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Although environmental economics research explores the impacts of green innovation on reducing CO 2 emissions, most studies ignore these effects in emerging economies. This paper examines how alternative energy production innovation (AEPI) reduces CO 2 emissions. Using a sample of 30 provinces in China during the 1997–2017 period, we find AEPI is negatively related to CO 2 emissions. Specifically, the results show that innovations in raw coal and crude oil are negatively related to CO 2 emissions, while innovations in natural gas are positively related to CO 2 emissions. This study contributes to research on technological innovation and environmental economics. First, we find AEPI as the main driver of all types of green innovation in reducing CO 2 emissions. Second, we explore the heterogeneous effects of different energy sources and deepen our understanding of different reduction mechanisms. Third, this study makes a methodological contribution to research using a series of quantitative analyses. [Display omitted] • AEPI plays a significant role in reducing the CO 2 emissions of China. • Effects of different energy sources are heterogeneous. • Compared with natural gas, the innovation of coal and oil show stronger impacts on CO 2 emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A class of Yb3+/Ho3+ ions co-doped CaLa2ZnO5 (CLZ) up-conversion (UC) phosphors were synthesized by sol–gel method. Under 980nm excitation, UC spectra consist of two prominent emission bands centered at 545 and 662nm originating from 5F4, 5S2→5I8 and 5F5→5I8 transitions of Ho3+ ion, respectively. The UC spectra as a function of the concentration of the dopants were also investigated to determine the optimal composition. The possible UC mechanism was proposed, and lifetime measurements were also carried out to support our proposal. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An accurate deep-tissue thermometer with excellent photothermal conversion efficiency is desired for effective photo-thermal therapy (PTT), which will minimize collateral damages to normal cells from overheating or ineffective treatment from insufficient heat. Herein, a nano-thermometer with Nd3+/Yb3+/Ho3+ tri-doped Na 3 InF 6 was designed by hydrothermal method to real-time monitor tissue temperature, and its luminescent performance and temperature sensing behavior based on the luminescence intensity ratio (LIR) technology in the visible and near infrared regions were analyzed under 808 nm excitation. The advantage of temperature probes located in the near infrared (NIR) biological window region was demonstrated by the penetration depth in simulating biological tissue agar. Furthermore, the feasibility of the sample as a self-monitoring photothermal platform was verified by in vitro bactericidal experiments, which expressed excellent photothermal conversion performance and sterilizing rates reached 59.8 % (E. coli) and 53.6 % (S. aureus), respectively. Results demonstrated that the present single-phased Na 3 InF 6 :Nd3+/Yb3+/Ho3+ nanophosphor could serve as a bifunctional photothermal agent with internal tissue temperature measurement and photothermal conversion. Na 3 InF 6 : Nd3+, Yb3+, Ho3+ UC nanoparticles with multimode temperature detection and photothermal conversion functions. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a leading cause of death in preterm infants. Compared to formula milk, breastfeeding protects against NEC. However, the composition of breast milk is quite complicated, and many immunological compositions remain unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the concentration of a secreted protein, Mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF), in breastmilk and evaluate its immune-regulatory function in protecting the intestinal epithelial barrier. Our data indicated that MANF was secreted in human milk but could not be detected in infant formulas. More importantly, the amount of MANF in colostrum was higher than that in mature milk. We also clarified that MANF was mainly expressed in intestinal macrophages and was capable of inducing apoptosis and decreasing the inflammation of pro-inflammatory macrophages in both NEC intestinal tissues and BMDMs. Mechanismly, MANF protein significantly inhibited the apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells and protected epithelial tight junctions through downregulation of the NF-κB pathway in pro-inflammatory macrophages. These results reveal the crucial function of human milk-derived MANF in intestinal macrophages, which contributes to downregulating the intestinal inflammatory response and protecting the homeostasis of intestinal epithelial cells. Our study not only demonstrates a potential mechanism underlying breastfeeding protective effects in NEC but also, more importantly, enables clinical translation, facilitating new strategies for the development of nutritional interventions in the prevention of NEC. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]