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Background: The subjective sign of a serious pandemic in human work and life is mathematical neural tinnitus. fNIRS (functional near-infrared spectroscopy) is a new non-invasive brain imaging technology for studying the neurological activity of the human cerebral cortex. It is based on neural coupling effects. This research uses the fNIRS approach to detect differences in the neurological activity of the cerebral skin in the sound stimulation mission in order to better discriminate between the sensational neurological tinnitus. Methods: In the fNIRS brain imaging method, 14 sensorineural tinnitus sufferers and 14 healthy controls listened to varied noise and quiet for fNIRS data collection. Linear fitting was employed in MATLAB to eliminate slow drifts during preprocessing and event-related design analysis. The false discovery rate (FDR) procedure was applied in IBM SPSS Statistics 26.0 to control the false positive rate in multiple comparison analyses. Results: When the ill group and the healthy control group were stimulated by pink noise, there was a significant difference in blood oxygen concentration (P < 0.05), and the healthy control group exhibited a high activation, according to the fNIRS measurement data. The blood oxygen concentration level in the patient group was dramatically enhanced after one month of acupuncture therapy under the identical stimulation task settings, and it was favorably connected with the levels of THI and TEQ scales. Conclusions: Using sensorineural tinnitus illness as an example, fNIRS technology has the potential to disclose future pathological study on subjective diseases throughout time. Other clinical disorders involving the temporal lobe and adjacent brain areas may also be examined, in addition to tinnitus-related brain alterations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The subjective sign of a serious pandemic in human work and life is mathematical neural tinnitus. fNIRS (functional near-infrared spectroscopy) is a new non-invasive brain imaging technology for studying the neurological activity of the human cerebral cortex. It is based on neural coupling effects. This research uses the fNIRS approach to detect differences in the neurological activity of the cerebral skin in the sound stimulation mission in order to better discriminate between the sensational neurological tinnitus. Methods: In the fNIRS brain imaging method, 14 sensorineural tinnitus sufferers and 14 healthy controls listened to varied noise and quiet for fNIRS data collection. Linear fitting was employed in MATLAB to eliminate slow drifts during preprocessing and event-related design analysis. The false discovery rate (FDR) procedure was applied in IBM SPSS Statistics 26.0 to control the false positive rate in multiple comparison analyses. Results: When the ill group and the healthy control group were stimulated by pink noise, there was a significant difference in blood oxygen concentration (P < 0.05), and the healthy control group exhibited a high activation, according to the fNIRS measurement data. The blood oxygen concentration level in the patient group was dramatically enhanced after one month of acupuncture therapy under the identical stimulation task settings, and it was favorably connected with the levels of THI and TEQ scales. Conclusions: Using sensorineural tinnitus illness as an example, fNIRS technology has the potential to disclose future pathological study on subjective diseases throughout time. Other clinical disorders involving the temporal lobe and adjacent brain areas may also be examined, in addition to tinnitus-related brain alterations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To explore the feasibility of pretreatment nonenhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in predicting insufficient biochemical response to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Methods: From January 2009 to April 2022, consecutive PBC patients who were treated with UDCA and underwent nonenhanced MRI within 30 days before treatment were retrospectively enrolled. All MR images were independently evaluated by two blinded radiologists. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to develop a predictive model for 12-month insufficient biochemical response. Model performances were evaluated by computing the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity. Results: A total of 74 patients (50.6 ± 11.9 years; 62 females) were included. Three pretreatment MRI features, including hepatomegaly (odds ratio [OR]: 4.580; p = 0.011), periportal hyperintensity on T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) (OR: 4.795, p = 0.008), and narrowing of the bile ducts (OR: 3.491; p = 0.027) were associated with 12-month insufficient biochemical response in the multivariable analysis. A predictive model based on the above indicators had an AUC of 0.781, sensitivity of 85.4%, and specificity of 61.5% for predicting insufficient biochemical response. Conclusions: A noninvasive model based on three pretreatment MRI features could accurately predict 12-month insufficient biochemical response to UDCA in patients with PBC. Early identification of PBC patients at increased risk for insufficient response can facilitate the timely initiation of additional treatment. Clinical relevance statement: A noninvasive predictive model constructed by incorporating three pretreatment MRI features may help identify patients with primary biliary cholangitis at high risk of insufficient biochemical response to ursodeoxycholic acid and facilitate the timely initiation of additional treatment. Key Points: • Noninvasive imaging features based on nonenhanced pretreatment MRI may predict an insufficient biochemical response to UDCA in PBC patients. • A combined model based on three MRI features (hepatomegaly, periportal hyperintensity on T2-weighted imaging, and narrowing of the bile ducts) further improved the predictive efficacy for an insufficient biochemical response to UDCA in PBC patients, with high sensitivity and specificity. • The nomogram of the combined model showed good calibration and predictive efficacy for an insufficient biochemical response to UDCA in PBC patients. In particular, the calibration curve visualised the clinical applicability of the prediction model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a surface dispersed heterojunction of BiVO4-nanoparticle@WO3-nanoflake was successfully prepared by hydrothermal combined with solvothermal method. We optimized the morphology of the WO3 nanoflakes and BiVO4 nanoparticles by controlling the synthesis conditions to get the uniform BiVO4 loaded on the surface of WO3 arrays. The phase composition and morphology evolution with different reaction precursors were investigated in detail. When used as photoanodes, the WO3/BiVO4 composite exhibits superior activity with photocurrent at 3.53 mA cm−2 for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation, which is twice that of pure WO3 photoanode. The superior surface dispersion structure of the BiVO4-nanoparticle@WO3-nanoflake heterojunction ensures a large effective heterojunction area and relieves the interfacial hole accumulation at the same time, which contributes to the improved photocurrents together with the stability of the WO3/BiVO4 photoanodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To study the effect of individualized treatment strategy based on imaging evaluation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: Eighty patients with RA of the wrist treated in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China from January 2018 to December 2022 were assigned to control and study groups. Conventional methods were used for treating control subjects, based on RA laboratory index results, while the study group received individualized treatment based on RA laboratory index results and results of imaging evaluation. Before and after treatment, serum levels of rheumatoid factor (RF) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were assayed using immunoturbidimetry. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was determined by Wei method. Imaging examination - ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - was carried out in study group before and after treatment. Disease activity score 28 (DAS28) and score on the visual analogue scale (VAS) were evaluated before and after treatment, and the curative effect in the two groups was compared based on curative effect evaluation. Results: In both groups, post-treatment values of RF, CRP and ESR were lower than the corresponding pre-treatment levels, but were significantly smaller in study group (p < 0.05). The DAS28 and VAS scores of the two groups after treatment were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than the pret-reatment levels, but the DAS28 and VAS scores were significantly lower in study group (p < 0.05). Treatment efficacy in study group (95.0 %) was significantly higher than in control patients (77.5 %, p = 0.0476). The results of imaging indicators showed significantly reduced post-treatment synovial thickness and joint effusion in study group patients when compared with control patients (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Individualized treatment strategy for RA patients based on imaging results enhances curative effectiveness, reduces disease activity, relieves pain, and improves the quality of life of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agrifood systems account for 31% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Substantial emissions reduction in agrifood systems is critical to achieving the temperature goal set by the Paris Agreement. A key challenge in reducing GHG emissions in the agrifood value chain is the imbalanced allocation of benefits and costs associated with emissions reduction among agrifood value chain participants. However, only a few studies have examined agrifood emissions reduction from a value chain perspective, especially using dynamic methods to investigate participants' long-term emissions reduction strategies. This paper helps fill this gap in the existing literature by examining the impact of collaborations among agrifood value chain participants on correcting those misallocations and reducing emissions in agrifood systems. We develop a dynamic differential game model to examine participants' long-term emissions reduction strategies in a three-stage agrifood value chain. We use the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation to derive the Nash equilibrium emissions reduction strategies under non-cooperative, cost-sharing, and cooperative mechanisms. We then conduct numerical analysis and sensitivity analysis to validate our model. Our results show that collaboration among value chain participants leads to higher emissions reduction efforts and profits for the entire value chain. Specifically, based on our numerical results, the cooperative mechanism results in the greatest emissions reduction effort by the three participants, which leads to a total that is nearly three times higher than that of the non-cooperative mechanism and close to two times higher than the cost-sharing mechanism. The cooperative mechanism also recorded the highest profits for the entire value chain, surpassing the non-cooperative and cost-sharing mechanisms by around 37% and 16%, respectively. Our results provide valuable insights for policymakers and agrifood industry stakeholders to develop strategies and policies encouraging emissions reduction collaborations in the agrifood value chain and reduce emissions in the agrifood systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: Branched fluorine/adamantane PBO precursor (preFABPBO), synthesized via random co‐condensation between 2,2‐bis(3‐amino‐ 4‐hydroxyphenyl)hexafluoro propane, 1,3‐adamantanedicarbonyl dichloride, and trimesoyl chloride, is performed as interfacial compatibilizer, bisphenol A dicyanate ester (BADCy) resin as polymer matrix, and poly(p‐phenylene‐2,6‐benzobisoxazole) (PBO) fibers as reinforcements to prepare PBO fibers/FABPBO‐BADCy wave‐transparent laminated composites by high temperature molding. The mechanical properties, wave‐transparent performances, and heat resistances of PBO fibers/BADCy composites are simultaneously improved by the addition of preFABPBO. The interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and flexural strength of PBO fibers/FABPBO‐BADCy composites are 48.9 and 665.3 MPa, respectively, increased by 33.2% and 13.3% compared to those of PBO fibers/BADCy composites (36.7 and 587.4 MPa). The dielectric constant and dielectric loss values at 106 Hz are 2.53 and 0.003, respectively, lower than those of PBO fibers/BADCy composites (3.06 and 0.006), and the corresponding wave transmission efficiency is 94.8%, which also presents excellent stability over the wide temperature (25—200 °C) and frequency range (103—107 Hz and 8.2—12.4 GHz). Meanwhile, the heat resistance index and glass transition temperature are 229.9 °C and 247.5 °C, also better than those of PBO fibers/BADCy composites (229.6 °C and 247.1 °C). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Major QTL for grain number per spike were identified on chromosomes 2B and 2D. Haplotypes and candidate genes of QGns.cib-2B.1were analyzed. Grain number per spike (GNS) is one of the main components of wheat yield. Genetic dissection of their regulatory factors is essential to improve the yield potential. In present study, a recombinant inbred line population comprising 180 lines developed from the cross between a high GNS line W7268 and a cultivar Chuanyu12 was employed to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with GNS across six environments. Two major QTL, QGns.cib-2B.1 and QGns.cib-2D.1, were detected in at least four environments with the phenotypic variations of 12.99–27.07% and 8.50–13.79%, respectively. And significant interactions were observed between the two major QTL. In addition, QGns.cib-2B.1 is a QTL cluster for GNS, grain number per spikelet and fertile tiller number, and they were validated in different genetic backgrounds using Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) markers. QGns.cib-2B.1 showed pleotropic effects on other yield-related traits including plant height, spike length, and spikelet number per spike, but did not significantly affect thousand grain weight which suggested that it might be potentially applicable in breeding program. Comparison analysis suggested that QGns.cib-2B.1 might be a novel QTL. Furthermore, haplotype analysis of QGns.cib-2B.1 indicated that it is a hot spot of artificial selection during wheat improvement. Based on the expression patterns, gene annotation, orthologs analysis and sequence variations, the candidate genes of QGns.cib-2B.1 were predicted. Collectively, the major QTL and KASP markers reported here provided a wealth of information for the genetic basis of GNS and grain yield improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MXenes have attracted great attention in the fields of energy conversion and catalysis, and have proved to be an effective supporting material for single atom catalysts (SACs). In the present study, we investigated the catalytic activity of a series mono‐atomic transition‐metal atoms supported by MXenes M2NO2 for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) via first principle calculation. Particularly, single atom Cu site on Ti2NO2 having the lowest overpotentials of 0.24 V and bonding with the reaction intermediates moderately, is the most active SAC for OER. Energetically, Cu atom prefers to be mono‐atomically anchored on Ti2NO2 instead of aggregating. Plus, Cu anchoring enhance the electronic states around Fermi level. Additionally, ab‐initio molecular dynamics simulations show that Cu atom is anchored on Ti2NO2, stable and isolatable at 300 K. Studies on the small molecule adsorption on Cu‐Ti2NO2 further prove the potential applications of Cu−Ti2NO2 as active SACs for OER. Our results broaden the perception of MXenes and guide the exploration of non‐noble metal based OER electrocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inspired by the recent progress on the intrinsic two-dimensional (2D) ferromagnetism, we studied three potential 2D magnets (Mn3X4; X = Te, Se, S) by performing the first-principles calculation based on the density functional theory and Monte Carlo simulations. We predicted intrinsic ferromagnetism in monolayers Mn3Te4 and Mn3Se4, which are half-metallic with 100% spin polarization at the Fermi level. The half-metal band gap of monolayers Mn3Te4 and Mn3Se4 is 0.62 and 0.83 eV, respectively. More importantly, the Curie temperatures of Mn3Te4 and Mn3Se4 were estimated to be above the room temperature by performing the Monte Carlo simulations, suggesting ferromagnetic ordering at room temperature. Additionally, we calculated the phonon spectrum, elastic modulus, and performed the ab initio molecular dynamics simulation which proves that monolayers Mn3Te4 and Mn3Se4 are thermally, dynamically and mechanically stable. Plus, mechanical stripping method was proven to be the feasible way to obtain single-layer Mn3X4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single atom catalysis involving atomically dispersed metal active sites on the appropriate supports is the effective way to magnify the catalytic efficiency and reduce the cost. By performing the first-principles calculations, we studied the anchoring of 3d transitional-metal single atoms M (Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn) on the surfaces of MXenes Cr 2 CO 2 and Mo 2 CO 2 and the catalytic activity of the single atom sites for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Sixteen single atom sites, M-Cr 2 CO 2 (M = Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu and Zn) and M-Mo 2 CO 2 (M = Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe and Zn) have been chosen via examining the energetical and thermal stability of the isolated M atoms on the substrates. More importantly, we have calculated the Gibbs free energy change (ΔG H) of H adsorption on the surface of M anchored Cr 2 CO 2 and Mo 2 CO 2 and find that Cr, Fe, Zn on Cr 2 CO 2 and Sc, V on Mo 2 CO 2 are the promising single atom active sites toward HER. Additionally, our results show that M atoms adsorbing turns the nearby sites to be active for catalyzing HER. MXenes Cr 2 CO 2 and Mo 2 CO 2 , in terms of the supporting not only stabilize but also works together with the anchored single atom M as active catalyst toward HER. Image 1 • Cr 2 CO 2 anchored Cr, Fe, Zn and Mo 2 CO 2 anchored Sc, V are the active SACs for HER. • M atoms adsorbing turns the nearby sites on Cr 2 CO 2 and Mo 2 CO 2 to be active for catalyzing HER. • Cr 2 CO 2 and Mo 2 CO 2 not only stabilizes also works with single atom M as active HER catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mental workload is one of the contributing factors to human errors in road accidents or other potentially adverse incidents. This research probes the effects of mental workload on the electroencephalographic (EEG) and electrocardiogram (ECG) of subjects in visual monitoring tasks, based on which a comprehensive evaluation model for mental workload is established effectively. Three degrees of mental workload were obtained by monitoring tasks with different levels of difficulty. 20 healthy subjects were selected to take part in the research. The subjective scores showed a significant increase with the increase of task difficulty, meanwhile the reaction time (RT) increased and the accuracy decreased significantly, which proved the validity of three degrees of mental workload induced. For the EEG parameters, a significant decrease of θ energy was found in Frontal, Parietal and Occipital with the increase of level of mental workload, as well as a significant decrease of α energy in Frontal, Central and Occipital, meanwhile a significant increase of β energy occurred in Frontal and Occipital. There was a significant decrease of α/θ in Occipital, and significant increases of θ/β and (α+β)/θ in Frontal, Central and Occipital, meanwhile (α+θ)/β and WPE decreased significantly in Frontal and Occipital. Among the ECG parameters, it was shown that Mean RR, RMSSD, HF_norm and SampEn decreased significantly with the increase of task difficulty, while LF_norm and LF/HF showed significant increases. These EEG indictors in Occipital and ECG indictors were chosen and constituted a multidimensional original sample. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to extract the principal elements and decreased the dimension of sample space in order to simplify the calculation, based on which an effective classification model with accuracy of 80% was achieved by support vector machine (SVM). This study demonstrates that the proposed algorithm can be applied to mental workload monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colored wheat is a valuable resource that is rich in anthocyanins and minerals and thus contributes additional nutritional value to a healthy human diet. However, the effects of nitrogen fertilization on anthocyanin content (AC) and the balance between quality and yield still merit discussion. In this study, blue, purple, and common-colored wheat genotypes were used to investigate three nutrient quality traits, seven processing quality traits, three yield traits and seven grain morphology traits at three nitrogen levels in two years to excavate their possible plasticity under low-nitrogen stress and the tradeoffs among these traits. The highest AC was found in the blue genotypes followed by the purple genotypes. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that AC could be significantly increased by reducing N application, especially in the purple genotypes. Therefore, growing colored wheat with low nitrogen input could allow efficient harvesting of grain with higher AC. However, the other nutrient quality traits and most processing quality traits were observed to decrease under low-nitrogen (LN) stress. Additionally, a correlation analysis indicated that the nutrient quality traits had stable tradeoffs with thousand kernel weight at all N levels because of the significantly negative correlations among them. Therefore, the additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model was used to further identify the most suitable colored genotypes with the best yield potential and also nutrient quality relative characteristics under LN stress. The blue lines Lanmai2999 and purple varieties Zhongkezinuomai 168 were found to be specifically adapted to LN stress with the highest AC values and showed stable performance in the other nutrient quality- and yield-related features. To further investigate the possible mechanism of anthocyanin accumulation in response to reduced N application, the expression of four genes (TaCHS, TaFDR, TaCHI and TaANS) involved in the anthocyanin synthesis pathway was evaluated. All four genes were downregulated under high nitrogen fertilizer application, indicating that anthocyanin synthesis in colored wheat might be inhibited by nitrogen fertilizer. Therefore, this research provided information for optimizing nitrogen fertilizer management in producing colored wheat and also demonstrated that it is efficient and economical to plant colored wheat genotypes in nitrogen-poor areas for use in a healthy human diet, improving the benefits of wheat planting and facilitating nitrogen pollution control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is often overlapping with other autoimmune conditions, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Since the concomitant PBC and SLE are rare, the impacts of SLE on the response and prognosis in ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA)–treated patients with PBC remain unclear. Methods: A PBC database of 769 patients at West China hospital was used to identify 26 patients with concomitant PBC and SLE. The clinical and biochemical characteristics of these patients were collected and analyzed. Propensity score matching was used to compensate for the differences in age, total bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase. The biochemical responses and prognoses were compared between the patients with and without concomitant SLE. Results: The female-to-male ratio was 25:1 in the PBC patients with concomitant SLE. Compared with the group with PBC alone, the median hemoglobin and albumin values in the PBC-SLE group at the time of diagnosis of PBC were lower (both P < 0.05). After treatment, the group with PBC alone showed lower alanine aminotransferase and glutamyltransferase values and aspartate aminotransferase/platelet ratio indices at the final visit (all P < 0.05). The Kaplan-Meier estimate showed that the adverse event–free survival did not differ between the patients with and without concomitant SLE (P = 0.564). Conclusion: The results of this retrospective, single-center study suggested that the concomitant SLE status might have a negative impact on the biochemical responses to the treatment, while the effect of concomitant SLE on PBC progression remains to be further defined. Key Points • The prevalence of SLE in the PBC population being in a large PBC cohort was as low as 3.4%. • Compared with PBC-SLE group, the group with PBC alone showed lower alanine aminotransferase and glutamyltransferase values and aspartate aminotransferase/platelet ratio indices at the final visit, indicating that the concomitant SLE may have a negative impact on the biochemical responses to the treatment of PBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2016, second‐generation genetically modified (GM) potatoes were approved for production and sale in Canada. In this study, we analyze how consumer acceptance of GM potatoes may be affected by various factors, including the trait introduced (i.e., the product benefits), the type of breeding technology used, and the developer of the potato using any technology. We conduct an online survey and use a stated choice experiment to collect data on consumer acceptance of GM and other potatoes in Canada. Random utility models are used to analyze the economic value consumers place on the various attributes of the potatoes. Our results show that consumers are willing to pay more for a health attribute (reduced acrylamide produced when potatoes are fried) and an environmental attribute. Respondents in general need to face discounted prices to buy potatoes created by either gene editing or GM (either transgenic or cisgenic/intragenic) technologies. However, consumers are in general more accepting of the gene editing technology than the GM technologies. Our results also show that government is the most preferred developer of the potatoes, regardless of technology. Results from this study can help guide public and private management of the introduction of new foods when the products are developed with unpopular technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, finding the non-precious metal catalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is significant and urgent. By performing the first-principles calculations, we studied the structural and electronic properties, as well as the catalytic activity of MXenes Mn+1CnO2 (n = 1, 2; M = Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta and W) toward HER. These 22 MXenes are metallic except for Sc2CO2, Ti2CO2, Mn2CO2, Zr2CO2 and Hf2CO2 which are semiconducting. By calculating the Gibbs free energy change (ΔGH) for H adsorption which is the simple but effective descriptor for HER catalytic activity, and analyzing the electrical conductivity, we find that Nb2CO2, W2CO2, Zr3C2O2 and W3C2O2 are catalytic active for HER at low H coverage. Particularly, Nb2CO2 and Zr3C2O2 maintain to be active for catalyzing HER under tensile strain less than 5%. And Nb3C2O2 shows enhanced catalytic activity for HER under 3–5% tensile strain. Additionally, the differential ΔGH and average ΔGH were used to evaluate the HER catalytic activity at high H coverage (1/8–6/8). Our calculations show that Nb2CO2 is active for HER at H coverage less than 3/8. Plus, V2CO2, Ti3C2O2 and Cr3C2O2 demonstrate the catalytic activity for HER at high H coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The g-CN/NiCo-LDH electrode exhibits smaller onset potential and larger photocurrent. • Graphic carbon nitride (g-CN) film is synthesized in-situ on FTO substrate. • NiCo layered double hydroxides layer is deposited as photochemical water oxidation co-catalyst. • Enhanced photocurrents are observed after NiCo layered double hydroxides decorating on graphic carbon nitride. In the present work, we investigate the graphic carbon nitride (g-CN) film as photoanode to catalyze the photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation and study the influence of NiCo layered double hydroxides (NiCo-LDH) layer on the performance. The g-CN film with good quality and intimate contact with substrate was in-situ prepared via solvothermal process and subsequent calcination. NiCo-LDH is further decorated on the g-CN film through cathodic electrochemical deposition to work as co-catalyst. The g-CN/NiCo-LDH composite with optimized NiCo-LDH loading amount exhibits a photocurrent of 11.8 μA cm−2 at 0.6 V vs. SCE, which is 2.8 times of bare g-CN. Characterizations and performance tests demonstrate that NiCo-LDH promoted reaction kinetics and charge separation. The results provide an effective strategy to improve the photoelectrochemical water oxidation performance of g-CN through NiCo-LDH co-catalyst. This work to investigate the photoelectrochemical water oxidation is of great significance toward explore the overall water splitting on the g-CN film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LINKED CONTENT: This article is linked to Téllez et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16926 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17287 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract One of the most important and indispensable applications for 2D materials is toxic gas sensor. By adopting the density functional theory type of first-principles methods, we studied MXenes X 2 CO 2 (X = Sc, Ti, Zr and Hf) as the gas sensor material to NO and CO. Our calculations show that Sc 2 CO 2 is sensitive to NO molecule due to the chemical interaction and large charge transfer of 0.303 e between them, which will induce current change and then be detected. More importantly, the interaction is further enhanced by applying the external strain, indicating the potential of Sc 2 CO 2 as the gas capturer material. Additionally, the adsorption of CO on Sc 2 CO 2 is significantly improved by Mn doping, which is also detectable due to the strong adsorption energy of −0.85 eV. Our study broadens the application of Sc 2 CO 2 in gas sensor and provides feasible way to enhance the CO sensibility of MXene materials. Highlights • The adsorption of NO molecule on MXene Sc 2 CO 2 is detectable due to obvious charge transfer. • Biaxial strain enhances the interaction between NO molecule and MXene Sc 2 CO 2. • Mn doping changes MXene Sc 2 CO 2 sensitive to the adsorption of CO molecule. • MXene Sc 2 CO 2 is promising gas sensor material to NO and CO molecule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Me (Me = Cr, Mn, Co) doping enhances the HER performance of monolayer nano-triangles (mNT) WS 2 and MoS 2. • The catalytic activity is improved by tuning the electronic structures near the Fermi level. • Me (Me = Cr, Mn, Co) doping narrows down the energy gaps and introduce magnetism for mNT WS 2 and MoS 2. • The edge configurations and the electronic structures, as well as the edge compositions are closely related. Abstract Recently, monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) such as MoS 2 and WS 2 , exhibit distinguished catalytic performance on hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Triangular shaped monolayers are the most popular morphology for the chemically synthesized monolayer-TMDCs. In this study, we find a way to further improve the catalytic performance of monolayer nano-triangles (mNT) MS 2 (M = W, Mo) on HER. By adopting the first-principles calculation methods based on the density functional theory, we studied the catalytic activity of the mNT MS 2 with the substitutional doping of Me (Me = Cr, Mn, Co) atoms on the edges. The detailed electronic structures were also investigated to better understand the catalytic activity. Our calculations show that the Me atoms doping on the edge changes the electronic states near the Fermi level. Additionally, the enhancement in the number of active sties and conductivity result in the improvement of the catalytic performance of mNT MS 2 on HER. More importantly, we demonstrate that the electronic structures and edge configurations, particularly the structures on the vertexes of the triangular mNT MS 2 are closely related to the edge composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To pursue the advanced properties of 2D materials, we explore the single-layer WSe2, one of the most studied transitional metal chalcogenide-based magnetic structures. Based on the first-principle calculations, we predict the excellent ferromagnetic coupling between the doped Cu and its nearby Se and W atoms in the single-layer WSe2 (SL-WSe2). Our calculations point out that the Cu-d electrons and the interactions between the dopant and the nearby atoms are the major cause for the induced magnetism. The emerging electronic states around the Fermi level, arising from the doped Cu and its nearby W and Se atoms, not only introduce magnetism into SL-WSe2, but also low its energy gap largely. We also demonstrate a semiconducting-metallic transition in the Cu-doped SL-WSe2 caused by the applied compressive strain and a semiconducting-half metal transition under the applied tensile strain. Moreover, we show the feasibility of doping concentrations and external strain on manipulating the conductivity and magnetism of the Cu-doped SL-WSe2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: QTL for a wheat ideotype root system and its plasticity to nitrogen deficiency were characterized.Abstract: Root system architecture-related traits (RRTs) and their plasticity to nitrogen availability are important for nitrogen acquisition and yield formation in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). In this study, quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis was conducted under different nitrogen conditions, using the seedlings of 188 recombinant inbred lines derived from a cross between Kenong 9204 and Jing 411. Fifty-three QTL for seven RRTs and fourteen QTL for the plasticity of these RRTs to nitrogen deficiency were detected. Thirty of these QTL were mapped in nine clusters on chromosomes 2B, 2D, 3A, 3D, 6B, 6D, 7A and 7B. Six of these nine clusters were also colocated with loci for nitrogen use efficiency (NUE)-related traits (NRTs). Among them, three QTL clusters (C2B, C6D and C7B) were highlighted, considering that they individually harbored three stable robust QTL (i.e., QMrl-2B.1, QdRs-6D and QMrl-7B). C2B and C7B stably contributed to the optimal root system, and C6D greatly affected the plasticity of RRTs in response to nitrogen deficiency. However, strong artificial selection was only observed for C7B in 574 derivatives of Kenong 9204. Covariance analysis identified QMrl-7B as the major contributor in C7B that affected the investigated NRTs in mature plants. Phenotypic analysis indicated that thousand kernel weight might represent a “concomitant” above-ground trait of the “hidden” RRTs controlled by C7B, which are used for breeding selection. Dissecting these QTL regions with potential breeding value will ultimately facilitate the selection of donor lines with both high yield and NUE in wheat breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By performing the first-principles calculations, we investigated the sensitivity and selectivity of transitional metal (TM, TM Sc, Ti, V, Cr and Mn) atoms doped graphene toward NO molecule. We firstly calculated the atomic structures, electronic structures and magnetic properties of TM-doped graphene, then studied the adsorptions of NO, N 2 and O 2 molecules on the TM-doped graphene. By comparing the change of electrical conductivity and magnetic moments after the adsorption of these molecules, we found that the Sc-, Ti- and Mn-doped graphene are the potential candidates in the applications of gas sensor for detection NO molecule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Defect-rich TiO 2 mesocrystals were successfully synthesized by facile vapor hydrolysis method for the first time. The as-prepared TiO 2 mesocrystals showed typical mesoporous structure, and the specific surface area reached 124.88 m 2  g −1 . The as-prepared samples exhibited amazing visible light absorption and highly enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production in comparison to that of P25 TiO 2 , and the highest visible light photocatalytic activity of Ti 3+ doped TiO 2 mesocrystals for hydrogen production reached 301.1 μmol g -1  h -1 , which was about 131 times as high as that of P25 TiO 2 photocatalyst. It was the formation of Ti 3+ species, the long carriers' lifetimes and effective conduction pathways that highly enhanced the visible light photocatalytic activity of Ti 3+ -TiO 2 mesocrystals. Finally, the schematic illustration of possible photo-generated electrons and holes transfer mechanism and visible light photocatalytic mechanism of Ti 3+ -TiO 2 mesocrystals for hydrogen production were also proposed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A silicon substrate with micro-pyramid structure (black silicon) is prepared by wet chemical etching and then subjected to reactive ion etching (RIE) in the mixed gas condition of SF 6 , CHF 3 and He. We systematically study the impacts of flow rates of SF 6 , CHF 3 and He, the etching pressure and the etching time on the surface morphology and reflectivity through various characterizations. Meanwhile, we explore and obtain the optimal combination of parameters for the preparation of composite structure that match the RIE process based on the basis of micro-pyramid silicon substrate. The composite sample prepared under the optimum parameters exhibits excellent anti-reflective performance, hydrophobic, self-cleaning and anti-corrosive properties. Based on the above characteristics, the composite micro/nano structure can be applied to solar cells, photodetectors, LEDs, outdoor devices and other important fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TiO 2 mesocrystals are often considered to be a fascinating and efficient photocatalyst because of its long lifetime carriers and effective conduction pathways. However, TiO 2 mesocrystals showed no visible light response and visible light photocatalytic activity. To overcome these shortages, mesocrystalline Ti 3+ TiO 2 (meso-TiO 2 ) and its composites are highly desired to have strong capacity for harvesting visible light and photocatalytic hydrogen production. In this work, Ti 3+ doped TiO 2 mesocrystals were successfully prepared through oriented attachment mechanisms, and direct Z-scheme Ti 3+ self-doped TiO 2 mesocrystals/g-C 3 N 4 composites were also prepared by facile solvethermal method. The as-prepared Ti 3+ TiO 2 mesocrystals showed visible light absorption and photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production. Interestingly, the as-prepared Ti 3+ doped meso-TiO 2 /g-C 3 N 4 composites displayed highly improved visible light absorption and visible light photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production, and the highest photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production was about 3748.46 μmol g −1 h −1 with an apparent quantum efficiency of 1.42% at 400 nm (sacrificial agent, triethanolamine) and 983.56 μmol g −1 h −1 (sacrificial agent, methanol), much higher than that of g-C 3 N 4 and Ti 3+ doped TiO 2 mesocrystals, mainly due to the high charge separation efficiency, long lifetime carriers and effective transport pathways. Finally, possible direct Z-scheme photocatalytic mechanism of Ti 3+ doped meso-TiO 2 /g-C 3 N 4 composites were proposed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substituting alkaline-metal (AM) or alkaline-earth-metal (AEM) atom for IIIA cations in III-V semiconductor is a very common method for modulating the physical properties of host compound. Herein, we investigated the electronic and magnetic properties of AEM doped AlP using first-principle calculations. Our calculation results indicate that the Ca, Sr, and Ba doped AlP exhibit intriguing half-metal feature as well as room-temperature ferromagnetism. Moreover, the ferromagnetism in AEM doped AlP is long-ranged, which is attributed to the hole-mediated double exchange through the p-p interaction. Further, the Ca, Sr, and Ba doped AlP are possibly fabricated under P-rich condition. Therefore, we suggest that the AEM doped AlP compounds are very promising material for novel spintronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We successfully synthesized willow leaf-like plasmonic Ti3+ doped Au/Cl-TiO2 mesocrystals by facile modified two-phase vapor hydrolysis and photoreduction methods. In this work, the as-prepared Ti3+ doped TiO2 mesocrystals showed an interesting visible light harvesting capacity and visible light photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production. The plasmonic Ti3+ doped Au/Cl-TiO2 mesocrystals also showed highly enhanced visible light absorption and visible light photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production, and the highest visible light photocatalytic activity reached 480.1 μmol g−1 h−1, which was 208.70 times as high as that of P25 TiO2 and 1.59 times as high as that of Ti3+ doped TiO2 mesocrystals. Finally, the possible visible light photocatalytic mechanisms of plasmonic Ti3+ doped Au/Cl-TiO2 mesocrystals for hydrogen production were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: The temporal and spatial expression patterns of stable QTL for plant height and their influences on yield were characterized. Abstract: Plant height (PH) is a complex trait in wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) that includes the spike length (SL) and the internode lengths from the first to the fifth internode, which are counted from the top and abbreviated as FIRITL, SECITL, THIITL, FOUITL, and FIFITL, respectively. This study identified eight putative additive quantitative trait loci (QTL) for PH. In addition, unconditional and conditional QTL mapping were used to analyze the temporal and spatial expression patterns of five stable QTL for PH. qPh-3A mainly regulated SL, FIRITL, and FIFITL to affect PH during the booting-heading stage (BS-HS); qPh-3D regulated all internode lengths to affect PH, especially during the BS-HS; before HS, qPh-4B mainly affected FIRITL, SECITL, THIITL, and FOUITL and qPh-5A.1 mainly affected SECITL, THIITL, and FOUITL to regulate PH; and qPh-6B mainly regulated FIRITL to affect the PH after the booting stage (BS). qPhdv-4B, a QTL for the response of PH to nitrogen stress, was stable and co-localized with qPh-4B. All five stable QTL, except for qPh-3A, were related to the 1000 kernel weight and yield per plant. Regions of qPh-3A, qPh-3D, qPh-4B, qPh-5A.1, and qPh-6B showed synteny to parts of rice chromosomes 1, 1, 3, 9, and 2, respectively. Based on comparative genomics analysis, Rht-B1b was cloned and mapped in the CI of qPh-4B. This report provides useful information for fine mapping of the stable QTL for PH and the genetic improvement of wheat plant type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploiting novel photoelectrocatalytic system for methanol fuel cell is of huge interest. Herein, we report a composite with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) embedded in the skeleton of ordered mesoporous TiO 2 -Carbon as a high-performance catalyst support for methanol oxidation under light irradiation. XRD, TEM and HR-TEM were employed to characterize the composite. Through the optimization of component proportion as well as calcination temperature, the TiO 2 -Carbon-CNTs nanocomposite with the CNTs content being 3.0 wt% and calcined temperature at 700 °C exhibited the best photoelectric property. A highest photocurrent density of 0.88 mA cm −2 on TiO 2 -Carbon-CNTs is obtained, which is times higher than that of sample without CNTs. The resulting Pt/TiO 2 -Carbon-CNTs films exhibit superior methanol oxidation performance. The enhanced charge transfer abilities and the synergetic effects between Pt and photointroduced holes on methanol oxidation contribute to the superior photoelectric performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introducing impurity atoms and vacancy prevents transition metal atoms from aggregating on carbon-based nanomaterials, which makes the TM decoration a realistic and effective way to improve the hydrogen storage capacity. By performing the first-principles calculation, we studied the adsorption of hydrogen molecules on Sc-decorated graphene with single-vacancy defect (SV) and pyridinic-N defects: SV + 1N, SV + 2N, SV + 3N and DV + 4N. Our calculations show that Sc atoms will be uniformly dispersed on these defective graphene with the binding energies higher than the cohesive energy of bulk Sc. We find that the binding energy of Sc and the adsorption energy of H 2 molecules on these defective structures both change gradually as the variation of N concentration. The Sc-decorated SV + 3N is the most promising material for hydrogen storage, in which each Sc atom could store 5H 2 with the adsorption energies in the range of 0.2–0.4 eV. Moreover, our calculations show that the double-sided Sc-decorated graphene with pyridinic-N defects can adsorb more H 2 molecules with higher adsorption energies. It indicates that the double-sided adsorptions are more favorable for hydrogen storage with high capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Circulating and liver MDSCs expanded in AIH. • BM MDSCs ameliorated liver mitochondrial damage to protect against AIH by releasing sEVs. • Long-term multiple administrations of BM MDSCs were safe. Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an inflammatory liver disease that is associated with impaired self-tolerance. Myeloid-derived supprfessor cells (MDSCs) have been considered to exert counterregulatory effects on AIH. However, the specific mechanism underlying these effects is unclear. Herein, we investigated the efficacy and safety of MDSCs in protecting against AIH and explored the underlying mechanism. Circulating and liver MDSC expression levels in 71 AIH patients and 47 healthy control (HC) individuals were detected by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. The adoptive transfer of induced bone marrow-derived MDSCs (BM MDSCs) to AIH mice was used to explore the function of MDSCs. Hepatic injury and mitochondrial damage were evaluated by transaminase levels, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, transmission electron microscopy and western blotting. MDSCs were pretreated with the small extracellular vesicle (sEV) generation inhibitor GW4869 to explore the mechanism. Importantly, sEVs derived from MDSCs and MDSCs-GW4869 were injected into model mice to monitor mitochondrial function and biogenesis. Circulating and liver MDSCs were expanded in AIH patients and mouse model. Furthermore, the follow-up data of AIH patients showed that immunosuppressive therapy further promoted the expansion of MDSCs. More importantly, the adoptive transfer of BM MDSCs to AIH mice effectively ameliorated liver injury and regulated the imbalance of the immune microenvironment. Additionally, BM MDSCs reduced liver mitochondrial damage and improved mitochondrial biogenesis. Mechanistically, sEVs derived from BM MDSCs showed the same biological effects as cells, and blocking sEV production weakened the function of BM MDSCs. Finally, multiple long-term administrations of BM MDSCs were proven to be safe in general. In conclusion, MDSCs ameliorate liver mitochondrial damage to protect against autoimmune hepatitis by releasing small extracellular vesicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We synthesize hierarchical WO 3 @NiFe-layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoarrays via a controllable hydrothermal process to prepare WO 3 nanorod arrays followed by electrochemical deposition of layer structured NiFe-LDH. The WO 3 @NiFe-LDH photoanodes exhibit superior photoelectrochemical water oxidation performance with lower onset potential and higher anodic photocurrent density than that of the pristine WO 3 photoanode. After decorated with the ultrathin NiFe-LDH nanoflakes with optimized content, the WO 3 @NiFe-LDH photoanode displays negative shifted onset potential of 0.06 V and enhanced photocurrent density as high as 1.10 mA cm −2 at the potential of 1.20 V (vs. SCE). The promising performance is attributed to that WO 3 provides superior framework of photoanodes as well as the prospective light harvesting property. What’s more, the NiFe-LDH can act as an efficient oxygen evolution co-catalyst to suppress charge carriers recombination and accelerate the water oxidation kinetics. This strategy develops a fascinating cost-effective approach to promote the efficiency of water splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene has attracted tremendous interest as a potential hydrogen storage medium due to its extraordinary properties granted by its two-dimensional nature. In this study, we investigated the hydrogen storage ability of five 2D carbon allotropes: C 40 , C 41 , C 63 , C 64 and C 65 with calcium decoration by adopting the first-principles method based on density functional theory. The probable adsorption sites for a Ca atom and different Ca coverages were examined, and the hydrogen molecules were added one by one to investigate the maximum hydrogen gravimetric density. Our results show that Ca atom prefers to stay on the hollow site above the largest polygons instead of small polygons. Up to 6 hydrogen molecules can be adsorbed on one single Ca atom with the average adsorption energy in the reasonable range. The hydrogen gravimetric density for these carbon allotropes with Ca decoration are 3.53–4.48 wt.% at low Ca coverage and 7.5–8.57 wt.% at high Ca coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Between 2010 and 2013, we recorded 66 cases of failed organ donation after brain death (DBD) due to the excessive use of the vasoactive drugs resulting in impaired hepatic and/or renal function. To investigate the effect of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in donor management, ECMO was used to provide support for DBD donors with circulatory and/or respiratory failure from 2013 to 2015. A retrospective cohort study between circulatory non-stable DBD with vasoactive drugs (DBD-drug) and circulatory non-stable DBD with ECMO (DBD-ECMO) was designed to compare the transplant outcomes. A total of 19 brain death donors were supported by ECMO. The incidence rate of post-transplant liver primary non-function (PNF) was 10% (two of 20) in DBD-drug group and zero in DBD-ECMO group. Kidney function indicators, including creatinine clearance and urine production, were significantly better in DBD-ECMO group, as well as the kidney delayed graft function (DGF) rate was found to be decreased by the use of ECMO in our study. Donation success rate increased steadily from 47.8% in 2011 to 84.6% in 2014 after the ECMO intervention. The use of ECMO in assisting circulatory and respiratory function of DBD can reduce liver and kidney injury from vasoactive drugs, thereby improving organ quality and reducing the organ discard rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: QTLs for kernel characteristics and tolerance to N stress were identified, and the functions of ten known genes with regard to these traits were specified. Abstract: Kernel size and quality characteristics in wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) ultimately determine the end use of the grain and affect its commodity price, both of which are influenced by the application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer. This study characterized quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for kernel size and quality and examined the responses of these traits to low-N stress using a recombinant inbred line population derived from Kenong 9204 × Jing 411. Phenotypic analyses were conducted in five trials that each included low- and high-N treatments. We identified 109 putative additive QTLs for 11 kernel size and quality characteristics and 49 QTLs for tolerance to N stress, 27 and 14 of which were stable across the tested environments, respectively. These QTLs were distributed across all wheat chromosomes except for chromosomes 3A, 4D, 6D, and 7B. Eleven QTL clusters that simultaneously affected kernel size- and quality-related traits were identified. At nine locations, 25 of the 49 QTLs for N deficiency tolerance coincided with the QTLs for kernel characteristics, indicating their genetic independence. The feasibility of indirect selection of a superior genotype for kernel size and quality under high-N conditions in breeding programs designed for a lower input management system are discussed. In addition, we specified the functions of Glu- A1, Glu- B1, Glu- A3, Glu- B3, TaCwi- A1, TaSus2, TaGS2- D1, PPO- D1, Rht- B1, and Ha with regard to kernel characteristics and the sensitivities of these characteristics to N stress. This study provides useful information for the genetic improvement of wheat kernel size, quality, and resistance to N stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finding controllable, low-cost, and scalable ways to generate Ni-based catalysts is the bottleneck for methane dry reforming catalyst design. A new method for generating trimetallic Co x Ni y Mg 100 − x − y O solid solution platelets enclosed by (1 1 1) facets has been developed from the topotactic pyrolysis of the metastable precursor Co x Ni y Mg 100 − x − y (OH)(OCH 3 ) derived from solvothermal synthesis. The catalyst composition and reaction conditions have been modulated to achieve maximum coke resistance and catalyst stability. Long-term stability for 1000 h time on stream at 800 °C has been achieved for the optimized Co 0.075 Ni 7.425 Mg 92.5 O catalyst. The role of Co in the catalyst has been disclosed through kinetic measurements and detailed characterization of the spent catalysts. Co is enriched on the Co–Ni alloy surface under reforming conditions and accelerates the gasification of coke intermediates. Co also enhances the chemisorption of oxygen and reduces the activation energy for methane fragmentation, which is the rate-determining step for the overall reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignancies in China and is associated with high mortality. The occurrence and development of gastric cancer are related to genetic and environmental factors. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a cytoplasmic nonreceptor protein tyrosine kinase that is activated by the extracellular matrix and growth factors. FAK is highly expressed in cancer and promotes its development by regulating cancer cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. The expression of IL-8 is increased in many types of malignant tumor cells and is linked to their proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and EMT. In this study, we found FAK to be essential for the proliferation, migration, and peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer cells. To examine the molecular regulatory mechanisms of FAK in the peritoneal dissemination of gastric cancer, we performed RNA-seq analysis of MKN-45-FAK−/− and MKN45 cells and demonstrated that IL-8 was downregulated in FAK-deficient cells. Conversely, we confirmed that IL-8 activates FAK activity. We established that IL-8 promotes the proliferation, colony formation, and migration of gastric cancer cells that are partially mediated by FAK. Thus, we propose that an IL-8-FAK-IL-8 positive feedback loop effects the proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polydopamine hybrid zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (PDA*ZIF-8) membrane, synthesized by zinc nitrate hexahydrate (ZnNO 3 •6H 2 O), 2-methylimidazole (2-MI), and dopamine (DA), uniformly grows on the surface of poly(p -phenylene-2, 6-benzobisoxazole) (PBO) fibers by heterogeneous nucleation method to obtain PBO@PDA*ZIF-8 fibers. PBO@PDA*ZIF-8 fibers are then applied as the reinforcement, bisphenol A dicyanate ester (BADCy) as the matrix, and PBO@PDA*ZIF-8 fibers/BADCy wave-transparent laminated composites are prepared by high-temperature molding. Results indicate that PDA*ZIF-8 membrane increases the surface roughness and chemical activity of PBO fibers. The interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and flexural strength of PBO@PDA*ZIF-8 fibers/BADCy laminated composites are 45.3 and 656.3 MPa, respectively, which are increased by 23.4% and 11.7% compared with those of PBO fibers/BADCy composites (587.4 and 36.7 MPa). The dielectric constant and dielectric loss values at 1 MHz are 2.76 and 0.0046, respectively, lower than PBO fibers/BADCy (3.06 and 0.006). At 0.3–40 GHz, PBO@PDA*ZIF-8 fibers/BADCy laminated composites have excellent wave-transparent performance (The simulated wave-transparent rate is greater than 87%, d = 1.5–3.5 mm). Meanwhile, the corresponding volume resistivity and breakdown strength are 3.7 × 1015 Ω•cm and 23.61 kV/mm, higher than PBO fibers/BADCy composites (2.2 × 1015 Ω•cm and 17.69 kV/mm), respectively. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flag leaf-related traits (FLRTs) are determinant traits affecting plant architecture and yield potential in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). In this study, a recombinant inbred line population with 188 lines, derived from the cross between Kenong9204 and Jing411, was developed to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for flag leaf width (FLW), length (FLL), and area (FLA) under both low nitrogen and high nitrogen treatments. A total of 38 QTLs were detected in eight environments (year × location × treatment). Of these, two QTLs for FLW on chromosomes 4B and 6B (qFlw-4B.3 and qFlw-6B.2) and one for FLA on chromosome 5B (qFla-5B) were major stable QTLs. Both phenotypic and QTL mapping analyses indicated that FLW was the major contributor to flag leaf size. To investigate the genetic relationship between FLRTs and yield-related traits (YRTs) at the QTL level, both unconditional and multivariable conditional QTL mapping for YRTs with respect to FLRTs were conducted. Twelve QTL clusters simultaneously controlling FLRTs and YRTs were identified. In comparison with unconditional QTL mapping, conditional QTL mapping analysis revealed that most but not all the QTL for YRTs were improved by FLRTs. At the QTL level, FLA had the greatest contribution to YRTs, followed by FLW and FLL. This study provided a genetic foundation from which to obtain desirable plant architecture and improve yield potential in wheat breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nondissociative and dissociated adsorptions of 4-methylbenzenethiol (4-MBT) and 4-ethylbenzenethiol (4-EBT) on (111) surface were studied by applying the first-principles method based on density functional theory. The effects of coverage and vdW interactions on adsorptions were investigated. Adsorption energies and tilt angles of both 4-MBT and 4-EBT decrease with the increase of the coverage, and vdW interactions can affect the adsorption configuration and energy. More importantly, in the case of 4-EBT adsorption, we have studied the effects of ethyl group's orientation on the adsorption configuration and energy. Calculation results show that ethyl group's orientation has little effect on the adsorption energy, but changes the tilt angle by around 7°. Our calculations provide a deeper elucidation of the observed adsorption configuration for 4-EBT on (111). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LINKED CONTENT: This article is linked to Chao et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16600 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16756 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: A major and stable QTL for fertile spikelet number per spike and grain number per fertile spikelet identified in a 4.96-Mb interval on chromosome 2A was validated in different genetic backgrounds. Fertile spikelet number per spike (FSN) and grain number per fertile spikelet (GNFS) contribute greatly to wheat yield improvement. To detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with FSN and GNFS, we used a recombinant inbred line population crossed by Zhongkemai 13F10 and Chuanmai 42 in eight environments. Two Genomic regions associated with FSN were detected on chromosomes 2A and 6A using bulked segregant exome sequencing analysis. After the genetic linkage maps were constructed, four QTL QFsn.cib-2A, QFsn.cib-6A, QGnfs.cib-2A and QGnfs.cib-6A were identified in three or more environments. Among them, two major QTL QFsn.cib-2A (LOD = 4.67–9.34, PVE = 6.66–13.05%) and QGnfs.cib-2A (LOD = 5.27–11.68, PVE = 7.95–16.71%) were detected in seven and six environments, respectively. They were co-located in the same region, namely QFsn/Gnfs.cib-2A. The developed linked Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) markers further validated this QTL in a different genetic background. QFsn/Gnfs.cib-2A showed pleiotropic effects on grain number per spike (GNS) and spike compactness (SC), and had no effect on grain weight. Since QFsn/Gnfs.cib-2A might be a new locus, it and the developed KASP markers can be used in wheat breeding. According to haplotype analysis, QFsn/Gnfs.cib-2A was identified as a target of artificial selection during wheat improvement. Based on haplotype analysis, sequence differences, spatiotemporal expression patterns, and gene annotation, the potential candidate genes for QFsn/Gnfs.cib-2A were predicted. These results provide valuable information for fine mapping and cloning gene(s) underlying QFsn/Gnfs.cib-2A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: By performing density functional theory calculations, this work clarifies the sites and energetics of both the non-dissociative and dissociated adsorptions of CH3SH on clean Au(111) and Au(111) with intrinsic defects. It was found that the adsorption on defect-free Au(111) is most stable for non-dissociative CH3SH. Its direct molecular dissociation to form CH3S/Au and H/Au is barred by an activation barrier of 0.9eV. However, the presence of neighboring Auad can assist the dissociation reaction to form CH3S–Auad–H by lowering the energy barrier to 0.6eV. As for the dissociated CH3S, the surface geometry of two CH3S joined by a Auad is the most favorable one. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Suspended sediment dynamics are still imperfectly understood, especially in the upper Yellow River where few studies on this issue have been conducted. This study analyzed the variability in suspended sediment concentration at different temporal scales (within-flood, monthly-seasonal and annual). Using a dataset up to 49years long (1954–2002) at Toudaoguai station, this paper provided insight into the characteristics of suspended sediment transport in the Ningxia-Inner Mongolia reaches of the upper Yellow River. The results show that, in a single flood event, changes in SSC are not simultaneous with changes in discharge, resulting in counterclockwise hysteretic loops, clockwise loops or figure-eight loops. The C–Q loops and sediment rating curves for different seasons had different characters. The diversiform C–Q loops in the Inner Mongolia reaches of the upper Yellow River may be mainly caused by the sediment inputs from tributaries, the different propagation velocity of sediment and water discharge, spatial and temporal storage–depletion processes of available sediment. At annual scale, the variations of annual mean discharge and SSC displayed a similar gradually deceasing trend, and the relation between water discharge and SSC during 1954–2002 could be described by a cubic polynomial function. Since the joint operation of Liujiaxia and Longyangxia reservoirs after 1986, the transport capacity of the Upper Yellow River has been much reduced. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • The uniform organic–inorganic hybrid coating is formed on the surface of PBO fibers. • PBO@P-Ce 0.8 Ca 0.2 O 1.8 fibers present the excellent interfacial bonding strength with resin matrix. • The functionalized PBO fibers coated by the hybrid coating possess excellent UV resistance. Poly(p -phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole) (PBO) fibers display weak outdoor stability and reliability due to their poor UV resistance and chemically inert surface. In this work, calcia-doped ceria (Ce 0.8 Ca 0.2 O 1.8) nanoparticles was fabricated via chemical co -precipitation method, and the novel Ce 0.8 Ca 0.2 O 1.8 /P(S- co -BCB- co -MMA) organic–inorganic hybrid coating was then designed and prepared for surface functionalization of PBO fibers (PBO@P-Ce 0.8 Ca 0.2 O 1.8). Organic-inorganic hybrid coating presents high surface roughness and excellent UV resistance. When the concentration of Ce 0.8 Ca 0.2 O 1.8 nanoparticles with the particle size of about 50 nm is 0.6 wt%, PBO@P-Ce 0.8 Ca 0.2 O 1.8 –3 fibers (sample 4, 0.6 wt%) present the best interfacial bonding strength with modified bisphenol A cyanate (BADCy) resins, the single fiber pull-out strength between sample 4 and modified BADCy resins reaches the maximum value of 4.6 MPa, 48.4% higher than that of pristine PBO fibers (sample 0, 3.1 MPa). Meanwhile, the tensile strength of sample 4 after 288 h UV aging is increased from 1.4 GPa (PBO fibers) to 4.1 GPa. Overall, functionalized PBO fibers in this work demonstrate higher surface activity, excellent UV resistance and improved interfacial bonding strength with modified BADCy resins, which provides a new idea for functionalizing the surface activity and UV resistance of high-performance polymer fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the relation between water discharge and suspended-sediment concentration (SSC) was analyzed based on daily water discharge and SSC recorded at six stations in the Ningxia-Inner Mongolia reaches of the upper Yellow River in flood seasons from 1952 to 1986. The Pettitt statistical method was used to test the abrupt changes in the time series of discharge and sediment concentration. The results indicate that the time series of discharge in Ningxia-Inner Mongolia reaches of the upper Yellow River can be divided into two periods, i.e., before 1969 and between 1969 and 1986. In these two periods, the third-order polynomial function could be used to describe the relationship between water discharge and SSC during the flood periods, indicating that sediment transport in the Ningxia-Inner Mongolia reaches was influenced by the complex processes of water and sediment inputs from the upstream and tributaries and also by the channel boundary conditions. The relation between SSC and the water discharge of low and moderate floods ( Q < 3000 m 3 /s) was fitted by sediment rating curves of a power function form. The sediment rating parameter b is higher in the upper section of the Ningxia-Inner Mongolia reaches due to a higher stream power there, and both the cross-section shape and river bed material determine the value of log( a ). Although a 40% decrease in sediment transport during the flood periods due to the impoundment of the Liujiaxia Reservoir and sediment-checking dams and the implementation of soil and water conservation programmes in the Ningxia-Inner Mongolia reaches of the upper Yellow River, the sediment transport regimes during 1952–1986 did not change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]