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Laser illumination is considered to be a revolution of new lighting technology due to its high efficiency and pure color. Similar to the white Light Emitting Diode (LED), phosphor convertor is also a necessary component to generate light in laser illumination technology. In order to improve the performance of laser, designing and optimizing phosphor with high color purity is an effective method. In our study, the pure-red Sr2GdTaO6:Er3+/Yb3+ powders were synthesized and optimized using a high-temperature solid-phase method. The phosphor structure of the obtained phosphors was analyzed through X-ray diffraction (XRD), confirming all products are Sr2GdTaO6 polycrystalline powders. Theoretical models, optimized through experimental design, established regression equations correlating Er3+/Yb3+ doping concentrations with luminescence intensity. Leveraging a genetic algorithm, the optimal solutions for the equations were calculated, resulting in Er3+ and Yb3+ doping concentrations of 4.99% and 24.85% under 980 nm laser excitation and 4.95% and 23.19% under 1550 nm laser excitation, respectively. Under the same conditions, the up-conversion fluorescence emission spectra of the samples were measured, revealing strong green and red emissions with peaks at 550 nm, 563 nm, and 663 nm, corresponding to transitions from 2H11/2 → 4I15/2, 4S3/2 → 4I15/2, and 4F9/2 → 4I15/2 energy levels. For the optimal samples at 980 nm and 1550 nm, the relationship between up-conversion luminescence and laser operating current was explored, indicating that the up-conversion luminescence in these two cases is a two-photon and three-photon process, respectively. The up-conversion luminescence mechanism was analyzed and discussed in detail. Additionally, the relationship between up-conversion fluorescence and temperature was investigated for the optimal samples, revealing excellent temperature-sensing characteristics for up-conversion emissions excited by both 980 nm and 1550 nm lasers. The CIE coordinates (0.5986, 0.3973) and (0.7089, 0.2910) of the optimal sample were calculated under excitation at 980 nm and 1550 nm wavelengths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human immunodeficiency virus encephalitis (HIVE) is a severe neurological complication after HIV infection. Evidence shows that genetic factors play an important role in HIVE. The aim of the present study was to identify new potential therapeutic targets for HIVE. Differentially expressed gene (DEG), functional annotation and pathway, and protein–protein interaction analyses were performed to identify the hub genes associated with HIVE. Gene co-expression analysis was carried out to confirm the association between the hub genes and HIVE. Finally, the role of the hub genes in HIVE therapy was evaluated by conducting drug–gene interaction analysis. A total of 20 overlapping DEGs closely related to HIVE were identified. Functional annotation and pathway enrichment analysis indicated that the markedly enriched DEG terms included ion transport, type II interferon signaling, and synaptic signaling. Moreover, protein–protein interaction analysis revealed that 10 key HIVE-related genes were hub genes, including SCN8A, CDK5R2, GRM5, SCN2B, IFI44L, STAT1, SLC17A7, ISG15, FGF12, and FGF13. Furthermore, six hub genes were co-expressed with HIVE-associated host genes in human brain tissue. Finally, three hub genes (STAT1, ISG15, and SCN2B) interacted with several inflammation-associated drugs. These findings suggested that SCN8A, CDK5R2, GRM5, SCN2B, IFI44L, STAT1, SLC17A7, ISG15, FGF12, and FGF13 may be new targets for diagnosis and therapy of HIVE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Although there is accumulating evidence that genetic factors play a vital role in the pathogenesis of epilepsy, few epilepsy-associated genes have been identified. Additionally, the role of KCNJ15 in epilepsy has not been evaluated so far. Methods: Here, we performed differentially expressed gene analysis, expression quantitative trait loci analysis, gene co-expression analysis, and protein–protein interaction analysis to evaluate the role of KCNJ15 in epilepsy. Results: Analysis of gene expression and expression quantitative trait loci data revealed that KCNJ15 was significantly downregulated in patients with epilepsy (adjusted P = 0.0146 and log2 Fold change = − 1.0025), and an epilepsy-associated polymorphism (rs2833098) was linked to altered KCNJ15 expression level in human temporal lobe brain tissue (P = 0.0036). Gene co-expression analysis revealed that KCNJ15 was co-expressed with genes that have been reported to be associated with epilepsy in human brain tissue. Furthermore, protein–protein interaction analysis revealed strong supportive evidence for the role of KCNJ15 in epilepsy. Conclusion: Our results show that KCNJ15 may be a candidate target for epilepsy. Functional analysis of KCNJ15 may provide novel insights for epilepsy treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to enhance degradation of harmful organic pollutants like Rhodamine B (RhB) dye under visible-light irradiation (λ >420 nm), a silver iodide/reduced graphene oxide/bismuth molybdate (AgI/rGO/Bi2MoO6) Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst was synthesized by a solvothermal process combined with an in-situ precipitation technique. The AgI (15 wt.%)/rGO/Bi2MoO6 (AGBMO-15) photocatalyst with a dosage of 0.5 g/L exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity with 98.0% RhB removal under an initial concentration of 10 mg/L within 30 min. This removal rate was approximately 65.8%, 57.7%, and 72.7% higher than that for a rGO/Bi2MoO6 (GBMO) binary composite, pure AgI powder, and pristine Bi2MoO6 nanoplates, respectively. The novel photocatalyst achieved approximately three times higher photocatalytic degradation within a shorter period of visible-light irradiation than pure Bi2MoO6. Through photoluminescence analysis and trapping experiments, this outstanding performance was attributed to the efficient separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs owing to an internal electric field at the contact interface of AgI and Bi2MoO6, which generated more superoxide radical anions (•O2–) as primary reactive species to promote RhB degradation. Meanwhile, the rGO participated in the capture of visible-light and played a role of solid electronic medium at the AgI/Bi2MoO6 interface, which realized an effective Z-scheme electron transfer path, avoided the self oxidation of photocatalyst and prolonged the carrier life. Furthermore, the AGBMO-15 photocatalyst exhibited excellent photocatalytic degradation stability, maintaining an RhB removal rate of 96.2% after four cycles of reuse. Due to its simplicity, reusability, and controllability, the proposed photocatalyst has excellent application potential for the environmental remediation of wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metals and metalloids (HMMs) pose a serious threat to both environmental and human health. The unique characteristics and environmental toxicity of HMMs make their removal from the environment a major challenge. Constructed wetlands (CWs) are increasingly being used as an eco-friendly system for the removal of HMMs from aqueous environments. In this review, bibliometric analysis was performed using the Scopus database using VOSviewer software to assess the developing use of CWs in recent years. Heavy metal and metalloid (HMM) removal pathways were reviewed (such as precipitation, co-precipitation, adsorption and ion exchange, plant action and microbial action) along with the impact of key factors (pH, chemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen, HMM concentration, and temperature). This review aimed to establish the connections between published results, to help effectively optimize the use of CWs for the removal of HMMs and identify the most critical factors for their effective removal. Important aspects that require further research include assessing the synergistic toxicity between different pollutants and combining the use of CWs with other technologies to optimize pollutant remediation efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A new phenanthroline derivative, [1,2,5]oxadiazolo[3′,4′:5,6]pyrazino[2,3-f][1,10]phenanthroline was designed and synthesized. Its molecular structure was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Its optoelectronic properties were systematically investigated by optical and electrochemical measurements. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the title compound is remarkably stable. Finally, DFT calculations further indicated that the phenanthroline derivative has potential applications in organic electronics.Graphical abstract: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the expression of Sam68 in articular cartilage of knee osteoarthritis (OA) and the relationship between Sam68 and NF-κB activation and apoptosis signaling in OA articular chondrocytes. Methods: Sam68 expression in normal and osteoarthritic cartilage was assessed by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR on both meniscal/ligamentous injury (MLI)-induced OA rat model and the clinical human OA cartilage tissues. Sam68 expression in chondrocytes under tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) stimuli was also assessed by immunoblot. Inhibiting Sam68 in chondrocytes under TNF-α stimuli was conducted using small interfering RNA (siRNA) and its influence on the expression of apoptotic marker and catabolic genes was examined by immunoblot. The mechanism of how Sam68 stimulates NF-κB activity was determined by co-immunoprecipitation and immunoblot analysis of nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions of TNF-α-treated chondrocytes for p65 and Sam68. Results: Sam68 expression was increased in OA cartilage tissues and chondrocytes under TNF-α stimuli. Inhibition of Sam68 by siRNA significantly decreased the expression of apoptotic markers (cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved PARP) in chondrocytes following TNF-α-stimulation. Sam68 knockdown suppressed Iκ-B degradation and p65 nuclear transportation in TNF-α-treated chondrocytes, indicating a suppressed NF-κB activation. Upon TNF-α exposure, the nuclear transportation of Sam68 and its interaction with p65 was detected in chondrocytes. Furthermore, Sam68 knockdown also alleviated the TNF-α-induced catabolic marker (MMP13, ADAMTS5, iNOS and IL-6) expression. Conclusions: The highly expressed Sam68 promotes NF-κB signaling activation, catabolic gene expression and cellular apoptosis in TNF-α-treated chondrocytes, which may provide better insights into the pathophysiology of OA and a potential target for its treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common arthritis and also one of the major causes of joint pain in elderly people. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) on degenerated-related changes in osteoarthritis (OA). SW1353 cells were stimulated with IL-1β to establish the chondrocyte injury model in vitro. PQQ was administrated into SW1353 cultures 1 h before IL-1β treatment. Amounts of MMP-1, MMP-13, P65, IκBα, ERK, p-ERK, P38, and p-P38 were measured via western blot. The production of NO was determined by Griess reaction assay and reflected by the iNOS level. Meniscal-ligamentous injury (MLI) was performed on 8-week-old rats to establish the OA rat model. PQQ was injected intraperitoneally 3 days before MLI and consecutively until harvest, and the arthritis cartilage degeneration level was assessed. The expressions of MMP-1 and MMP-13 were significantly downregulated after PQQ treatment compared with that in IL-1β alone group. NO production and iNOS expression were decreased by PQQ treatment compared with control group. Amounts of nucleus P65 were upregulated in SW1353 after stimulated with IL-1β, while PQQ significantly inhibited the translocation. In rat OA model, treatment with PQQ markedly decelerated the degeneration of articular cartilage. These findings suggested that PQQ could inhibit OA-related catabolic proteins MMPs expression, NO production, and thus, slow down the articular cartilage degeneration and OA progression. Owing to its beneficial effects, PQQ is expected to be a novel pharmacological application in OA clinical prevention and treatment in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a multi-input multi-output Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy model is proposed to represent the nonlinear model of micro-electro mechanical systems (MEMS) gyroscope and improve the tracking and compensation performance. A robust adaptive sliding mode control with on-line identification for the upper bounds of external disturbances and an adaptive estimator for the model uncertainty parameters are proposed in the Lyapunov framework. The adaptive algorithm of model uncertainty parameters could compensate the error between the optimal T-S model and the designed T-S model, and decrease the chattering of the sliding surface. Based on Lyapunov methods, these adaptive laws can guarantee that the system is asymptotically stable. For the purpose of comparison, the designed controller is also implemented on the nonlinear model of MEMS gyroscope. Numerical simulations are investigated to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme on the T-S model and the nonlinear model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is a common antioxidant used in foods and food packaging materials, and it can migrate into the food during its supply chain. BHA has been shown to be carcinogenic, which has gained substantial attention in recent years. In this study, the feasibility of using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) coupled with SERS-active gold substrates for rapid detection of trace amounts of BHA was investigated. Raman signals of tested samples were enhanced significantly by SERS. The detection limit of the BHA solution can reach 10 μg/mL by SERS enhanced with 50 nm gold nanoparticles and in a 1.0 pH solution system. The Raman peak at 480 cm was used as the index of quantitative analysis, the line correlation was R = 0.9803. The results showed that the SERS method is useful for sensitive and selective detection of BHA. By comparing the enhanced peak features, the adsorption behavior of BHA on the surface of gold nanoparticles was analyzed in detail and it was determined that the molecule was adsorbed on the gold surface by 'Ph-O(H) (Ph = phenyl)'. The benzene ring vibration increased significantly, inferring that the benzene ring is perpendicular to the surface of the gold nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]