Search

Flexible mechanical sensors capable of sensing both compressive and tensile strains with high sensitivity and linear piezoresistive response are of great significance for the development of wearable devices, flexible electronic skins, and robotics. However, it is still of challenge to develop simple 3-dimensional (3D) porous polymer/carbon nanomaterial composite strain sensors capable of sensing both tensile and compressive strains with reproducible electrical signals. Herein, we report a simple and scalable morphology-engineering strategy, i.e., selective location of carbon black (CB) in polyoxyethylene (PEO)/ethylene-α-octene random copolymer (ORC) blends via phase separation, to fabricate isotropic 3D continuous porous composite strain sensors. Such a composite consists of a continuous porous ORC matrix inlaid with preferable CB distribution on ORC surface after PEO removal, enabling distinguishable detection of both compressive and tensile strains with opposite resistance changes. Specifically, the as-fabricated strain sensors exhibit linear response with a sensitivity of 16 for 0–46% compressive strain, a detection limit of 0.3% strain with 16/16 ms response/recovery time. Besides, it has a large gauge factor for tensile strain of 0–300%, a detection limit strain of 0.06% with 16/47 ms response/recovery time, and low hysteresis degree. As such, it allows for full-range body motion monitoring and Morse code communication. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, Au/Bi 2 Ti 2 O 7 /ITO ferroelectric diodes based on Schottky barrier were fabricated on ITO substrates by the sol-gel method. The device has a simple structure and good diode performance. Under UV light irradiation at 23.5 mW/cm2, the device exhibits an open-circuit voltage of 0.31 V and a short-circuit current of −0.0425 μA. It shows that the device has good optoelectronic properties. Au/Bi 2 Ti 2 O 7 /ITO ferroelectric diodes also exhibited behaviors similar to biological synapses, including long-term plasticity, short-term plasticity, paired-pulse facilitation, and spike-timing-dependent plasticity when stimulated by pulses. We also build convolutional neural networks and use the MNIST dataset for handwritten digit recognition. • The application of Bi 2 Ti 2 O 7 synapse in neuromorphic computing is reported for the first time. • The accuracy of handwritten digit recognition by neural network using Bi 2 Ti 2 O 7 synapse achieves 92.8 %. • The synaptic behavior of Bi 2 Ti 2 O 7 may be related to the migration of oxygen vacancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Naja sumatrana venom cytotoxin (suma CTX) is a basic protein which belongs to three-finger toxin family. It has been shown to induce caspase-dependent, mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in MCF-7 cells at lower concentrations. This study aimed to investigate the alteration of secretome in MCF-7 cells following membrane permeabilization by high concentrations of suma CTX, using label-free quantitative (LFQ) approach. The degree of membrane permeabilization of suma CTX was determined by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay and calcein-propidium iodide (PI) assays. LDH and calcein-PI assays revealed time-dependent membrane permeabilization within a narrow concentration range. However, as toxin concentrations increased, prolonged exposure of MCF-7 cells to suma CTX did not promote the progression of membrane permeabilization. The secretome analyses showed that membrane permeabilization was an event preceding the release of intracellular proteins. Bioinformatics analyses of the LFQ secretome revealed the presence of 105 significantly distinguished proteins involved in metabolism, structural supports, inflammatory responses, and necroptosis in MCF-7 cells treated with 29.8 μg/mL of suma CTX. Necroptosis was presumably an initial stress response in MCF-7 cells when exposed to high suma CTX concentration. Collectively, suma CTX-induced the loss of membrane integrity in a concentration-dependent manner, whereby the cell death pattern of MCF-7 cells transformed from apoptosis to necroptosis with increasing toxin concentrations. [Display omitted] • The suma CTX induced concentration-dependent release of LDH • Increasing concentrations of suma CTX promoted membrane permeabilization • A notable release of intracellular proteins following membrane permeabilization • Membrane permeabilization by suma CTX caused metabolite deprivation • The suma CTX caused necroptosis in MCF-7 when the toxin concentrations increased [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel electromechanical assumption and associated equations was derived. • An exact analytical solution for the thick PZT disks was proposed. • An explanation of electromechanical coupling effect for PZT disks was investigated. • The experimental results are employed to examine the theoretical predictions. • The proposed method gives great prediction for three dimensional characteristics. A modified higher-order shear deformation plate theory (MHSDT) is proposed to predict the resonance frequencies and related mode shapes of piezoelectric disks of various thicknesses. The theory explicitly accounts for the effects of the electrical potential on the displacement of the disk. The equations of motion for the disk are derived using Hamilton's principle in conjunction with a variational approach. It is shown analytically that the distribution of the electrical field on the surface of the disk is quantitatively similar to the distribution of the sum of the total stresses within the disk. Thus, the deformation of the disk can be approximated directly from the stress distribution on the disk, thereby greatly simplifying the solution process. The validity of the proposed MHSDT is confirmed by comparing the solutions for the natural frequencies, displacement fields, and electric field distributions of the disk for various radius-to-thickness ratios and boundary conditions with those obtained using Reddy's third-order plate theory and COMSOL finite element simulations, respectively. The results show that the solutions obtained from the MHSDT method are consistently closer to the exact solutions than those determined using Reddy's third-order method. Finally, the linear relationship between the electric field and the flexural displacement of the disk is leveraged to design surface electrodes capable of exciting specific flexural mode shapes of the disk under a free boundary condition. The efficiency of the designed electrodes is experimentally demonstrated using an amplitude-fluctuation electronic speckle pattern interferometer (AF-ESPI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifty-nine compounds, including nineteen previously undescribed iridoids (valeriananols A−S) and an undescribed alkaloid (5′-isovaleryl uridine), were isolated from the leaves and stems of Valeriana officinalis var. latifolia. Their structures were elucidated based on Mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. The absolute configuration of valeriananols A−C, E−N, P, Q and S was determined by experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism. Structurally, valeriananols A and B were two 1,3- seco -iridoids with a 3,6-epoxy moiety, valeriananols K and L were a pair of C-4 epimers, while valeriananol S was a 4′-deoxy iridoid glycoside. In addition, valeriananol P, stenopterin A and patriscabioin C exhibited significant inhibition on nitric oxide production with IC 50 values of 10.31, 3.93 and 8.69 μM, respectively. Furthermore, stenopterin A and patriscabioin C showed anti-proliferation activity on the MCF-7 cell line with IC 50 values of 17.28 and 13.89 μM, respectively. [Display omitted] • Twenty undescribed compounds were isolated from V. officinalis var. Latifolia. • Valeriananols A and B are two 1,3- seco -iridoids with 3,6-epoxy moiety. • Valeriananol S was a 4′-deoxy iridoid glycoside. • Three compounds showed significant inhibitory effects of nitric oxide production. • Stenopterin A and patriscabioin C showed cytotoxicity against the MCF-7 cell line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preeclampsia (PE) is a major challenge for obstetricians. There is no effective way to block the development of PE other than terminating the pregnancy. The biological behavior of trophoblast cells, which are similar to cancer cells, may be closely related to the onset of PE. The vital role of macrophage-stimulating protein (MSP) in the development and progression of cancer has been recognized, while a role for this protein in PE has rarely been reported. This study aimed to explore whether MSP affects severe PE (sPE) and, if so, to characterize the mechanism. Patient information, blood samples and/or placental tissues were collected. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the plasma MSP concentration. The relationships between the plasma MSP concentration and clinical characteristics were analyzed. Immunofluorescence was performed to localize MSP in placental tissues. Western blotting and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were used to determine MSP protein and mRNA expression in placental tissues. MSP was overexpressed or underexpressed in the trophoblastic cell line HTR-8/SVneo by lentiviral transfection and the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion and angiogenesis of cells were detected. MSP was downregulated in sPE, and the underexpression of MSP inhibited HTR-8/SVneo cell proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis. We further verified that MSP affects the biological behavior of trophoblast cells through the β-catenin/ZEB1 signaling pathway. These results suggest that decreased MSP in the blood and placental tissues of patients with sPE, especially those with early-onset sPE, leads to reduced trophoblast cell invasion, which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of PE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluid overload is common in critically ill patients and is associated with worse outcomes. The trends in fluid balance have not been investigated previously. This study used trajectory analysis to investigate the impact of fluid balance trends on patients who had undergone cardiac or aortic surgery. We analyzed patients who underwent cardiac or aortic surgery between August 2005 and March 2015. We excluded patients who died within the first 72 postoperative hours or received chronic dialysis before the surgery. Trajectories of urine and input-output during the first 3 postoperative days were analyzed using a latent class growth model. The primary outcomes were any stage of acute kidney injury (AKI) by Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes definition and de novo dialysis. The in-hospital mortality was 6.6% (70 of the 1063 patients included). The fluid input-output balance trajectories had better association with the primary outcome than urine output trajectories did. The risk of AKI and de novo dialysis were highest in the group with progressively positive fluid balance adjusted by preoperative body weight (AKI: adjusted odds ratio, 7.10; 95% confidence interval, 2.02-24.93; de novo dialysis: odds ratio, 4.54; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-18.38). A progressively positive fluid balance is associated with AKI and de novo dialysis in patients undergoing cardiac or aortic surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a field study on the compressive bearing capacity of pre-bored grouted planted (PGP) pile and bored pile embedded in deep soft clay. The test site consisted of many concrete square piles which were used for the foundation of the old structures. The PGP pile and bored pile were considered as the two suitable pile types in this test site. The test results show that: the compressive bearing capacity of 900 mm PGP pile with 1200 mm enlarged base is identical to the compressive bearing capacity of 1000 mm bored pile, and the ultimate unit skin friction of PGP pile is about 1.28 times the ultimate unit skin friction of bored pile. Based on the comparison between the PGP pile and bored pile, the PGP pile can be considered as a type of resource conservation and eco-friendly pile foundation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The migration and invasion of trophoblast cells into the endometrium and vasculature is a key step in human placentation. Preeclampsia, a devastating multi-system syndrome, is featured by shallow trophoblast invasion and unconverted narrow spiral arteries. Although the alteration in circHIPK3 expression is proved to regulate the invasion and metastasis of various malignant cells, its role in preeclampsia is unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the expression pattern of circHIPK3 in preeclampsia and its impact on trophoblast behavior.Methods: The expression of circHIPK3 in placental tissues obtained from 70 women with preeclampsia and 43 healthy pregnancy controls using quantitative real-time PCR. Clinical information of participants was collected. The effects of circHIPK3 on trophoblast migration, invasion, proliferation, tube formation, and apoptosis were examined in trophoblast cell lines (HTR-8/SVneo) by transfected with knockdown siRNA and overexpression plasmid. Sanger sequencing was performed to verify circHIPK3 in placenta and HTR8/SVneo cells.Results: Significantly decreased circHIPK3 levels were detected in preeclampsia compared with healthy pregnancy controls. The migration, invasion, proliferation, and tube formation capacities of HTR8/SVneo cells were inhibited via circHIPK3 silencing, but circHIPK3 overexpression effectively promotes these capacities except proliferation. No significant difference was observed in apoptosis between cells transfected with siRNA and overexpression plasmid.Discussion: Our findings suggest for the first time that abnormal expression of circHIPK3 may contribute to the development of preeclampsia by leading to the aberrant biological behavior of trophoblast cells. The underlying mechanisms need further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cost-effective electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) play an important role in the field of renewable energy. Although enormous efforts have been spent on searching for alternative materials, Pt is still the most efficient HER electrocatalyst. Therefore, minimizing the loading amount of Pt in the electrocatalysts is significant. Herein, a new catalyst, uniformly dispersing Pt clusters on MoO 2 nanosheets via oxygen vacancy anchoring Pt clusters on MoO 2 NSs by a room-temperature light-reduction method (Pt Cs/MoO 2 NSs-L), exhibits superior HER activity. The area current density of 0.5 wt% Pt Cs/MoO 2 NSs-L (12.2 mA/cm2) is close to that of 20 wt% Pt/C (20 mA/cm2), but corresponds to a mass activity (7.43 A/mg) of 0.5 wt% Pt Cs/MoO 2 NSs-L, 26.5-fold greater than that of the state-of-the-art commercial 20 wt% Pt/C (0.28 A/mg) at an overpotential of 50 mV vs. RHE. Density function theory (DFT) calculations confirm that the adsorption/desorption performance of H∗ is significantly improved on Pt and nearby Mo which the Pt is anchoring on the oxygen vacancies of MoO 2. The present work demonstrates the feasibility of fabrication efficient HER electrocatalysts via a room-temperature light-reduction method and assistance of reducing with oxygen defects. A new catalyst, uniformly dispersing Pt clusters via oxygen vacancy anchoring on MoO 2 NSs by a room-temperature light-reduction method (0.5 wt% Pt Cs/MoO 2 NSs-L), exhibited superior HER activity with a mass activity of 26.5-fold greater than that of 20 wt% Pt/C at an overpotential of 50 mV vs. RHE. Image 1 • A room-temperature light-reduction method is used to fabricate the Pt clusters decorated on ultrathin MoO2 NSs. • The mass activity of 0.5 wt% Pt Cs/MoO2 NSs-L is 26.5-fold greater than that of 20 wt% Pt/C at an overpotential of 50 mV. • The enhanced HER mechanism of the Pt Cs/MoO2 NSs-L has been investigated by advanced EXAFS spectrum and DFT calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) from water electrolysis is a promising route for hydrogen fuel production. However, an effective conversion technology from distributed energy resources, such as solar energy and thermal energy, to hydrogen energy is still a challenging research. Here, earth-abundant and multifunctional Ni nanosheets array as electrocatalysts and light absorption layer integrated thermoelectric (TE) device for overall water splitting was proposed. Instead of the traditional power source, the output voltage from thermoelectric (TE) device was directly used for water splitting. More importantly, the structural, photothermal transformation and electrocatalytic characterizations confirmed that the earth-abundant and multifunctional Ni nanosheets array grown on the hot side of TE device was not only as an efficient photothermal conversion layer for providing temperature difference (ΔT) of TE, but also as an active electrocatalysts for HER. The Electrolyzer-TE hybrid devices were designed for overall water splitting in a two-electrode configuration, which possessed high hydrogen production rate of 1.818 mmol/h and oxygen production rate of 0.912 mmol/h. The proposed integrative TE device herein offered great advantages in terms of designing the overall water splitting system, which are helpful for its practical applications for utilization of solar thermal and waste heat. Graphical abstract fx1 Highlights • Ni nanosheets array served as both the photothermal conversion layers and the active electrocatalysts for HER. • Multifunctional Ni nanosheets array integrated thermoelectric (TE) device. • Electrolyzer-TE hybrid devices were designed for overall water splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stretchable electrodes play a crucial role in wearable electronics for high-efficiency carrier transport in the information communication, yet it is challenging to achieve high electrical conductivity at large strain for stretchable and porous conductive composites. Here, a simple yet efficient strategy is proposed to fabricate highly conductive, porous and stretchable composites via seeding hydrophilic carbon nanotube (CNT) oil-in-water microemulsions in elastomer films prior to growing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in situ. It aims at forming a dual heterogeneous structure of CNT microspheres in the elastomeric films containing conductive networks of AgNPs, which allow to guarantee the overall good electrical conductivity. Unlike the rapid propagation of cut-through microcracks in conventional conductive network of AgNPs under strain, the mechanical and electrical dual hetero-structured CNT microspheres in the conductive networks can sustain high electrical conductivity at large strains by blocking and cutting off microcrack propagation. Therefore, the porous composite electrodes show electrical conductivity above 103 S/cm at 200% strain thanks to the efficient dissipation of strain energy by dual hetero-structured CNT microspheres, which is controlled by CNT concentration in the oil-in-water microemulsions. Besides, the as-fabricated porous composites sustain high yet stable electrical conductivity at various kinds of mechanical deformations, such as tension, bending, twisting and a combination of them, allowing for the promising application in stretchable and wearable electrodes. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An interesting hydrogen sensor prepared by an Al (3 at %)-doped SnO 2 (ATO) thin layer decorated with palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) is demonstrated herein. The related hydrogen detecting characteristics are systematically investigated. The elemental and intrinsic properties are characterized by high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The specific surface area and catalytic ability are remarkably enhanced due to the presence of Pd NPs on the ATO thin layer. This causes the considerable improvement of hydrogen sensing behaviors. Under introduced 1000 ppm hydrogen gas in air, a higher sensing response of 3152 with a corresponding response and a recovery times of 17 s and 4 s and a lower detectable concentration of 50 ppb H 2 /air are obtained at 225 °C for the studied Pd NP/ATO sensor. In addition, the studied sensor shows good repeatability and long-term stability. From a kinetic adsorption analysis, an activation energy about 43.6 kJ mol−1 is observed for this hydrogen detecting action. The studied Pd NP/ATO sensor also shows favours, e.g., simple device structure, easy production, lower consumed power, and a widespread sensing region of hydrogen gas content. [Display omitted] • A new Pd NP/ATO hydrogen gas sensor was fabricated and well studied. • Widespread sensing region on hydrogen gas content of the Pd NP/ATO sensor was observed. • The Pd NP/ATO sensor exhibited a higher sensing response and a very low detectable level. • The Pd NP/ATO sensor exhibited good repeatability and long-term stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve sustainable production of H 2 fuel through water splitting, noble-metal-free catalysts have been extensively studied for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), especially molybdenum-based catalysts. Herein, we report the Ni, N-codoped MoC x (Ni–N–MoC x ) nanoparticles synthesized from NiMoO 4 precursor by oily-solvent-assisted strategy, following the calcination with dicyandiamide. As-obtained Ni–N–MoC x in different magnified SEM images shows grainy structure, MoC x nanoparticles uniformly disperse in carbon substrate. The obtained electrocatalysts can also efficiently electrocatalytic HER in a wide pH value. Ni–N–MoC x shows an onset potential of −74 mV, an overpotential of 163 mV to reach a current density of 10 mA/cm 2 in acid media, an onset potential of −37 mV and overpotential of 124 mV to reach 10 mA/cm 2 in alkaline media. The present study provides some guidelines for preparing the uniformly doped electrocatalysts from multiple compounds with devolatilization characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) from water electrolysis, currently, is fundamental for large-scale solar fuel production by utilizing earth-abundant element and non-noble metal-based catalysts. Herein, Mo 2 C on hierarchical porous carbon rods composed of cross-linked carbon networks (Mo 2 C/CLCN) was synthesized by using Cu-MoO 2 rods as Mo source and Cu template. The copper plays key roles in protecting Mo 2 C from excess covering carbon to enhance the HER performance. When evaluated for HER activity, Mo 2 C/CLCN exhibit a low onset potential of −85 mV with a Tafel slope of 48.2 mV dec −1 , an operating overpotential of 145 mV at the cathodic current density of 10 mA cm −2 and outstanding long-term cycling stability in acidic electrolyte, which superior to most of non-doping Mo 2 C. This work suggests that the in-situ template method by multi-element compounds is an inspiring strategy for synthesizing the efficient water splitting electrocatalysts with high electrochemical active area and more catalytically active sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective We aimed to compare the kinetics of white blood cell (WBC) and explore predictive factors of leukocytosis in non-high-risk acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), with oral arsenic plus all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) or intravenous arsenic trioxide (ATO) plus ATRA as a first-line treatment. Methods The absolute count, doubling time and peak time of WBC were analyzed in 64 newly diagnosed non-high-risk APL patients who were treated with different induction regimens containing either oral Realgar-indigo naturalis formula (RIF) (n = 35) or ATO (n = 29). The end points were the dynamic changes of the WBC counts during induction. The time points started at day 1 and were selected over 3-day intervals for 28 days. Results Among the 64 included patients, the median initial and peak WBC counts were 1.78 × 10 9 /L (range 0.31–9.89) and 12.16 × 10 9 /L (range 1.56–80.01), respectively. The incidence of differentiation syndrome was 9.38%. The dynamic changes in leukocytosis showed a single peak wave in all the patients, and the median time to peak was 10 (range 2–26) days. A higher WBC count was observed in the RIF group than in the ATO group after 10 days of treatment (9.22 × 10 9 /L vs. 4.10 × 10 9 /L, p = 0.015). Patients with the peak WBC count > 10 × 10 9 /L had a shorter WBC doubling time compared to patients with a lower peak WBC (RIF group 4 days vs. 7 days, p = 0.001; ATO group 4.5 days vs. 23 days, p = 0.002). Univariate and multivariable analyses showed that the doubling time of WBC is an independent factor for the peak WBC count. Conclusion Different kinetics of WBC proliferation were observed during induction with oral arsenic plus ATRA and ATO plus ATRA. The doubling time of WBC is an important independent factor for predicting the peak WBC count. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In this study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of combined orthodontic-periodontic treatment in the treatment of patients with periodontitis and its effects on the levels of inflammatory cytokines.Methods: A total of 117 patients with periodontitis were randomly assigned to the basic group (receiving basic periodontic treatment, n = 58) and the combined group (receiving combined orthodontic-periodontic treatment, n = 59). In addition, 52 healthy people without periodontal disease were selected as the normal group. Probing depth, tooth mobility, plaque index, clinical attachment level, and sulcus bleeding index were recorded. ELISA was applied to detect gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines. A 2-year clinical follow-up was conducted.Results: Before treatment, the periodontal parameters (probing depth, tooth mobility, plaque index, clinical attachement level, and sulcus bleeding index) and GCF and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-1β, interleukin-5, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, tumor necrosis factor-α, and prostaglandin E2) in the combined and basic groups were higher than those in the normal group. After 6 and 18 months of treatment, the periodontal parameters and GCF and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines decreased in the combined and basic groups. The periodontal parameters and the GCF and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines in the combined group were significantly lower than those in the basic group after 18 months of treatment. The combined group had a lower recurrence rate compared with the basic group.Conclusions: Combined orthodontic-periodontic treatment had good clinical efficacy in the treatment of periodontitis and could effectively decrease the levels of inflammatory cytokines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to decipher crustal nature of the Sakhalin Island in Russian Far East, we carried out detrital zircon U-Pb age analyses on Miocene sandstone and river sand from the longest river (Poronay River) of the Sakhalin Island. The detrital zircon data from two river sand samples display similar age distribution patterns with a dominant Mesozoic age group, subordinate age peaks at 1.8 Ga and 2.5 Ga, and a few Paleozoic and Neoproterozoic grains. The Miocene sandstone shows age peaks at 22, 84, 260 and 497 Ma, respectively, and a few Paleo-proterozoic grains. These age groups indicate that abundant old crustal materials have been involved in the crustal formation of the Sakhalin Island. Detrital zircon result reveals two episodes of post-accretion magmatism from the Sakhalin Island in ages of 37 Ma and 22–21 Ma. They can be correlated with coeval post-accretion magmatic events in the Hokkaido Island, supporting the geological correlation between the Sakhalin Island and the Hokkaido Island. Comparison of detrital zircon dating result from the Sakhalin Island with those from surrounding blocks and cratons in eastern Asia allows us to propose two possible sources in eastern Asia: the Bureya-Jiamusi-Khanka block with the Sikhote-Alin orogenic belt to its west and the South China Craton. The detrital zircon result indicates that the formation of the Sakhalin Island should be close to the East Asia continent, rather than as an independent intro-oceanic island arc within the Pacific Ocean. Similar to formation of the Japanese islands, the South China Craton may have played an important role during formation of the Sakhalin Island. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface defect engineering is an appealing and effective strategy to enhance photocatalytic-Fenton degradation performance. Herein, the oxygen vacancies (OVs) enriched Fe-heteropolyoxometalate (Fe-PW 12 O 40)/Bi 4 TaO 8 Cl (FPWBT) heterojunction was elaborately designed for the degradation of fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Benefiting from the existence of OVs and the Fe3+/Fe2+ redox couple, the optimized FPWBT-4 heterojunction manifested the highest photocatalytic-Fenton degradation efficiency of ofloxacin (OFL), norfloxacin (NOR), and ciprofloxacin (CIP) up to 98.87%, 98.18%, and 97.26% only under 5 W white LED irradiation, respectively. Based on the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis and the density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the probable photocatalytic-Fenton degradation pathways of the OFL, NOR, and CIP antibiotics were unraveled. Additionally, the ecotoxicity of identified intermediates from OFL, NOR, and CIP degradation was investigated in detail. This work demonstrates the merits of the FPWBT heterojunction in enhancing photocatalytic-Fenton performance and provides new insight into the fabrication of stable and efficient photocatalytic-Fenton catalysts for environmental applications. • A novel Fe-PW 12 O 40 /Bi 4 TaO 8 Cl photocatalytic-Fenton heterojunction was fabricated. • The removal rate of OFL, NOR, and CIP was 98.87%, 98.18%, and 97.26%, respectively. • Synergistic effect of oxygen vacancy and Fe3+/Fe2+ boosted photo-Fenton activity. • Degradation pathways and the toxicity of intermediates were evaluated. [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]

Twenty-six iridoids, including six undescribed ones (iridoidvols A−F) and an undescribed natural one, along with ten known sesquiterpenoids were isolated from the roots and rhizomes of Valeriana officinalis. Structurally, iridoidvol A is the first example of iridoid with sesquiterpenoid acid ester. In addition, all of the isolates were evaluated for anti-inflammatory and anti-influenza virus activities. Among them, isovaltrate isovaleroyloxyhydrin exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on NO production with an IC 50 value of 19.00 μM. [Display omitted] • Six undescribed iridoids were isolated from Valeriana officinalis. • Iridoidvol A was the first example of iridoid with sesquiterpenoid acid ester. • Isovaltrate isovaleroyloxyhydrin showed obvious anti-inflammatory activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • High cycle fatigue performance of 140-mm titanium alloy welded joint was evaluated. • The overlap region of two weld seams was the weakest region of the entire joints. • Fatigue failure of each layer occurred at BM. • Underlying reasons were discussed based on microstructure by HR-SEM and finite element analysis. The microstructure and high-cycle fatigue properties of 140-mm TC4 titanium alloy double-sided electron beam welded joints were studied by stratification along the thickness direction. It was found that the microstructure and properties of the weld zone were obviously inhomogeneity in the direction of thickness, and the overlapping area at the root of the two welds (the second layer of the joint) was the weakest position in the high-cycle fatigue performance of the joint. The larger hardness gradient was an important reason for its weaker than other regions. Microstructure differences was the primary reason for the high hardness of the second layer weld zone. It was found that the difference of heat dissipation conditions was a critical factor for the inhomogeneity of microstructure and mechanical properties along the thickness direction of 140-mm double-sided electron beam welding joint. The research results will provide data support for the application of double-sided electron beam welding technology in aerospace manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pressure sensors based on natural piezoelectric polymers, serving as green wearable electronics, have potential applications in human-machine interfaces, healthcare and biomedical engineering/technology owing to their degradability and biocompatibility. However, it is currently a big challenge to tune the piezoelectric performance of biomaterials to fabricate green, low-energy-consumed flexible pressure sensors with high mechano-electrical output performance. Here, we fabricated a green and high-output self-powered force/pressure sensor composed of an oriented silk fibroin mat and a micro-structured electrode for disposable force sensor applications in a simple and scalable way. The as-fabricated silk fibroin mat shows significantly improved piezoelectric output after fibroin macromolecular chain structure regeneration via multiple processing field control together with the micro-structured electrode design. Specifically, the sensor shows a sensitivity of 30.6 mV/N, fast response (3.4 ms), good durability, high signal linearity and power density (5.9 mW/m2) comparable with other silk-based nanogenerators. Such a force/pressure sensor could be used in monitoring the biting force of the dummy dental cast for the demos of oral healthcare application. Thus, it can effectively realize force sensing without increasing the pressure on the ecological environment, showing potential application value in the fields of disposable oral medicine devices and in vivo pressure monitoring. [Display omitted] • A silk fibroin (SF) sensor with tunable piezoelectric performance was fabricated. • SF sensors are capable of monitoring biting force for oral healthcare application. • Energy conversion efficiency of SF mats is equal to other SF-based nanogenerators. • Such a SF sensor enables the design of disposable and digestible bioelectronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of effective technologies for clean and sustainable hydrogen energy has been attracting great attention. Toward this end, an effective and promising approach is based on the electrolysis of water for hydrogen production. To date, the most effective hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts are Pt-group metals with a low overpotential to generate large cathodic current densities. However, the high cost and scarcity severely limit their broad utilization. As alternatives to Pt electrocatalysts, transition metal compounds as effective HER catalysts have been prepared in a series of recent studies. However, thus far, it remained a great challenge to develop highly active HER catalysts with a low overpotential based on earth-abundant and cost-effective materials. Recently, the new significant developments about carbon-based electrocatalysts with a low overpotential toward HER have stimulated a great deal of the researchers' interest. In particular, the catalytic activity of carbon based-catalysts can be enhanced by transition metal nanoparticles as core and nonmetal doping into carbon skeleton, which can modulate the electronic state density of carbon to produce new active sites for HER. In this feature article, we review the research progress in the development of carbon-based electrocatalysts toward HER in acid electrolytes throughout the past few years. In addition, some notable matters and challenge in the research of HER are discussed in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contagious itch behavior informs conspecifics of adverse environment and is crucial for the survival of social animals. Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) and its receptor (GRPR) in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus mediates contagious itch behavior in mice. Here, we show that intrinsically photosensitive retina ganglion cells (ipRGCs) convey visual itch information, independently of melanopsin, from the retina to GRP neurons via PACAP-PAC1R signaling. Moreover, GRPR neurons relay itch information to the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT). Surprisingly, neither the visual cortex nor superior colliculus is involved in contagious itch. In vivo calcium imaging and extracellular recordings reveal contagious itch-specific neural dynamics of GRPR neurons. Thus, we propose that the retina-ipRGC-SCN-PVT pathway constitutes a previously unknown visual pathway that probably evolved for motion vision that encodes salient environmental cues and enables animals to imitate behaviors of conspecifics as an anticipatory mechanism to cope with adverse conditions. [Display omitted] • SCN-projecting ipRGCs are necessary and sufficient for contagious itch behavior • Melanopsin is not required for contagious itch behavior • PACAP transmits itch information to SCN GRP neurons via PAC1R • SCN GRPR neurons display itch-specific neural dynamics and firing patterns It has been shown that GRP-GRPR neuropeptide signaling in the SCN is important for contagious itch behavior in mice. Gao et al. find that SCN-projecting ipRGCs are sufficient to relay itch information from the retina to the SCN by releasing neuropeptide PACAP to activate the GRP-GRPR pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The metal-decorated blue phosphorene (BP) is constructed. • The metal-decorated BP can be used as an excellent CH 4 gas adsorption material. • The spin-down band gap of Fe-decorated BP would be reduced by two-third. • Fe-decorated BP is expected to be used as the high sensitivity CH 4 gas detector. Previous studies showed that the performances of two-dimensional materials as gas sensor can be effectively improved through the assistance of metal atoms. We study the adsorption energies, charge transfers and electronic structures of the blue phosphorene (BP) adsorbing metal atoms (Au, Ag, Cu, Co, Fe and Mn) and then adsorbing methane (CH 4) gas molecule. The metal-decorated BP can be used as an excellent CH 4 gas adsorption material, and the adsorption capacity is not easily disturbed by the magnetic field. The transfer charges between metal atoms and BP will induce the new energy bands to modulate the band structure of BP effectively. In the absence of a magnetic field, CH 4 adsorption hardly change the band structures of BP decorated by six metal atoms. However, the CH 4 adsorption can modulate the spin-polarized band gaps and magnetic moments of Co, Fe and Mn decorated BP obviously in the present of a magnetic field. In particular, the spin-down band gap of Fe-decorated BP would be reduced by two-third and the corresponding magnetic moment of Fe-decorated BP also decreases from 2.455 µB to 2.229 µB after CH 4 adsorption. So, Fe-decorated BP is expected to be used as a material for high sensitivity CH 4 gas detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epinephrine is a stress hormone which is sharply increased in response to acute stress and is continuously elevated during persistent stress. Thioredoxin-1 (Trx-1) is a redox regulating protein and is induced under various stresses. Our previous study has shown that epinephrine induces the expression of Trx-1. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) is the major rate-limiting enzyme in catecholamine biosynthesis in response to stress. However, how TH is regulated by epinephrine is still unknown. In the present study, we found that epinephrine increased the expression of TH in a dose- and time-dependent manner in PC12 cells, which was inhibited by propranolol (β-adrenergic receptor inhibitor), but not by phenoxybenzamine (α-adrenergic receptor inhibitor). The increase of TH was also inhibited by SQ22536 (adenylyl cyclase inhibitor), H-89(PKA inhibitor) and LY294002 (phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase inhibitor). More importantly, overexpression of Trx-1 significantly enhanced the expression of TH, while Trx-1 siRNA suppressed TH expression induced by epinephrine. These results suggest that Trx-1 is involved in TH expression induced by epinephrine in PC12 cells. [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: Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been implicated in Parkinson disease. We previously reported that thioredoxin 1 (Trx-1) suppressed the ER stress caused by 1-methy-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine; however, its molecular mechanism remains largely unknown. In the present study, we showed that 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) induced ER stress by activating glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α), tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), caspase-12, and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) in PC12 cells. The downregulation of Trx-1 aggravated the ER stress and further increased the expression of the above molecules induced by MPP+. In contrast, overexpression of Trx-1 attenuated the ER stress and repressed the expression of the above molecules induced by MPP+. More importantly, the overexpression of Trx-1 in transgenic mice suppressed ER stress by inhibiting the activation of these molecules. We present, for the first time, the molecular mechanism of Trx-1 suppression of endoplasmic reticulum stress in Parkinson disease in vitro and in vivo. Based on our findings, we conclude that Trx-1 plays a neuroprotective role in Parkinson disease by suppressing ER stress by regulating the activation of GRP78, IRE1α, TRAF2, JNK, caspase-12, and CHOP. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]