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[Display omitted] • TaON/Bi 2 MoO 6 core–shell S-scheme heterojunction nanofibers were constructed. • TaON/Bi 2 MoO 6 exhibited high catalytic activity for LEV and Cr(VI) removal. • The LEV degradation pathway and the detoxification performance were analyzed. • TaON/Bi 2 MoO 6 boosts charge separation, redox capability and ROS production. Developing excellent photocatalysts for antibiotics degradation and Cr(VI) reduction is of vital significance but still a big challenge. Herein, novel S-scheme heterojunction of TaON/Bi 2 MoO 6 with a core–shell structure is constructed via an electrospinning-calcination-nitridation approach, where 2D Bi 2 MoO 6 nanosheets are uniformly and firmly anchored on the surface of 1D TaON nanofibers. The optimal TaON/Bi 2 MoO 6 with the TaON/Bi 2 MoO 6 molar ratio of 1:1 manifests the highest catalytic activity towards levofloxacin (LEV) antibiotic degradation and Cr(VI) reduction under visible light. The exceptional photocatalytic performance is probably due to the synergistic effect of the favorable core–shell fiber-shaped structure and S-scheme hetero-structure, which enables the strong interfacial interaction between the constituents for effectively improving the visible-light absorption, boosting the separation and utilization efficiency of electron-hole pairs, and retaining the charge carriers with stronger redox capabilities. Of note, TaON/Bi 2 MoO 6 possesses excellent stability and reusability. Photo-generated h+, •OH, and •O 2 – are the main reactive species accounting for LEV degradation, the detailed LEV degradation pathways are elucidated by detecting the intermediates using HPLC–MS and the toxicity of the intermediates are assessed by quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) method. In addition, •O 2 – and e– are primarily responsible for Cr(VI) reduction. Further, a possible photocatalytic reaction mechanism for removal of LEV and Cr(VI) is proposed. This study provides some insights in fabricating high-performance S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts for the efficient water purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smart textile with IR radiative cooling is of paramount importance for reducing energy consumption and improving the thermal comfort of individuals. However, wearable textile via facile methods for indoor/outdoor thermal management is still challenging. Here we present a novel simple, yet effective method for versatile thermal management via silver-coated polyamide (PA) textile. Infrared transmittance of coated fabric is greatly enhanced by 150% due to the multi-order reflection of silver coating. Based on their IR radiative cooling, indoors and outdoors, the skin surface temperature is lower by 1.1 and 0.9 °C than normal PA cloth, allowing the textile to be used in multiple environments. Moreover, the coated fabric is capable of active warming up under low voltage, which can be used in low-temperature conditions. These promising results exemplify the practicability of using silver-coated textile as a personal thermal management cloth in versatile environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of thermally activated persulfate on anaerobic digestion is incompletely understood. An orthogonal test was used to optimize the pretreatment process of corn straw using thermally activated persulfate, a lab-scale batch anaerobic digester was used for exploring the effect of pretreatment on anaerobic digestion. The optimal pretreatment conditions were 50 °C, 16 h, 0.5% Na 2 S 2 O 8 , pH = 5, and solid–liquid mass ratio (S:L) = 1:10, which was the most crucial factor. Lignin pretreatment with thermally activated sodium persulfate (SPS) considerably decreased. The yield of reducing sugar (RS) and VFAs were observably higher than the untreated group. This trend occurred because the thermal activation of persulfate primarily destroys the benzene ring in lignin by generating and releasing active sulfate radical (SO 4 ·−); moreover, hydroxyl radical (·OH) and SO 4 − work together during thermal activation. Furthermore, the daily biogas production of the groups pretreated for 16 and 48 h without elution were 22.78% and 26.80% higher than that of the group untreated, respectively. The degradation rates of total and volatile solids increased to 60% and 70% after the pretreatment. Therefore, thermally activated SPS could improve the performance and stability of anaerobic digestion, and the impact of dissolved organic matter loss exceeded that of residual Na+ and SO 4 2−. [Display omitted] • The optimum condition was 50 °C, 48 h, 0.5% Na 2 S 2 O 8 , pH 5, S: L = 1:10. • The lignin of straw was degraded by 77.18% after thermal activated SPS pretreatment. • The yields of RS and VFA were 2.38 and 0.67 times higher than control group. • Cumulative methane production pretreated by SPS reached 271.6 mL·g−1 VS [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: With three polymers (poly(1-butene), isotactic polypropylene and syndiotactic polypropylene) as model systems, the effect of extensional strain on the nucleation rate was studied using a home-made miniature extensional rheometer and in-situ X-ray scattering. A non-monotonic correlation between nucleation rate and strain is observed around rheological yield point. Increasing strain leads to an increase in nucleation rate as expected when strain is smaller than yield strain, however, it results in a decrease in nucleation rate when strain slightly exceeds yield. We proposed that disentanglement occurs at yield point and thus decelerates flow-induced nucleation. Disentanglement provides freedom for chains to retract and leads to a dissipation of the energy initially imposed by extensional flow, which consequently weakens the effect of flow field on the enhancement of nucleation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cl2 gas toxicity is complex and occurs during and after exposure, leading to acute lung injury (ALI) and reactive airway syndrome (RAS). Moreover, Cl2 exposure can occur in diverse situations encompassing mass casualty scenarios, highlighting the need for postexposure therapies that are efficacious and amenable to rapid and easy administration. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of a single dose of nitrite (1mg/kg) to decrease ALI when administered to rats via intraperitoneal (ip) or intramuscular (im) injection 30min after Cl2 exposure. Exposure of rats to Cl2 gas (400ppm, 30min) significantly increased ALI and caused RAS 6–24h postexposure as indexed by BAL sampling of lung surface protein and polymorphonucleocytes (PMNs) and increased airway resistance and elastance before and after methacholine challenge. Intraperitoneal nitrite decreased Cl2-dependent increases in BAL protein but not PMNs. In contrast im nitrite decreased BAL PMN levels without decreasing BAL protein in a xanthine oxidoreductase-dependent manner. Histological evaluation of airways 6h postexposure showed significant bronchial epithelium exfoliation and inflammatory injury in Cl2-exposed rats. Both ip and im nitrite improved airway histology compared to Cl2 gas alone, but more coverage of the airway by cuboidal or columnar epithelium was observed with im compared to ip nitrite. Airways were rendered more sensitive to methacholine-induced resistance and elastance after Cl2 gas exposure. Interestingly, im nitrite, but not ip nitrite, significantly decreased airway sensitivity to methacholine challenge. Further evaluation and comparison of im and ip therapy showed a twofold increase in circulating nitrite levels with the former, which was associated with reversal of post-Cl2 exposure-dependent increases in circulating leukocytes. Halving the im nitrite dose resulted in no effect in PMN accumulation but significant reduction of BAL protein levels, indicating a distinct nitrite dose dependence for inhibition of Cl2-dependent lung permeability and inflammation. These data highlight the potential for nitrite as a postexposure therapeutic for Cl2 gas-induced lung injury and also suggest that administration modality is a key consideration in nitrite therapeutics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Extension flow induced crystallization of isotatic polypropylene(iPP) has been studied with a combination of extension rheologicaland in situ small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements at 140°C. Rheological data of step extension on iPP melt are dividedinto before and beyond fracture strain zones in strain–strainrate space, where intermediate strains between them lead to fractureof samples. Coincidently, weak and strong accelerations of nucleationare observed in the before and beyond fracture strain zones respectively,where distinctly different features of crystallization kinetics andnucleation form occur in these two zones. The microrheological modelexplains the acceleration of nucleation in the “before fracturestrain zone” well, while a “ghost nucleation”mechanism is proposed to interpret the strong acceleration of nucleationin the “beyond fracture strain zone”. The “ghostnucleation” is due to the displacement of initial parent pointnuclei, where daughter nuclei are induced along the trails. This newmechanism explains well the acceleration of nucleation in orders ofmagnitude and the formation of shish in iPP melt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Intensely debated is whether the self-enhancement motive is culturally relative or universal. The universalist perspective predicts that satisfaction of the motive panculturally promotes psychological well-being. The relativistic perspective predicts that such promotive effects are restricted to Western culture. A longitudinal-randomized-experiment conducted in China and the US tested the competing predictions. Participants completed measures of psychological well-being in an initial session. A week later participants listed a personally important attribute, described (via random assignment) how that attribute is more (self-enhancement) or less (self-effacement) descriptive of self than others, and again reported their psychological well-being. Consistent with the universalist perspective, self-enhancement significantly increased psychological well-being from baseline in the US and China; self-effacement yielded no change in psychological well-being in either culture. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Chemokines and their corresponding receptors participate in transmigration of leukemic cells. ERM (ezrin/radixin/moesin) protein family act as linkers between the plasma membrane and the cytoskeleton and are key component in tumor metastasis. In this study we used the CCR9-expressing acute T lymphocytic cell line MOLT4 as a model and assesssed their morphological and functional changes in response to CCL25. The pseudopodium formed and ERM translocated from the cytoplasm to the cell membrane following treatment with CCL25. Ezrin silencing by miRNA showed that ezrin plays important roles in the polarization and invasive behaviour of MOLT4 cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A pilot-scale hybrid membrane bioreactor using a submerged flat panel membrane was designed and applied for advanced treatment of domestic wastewater. The new process adapted to the hybrid membrane bioreactor exhibits substantial decrease in membrane fouling and much easier cleaning. In this study, the new process configurations including the addition of anoxic/anaerobic zones, the package of synthetic fibrous fabric carrier for biofilm attached growth, activated sludge recycling and modified dosage of polished diatomite with high activity and multi-functions were investigated to select the optimal operational parameters for the hybrid membrane bioreactor system. The carrier package in the aerobic zone contributed 3.65 g/L (maximum) of fixed biomass to the system, thus reducing the suspended biomass, and has decreased the membrane cleaning cycle remarkably. The operation performance at the sludge recycle rate 0, 100%, 200% and 300% showed that, the trans-membrane pressure of flat panel membrane declined sharply with the increase of sludge recycling rate within a certain range, and 200% was decided to be optimal for in the membrane bioreactor system. EPS concentration in each sludge recycling rate was 135 mg/L, 92 mg/L, 68 mg/L and 55 mg/L respectively. The addition of anoxic and anaerobic zones degraded some large molecular organic compounds, which facilitated the biodegradation and removal of organic substances in aerobic zone. The modified dosage of polished diatomite has played a major important role for both preventing of membrane from fouling and its much easier cleaning when it formed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Conventional ultrastructural analyses of Helicobacter pylori and H. pylori-infected gastric mucosa by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) have limitations because of structural artifacts introduced during fixation.Methods: We used high-pressure freezing (HPF) followed by freeze substitution for TEM to investigate the ultrastructure of H. pylori and H. pylori-infected gastric mucosa. For HPF-freeze substitution, human gastric biopsy specimens were placed in the HPF instrument at a pressure of approximately 2,000 atm at the temperature of liquid nitrogen. Specimens were then transferred to an instrument for freeze substitution. Specimens were first placed in acetone containing 2% OsO4 at -85 degrees C. The temperature was increased to -3 degrees C, followed by embedding in Quetol 812. Ultrathin sections were double-stained by uranium acetate/lead nitrate. HPF and conventionally prepared samples were examined by TEM.Results: The H. pylori envelope was clearly seen to consist of an outer membrane, periplasmic space, and plasma membrane. The periplasmic space was filled with electron-dense materials. A peptidoglycan layer was only occasionally visible. A thick, very fine filamentous or reticular fringe corresponding to the bacterial glycocalyx was seen surrounding the H. pylori cells. At the adhesion loci of H. pylori to gastric epithelial cells, H. pylori was connected to the epithelial cells by very fine, thickly arranged filaments or more closely, with a contact zone. The epithelial cells showed indentations or pedestals.Conclusions: The well-developed, thick bacterial glycocalyx of H. pylori appears to strongly interact with external cellular components and may play an important role in the adhesion of H. pylori to epithelial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronary microvessels generate reactive oxygen species in response to high glucose (HG), resulting in vasodilator defects involving an impaired function of vascular K(+) channels. Inhibition of voltage-gated K(+) (K(v)) channels by peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)), formed by the interaction of superoxide and nitric oxide, may contribute to impaired dilation. The present study investigated whether HG induces ONOO(-) formation to mediate nitration and impairment of K(v) channels in rat small coronary arteries (RSCAs). Exposure to ONOO(-) reduced the dilator influence of K(v) channels in RSCAs. Patch-clamp studies revealed that ONOO(-) diminished whole-cell and unitary K(v) currents attributable to the K(v)1 gene family in smooth muscle cells. Subsequently, immunohistochemically detected enhancement of nitrotyrosine residues in RSCAs that were cultured in HG (23 mmol/l) compared with normal glucose (5.5 mmol/l) for 24 h correlated with the nitration of K(v)1.2 channel alpha-subunits. HG-induced nitrotyrosine formation was partially reversed by scavenging ONOO(-). Finally, RSCAs that were exposed to HG for 24 h showed a loss of K(v) channel dilator influence that also was partially restored by the ONOO(-) scavengers urate and ebselen. We conclude that ONOO(-) generated by HG impairs K(v) channel function in coronary microvessels, possibly by nitrating tyrosine residues in the pore-forming region of the K(v) channel protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The effect of adding Fe/C in different stage in two-phase high-solid digestion was investigated. • Maximum biomethane yield was achieved at adding Fe/C in two-phase high-solid digestion. • Fe/C mainly acted in the acidification phase. • The dominant genus changed from Methanothrix to Methanospirillum during the methanogenic phase. Two-phase high-solid digestion is conducive to the degradation of food waste. In this study, Fe/C was added in high-solid digestion in different acidification and/or methanogenic phase. The experimental results indicated that it significantly increased the cumulative yield of biomethane. When Fe/C was added to the acidification phase only and both the acidification and methanogenic phases, the biomethane yield reached 474.07 ± 7.03 and 475.47 ± 4.68 mL·g VS −1, respectively, and the biodegradation rate reached 87.30% and 87.58%, respectively, indicating that Fe/C had mainly effect on the performance of acidification phase. In a two-phase anaerobic fermentation system, the activity of dehydrogenases and the concentration of coenzyme F 420 were 2.23–2.95 mg·g−1·h−1 and 0.0063–0.0294 mol·g−1 volatile solids, respectively. Additionally, the archaeal communities production pathway of methane from using acetic acid to using hydrogen as the reactant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • High entropy oxide thin films were deposited at various oxygen flow fractions. • Transition from FCC to spinel phase was observed from XRD and TEM. • Higher oxygen flow fractions reduced the grain size and surface roughness of the films. • Significant presence of surface protective binary oxides of Al 2 O 3 and Cr 2 O 3 was evident. • Films achieved high hardness, enhanced resistance to oxidation and high hydrophobicity. High entropy alloys (HEAs) are considered as advanced materials with excellent properties, such as superior oxidation and corrosion resistance, high hardness and hydrophobicity and excellent thermal stability. The fabrication of thin films of non-metallic compounds such as oxides and nitrides has demonstrated further improvements in various properties of these high entropy-based materials. In this study, AlCoCrCu 0.5 FeNi high entropy oxide (HEO) thin films were deposited by radio frequency (RF) reactive magnetron sputtering from a custom-made target using three different oxygen flow fractions (R N) of 12.5, 25 and 50%. The microstructure, composition and physical properties of the HEO films were measured using a wide range of characterization methods. X-ray diffraction (XRD) detected a phase transformation from FCC to spinel structure with an increase in R N from 12.5 to 25%, while a further increase in R N from 25 to 50% retained a weak spinel phase as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) measured a decrease in both the average agglomerated grain size from 88 to 30 nm and the surface roughness from 6.81 to 1.16 nm with the increase in oxygen fraction from 12.5 to 50%. The film deposited at the highest R N of 50%, had the highest oxygen concentration of 42.7% as determined by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and 38.4% as determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). XPS measurements also indicated a significant presence of surface protective oxides of Al 2 O 3 and Cr 2 O 3 for all the HEO thin films. The film deposited at R N of 25% achieved the highest hardness of 11 GPa, while the film deposited at R N of 50% displayed the highest water contact angle (WCA) of 111°. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As fundamental load-bearing parts, the cylindrical steel structures of transmission towers relate to the stability of the main structures in terms of topological relation and performance. Therefore, the periodic monitoring of a cylindrical steel structure is necessary to maintain the safety and stability of existing structures in energy transmission. Most studies on deformation analysis are still focused on the process of identifying discrepancies in the state of a structure by observing it at different times, yet relative deformation analysis based on the data acquired in single time has not been investigated effectively. In this study, the piecewise cylinder fitting method is presented to fit the point clouds collected at a single time to compute the relative inclination of a cylindrical steel structure. The standard deviation is adopted as a measure to evaluate the degree of structure deformation. Meanwhile, the inclination rate of each section is compared with the conventional method on the basis of the piecewise cylinder fitting parameters. The validity and accuracy of the algorithm are verified by real transmission tower point cloud data. Experimental results show that the piecewise cylinder fitting algorithm proposed in this research can meet the accuracy requirements of cylindrical steel structure deformation analysis and has high application value in the field of structure deformation monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Source separation is regarded as a best practice for sustainable waste management, which is essential for a transition to a circular economy to recover value from waste. However, its implementation in China has faced many difficulties which are primarily inherent in the public's behaviour towards source separation of household waste. Based on multiple cases of innovative use of the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in China in recent years, this study establishes the concept of IoT-enabled accountability in household waste source separation by utilising the lens of accountability theory. Moreover, this research advances several propositions on the multiple dimensions of accountability mechanism to influence user behaviours. The study's findings provide guidance to governments, technology providers and waste management organisations on the use of IoT-based technological solutions for sustainable waste management. It stimulates future research on the use of IoT technologies in managing people's behaviour in a range of contexts beyond waste management alone. The study contributes to the growing literature on smart waste management. • IoT-enabled accountability concept is proposed in household waste source separation. • Multiple cases in China prove the effectiveness of IoT-enabled accountability. • Propositions are advanced on various dimensions of accountability mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Voids in PA concrete were classified into 3 types according to interconnectivity. • A new method was developed to reconstruct the 3D geometry of voids in PA concrete. • A modification method was proposed to obtain actual size of voids in PA concrete. • The topological structure (seepage path) of the 3D pore structures were drawn out. In this paper, a porous asphalt (PA) concrete specimen is taken as the research object to study the three-dimensional (3D) characterization of air voids in PA pavement. The digital cross-sectional images of the specimen were obtained by computed tomography (CT) scanning technology. Based on image processing technology and OTSU method, the voids were identified and separated from cross-sectional images and CT images were divided into three parts: void, asphalt mortar and aggregate. The 3D geometry of pores in the specimen was successfully reconstructed by 3D reconstruction technology proposed according to the overlapping principle. In order to obtain more accurate void size, a modification method was developed to reflect its actual value, and the topological structure of pore structures was studied at last. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) If necessary, image dodging should be conducted to uniform the illumination of CT images before segmentation, which may make a positive contribution to the segmentation results; (2) Pore structures in PA pavement can be divided into three types according to its interconnectivity with the external space, namely, interconnected pore, semi-interconnected pore and closed pore. (3) According to overlapping principle, pore structures can be reconstructed and separated into single pore with void images deducting those covering texture depth. (4) The 3D geometry of pores is complex and disordered, and the direction goes different, indicating that void size obtained from void images is generally larger than the actual size. (5) The actual size of voids in specimen is mainly distributed below 4.13 mm, mainly in the range of 1.03 ~ 1.55 mm and adjacent ranges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel 3D Ag/Ag 6 Si 2 O 7 /Bi 2 MoO 6 plasmonic p-n heterojunction photocatalyst has been designed and applied for efficiently photocatalytic removal of pharmaceutical antibiotics. • A novel plasmonic p-n heterojunction of 3D Ag/Ag 6 Si 2 O 7 /Bi 2 MoO 6 was fabricated. • AASO/BMO exhibits superior interfacial charge separation. • AASO/BMO manifests an efficient and stable photocatalytic activity. • The contact between AASO/BMO and antibiotics was vital for efficient degradation. The extensive production and consumption of pharmaceutical antibiotics are bringing serious environmental issues. Photocatalytic reaction has been emerging as an environment-friendly and effectively means for treating virous pollutants. Herein, we developed an effective photocatalytic system involving a novel plasmonic p-n heterojunction catalyst of Ag/Ag 6 Si 2 O 7 /Bi 2 MoO 6 to efficiently eliminate environmental pharmaceutical pollutants, where the catalyst was synthesized via the in-situ growth of Ag/p-Ag 6 Si 2 O 7 nanoparticles on n-Bi 2 MoO 6 microspheres during a controlled precipitation-photoreduction process. As we predicted, the optimized plasmonic p-n heterojunction of Ag/Ag 6 Si 2 O 7 /Bi 2 MoO 6 (AASO/BMO-3) shows a remarkable improved photocatalytic performance in eliminating ciprofloxacin (CIP) and tetracycline hydrochloride (TC). The reasons behind this fact is (1) the formation of p-n heterojunction between Ag 6 Si 2 O 7 and Bi 2 MoO 6 and (2) the precipitation of Ag nanoparticles with a plasmonic effect on Ag 6 Si 2 O 7 /Bi 2 MoO 6 , which made Ag/Ag 6 Si 2 O 7 /Bi 2 MoO 6 possess a better capacity to efficiently separate the photogenerated carriers and utilize the visible-light. Moreover, superoxide free radicals (O 2 –) and photo-excited holes (h+) were determined to be the main active species in degrading antibiotics by the results of quenching and ESR tests. In addition, relevant experiment results indicated that the direct contact between AASO/BMO-3 and antibiotics also played an important role in the efficient elimination of antibiotics. This work gives a new plasmonic p-n heterojunction of Ag/Ag 6 Si 2 O 7 /Bi 2 MoO 6 with an effective degradation and mineralization ability towards broad-spectrum antibiotics in aqueous solutions, further enriching the possibility of applying photocatalytic technology to treat wastewater containing pharmaceutical antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Square region segmentation algorithm was proposed for CT image segmentation. • Zwikiker-Kosten model of rigid skeleton porous material was improved. • Parameters for road design dominated by small vehicles were recommended. In order to further reveal the influence of voids on sound absorption performance of porous asphalt pavement, more factors were considered to improve an acoustic model (Zwikiker-Kosten) and structural optimization design of porous asphalt concrete (PAC) based on meso-structure was conducted in this paper. Based on the Otsu algorithm, a square image segmentation algorithm was proposed through comparative analysis to obtain the meso-structure characteristic parameters of voids in porous asphalt concrete. Combined with the effect of airflow velocity on the flow resistance and the measured sound absorption spectrum, the relationship between void length and pavement thickness was quantified, and the Zwikiker-Kosten model of rigid skeleton porous material was improved and verified for the prediction of sound absorption performance of PAC. Besides, the influence of void parameters on the sound absorption performance of PAC was analyzed, the structural optimization design was carried out for the road dominated by small vehicles, and proposing pavement design parameters at last. The results show that the two-dimensional air voids obtained by square region segmentation algorithm have high accuracy, which can be used for the recognition and segmentation of voids in CT images; According to the comparative and correlation analysis, the improved Zwikiker-Kosten model can accurately predict the sound absorption performance of PAC; The peak sound absorption coefficient (SAC) of PAC is mainly affected by air voids, while its corresponding frequency is mainly affected by the length of voids. Moreover, the road dominated by small vehicles was recommended to adopt the following design parameters: void equivalent diameter, air void and pavement thickness should be limited to about 3 mm, 18% and 30 mm, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High entropy alloy (HEA) thin films are extensively studied recently due to their propensity to display a combination of excellent properties such as high hardness, hydrophobicity, superior oxidation and corrosion resistance. Sputter deposition of thin films comprised of several elements typically requires the use of targets containing multiple elements, making both the stoichiometry and microstructure of the resulting films strongly dependent on the process parameters. In this study, HEA thin films of AlCoCrCu 0.5 FeNi were deposited at various radio frequency (RF) powers, from 200 to 300 W, to reveal how the power affects composition, microstructure and physical properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated a mixed phase of FCC and BCC and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) data revealed the presence of amorphous phases between the grain boundaries. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) respectively showed an increase in grain size and surface roughness with increasing RF power. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the presence of Al 2 O 3 and Cr 2 O 3 protective oxide layers on the surface of all the HEA films. The highest concentration of Al (19.7%) was detected by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) in the film deposited at the lowest power, which also had the highest nanoindentation hardness of 13 GPa. The hardness dropped to 4.5 GPa as power increased due to a reduction in Al concentration and an increase in average grain size. The film deposited at the highest power showed the highest hydrophobicity with a contact angle of 129°, while the lowest resistivity of 414 μΩ-cm was recorded for the sample deposited with the lowest power. This study shows the influence of deposition power on the microstructure and composition of the HEA thin films, demonstrating that the power can be an effective processing parameter to control various properties of AlCoCrCu 0.5 FeNi films. An understanding of how key process parameters affect the resulting thin film properties will enable application specific process optimization. • AlCoCrCu 0.5 FeNi thin films were deposited by RF magnetron sputtering from a single stoichiometric target at various powers. • Al concentration influences the structural and mechanical properties of the AlCoCrCu 0.5 FeNi thin films. • The microstructural evolution during the fabrication process was explained using the structure zone models (SZMs). • The role of RF power in controlling the microstructure and composition of the HEA films is revealed. • The films possess great promise as protective coatings for applications where high hardness, hydrophobicity and superior resistance to corrosion are critical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Qingfeng Paidu decoction + Western medicine are beneficial for COVID-19. • Combined therapy improves anti-inflammation in patients with COVID-19. • Combined therapy may mitigate the extent of multi-organ impairment in COVID-19. • Mortality rate and length of stay were unaffected by Qingfeng Paidu decoction. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) 2 2 COVID-19, Coronavirus Disease 2019. has emerged as a global pandemic. However, as effective treatments for this disease are still unclear, safe and efficient therapies are urgently needed. Qingfei Paidu decoction (QPD) 3 3 QPD, Qingfei Paidu decoction. is strongly recommended in the Chinese Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia Diagnosis and Treatment Plan (Provisional 6th Edition). However, clinical research data on the effects of QPD on COVID-19 are scarce. Our study aimed to explore the effects of combined treatment with QPD and Western medicine on COVID-19. In this study, 63 patients with confirmed COVID-19 were analyzed. During the first 14 days of hospitalization, patients with deteriorating symptoms were administered QPD along with Western medicine therapy (the antiviral medicine selected from interferon, lopinavir, or arbidol). The clinical characteristics and blood laboratory indices (blood routine, inflammatory factors, and multi-organ biochemical indices) were examined, and the total lung severity scores were evaluated in each patient by reviewing chest computed tomography before treatment and at the end of treatment. Before QPD treatment, the combined treatment group showed higher blood C-reactive protein levels and more severe pulmonary inflammation and clinical symptoms than the Western medicine treatment group. Both groups met the discharge criteria after a similar length of hospitalization. At the end of treatment, circulating white blood cells, total lymphocyte count, and glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase levels improved dramatically in both groups (P < 0.05). In contrast, C-reactive protein, creatine kinase, creatine kinase-myocardial band, lactate dehydrogenase, and blood urea nitrogen levels were improved only in the combined treatment group (P < 0.05), and C-reactive protein and creatine kinase were the most pronounced (P < 0.01). Compared with baseline, at the end of treatment, the proportion of patients with normal values of C-reactive protein, total lymphocyte count, and lactate dehydrogenase were increased in the combined treatment group (P < 0.05), whereas no significant difference was observed in the Western medicine treatment group (P > 0.05). The combination of QPD with Western medicine demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects compared with those of only Western medicine in patients with mild and moderate COVID-19; however, neither mortality nor length of hospitalization was affected. Moreover, the combined treatment tended to mitigate the extent of multi-organ impairment. Long-term randomized controlled trials with follow-up evaluations are required to confirm the results presented here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, WO 3 nanosheets are synthesized successfully through the hydrothermal method. Ru is thereafter efficiently loaded on the surface of WO 3 using the ethylene glycol-assisted solvothermal method. The gas sensing test shows that 0.5 wt% Ru-WO 3 exhibits the best performance towards xylene detection. Compared with the pure WO 3 sensor, the gas response of the sensor based on 0.5 wt% Ru-WO 3 in 100 ppm xylene increases from 11 to 73, and the operating temperature decreases from 375 °C to 280 °C. And an ultra-low detection limit of 25 ppb is obtained. In addition, the gas sensing performance of the Ru-loaded WO 3 sensor is much better than that of Au, Pt and Pd-loaded WO 3 sensors. The enhanced gas sensing performance can be attributed to the catalytic overflow of Ru and the formation of heterojunction between RuO 2 and WO 3. It is expected that this finding gives rise to further efforts on efficient and low-cost xylene sensors that are based on Ru-loaded WO 3. Image 1 • WO 3 nanosheets were prepared by a simple hydrothermal method and loaded Ru on WO 3 by ethylene glycol hydrothermal method. • Hydrothermal method could effectively loading Ru on WO 3. • Ru-WO 3 sensor has an ultra-low detection limit of 23 ppb to xylene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3D spacer fabrics are a type of sandwich structure consisting of two separate multifilament fabric outer layers linked together with a layer of spacer monofilaments. They have been widely used as energy absorbing materials and composite reinforcement. The microstructure features and compression behavior of a typical spacer fabric were investigated experimentally and numerically in this study. Eight unit cells with 64 spacer monofilaments were reconstructed from scanning of the fabric via Micro X-ray computed tomography (μCT). The geometric variations of the reconstructed spacer monofilaments were analyzed quantitatively. It was found that spacer monofilaments in different unit cells are different in length, curvature and torsion. A series of FE models based on different numbers and combinations of the identified unit cells were created. The FE simulation results showed that the geometric variations of spacer monofilaments have strong influence on the compression behavior, and the model with shorter length, lower curvature and torsion of spacer monofilaments has higher compression resistance. The compression resistance in the densification stage of the fabric increases with increasing the number of spacer monofilaments adopted due to more evident interactions among spacer yarns. This study provides an in-depth understanding on the compression behavior of spacer fabric. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A synthesized compound, ethyl 2,5-diphenyl-2H-1,2,3-triazole-4- carboxylate (EDTC) was investigated on its physiochemical parameters and structural properties by using the quantum-chemical method. The results on the theoretical spectrum of EDTC were line with experimental fluorescence and absorption spectrum in large degree. Then EDTC was successfully synthesized to a novel rhodamine-based fluorescent probe (REDTC), which showed a distinct fluorescence enhancement upon the presence of Hg2+ in dimethyl formamide-water (DMF-H 2 O) buffer solution (pH 7.4). Meanwhile, the triazole appended colorless compound turns to pink upon complex formation with Hg2+ ions as 1:2 molar ratios and enables naked-eye detection. The chromogenic mechanism was determined by using spectroscopic measurements and TD DFT calculation. The fluorescence imaging experiments of Hg2+ in HeLa cell revealed that the probe REDTC could be labeled and it could be used in biological systems. Also, the intermediate EDTC was developed as a sensitive fluorescent probe for specific studies on the interactions to three kinds of blood proteins including human serum albumin (HSA), human immunoglobulin (HIg) and bovine hemoglobin (BHb) by using a series of spectroscopic methods and molecular docking under the simulative physiological conditions. The interactions between EDTC and these proteins led to the distinct fluorescence enhancement. The thermodynamic measured results further suggested that hydrophobic forces play a dominating role in stabilizing the complexes, which are in correspondence with the results from molecular docking. The UV–visible, synchronous, and three-dimensional (3D) fluorescence measurements demonstrated that EDTC influences the conformational of proteins and the microenvironment surrounding HSA, HIg, or BHb in aqueous solution. Image 1 • A synthesized 1, 2, 3-triazole EDTC was designed and synthesised a novel rhodamine based fluorescent chemosensors REDTC. • REDTC selectively responds to Hg2+ and also facilitates "naked-eye" detection of Hg2+. • Using chemometrics to analyze of the structural and photophysical properties of EDTC. • The interaction of EDTC with HSA, HIgG or BHb based on molecular docking and the muti-spectral methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel flower-like Ag/Ag2CrO4/BiOCOOH heterojunction photocatalyst was synthesized by a facile in-situ precipitation strategy combined with photoreduction treatment. Morphological studies revealed that numerous Ag/Ag2CrO4 nanoparticles were evenly anchored on BiOCOOH microflowers, producing a novel heterojunction with the compactly interfacial contact. Optical absorption characterization demonstrated that Ag/Ag2CrO4/BiOCOOH possessed much better sunlight harvesting ability than Ag2CrO4/BiOCOOH and BiOCOOH. Photocatalytic experiments verified that compared with BiOCOOH, Ag2CrO4, Ag/Ag2CrO4, and Ag2CrO4/BiOCOOH, Ag/Ag2CrO4/BiOCOOH achieved remarkable efficiency by eliminating 100% of rhodamine B (RhB), 82.6% of methyl orange (MO) or 69.4% of ciprofloxacin (CIP) within 50 min at a catalyst dosage of 0.4 g/L. The high photocatalytic performance is likely owing to the improved sunlight response and the distinctly suppressed recombination of charge carriers arising from the formation of the novel 3D hierarchical heterostructure. The quenching test signified that h+, and •O2− were detected as the prevailing active species in wastewater treatment. This study may provide a viable strategy for enhancing the photocatalytic performance of wide band-gap semiconductors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metastasis determines the lethality of cancer. In most clinical cases, patients are able to live with tumor proliferation before metastasis. Thus, the transition from tumor proliferation to metastasis/invasion is essential. However, the mechanism is still unclear and especially, the proliferation-to-metastasis/invasion transition point has not been well defined. Therefore, quantitative characterization of this transition is urgently needed. We have successfully developed a home-built living-cell incubation system combined with an inverted optical microscope, and a systematic, quantitative approach to describing the major characteristic morphological parameters for the identification of the critical transition points for tumor-cell spheroids in a collagen fiber scaffold. The system focuses on in vitro tumor modeling, e.g. the development of tumor-cell spheroids in a collagen fiber scaffold and the monitoring of cell transition from proliferation to invasion. By applying this approach to multiple tumor spheroid models, such as U87 (glioma tumor), H1299 (lung cancer), and MDA-MB-231 (breast cancer) cells, we have obtained quantitative morphological references to evaluate the proliferation-to-invasion transition time, as well as differentiating the invasion potential of tumor cells upon environmental changes, i.e. drug application. Our quantitative approach provides a feasible clarification for the proliferation-to-invasion transition of in vitro tumor models (spheroids). Moreover, the transition time is a useful reference for the invasive potential of tumor cells. This quantitative approach is potentially applicable to primary tumor cells, and thus has potential applications in the fields of cancer metastasis investigations and clinical diagnostics. • Proliferation-to-invasion transition model by tumor spheroids in defined conditions • Image-based, automated and quantitative analysis of the morphological transitions • Proposed suitable parameters for well definition of the transition point • Transition point and time provide good assistance for cancer invasion investigation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The correlation between structures and the T c in FeSe-family is presented for the first time. • The distorted FeSe 4 tetrahedron plays an important role in understanding the superconductivity. • The electronic correlation and FS nesting between electron pockets are associated with distorted FeSe 4 tetrahedron. • The crystal structure of N 0.81(1) D 3.24(2) Fe 2 Se 2 is determined by neutron and x-ray powder diffraction. We demonstrate that unique cation, ND 4 (1−δ)+, exists between FeSe layers and induces a large distortion of the FeSe 4 tetrahedron in N 0.81(1) D 3.24(2) Fe 2 Se 2 by neutron and X-ray powder diffraction. The electronic correlations of the Fe 3d electrons and Fe d xy , d yz and d xz band widths could be tuned by changing the FeSe 4 tetrahedron distortion, revealing the importance of lattice distortion to the superconductivity of FeSe-based intercalates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel heterojunction photocatalysts with remarkable photocatalytic capabilities and durability for degrading recalcitrant contaminants are extremely desired; however, their development still remains quite challenging. In this study, a series of flower-like BiOI/BiOCOOH p–n heterojunctions were fabricated via a controlled in situ anion-exchange process. During the process, BiOI formation and even deposition on BiOCOOH microspheres with tight interfacial contact were realized. As expected, BiOI/BiOCOOH heterojunctions revealed remarkable enhancements in photocatalytic antibiotic degradation capacities under visible light irradiation compared with pristine BiOI and BiOCOOH. The best-performing BiOI/BiOCOOH heterojunction (i.e., IBOCH-2) showed much improved photocatalytic CIP degradation efficiency of approximately 81- and 3.9-fold greater than those of bare BiOI and BiOCOOH, respectively. The eminent photocatalytic performances were due not only to the enhanced capability in harvesting photon energies in visible light regions, but also the accelerated separation of electrons and holes boosted by the p–n heterojunction. Active species trapping tests demonstrated that superoxide free radicals (•O2−) and photo-generated holes (h+) were major active species for CIP degradation. Recycling experiments verified the good durability of BIBO-2 over four runs. The facile in situ synthesis route and excellent performance endow flower-like BiOI/BiOCOOH heterojunctions with a promising potential for actual environmental remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel 3D flower-like Ag/AgCl/BiOCOOH ternary heterojunction photocatalysts were fabricated by the solvothermal and in-situ precipitation methods, followed by light reduction treatment. The Ag/AgCl nanoparticles were homogeneously distributed on 3D BiOCOOH microspheres. These obtained catalysts were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), and photoluminescence (PL). As expected, they exhibited extraordinary photocatalytic capabilities for the elimination of rhodamine B (RhB) and ciprofloxacin (CIP) under simulated sunlight, the results revealed that the Ag/AgCl/BiOCH-3 with 20 wt.% of Ag/AgCl possessed the maximum activity, and the rate constant for the RhB degradation reached up to 0.1353 min−1, which was about 16.5 or 12.2 times that of bare BiOCOOH or Ag/AgCl. The PL characterization further verified that Ag/AgCl/BiOCOOH heterojunctions were endowed with the effective separation of photogenerated carriers. The excellent photocatalytic ability of Ag/AgCl/BiOCOOH could be credited to the synergistic interactions between Ag/AgCl and BiOCOOH, which not only substantially widened the light absorption, but also evidently hindered the charge recombination. The trapping experiments revealed that the dominant reactive species in RhB removal were h+, •OH, and •O2− species. In addition, Ag/AgCl/BiOCOOH was quite stable and easily recyclable after multiple cycles. The above results imply that the 3D flower-like Ag/AgCl/BiOCOOH ternary heterojunction photocatalyst holds promising prospects in treating industrial wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoelectronic properties can be effectively modulated by external mechanical stimulation, which have been widely researched on materials with non-centrosymmetric wurtzite structure. Topological insulator (TI) materials with symmetric crystal structure have been theoretically predicted that its photoelectronic properties would also be greatly modulated through strain modulation effect. Here, for the first time, we experimentally demonstrate the strain modulation effect of TI Bi 2 Se 3 nanowires (NWs), opening an innovative way to enhance the optoelectronic performance of TI materials. Single-crystal TI Bi 2 Se 3 NWs were synthesized via a micro-environmental control chemical vapor deposition method. Based on these NWs, a high-performance photodetector (PD) with high responsivity, and broadband detection range from ultraviolet to near-infrared were fabricated. By introducing an external 0.54% compressive strain, the photocurrent and responsivity were enhanced by 97% and 503%, respectively, upon excitation by 442 nm light with an intensity of 17.6 mW/cm2. A theoretical model of the schematic energy band diagram was proposed to illustrate the enhancement mechanism. The results of theoretical calculation indicate that the conduction band of the TI can be modulated by strain, which can then influence the metal-semiconductor (M-S) junction potential for charges transport. This study reports a high-quality TI Bi 2 Se 3 NWs based strain-modulated PDs, broadening the family of strain modulation materials system, and offering a promising material for high-performance broadband detectors. • High quality of topological insulator Bi2Se3 NWs were synthesized with micro-environment controlled CVD process. • High performance of broad spectrum detection range from ultraviolet to infrared were demonstrated. • The strain modulation effect of topological insulator Bi2Se3 NWs was firstly demonstrated experimentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dual-color fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) based aptasensor is described for simultaneous determination of the mycotoxins aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and ochratoxin A (OTA). Aptamers against AFM1 and OTA were labeled with two fluorophores with different excitation wavelengths (Cy5.5; 675 nm; and Alexa 405; 401 nm), respectively. They were used as the signalling probes. A compact dual-color evanescent wave all-fiber detection system with two lasers (635 nm; red; and 405 nm; purple) was used for the simultaneous collection of two-wavelength fluorescence signals. The hybridization of labeled aptamers with complementary sequences (Q-cDNA) labeled with a dark quencher (BHQ3 or dabcyl) causes fluorescence to be strongly reduced because of the fluorescence resonance energy transfer. In the presence of AFM1 and OTA, they bind to their respective aptamer and result in the dissociation of double stranded DNA, which induce fluorescence recovery. Under the optimum conditions, AFM1 and OTA can simultaneously and selectively be determined ranged from 1 ng·L−1 to 1 mg·L−1. The detection limits of AFM1 and OTA are 21 and 330 ng·L−1, respectively (S/N = 3). The FRET-based dual-color detection scheme was applied to the simultaneous detection of AFM1 and OTA in milk with good recovery, precision, and accuracy.Aptamers against AFM1 and OTA were labeled with two fluorophores with different excitation wavelengths (Cy5.5; 675 nm; and Alexa 405; 401 nm) and then used as signalling probes. A FRET-based aptasensor is described for simultaneous determination of AFM1 and OTA using dual-color evanescent wave system with two lasers (635 nm; red; and 405 nm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A SERS-based aptasensor for ochratoxin A (OTA) is described. It is making use of Fe3O4@Au magnetic nanoparticles (MGNPs) and of Au@Ag nanoprobes modified with the Raman reporter 5,5-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid; DTNB). Au-DTNB@Ag NPs were modified with the OTA aptamer (aptamer-GSNPs) and used as Raman signal probes. The SERS peak of DTNB at 1331 cm−1 was used for quantitative analysis. MGNPs modified with cDNA (cDNA-MGNPs) were used as capture probes and reinforced substrates. When the Au-DTNB@Ag-Fe3O4@Au complexes are formed through oligonucleotide hybridization, the Raman signal intensity of the Raman probe is significantly enhanced. If the OTA concentration in samples increases, more Raman signal probes (aptamer-GSNPs) will dissociate from the cDNA-MGNPs because more OTA aptamer is bound by OTA. This leads to a lower Raman signal after magnetic separation. Under the optimal conditions, the detection limit for OTA is 0.48 pg·mL−1 based on 3σ criterion. This is attributed to the multiple Raman signal enhancement and the good performance of the OTA aptamer. The good recovery and accuracy of the assay was confirmed by evaluating spiked samples of wine and coffee.Schematic of an aptamer based SERS assay for OTA by integrating Fe3O4@AuNPs (MGNPs) with Au-DTNB@Ag NPs with multiple signal enhancement. Aptamer modified Au-DTNB@Ag NPs are used as Raman probes, and MGNPs modified with cDNA are used as capture probes and reinforced substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Notable features of the title process are high yields, operational simplicity, and an inexpensive catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It has been well documented that obesity is closely associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Although body mass index (BMI) is the most frequently used method to assess overweightness and obesity, this method has been criticized because BMI does not always reflect true body fatness, which may be better evaluated by assessment of body fat and fat-free mass. The objective of this study was to investigate the best indicator to predict the presence of MetS among fat mass index, BMI and percentage of body fat (BF %) and determine its optimal cut-off value in the screening of MetS in practice.Methods: A cross-sectional study of 1698 subjects (aged 20-79 years) who participated in the annual health check-ups was employed. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Fat mass index (FMI) was calculated. Sex-specific FMI quartiles were defined as follows: Q1: <4.39, Q2:4.39- < 5.65, Q3:5.65- < 7.03, Q4:≥7.03,in men; and Q1:<5.25, Q2:5.25- < 6.33, Q3:6.33- < 7.93,Q4:≥7.93, in women. MetS was defined by National Cholesterol Education Program/Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. The association between FMI quartiles and MetS was assessed using Binary logistic regression. Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis was used to determine optimal cutoff points for BMI,BF% and FMI in relation to the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity in men and women.Results: The adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) for the presence of MetS in the highest FMI quartile versus lowest quartile were 79.143(21.243-294.852) for men (P < 0.01) and 52.039(4.144-653.436) for women (P < 0.01) after adjusting age, BMI, BF%, TC, LDL, CRP, smoking status and exercise status, and the odds ratios were 9.166(2.157-38.952) for men (P < 0.01) and 25.574(1.945-336.228) for women (P < 0.05) when WC was also added into the adjustment. It was determined that BMI values of 27.45 and 23.85 kg/m2, BF% of 23.95% and 31.35% and FMI of 7.00 and 7.90 kg/m2 were the optimal cutoff values to predict the presence of MetS among men and women according to the ROC curve analysis. Among the indicators used to predict MetS, FMI was the index that showed the greatest area under the ROC curve in both sexes.Conclusions: Higher FMI levels appear to be independently and positively associated with the presence of MetS regardless of BMI and BF%. FMI seems to be a better screening tool in prediction of the presence of metabolic syndrome than BMI and percentage of body fat in men and women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unique hierarchically porous spherical Co3O4 superstructures were synthesized via a surfactant-free hydrothermal process followed by a calcination treatment, in which the concentration of reactant cobalt (II) nitrate hexahydrate is a key factor affecting the morphology of products. X-ray powder diffraction, electron microscopies (TEM and SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis were employed to investigate the formation of Co3O4 spherical superstructures. Our results suggest that they formed from numerous cubic Co3O4 nanocrystals via an oriented attachment mechanism. These superstructures exhibit a high specific capacity of 1750 mA h g−1 after the first charge–discharge cycle, and the capacity retention remains at a constant of 1600 mA h g−1 at 0.2 C after 50 cycles. The facile, scalable, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly nature of the presented approach renders it particularly attractive from a technological standpoint. In addition, this scalable and facile synthesis method could be extended to the preparation of other transition metal oxides with specific morphologies and surface textures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]