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Highlights • N doped carbon-wrapped Mo x C heterophase sheets are synthesized via in situ carbonation. • N-Mo x C@C HSs effectively combine the respective advantages of both γ-MoC and β-Mo 2 C. • Heterostructures possess a synergistically-enhanced activity on the interface and surface of γ-MoC/β-Mo 2 C. • N-Mo x C@C HSs exhibit excellent activity and stability in acid media. Abstract Advancement of non-precious-metal catalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) with both prominent activity and excellent stability has been becoming an ongoing challenge in the following decades. Herein, N-doped carbon-wrapped molybdenum carbide heterophase (γ-MoC and β-Mo 2 C) sheets (N-Mo x C@C HSs) were prepared by a facile chemical vapor reduction (CVR) procedure and following calcination at desired temperatures. The best HER electrocatalytic activity of N-Mo x C@C HSs was detailedly examined in 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 , which exhibited a small overpotential of 172 mV (10 mA cm−2) with a Tafel slope of only 60 mV dec−1 and durability. The improved HER activities and catalytic stability were due to heterocrystal Mo x C, nitrogen doping, and carbon coating. Particularly, this study effectively combined the respective advantages of both γ-MoC and β-Mo 2 C via the interface effect and matched polarity of hydrogen adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co-catalysts for H 2 production are often made from expensive noble metals, such as the most efficient Pt. The alternative non-noble metal co-catalysts with low cost and high efficiency are therefore highly desirable for economically viable H 2 production. Herein, we demonstrated that a CdS/MoS 2 /Mo sheets system simultaneously containing photocatalysts, co-catalysts, and conductive supports, was prepared via the one-step hydrothermal process by Mo sheets as template and Mo sources. The obtained CdS/MoS 2 /Mo sheets possess the superior photocatalytic H 2 production via water splitting under visible light irradiation, which achieved an extraordinary H 2 production of 4540 μmol h −1 g −1 , up to 28.6 and 3.6 times greater than that of CdS alone and Pt/CdS. The synergetic effect of MoS 2 as co-catalysts and Mo sheets as conductive supports contribute to the dramatically improved photocatalytic H 2 evolution activity of CdS photocatalysts, by means of facilitating charge carriers separation and providing active sites for proton reduction. These findings provide a straightforward and practical route to produce cheap and efficient co-catalysts for large-scale water splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon footprint (CF) and inequality reductions were two of the most important sustainable development goals. However, there was a lack of understanding of the latest equality of carbon footprint across regions. Based on the multi-regional input-output table and the China Family Panel Studies survey data of 17 provinces, this paper examined the evolution of carbon footprint and inequality in China. The results showed a stark disparity between regions and a declined inequality in the last few years. Specifically, the CF per capita in northern provinces (Liaoning, Shanxi, Heilongjiang, Shandong and Shaanxi) exceeded the average level in 2017. From 2015 to 2017, the carbon inequality showed a downward trend, with a national CF-Gini coefficient decrease from 0.31 to 0.28. Meanwhile, the gap between CF per capita in urban areas and rural areas was declining, with a growth rate at 18% and 32% from 2015 to 2017, respectively. In addition, CF per capita from various consumption categories indicated that household equipment and daily necessities, residential, transportation and communication were the three most important sources, with a downward trend from 2015 to 2017. This study would provide policymakers with deep insights into policies to achieve just transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regulating the exposed surfaces of semiconductors is believed to be a versatile strategy to boost their photoactivity. Herein, the Na+ doped Bi 4 TaO 8 Cl (BTOC) nanosheets with the exposed {001} active faces were synthesized via a facile molten salt method. The size of BTOC nanosheets could be readily tuned by controlling the feeding content of the molten salts (NaCl and KCl). Benefited from the cooperative effect of the Na+ doping and the exposed active {001} facets, the optimal BTOC-24 nanosheets exhibited high photoactivity. Under 5 W white LED light irradiation, the degradation rates of BTOC-24 nanosheets for ofloxacin (OFL) and Rhodamine B (RhB) were 84.1% and 97.3%, which were drastically enhanced by 2 and 6-folds than that of bulk BTOC, respectively. The mechanism for the improved photoactivity was also investigated. This work demonstrates the synergetic effect of engineering the thickness and exposed crystal face towards the enhanced photoactivity of 2D BTOC, which also shows significant implications for designing other 2D semiconductor nanosheet with efficient environmental remediation performance. [Display omitted] • Size and exposed facets of BTOC nanosheets were controlled by molten salt method. • Ultrathin BTOC-24 nanosheets exhibited superior photocatalytic activity. • The high proportion of {001} exposed facets expedited electron transport. • The main reactive species for the photocatalytic mechanism were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A flexible strain sensor is developed via one-step in-situ construction of stiff PVDF nanospheres on the surface of TPU fibers via polymeric phase and morphology control technology. It enables tunable linear sensing to strain thanks to the restricting of quick crack propagation. [Display omitted] • Flexible fiber mat strain sensors of heterogeneous structures are developed. • The heterogeneous structure is consisted of stiff PVDF nanospheres on TPU fibers. • The structure can restrict quick micro-crack propagation throughout fiber surface. • The sensor with high-density nanospheres shows very good linearity. Wearable strain sensors with high sensitivity and linear resistance signal response to strain are urgently demanded for human–machine interface, which can be tuned by introducing uneven surface mechanics distribution onto fiber surfaces via structural heterogeneity for fibrous elastomer fiber mat sensors. Yet it is still of great challenge to build micro- or nano-scale heterogeneous structures on fiber surfaces in a facile and scalable way without using templates. Herein, we report a plastic nanosphere-decorated elastomer fiber mat strain sensor with a zoned surface strain energy release characteristic, designed based on analysis of material match and structural mechanics. Surface mechanics analysis confirms that the as-designed sensor shows a controllable strain energy release area, significantly improving sensing stability thanks to effective restriction of micro-crack propagation in conductive pathways. In particular, fibrous mat sensor with high-density nanospheres shows very low fluctuation in strain sensitivity variation (±0.05 for strain ≤ 30 %), i.e., good linearity in the resistance response to strain, while that for the control sensor is ± 10.0 for strain ≤ 16 %. Such a fiber mat strain sensor can not only be applied for real-time sensing of object deformations for human–machine interface and intelligent control, but also in hydrophobic porous elastomeric packaging materials and triboelectric devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ti 2 Cu, TiCu and TiCu 4 were synthesized and their electrocatalytic activities for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) were investigated. The hydrogen overpotential observed at 10 mA/ cm2 (η 10) followed the order Ti 2 Cu (η 10 = −215 mV) > TiCu (η 10 = −182 mV) > TiCu 4 (η 10 = −170 mV). The hydrogen adsorption energy (∆G Had) on Cu site of TiCu 4 is exergonic and close to optimal position (i.e. ∆G Had = 0). A synergistic effect was proposed to account for the excellent HER performance of these Ti Cu binary intermetallics compounds that could replace PGM and achieve Midas touch in the future. [Display omitted] • High purity of Ti 2 Cu, TiCu and TiCu 4 were synthesized by using rapid arc-melting technique. • Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) study on Ti 2 Cu, TiCu and TiCu 4 in alkaline media. • HER activity of Ti 2 Cu, TiCu and TiCu 4 were explored by using density functional theory. • Synergistic effect for these Ti Cu binary intermetallics toward HER activity was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The UV–vis spectrum of PEI and complexes with metal ions were investigated. [•] The UV–vis detection method of Cu2+, Co2+ and Cr3+ with PEI was established. [•] Stoichiometric ratios of amino groups and Cu2+, Co2+, Cr3+ are 4:1, 4:1, and 3:1. [•] Adsorption process of PEI fitted Freundlich equation better than Langmuir. [•] Coordination of PEI with metal ions is exothermic, entropy increasing reaction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Amphiphilic nanoparticles with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) cores and poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) shells were successfully synthesized through a one-step emulsifier-free polymerization method. The morphologies of PMMA/PEI nanoparticles were spherical in shape with uniform size distribution and well-defined core–shell nanostructure illustrated by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). PMMA/PEI core–shell nanoparticles were applied as novel polymeric adsorbents to remove heavy metal pollutants. In present work, copper (II) ions were selected as the target pollutants to evaluate these nanoparticles adsorption capability. It was investigated by varying solution pH, weight ratio of nanoparticles to copper (II) ions, adsorption time and adsorption temperature, respectively. The maximum copper (II) ions adsorbed onto PMMA/PEI core–shell nanoparticles was 14mg/g obtained under simple and fast experimental conditions, indicating these nanoparticles can be used as effective and practical polymeric adsorbents. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A bio-anode reactor and a bio-cathode reactor were developed to investigate the microenvironments around anodes and cathodes and their effects on denitrification. With an applied current of 40 mA, the oxidation–reduction potentials (ORPs) in the bio-cathode and bio-anode reactors were 100–200 mV lower and 50 mV higher, respectively, than that in the control reactor (a normal bio-reactor). The cathode reaction enhanced denitrification and the anode reaction inhibited denitrification. At 40 mA, the denitrification rate in the bio-cathode reactor was 55.1% higher than that in the control reactor. At 75 mA, the denitrification rate in the bio-anode reactor was just 33.5% of that in control reactor. Electric current of less than 20 mA had no effect on the most probable number (MPN) of denitrifiers, but at 75 mA, the MPN of denitrifiers decreased by 90% in the bio-anode reactor. In the bio-cathode reactor, the MPN of denitrifiers increased more than 100% for the lower ORP environment produced by a cathode reaction at 75 mA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background. Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA) induce neutrophil activation in vitro with release of injurious products that can mediate necrotizing vasculitis in vivo. The importance of ANCA IgG F(ab′)[sub 2]-antigen binding versus Fcγ receptor engagement in this process is controversial. We propose that ANCA-antigen binding affects cell signaling pathways that can result in changes of gene expression. Methods. Microarray GeneChip analysis and real-time, quantitative PCR (TaqMan®) was used to probe for transcripts in leukocytes from patients (in vivo gene expression study) and in leukocytes treated with ANCA IgG or ANCA-F(ab′)[sub 2] (in vitro gene expression study). Results. Microarray gene chip analysis showed that ANCA IgG and ANCA-F(ab′)[sub 2] stimulate transcription of a distinct subset of genes, some unique to whole IgG, some unique to F(ab′)[sub 2] fragments, and some common to both. DIF-2, COX-2, and IL-8 were identified as genes responsive to ANCA signaling and were selected for in depth evaluation. In vitro DIF-2 and IL-8 were increased by both ANCA IgG and F(ab′)[sub 2], but COX-2 only by MPO-ANCA F(ab′)[sub 2]. In vivo DIF-2 levels were increased in leukocytes of ANCA patients, which correlated strongly with disease activity and ANCA titer. DIF-2 was not increased in patients in remission or in disease control patients (systemic lupus erythematosus and IgA nephropathy). COX-2 gene expression was significantly increased in patients with active disease, while IL-8 was increased in remission. Conclusions. The data indicate that leukocyte genes are activated in vitro by both ANCA Fc and ANCA F(ab′)[sub 2] pathways and that in vitro activation mimics changes in circulating leukocytes of patients with ANCA disease. Increased levels of DIF-2 in patient leukocytes strongly correlate with severity of disease in kidney tissue. The observations indicate a previously unrecognized role for... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sewage sludge poses a serious environmental problem for large cities, and large amounts of materials in sludge, including organics, should be recovered rather than wasted. To achieve both sludge reduction and organic resource recovery, this study developed a new biorefinery technology that includes the hydrothermal treatment of sludge followed by fungal fermentation to form hyphae fibers and acidogenic fermentation to produce volatile fatty acids (VFAs). Hydrothermal treatment at 160 °C or 180 °C allows solubilization of approximately 40% of solid organics in sludge into the supernatant, resulting in significant sludge reduction and dewaterability improvement. The fermentation of the fungus Aspergillus niger converted waste organics in the hydrolyzed sludge liquor, with a chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentration of around 15,000 mg/L, into hyphae fibers, resulting in fungal biomass production of more than 1.7 g/L. After the recovery of hyphae fibers, the residual sludge liquor was further fermented to produce VFAs to a concentration of about 2500 mg COD/L. The genera Petrimonas , Arcobacter , and Aminobacterium played important roles in acidogenic fermentation. The stepped biorefinery strategy can transform approximately 35% of waste organics in the hydrothermal sludge liquor into valuable fibrous materials and VFAs for effective resource recovery. Image 1 • A new biorefinery process is developed for sludge treatment and resource recovery. • Fungal fermentation converted hydrolyzed sludge organics to hyphae fibers. • Fungal hyphae grew to 1.84 g/L in the sludge liquor with 16.2% organic conversion. • Acidogenic fermentation of the residual sludge liquor produced volatile fatty acids. • 36% organics in sludge liquor was converted to hyphae fibers and volatile fatty acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical water splitting is crucial for sustainable energy, enabling hydrogen fuel conversion, storage, and energy transfer. This review focuses on innovative approaches to replace costly precious metal catalysts with earth-abundant elements, known for their high catalytic activity and durability in alkaline hydrogen evolution reactions. Designing self-supporting electrodes, particularly using three-dimensional (3D) nickel foam (NF) substrates, has emerged as an effective strategy to enhance electrocatalyst performance and stability. The continuous porous structure of 3D NF ensures excellent electrical conductivity and a larger active surface area. This review extensively catalogs emerging nanostructured materials directly grown on 3D NF, including sulfides, phosphides, layered double hydroxides, nitrides, oxides, selenides, and alloys. Emphasis is placed on their cutting-edge achievements in structural design, controllable synthesis, performance optimization, and elucidation of catalytic mechanism. These insights facilitate the selection and fabrication of high-performance self-supporting electrodes, accelerating the commercialization and scalability of water electrolysis technology. [Display omitted] • Outlined the fundamental advancements in nickel foam-based electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution in water splitting. • Elucidated the enhanced hydrogen evolution performance through the utilization of 3D nickel foam. • Provided future directions and insights into self-supporting 3D nickel foam-based electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concrete-cored cement mixing (CCM) pile composite foundation is a practical technology for soft soil ground treatment. This paper proposed a theoretical analysis model for the CCM pile composite foundation under embankment in undrained condition which comprehensively considered the interaction between the various components of the CCM pile composite foundation. The working behavior and influencing factors of CCM pile composite foundation under the embankment was also investigated based on the proposed analysis model. The research results showed that: the embankment load was transferred from the outer soil column to the inner soil column. The formation of soil arch effect promoted the concrete core pile to undertake the majority of embankment load, which improved the working behavior of the CCM pile composite foundation under flexible foundation. There was a neutral plane at a certain depth below the ground surface, and the pile shaft above the neutral plane was under negative skin friction, moreover, the vertical stresses of the concrete core pile, cement mixing pile and the soil around the pile all reached the maximum value at the neutral plane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia is a life-treating fungal infection. • Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is often recommended as the first-line drug for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia prophylaxis. • Low-dose trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole has good tolerance and few adverse effects. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of low-dose trimethoprim (TMP)-sulfamethoxazole (SMX) (TMP-SMX) as the primary prophylaxis for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) in adult recipients of kidney transplantation. Three kinds of prescriptions in kidney recipients were documented, including 20 mg TMP/100 mg SMX oral daily, 20 mg TMP/100 mg SMX oral every other day, and nonprophylaxis. The primary outcome was the incidence of PJP in the first 180 days of follow-up after kidney transplantation. The secondary outcomes were changes in renal and liver function. Among the 1469 recipients, 1066 (72.56%) received 20 mg TMP/100 mg SMX daily, 127 (8.65%) received 20 mg TMP/100 mg SMX every other day, and 276 (18.79%) did not have prophylaxis prescription. The 276 recipients in the nonprophylaxis group had 124.92 person-years of follow-up, during which PJP occurred in 29 patients, for an incidence rate of 23.21 (95% confidence interval 15.76-32.72) per 100 person-years. The TMP-SMX daily group and the TMP-SMX every other day group had 524.89 and 62.07 person-years of follow-up, respectively, with no occurrence of PJP. There was no significant difference among the three groups in changes in renal and liver function (P >0.05, respectively). A total of 111 recipients in each group were enrolled in the propensity score matching analysis. It was revealed that the 111 nonprophylaxis recipients had 51.27 person-years of follow-up and 10 PJP cases. Prophylaxis was considered effective because there was a significant difference between the three groups (P <0.001). Low-dose TMP-SMX prophylaxis significantly reduces the incidence of PJP within 6 months after kidney transplantation and has a favorable safety profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MXenes, a new family of two-dimensional materials, are terminated by O, OH and F groups. The existence of the oxygen-containing functional groups indicates a potential application in supercapacitor based on a redox mechanism. However, the irreversible stacking of MXenes will lead to an insufficient utilization of these functional groups and thus a decrease in the supercapacitive performance. To solve the problem, we synthesized a composite material comprised of carbon nanotube (CNT) and Ti 3 C 2 sheets (d-Ti 3 C 2 ) delaminated from MXenes by ultrasonic stirring. The FTIR result suggests that the ultrasonication has no significant effect on the oxygen-containing functional groups. The resultant composites exhibit significantly higher volumetric capacitance and better capacitance retention (during 5–100 mv s −1 ) than d-Ti 3 C 2 . A highest volumetric capacitance of 393 F cm −3 at 5 mv s −1 in KOH electrolyte can be obtained when the weight ratio of d-Ti 3 C 2 to CNT is 2:1. In addition, the volumetric capacitance has no significant degradation even after 10000 cycles in cycling stability test, showing an excellent cycling stability compared with metal oxides. These enhanced electrochemical performances can be ascribed to the introduction of CNTs, which impede the stacking of Ti 3 C 2 , enlarge the distance between Ti 3 C 2 sheets and improve the electrical conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of effective photogenerated charge transfer channels through interface engineering is the key to achieving the highly efficient of photocatalysts. Herein, sandwich-like ZnIn 2 S 4 /TiO 2 /Ti 3 C 2 nanosheets integrated type-II heterostructure with Schottky junction are reasonably fabricated by low temperature in-situ growth method. Benefitting from the intensive visible light absorption of ZnIn 2 S 4 , the fast electron transport of TiO 2 , the rich active sites in Ti 3 C 2 , as well as the intimate interface coupling and the matched band alignment among ternary components, enhanced hydrogen production can be achieved with ZnIn 2 S 4 /TiO 2 /Ti 3 C 2 hierarchical photocatalyst under visible light irradiation in the absence of noble metal co-catalysts. The concept of coupling type-II heterostructure with the Schottky barrier can steer the charge flow and boost the charge carrier separation and transfer across the interfacial domain, which may spark new ensemble design for efficient solar energy harvesting and conversion. [Display omitted] • The hierarchical ZnIn 2 S 4 /TiO 2 /Ti 3 C 2 photocatalysts were successfully constructed. • The enhanced hydrogen production was achieved under visible light irradiation. • The type-II heterostructure coupling with Schottky barrier can steer the charge flow. • The enhanced visible-light capture capability and more active sites promoted PHE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Despite many successful applications of microelectrode arrays (MEAs), typical two-dimensional in-vitro cultures do not project the full scale of the cell growth environment in the three-dimensional (3D) in-vivo setting. This study aims to on-line monitor in-vitro cell growth in a 3D matrix on the surface-modified MEAs with a dynamic perfusion culture system. A 3D matrix consisting of poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel supplemented with poly-d-lysine was subsequently synthesized in situ on the self-assembled monolayer modified MEAs. FTIR spectrum analysis revealed a peak at 2100cm−1 due to the degradation of the structure of the 3D matrix. After 2 wks, microscopic examination revealed that the non-degraded area was around 1500μm2 and provided enough space for cell growth. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that the degraded 3D matrix was non-cytotoxic allowing the growth of NIH3T3 fibroblasts and cortical neurons in vitro. Time-course changes of total impedance including resistance and reactance were recorded for 8 days to evaluate the cell growth in the 3D matrix on the MEA. A consistent trend reflecting changes of reactance and total impedance was observed. These in-vitro assays demonstrate that our 3D matrix can construct a biomimetic system for cell growth and analysis of cell surface interactions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Metallic Ni 3 Mo 3 N porous microrods showed a low overpotential of 44.6 mV to attain a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and superstability at a large current density of 1100 mA cm−2 for 50 h. • Density functional theory (DFT) calculations clarified that the Ni 3 Mo 3 N electrocatalyst possesses various HER catalytic active sites with suitable ΔG H* values (more than ten sites) due to the metallic semiconductor structure with special electronic structure. • The constructed NC/Ni 3 Mo 3 N/NF||NiMoO 4 ·xH 2 O/NF only needed a voltage of 1.58 V to attain a current density of 50 mA cm−2, which was better than that of 20 wt% Pt/C||RuO 2 (1.71 V), and has high potential for large-scale industrial applications. The low onset potential and large current density of electrocatalysts has always been important target for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In especial, the large current density (larger than 1000 mA cm−2) is an important criterion for the evaluation of electrocatalysts for industrial application. Usually, the number of catalytic sites in electrocatalyst limits the current density for HER. To overcome these problems, bimetallic nitride is controllably synthesized, and the corresponding catalytic sites are regulated by a bimetallic effect. Herein, an inexpensive electrocatalyst consisting of N-doped carbon-coated porous Ni 3 Mo 3 N microrods (NC/Ni 3 Mo 3 N/NF) is cultured on nickel foam using a hydrothermal reaction and subsequent nitriding process. The designed electrocatalyst consisting of porous NC/Ni 3 Mo 3 N microrods displays efficient catalytic activity for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), with a small overpotential of 136 mV to achieve a cathodic current density of 100 mA cm−2. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations clarified that the Ni 3 Mo 3 N electrocatalyst possesses various HER catalytic active sites with suitable ΔG H* values (more than ten sites) due to the metallic semiconductor structure with special electronic structure. It is important that NC/Ni 3 Mo 3 N/NF possess perfect superstability for HER, with a large current density of 1100 mA cm−2 for 50 h. Lastly, NC/Ni 3 Mo 3 N/NF and NiMoO 4 ·xH 2 O/NF are hired as the cathode and anode, respectively, to assemble the two-electrode electrolytic cell, thereby achieving excellent overall water splitting performance with a voltage of 1.58 V at 50 mA cm−2 in 1 M KOH aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of Dy3+ and Dy3+/Eu3+ co-doped LiY(PO 3) 4 phosphors are prepared by sol-gel combustion method, followed by annealing treatment at 700 °C for 10 min. XRD patterns and TEM images show that the LiY 1-m-n Dy m Eu n (PO 3) 4 phosphors are characterized by monoclinic phase and regular short rod or nearly spherical granules. Excited at 363 nm, the Dy3+ single doped LiY(PO 3) 4 phosphors have two intense emission peaks at 482 nm and 574 nm. Its chromaticity coordinate point is centred at (0.305 ± 0.003, 0.33 ± 0.015) and its CCT is higher than 6700 K. By introducing Eu3+ ions to LiY 0.96 Dy 0.04 (PO 3) 4 phosphors, chromaticity coordinate point and CCT of LiY 0.96-n Dy 0.04 Eu n (PO 3) 4 phosphors can be adjusted almost linearly due to energy transfer between Dy3+ ions and Eu3+ ions. The corresponding CCT of 4927–6052 K and chromaticity coordinate point of (0.3334 ± 0.0136, 0.3492 ± 0.0014) can be achieved for LiY 0.96-n Dy 0.04 Eu n (PO 3) 4 (n = 0.03–0.05) phosphors with high luminescence thermal stabilities and energy transfer efficiency of more than 18.99%. These results indicate that Dy3+/Eu3+ co-doped LiY(PO 3) 4 phosphors are expected to be a promising single matrix white emitting phosphors with tunable white-light emission for NUV-WLEDs. Image 1 • LiY(PO 3) 4 :Dy/Eu phosphor can be prepared by sol-gel combustion method. • LiY(PO 3) 4 :Dy/Eu phosphors show a tunable white-light emission. • LiY 0.96-n Dy 0.04 Eu n (PO 3) 4 (n > 0.03) has high ET efficiency (>19%). • LiY(PO 3) 4 :Dy/Eu phosphor has high PL thermal stabilities (83% at 180 °C). • LiY 0.92 Dy 0.04 Eu 0.04 (PO 3) 4 show a CCT of 5398 K and coordinate (0.335, 0.35). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fabricating zero-dimensional/two-dimensional (0D/2D) heterojunctions is considered to be an efficient approach to boost the transfer/separation of photo-induced charges. Herein, a novel visible-light-driven 0D/2D CdZnS/SnIn 4 S 8 heterostructures were successfully prepared by in situ growth of 0D CdZnS quantum dots on the surface of 2D SnIn 4 S 8 nanosheets. Such unique dimensional coupling structure with large specific surface area and appropriate pore size of CdZnS/SnIn 4 S 8 expedited the mass transfer rate of interfacial catalytic reaction. Under visible light irradiation, the as-prepared heterojunctions not only showed excellent photocatalytic oxidation activity towards the degradation of tetracycline and rhodamine B, but also exhibited outstanding performance of reducing H 2 O to hydrogen. The significantly enhanced photocatalytic capability could be attributed to the strong light absorption, highly effective separation and migration of charges, and abundant reactive sites, which encouraged by the uniformly and intimately contacted interface between CdZnS quantum dots and SnIn 4 S 8 nanosheets. Moreover, the possible degradation pathway and ecological toxicity during rhodamine B degradation were also investigated and discussed in detail. This study will provide valuable information for the development of transition metal sulfide-based photocatalytic heterostructures for solving environmental pollution and energy shortage. [Display omitted] • The CdZnS/SnIn 4 S 8 photocatalysts have been successfully fabricated. • The sample shows excellent photocatalytic degradation and H 2 evolution activity. • Degradation pathways and products toxicity of RhB were discussed in detail. • A possible mechanism for 55-CZS/SIS photocatalyst was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we compare outcomes between the tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) plus chemotherapy regimen and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (transplantation cohort) in patients with Philadelphia chromosome–positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) and explore factors associated with prognosis. Data from 145 Ph+ ALL patients were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were treated with imatinib plus chemotherapy and then transplantation or continuous TKIs with chemotherapy based on patient preference. A total of 145 Ph+ ALL patients were recruited for this study (median age, 37 years; range, 14 to 65). Among these patients, 81 were men (55.9%) and 86 underwent IKZF1 detection, which identified 59 patients (68.6%) with IKZF1 deletions. After treatment 136 patients (95.8%) achieved complete remission (CR) eventually. With a median follow-up of 33 months (range, 4 to 114) for CR patients, 77 patients (57.9%) underwent transplantation and 56 (42.1%) received continuous TKIs with chemotherapy. At the 4-year follow-up the cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) were 29.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 24.9% to 34.4%), 60.9% (95% CI, 56.5% to 65.3%), and 69.2% (95% CI, 65.1% to 73.3%), respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that WBC counts < 30 × 10 9 /L at diagnosis (hazard ratio [HR], 4.2; 95% CI, 1.9 to 9.2; P   < .001; HR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.4 to 4.9; P  = .003; HR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.4 to 5.4; P  = .003), 3-log reduction of BCR-ABL levels from baseline after 2 consolidation cycles (HR, 4.4; 95% CI, 1.9 to 9.9; P  < .001; HR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.7 to 5.9; P   < .001; HR, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.9 to 8.7; P  = .001; defined as “minimal residual disease low level”), and transplantation (HR, 5.0; 95% CI, 2.2 to 11.2; P   < .001; HR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.7 to 6.4; P    < .001; HR, 4.1; 95% CI, 1.9 to 8.7; P    < .001) were the favorable factors of CIR, DFS, and OS. According to the first 2 risk factors, CR patients were divided into 3 groups: low risk (no factor, n = 42, 31.6%), intermediate risk (1 factor, n = 73, 54.9%), and high risk (2 factors, n = 18, 13.5%). In the low-risk group at the 4-year follow up no significant difference existed between the transplant and nontransplant arms for the probabilities of CIR (8.5% versus 7.7%, P  = .671), DFS (88.2% versus 83.9%, P  = .426), and OS (96.6% versus 83.3%, P  = .128). In the intermediate- and high-risk groups at the 4-year follow-up, CIR (23.6% versus 36.9%, P  = .017; 37.5% versus 100.0%, P    <   .001), DFS (62.4% versus 43.8%, P  = .048; 56.2% versus 0%, P    <   .001), and OS (76.1% versus 47.7%, P  = .037; 51.4% versus 6.3%, P  = .001) rates were significantly better in the transplant arm than in the nontransplant arm. In surviving patients of the low-risk group, no difference in complete molecular response (CMR) rates (85.7% versus 72.7%, P  = .379) between the transplant and nontransplant arms was found. However, in the intermediate-risk group the proportion of CMR was significantly higher in the transplant arm than in the nontransplant arm (82.8% versus 42.9%, P  = .006). In the high-risk group 4 of 7 transplant patients (57.1%) were in CMR, and no patients survived in the nontransplant arm. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation confers significant survival advantages for Ph+ ALL patients compared with TKIs plus chemotherapy, especially in intermediate- and high-risk patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the dry-sliding tribological properties of Ti 3 SiC 2 at room temperature in air, coupled with different counterfaces, including Ti 3 SiC 2 , Al 2 O 3 , Si 3 N 4 , SiC, and GCr15-bearing-steel. Ti 3 SiC 2 exhibited obviously different tribological properties with different sliding counterfaces. The lowest friction coefficient (0.43) and wear rate (2.09×10 −4 mm 3 /Nm) were obtained in the Ti 3 SiC 2 /SiC friction pair. Increased friction coefficient (0.63) and wear rate (3.67×10 −4 mm 3 /Nm) were observed if Ti 3 SiC 2 slides against GCr15-bearing-steel. The highest friction coefficient (1.30) was observed in Ti 3 SiC 2 /Al 2 O 3 friction pair and the highest wear rate (1.87×10 −3 mm 3 /Nm) was observed in Ti 3 SiC 2 /Ti 3 SiC 2 friction pair. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed two main wear mechanisms: mechanical wear and oxidation wear. Mechanical wear was the main mechanism for sliding against Ti 3 SiC 2 , Si 3 N 4 , or Al 2 O 3 . Grain removal was a significant tribological character of self-mated Ti 3 SiC 2 friction pair. For Ti 3 SiC 2 /SiC friction pair, oxide wear played a more important role and more oxides were formed than those in other friction pairs. Oxide films protected the surface of Ti 3 SiC 2 /SiC friction pair from direct contact, and decreased wear rate and friction coefficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the dry-sliding tribological properties of Ti 3 SiC 2 at room temperature in air, coupled with different counterfaces, including Ti 3 SiC 2 , Al 2 O 3 , Si 3 N 4 , SiC, and GCr15-bearing-steel. Ti 3 SiC 2 exhibited obviously different tribological properties with different sliding counterfaces. The lowest friction coefficient (0.43) and wear rate (2.09×10 −4 mm 3 /Nm) were obtained in the Ti 3 SiC 2 /SiC friction pair. Increased friction coefficient (0.63) and wear rate (3.67×10 −4 mm 3 /Nm) were observed if Ti 3 SiC 2 slides against GCr15-bearing-steel. The highest friction coefficient (1.30) was observed in Ti 3 SiC 2 /Al 2 O 3 friction pair and the highest wear rate (1.87×10 −3 mm 3 /Nm) was observed in Ti 3 SiC 2 /Ti 3 SiC 2 friction pair. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed two main wear mechanisms: mechanical wear and oxidation wear. Mechanical wear was the main mechanism for sliding against Ti 3 SiC 2 , Si 3 N 4 , or Al 2 O 3 . Grain removal was a significant tribological character of self-mated Ti 3 SiC 2 friction pair. For Ti 3 SiC 2 /SiC friction pair, oxide wear played a more important role and more oxides were formed than those in other friction pairs. Oxide films protected the surface of Ti 3 SiC 2 /SiC friction pair from direct contact, and decreased wear rate and friction coefficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surgical treatment of osteosarcoma remains a challenge because of massive bone defects and tumor recurrence. Herein, a facile strategy inspired by cooking is developed to fabricate hierarchically porous composite scaffold for bone tumor ablation and massive bone defect repair. Silk fibroin (SF) as a biological foaming agent is foamed by mechanical stirring to form physical hydrogel through strong interaction with 2D Ti 3 C 2 MXene nanosheets. Bacterial cellulose (BC) is used to stabilize air bubbles to keep porous structure. Hierarchically porous SF/BC/MXene (FSCM) scaffold with ∼200 μm macropore and nanofibrillar wall is acquired by lyophilization. Such FSCM composite scaffold presents prominent osteosarcoma ablation performance after near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation, and features excellent bone defect repair ability. This work represents a newly strategy to fabricate hierarchically porous bifunctional scaffold for enhancing bone tumor ablation and facilitating massive bone defect repair in the clinical treatment of osteosarcoma. [Display omitted] • Protein foaming is a valid strategy for fabricating multifunctional bone tissue engineering composite scaffold. • MXene endowed FSCM scaffold with excellent osteosarcoma ablation performance. • Hierarchically porous bio-mass scaffold presented prominent bone defect repair capability. • Multifunctional bio-mass composite scaffold showed great prospect for the clinical treatment of osteosarcoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Suboptimal repair occurs in a peripheral nerve gap, which can be partially restored by bridging the gap with various biosynthetic conduits or cell-based therapy. In this study, we developed a combination of chitosan coating approach to induce neurosphere cells from human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) on chitosan-coated plate and then applied these cells to the interior of a chitosan-coated silicone tube to bridge a 10-mm gap in a rat sciatic nerve. Myelin sheath degeneration and glial scar formation were discovered in the nerve bridged by the silicone conduit. By using a single treatment of chitosan-coated conduit or neurosphere cell therapy, the nerve gap was partially recovered after 6 weeks of surgery. Substantial improvements in nerve regeneration were achieved by combining neurosphere cells and chitosan-coated conduit based on the increase of myelinated axons density and myelin thickness, gastrocnemius muscle weight and muscle fiber diameter, and step and stride lengths from gait analysis. High expressions of interleukin-1β and leukotriene B4 receptor 1 in the intra-neural scarring caused by using silicone conduits revealed that the inflammatory mechanism can be inhibited when the conduit is coated with chitosan. This study demonstrated that the chitosan-coated surface performs multiple functions that can be used to induce neurosphere cells from ASCs and to facilitate nerve regeneration in combination with a cells-assisted coated conduit. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Heat generation during FSW was studied using a CFD-based model. [•] Both the total amount and the spatial distribution of heat flux were investigated. [•] The total heat generation was proportional to the 0.75 power of tool rotating speed. [•] A distribution function was defined to describe the heat flux distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study sought to examine the hypothesis that cardiac autonomic function (CAF) is altered in pre-hypertensive subjects and normotensive subjects with a family history of hypertension (FHH). Background: The findings on the FHH effect in CAF have been inconsistent, and little is known about altered CAF in pre-hypertensive subjects under The Seventh Report of the Joint National Commission on High Blood Pressure criteria of normotension and pre-hypertension. Methods: A total of 1,436 community dwellers were classified as having normotension without FHH (NT[−]), normotension with FHH (NT[+]), pre-hypertension, and hypertension. Cardiac autonomic function was determined by standard deviation of RR intervals (SDNN), power spectrum in low frequencies (LF) and high frequencies (HF) and LF/HF ratio in supine position for 5 min, the ratio between the longest RR interval at approximately the 30th beat and the shortest RR interval at approximately the 15th beat after standing (30 max/15 min ratio), and the ratio between the longest RR interval during expiration and the shortest RR interval during inspiration (E/I ratio). Results: There was a significant difference in all CAF indexes among subjects with NT(−), NT(+), pre-hypertension, and hypertension. Multivariate analyses with an analysis of covariance model showed that 30 max/15 min ratio, E/I ratio, and HF power decreased in subjects with NT(+), pre-hypertension, and hypertension when compared with NT(−) subjects. Pre-hypertensive and hypertensive subjects displayed higher square roots of LF/HF ratios. Only pre-hypertensive subjects had higher LF power. Conclusions: Our study provides evidence that CAF plays a role in pre-hypertension and that altered autonomic function is already present in subjects with FHH. An autonomic imbalance shifting with augmented sympathetic tone was more enhanced in pre-hypertension. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Saccharomycetes are used as green phosphorus source to produce metal phosphides. • Interface phosphating for solid-solid contact can efficiently utilize phosphorus. • Graphitizing & migration of metal-catalyzed carbon matrix to form hollow structure. • The Ni/Ni 3 P heterostructure can weaken strong Ni–H bonding to obtain small Δ G H*. • Achieve hydrogen production from wastewater treatment at low input voltages. The development of new, clean and efficient catalytic materials for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) has become extremely unstoppable. Herein, the heterostructural Ni-Ni 3 P nanoparticles embedded into N\P co-doped carbon shells on 3D graphene frameworks (Ni-Ni 3 P@NPC/rGO) was synthesized via an in situ phosphatization of nickel well-integrated with the structure engineering of carbon matrix derived from saccharomycetes. The in-situ phosphating process of nickel using P source provided by saccharomycetes is particularly simple, economical and environmentally friendly. In addition, the as-prepared Ni-Ni 3 P@NPC/rGO exhibits superior bifunctional electrocatalytic performance toward both HER (extremely low overpotential of 113 mV at 20 mA cm–2) and urea degradation reaction (UDR, only 1.38 V to attain 50 mA cm–2). Furthermore, a two-electrode electrolyzer employing the 3D block electrode (Ni-Ni 3 P@NPC/rGO/GFB) couple on both cathode and anode, can produce higher current density with lower voltage in urea-based wastewater splitting less than pure water splitting (saved 448 mV to deliver 500 mA g–1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]