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Screening for low-accumulation varieties is an effective way to reduce the cadmium (Cd) content in crops and decrease human Cd intake. In this study, a field experiment was conducted to analyze the characteristics of Cd absorption and accumulation in 24 maize varieties at maturity in farmland with different levels of Cd pollution. Cluster analysis and Pareto analysis methods were used to screen for maize varieties with low Cd absorption. In addition, the environmental threshold of Cd in farmland in the study area was estimated based on the Species Sensitivity Distribution (SSD) characteristics of different maize Cd enrichment coefficients (1/BCF). The results showed that maize in the study area was subject to varying degrees of Cd pollution, with total soil Cd content ranging from 1.81 to 2.71 mg·kg−1 at test site 1 and from 0.95 to 1.76 mg·kg−1 at test site 2. Only the Cd content of heavy metals in maize kernels at test site 2 did not exceed China's national food safety standard (GB 2762-2022, 0.1 mg·kg−1), with the Cd content of different maize varieties at test site 2 ranging from 0.008 to 0.073 mg·kg−1 and the bioconcentration factor (BCF) of maize kernels for Cd ranging from 0.004 to 0.054. According to cluster analysis and Pareto analysis, the low-Cd accumulation maize varieties suitable for local planting were identified as Yufeng 303, Nongda 372, Jingnongke 728, MC121 (Fengda Seed Industry), and Jinyu 1233. In addition, the soil Cd environmental threshold for ensuring that 95% of maize would not be polluted by Cd in soil was derived as 1.39 mg·kg−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The acquisition of the timing and duration of metamorphic mineral growth is the key to understanding the evolution of metamorphic belts. Garnet Lu–Hf geochronology is becoming increasingly powerful in this aspect. It is believed that garnet Lu–Hf radiometric systems are preserved during low-temperature metamorphism. However, this hypothesis has not been systematically tested. To examine the Lu–Hf systematics of garnets during low-temperature metamorphism, we conducted radiometric dating on individual garnet crystals of different sizes from a single micaschist in the North Qilian orogenic belt. The garnet Lu–Hf dates correlate well with the grain sizes and their core Mn concentrations. The positive correlation between the ages and grain sizes suggests that grain size is a proxy for preserving garnet nucleation and growth history. Small grains nucleated and grew later than large crystals. The Lu–Hf date of the individual garnet crystals faithfully recorded the total growth time span. The date difference of ~16 Myr is the minimum duration of the total garnet growth. The age discrepancy between the micaschist and the eclogite indicates they may not have experienced the same subduction and exhumation in the North Qilian orogenic belt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-dimensional organic–inorganic hybrid halides, as an important branch of metal halide materials, have attracted much attention due to their excellent photoelectric properties. Herein, we designed one new hybrid cadmium chloride [C5H14NO]CdCl3 based on combinations of the d10 metal cation (Cd2+) and choline chloride molecules. [C5H14NO]CdCl3 single crystals belong to the orthorhombic Pna21 space group and show a one-dimensional (1D) structure with distorted [CdCl5O]5− octahedra. The second harmonic generation (SHG) response of [C5H14NO]CdCl3 exhibits an intensity of approximately 0.4 × KDP. Moreover, the photoluminescence properties of the [C5H14NO]CdCl3 crystal are activated by doping with Sn2+ ions having stereochemically active lone pair 5s2 electrons. Under UV excitation conditions, bright greenish-yellow light emission can be observed, and the quantum efficiency (PLQY) is as high as 91.27%. The luminescence mechanism is revealed by combining the results of temperature dependent luminescence and density functional theory (DFT) calculation. This work can serve as a guide for the design and synthesis of emerging optical materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isolates of three endornavirus species were identified co-infecting an unidentified species of Ceratobasidium, itself identified as a symbiont from within the roots of a wild plant of the terrestrial orchid Pterostylis vittata in Western Australia. Isogenic lines of the fungal isolate lacking all three mycoviruses were derived from the virus-infected isolate. To observe how presence of endornaviruses influenced gene expression in the fungal host, we sequenced fungus-derived small RNA species from the virus-infected and virus-free isogenic lines and compared them. The presence of mycoviruses influenced expression of small RNAs. Of the 3272 fungus-derived small RNA species identified, the expression of 9.1% (300 of 3272) of them were up-regulated, and 0.6% (18 of 3272) were down-regulated in the presence of the viruses. Fourteen novel micro-RNA-like RNAs (Cer-milRNAs) were predicted. Gene target prediction of the differentially expressed Cer-milRNAs was quite ambiguous; however, fungal genes involved in transcriptional regulation, catalysis, molecular binding, and metabolic activities such as gene expression, DNA metabolic processes and regulation activities were differentially expressed in the presence of the mycoviruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-dimensional organic–inorganic metal halides have shown great application potential and new opportunities for use in solid-state lighting due to their excellent optical and electronic properties. However, the most studied hybrid compounds contain lead, which limits their application environments. The preparation of organic–inorganic metal halides with high luminous efficiency, long-term stability, and a lead-free composition for environmental protection has become an important goal for the design of materials. Here, novel Sb3+-doped indium-based metal halides, (CH3NH3)4InCl6·Cl, have been designed and synthesized via a simple mechanical ball milling method; in the lead-free zero-dimensional (0D) halide (CH3NH3)4InCl6·Cl, isolated [InCl6]3− octahedra are separated by methylamine cations. Under UV excitation, the bulk-phase powder exhibits broadband orange-yellow emission peaking at 607 nm with a full width at half-maximum of ∼160 nm upon incorporating Sb3+ into the (CH3NH3)4InCl6·Cl matrix. The photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of Sb3+-doped (CH3NH3)4InCl6·Cl is as high as 67.72%. The effects of the Sb3+-doping concentration on the crystal structure and optical characteristic have been investigated. The indirect band gap characteristics of (CH3NH3)4InCl6·Cl were demonstrated via density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and the relatively wide band gaps of 3.83 eV and 2.99 eV of (CH3NH3)4InCl6·Cl and (CH3NH3)4ClInCl6:Sb3+ were experimentally determined. These experimental results suggest that the as-prepared Sb3+-doped (CH3NH3)4InCl6·Cl has potential applications in solid-state lighting devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the safety and clinical effectiveness of computed tomography (CT)-guided cryoablation for functional adrenal aldosteronoma. From June 2012 to December 2018, 11 patients with functional adrenal aldosteronoma underwent CT-guided cryoablation in our center. Data comprising complete ablation rate, clinical success rate, procedure-related complications and long-term outcome were collected and analyzed. A total of 11 aldosteronoma in 11 patients were treated. Complete ablation was achieved in all patients after a single ablation session. No procedure-related complications occurred. Clinical success rate was 100%. Mean aldosterone levels, and systolic and diastolic pressure decreased from 858.6 ± 93.2 pmol/L, 156.4 ± 7.8 mmHg and 90.0 ± 10.5 mmHg prior to treatment, respectively, to 321.8 ± 41.2 pmol/L (p <.001), 129.1 ± 9.4 mmHg (p <.001) and 76.4 ± 5.5 mmHg (p =.005) after treatment, respectively. Mean renin and potassium improved from 0.2 ± 0.1 μg/L/h and 2.9 ± 0.2 mmol/L before treatment, respectively to 4.6 ± 0.4 μg/L/h (p <.001) and 4.2 ± 0.2 mmol/L (p <.001) following treatment, respectively. No tumor or clinical symptom recurrence occurred during the follow-up. CT-guided cryoablation is a safe and effective method for the treatment of functional adrenal aldosteronoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An indium and phosphorus co-doped g-C3N4 photocatalyst (In,P-g-C3N4) was prepared by K2HPO4 post-treatment of an indium-doped g-C3N4 photocatalyst (In-g-C3N4) derived from in situ copolymerization of dicyandiamide and indium chloride. The experimental results and theoretical simulations revealed that the doped indium ions were located between the planes of g-C3N4 and phosphorus atoms were introduced into the g-C3N4 plane by replacing the carbon atoms, which existed in the form of P＝N bonds. The co-doping of indium and phosphorus with g-C3N4 not only extended its response to the visible light region but also synergistically promoted the separation and migration of photogenerated charge carriers. As a result, the In,P-g-C3N4 photocatalyst exhibited a hydrogen evolution rate as high as 4.03 mmol h−1 g−1, ca. 50 times that of pristine g-C3N4 (0.08 mmol h−1 g−1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• GNS layer induced by SMRT enhanced the strength-ductility synergy of 316L steel. • Gradient microstructure effectively inhibits strain localization during deformation. • SMRT 316L displays phase transformation and cyclic softening under fatigue at 650 ℃. • Fatigue life is well predicted by CPFE model with plastic-slip-based indicator. • Multi-scale failure mechanism is studied for GNS 316L under strain fatigue at 650 ℃. Gradient nanostructured materials have excellent fatigue resistance. At present, there are few research on the fatigue properties of gradient nanostructured (GNS) materials at high temperature. Herein, the multi-scale failure mechanism of GNS 316L steel at 650 °C is studied, and the high temperature fatigue tests under different strain amplitudes are conducted. Then, post-test microstructure observations were carried out to reveal the damage mechanisms, and the fatigue behavior was numerically simulated by crystal plasticity model. The experimental results show that the strength of the GNS 316L steel is still higher than that of the coarse-grained (CG) 316L steel at 650 °C, and the fatigue life of the GNS 316L steel is also higher than that of the CG one under strain fatigue loadings. The fatigue fracture results show that the fatigue crack presents a mixed propagation mode, and the crack source of GNS 316L transfers from surface to subsurface under low strain amplitude. The numerical results directly reflect the influence of the GNS surface layer on the plastic slip behavior. The fatigue failure mechanism of GNS 316L steel under strain-controlled cyclic loading at 650 °C was explained from a multi-scale perspective. This study provides data and method support for the application of GNS 316L steel at high temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fatigue failure mechanism was elucidated for multi-stage centrifugal pump shaft. • Specific technical measures to prevent pump shaft failure were proposed. • Fatigue resistance design is performed for pump shaft structure and coupling. • Feasibility of the new pump shaft system has been verified by experiment. In the operation of multistage centrifugal pump, the pump shaft of 304 stainless steel is subjected to a variety of alternating loads. It is one of the parts prone to failure. The fracture microscopic observation, chemical composition analysis and mechanical property measurement of the fractured pump shaft are carried out. Through the fracture analysis, it is found that the pump shaft failure is caused by fatigue mechanism with characteristic of multi-source crack initiation, and there are many cavities and inclusions at the fracture. From the numerical analysis, it is found that there is significant stress concentration at the fracture, which exceeds the fatigue limit of the material and eventually leads to the fatigue fracture. Besides, the appropriate fillet radius and elastic coupling are designed for the pump shaft, which can effectively reduce the stress concentration and improve the service life of the pump shaft. Finally, the fatigue life of the improved pump shaft was experimentally verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the evident spatial disparity in China's energy consumption and economic development, achieving Pareto optimization of regional energy allocation efficiency proves to be a formidable challenge. Based on this, this paper ingeniously proposed an extended "labor-capital-energy-environment" resource mismatch mode, using 2004–2018 provincial panel data to measure and analyze the spatiotemporal pattern of China's energy mismatch and efficiency loss, while further investigating influencing factor. The results show that: (1) Although the degree of resource misallocation has decreased, the reduction of the number of provinces with excessive energy allocation and the serious shortage of energy allocation are the only effects of the optimization of energy resource misallocation, which has not significantly improved the situation overall. (2) Energy resource misallocation has grown to be a significant factor in China's losses in green total factor productivity (GTFP) brought on by resource misallocation. In addition, the extent of energy mismatch's loss in GTFP demonstrates the spatial heterogeneity of the "eastern > central > northeast > west" region. (3) Environmental regulation can significantly reduce energy mismatch and it is more successful at addressing the issue of excess energy than inadequate energy allocation. Also, the "rebound effect" of technological progress is the main factor aggravating the shortage of energy allocation. • We innovatively proposed an expanded "labor-capital-energy-environment" HK model to construct a theoretical framework for the impact of factor price distortions on GTFP. • The optimization of energy resource misallocation is only reflected in the serious shortage of energy allocation and the reduction of the number of provinces with excessive energy allocation. • The degree of GTFP loss of energy mismatch shows the regional heterogeneity of "eastern > central > northeast > west" spatially. • Environmental regulation can significantly improve the problems of energy mismatch and surplus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate soil management has long been the focus of research in agroecology. Crop productivity can be enhanced while reducing environmental threats from excessive fertilization by fully comprehending the spatial variability of soil properties and delineating management zones (MZs). A field investigation was carried out at experimental sites outside Hefei City's administrative districts in China to study the spatial variability of soil properties and the delineation of MZs. A total of 9601 soil samples were collected in the study area. A variety of soil properties were analyzed, including the pH, organic matter, total nitrogen, alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium, slowly released potassium, available sulfur, available boron, available copper, available zinc, available iron, and available manganese. The coefficient of variation for various soil properties exhibited a wide range, spanning from 12.2% to 100.5%. The geostatistical results show that most soil properties have moderate to strong spatial autocorrelation, and the ordinary kriging method is used to map the distribution of soil properties. The principal component analysis method was used to reduce the dimension of 13 soil properties to 4 principal components, and the fuzzy c-means clustering method was used to delineate MZs. The calculation results of the fuzzy performance index and normalized classification entropy show that the optimum number of MZs is five. In the study area, the western part exhibits the highest soil fertility, primarily attributed to its elevated organic matter content. Additionally, organic matter emerges as a key factor influencing sustainable agricultural production in this region. These results form the basis for soil managing areas outside the administrative districts of Hefei City. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• W-type fiber design to improve Q-switched Yb-doped fiber lasers (YDFLs) is proposed. • A fiber was fabricated by employing modified chemical vapor deposition. • The Yb-doped W-type fiber exhibited enhanced beam quality and output spectra. We report a W-type fiber design for improving the beam quality and spectral purity of the Q-switched Yb-doped fiber lasers (YDFLs). Our W-type fiber exhibited higher losses in the high order modes (>100 dB/m) and lower losses in the fundamental modes (<0.1 dB/m). A 20/130 μm Yb-doped W-type fiber was fabricated by employing a modified chemical vapor deposition (MCVD) process and a solution-doping technique. The Yb-doped W-type fiber was examined in an acousto-optic Q-switched YDFL. A robust single-mode operation with a 1.19 M2 factor was obtained by optimizing the bending radii. The suppression of mixed mode four-wave mixing (FWM) and amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) was observed in the output spectral with an 18 dB signal to noise ratio (SNR) enhancement at 1064 nm and a 5.3 dB ASE inhibition ratio at 1030 nm. The Yb-doped W-type fiber exhibited enhanced beam quality and output spectra than the conventional Yb-doped step-type refractive index fiber. Therefore the W-type fiber suits the Q-switched fiber laser applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The radiation induced static mode degradation (SMD) was discovered and studied. • The threshold of SMD could be related with the composition of active fiber and increases with the increase of Ce. • When the Ce concentration increased by 35.5%, SMD threshold rose by 16% at most. We report on an experimental investigation of radiation induced static mode degradation in Yb-Ce co-doped pulsed fiber amplifiers. For investigating the impact of irradiation on beam quality, radiation-darkened fibers were irradiated by gamma rays. The laser properties of three types of fibers were investigated. With the pump power increased, static mode degradation appeared: M2 factor raised significantly and the output beam profile transformed from LP 01 into LP 11 shape without high-frequency component. The threshold of static mode degradation decreased with irradiation dose, and related to Yb-Ce co-doped fiber compositions. The doping of Ce benefits to the improvement of the static mode degradation threshold: in the case of the Ce concentration increasing by 35.5%, SMD threshold rose by 16% at most. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Islanding detection plays an important role in operation and control of distributed generations (DGs). In this study, a novel hybrid method is proposed, which combines decision tree (DT) with voltage and frequency positive feedbacks for islanding detection in DGs. In the proposed method, the feature indices of prescribed events are captured and recorded in a target location to train a DT classifier, and the classifier can then be used for categorising islanding mode or grid‐connected mode. The voltage and frequency positive feedback schemes are employed to regulate the DG power outputs based on voltage and frequency deviation between DG outputs and rated values. Furthermore, the disturbances are introduced to change the feature indices significantly when DG is switched to islanding mode, which can increase the sensitivities of feature indices and improve detection accuracy. The proposed hybrid method has been fully evaluated and tested on a representative DG system with two DGs. Simulation studies demonstrate that the proposed method can detect the islanding more accurately in situations where the power is balanced between DG output and load consumption, and can also improve detection accuracy in situations where DG system operates in minimum or maximum loading states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Renewable energy generation is considered as an important approach to solve energy and environment problems in the future. Distributed generation technique is a primary way to utilize renewable energy. Microgrid integrated with different kinds of distributed resources can improve energy efficiency and reduce the negative impact on power grid. Microgrid may operate in grid-connected or islanding mode, running on quite different strategies. Effective islanding detection methods are indispensable to realize optimal operation of microgrid. In this paper, performance indices and critical technique problems are discussed. Islanding detection methods are also classified. The paper aims to discuss the improvement of several performance indices, including non-detection zone (NDZ), detection time, error detection ratio and power quality, to evaluate different detection methods. Effectiveness in multiple-inverter cases is also analyzed. According to the comparison upon the advantages and disadvantages of each method, the applicability is discussed, which may provide a reference for researchers to select islanding detection methods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] Solar-driven water splitting has been regarded as a promising strategy for renewable hydrogen production. Among many semiconductor photocatalysts, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4) has received tremendous attention due to its two-dimensional structure, appropriate band gap and decent photocatalytic activity. However, it suffers severe charge recombination problems, affecting its practical performance. In this work, we demonstrated that dual heteroatoms (C and O) doped g-C 3 N 4 can exhibit about 3 times higher catalytic performance for hydrogen evolution than that of the normal g-C 3 N 4 with a hydrogen evolution rate reaching 2595.4 umol g−1h−1 and an apparent quantum efficiency at 420 nm of 16.6%. The heteroatoms (C and O) doped g-C 3 N 4 photocatalyst also exhibited superior removal performance when removing Rhodamine B (RhB). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) and X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy reveal that the carbon and oxygen dopants replace the sp2 nitrogen and bridging N atom, respectively. DFT calculations demonstrate the codoping of carbon and oxygen- induced the generation of mid-gap state, leading to the improvement of light harvesting and charge separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Three fungus-infecting endornaviruses were evenly distributed within a Ceratobasidium colony growing in vitro. • Endornaviruses co-infecting an isolate of Ceratobasidium were differentially eliminated with antibiotics and hyphal tipping. • Sometimes, endornaviruses that were undetected following antibiotic treatment were detected after incubation on non-selective medium. • Infection with three endornaviruses suppressed fungal growth on glucose minimal agar and soil extraction Agar. • Infection with one or two viruses induced fungal growth on soil extraction agar but suppressed it on glucose minimal agar. Determining roles of mycoviruses in fungal biology is complicated, especially when fungi are co-infected with multiple viruses. Genetically identical (isogenic) fungal lines that are infected by and not infected by viruses must be created and compared. Here, we study an isolate of Ceratobasidium sp., a fungus isolated from pelotons in roots of a wild terrestrial orchid. The fungal isolate was co-infected with three distinct endornaviruses, isolates of Ceratobasidium endonarvirus B (CbEVB), Ceratobasidium endonarvirus C (CbEVC) and Ceratobasidium endonarvirus D (CbEVD). An experiment to reveal natural distribution of the three mycoviruses within a fungal colony revealed no sectoring; they were all evenly distributed throughout the colony. Hyphal tipping and treatments with one of five antibiotics (kanamycin, streptomycin, cycloheximide, rifampicin and ampicillin) were applied in attempts to 'cure' fungal lines of one, two or three of the viruses present. Surprisingly, the three mycoviruses responded differentially to each curing approach. The isolate of CbEVC was eliminated upon treatment with cycloheximide, but not with kanamycin or streptomycin, whereas the isolate of CbEVD did not respond to cycloheximide. The isolate of CbEVB was eliminated upon all treatments. In some cases, a virus was undetectable by species-specific RT-PCR assay after treatment, but when the fungus was cultured for a period on non-selective medium, the virus was detected again. Effects of mycoviruses on growth characteristics of isogenic fungal lines on two nutrient media were studied. Co-infection by the three viruses reduced mycelial growth rate on both media. In contrast, some fungal lines infected with one or two mycoviruses grew more rapidly than virus-free lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corona textures, characterized by specific mineral assemblages as layers between existing phases, are frequently observed in high-grade metamorphic rocks. The mechanisms of corona formation have been extensively investigated, however direct dating of corona phases has rarely to be attempted. In order to decipher the timing and duration of corona formation and its implications for metamorphic processes, an integrated garnet Lu–Hf and Sm–Nd and zircon U–Pb petrochronological study was conducted on a corona-bearing granulite from the Miyun region in the North China Craton. The Miyun region, located at the joint area of the Archean Eastern Block and the Paleoproterozoic Trans-North China Orogen, offers a distinctive opportunity to study polymetamorphic processes within the North China Craton. The sample shows a corona texture, primarily composed of garnet, minor clinopyroxene and quartz, that formed at the boundary between plagioclase and orthopyroxene. Pseudosection modelling for the effective bulk composition of reactive domains and conventional thermobarometric calculations indicate that the anhydrous corona assemblage (comprising clinopyroxene, garnet and quartz) formed at ~ 0.9 GPa and ~ 740 ℃. The subsequent hydrous retrogression took place at ~ 0.5 GPa and ~ 670 ℃ and led to the growth of amphibole and biotite. A Lu–Hf garnet date of 1864 ± 3 Ma is significantly younger than the U–Pb date of ca. 2454 Ma for metamorphic zircons in the sample, consistent with the disequilibrium partitioning of rare earth elements between the two phases. The well-preserved Lu zoning in garnet supports the interpretation that the Lu–Hf date represents the age of garnet growth and approximates the timing of formation of the anhydrous corona assemblage. Thus, the U–Pb age reflects a distinct Archean metamorphic event that has been widely documented in high-grade rocks across the Eastern Block of the North China Craton. The garnet Sm–Nd date of 1817 ± 6 Ma is indistinguishable from an amphibole-biotite Lu–Hf date of 1819 ± 16 Ma and ~ 47 Myr younger than the corresponding garnet Lu–Hf date. The younger Sm–Nd age represents the timing of cooling and post-dates retrogression. The Paleoproterozoic and Archean ages in the Miyun granulite align with the major tectonic events in the Trans-North China Orogen and the Eastern Block, respectively. This consistency suggests that the Miyun region likely experienced concurrent metamorphic events in both the Trans-North China Orogen and the Eastern Block. This texture-based Lu–Hf and Sm–Nd dating approach has wide applicability for rocks with explicit textures, facilitating precise extraction of temporal intervals in the metamorphic process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scintillators, an important component of optoelectronic materials, have been used extensively for medical imaging and security detection. Currently, most X-ray imaging scintillators rely on inorganic scintillators that use rare earths. Scintillator materials with mild growth conditions, high light yield, environmental friendliness, and low cost are still worth exploring. Here, we prepared novel zero-dimensional (0D) organic-inorganic hybrid zinc halides [C 9 H 14 N] 2 ZnBr 4 (C 9 H 14 N+ = N-butylpyridinium bromide cation) based on pyridine quaternary ammonium salt C 9 H 14 NBr and ZnBr 2. Under UV excitation, the [C 9 H 14 N] 2 ZnBr 4 single crystal shows efficient blue light emission with the center at 426 nm, a large Stokes shift of 129 nm, and a high quantum yield of 49.95 %. In addition, the highly efficient blue emission of [C 9 H 14 N] 2 ZnBr 4 crystals was also able to be excited by X-rays. The [C 9 H 14 N] 2 ZnBr 4 crystal exhibited a relatively low detection limit of 4.995 μGy air s-1. X-ray imaging results based on [C 9 H 14 N] 2 ZnBr 4 scintillation screens demonstrate high-performance X-ray imaging capabilities. According to these results, [C 9 H 14 N] 2 ZnBr 4 crystals are promising X-ray scintillators due to their non-toxicity, excellent luminescence, and good detection performance. [Display omitted] • Novel zero-dimensional organic-inorganic hybrid zinc halide [C 9 H 14 N] 2 ZnBr 4 crystals were synthesized. • Under UV excitation, the [C 9 H 14 N] 2 ZnBr 4 crystals exhibit bright blue light emission. • The electronic properties including energy band structure and density of states were systematically investigated. • Flexible [C 9 H 14 N] 2 ZnBr 4 films prepared as X-ray imaging scintillators exhibit a low detection limit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactor pressure vessel (RPV) is one of the key equipment for nuclear power plant, and long-term exposure to high temperature is an important factor causing its performance deterioration. Under core meltdown conditions, RPV steel experiences high temperature creep due to the In-Vessel Retention (IVR) mitigation measures. This paper aims to investigate high-temperature mechanical properties, especially for the creep behaviors of 16MND5 steel after thermal aging at 650 °C for 2000 h. The results showed that the yield stress and ultimate tensile strength of the 16MND5 steel are decreased, and the creep rupture time is rapidly shortened after thermal aging. The microstructure was analyzed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM, TEM). 16MND5 steel showed a typical bainitic phase before thermal aging. After 2000 h of thermal aging, the micro-grains were coarsened, and finally changed into a ferritic microstructure. Based on Larson-Miller (LM), Orr-Sherby-Dorn (OSD) parameters methods and Kachanov-Rabotnov (K–R) model to predict uniaxial creep life after thermal aging, the prediction results are satisfactory, and all within the double tolerance band. This work reveals the creep damage mechanism of 16MND5 steel after thermal aging, and provides basic data for the implementation of IVR strategy in nuclear power plants after long-term service. • Characterization of creep behaviors are achieved for 16MND5 steel before and after thermal aging. • Creep failure mechanism of thermal aged 16MND5 steel is explained by microscopic observation. • Influence of thermal aging on macro- and micro-creep failure of 16MND5 steel is understood in depth. • Creep life is well predicted by Larson-Miller and Orr-Sherby-Dorn parameters methods, and validated by experiment. • The K–R model accurately characterizes the three creep stages of thermal aged 16MND5 steel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel copper and carbon co-modified TiO2 photocatalyst (TiO2–Cu/C) was prepared using a simple sol–gel method. The properties of the photocatalysts were investigated by XRD, Raman, BET, HRTEM, EDAX, XPS, absorption spectroscopy and PL techniques. It was revealed that copper was present as –O–Cu–O– species and carbon existed as elementary substance carbon nanoparticles on the surface of TiO2. Based on the experimental results, the band structure and electronic density of states of TiO2, TiO2–Cu and elementary substance carbon are predicted by theoretical calculations. The energy levels of the –O–Cu–O– species and the carbon nanoparticles were located above the valence band, which extends the absorption into the visible light region, facilitate the separation of photogenerated charge carriers and provide hole reactive sites on the surface. Thus, the photocatalytic activity of TiO2–Cu/C is much higher than that of pure TiO2, TiO2/C and TiO2–Cu for photoreduction of CO2 and H2O into CH4 under UV-light irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of B doped TiO 2 samples were synthesized by a simple sol–gel method. The existing states, doping behavior and the influence on the phase transition for the introduced boron ions are investigated and studied in details. It is noted that the B 3+ ions are mainly incorporated into TiO 2 lattice in interstitial mode. The excessive B 3+ ions form surface B 2 O 3 species on the surface of TiO 2 with the increase amount of boron ions. Furthermore, the introduction of B 3+ ions in interstitial mode inhibits the formation of rutile and delay the phase transition. These results afford better realization about the doping mechanism of B doped TiO 2 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to assess the relative clinical efficacy of treating malignant hilar biliary obstruction (MHBO) via percutaneous unilateral or bilateral metal stenting. Relevant articles up to December 2019 were identified within the Web of science, Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. Stent dysfunction served as the primary endpoint, while we assessed technical success, clinical success, early and late complication incidence, and overall survival as secondary outcomes. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for dichotomous variables. Hazard ratio (HR) with 95% CI were determined for overall survival. This meta-analysis included seven studies. Six studies were non-randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one study was a RCT. A total of 888 MHBO patients underwent either percutaneous unilateral (n = 376) or bilateral (n = 512) metal stenting in these seven studies. We detected no significant differences in stent dysfunction rates (OR 0.97; 95% CI 0.67, 1.41, P = 0.89), technical success rates (OR 1.10; 95% CI 0.53, 2.29, P = 0.81), clinical success rates (OR 0.72; 95% CI 0.43, 1.22, P = 0.22), early complication rates (OR 0.82; 95% CI 0.34, 1.98, P = 0.66), late complication rates (OR 0.87; 95% CI 0.29, 2.63, P = 0.81), or overall survival (HR: 0.99; 95% CI 0.83, 1.17, P = 0.88) between unilateral and bilateral groups. Funnel plots demonstrated no obvious publication bias of these primary and secondary endpoints. From a clinical perspective, percutaneous unilateral and bilateral metal stenting are similarly effective for treatment of patients with MHBO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) can degrade the organic matter (OM) in wastewater at the anode and transfer electrons to the cathode. In this work, the harmful NO X gas was used as electron acceptor in MFC and converted to harmless N 2. The OM in water was indirectly used as a zero-cost reducing agent for NOx removal. More than 80% of NO X was removed continuously by MFC at room temperature. The NO X was directly reduced to N 2 at MFC cathode and the cathode activity played a key role on enhancing the NO X removal. The NO X removal efficiency by the cathode of high potential was 1.37 times that by the cathode of low potential. When O 2 coexisting with NO as the electron acceptor, not only the NO X removal but also the power output of MFC was improved greatly. The presence of NO X did not decrease the power generation of MFC under the same O 2 concentration. The MFCs showed good stability for NO X treatment and power output. Moreover, the possible pathways and advantages of NO X removal by MFC were discussed in detail. These results indicated that the MFC system has the potential to treat wastewater, purify flue gas and recover energy simultaneously. ga1 • MFC can remove NOx by using carbon in water as reducing reagent. • The cathode with high activity greatly enhanced the NO X removal efficiency. • The coexistence of O 2 with NO increased both the NOx removal and power output. • MFC maintained good stability for NO X removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple output LED drivers are necessary to achieve better performance and higher reliability in street lighting, tunnel lighting and LCD background lighting applications. Based on LCL-T constant-current characteristics, a modular multiple output LED driver is proposed in this paper. The LCL-T rectifiers are connected to the same voltage bus and work like current sources. However, since there are much higher voltage harmonics in the AC square bus voltage, it is very important to quantitatively analyze how these harmonics influence the precision of the output currents. In addition, all of the switches can achieve Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS) by proper design of the LCL-T network. Finally, a 200-W prototype with five channels is established with an efficiency of 92.25%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the clinical outcomes between unilateral and bilateral metal stenting for patients with malignant hilar biliary obstruction (MHO). Methods: This is a single-center, open-label, prospective, randomized study. Between January 2016 and March 2018, patients with MHO who were treated by percutaneous unilateral or bilateral metal stenting were enrolled. The primary endpoint was stent dysfunction. The secondary endpoints included technical success, clinical success, adverse events, and death. The protocol is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT02649712). Results: A total of 72 patients were randomly grouped for the unilateral (n = 36) or bilateral (n = 36) stenting. The bilateral stenting was performed through the side-by-side technique. While technically, the rates of success of unilateral and bilateral stenting were 83.3% (30/36) in both the cases (P = 1.000), the clinical rates of success in unilateral and bilateral stenting were 90.0% (27/30) and 96.7% (29/30), respectively (P = 0.605). Based on the per-protocol analysis, stent dysfunction was found in 5 and 3 patients in unilateral and bilateral groups, respectively (16.7% vs. 10.0%, P = 0.704). No predictor was observed to influence stent dysfunction. The median cumulative survival in the unilateral group was 122 days and in the bilateral group was 125 days (P = 0.844). We also observed higher levels of post-operative total bilirubin and pre-operative alanine aminotransferase, and the absence of post-operative anticancer treatment as predictors of worse survival. Conclusion: When compared, the bilateral and unilateral stentings provide a similar clinical effectiveness in patients with MHO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging is an important risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases. The activation of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) is involved in inflammation and cognition, but the specific role it plays in aging remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the anti-aging effect of the activation of α7nAChR on aging rats and BV2 cells induced by D-galactose, as well as its potential mechanism. D-galactose induced an increase in the SA-β-Gal positive cells, expression of p16 and p21 in vivo and in vitro. α7nAChR selective agonist PNU282987 decreased levels of pro-inflammatory factors, MDA, and Aβ, enhanced SOD activity and levels of anti-inflammatory factor (IL10) in vivo. PNU282987 enhanced the expression of Arg1, decreased the expression of iNOS, IL1β and TNFα in vitro. PNU282987 upregulated the levels of α7nAChR, Nrf2 and HO-1 in vivo and in vitro. The results of Morris water maze and novel object recognition tests showed that PNU282987 improved cognitive impairment in aging rats. Furthermore, α7nAChR selective inhibitor methyllycaconitine (MLA) results were opposite with PNU282987. PNU282987 improves cognitive impairment through inhibiting oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in D-galactose induced aging via regulating the α7nAChR/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Therefore, targeting the α7nAChR may be a viable therapeutic approach for anti-inflammaging and neurodegenerative diseases. • D-galactose induces microglial senescence and brain aging. • α7nAChR is downregulated in brain aging and senescent BV2 cells. • The activation of α7nAChR by PNU282987 inhibits oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in vivo and in vitro. • PNU282987 inhibits oxidative stress and neuroinflammation by upregulating the α7nAChR /Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, thereby alleviating cognitive impairment caused by aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation play crucial roles in aging. S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), a popular supplement, is a potential antioxidant and candidate therapy for depression. This study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of SAM on D -galactose-induced brain aging and explore its underlying mechanisms. Brain aging model was established with D -galactose (180 mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks. During the last 4 weeks, SAM (16 mg/kg) was co-administrated with D -galactose. Behavior tests were used to assess cognitive function and depression-like behaviors of rats. Results showed that cognitive impairment and depression-like behaviors were reversed by SAM. SAM reduced neuronal cell loss, increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor level in the hippocampus, inhibited amyloid-β level and microglia activation, as well as pro-inflammatory factors levels in the hippocampus and serum. Further, SAM enhanced antioxidant capacity and attenuated cholinergic damage by reducing malondialdehyde levels, increasing acetylcholine levels, expression levels of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR), nuclear factor erythrocyte 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) in the hippocampus. Above all, SAM has a potential neuroprotective effect on ameliorating cognitive impairment in brain aging, which is related to inhibition of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, as well as α7nAChR signals. Data will be made available on request. • Chronic D -galactose exposure leads to cognitive decline and depression-like behavior. • SAM has a neuroprotective effect by inhibiting oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. • SAM improves cognitive impairment by upregulating α7nAChR, Nrf2 and HO-1 protein levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • 0D/2D S-scheme TOCN heterojunction were prepared by phase interfacial reaction. • The heterostructure can effectively separate and transfer photogenerated carriers. • TOCN shows efficient photocatalytic overall water splitting. • The S-scheme can reserve the redox ability of CN and TiO2 nanodots. It is a considerable challenge to design a highly efficient photocatalyst for overall water splitting. Herein, a zero-dimension/two-dimension (0D/2D) TiO 2 nanodots/g-C 3 N 4 step-scheme (S-scheme) photocatalyst (TOCN) for overall water splitting was prepared by a facile phase interfacial reaction. TOCN showed higher photocatalytic water splitting activity under simulated sunlight, which is about 2.2 and 1.7 times higher than TiO 2 nanodots and g-C 3 N 4 , respectively. The enhancement of photocatalytic performance can be mainly attributed to the formation of S-scheme heterojunction, rather than normal type-II heterojunction, which could not only improve charge separation but also remain the redox ability of TiO 2 and g-C 3 N 4. This work presents a simple method to construct an efficient photocatalyst with S-Scheme heterojunction for overall water splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]