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The desulfurization mechanism is of great significance to quality improvement in metallurgical process. In this work, the structural features, chemical and dynamical properties of the liquid FeO·SiO2 were calculated under 2000 K through ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. Further calculation of desulfurization was conducted based on the structural evolution information. The results showed that the liquid FeO·SiO2 is primarily constituted by Si–O and Fe–O bonds, with the former being strong covalent bonds, while the latter showing the feature of ionic bonding. Bader charges analysis indicated that Fe and O have a wide range of charge states, while that of Si is relatively concentrated. It is found that the sulfur atom that is incorporated into the liquid FeO·SiO2 tends to form a stable bonding structure with three iron atoms, and the Si–S bond seems to be unstable thus, unable to exist in the S-doped FeO·SiO2 silicate.

Solid oxide cells (SOCs) can switch between fuel cell and electrolysis cell modes, which alleviate environmental and energy problems. In this study, the La0.3Sr0.7Fe0.9Ti0.1O3-δ (LSFTi 91) perovskite is innovatively used as a symmetric electrode for solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) and solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). LSFTi 91 exhibits a pure perovskite phase in both oxidizing and reducing atmospheres, and the maximum conductivity in air and 5% H2/Ar is 150 and 1.1 S cm-1, respectively, which meets the requirement of the symmetric electrode. The polarization resistance (Rp) at 1.5 V is as low as 0.09 Ω cm2 in the SOEC mode due to the excellent CO2 adsorption capacity. The current density can reach 1.9 A cm-2 at 1.5 V and 800 °C, which is the highest electrolytic performance in the reported single-phase electrodes. LSFTi 91 also exhibits eminent oxygen reduction reaction and hydrogen oxidation reaction (ORR and HOR) activities, with Rp of 0.022 and 0.15 Ω cm2 in air and wet H2, respectively. The peak power density of SOFC could reach 847 mW cm-2 at 800 °C. In addition, good reversibility is confirmed in the cyclic operation of SOFC and SOEC.

Statistical evidence on breast cancer (BC) burden related to health and lifestyle risk factors are valuable for health policy-making. This study aimed to compare the trends in BC mortality and disability adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to various health and life style risk factors among different world’s regions according to sociodemographic index (SDI). We extracted the age-standardized and age-specific rate of mortality and DALYs of women BC during 1990–2017 using the comparative risk assessment framework of the 2017 global burden of disease (GBD) study. We performed hierarchical age-period-cohort analysis to estimate age- and time-related trends, and effect of interactions between different risk factors on BC risk. During 1990–2017, the age-standardized rate of mortality and DALYs of women BC was increasing in less developed and under developing regions. The risk factor alcohol use [RR 51.3(95%CI 17.6–149.7)] and smoking [5.9(2.0–17.3)] were significantly highly contributor to increased mortality risk in high SDI region. Whereas in the low-SDI region, the greater mortality risk was observed in alcohol use [6.9(2.4–17)] and high FPG [2.7(1.5–3.1)]-related deaths. The adjusting for individual age, period, and risk factor effects, the significant interaction effect between metabolic risk factors and older ages were observed in all SDI regions and globally as well. However, an increasing cohort effect of alcohol, high fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and smoking-related death, and DALYs was observed during 1960 to 1985 cohorts among low-SDI regions. The age-standardized rates of mortality and DALYs due to BC has been increasing in low-SDI region. Alcohol consumption, high body mass index (BMI), high FPG, and smoking are potential BC risk factors particularly in older ages that leading to adverse disease outcomes. Therefore, rapid aging and prevalence of these prospective risk factors may strengthen the increasing mortality and DALYs of BC in low-SDI region. Hence, preventive measure along with strict action against concerned BC risk factors should be taken to reduce the disease burden specifically among lower-SDI regions.

A comparative study on CaO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2 slag and CaO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–Cr2O3 slag was conducted to investigate the distribution of the elements at the gas-slag interface. The effect of redox states of chromium on the distribution of sulfur and oxygen at the interface was revealed by gas-slag equilibrium method using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy at 1873K. From the analysis of the S2p core-level spectra, the negative divalent sulfur(S2−) was detected at the interface in the Cr-bearing slag, which directly proved that sulfur exists in the form of S2− in the slag for the first time. However, the S2− peak is very weak at the interface of Cr-free slag. The reason for the difference between the two slags may be due to chromium changing the interface structure. According to the O1s and Cr2p core-level spectra, non-bridged oxygen(O−) increased, while bridged oxygen(O0) decreased with the etching depth deepened. The increase of NBO/BO and Cr2+/Cr3+ elucidates that Cr3+ can modify the structure of the slag as basicity substance, but its effect is weaker than that of Cr2+. Meanwhile, due to the affinity of sulfur and chromium, the addition of chromium may also lead to the enhancement of the S2− peak at the gas-slag interface. Gradient change of elements at the interface proved the existence of the boundary layer.

We demonstrate a distributed feedback (DFB) semiconductor laser based on i-line lithography and surface periodic current injection technologies with a lasing wavelength of 795 nm, which corresponds to the D1 spectrum of Rb and has many applications with respect to alkali vapor lasers and atomic clocks. The maximum output power, side mode suppression ratio (SMSR), and single-longitudinal-mode tunable range of our device are 50.89 mW (at 20 °C), 34.56 dB, and 12.792 nm, respectively. The rate of change in wavelength with temperature of the laser is 0.401 nm/°C, which is equivalent to that of a Fabry-Perot (FP) laser and much better than that of a general DFB device. This device has a cavity the same as an FP laser without any etching gratings, meanwhile the lasing spectrum behaves a single longitudinal mode characteristic as a DFB laser.

Background Diatoms contribute 20% of the global primary production and are adaptable in dynamic environments. Diatoms always bloom earlier in the annual phytoplankton succession instead of dinoflagellates. However, how diatoms acclimate to a dynamic environment, especially under changing light conditions, remains unclear. Results We compared the growth and photosynthesis under fluctuating light conditions of red tide diatom Skeletonema costatum, red tide dinoflagellate Amphidinium carterae, Prorocentrum donghaiense, Karenia mikimotoi, model diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Thalassiosira pseudonana and model dinoflagellate Dinophycae Symbiodinium. Diatoms grew faster and maintained a consistently higher level of photosynthesis. Diatoms were sensitive to the specific inhibitor of Proton Gradient Regulation 5 (PGR5) depending photosynthetic electron flow, which is a crucial mechanism to protect their photosynthetic apparatus under fluctuating light. In contrast, the dinoflagellates were not sensitive to this inhibitor. Therefore, we investigate how PGR5 functions under light fluctuations in the model diatom P. tricornutum by knocking down and overexpressing PGR5. Overexpression of PGR5 reduced the photosystem I acceptor side limitation (Y (NA)) and increased growth rate under severely fluctuating light in contrast to the knockdown of PGR5. Conclusion Diatoms acclimatize to fluctuating light conditions better than dinoflagellates. PGR5 in diatoms can regulate their photosynthetic electron flow and accelerate their growth under severe light fluctuation, supporting fast biomass accumulation under dynamic environments in pioneer blooms.

Intracellular membrane-bound vesicles play important roles in the formation of biominerals, such as calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystals, through the interactions of the vesicles and differen...

For the point and interval estimation of the scale and shape parameters of the Lomax distribution, the frequentist method is invalid and the Bayesian method is sometimes inefficient when the coeffi...

This study was to investigate the effect of different drying methods on the drying kinetics, physical properties, and bioactivity of Platycodon grandiflorum (PG). Four drying methods were employed to conduct the dehydrated process, namely, hot air drying (AD), vacuum drying (VD), microwave hot airflow rolling-bed drying (MHARD), and pulse-spouted microwave vacuum drying (PSMVD). PSMVD showed the highest drying rate among four drying methods based on the result of fitting first-order reaction model. And PSMVD-dried product showed higher rehydration ratio and better mechanical properties, suggesting a better rehydration characteristic. In addition, considering the content of Platycodin D, PSMVD is a promising drying technology for the dehydration of PG.

Pinus elliottii is an evergreen coniferous tree. It is considered a potential species for ecological restoration in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area (TGRA). To classify the effects of different degrees of flooding stress in winter on nutrient accumulation in Pinus elliottii after experiencing early drought stress in summer, simulated water treatments of deep submergence (DS) and moderate submergence (MS) were imposed after the summer drought period. The results indicated that the survival rate of seedlings was 95.3%, and the accumulation trend of the flooded plants was rapid at an average rate of 1.99 ± 0.33% in the early stage of flooding (stage I: 0-7 days), a rapid release rate in the second stage (stage II: 7-60 days), and an average rate of only 0.07 ± 0.04% in the later stage (stage III: 60-150 days). After 150 days of flooding, the leaves of Pinus elliottii released an average of 7.156 ± 0.4 g kg-1 of organic carbon, 8.839 ± 0.6 g kg-1 of nitrogen, 0.781 ± 0.1 g kg-1 of phosphorus, and 2.985 ± 0.3 g kg-1 of potassium of macroelement content, and an average of 0.201 ± 0.03 g kg-1 manganese, 0.147 ± 0.04 g kg-1 iron, 0.002 g kg-1 copper, and 0.023 g kg-1 of zinc of microelement contents. Our results also demonstrated that after 150 days of flooding, the C/N, N/P, and C/P ratios of the nutrient element content of Pinus elliottii in the water-level fluctuation zone of the TGRA were 0.810%, 11.32%, and 9.16%, respectively. The absorption and release of nutrients under water flooding are generally divided into three stages: first, the early storage stage (the first stage: 0 to 7 days, optional), then the rapid release (the second stage: 7 to 60 days), and the later stage slow release phase (third stage: 60 to 150 days). Water flooding reduced the contents of C, N, P, and K and affected the absorption of nutrient elements in the plant. At the same time, soluble Mn2 + and Fe2 + over absorbed during flooding could cause toxicity to leaf tissues. At the same time, Pinus elliottii selected to reduce Cu in leaves to ensure that the root has a strong redox capacity and improve nitrogen utilization, thereby preventing the long-term flooding of toxic cations and acid substances. Taken together, our results conclude that increased drought stress can reduce the ability of Pinus elliottii seedlings to withstand flooding stress; the seedlings of Pinus elliottii can maintain their growth by accumulating certain nutrient elements under submerged conditions, which implies that this species would be a suitable candidate for reforestation in the TGRA because of its tolerance to submergence.

For radio telescope array applications, the precise time and frequency reference predominantly determines the quality of the observation. In this paper, we demonstrate an integrated dissemination system which can achieve ultra-stable frequency dissemination, time synchronization and data transfer simultaneously over a single optical fiber link. The test of this integrated system was carried out on the 48-km fiber link, which consisted of 28-km buried fibers, and 20-km fiber spool in laboratory. It has been experimentally demonstrated that the frequency transfer stability is $2.6 \times {10^{ - 14}}/s$ and $3.0 \times {10^{ - 16}}/{10^4}s$. The time synchronization with 100-ps accuracy and the error bit ratio of data transfer at the level of 10-8 are also demonstrated.

Organo–mineral interactions have long been the focus in the fields of biomineralization and geomineralization, since such interactions not only modulate the dynamics of crystal nucleation and growth but may also change crystal phases, morphologies, and structures. The utilization of an atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based dynamic force spectroscopy (DFS) technique makes it possible to quantify the single-molecule scale organo–mineral binding free energy (ΔGb) correlated with interfacial free energy (γ) and the nucleation energy barrier (ΔG). In this highlight, we briefly review theories of force spectroscopy (FS) and DFS, indicating that single-molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS) can be distinguished with the worm-like chain (WLC) model, and linear and nonlinear DFS data can be analyzed with the Bell–Evans and Friddle–Noy–De Yoreo models to derive noncovalent binding information through the introduction of detailed procedures for DFS experiments from AFM tip modification to FS collection. Moreover, we present some application cases of DFS in unraveling the mechanisms underlying organo-modified nucleation rates, nucleus critical sizes, and phase transformations as well as facet-dependent organo–mineral interactions. The use of an AFM-based DFS technique will improve the fundamental understanding of organo–mineral interactions that affect organo-modified crystal nucleation and growth in both biomineralization and geomineralization processes.

In this article, the model including cathode spot process and deuterium desorption process on zirconium deuterium cathode is developed. Five kinds of particle fluxes on cathode surface and three mechanisms affecting deuterium diffusion in cathode are considered. The model not only describes the deformation of cathode metal, but also describes the variation of deuterium concentration with time. On pure zirconium cathode, the mean charge state is larger but on zirconium deuterium cathode, the total ion number density is larger since there are additional deuterium ions, and simulation results show the discharge currents are very close on the two cathodes, the energy flux density on ZrD0.66 cathode is larger so cathode spot crater develops faster on ZrD0.66 cathode. Ablation rates caused by different mechanisms are calculated and the results show in cathode spot development process, mass loss caused by evaporation is ignored, most of the liquid metal will resolidify on cathode surface, and droplets are the main reason for cathode ablation. The ablation rates due to the ejection of droplets are close to experimental results. The ratios of deuterium ion from different mechanisms in this process are also calculated and it is 93.5% in simulation. Simulation results are in agreement with the other researchers’ works.

Both clinical observations and in vitro studies have confirmed that hyperoxaluria or hypercalciuria is one of the main factors that determine the phase formation of pathological calcium oxalate (Ca...

To develop a simple and effective method for fabricating a type of transparent p-type zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films, potassium-doped ZnO (K-ZnO) thin films were designed and prepared via molten-salt treatment (MST) in KNO3 for n-type ZnO thin film. The influence of filming temperature during sputtering and the followed MST on the crystalline structure, transmittance, bonding environment, surface morphology, and electrical property of the ZnO thin films has been investigated. The formed compound on quartz glass could be identified as wurtzite ZnO. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results show that the crystalline quality improves with raising the filming temperature. In addition, K 2p XPS spectra hint that the outside surface of ZnO thin films contains a certain amount of K, after MST for ZnO thin films. Compared with that of the followed MST, atomic force microscope (AFM) results also show that the filming temperature significantly affects surface morphology. More importantly, the ZnO thin films obtain p-type characteristics after MST for ZnO n-type thin films, with excellent transmittance and increased mobility.

Lignocellulosic-biomass-derived transparent nanopaper is an emerging substrate or functional component for next-generation green optoelectronics. The fabrication of such transparent nanopaper typic...

Background Cancer is a complex heterogeneous disease to which singular modes of treatment mostly fail to produce a desired therapeutic efficacy. Targeting different cellular pathways using combinational therapies has been gaining popularity in cancer treatment, with the added benefit of reducing dosage and side effects. Methods A gold nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery nanoplatform was developed for co-delivery of doxorubicin and polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) siRNA. Gold nanoparticles were coated with polyethyleneimine to facilitate assembly of PLK1 on the surface. Doxorubicin was loaded on nanoparticles through a pH-sensitive linker with a thiol group at one terminal end for controlled release. Results The therapeutic efficiency of this co-delivery system was evaluated in 2D and 3D cultured systems. The reduced IC50 value clearly demonstrated the synergistic effect of combined drug and gene delivery over their individual delivery in a cancer treatment model. Conclusion This study may provide an adaptable, facile platform to investigate drug-siRNA combinations for cancer inhibition.

Cardiovascular-related diseases continue to be a leading cause of death globally. Among ischemic-induced cardiac diseases, myocardial infarction (MI) is reported to be of an alarming value. Despite numerous improvements in the medical intrusions, still this armamentarium fails to be effective in managing the illness without setbacks. Ferruginol (FGL) is a major polyphenols and terpenoids with numerous pharmacological activities including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Following, this work was aimed to explore the cardio protective effect of FGL (50 mg/kg) in isoprenaline hydrochloride (ISO)-induced MI in experimental rats. After treatment with FGL in ISO-induced MI in rats, noticeable changes were observed in the experimental rats. Injection of ISO to rats resulted in the augmented cardiac weight, serum cardiac markers (creatine kinase, creatine kinase-MB, cardiac troponin T, and Cardiac troponin I), lipid peroxidation end products (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance and lipid hydroperoxides), reduced endogenous antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione), reduced ATPase activity, and escalated pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and nuclear factor-κB) levels. Interestingly, the FGL supplementation to the ISO-treated rats revealed the diminished heart weight, reduced cardiac markers, and lipid peroxidation. FGL also possessed the improved antioxidants status and diminished pro-inflammatory mediator levels. The outcomes of histological analysis also evidenced the cardio protective role of FGL. Treatment with FGL reduced the cardiac damage biomarkers maintained to near normal levels in ISO-induced rats. These study findings disclose the prospective capability of FGL in the treatment of MI in the future.

We report that GhWRKY21, a WRKY transcription factor, plays essential roles in regulating the intensity of the drought-induced ABA signalling pathway by facilitating the expression of GhHAB in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum). Abscisic acid (ABA) is one of the most important plant hormones in response to abiotic stress. However, activation of the ABA signalling pathway often leads to growth inhibition. The mechanisms that regulate the intensity of ABA signals are poorly understood. Here, we isolated and analysed the cotton group IId WRKY transcription factor (TF) gene GhWRKY21. Functional analysis indicated that GhWRKY21 plays a negative role in the drought response of cotton. Silencing of GhWRKY21 in cotton dramatically increased drought tolerance, whereas ectopic GhWRKY21 overexpression in Nicotiana benthamiana decreased drought tolerance. Furthermore, the GhWRKY21-mediated drought tolerance was ABA dependent. To clarify the mechanism underlying the GhWRKY21-mediated regulation of drought tolerance, 17 clade-A-type type 2C protein phosphatase (PP2C) genes, which are negative regulators of ABA signalling, were identified in cotton. Notably, GhWRKY21 interacted specifically with the W-box element within the promoter of GhHAB and regulated its expression. Silencing of GhHAB in cotton yielded a phenotype similar to that of GhWRKY21-silenced cotton. These results suggest that GhWRKY21 regulates the intensity of ABA signals by facilitating the expression of GhHAB. In summary, these findings dramatically improve our understanding of the function of WRKY TFs and provide insights into the mechanism of ABA-mediated drought tolerance.

Summary Background Air pollution is an important public health concern in China, with high levels of exposure to both ambient and household air pollution. To inform action at provincial levels in China, we estimated the exposure to air pollution and its effect on deaths, disease burden, and loss of life expectancy across all provinces in China from 1990 to 2017. Methods In all 33 provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities, and special administrative regions in China, we estimated exposure to air pollution, including ambient particulate matter pollution (defined as the annual gridded concentration of PM2·5), household air pollution (defined as the percentage of households using solid cooking fuels and the corresponding exposure to PM2·5), and ozone pollution (defined as average gridded ozone concentrations). We used the methods of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2017 to estimate deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) attributable to air pollution, and what the life expectancy would have been if air pollution levels had been less than the minimum level causing health loss. Findings The average annual population-weighted PM2·5 exposure in China was 52·7 μg/m3 (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 41·0–62·8) in 2017, which is 9% lower than in 1990 (57·8 μg/m3, 45·0–67·0). We estimated that 1·24 million (95% UI 1·08–1·40) deaths in China were attributable to air pollution in 2017, including 851 660 (712 002–990 271) from ambient PM2·5 pollution, 271 089 (209 882–346 561) from household air pollution from solid fuels, and 178 187 (67 650–286 229) from ambient ozone pollution. The age-standardised DALY rate attributable to air pollution was 1513·1 per 100 000 in China in 2017, and was higher in males (1839·8 per 100 000) than in females (1198·3 per 100 000). The age-standardised death rate attributable to air pollution decreased by 60·6% (55·7–63·7) for China overall between 1990 and 2017, driven by an 85·4% (83·2–87·3) decline in household air pollution and a 12·0% (1·4–22·1) decline in ambient PM2·5 pollution. 40·0% of DALYs for COPD were attributable to air pollution, as were 35·6% of DALYs for lower respiratory infections, 26·1% for diabetes, 25·8% for lung cancer, 19·5% for ischaemic heart disease, and 12·8% for stroke. We estimated that if the air pollution level in China was below the minimum causing health loss, the average life expectancy would have been 1·25 years greater. The DALY rate per 100 000 attributable to air pollution varied across provinces, ranging from 482·3 (371·1–604·1) in Hong Kong to 1725·6 (720·4–2653·1) in Xinjiang for ambient pollution, and from 18·7 (9·1–34·0) in Shanghai to 1804·5 (1339·5–2270·1) in Tibet for household pollution. Although the overall mortality attributable to air pollution decreased in China between 1990 and 2017, 12 provinces showed an increasing trend during the past 27 years. Interpretation Pollution from ambient PM2·5 and household burning of solid fuels decreased markedly in recent years in China, after extensive efforts to control emissions. However, PM2·5 concentrations still exceed the WHO Air Quality Guideline for the entire population of China, with 81% living in regions exceeding the WHO Interim Target 1, and air pollution remains an important risk factor. Sustainable development policies should be implemented and enforced to reduce the impact of air pollution on long-term economic development and population health. Funding Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; and China National Key Research and Development Program.

Minimizing lattice thermal conductivity, κl, of thermoelectric materials is an effective strategy to enhance their figure-of-merit, zT. However, the amorphous limit of κl affects the ceiling of the attainable zT. Herein, we fabricate hierarchical structures by using an in situ microwave synthesis to break the amorphous limit of κl for achieving a high zT in (Sn0.985In0.015Te)1–x(AgCl)x alloys. Our results from detailed electron microscopy characterizations suggest that the as-sintered (Sn0.985In0.015Te)1–x(AgCl)x alloys contain a range of lattice imperfections, including microsized grains with dense grain boundaries, nanopores with sizes from several to hundreds of nanometers, and nanoscale precipitates, which result in strong phonon scatterings and in turn lead to a minimized κl of 0.245 W m–1 K–1. Moreover, the calculated band structures reveal the introduction of resonance level by In doping, which dramatically enhances the electrical transport properties to ensure a high power factor of 26.4 μW cm–1 K–2 at 823 K and a maximum zT of 0.86 (823 K) in hierarchically structured (Sn0.985In0.015Te)0.90(AgCl)0.10. This work provides a new approach to modulate the hierarchical structures for optimizing thermal and electronic transport properties.

Background Death registration completeness has never been assessed at the county level in China. Such analyses would provide critical intelligence to monitor the performance of the vital registration system and yield adjustment factors to correct death registration data, thereby increasing their policy utility. Methods We estimated the completeness of death registration for 31 provinces and 2844 counties of China in 2018 based on death data from the China Cause of Death Reporting System (CDRS) by using the empirical completeness method. We computed the root mean square difference (RMSD) of county-level completeness compared with provincial-level completeness to study intra-provincial variations. A two-level (province and county) logistic regression model was fitted to explore the association between county-level registration completeness and a set of covariates reflecting socioeconomic status, healthcare quality, and specific strategies and regulations designed to improve registration. Results In 2018, the overall death registration completeness for the CDRS in China was 74.2% (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 66.2–80.4), with very little difference for males and females. Geographical differences in completeness were higher across counties than across provinces. The county-level completeness ranged from 2.4% (95% UI 1.0–5.0%) in Burang County, Tibet, to 100.0% (95% UI 99.9–100.0%) in Guandu District, Yunnan. The coastal provinces of Jiangsu, Guangdong, and Fujian, with higher overall completeness, contained counties with low completeness; conversely, the underdeveloped provinces of Guangxi and Guizhou, with lower overall completeness, included some counties with high completeness. GDP, education, population density, minority population, healthcare access, and registration strategies were important drivers of the geographical differences in registration completeness. Conclusions There are marked inequalities in registration completeness at the county level and within provinces in China. The socioeconomic condition, the implementation of specific registration-enhancing initiatives, and the availability and quality of medical care were the primary drivers of the observed geographical variation. A more strategic approach, with more research, is required to identify the main reasons for death under-reporting, especially in the poorer performing counties, to guide remedial action.

A total of 77 street dust samples were collected from Jinan City in East China and were analyzed for the concentrations, speciation, bioavailability, and influencing factors of ten heavy metals. The results showed that the average concentrations of Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Cd, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, and V in the street dust were 642.77, 8.24, 114.09, 87.71, 1.08, 517.04, 30.29, 80.32, 497.84, and 51.76 mg/kg, and the concentrations of Ba, Cr, Cu, Cd, Ni, Pb, and Zn exceeded the local soil element background values. In the street dust, Ba, Co, Cr, Mn, Ni, and V were mainly in the residual; Cu and Pb were controlled by the oxidizable; Cd mainly existed in the acid extractable; and Zn was dominated by the reducible. According to the ratios of the acid extractable to the sum of four forms, Cd (39.85%) presented a high environmental risk; Mn and Zn (24.29% and 27.78%) exhibited a medium risk; and V, Cu, Pb, Ba, Co, Ni, and Cr had no environmental risk. The order of mobility or potential risk of heavy metals was Cd ( 85.8%) > Zn (77.1%) > Cu (64.3%) > Pb (62.0%) > Mn (51.7%) > Ba ( 38.9%) > Co (31.2%) > Ni (30.1%) > V (25.8%) > Cr (23.1%), suggesting that Cd, Zn, Cu, Pb, and Mn presented relatively high movability and risk. The bioavailability order of heavy metals was Cd (82.7%) > Zn (63.6%) > Mn (40.4%) > Ni (20.4%) > Pb (11.7%) > Cu (11.1%) > V (7.8%) > Cr (3.7%) in the gastric phase and Cu (24.6%) > Cd (19.9%) > Mn (16.2%) > Ni (6.6%) > Pb (5.7%) > Zn (4.4%) > Cr (3.0%) > V (2.3%) in intestinal phase, implying that Cd, Zn, Mn, and Cu were highly bioavailable in the gastrointestinal environment, which coincided with the risk of speciation. The speciation of heavy metals in street dust had certain correlations with their bioavailability. The physiochemical properties of street dust had significant effects on the concentrations, speciation, and bioavailability of heavy metals in street dust. The simple, fast, and nondestructive magnetic measurements could be used as indicators of the concentrations, speciation, and bioavailability of heavy metals in street dust.

Faced with the challenge of high energy ablation problems, especially for laser ablation, effective energy dissipation protective materials fabricate by efficient preparation method is a feasible solution. The Ni-graphite/SiO2 coatings with different Ni content were prepared by plasma spraying method with optimized plasma spraying parameters. All coatings are pure without oxidation and dense. Their ablation behaviors were investigated by high power continuous wave laser. The results indicate that the Ni-graphite/SiO2 coating with appropriate Ni content could realize the purpose of energy consumption by endothermal reaction of graphite/SiO2 and reflection improvement. High Ni content will block the occurrence of endothermal reaction of graphite/SiO2 and increase the heat diffusion to interior part of coating, which can make the ablation situation of coating more serious.

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) inhibitors are drugs that are effectively used to treat breast cancer. We synthesized a novel bromophenol derivative ethyl (E)-4-(2-(2,3-dibromo-4,5-dimethoxybenzylidene)hydrazine-1-carbothioamido)benzoate (DDHCB) as a novel PARP-1 inhibitor. Our study found that DDHCB could inhibit PARP-1 activity with an IC50 value of 58.3 nM. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphe-nyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay indicated that DDHCB could selectively inhibit proliferation of BRCA mutant cells and demonstrate the ability of synthetic lethality. DDHCB could also induce DNA double-strand breaks with the ability to increase the foci quantitation of γ-H2AX. Moreover, DDHCB could increase PARP-1-DNA trapping and inhibit PAR formation in HCC-1937 cells. Further investigation showed that DDHCB induced apoptosis and G2/M cycle arrest. Finally, we found that DDHCB inhibited the growth of HCC-1937 xenografts with low toxicity. In vivo mechanisms showed that the level of γ-H2AX was increased in the DDHCB-treated tumors, indicating the PARP-1 inhibition ability of DDHCB in vivo. Our study results indicated that the future development of DDHCB for the treatment of breast cancer is promising.

In this contribution, readily available 5-methyl furfural (MF) derived from biomass was used as an excellent substitute of the chemically unstable 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) for preparing the commercial precursor 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). MF was catalytically oxidized by air into FDCA in acetic acid over homogeneous Co/Mn/Br catalysts at 130–170 °C. It was found that both the substitute reactivity and the ring chemical stability have a remarkable impact on the yield of aromatic dicarboxylic acids. The effects of reaction temperature, pressure, catalyst composition and concentration, water concentration in the solvent, and substrate/solvent mass ratio on both the main reaction and the side reaction were investigated systematically and thoroughly using HPLC and an online tail gas monitoring system. Under optimized conditions, the oxidation of MF gave 100% conversion of MF and 75.8% yield of FDCA with 99.6% purity. It was also proven that the addition of 200 ppm cerium could work well at low temperatures (130–140 °C) for enhancing FDCA selectivity via suppressing the side reactions.

BACKGROUND: Zero‐valent iron (ZVI) is an environmentally friendly and cost‐efficient material for the removal of contaminants. However, its application is challenged by problems such as surface passivation and pH increase in the reaction media. As a potential solution for this problem, pyrite, a waste of the mining industry, was used together with ZVI for reductive removal of azo dyes. RESULTS: In comparison with ZVI alone, the ZVI/pyrite mixture showed dramatically enhanced efficiency and reusability for dye removal, although pyrite itself can hardly remove dyes. The reaction rate constant kₒbₛ for the removal of Orange II at the initial pH (pH₀) of 7.0 was enhanced 9.4‐ to 28.0‐fold by using the mixture at a pyrite/ZVI mass ratio ranging from 1 to 4, respectively. The mechanism studies indicate that pyrite not only helped produce more iron(II) by facilitating iron corrosion and the iron(II)/iron(III) cycle in the mixed system, but also activated the ZVI surface by in situ sulfidation. The high reactivity of the adsorbed iron(II) in the mixed system significantly contributed to dye removal, especially at the alkalescent pH. CONCLUSION: Pyrite accelerated the reductive removal of dyes by ZVI, through inhibiting its surface passivation and suppressing the pH increase in the reaction media. Therefore, this research proposes a facile method for enhancing the reactivity and applicability of ZVI in environmental remediation. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry

The objective of this article is to investigate the effect of contact material on the formation and transition of high-current anode spots and anode plumes. A series of experiments are carried out in a demountable vacuum chamber at three current levels of 3, 4, and 6.5 kA. Plate contacts made of CuCr30 and CuCr40 with a diameter of 10 mm are adopted. Arc images are captured by a high-speed camera and synchronized with measurements of the arc current and voltage. The experimental results show that the three typical anode discharge modes, namely footpoint, anode spot type 1, and anode spot type 2, are formed at a smaller gap distance as the experimental current increases, and this tendency is independent of the contact material. The arc voltage is higher and the anode spot appears earlier and lasts longer under the CuCr40 contact than under the CuCr30 contact. As a result, the footpoint is formed at a smaller gap distance, whereas anode spot type 2 is formed at a larger gap distance. As a special anode discharge mode, an anode plume usually occurs between anode spot type 2 and arc current zero in various shapes at different locations on the anode surface. The anode plume of the CuCr40 contact appears at a larger gap distance and the corresponding threshold current and accumulated arc energy are also larger. Due to a stronger anode activity, the anode plume lasts a longer time under the CuCr40 contact than under the CuCr30 contact.

Multi-arc ion plating was used to deposit TiAlN/CrN multilayer coatings with different bilayer thicknesses on Type 316L stainless steel. The impacts of the bilayer thickness on the electrochemical performance of the TiAlN/CrN multilayer coatings were explored in a neutral saline (3.5% NaCl) solution. The fracture cross-sectional morphology of the as-deposited coatings were investigated by scanning electron microscope. The crystal structure and preferred orientation were analyzed by x-ray diffraction. The interface characteristic was detected by transmission electron microscopy. The potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used for as-deposited coatings. Corroded surface morphology and EIS of the 15-day immersion coatings and substrate were examined to analyze the anticorrosion performance. EIS showed an increase of polarization resistance (Rp) and a decrease in constant-phase element (CPE) for multilayer coatings with a decrease in bilayer thickness. After 15 days of immersion, the EIS plot showed that the C3 coating (with 20 bilayers) had the lowest electrical double-layer capacitance (CPEdl) and highest charge transfer resistance (Rct) in all samples. The relative decay of the Rp of the C3 coating was the smallest compared with the as-deposited coatings, which shows a satisfactory corrosion resistance. The electrochemical tests and immersion corrosion morphology showed that the existence of a large number of interfaces between individual layers in a multilayer structure inhibits the pitting propagation significantly and enhances the corrosion resistance.

The influence of small amounts of cerium on the solidification phenomena of S31254 high-Mo austenitic stainless steel was investigated by in situ observations and theoretical calculations. In situ observations indicate that cerium addition in molten steel can accelerate austenitic nucleation but inhibit primary austenite grain growth. The initial nucleation temperature occur 32.3 °C in advance and the nucleation site density increases to 176/mm after 2 seconds in S31254-Ce compared to S31254. The modified Ce-containing inclusions in S31254-Ce improve the ability for austenite heterogeneous nucleation, which would significantly reduce the energy barrier of nucleation. The nucleation mechanism obtained from Johnson–Mehl–Avrami–Kologoromov (JMAK) theory is changed from site saturation nucleation to site saturation plus Avrami nucleation after cerium addition. Furthermore, cerium addition also prolongs the whole solidification temperature range from 28 °C to 43.9 °C and limits the growth velocity of a single austenite grain from approximately 20 to 2 μm/s. The ratio of the solid phase decreases from 60 to 8.2 pct, but the grain density increases from 68.8 to 280/mm2, with the solidification time extended to 8 seconds after cerium addition. Thus, the main solidification behavior in the early solidification stage of S31254-Ce is nucleation instead of primary grain growth. The low growth velocity for austenite grains and significant high nucleation site density exhibit a low rate constant k during the solidification process. Moreover, cerium addition could significantly refine the solidified structure, and the grain density of the final solidified structure in S31254-Ce is 366.6/mm2.

GeTe-based materials usually possess brilliant thermoelectric performance through band degeneracy and optimized carrier concentration. In this study, Ti doping is effective for the realization of b...

Amelotin (AMTN) as a matrix protein exerts a direct effect on biomineralization by modulating apatite (HAP) formation during the dental enamel maturation stage through the specific interaction of a potentially phosphorylated Ser-Ser-Glu-Glu-Leu (SSEEL) peptide fragment with calcium phosphate (Ca-P) surfaces. However, the roles of (non)phosphorylation of this evolutionarily conserved subdomain within AMTN remain poorly understood. Here, we show, by time-resolved atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging of in situ HAP crystallization via the HPO42--rich amorphous calcium phosphate (acidic ACP), the on/off switching of the phase transformation process through a nonphosphorylation-to-phosphorylation transition of the SSEEL motif. Using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), we observed that the acidic ACP phase is stabilized by the phosphorylated SSEEL motif, delaying its transformation to HAP, whereas the nonphosphorylated counterpart promotes HAP formation by accelerating the dissolution-recrystallization of the acidic ACP substrate. Dynamic force spectroscopy measurements demonstrate greater binding energies of nonphosphorylated SSEEL to the acidic ACP substrate by the formation of molecular peptide-ACP bonding, explaining the enhanced dissolution of the acidic ACP substrate by stronger complexion with surface Ca2+ ions. Our findings demonstrate direct evidence for the switching role of (non)phosphorylation of an evolutionarily conserved subdomain within AMTN in controlling the phase transition of growing enamel and designing tissue regeneration biomaterials.

The laser-matter interaction contains complex thermophysical and thermochemical responses. The variation of energy and composition happen in thermophysical and thermochemical process will totally change the interaction behaviors. In order to obtain an accurate mechanism and promote the understanding of laser-matter interaction, all thermophysical and thermochemical responses, especially the thermochemical part, should be considered and investigated. In this study, a coupled heat-matter diffusion model based on thermodynamic chemical equilibrium finite-element method and thermochemical ablation theory was established. The materials with complex reaction enthalpy change in high temperature environment were chosen to validate the model. The results show that this model is accurate, as the maximum error of back-surface temperature response is just 4.0% between experimental and calculation values. The detailed variations of composition, temperature and optical reflection were obtained and analyzed, which is in good agreement with the experiment. This coupled heat-matter diffusion model including all thermophysical and thermochemical response has the great potential in nearly all laser-matter interaction involved application.

Background China has more than 18% of the global population and over 770 million workers. However, the burden of disease attributable to occupational risks is unavailable in China. We aimed to estimate the burden of disease attributable to occupational exposures at provincial levels from 1990 to 2017. Methods We estimated the summary exposure values (SEVs), deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to occupational risk factors in China from 1990 to 2017, based on Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2017. There were 18 occupational risks, 22 related causes, and 35 risk-outcome pairs included in this study. Meanwhile, we compared age-standardized death rates attributable to occupational risk factors in provinces of China by socio-demographic index (SDI). Results The SEVs of most occupational risks increased from 1990 to 2017. There were 323,833 (95% UI 283,780 - 369,061) deaths and 14,060,210 (12,022,974 - 16,125,763) DALYs attributable to total occupational risks in China, which were 27.9 and 22.1% of corresponding global levels, respectively. For attributable deaths, major risks came from occupational particulate matter, gases, and fumes (PGFs), and for the attributable DALYs, from occupational injuries. The attributable burden was higher in males than in females. Compared with high SDI provinces, low SDI provinces, especially Western China, had higher death rates attributable to total occupational risks, occupational PGFs, and occupational injuries. Conclusion Occupational risks contribute to a huge disease burden in China. The attributable burden is higher in males, and in less developed provinces of Western China, reflecting differences in risk exposure, socioeconomic conditions, and type of jobs. Our study highlights the need for further research and focused policy interventions on the health of workers especially for less developed provinces in China to reduce occupational health losses effectively.

International audience; Climate change scenarios predict an increase in mean air temperatures and in the frequency, intensity, and length of extreme temperature events in many wine-growing regions worldwide. Because elevated temperature has detrimental effects on the berry growth and composition, it threatens the economic and environmental sustainability of wine production. Using Cabernet Sauvignon fruit-bearing cuttings, we investigated the effects of high temperature (HT) on grapevine berries through a label-free shotgun proteomic analysis coupled to a complementary metabolomic study. Among the 2279 proteins identified, 592 differentially abundant proteins were found in berries exposed to HT. The gene ontology categories "Stress", "Protein", "Secondary metabolism" and "Cell wall" were predominantly altered under HT. High temperatures strongly impaired carbohydrate and energy metabolism, and the effects depended on the stage of development and duration of treatment. Transcript amounts correlated poorly with protein expression levels in HT berries, highlighting the value of proteomic studies in the context of heat stress. Furthermore, this work reveals that HT alters key proteins driving berry development and ripening. Finally, we provide a list of differentially abundant proteins that can be considered as potential markers for developing or selecting grape varieties that are better adapted to warmer climates or extreme heat waves. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

No nationwide studies have examined the associations between mortality risk and PM1 (PM with an aerodynamic diameter of

p-Type FeNbSb-based half-Heusler compounds exhibit promising thermoelectric (TE) performance under high temperatures. Herein, the optimal sintering temperature and pressure of these compounds were determined. Sintering temperature can affect relative density, and consequently, improve TE performance. In addition, a series of Sn-doped FeNbSb compounds was prepared in accordance with the optimal sintering temperature and pressure. Results showed that Sn optimized the power factor and reduced lattice thermal conductivity by enhancing point defect phonon scattering. A high ZT of 0.66 was attained at 923 K for FeNbSb0.84Sn0.16. The findings of this study lay the foundation for reducing the thermal conductivity of FeNbSb-based compounds.

The formation of iron oxide mineral–organic associations can regulate long-term preservation of soil organic matter (SOM) by providing shelter for SOM from degradation through adsorption on different crystalline/amorphous phase surfaces. However, little is known about the energetic basis for the phase- and facet-dependent SOM–iron oxide interactions at the molecular scale. Here, we use a representative organic molecule, alginate, which is present ubiquitously in soils, and investigate its adsorption on the surfaces of amorphous iron oxides (FexOy) or hematite (α-Fe2O3) by calculating the Kelvin potential difference and measuring the binding energy (ΔGB) between an alginate molecule and a specific surface of the hematite or amorphous FexOy phase by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Single-molecule determination of alginate–amorphous FexOy/hematite interactions provides mechanisms of the origin of the phase- or facet-dependent adsorption by systematically changing the pH and ionic strength/compositions of environmentally relevant reaction solutions. We show that the adsorption capacities of alginate follow the order amorphous FexOy > the (100) > (110) > (0001) faces of hematite. These molecular-scale investigations may improve our understanding of the phase-dependent or face-specific adsorption of SOM on other soil minerals in aqueous environments and potentially predict the preservation mechanisms and the fate of SOM.

PTP1B is a key negative regulator of insulin signaling transduction, and the inhibition of PTP1B has emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy to treat T2DM. 3,4-Dibromo-5-(2-bromo-6-(ethoxymethyl)-3,4-dihydroxybenzyl)benzene-1,2-diol (BPN), a natural bromophenol isolated from marine red alga Rhodomela confervoides, was found to inhibit PTP1B activity in our previous study. Herein, we identified that BPN functioned as a competitive PTP1B inhibitor and enhanced phosphorylation of IRβ, IRS-1 and Akt in palmitate acid-induced insulin-resistant HepG2 cells. Moreover, 2-deoxyglucose uptake technology-based characterization demonstrated that BPN could stimulate glucose uptake in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, the effects of BPN against oxidative stress were investigated and showed that BPN attenuated oxidative stress by attenuating ROS generation. Finally, long-term oral administration of BPN at dose of 20 mg kg−1 significantly reduced blood glucose levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice and no visible toxic effects were observed. Our work is thus expected to provide a natural uncharged PTP1B inhibitor that could be used as a potential lead compound for further research.

Summary In eukaryotes, MAPK scaffold proteins are crucial for regulating the function of MAPK cascades. However, only a few MAPK scaffold proteins have been reported in plants, and the molecular mechanism through which scaffold proteins regulate the function of the MAPK cascade remains poorly understood. Here, we identified GhMORG1, a GhMKK6‐GhMPK4 cascade scaffold protein that positively regulates the resistance of cotton to Fusarium oxysporum. GhMORG1 interacted with GhMKK6 and GhMPK4, and the overexpression of GhMORG1 in cotton protoplasts dramatically increased the activity of the GhMKK6‐GhMPK4 cascade. Quantitative phosphoproteomics was used to clarify the mechanism of GhMORG1 in regulating disease resistance, and thirty‐two proteins were considered as the putative substrates of the GhMORG1‐dependent GhMKK6‐GhMPK4 cascade. These putative substrates were involved in multiple disease resistance processes, such as cellular amino acid metabolic processes, calcium ion binding and RNA binding. The kinase assays verified that most of the putative substrates were phosphorylated by the GhMKK6‐GhMPK4 cascade. For functional analysis, nine putative substrates were silenced in cotton, respectively. The resistance of cotton to F. oxysporum was decreased in the substrate‐silenced cottons. These results suggest that GhMORG1 regulates several different disease resistance processes by facilitating the phosphorylation of GhMKK6‐GhMPK4 cascade substrates. Taken together, these findings reveal a new plant MAPK scaffold protein and provide insights into the mechanism of plant resistance to pathogens.

Phosphorus (P) availability is widely assumed to be limited by the formation of metal (Ca, Fe, or Al) phosphate precipitates that are modulated by soil organic matter (SOM), but the SOM-precipitate interactions remain uncertain because of their environmental complexities. Here, we present a model system by quantifying the in situ nanoscale nucleation kinetics of calcium phosphates (Ca-Ps) on mica in environmentally relevant aqueous solutions by liquid-cell atomic force microscopy. We find that Ca-P precipitate formation is slower when humic acid (HA) concentration is higher. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy observations demonstrate that HA strongly stabilizes amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), delaying its subsequent transformation to thermodynamically more stable phases. Consistent with the formation of molecular organo-mineral bonding, dynamic force spectroscopy measurements display larger binding energies of organic ligands with certain chemical functionalities on HA to the initially formed ACP than to mica that are responsible for stabilization of ACP through stronger HA-ACP interactions. Our results provide direct evidence for the proposed importance of SOM in inhibiting Ca-P precipitation/transformation. We suggest that similar studies of binding strength in SOM-Fe/Al-P may reveal how both organic matter and metal ions control P availability and fate, and thus the eventual P management for agronomical and environmental sustainability.

Winter and early spring wind soil erosion have considerable impacts on ecosystems, human well-being and agricultural production in the low precipitation zones of northern China. Little is known about the impact of growing winter rapeseed on ecological cropping systems and the associated economic benefits in the wind erosion area. To explore the winter rapeseed cover effect, we conducted a field experiment in which we covered the soil with winter rapeseed, winter wheat and wheat stubble at different plant density levels and used the spring bare ground as the control (CK). The effects of wind erosion, the “winter rapeseed + ” multiple cropping system, and the economic benefits were compared. There was a large difference in the dry matter, the maximum water absorption, the maximum water storage, the soil evaporation and total wind erosion, the amount of sediment transported in the stratum and the wind erosion modulus. Among them, the mean wind erosion modulus of spring sowing bare land was as high as 490.9 kg·hm−2·h−1, which was 7 and 13 times that of winter wheat and winter rapeseed, respectively. As the wind speed increased from 14 to 22 m·s−1, from a small density to a large density, the mean wind erosion modulus decreased from 68 to 17 kg·hm−2·h−1 for winter rapeseed, and 150 to 31 kg·hm−2·h−1 for winter wheat. Total wind-erosion of sediment transport of CK was 18.6 g·m−2 min−1, which was 16 and 31 times the mean value of winter wheat and winter rapeseed, respectively. “Winter rapeseed + ” replanting peanuts, potatoes, rice, seed melons and other crops generally increased the production value by 5–74% compared with wheat and corn intercropping, which was 98–255% higher than the traditional wheat single crop. Our results suggested that the suitable area for planting winter rapeseed in northern China was approximately 3.3 × 106 hm2, and in terms of the best economic and ecological effects, the appropriate density was 5 × 105 plants·hm−2 in northern China. Our results indicated that Chinese winter rapeseed was the best choice for preventing wind erosion and improving ecological and economic benefits in winter and spring in northern China; additionally, winter rapeseed has important impacts on agricultural sustainability in semi-arid and arid climates.

The substitution of elements has attracted great interest to enhance the electrochemical properties of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Herein, the P2–Na0.67Co0.35Ti0.20Mn0.45–xLaxO2 electrode samples were prepared via a solid-state route. The effect of La3+ substitution was researched as high-rate SIBs cathode. The Na0.67Co0.35Ti0.20Mn0.44La0.01O2 exhibits a superior initial specific capacity of 162.7 and 125.9 mA·h/g after 50 cycles at 0.1C rate, and the initial specific discharge capacity of 115.2 mA·h/g with 60.6% capacity retention after 100 cycles at 1C. In addition, the Na0.67Co0.35Ti0.20Mn0.44La0.01O2 sample shows an excellent rate capacity of 91.9 and 60.4 mA·h/g with 46.9% and 50.9% capacity retentions even at 8C and 10C rate after 100 cycles, respectively. The promising La-substituted P2-type Na0.67Co0.35Ti0.20Mn0.45–xLaxO2 material provides a new strategy for designing high-rate performance of SIBs.

Co-free La0.6Sr0.4FeO3-δ (LSFNb0) and La0.6Sr0.4Fe0.9Nb0.1O3-δ (LSFNb0.1) perovskite oxides were prepared by a standard solid-state reaction method. The structural stability and electrochemical performance of La0.6Sr0.4Fe0.9Nb0.1O3-δ as both cathode and anode were studied. Nb dopant in LSFNb0 significantly enhances the structural and chemical stability in anode condition. At 800 °C, the polarization resistances (Rp) of LSFNb0.1 symmetric electrode based on YSZ electrolyte are 0.5 and 0.05 Ω cm2 in H2 and air, respectively. The peak power densities of LSFNb0.1 based on LSGM electrolyte-supported SSOFCs are 934 and 707 mW cm−2 at 850 °C in H2 (3% H2O) and dry CO, respectively. Moreover, the symmetric cell exhibits reasonable stability in both H2 and CO fuel, suggesting that La0.6Sr0.4Fe0.9Nb0.1O3-δ may be a potential symmetric electrode material for hydrogen and carbon monoxide SOFCs.

The development of China’s steel industry has been phenomenal, and in 2018, China’s crude steel production reached 928.3 million tonnes and accounted for 51.3% share of global crude steel productio...

Dental enamel possesses remarkable mechanical properties because of the hierarchical structural organization and hybridization of organic and inorganic components. Amelotin (AMTN), as an enamel mat...

Atmospheric particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) samples were collected at urban and suburban sites in Xi'an City from December 2016 to November 2017. Sixteen priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) associated with PM2.5 and PM10 were analyzed for their seasonal variations, sources, health risks, and influencing factors. The results showed that the annual average concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 were 111 and 185 μg/m3, respectively, exceeding the National Ambient Air Quality Standard of China (35 μg/m3 for PM2.5 and 70 μg/m3 for PM10 in Grade II). The annual averages of PM2.5- and PM10-bound total PAHs were 63.1 and 66.8 ng/m3, respectively, with a PM2.5 decrease in the order of winter (115 ng/m3) > > spring (47.6 ng/m3) > summer (33.2 ng/m3) > autumn (30.8 ng/m3) and a PM10 decrease in the order of winter (127 ng/m3) > > spring (55.6 ng/m3) > autumn (32.6 ng/m3) > summer (30.2 ng/m3). The most abundant PAHs were benzo[a]anthracene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, and fluoranthene. The PM2.5- and PM10-bound PAHs were originated mainly from traffic emissions (51.0% and 43.4%), followed by combustion of biomass (20.4% and 23.6%) and coal (16.8% and 23.1%). Pressure and relative humidity were positively correlated with PM2.5 and PM10 as well as PM2.5- and PM10-bound PAHs, while temperature, visibility and wind speed had negative correlations. The annual means of TEQs (toxic equivalency quantities) for the 16 PAHs in PM2.5 and PM10 were 10.1 and 10.2 ng/m3, respectively, being attributed to 7 carcinogenic PAHs (> 95%). The ECRs (lifetime excess cancer risks) for PM2.5- and PM10-bound PAHs were 1.12 × 10−3 and 1.17 × 10−3, i.e., 1125 and 1169 lung cancer cases per million, respectively. The ILCRs (incremental lifetime cancer risks) due to PM2.5- and PM10-bound PAHs for adults (1.21 × 10−6 and 1.26 × 10−6) were larger than those for children (2.09 × 10−7 and 2.17 × 10−7), with acceptable carcinogenic risks. The ambient levels of PM and most PM-bound PAHs as well as their TEQs, ECRs and ILCRs exhibited a spatial pattern of the suburban site > the urban site and a seasonality with winter and spring > summer and autumn. The results suggest that it is important to control PM2.5 and PM10 for local air quality improvement and special attention should be paid to PM and PM-bound PAHs in suburban areas, particularly in winter and spring.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a clinically approved, minimally invasive therapeutic technique that can induce the regression of targeted lesions via generating excess cytotoxic reactive oxygen species. However, due to the limited penetration depth of visible excitation light and the intrinsic hypoxia microenvironment of solid tumors, the efficacy of PDT in the treatment of cancer, especially deep-seated or large tumors, is unsatisfactory. Herein, we developed an efficient in vivo PDT system based on a nanomaterial, dihydrolipoic acid coated gold nanocluster (AuNC@DHLA), that combined the advantages of large penetration depth in tissue, extremely high two-photon (TP) absorption cross section (σ2 ∼ 106 GM), efficient ROS generation, a type I photochemical mechanism, and negligible in vivo toxicity. With AuNC@DHLA as the photosensitizer, highly efficient in vivo TP-PDT has been achieved.

Roll motion of ships can be distinguished in two parts: an unavoidable part due to their natural movement while turning and an unwanted and avoidable part that is due to encounter with waves and rough seas in general. For the attenuation of the unwanted part of roll motion, ways have been developed such as addition of controllable fins and changes in shape. This paper investigates the effectiveness of augmenting the rudder used for rejecting part of the unwanted roll, while maintaining steering and course changing ability. For this purpose, a controller is designed, which acts through intentional superposition of fast, compared with course change, movements of rudder, in order to attenuate the high-frequency roll effects from encountering rough seas. The results obtained by simulation to exogenous disturbance support the conclusion that the roll stabilization for displacement can be effective at least when displacement hull vessels are considered. Moreover, robust stability and performance is verified for the proposed control scheme over the entire operating range of interest.

Thermophilic anaerobic digestion (AD) of cattail followed by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) was studied. The intent of the research was to develop agricultural waste-based biorefining technologies for bioenergy production along with value-added products. Cattail was anaerobically digested at 55 °C for 14 days and protein and cellulose components were partially degraded. The average methane yield was 230-280 mL/g volatile solids and the total solids decreased by 33-55%. When the particle size of cattail was reduced from 1 in. to 1 mm, the lag phase was shortened from 1.48 to 0 d. Following the AD process of cattail, the AD digestate was hydrothermally carbonized at 250 °C for 4 h, yielding approximately 6.7-7.5 wt % gaseous products, 64 wt % liquid products and 28 wt % hydrochar. The gaseous products contained5000 ppm H