was characterized by inhibition kinetics, fluorescence spectroscopy, isothermal titration calorimetry, and molecular docking. Urolithin A exhibited potential reversible inhibitory activity for α -glucosidase in an uncompetitive manner with an IC 50 value of (28.03 ± 0.59) μ M. The results of fluorescence titration and isothermal titration calorimetry analysis showed that urolithin A statically quenched the endogenous fluorescence of α -glucosidase, which was a spontaneous exothermic process, mainly driven by hydrogen bond and/or van der Waals force. Synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that urolithin A increased the polarity of tryptophan microenvironment and the hydrophobicity of tyrosine microenvironment. The combination of urolithin A with acarbose, a competitive α -glucosidase inhibitor, showed an additive inhibitory effect. Furthermore, molecular docking showed that urolithin A formed hydrogen bonds with key residues Arg269, Thr273, and His258, which are the sites outside the active center of α -glucosidase. These findings could highlight the value of ellagitannin rich diet as an antihyperglycemic food in the prevention of postprandial hyperglycemia, and indicate that urolithin A may be a promising lead compound of α -glucosidase inhibitor. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COF-C 4 N, an effective oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalyst with a low overpotential, has ideal N-edge cavities for anchoring transition metal (TM) sites to achieve single atom catalysts (SACs) with higher OER activity. To screen out the optimal TM, two descriptors for characterizing the OER activities are proposed based on systematic density-functional theory calculations for two different classes of COF, TM-COF-C 4 N and TM-Aza-CMP. Among them, Co-COF-C 4 N and Ni-COF-C 4 N are theoretically suggested to be highly active and low-cost OER SACs for target synthesis. Followed by a series of structural characterizations (PXRD, XPS, FT-IR, EXAFS, ICP, TEM and SEM) as well as OER performance measurement, it is confirmed that Co-COF-C 4 N exhibits excellent OER activity with an overpotential of 280 mV at 10 mA cm−2, more active than most of previously reported OER electrocatalysts. The molecular mechanism underlying the high activity is explored. [Display omitted] • Two descriptors for characterizing OER activities were developed for SACs TM-COF-C 4 N. • Descriptors are generalized to other nanosheets with N-edge cavities like TM-Aza-CMP. • Co/Ni-COF-C 4 N are targeted synthesized as predicted low-cost efficient OER catalysts • Co-COF-C 4 N is verified with a very low OER overpotential of 280 mV at 10 mA cm−2. • The molecular mechanism is explored based on computed electronic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatic NAD+ homeostasis is essential to metabolic flexibility upon energy balance challenges. The molecular mechanism is unclear. This study aimed to determine how the enzymes involved in NAD+ salvage (Nampt, Nmnat1, Nrk1), clearance (Nnmt, Aox1, Cyp2e1), and consumption pathways (Sirt1, Sirt3, Sirt6, Parp1, Cd38) were regulated in the liver upon energy overload or shortage, as well as their relationships with glucose and lipid metabolism. Male C57BL/6N mice were fed ad libitum with the CHOW diet, high-fat diet (HFD), or subjected to 40% calorie restriction (CR) CHOW diet for 16 weeks respectively. HFD feeding increased hepatic lipids content and inflammatory markers, while lipids accumulation was not changed by CR. Both HFD feeding and CR elevated the hepatic NAD+ levels, as well as gene and protein levels of Nampt and Nmnat1. Furthermore, both HFD feeding and CR lowered acetylation of PGC-1α in parallel with the reduced hepatic lipogenesis and enhanced fatty acid oxidation, while CR enhanced hepatic AMPK activity and gluconeogenesis. Hepatic Nampt and Nnmt gene expression negatively correlated with fasting plasma glucose levels concomitant with positive correlations with Pck1 gene expression. Nrk1 and Cyp2e1 gene expression positively correlated with fat mass and plasma cholesterol levels, as well as Srebf1 gene expression. These data highlight that hepatic NAD+ metabolism will be induced for either the down-regulation of lipogenesis upon over nutrition or up-regulation of gluconeogenesis in response to CR, thus contributing to the hepatic metabolic flexibility upon energy balance challenges. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasma is one of the most important factors affecting the structure and properties of coatings deposited by vacuum arc evaporation, while its specific characteristics are rarely analyzed. In this study, the effects of working pressure and arc current on plasma characteristics, microstructure and intrinsic properties of CrN coatings deposited by vacuum arc evaporation were investigated. The plasma characteristics were characterized by optical emission spectroscopy, and the electron density and plasma temperature were calculated. It was found that the calculated plasma temperatures were in the range of 7000 K–9000 K under the assumption of local thermodynamic equilibrium conditions. The arc burning condition of 4.0Pa/90A corresponds to the highest plasma density and the highest temperature. The interaction between plasma and macro-particles affects the structure and intrinsic properties of the coating. When working pressure and arc current are at a low level, the number of macro-particles is small, and the coating properties match well with the change of plasma state. When working pressure and arc current are too high, the number and size of macro-particles increase explosively, which increases the influence on the structure and properties, thus weakening the influence of the plasma state on the coating. It can provide guidance for preparation of CrN coatings with high properties by vacuum arc evaporation. • Linked the relationship between arc plasma and coating structural properties. • Coating properties at low pressure and current matched to changes in plasma state. • Excess macro-particles weaken the effect of plasma state on coating properties. • The grain size and elastic modulus are mainly influenced by the plasma state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The combination of CAD technology and MRI technology is used to recognize the necrotic region formed by the scar and cystic cavity in chronic SCI. • Superpixel is generated in the multimodal fusion image of the spinal cord based on DT-CWT. • The recognition method based on the combination of superpixel and SVM technology is insensitive to the shape and size of the spinal necrosis area. The cystic cavity and its surrounding dense glial scar formed in chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) hinder the regeneration of nerve axons. Accurate location of the necrotic regions formed by the scar and the cavity is conducive to eliminate the re-growth obstacles and promote SCI treatment. This work aims to realize the accurate and automatic location of necrotic regions in the chronic SCI magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In this study, a method based on superpixel is proposed to identify the necrotic regions of spinal cord in chronic SCI MRI. Superpixels were obtained by a simple linear iterative clustering algorithm, and feature sets were constructed from intensity statistical features, gray level co-occurrence matrix features, Gabor texture features, local binary pattern features and superpixel areas. Subsequently, the recognition effects of support vector machine (SVM) and random forest (RF) classification model on necrotic regions were compared from accuracy (ACC), positive predictive value (PPV), sensitivity (SE), specificity (SP), Dice coefficient and algorithm running time. The method is evaluated on T1- and T2-weighted MRI spinal cord images of 24 adult female Wistar rats. And an automatic recognition method for spinal cord necrosis regions was established based on the SVM classification model finally. The recognition results were 1.00±0.00 (ACC), 0.89±0.09 (PPV), 0.88±0.12 (SE), 1.00±0.00 (SP) and 0.88±0.07 (Dice), respectively. The proposed method can accurately and noninvasively identify the necrotic regions in MRI, which is helpful for the pre-intervention assessment and post-intervention evaluation of chronic SCI research and treatments, and promoting the clinical transformation of chronic SCI research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study of the capability of graphite-assisted laser ablation dielectric barrier discharge optical emission spectrometry (GALA-DBD-OES) for direct analysis of cadmium and zinc in cigarettes was undertaken. GALA-DBD-OES allowed direct sampling of cigarette samples in the condensed phase with the irradiation of a continuous wave infrared laser for subsequent atomization/excitation by a DBD plasma. The graphite in the sample matrix functioned as a laser energy converter and a thermal transmitter to improve the desorption efficiency of analytes. Under optimal conditions of the plasma gas flow rate, the discharge current and the proportion of graphite in the matrix, Cd and Zn were detected with limits of detection of 0.09 μg/g and 0.20 μg/g, respectively. Inter-day relative standard deviations of 4.5% for Cd at 45 μg/g and 2.6% for Zn at 30 μg/g indicate a good method repeatability. The accuracy of the present technique was verified by analyzing a certified reference material of cigarette. Quantitative results of Cd and Zn in commercial cigarettes allowed direct comparisons of cigarettes of different prices and geographical locations. All these features suggest the promising role of GALA-DBD-OES as a routine tool for real-time and on-site analysis of heavy metals in cigarettes. [Display omitted] • On-site analysis of Cd and Zn in cigarettes directly in the condensed phase. • Free of sample preparations such as purification and extraction. • Graphite-assisted continuous wave laser ablation as a solid sampling probe. • Post-atomization/excitation source based on low temperature plasma. • Feasible to differentiation of cigarette prices and regions based on Cd/Zn levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing energy crises have driven the world toward the exploration of clean and renewable energy sources. The selection of electrodes is a fundamental step in sodium (Na)-ion batteries (SIBs) to achieve extraordinary performance. Two-dimensional (2D) materials are strong candidates as electrode materials for SIBs owing to their enormous surface area, high thermal and electrical conductivities, and plenty of accumulation sites for adsorption of Na atoms. In this study, we investigate the electrochemical performance of two-dimensional tin mono-oxide (SnO) monolayers as an anodic material for SIBs using first-principles calculations. The electronic band structure, adsorption process, diffusion mechanism, and storage capacity of Na atoms in the SnO monolayer are examined. Our simulations disclose the semiconducting nature of the SnO monolayer, which becomes metallic after adsorption of a minor amount of Na atoms. This metallic behavior provides good electrical conductivity and mobility with low diffusion energy (0.15 eV) for the migration of Na on the SnO monolayer, indicating a rapid charge–discharge process. Furthermore, the determined specific capacity of the Na-loaded SnO monolayer is 398 mAh g−1 with low average open circuit voltage of 0.60 V. The above encouraging results show that the SnO monolayer is a promising anode for rechargeable SIBs. • The feasibility of the SnO sheet as an anod material for SIBs has been discovered by employing first principle calculations. • Pristine SnO monolayer is a semiconductor, which becomes metallic after minor amounts of Na adsorption. • A moderate average OCV of 0.60 V and a high specific capacity of 398 mAhg−1 have been obtained for the Na SnO monolayer. • The smallest diffusion barrier for Na migration is 0.15 eV, which reveals fast charging and discharging process. • All the above fascinating outcomes recommend that SnO sheet might be a proficient anode material for rechargeable SIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Shear-wave splitting in and around the NE Tibetan Plateau mainly reflects anisotropy in the lithospheric mantle. • Dominant NW-SE anisotropy in the lithospheric mantle indicates NE-SW compression. • Fossil anisotropies exist in the interior Alxa Block and the western Ordos Block. The northeastern Tibetan Plateau (NETP) is a key region to clarify the nature and mechanism of the Tibetan Plateau expansion. This region includes the eastern Qilian Orogenic Belt, the Alxa Block, the Helan-Yinchuan Tectonic Belt and the Ordos Block. We make shear-wave splitting measurements using teleseismic waveforms recorded at 17 portable broadband stations that we newly deployed in the study region. Our measurements provide new information on seismic anisotropy and deformation patterns in the lithospheric mantle, which can be used to constrain the extent of the NETP northeastward expansion. The dominant fast polarization direction (FPD) is NW-SE in the eastern Qilian Orogenic Belt, the southern Alxa Block and the Helan-Yinchuan Tectonic Belt, subparallel to the prominent orientation of tectonics in the NETP. The same NW-SE FPD in the three tectonic units indicates NE-SW compression in the lithospheric mantle there caused by the NETP northeastward expansion. NE-SW FPDs are revealed in the interior Alxa Block, which may reflect fossil anisotropy probably formed by the Paleo-Asian oceanic subduction and closure. ENE-WSW FPDs exist in the western Ordos Block, reflecting fossil anisotropy probably caused by convergence of the South China Craton and North China Craton. Combined with the NW-SE FPDs in the southwestern margin of the Ordos Block revealed by previous studies, our results suggest that the NETP northeastward expansion has obviously affected the southern Alxa Block and the southwestern margin of the Ordos Block. However, its recent northeastward expansion mainly occurred along the Helan-Yinchuan Tectonic Belt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon suboxide (SiO x , 0

The microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg 97 Y 2 Zn 1 alloys during rolling at 450 °C and 500 °C have been investigated in this work. The microstructure of pre-rolled alloy mainly consisted of the α-Mg matrix, block 18R LPSO phase distributed at the grain boundary, and lamellar 14H LPSO phase distributed in grain interior. After rolling, the 18R LPSO phase and 14H LPSO phase were kinks obviously at both temperatures of alloys. The alloy rolled at 500 °C produced serious DRX, and the occurrence of DRX is related to the 14H LPSO phase: (i) the interface between 14H LPSO phase and α-Mg matrix could act as a nuclear site of DRX grain and further refine grain by discontinuous DRX mechanism. (ii) The kink boundary of 14H LPSO phase evolved into a grain boundary through the continuous DRX mechanism and promotes the generation of DRX. Tensile testing indicated that the alloy rolled at 450 °C possessed the higher yield strength, and the alloy rolled at 500 °C had the higher ultimate tensile strength. The dominant deformation mechanism of the 450 °C rolled alloy was a prismatic slip and prismatic kink, and the formation of a strong rolling basal texture resulted in the improvement of yield strength. For the alloy rolled at 500 °C, the formation of rolling texture is mainly related to twinning. In addition, the severe DRX degree with refined DRX grains contributed to the improvement of ultimate strength and ductility for the alloy rolled at 500 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microglial activation plays an important role in the onset and progression of neuropathic pain by producing a variety of pro-inflammatory cytokines that interact with neurons to enhance neuronal hyperexcitability. Corydalis decumbens (Thunb.) pers., a traditional Chinese medicine has been used to treat mild cancer pain, dementia and to remit cerebral ischemia in clinics. Phenylphthalide isoquinolines are the major type of metabolites of C. decumbens and one of the derivatives, Corydecumine G (Cor G) has been shown to inhibit neuronal excitability. The present study aims to investigate the analgesic efficacy of Cor G in neuropathic pain rat model, the effects of Cor G on microglia activation and the possible mechanisms. Neuropathic pain was modeled using chronic constriction sciatic nerve injury (CCI) in rats. Western blot, immunofluorescence, and qRT-PCR were used to evaluate the levels of protein and mRNA. Intraperitoneal administration of Cor G concentration-dependently ameliorates mechanical and thermo allodynia, suppresses CCI-induced p38/ERK phosphorylation and spinal cord microglia activation, and attenuates the expression levels of NO, inos , Tnf-α , Pge 2 in dorsal horn of L4-L6 spinal cord on the ligation side in CCI rats. Pretreatment with 30 μM Cor G decreased LPS-induced BV2 microglia activation, which occurred via the inos , Tnf-α , Il-1β , Il-6 and phospho-p38/ERK pathways. Taken together, we suggest that Cor G, the specific phthalide isoquinoline from traditional Chinese medicine Corydalis Decumbentis Rhizoma, may be promising for treatment of neuropathic pain. [Display omitted] • Cor G relieves neuropathic pain through suppresses spinal cord microglia activation. • Cor G concentration-dependently reduced microglia activation via p38/ERK MAPK pathway. • Cor G significantly inhibited LPS-induced inos , Tnf-α , Il-1β and Il-6 expression in BV2 microglia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • GS and ALN were sustainably released using the water absorption pathways. • SDBCs provided favorable expansion and mechanical properties. • SDBCs had excellent in vitro cellular activity and in vivo biocompatibility. Although drug-loaded polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement had been widely used in the vertebroplasty and arthroplasty, the mismatch between the drug release cycle and clinical demand, as well as low drug release rate and single therapeutic effect restricted the use of PMMA bone cement as the drug carrier in clinical applications. In this study, poly(methyl methacrylate-acrylic acid)-alendronate [P(MMA-AA)-ALN] drug-loaded nanoparticles with anti-osteoporosis function were synthesized and introduced into the gentamicin sulfate (GS) loaded PMMA bone cement. The rapidly expandable bone cement with water absorption pathways was constructed by adjusting the particle size of P(MMA-AA)-ALN nanoparticles. More importantly, the sustained release of GS and ALN were creatively achieved by their migration through the water absorption pathways composed of P(MMA-AA)-ALN nanoparticles. The results showed that the cumulative release ratios of GS and ALN in the composites were up to 74.67 ± 1.02 % and 75.23 ± 1.96 %. Meanwhile, the release cycles of GS and ALN were extended to 4 weeks and 15 weeks, effectively preventing infection, and matching the normal bone healing cycle. In addition, the swelling and dual drug release bone cement (SDBC) displayed superior antibacterial activity and biocompatibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Compression behavior of reinforced steel-PVA hybrid fiber concrete short columns after high temperature was experimentally investigated. • High temperature has effects on the bearing capacity, ductility and stiffness of reinforced concrete short columns. • The steel-PVA hybrid fibers significantly improved the mechanical properties of reinforced concrete short columns after high temperature. • The formula for calculating the axial compression bearing capacity of steel-PVA hybrid fiber concrete short columns after high temperature was modified. • The optimal content of 1.4% steel and 0.1% PVA fibers of steel-PVA hybrid fiber concrete short columns was recommended. To investigate the axial compression mechanical properties of steel-PVA hybrid concrete short columns after high temperature, three groups of 15 specimens (without or mixed with steel and PVA fibers) were tested in this paper. These specimens were subjected to quasi-static loading compressive loading after exposure to elevated temperature. The results indicated that as the temperature increased, the hydration reaction occurred in the concrete, and specimen surface color gradually changed from light gray to grayish white, and its mass loss rate gradually increased. The mechanical properties of short columns of hybrid fiber concrete were significantly affected by the elevated temperature. However, the compressive bearing capacity of specimens was increased by the mixed fibers after elevated temperatures, compared to the ordinary concrete. Meanwhile, specimen with more steel fibers performed better on bearing capacity. The PVA fiber effectively reduced the formation and expansion of cracks in hybrid fiber concrete after high temperature and enhanced its ductility. A suggested reduction coefficient was introduced by considering the influence of temperature and fiber volume ratio, and the calculated value of axial compression bearing capacity of the specimen was in good agreement with the experimental value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The high accuracy 2D transient heat transfer model is established by machine learning. • A surface heat transfer estimation for the moving cooling process is proposed. • The effects of experimental conditions on the heat transfer process are revealed. • A high-precision open-source heat flux prediction software is developed. The heat transfer model plays a significant role in improving the steel quality during quench cooling by water jet impingement. However, the available models are still incapable of accurately modeling the heat transfer process. In this work, we perform the multiple impingements of jet on high-temperature steel plate surface experimentally and reveal the effects of surface temperatures, jet velocity, moving speed, and equalization time on the heat transfer behaviors. Then, we propose a time-constrained surface heat flux calculation method to measure the transient heat flux more accurately. Even in the case of lower temperature measurement frequency and larger heat conduction delay, precise calculation results can also be predicted. Importantly, a machine learning method is employed to fit and analyze a large number of experimental data, the machine learning model can predict two-dimensional (2D) transient heat flux in the moving cooling process and the accuracy can be continuously reinforced with the increase of experimental data. Based on the well-trained machine learning model, a heat flux prediction software is developed and open access at GitHub. This work provides an accurate heat transfer model for numerical analysis and shows great application potential in the steel industry, and the results will help deepen the understanding of the heat transfer mechanism. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A conformally graphene-coated SiO x material is achieved through surface engineering. • PVP avoids the oxidation and thus capacity loss of SiO x during hydrothermal process. • Excellent cycling performance and superior rate capability were delivered. Microsized silicon suboxide (SiO x , 0< x <2) materials promise less interfacial side reactions and higher volumetric capacity than those of nanosized couterpart when used as anode materials for high energy density lithium ion batteries. However, its poorer mechanical stability during charge/discharge process severely frustrates the cycling performance. Here we successfully achieved a conformally graphene-coated microsized SiO x material through surface engineering by a facile PVP-assisted hydrothermal method. PVP connects SiO x and graphene oxide (GO) sheets via hydrogen bonds in hydrothermal process and then in-situ carbonizes to form an amorphous carbon layer between SiO x core and graphene sheets after heat-treatment. The inner amorphous carbon layer and outer graphene sheets together evenly and conformally coat on SiO x particles, forming a double-layer coated SiO x /C@graphene composite. The well-encapsulation of SiO x by the double coating layers guarantees the uniform occurrence of electrode reactions on SiO x surface, which reduces the structural stress and homogenizes the volume variation, thus enabling excellent structural integrity of electrode during lithiation/delithiation process. Owing to the well-engineered structure, the SiO x /C@graphene electrode delivers an excellent cyclic performance (1076 mAh g−1 at 0.5C after 120 cycles with a capacity retention of 88.7%) and superior rate capability (785 mAh g−1 at 3C). The well-encapsulated SiO x by a double-coating-layer of amorphous carbon and graphene sheets is prepared by a PVP-assisted hydrothermal approach. Benefiting from the well-elaborated structure, the SiO x /C@Graphene anode material presents an ultrahigh cyclic stability and excellent rate performance. This work provides an effective way for the design and preparation of high-performance SiO x anode materials. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • CP-25 inhibited the development of arthritis. • CP-25 inhibited the development of arthritis in AA rats, which may be related to the inhibition of Ahr expression in synovial tissue. • CP-25 may play an anti-inflammatory immune regulation effect by inhibiting the activation of Ahr and the interaction between Ahr and GRK2 in FLS. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr) is thought to be a crucial factor that regulates immune responses, which may be involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune inflammation including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The results of our group in recent years have shown that Paeoniflorin-6′-O-benzene sulfonate (code: CP-25), a novel ester derivative of paeoniflorin, has a good effect on improving RA animal models. However, whether the anti-arthritis effect of CP-25 is related to Ahr remains unclear. Here, we showed that CP-25 treatment ameliorated adjuvant-induced arthritis (AA), a rat model of RA, by inhibiting Ahr-related activities in fibroblasts like synoviocytes (FLS). AA rats were treated with CP-25 or paroxetine from days 17 to 33 after immunization. We showed that CP-25 alleviated arthritis symptoms and the pathological changes. Treatment with CP-25 decreased the expression of Ahr in the synovium of AA rats. CP-25 inhibited the expression of Ahr and the G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) as well as the co-expression of GRK2 with Ahr in FLS of AA rats. Furthermore, CP-25 down-regulated the production of Kyn in FLS of AA rats. These results suggested that CP-25 may inhibit the expression and activation of Ahr. Besides, treatment with CP-25 reduced the proliferation and migration of MH7A caused by Ahr activation. In addition, we also demonstrated that CP-25 down-regulated the total and nuclear expression of Ahr and the expression of GRK2 in Kyn-treated MH7A. Moreover, the co-expression and co-localization of Ahr and GRK2in Kyn-treated MH7A were also repressed by CP-25. The data presented here demonstrated that CP-25 suppressed FLS dysfunction in rats with AA, which were associated with reduced Ahr activation and the interaction between Ahr and GRK2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CoFe 2 O 4 /g-C 3 N 4 p-n heterojunction photocatalysts have been successfully synthesized. The formation of p-n heterojunction and the unique morphology of g-C 3 N 4 enhanced electron transfer and charge separation, leading to a significant improvement in photocatalytic efficiency. 5-CoFe 2 O 4 /CNS not only had a high photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate of 18.9 mmol·g−1·h−1, but also possessed an efficient photocatalytic fluoroquinolone antibiotics removal efficiency. A smaller band gap in 5-CoFe 2 O 4 /CNS photocatalyst promoted more light generated electrons under visible light irradiation. An internal electric field at the contact interface accelerated the accumulation of electrons and holes in the valence band of g-C 3 N 4 and conduction band of CoFe 2 O 4 , thereby revealing a higher separation efficiency and noticeable inhibited recombination rate of the photoinduced electrons and holes. Also, improved removal efficiency for fluoroquinolone antibiotics was attained in the self-designed acousto-optic microreactor, which was 7.2 and 30 times higher than quartz glass tube and batch experiment, respectively. [Display omitted] • The formation of p-n heterojunction with internal electric field showed an activity superior to individual constituents. • Photocatalytic activity of CoFe 2 O 4 /g-C 3 N 4 p-n heterojunctions was affected by composition ratio and morphologies. • The formation of p-n heterojunctions was associated with the morphology of g-C 3 N 4. • 5-CoFe 2 O 4 /CNS possessed a larger specific surface area, more photo-generated electrons, excellent separation efficiency • A novel acousto-optic microreactor further improved the removal efficiency with 30-fold higher than the batch experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Graphite layer coated Ni-Fe foam was prepared by CVD as negative current collector. • Graphite@Ni-Fe (GNF) foam shows good lithiophilicity and high corrosion resistance. • The Li/GNF||Bi batteries exhibit excellent cycling stability and rate capability. [Display omitted] Negative current collectors play vital roles in the electrochemical performance of liquid metal batteries (LMBs). Employing a three-dimensional (3D) current collector is an effective approach to host molten lithium and reduce the effective current density. The Ni-Fe foam is a frequently used 3D current collector for the negative electrode. However, the corrosion of molten lithium towards the Ni-Fe foam skeleton devastates the 3D structure of the current collector and so deteriorates seriously the electrochemical performance of LMB. To enhance the corrosion resistivity, herein, the graphite layer coated Ni-Fe foam (Graphite@Ni-Fe) is prepared by the chemical vapor deposition method. The prepared scaly-like graphite layer plays a bifunctional role in chemistry, preventing corrosion as an effective barrier and improving remarkably the surface lithiophilicity of Ni-Fe foam. The assembled Li||Bi batteries with Graphite@Ni-Fe foam as negative current collector exhibit stable cycling performance with capacity retention of 98.10% and high Coulombic efficiencies over 98.3% at 0.4 A cm−2 over 100 cycles at 500 °C. More importantly, outstanding rate capability is achieved and almost no capacity degradation is observed upon current density change from 0.2 to 2.0 A cm−2. This work highlights the importance of the lithiophilicity and the corrosion resistance ability of the negative current collectors for LMBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The proposed method improves the performance of FOCSs for fast dynamic measurements. • The impact of the noise on the measurement can be largely reduced. • The demodulation accuracy and robustness are experimentally investigated. It has been challenging to demodulate short-time and weak current signals collected by fiber optic current sensors (FOCSs) under ultra-high voltage, since the background noise can significantly affect the spectra of the current signals. To address this issue, here we propose a novel FOCS demodulation method based on backpropagation neural network, where the impact of the noise on the measurement can be largely reduced. The demodulation method can determine the amplitudes of short time series of weak currents with high resolution and accuracy. To evaluate the performance of the proposed method, the demodulation accuracy and robustness of the method are experimentally investigated and compared with those of the traditional fast Fourier transform (FFT) method. The experimental results show that our method can produce reliable results when demodulating weak current signals over short time windows of less than one period, and achieve a significantly lower standard deviation (6.7 mA) compared with the FFT method (15.6 mA) in the current range 0–0.306 A. The higher robustness against the background noise than the FFT method and the excellent repeatability of our demodulation method are also demonstrated through simulations. These results suggest that the proposed method will provide an effective way to improve the detection performances of FOCSs in fast dynamic measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical reduction of nitrogen (NRR) is emerging as a promising strategy for energy-efficient and low-emission synthesis of NH 3 under ambient conditions. However, the large-scale application of this technology is hindered by the poor N 2 adsorption, sluggish reaction kinetics and strong competition from the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In this work, the Re-doped TiO 2 nanofibers (Re-TiO 2 NFs) with abundant grain boundaries and oxygen vacancies were prepared by electrospinning technology. The Re-doping can significant improve the NRR activity of TiO 2 NFs with higher NH 3 yield rate (from 14.1 to 22.7 µg h−1 mg cat. −1) and Faradaic efficiency (from 9.4 % to 18.1%). This work not only reveals fundamental insights on the doping effect of Re on TiO 2 as NRR electrocatalyst and provides a brand new avenue to explore efficient electrocatalysts for NRR. [Display omitted] • The Re-doped TiO 2 nanofibers are constructed for the first time. • Rhenium doping promotes oxygen vacancies and grain boundaries formation. • The Re substitutions lead to electronic structure rearrangement. • Rhenium doping can significant improve the NRR activity of TiO 2 NFs. • The NH 3 yield rate and FE reach 22.7 µg h−1 mg cat. −1 and 18.1%, respectively. To improve the electrocatalytic activity of catalysts, tailoring the electronic structures of catalysts by transition metal doping and defect engineering is an efficient method. Herein, two methods are skillfully combined to modulate the structure of TiO 2 toward the electrochemical N 2 reduction reaction through rhenium doping, which concurrently induced the generation of abundant grain boundaries and oxygen vacancies. The prepared Re-doped TiO 2 nanofibers exhibited a considerable average ammonia yield rate (22.7 µg h−1 mg cat. −1) and Faradaic efficiency (18.1 %) at an applied potential of -0.3 V vs. RHE. Experimental results, combined with theoretical calculations, reveal that rhenium doping is beneficial to improving the reducibility and conductivity of TiO 2 , thus favoring the NRR process. All these results prove that this work can provide a new avenue to design the next generation of electrocatalysts for NRR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of hot compression on the fracture toughness and tensile creep behaviors of a Mg-Gd-Y-Zn-Zr alloy were researched in detail. The hot compression was performed to a true strain of 0.5 along the extrusion direction at 703 K with a strain rate of 3 × 10-1 s-1. Two types of samples were used in this work: one was the annealed sample without hot compression (NHC sample), the other was the annealed sample with hot compression (HC sample). Uniaxial tensile tests were performed with a strain rate of 3 × 10-3 s-1 at room temperature and 523 K. Fracture toughness tests were performed with a strain rate of 3 × 10-3 s-1 at room temperature. Tensile creep tests were carried out at 523 K under various applied stresses ranging from 90 to 130 MPa. All tests were conducted along the extrusion direction. The results showed the improved mechanical properties were obtained in the HC sample at room temperature. At elevated temperature, the yield strength of the HC sample was improved, while the ultimate tensile strength and elongation were decreased. Compared with the NHC sample, the room temperature fracture toughness of the HC sample was apparently improved due to 14H LPSO phases and kink bands had excellent blocking effects to cracks growth and turned the crack propagation direction, which helped to release stress and absorb energy. However, the creep resistance of the HC sample was poorer than that of the NHC sample at 523 K. The creep mechanism of the NHC sample was basal slip, while the HC sample were dominated by pyramidal slip and grain boundary migration. Besides, the dynamic precipitation of β ′ phases occurs during hot compression. Although pyramidal < c+a > slip and β ′ phases had positive effects on the creep resistance, they could not offset the detrimental impacts derived from grain boundary migration and cracks nucleation at kink bands. As a result, a decreased creep resistance was obtained in the HC sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Real-time shield tail clearance measurement and monitoring is a key task during shield tunneling construction. The shield tail clearance measurement and monitoring technology development is still in its infancy, the current methods are mainly designed manually based on intuition. In order to fill the gap between the requirement of shield tail clearance measurement and monitoring and the limitations of the current methods, this paper systematically studies the existing mechanisms related to shield tail clearance measurement and monitoring, and develops a high-precision intelligent monitoring system for shield tail clearance. The proposed monitoring system includes four components: 1) two types of shield tail clearance calculation models, 2) the integrated hardware of the monitoring system which is composed of a data acquisition unit, a signal transmission unit and a control unit, 3) the region of interest (ROI) extraction method based on deep neural network, and the image processing algorithms for image enhancement and feature extraction, 4) the custom-developed software built on mature integrated development environment (IDE). After the calculation model of shield tail clearance is established, the system uses monitoring devices equipped with industrial cameras to obtain the on-site image, and then applies image processing technologies along with deep learning approach to extract the key features, which are brought into the model to calculate the values of shield tail clearance, finally displays these values and simulates the current tunneling attitude of the shield machine in real time. The experimental results show that the system proposed in this paper achieves the goal of high precision measuring and real-time monitoring of the shield tail clearance. • A high-precision intelligent monitoring system for shield tail clearance is proposed and invented. • Two types of shield tail clearance calculation models are presented. • The ROI extraction is taken as an object detection problem and solved by an end-to-end solution. • Comprehensive algorithms of image processing are used for image enhancement and feature extraction. • The high accuracy, stability and real-time performance of the system have been confirmed through experimental testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, Poly (Vinyl Alcohol) (PVA)is often used as the dielectric layer of thin film transistors (TFT)because of its good insulation and environmental protection. However, because of the hydroxyl groups on the surface, PVA films have poor contact with electrodes and semiconductors. Therefore, in this paper, we proposed an effective way to make PVA molecules curled up by applying dual solvent system with water and ethanol. As a result, the leakage current density is reduced from 1.2 × 10−4 A/cm [2]@0.5 mV/cm to 6.2 × 10−6 A/cm [2]@0.5 mV/cm. Moreover, we adjusted the molecular morphology of PVA in the solution by optimizing the configuration sequence of the precursor solution, so as to obtain a PVA film with better performance, with a leakage current density of only 5.9 × 10−7 A/cm [2]@0.5 mV/cm. The change in molecular morphology can be seen from the solution viscosity and surface tension measurements. Finally, we prepared IGZO-TFT devices for comparison, and it is proved that the PVA films prepared after changing the configuration sequence have better application in TFT, with a mobility of 8.19 cm2V−1s−1 and a switching ratio of 2.76 × 106. ∙ A dual solvent system is used to change the morphology of the polymer to improve its properties ∙Form better PVA films with a leakage current density of only 5.9 × 10−7 A/cm [2]@0.5 mV/cm and it is better applied in TFT with a mobility of 8.19 cm2V−1s−1 and a switching ratio of 2.76 × 106 ∙The materials used in the whole experiment are environmentally friendly and low-priced [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Na ion batteries (SIBs) have attained tremendous consideration due to their environmental friendliness, natural abundance and low costs. In this study, the electronic and electrochemical characteristics of SnSe 2 monolayer for SIBs are investigated by using first principle calculations. The electronic structure of 2D SnSe 2 exhibit semiconducting character with band gap of 0.85 eV and 1.4 eV by using PBE-GGA and HSE06 schemes, respectively. Our computation revealed that Na adsorbed SnSe 2 system demonstrate metallic characteristics. With rise of Na loading, the electronic conductivity of the host materials upsurges. An average open circuit voltage (OCV) of 0.662 V is perceived with Na storage capacity of 387 mAhg−1. This capacity is greater than the commercial anode materials (i.e. graphite has storage capacity of 372 mAhg−1 and 273 mAhg−1 for LIBs and KIBs, respectively). Furthermore, a significantly low activation energy (104 meV) for Na diffusion on the SnSe 2 monolayer surface is obtained. Hence, these outcomes suggest that SnSe 2 monolayer is a potential applicant for SIBs. • Pristine SnSe 2 is a semiconductor with a band gap of 0.85 eV and becomes to be metallic after insertion of low amount of Na. • The low value of activation barrier (104 meV) divulges fast rates of charging and discharging. • The low OCV (0.662 eV) and high capacity (387 mAhg−1) of 2D SnSe 2 monolayer makes it a potential candidate for SIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce the convolutional neural network (CNN) to extract the effective information of some complex signals in the fiber sensing, and verify the feasibility in the specific process of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) demodulation. In the experiments, in order to eliminate the cross interference in the energized coil, classical double grating configuration is adopted to distinguish magnetic field and temperature. At the same time, the introduction of thermal induced chirp (TIC) phenomenon produces more wavelength components to achieve more precise demodulation. The signal received by oscilloscope presents complex waveform, and the traditional analytical solution cannot demodulate it precisely, while the deep learning capabilities of neural networks can be leveraged to solve this problem. The one-dimensional (1D) time-series signal is transformed into a two-dimensional (2D) image by using the Gramian angle field (GAF) method. On this basis, the data are augmented according to the characteristics of signal noise. Five classical neural network structures are used to process the data. The root mean square errors (RMSEs) of the demodulation results can achieve 0.3 °C and 17.1 Gs respectively, which are relatively high precision in terms of intensity demodulation. This method can be extended to demodulate 1D frequency domain signals and wavelength domain signals, rendering a demodulation scheme to process some complex signals in optical fiber sensing effectively. • A novel FBG intensity demodulation method which can better extract features of complicated signals. • The thermal induced chirp of the directly modulated laser is used to conveniently generate more wavelength components. • GAF transformation converts complicated 1D signals into 2D image while preserving temporal features. • Demonstrate that it is feasible to treat classification task outputs as weights to calculate regression variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The first time to propose a fully-integrated waveguide-based scheme SERS tweezer. • Realize optical trapping and SERS detection simultaneously. • The silicon-based thin tapered waveguide is introduced to compress the mode field. • Nanofocus inside the slot and enhance the electric field. • The SERS tweezer can trap a 20 nm diameter particle with 20 mW power. We design and investigate a hybrid plasmonic nanofocusing waveguide (HPNW) for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) tweezer applied to the on-chip Raman detection and optical trapping. The input mode from the dielectric waveguide can be well coupled into the surface plasmon polariton (SPP) mode of plasmonic waveguide. During this procedure, the HPNW can compress the mode field, thereby significantly enhancing the spot electric field inside the gold slot, where the SERS can be excited coincided with the optical trapping of sample particles. Meanwhile, the Raman scattered light can be collected by the HPNW itself, without other external devices. The electric field enhancement factor, optical trapping potential and the collection efficiency of scattered light are utilized to study and characterize the performance of the SERS tweezer. The simulation results indicate that the optimized SERS tweezer can trap a 20 nm diameter sample particle with only 20 mW excitation power. As far as we know, this is the first time that the SERS tweezer combining both the SERS detection and optical trapping is proposed in an on-chip photonic waveguide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the potential role of diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI)-derived parameters for assessing resistance to CRT in patients with Locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) by using histogram analysis derived from whole-tumor volumes.Method: 136 consecutive patients with histologically confirmed rectal adenocarcinoma who underwent MRI examination before and after chemoradiotherapy were enrolled in our retrospective study. The parameters D, K, and conventional apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were measured using whole-tumor volume histogram analysis. The AJCC tumor regression grading (TRG) system was the standard reference (resistance: TRG 3; non-resistance: TRG 0-2). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used for evaluating the diagnostic performance.Results: Aside from the skew and kurtosis values, we found all the histogram metrics of D and ADC values significantly increased after CRT (all p < 0.001). In contrast, the histogram metrics of K values significantly decreased after CRT. The majority of percentiles metrics of D, K, and ADC values were correlated with tumor resistance before and after CRT (P < 0.05), except for the skew and kurtosis values. Regarding the comparison of the diagnostic performance of all the histogram metrics, the percentage Dmean change (ΔDmean) showed the highest AUC value of 0.939, and the corresponding sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 84.1% and 94.6%, 88.1% and 92.6%, respectively.Conclusions: These preliminary results demonstrated that DKI-derived histogram metrics, especially the pre-treatment metrics and ΔDmean, were useful to assess tumoral resistance to CRT and individual clinical management for patients with LARC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model can be used to diagnose regional land-atmosphere (L-A) coupling strength in the absence of sufficient observations but subjected to uncertainties associated with model physical parameterizations. In this study, we propose a framework to quantify and reduce model physical parameterization uncertainties associated with surface fluxes and L-A coupling. An ensemble of WRF simulations with different physical schemes is used to simulate surface fluxes and land-atmosphere coupling strength over the Amazon region. The physical parameterizations investigated include cloud microphysics (MP), land surface processes (LSM), planetary boundary layer (PBL), surface layer (SL), and cumulus (CU). We perform 120 ensemble simulations using the WRF model and different combinations of six MPs, three LSMs, six PBLs and SLs and three CUs. The measurements from the GoAMAZON field campaign and satellite data are used to evaluate model performance. A Multi-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) approach is applied to quantify the relative importance of different physics processes on L-A coupling. The Tukey's test is used to sort schemes that have no significant differences into one group. The suite of physics that result in the best simulations of the corresponding variables are selected based on the Taylor skill score. Results show that the relative importance of processes and their interaction vary with the variables of interest. For example, CU was the most important process in modulating soil moisture, 2 m-humidity, latent heat, and net radiation. LSM showed dominant effects on 2 m-temperature and also has the largest impact on sensible heat and the lifting condensation level. The best physical parameterization ensembles show much narrower ranges of the variables of interest than the priori ensemble. Results of this study show the roles of different physical processes in modulating L-A interactions, quantify model uncertainties from physical processes, and provide insights for improving the model physics parameterizations. • A framework for quantifying physical parameterization uncertainties is proposed. • Results show that the relative importance of processes and their interaction vary with the variables of interest. • Cumulus parameterization is the most important process for soil moisture, surface humidity, latent heat and net radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Static tests and fatigue tests were performed on Al-Li alloy stiffened panels under shear loading. • The curvature is defined to capture the critical buckling load. • The fatigue failure modes of stiffened panels can be summarized as bolt falling off, skin tearing and small cracks. • A simplified analysis process was proposed to predict the fatigue life of stiffener panels under shear loading. In order to study buckling fatigue behavior and failure modes of 2A97 Al-Li alloy stiffened panels under shear loading, 1.2 mm and 1.5 mm thick 2A97 Al-Li alloy stiffened panels were designed and manufactured. The static and fatigue tests were performed under shear loading. The results indicate that the shear failure modes of stiffened panels are global buckling wave, skin cracks and rivets falling off. The effect of skin thickness on the buckling load is greater than that on the ultimate load. The fatigue failure processes of stiffened panels include gradual failure and catastrophic failure. The fatigue failure modes are complex and rivet falling off is most dangerous. Panels with cracks or broken rivets still has residual life. Once the skin tears, the panel will immediately fail. The total fatigue life and initial fatigue life of 1.5 mm stiffened panel are 28.87% and 59.88% higher than those of 1.2 mm stiffened panel respectively, while the residual life is 87.68% lower. The finite element models were established to simulate the buckling and post-buckling process of the stiffened panels, and the local stress spectrum of the fatigue dangerous point was obtained. Goodman's theory and nominal stress method was combined to predict the fatigue life and to explain the experimental findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The maximum power density of nitrogen-doped AC is 116.2% higher than that of Pt/C. • Cost of AC ($0.002/g) is 4 orders of magnitude lower than that of Pt/C. • MnO 2 doped with Cu delivers a higher power density than Pt/C (198 vs. 115 mW/m2) • C(N)/MnOx costs lower than Pt/C cathode with similar outputs (2 vs. 25 €/g) Since the high cost and low power generation hinder the overall practical application of microbial fuel cells (MFCs), numerous attempts have been made in the field of cathode materials to enhance the electrical performance of MFCs because they directly catalyze the oxygen reduction reactions (ORR). To choose a proper cathode material, following principles such as ORR activity, conductivity, cost-efficiency, durability, surface area, and accessibility should be taken into consideration. In preparation of cathode materials, versatile materials have been chosen, synthesized, or modified to achieve an improvement in power generation of MFCs. The most widely applied cathode materials could be categorized into three classes, namely carbon-base materials, metal-based materials, and biocatalysts. This review summarizes the utilization, development, and the cost of cathode materials applied in MFCs and tries to highlight the effective modification methods of cathode materials which have helped in achieving enhanced power generation of MFCs in recent years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A non-continuous two-step foaming process was reported to prepare microcellular epoxy/carbon nanofiber (EP/CNF) composite foams. This approach involved firstly limited-foaming epoxy tablets in a mold with a fixed cavity to obtain preformed foams with designed anisotropic cellular structure and following by free-foaming them in a heating oven. The evolution of cell morphology, rearrangement of carbon nanofibers, and changes of the mechanical and electrical properties in epoxy composite foams during the two-step foaming process were systematically investigated. Although the anisotropic cellular structure tended to become isotropic after reheating, the final composite foams (Two-step foam) still exhibited an anisotropy in the electrically conductive and mechanical properties. This result was attributed to that the further growth of anisotropic bubbles cannot completely disrupt the vertical alignment of CNF. The oriented CNF, in turn, significantly hindered the expansion in that direction, leading to an anisotropic expansion of the preformed foams during reheating, which could inevitably affect the evolution of cell morphology. In addition, the two-step foaming process effectively eliminated the negative effect of compressed gas occurring during the limited-foaming process, enhancing the glass transition temperature nearly to that of the foams prepared through the free-foaming process. This work opens a potential avenue to realign the nanofillers and prepare composite foams with tunable properties. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a common subtype of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and causes many deaths. Numerous medical studies have suggested that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) exert their biological functions on ccRCC. Herein, functions of lncRNA SNHG16 in ccRCC cells and the mechanism mediated by SNHG16 were investigated. The expression levels of SNHG16 and its downstream genes in ccRCC cells and RCC tissues were examined utilizing reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses. Cell counting kit-8 and 5-Ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine assays were performed to evaluate the proliferation of ccRCC cells, and flow cytometry analyses were employed to determine the apoptosis of ccRCC cells. Western blot analysis was applied to examine protein levels associated with cell proliferation and apoptosis. The combination between SNHG16 and miRNA as well as miRNA and its target gene were explored by luciferase reporter, RNA pull down, and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. The significant upregulation of SNHG16 was observed in RCC tissues and ccRCC cells. SNHG16 downregulation inhibited the proliferation and promoted the apoptosis of ccRCC cells. In addition, SNHG16 served as a competing endogenous RNA for miR-1301-3p, and STARD9 was a target gene of miR-1301-3p in ccRCC cells. SNHG16 upregulated STARD9 expression by binding with miR-1301-3p in ccRCC cells. Rescue assays validated that SNHG16 promoted ccRCC cell promotion and induced ccRCC cell apoptosis by upregulating STARD9 expression. In conclusions, SNHG16 promotes ccRCC cell proliferation and suppresses ccRCC cell apoptosis via interaction with miR-1301-3p to upregulate STARD9 expression in ccRCC cells. • SNHG16 exhibits high expression in RCC cells and tissues. • SNHG16 knockdown inhibits RCC cell proliferation and promotes cell apoptosis. • SNHG16 combines with miR-1301-3p to upregulate STARD9 expression. • STARD9 reverses SNHG16 depletion-induced effects on cell proliferation and apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]