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As gender segregation decreases and women's education levels rise in Chinese society, there is growing interest in exploring how the social status of husbands and wives impacts their class identity. However, the role of relative social status in shaping couples' respective class identities remains less well understood. This research aims to address this gap by systematically examining the influence on couples' respective class identities of intra-couple comparisons between husbands and wives, as well as husbands' or wives' respective social comparisons with other individuals of the same gender in society, thus providing a comprehensive framework for understanding "intra-couple" and "intra-gender" comparisons in the context of class identity. Using data from the 2010–2018 China General Social Survey, our findings suggest that the relative social status of the husbands as compared to other married men in society, but not that of wives, plays a crucial role in shaping couples' respective class identities. This intra-gender comparison effect is stronger than intra-couple comparison and has remained relatively consistent over time. These findings align with the traditional Chinese gender norm that emphasizes "male dominance in the public sphere and female dominance in the private sphere" and provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying the formation of class identity among Chinese couples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new type of Ti/TNAs/PbO 2 -PVDF-Er 2 O 3 electrode was prepared in this research via composite electrodeposition method with Ti3+ self-doped modified titanium dioxide nanotubes arrays (TNAs) as the intermediate layer, and co-deposition of PVDF and rare earth Er (Ⅲ) into PbO 2 , which is expected to be used for efficient degradation of hydroquinone (HQ) wastewater. The research results indicate that the Ti/TNAs/PbO 2 -PVDF-Er 2 O 3 electrode is composed of more compact β-PbO 2 , possesses the largest hydrophobicity (97.8°) among the series electrodes. Additionally, the electrode exhibits remarkable electrocatalytic performance with the largest oxygen evolution potential (2.012 V), the largest electrochemical active surface area (ECSA), and the smallest electron transfer resistance (1.054 Ω·cm2). Furthermore, the Ti/TNAs/PbO 2 -PVDF-Er 2 O 3 electrode is used for the degradation of HQ, and the experiments results reveal that the degradation process is mainly controlled by the indirectly oxidation of ·OH generated on the surface of the electrode, which is presumed to be oxidized to benzoquinone and various fatty acids by ·OH in combination with GC-MS, and finally mineralized to CO 2 and H 2 O. Meanwhile, under the optimum degradation conditions (pH:7, temperature: 30 ℃, Na 2 SO 4 : 0.1 M, current density: 50 mA. cm‐2), the degradation rate is up to 94.5%, demonstrating the best electrocatalytic degradation efficiency. [Display omitted] • Conductive TiO 2 nanotube arrays were prepared by Ti3+ self-doping method. • The more electrochemically active material was obtained by replacing Pb4+ with Er(Ⅲ). • The hydrophobic Ti/TNAs/PbO 2 -PVDF-Er 2 O 3 anode was prepared by doping modification. • Electrocatalytic degradation mechanism of Hydroquinone was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of nanotechnology, the potential adverse health effects of nanoparticles have been caught more attention and become global concerns. However, the underlying mechanisms in metal nanoparticle-induced toxic effects are still largely obscure. In this study, we investigated whether exposure to nickel nanoparticles (Nano-Ni) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (Nano-TiO 2) would alter autophagy and apoptosis levels in normal human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells and the underlying mechanisms involved in this process. Our results showed that the expressions of autophagy- and apoptosis-associated proteins were dysregulated in cells exposed to Nano-Ni. However, exposure to the same doses of Nano-TiO 2 had no significant effects on these proteins. In addition, exposure to Nano-Ni, but not Nano-TiO 2 , led to nuclear accumulation of HIF-1α and decreased phosphorylation of mTOR in BEAS-2B cells. Inhibition of HIF-1α by CAY10585 abolished Nano-Ni-induced decreased phosphorylation of mTOR, while activation of mTOR by MHY1485 did not affect Nano-Ni-induced nuclear accumulation of HIF-1α. Furthermore, both HIF-1α inhibition and mTOR activation abolished Nano-Ni-induced autophagy but enhanced Nano-Ni-induced apoptosis. Blockage of autophagic flux by Bafilomycin A1 exacerbated Nano-Ni-induced apoptosis, while activation of autophagy by Rapamycin effectively rescued Nano-Ni-induced apoptosis. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that Nano-Ni exposure caused increased levels of autophagy and apoptosis via the HIF-1α/mTOR signaling axis. Nano-Ni-induced autophagy has a protective role against Nano-Ni-induced apoptosis. These findings provide us with further insight into Nano-Ni-induced toxicity. [Display omitted] • Nano-Ni, but not Nano-TiO 2 , caused increased autophagy and apoptosis in BEAS-2B cells. • Nano-Ni led to HIF-1α nuclear accumulation and decreased mTOR phosphorylation. • HIF-1α may negatively regulate mTOR. • Nano-Ni-induced autophagy has a protective role against apoptosis via HIF-1α/mTOR signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

WO 3 thin films fabricated by glancing angle deposition (GLAD) are proposed as excellent electrochromic coatings with favorable ion diffusion. A ∼ 500-nm film prepared by GLAD had a relatively large transmittance modulation. The crystallization structure, surface morphology, chemical state, optical and electrochromic properties of WO 3 thin films were systematically characterized upon annealing treatment. Compared with annealed WO 3 porous nanostructured films, the amorphous as-deposited films exhibited a high coloration efficiency and stable reversibility. Furthermore, the GLAD WO 3 films exhibit the tunable angular selectivity under illumination with p-polarized light because of the birefringence, which could extend the application range of nanostructured films in the electrochromic field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autophagy is an evolutionary conserved intracellular degradation/recycling system that is essential for cellular homeostasis. Dysregulation of this process leads to a number of disorders, including pulmonary fibrosis. However, the genetic association between singe nucleotide polymorphisms of autophagy related genes ( ATG s) and the risk of coal workers' pneumoconiosis has not been reported yet. Total of 7 SNPs in ATG s ( ATG16 , ATG12 , ATG5 , ATG10 ) were investigated for their roles in CWP by a case-control study which including 705 CWP patients and 703 control subjects. Genotyping were performed by the Sequenom Mass ARRAY system. Luciferase assays were taken to test the effects of rs26538 C > T on the activity of ATG12 in the promoter. Our data showed that ATG10 rs1864182 GT genotype was associated with a decreased risk of CWP compared with TT genotype (OR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.33–0.54, P = 0.001). Another 2 SNPs (rs26538, rs510432) were also with the marked decreases in the risk of CWP under recessive models (OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.40–0.83, P = 0.002 for rs26538; OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.57–0.97, P = 0.040 for rs510432). Luciferase assays in two different cell lines revealed that the rs26538 C > T substitution could reduce the expression of ATG12 . Taken together, we identified three SNPs in ATG s, which implicated the development of CWP. Further studies are warranted to validate these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a visualizable experimental platform of steam ejector oriented towards MED-TVC desalination system is constructed, and the evolution laws of two-phase choking flow and ejector's entrainment performance under various operating parameters are obtained. Further, a matching double-choking theory with consideration of the condensing flow is developed to explain the inherent reason behind these evolution laws. Key results revealed that the formed two-phase choking flows have great effects on ejector's entrainment performance. The primary jet flow choking area linearly increases as the primary steam pressure raises, and the entrainment choking area experiences a small reduction, while the extended flow area marginally increases. Accordingly, the entrainment ratio significantly decreases, while the choking cross-section is slightly shifted upstream. In addition, the primary jet flow choking area considerably decreases with increasing entrainment pressure, but the entrainment choking area is nearly unchanged and the extended flow area increases by more than 8 times. As a result, the entrainment ratio remarkably increases, the choking cross-section migration distances are much larger than that in the case of primary steam pressure varies. A meaningful guide evolves from fact that priority should be given to restrain the condensing flow for achieving a higher energy efficiency of ejector. • Two-phase choking flow regimes inside the steam ejector are visualized and analyzed. • Evolution laws of ejector's choking flow and entrainment performance are obtained. • An improved double-choking theory is developed to explain these evolution laws. • Essential relation between choking flow and entrainment performance is established. • Adverse effects of the two-phase choking flow on ejector performance are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the electrodes (PbO 2 , PbO 2 –SiO 2 , PbO 2 –ZrO 2 and PbO 2 –SiO 2 –ZrO 2) were prepared by galvanostatic electrodeposition in a lead nitrate system and used as anode materials for trivalent chromium plating. Physical characterizations show that the successful doping of SiO 2 and ZrO 2 can refine the grain of PbO 2. Electrochemical tests show that the PbO 2 –SiO 2 –ZrO 2 electrode has good electrocatalytic activity and corrosion resistance, which is mainly attributed to the increase of active surface area. In the process of trivalent chromium plating, the initial and increasing range of the cell voltage of the PbO 2 –SiO 2 –ZrO 2 electrode were the lowest, and the amount of hexavalent chromium generated was much smaller than that obtained using the pure PbO 2 electrode, which had obvious advantages in energy savings. This study provides a concise method for PbO 2 electrode modification and provides a reference for the subsequent use of anode materials for trivalent chromium plating and electrodeposition of other metals. [Display omitted] • The PbO 2 –SiO 2 –ZrO 2 electrode doped by nano-oxides was prepared via electrodeposition. • The electrode a large active surface area and excellent electrocatalytic activity. • The functions of SiO 2 and ZrO 2 are to refine grains and promote OER, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a novel three-dimensional(3D) hierarchical porous lead-carbon composite (Nano-PbO@3DCSHPAC) derived from corn stover biomass was prepared by chemical deposition coupled with pyrolysis to alleviate the problems associated with the high occurrence of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and irreversible sulfation of the negative electrode under a high-rate partial state of charge (HRPSoC). As an additive of negative electrode in lead-carbon battery. PbO, evenly distributed on the Nano-PbO@3DCSHPAC composite, effectively inhibits the HER, acting as a nucleus for the active substance Pb, refining the grains of sponge Pb, and maintaining the high electrochemical active area of the electrode. The Nano-PbO@3DCSHPAC composite with a high specific surface area and porosity possesses good ion channels, provides an ion reservoir, and effectively inhibits irreversible sulfation. As a result, the initial discharge capacity of the battery with Nano-PbO@3DCSHPAC (164 mAh·g-1) is greater than that of the blank battery (109 mAh·g-1). The cycling life of the Nano-PbO@3DCSHPAC battery (10120 cycles) is 9.4 times that of a blank battery (1073 cycles). Our work provides insights into how to regulate the specific surface area and porosity of lead-carbon additives and makes full use of biomass straw to provide new ideas for solving the environmental problems caused by straw incineration. It is the embodiment of the circular economy. [Display omitted] • Nano-PbO@3DCSHPAC composite has high specific surface area and porosity. • The composite maintains the high electrochemically active area of the electrode. • Nano-PbO@3DCSHPAC composite effectively inhibits the hydrogen evolution. • Nano-PbO@3DCSHPAC battery has excellent performance. • Make full use of biomass stover to alleviate the problems caused by incineration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important signal transduction regulators that act by various patterns. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of lncRNA related pathways in occupational lung fibrosis. Our previous study found that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was one of the key events in silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis. This study showed that the lncRNA-ATB promoted EMT by acting as a miR-200c sponge. miR-200c was identified by miRNA array as a potential target of lncRNA-ATB and verified by dual luciferase reporter gene together with RNA pull-down assays. Moreover, our findings demonstrated that lncRNA-ATB is abundantly expressed during EMT of lung epithelial cells, which contributes to decreased levels of miR-200c. miR-200c targeted ZEB1 to relief silicosis by blocking EMT in vivo and in vitro. The results also suggested M2 macrophages secreted transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) to induce EMT process by activating lncRNA-ATB in epithelial cells. Collectively, silica-stimulated macrophages secreted TGF-β1 to induce lncRNA-ATB in epithelia cells, promoting EMT by binding with miR-200c and releasing ZEB1. These observations provide further understanding of the regulatory network of silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis and identify new therapeutic targets hopefully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared with pyrometallurgical recycling, hydrometallurgical recycling of spent lead paste has obvious advantages such as energy saving and emission reduction, however, hydrometallurgical recycling of spent lead paste is also characterized by high levels of impurities (e.g.,Fe, Ba and Cu) in the recovered products. In this study, a green process for the conversion of spent lead paste into high-purity lead carbonate is presented. The process consists of four steps: sulfation, desulfurization leaching, distillation and carbonization to obtain high-purity lead carbonate. The details are as follows: (1) Spent lead paste (mainly composed of lead sulfate, lead dioxide, lead oxide and lead monomers) was converted into sulfated lead paste using sulfuric acid, hydrogen peroxide and sodium chloride. (2) The sulfated lead paste was reacted with ammonium acetate to leach the lead while desulfurizing; the leaching rate was reached 99.94% under the conditions of 30 wt% ammonium acetate concentration, 40 °C reaction temperature and 7.5 min reaction time. (3) Glycerol was added to the mother liquor and distilled to obtain a glycerol solution containing lead acetate. (4) Using ammonium carbonate (aq) as a carbonizing agent, reacting for 20 min under the condition that the molar ratio of CO 3 2−/Pb is 1.10 can make more than 99.9% of lead precipitate to obtain high-purity lead carbonate products. (5) The lead carbonate product decomposed into orthorhombic α-PbO at 350 °C. (6) Recovered lead oxide product has better electrochemical performance than commercial lead oxide. This process prepares high-purity lead carbonate and lead oxide products with reduced energy consumption and recycles the spent lead paste. This study provides a feasible technology for green recycling of spent lead paste. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]