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Background Most neonates with persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) have no clinical symptoms or hemodynamic changes, and this anomaly is only found during cardiac catheterization, pacemaker implantation, or central venous catheterization. Electrocardiogram (ECG) localization is helpful for the application of the peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) technique in neonates with PLSVC. Objective To explore the characteristic waveforms of the P wave when a PICC under ECG localization is applied in neonates with PLSVC. Study Design The observation and management strategies for the P wave changes during catheter insertion (CI) of two neonates with PLSVC admitted to our institution between January and July 2020, who underwent PICC line insertion, were summarized. Results The characteristic P wave changes in two children with a PICC line inserted via the PLSVC were observed. When a wide inverted P wave appeared on ECG, the catheter was immediately withdrawn by 0.5 cm, a bidirectional P wave gradually appeared and then disappeared. After that, the catheter was further withdrawn by 0.5 cm. After catheterization, the optimal position of the PICC was confirmed by X-ray photography and bedside B-ultrasound. The PICC line was removed as scheduled after indwelling for 18 and 29 days, respectively, in the two cases, and no PICC-related complications occurred during indwelling. Conclusion The characteristic P wave changes on ECG during CI provide important clinical reference values for the application of the PICC technique under ECG localization in neonates with PLSVC. Key Points Electrocardiogram localization. Peripherally inserted central catheter. Persistent left superior vena cava. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To explore the surgical techniques and clinical value of pure transperitoneal laparoscopic nephroureterectomy (LNU) plus bladder cuff excision (BCE) conducted without changing the patient's position in the treatment of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). Methods: From August 2018 to July 2021, we retrospectively reviewed 66 patients who underwent LNU + BCE in a single position. Then, their demographic characteristics, perioperative and pathological outcomes, and postoperative follow-up data were evaluated. Results: All 66 operations in this group were successfully completed without conversion to open surgery. The mean operative time was 125 ± 47 minutes, whereas the estimated blood loss was 10 (10, 15) mL. The median postoperative drainage time was 4 (3.8, 6.0) days, the time to catheter extraction after the operation was 4.5 (3.0, 6.0) days, and the median postoperative hospital stay was 6 (5, 7) days. Pathological results showed urothelial carcinoma in 65 cases, including 56 high-grade and 9 low-grade cases. Lymph node metastasis was found in 8 cases of high-grade urothelial carcinoma. All the surgical margins were negative. The median follow-up was 16.5 (11.0–25.6) months, and there was neither tumor recurrence nor distant metastasis. Conclusions: Pure transperitoneal LNU + BCE in a single position is a safe and effective minimally invasive technique for UTUC and is worthy of clinical application and promotion. It takes advantage of a programmed procedure, short operation time, less blood loss, less trauma, and quick recovery after the operation. However, multicenter randomized controlled studies with large samples are needed to further confirm these findings. Trial Registration: The study was registered at Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No. 22/054-3255) and the registration date is August 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To summarize and analyze the application of transvaginal natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (TV-NOSES) in the operation of renal carcinoma, upper tract urothelial carcinoma, and bladder cancer. Methods: Fifty-seven female patients who underwent 3D laparoscopic radical surgery for urinary tumors and TV-NOSES were analyzed retrospectively. The basic clinical data, perioperative-related data, postoperative complications, and related indexes of postoperative functional evaluation were analyzed and evaluated. Results: All 57 operations were successfully performed according to the original plan. One patient developed mild vaginal infection after operation, which was cured after symptomatic treatment. The visual analog scale scores at 24 and 48 hours after operation were 2.5 (1–4) and 1.1 (0–2), respectively. Patient scar assessment questionnaire scores at 3 months after operation were 37.1 (32–48). Pelvic floor distress inventory-short form 20 scores at preoperative and postoperative 3 months were 5.9 (3–9) and 6.3 (3–9), respectively, and the difference was not statistically significant (P = .48). There was no significant difference in female sexual function index scores between preoperative and postoperative 3 months (P = .82). Conclusions: TV-NOSES in urological surgery is feasible and practical. In addition, this technique further reduces wound pain and wound-related complications without affecting postoperative sexual function and pelvic floor function. The successful development of this technique has laid a solid foundation for further clinical application and promotion. Clinical Trial Registration number: 22/141-3342. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aminoglycoside antibiotic drugs induce hearing loss in children and adults every year; however, the pathological mechanisms remain unknown. Previous studies have shown that the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation in the inner ear may be responsible for kanamycin (KM)-induced hair cell death and hearing loss. Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-, leucine-rich repeat-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) is a specific ROS sensor that initiates inflammasome assembly as well as activates caspase-1 and downstream inflammatory factors. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether NLRP3 inflammasomes are involved in KM-related hearing loss in mice. Compared with the control (saline) group, increased levels of activated caspase-1, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, N-terminal fragment of gasdermin D (GSDMD-N), and NLRP3 were detected by immunofluorescence, western blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the KM-plus-furosemide (LASIX)-treated group. Moreover, we also found that the NLRP3 inhibitor oridonin (Ori) could significantly rescue KM-related hearing loss by inhibiting NLRP3-inflammasome activation and caspase-1/GSDMD-related hair cell pyroptosis. These findings demonstrate that apoptosis, as well as pyroptosis, may be involved in KM-related hearing loss and that the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pathway may be a new target for treating aminoglycoside-induced hearing loss. • NLRP3 inflammasomes are involved in kanamycin-related hearing loss in mice. • NLRP3 inhibitor oridonin significantly rescued kanamycin-related hearing loss. • Oridonin inhibited NLRP3-inflammasome activation. • Oridonin inhibited caspase-1/GSDMD-related hair cell pyroptosis. • NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pathway may be targeted to treat drug-induced hearing loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The chimeric antigen receptor NK‐92 (CAR NK‐92) cell targeting the prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) has shown antitumour effects in castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). However, the expression changes of programmed death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) and its mechanisms on CAR NK‐92 and CRPC cells and the effect of the anti‐PD‐L1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) on PD‐L1 expressed on CAR NK‐92 cells remain unknown. Methods: Human dendritic cells and CD8+ T cells were acquired from blood samples of healthy donors and cocultured with C4‐2 cells. Changes in PD‐L1 expression were detected by flow cytometry. Differential gene expressions were investigated by RNA sequence analysis, while the regulation of PD‐L1 molecular signaling was explored using western blotting. In vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated using the Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay and the bioluminescent intensity (BLI) of green fluorescent protein‐labelled C4‐2 cells. CRPC growth in vivo was monitored using callipers and BLI in male NOD/SCID mice subcutaneously injected with C4‐2 cells and treated intravenously with anti‐PD‐L1/PD‐1 mAb, CAR NK‐92 or cocultured CD8+ T cells. Results: Significantly upregulated expression of PD‐L1k was observed in cocultured C4‐2 and CAR NK‐92 cells. In addition, upregulation of PD‐L1 expression was dependent on interferon‐γ in C4‐2 cells, while it was dependent on direct cell‐to‐cell interaction via the NK group 2 member D/ phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/AKT pathway in CAR NK‐92 cells. The anti‐PD‐L1 mAb directly acted on PD‐L1 expressed on CAR NK‐92 cells and augmented the cytotoxicity of CAR NK‐92 cells against C4‐2 and CRPC cells from one patient in vitro. Anti‐PD‐L1 mAb significantly enhanced the antitumour effect of CAR NK‐92 cells against CRPC cells in vivo when compared to treatment with CAR NK‐92 cells or combined with anti‐PD‐1 mAb in the absence or presence of cocultured CD8+ T cells. Conclusion: Combined treatment with CAR NK‐92 and anti‐PD‐L1 mAb improved the antitumour efficacy against CRPC, which is of extraordinary translational value in the clinical treatment of CRPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The water supply and treatment in urban water systems (UWS) consume massive energy, quantitative estimate of the intensity of their accompanying GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emissions is important to clarify the major source of the GHG for UWS. Herein, on the city scale, the intensity of energy consumption and GHG emissions of the water supply and wastewater treatment systems were calculated, based on the operating data of 5972 water or wastewater treatment plants in China. Results showed that the water supply system consumed 38.6 billion kWh of electrical energy and accounted for 26.8 Mt CO 2 -eq GHG emissions, accordingly of 14.4 billion kWh and 21.9 Mt CO 2 -eq for the wastewater treatment system. For wastewater treatment, significant spatial autocorrelation was observed for the intensities of energy consumption and GHG emission, and the clustering areas highly matched with the topography, especially the N 2 O and CH 4 emissions high-high clustering in the Loess Plateau and Inner Mongolia Plateau. Screened by multi-scale geographically weighted regression, the annual precipitation was found to be the main factor influencing the intensities, with a higher regression coefficient than social factors (e.g., GDP and population density). And a clear spatial heterogeneity was observed with the regression coefficient distributed higher in the northwest than in the southeast, with a gap of 2.3–7.5 times. This study provides systematic estimation results of energy consumption and GHG emissions intensity in urban water supply and wastewater treatment systems on the city scale in China, quantifies regional differences in energy consumption and GHG emission intensity of UWS, and revealed the inequality of UWS in regions with different basic conditions while facing low-carbon transformation. Our findings provide a reference for the formulation of regionally targeted UWS low-carbon transition policies. • Intensities of UWS energy and GHG emission from 354 city were calculated. • Local spatial autocorrelation and MGWR are used for spatial analysis. • Wastewater treatment and scope 2 are the largest emission process and source. • Intensity of direct GHG emission clustering areas highly matched with topography. • Precipitation, water endowment and economic are the key influencing factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixotrophic denitrification (combining heterotrophic denitrification and autotrophic denitrification) based bioretention system is a promising sustainable technology for nitrate nitrogen removal from stormwater runoff due to the ease of start-up and long operational cycle. However, the initial release of organic matter and ammonia nitrogen from most biomass carbon sources and the ineffectiveness for real-time treatment during rewetting period limit its engineering application. In this study, a novel heterotrophic-autotrophic sequential bioretention system was constructed by sequential packing waste reeds and sulfur in the upper and lower layers of the submerged zone. The removal of nitrate nitrogen, total nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, and chemical oxygen demand maintained at 92.45%–99.54%, 84.80%–95.60%, 57.27%–82.86%, and 67.79%–85.82%, respectively, under different influent nitrate nitrogen loads of 20 mg/L, 14 mg/L, and 8 mg/L, respectively. The system solved the massive leaching of ammonia nitrogen and organic matter from waste reeds in the early phases and achieved low production rate of nitrite nitrogen (0.0004–0.0048 kg/(m3·d)) and sulfate (0.09–0.27 kg/(m3·d)). For 3 and 5 antecedent dry days, the real-time nitrate nitrogen removal kept at 99.66 ± 0.25% and 91.26 ± 7.91%. Microbial communities and functional genes revealed the C, N, S transformation driven by the system improved the responds to dry-wet alterations. The synergy of heterotrophic layer (heterotrophic denitrification and sulfide-driven autotrophic denitrification) and autotrophic layer (sulfur-driven autotrophic denitrification, dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonia, and sulfate reduction) promoted the complete denitrification and reduced by-products formation. Proposed mechanism of C, N, S transformation driven by HASB under dry-wet alterations. [Display omitted] • Heterotrophic-autotrophic sequential bioretention was innovatively established. • HASB removed 92.45%–99.54% of NO 3 −-N from runoff deeply and efficiently. • HASB avoided COD and NH 4 +-N release from reeds and reduced NO 3 −-N and SO 4 2− yields. • Heterotrophic and autotrophic layers were synergistic, both containing Thiobacillus. • Sequential design drove C, N, S transformations in response to variation in DO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The concentration of Cl− has a significant impact on the conversion of oxidative species. • The CoS@FeS catalyst can improve RhB mineralization and inhibition of the AOX formation. • The in-situ generation of H 2 O 2 consumes HClO and thus inhibits the formation of AOX. • The H 2 O 2 concentration related closely with the catalyst and O 2 dosages. The presence of chloride ions (Cl−) in dye wastewater can hinder the peroxymonosulfate (PMS) oxidation and lead to the abundant production of toxic adsorbable organic halogens (AOX). In this study, we investigate the detailed influence of Cl− on Rhodamine B (RhB) removal and its mechanism, and propose a potential pathway for 1O 2 -dominated systems to inhibit AOX formation. The concentration of Cl− has a dual effect on the degradation of RhB, with low concentrations inhibiting and high concentrations promoting. Further studies have revealed that Cl− significantly impact the generation and transformation of reactive oxygen species (ROSs). EPR capturing, quenching tests, and molecular probe experiments indicate that as the Cl− concentration increases, the concentration of SO 4 −, OH and their contribution to the degradation of RhB gradually decrease, 1O 2 slightly increase and then decrease, while HClO and chlorine radicals increase linearly. Additionally, the catalyst plays a crucial role in inhibiting AOX formation and improving the mineralization of RhB. On the one hand, introducing catalysts can alter the proportion of ROSs production. On the other hand, the in-situ generation of H 2 O 2 on the catalyst surface, through O 2 adsorption at sulfur vacancies sites, consumes the produced HClO, thereby inhibiting the formation of AOX. This study proposed a new insight into the mechanism for effective reduction of AOX content for 1O 2 dominated non-radical PMS activation under saline water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminum (Al) toxicity is a major abiotic stress that restricts crop production in acid soils. Plants have evolved internal and external mechanisms of tolerance, and among them it is well known that AtSTOP1 and OsART1 are key transcription factors involved in tolerance through regulation of multiple downstream genes. Here, we identified the closest homolog of these two proteins in barley, namely HvATF1, Al-tolerance Transcription Factor 1, and determined its potential function in Al stress. HvATF1 is expressed in the nucleus, and functions in transcriptional activation. The transcription of HvATF1 was found to be constitutive in different tissues, and was little affected by Al stress. Knockdown of HvATF1 by RNAi resulted in increased Al sensitivity. Transcriptomics analysis identified 64 differently expressed genes in the RNAi lines compared to the wild-type, and these were considered as candidate downstream genes regulated by HvATF1. This study provides insights into the different molecular mechanisms of Al tolerance in barley and other plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of modified electrocardiogram (ECG)-guided technique in umbilical venous catheterisation in neonates.Methods: Sixty-six critically ill neonates underwent umbilical venous catheterisation with (ECG group) or without (control group) ECG guidance from January 2017 to March 2019. We retrospectively analysed and compared the rate of correct tip placement on first try, unplanned extubation rate and incidence of catheter-related complications between the two groups.Results: There were 33 patients in each group. The ECG group showed significantly higher rate of correct tip placement on first try (P < 0.001), lower unplanned extubation rate (P < 0.001), but identical incidence of catheter-related complications (P = 0.492) comparing with the control group.Conclusion: The ECG-guided technique is an effective and safe method for umbilical venous catheterisation. The connecting method we modified made this technique more practical and can be promoted to areas without access to specific ECG adaptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The study of the microstructure and electrochemical property of palladium-loaded tantalum oxide (Pd/Ta 2 O 5) particles is presented. Pd/Ta 2 O 5 belongs to the orthorhombic phase. The palladium states onto the Pd/Ta 2 O 5 surface are Pd0 and Pd2+ forms. From the morphology and size analysis of the loaded Pd particles using transmission electron microscopy, one can see that the nanosized-Pd particles are loaded onto the Ta 2 O 5 surface. A Pd/Ta 2 O 5 film-modified Pt (Pd/Ta 2 O 5 -Pt) electrode further exhibits excellent catalytic activity toward electro-oxidation of ethylene glycol (EG) in acid conditions. Density functional theory was also utilized to clarify the effect on microstructure of Ta 2 O 5 after Pd loading showing that the density of states is increased and the density of electrons in the loading region is enlarged after Ta 2 O 5 is loaded with Pd. Therefore, Pd loading improves the conductivity and electrochemical property of the Pd/Ta 2 O 5 -Pt electrode. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • The Pd loaded Ta 2 O 5 particles were synthesized successfully with the flux method. • The density of state of Ta 2 O 5 was enhanced after palladium loaded. • Palladium loading improved the conductivity and electrocatalytic activity of Ta 2 O 5. • The Pd/Ta 2 O 5 -Pt electrode exhibited high electrocatalytic activity for EG oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Barley is relatively sensitive to Aluminum (Al) toxicity among cereal crops, but shows a wide genotypic difference in Al tolerance. The well-known Al-tolerant mechanism in barley is related to Al exclusion mediated by a citrate transporter HvAACT1 (Al-activated citrate transporter 1). A 1-kb insertion in the promoter region of HvAACT1 gene results in a dramatic increase of its expression level, which only occurs in some Al-tolerant cultivars. However, Al-tolerant Tibetan wild barley accession XZ29 did not have the 1-kb insertion. Results: We confirmed that the expression of HvAACT1 and secretion of citrate and other organic acids did not explain the difference in Al-tolerant wild barley XZ29 and Al-sensitive cultivated barley Golden Promise. To identify microRNAs (miRNAs) and their target genes responsive to Al stress in barley roots, eight small RNA libraries with two biological replicates from these two genotypes exposed to control and Al-treated conditions were constructed and submitted to deep sequencing. A total of 342 miRNAs were identified in Golden Promise and XZ29, with 296 miRNAs being commonly shared in the two genotypes. Target genes of these miRNAs were obtained through bioinformatics prediction or degradome identification. Comparative analysis detected 50 miRNAs responsive to Al stress, and some of them were found to be exclusively expressed in XZ29 and associated with Al tolerance. Conclusions: miRNAs exclusively expressing in the wild barley were identified and found to be associated with Al stress tolerance. The current results provide a model of describing the roles of some special miRNAs associated with Al tolerance in the Tibetan wild barley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bi In hetero-antisite defects in InP:Bi alloy is performed by using first-principle calculations. It is found that the hetero-antisite defect Bi In is energetically easier than Bi P . This Bi In defect is a deep level donor, and the related defect band is introduced by the sp -hybridization mainly between the 6 s state of Bi In and 3 p states of the nearest P atoms. The band gap of InP:Bi alloy increases slightly with the increase of Bi compositions, and the relative position of the defect level remains almost unchanged. These results represent that hetero-antisite defect Bi In does not contribute to the reduction of the band gap of InP:Bi alloy. The calculations of optical properties show that hetero-antisite defect Bi In can contribute to the red shift phenomena observed in experiment as the Bi composition increases. In addition, the interaction of two Bi In atoms can result in the split of the impurity band and cause a strong absorption in near-infrared region, indicating it can be a potential candidate for optoelectronics application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article studies a risk model involving one type of main claims and two types of by-claims, which is an extension of the general risk model with delayed claims. We suppose that every main claim may not induce any by-claims or may induce one by-claim belonging to one of the two types of by-claims with a certain probability. In addition, assume that the by-claim and its associated main claim may occur at the same time and that the occurrence of the by-claim may be delayed. An integro-differential equation system for survival probabilities is derived by using two auxiliary risk models. The expression of the survival probability is obtained by applying Laplace transforms and Rouché theorem. Furthermore, we provide a method for solving the survival probability when the two by-claim amounts satisfy different exponential distributions. As a special case, an explicit expression of survival probability is given when all the claim amounts obey the same exponential distribution. Finally, numerical results are provided to examine the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

• SGN pyroptosis and apoptosis are regulated by caspase-1 and caspase-8. • CMV-induced SGN death is inhibited by blocking the ASC interaction. • Early stage CMV infection only involves pyroptosis. • ASC inflammasome can be a target for treating CMV-related newborn hearing loss. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection causes newborn deafness, and the death of the spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) is crucial in determining the degree of CMV-related hearing loss. Therefore, understanding the psychopathology of CMV-related SGN loss is important for identifying targets and exploring treatment strategies. In this study, we found that pyroptosis and apoptosis, two inflammasome-related programmed cell death pathways, are involved in CMV-induced SGN death and are mainly regulated by activated caspase-1 and caspase-8. Moreover, suppressing inflammasome assembly by blocking apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC) interaction inhibited the activation of both caspase-1 and caspase-8, rescued SGN death, and improved hearing loss in CMV-infected newborn mice. Therefore, we propose that ASC inflammasome might be a promising target for treating CMV-related SGN death and newborn hearing loss by inhibiting caspase-1 and caspase-8 activated pyroptosis and apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The bimetallic heterostructure catalyst with sulfur-rich vacancies was constructed by one-pot hydrothermal method. • The synergistical mechanism of heterostructure and sulfur vacancies were revealed. • A fixed bed reactor was designed from CoS@FeS-1 catalyst in a self-made column device. The incorporation of heterostructure and vacancies will bring new strategies to improve the intrinsic activity of catalysts. Herein, the CoS@FeS heterostructure catalyst with sulfur vacancies (SVs) was fabricated by a simple hydrothermal strategy, which can synergistically trigger peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation toward the efficient degradation of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) (k obs , 0.3334 min−1) through a non-radical/radical oxidized pathway. SO 4 •–, •OH and 1O 2 were regarded as the main reactive oxygen species (ROSs). Mechanism studies revealed that the synergy of SVs and heterostructure played an electron density adjusting role for the PMS activation into SO 4 •– and •OH, as well as the continuous generation of •O 2 − from O 2 , thereby in favor of 1O 2. The SVs availed the adsorption of PMS and dissolved oxygen (DO) on the surface, the continuous electron transmission would be consolidated through the charge transfer efficiency (CTE) of heterostructure. Meanwhile, the integration of SVs with heterostructure reduced the adsorption energy of PMS (-3.82 eV) on the interface of the catalyst according to the density functional theory (DFT) calculations, which overcame the repulsion effect between negatively charged HSO 5 – and CoS@FeS, and enhanced the charge transfer efficiency to accelerate the PMS activation for generating SO 4 •– and •OH. This work will propose a new approach for synergistically stimulating the intrinsic activity of catalysts to improve environmental remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To determine the effect of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level at admission affects the 90-day mortality rate in patients with viral pneumonia. Methods Two hundred fifty viral pneumonia patients were stratified into normal FPG (FPG<7.0 mmol/L), moderately-elevated FPG (FPG=7.0–14.0 mmol/L), and highly-elevated FPG groups (FPG≥14.0 mmol/L) according to the FPG level at the time of admission. The clinical characteristics, etiologies, and prognosis of different groups of patients were compared. Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression analyses were used to determine the relationship between the FPG level and 90-day all-cause mortality rate in patients with viral pneumonia. Results Patients in the moderately- and highly-elevated FPG groups had a higher proportion of severe disease and mortality compared with the normal FPG group (P<0.001). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a significant trend toward higher mortality and increased cumulative risk at 30, 60, and 90 d in patients with an FPG=7.0–14.0 mmol/L and an FPG≥14 mmol/L (χ2 =51. 77, P<0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that compared with an FPG<7.0 mmol/L, FPG=7.0 and 14.0 mmol/L (HR: 9.236, 95% CI: 1.106–77.119, P=0.040) and FPG≥14. 0 mmol/L (HR: 25.935, 95% CI: 2.586–246.213, P=0.005) were independent risk factors for predicting the 90-day mortality rate in viral pneumonia patients. Conclusions The higher the FPG level at admission in a patient with viral pneumonia, the higher the risk of all-cause mortality within 90 d. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper considers a risk model with random premium income and two types of by-claims, which is an extension to the general delayed claims process where there is only one type of by-claim and the premium income is a constant. Assume that each main claim induces one of the two by-claims, the by-claim and its associated main claim occur at the same time when the main claim amount is less than a threshold variable; otherwise, the occurrence of the by-claim will be delayed. An integral equations system for the Gerber–Shiu discounted penalty functions is presented by using auxiliary risk models. Given that the premium size is exponentially distributed, the explicit expression for the Laplace transform of the Gerber–Shiu penalty function is derived. By applying Rouché theorem, the Gerber–Shiu discounted penalty functions with reciprocal of the mean of premium surplus are obtained. According to Lagrange interpolation theorem, we prove that the Gerber–Shiu discounted penalty function satisfies a defective renewal equation. Finally, under the assumption of the claim sizes satisfying exponential distribution, the explicit formula of the ruin probability is derived when the discounted factor equals zero and the penalty function equals one. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation methods have attractive advantages in advanced oxidation process (AOPs) due to their powerful ability of directly or indirectly generating various reactive oxygen species (ROS). Herein, trace amount of Fe(III) ions were added into the commercial-CoS 2 /PMS system to improve the CoS 2 /PMS decomposition for organics removal. The organics removal efficiency could reach >90% towards methylene blue (MB), diclofenac sodium (DCF), sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and bisphenol A (BPA) in the CoS 2 /Fe(III)/PMS system, with the kinetic apparent rate constant k obs of 0.141, 0.206, 0.247 and 0.091 min−1, respectively. The synergistic effect between Fe(III) ions and sulfur-vacancies on CoS 2 for PMS degradation were revealed for the first time in cobalt sulfides/PMS system. Quenching experiments and ESR analysis proved that 1O 2 was the major ROS and was produced mainly by the hydrolysis of SO 5 •–. Besides, the high degradation efficiency was obtained by the contribution of SO 4 •– and •OH. Electron spin–resonance spectroscopy (ESR), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and Raman spectrum data revealed that the addition of Fe(III) ions could optimize the intensity of sulfur vacancies on the CoS 2 surface, which hindered the PMS reduction ability of Co(II), but accelerated the PMS oxidation to form 1O 2. The degradation path of MB was analyzed by liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer (LC-MS). The mechanism studies speculated that the sulfur vacancies of CoS 2 provided the binding sites for Fe(III) ions with Co(II), which facilitated the PMS activation by Co(III). [Display omitted] • A low-cost and efficient SR-AOPs catalysis system was designed. • Mechanism revealed that the major ROS was 1O 2, other than SO 4 •–. • High ratio of Co(III)/Co(II) and S vacancies on CoS 2 were important for the synergistic effect. • The catalysis system exhibited high mineralization efficiency towards organics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Noise damage to auditory hair cells is associated with oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. This study aimed to investigate the possible effect of sestrin 2 (SESN2), an endogenous antioxidant protein, on noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and the underlying mechanisms. Results: We identified SESN2 as a protective factor against oxidative stress in NIHL through activation of Parkin-mediated mitophagy. Consistently, SESN2 expression was increased and mitophagy was induced during the early stage after a temporary threshold shift due to noise exposure or hydrogen peroxide(H2O2) stimulation; conversely, SESN2 deficiency blocked mitophagy and exacerbated acoustic trauma. Mechanistically, SESN2 interacted with Unc-51-like protein kinase 1(ULK1), promoting ULK1 protein-level stabilization by interfering with its proteasomal degradation. This stabilization is essential for mitophagy initiation, since restoring ULK1 expression in SESN2-silenced cells rescued mitophagy defects. Innovation and Conclusion: Our results provide novel insights regarding SESN2 as a therapeutic target against noise-induced cochlear injury, possibly through improved mitophagy. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 38, 115–136. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The Cu(II)–EDTA removal by NNN-SBA-15 from dilute solution was effective. [•] The sorption can reach equilibrium within 2min. [•] Coexistence of EDTA species increased the capture ability of copper. [•] XPS results showed that electrostatic interaction was the main sorption mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Thiol-functionalized activated coke (SH-AC) was prepared by simple chemical method. [•] Thiol groups on activated coke lead to improvement of mercury adsorption capacity. [•] The adsorption equilibrium time was shortened greatly by SH-AC compared to AC. [•] SH-AC has high selectivity toward mercury adsorption. [•] BET, XPS, FTIR, zeta potentials were used to study adsorption mechanisms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Monolayer group-IV tellurides with phosphorene-derived structures are attracting increasing research interest because of their unique properties. Here, we systematically studied the quasiparticle electronic and optical properties of two-dimensional group-IV tellurides (SiTe, GeTe, SnTe, PbTe) using the GW and Bethe–Salpeter equation method. The calculations revealed that all group-IV tellurides are indirect bandgap semiconductors except for monolayer PbTe with a direct gap of 1.742 eV, while all of them are predicted to have prominent carrier transport ability. We further found that the excitonic effect has a significant impact on the optical properties for monolayer group-IV tellurides, and the predicted exciton binding energy is up to 0.598 eV for SiTe. Interestingly, the physical properties of monolayer group-IV tellurides were subject to an increasingly isotropic trend: from SiTe to PbTe, the differences of the calculated quasiparticle band gap, optical gap, and further exciton binding energy along different directions tended to decrease. We demonstrated that these anisotropic electronic and optical properties originate from the structural anisotropy, which in turn is the result of Coulomb repulsion between non-bonding electron pairs. Our theoretical results provide a deeper understanding of the anisotropic properties of group-IV telluride monolayers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The geometric, mechanical, and electric properties of the native defects and impurities in group III nitrides X-N (X=Al, Ga, In) were investigated using density functional theory method. Focused on the bulk moduli, formation energies, and transition levels, we performed calculations which will benefit in understanding and growth of these materials. This study could provide guidelines for enhancing the device performance of group III nitride semiconductors. • The most stable native defects in group III nitrides XN (X = Al, Ga, In) are vacancies. • The reduction in the elastic stiffness of the defects is consistent with the formation energies. • The discrepancy between the anion rich and cation rich situation is most distinct in AlN. • Mg is energetically favorable in the X (X = Al, Ga, In) sites, while O prefers the N sites. • The n-type conductivity should be attributed to the substituted O in nitrogen sites. Defects have a decisive influence on the performance of III-V devices. In this paper, we systematically investigated the native point defects and impurities in group III nitride semiconductors X-N (X = Al, Ga, In) using density functional theory calculations. We studied the geometric and mechanical properties of these nitrides first, the bulk moduli were calculated and analyzed. Then by considering both anion-rich and cation-rich conditions, formation energies and corresponding thermodynamic charge transition levels of these defects were presented. Specifically, our results indicate the elastic stiffness is reduced with the introduction of defects. The nitrogen antisite, the magnesium-nitrogen substitution, and oxygen-X (X = Al, Ga, In) substitution have the most significant decrease in the bulk moduli, which are consistent with their formation energies. For native defects, the nitrogen vacancies are the most stable ones, but still are energetically unfavorable for the experimentally detected n -type conductivity of these nitrides. Interstitials and antisite defects are uneasy to be formed in n -type situations, but they could act as acceptors in p -type nitrides. For magnesium and oxygen impurities, our results have shown that the magnesium usually acts as p -type dopants, and the incorporated oxygen impurities could be the reason for the experimentally detected n-type conductivity. By studying and understanding the properties of these defects and impurities, we address new possibilities for designing and performance improvement of the group III nitride devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Diclofenac sodium removal by low-cost lignite activated cokes (LACs) was reported for the first time. • DCF was quickly removed by LAC-2, with q m of 224 mg/g at pH 6.5. • Macro/micropore structure and phenolic groups obviously enhanced adsorption capacity. • TEM images revealed the turbostratic and graphite-like structure on LAC-2 were clogged by DCF after adsorption. Activated cokes have attracted great interest inwater treatment to remove organic pollutants due to their low cost and specific textural properties. In this study, adsorptive removal of diclofenac sodium (DCF) from neutral aqueous solution by available lignite activated cokes (LACs) was reported for the first time. Diclofenac sodium could be quickly removed from aqueous solution by LAC-2, with the maximum Langmuir adsorption capacity q m of 224 mg/g at pH 6.5. Characterization results (including scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, elemental analyses, Boehm titrations, N 2 adsorption-desorption isotherms and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) and a series of adsorption kinetics, adsorption isotherms model studies revealed that high porosity with developed macro- and micropore structures on LAC-2, as well as high content of phenolic groups, could obviously enhance the DCF adsorption capacity and rate. Moreover, LAC-2 showed high affinity towards DCF at low concentrations, as well as good reusability after three adsorption-desorption cycles. pH effect studies revealed that hydrogen-bonding interaction plays an important role during adsorption, accompanied with certain contribution from electrostatic interaction and π-π interaction. This study indicates the promising potential of LAC-2 as an efficient, low-cost and recyclable material for DCF removal from water bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the peri-operative outcomes of females undergoing laparoscopic intracorporeal urinary diversions (ICUD) and extracorporeal urinary diversions (ECUD) after laparoscopic radical cystectomies (LRC). Patients and methods: Thirty-eight females who underwent LRCs and urinary diversions from February 2008 to October 2018 were divided into two groups: the ECUD group (19 patients) and the ICUD group (19 patients). We retrospectively analysed the patients in terms of patients' demographics, peri-operative outcomes, and oncological follow-ups. Results: There were significant differences in the mean operative times between ECUDs and ICUDs (364.6 vs. 297.1 min, p = 0.007), transfusion rates (37% vs. 5%, p = 0.042), time to flatus (5 vs. 3 days, p = 0.020), time to ambulation (2 vs. 1 days, p = 0.022), and duration of postoperative hospital stays (22 vs. 13 days, p = 0.002). The mean lymph node yield was 12.9 in the ECUD group and 18.6 in the ICUD group (p = 0.140). Seven out of 19 patients (37%) in the ECUD group and 6 out of 19 patients (32%) in the ICUD group had positive lymph nodes (p > 0.9). Two out of 19 ECUD patients (11%) and 4 of 19 ICUD patients (21%) had positive surgical margins (p = 0.660). Although there were no differences in major complications at 30 days and in all complications at 90 days, the Clavien grade II complications were significantly different at 30 days (ECUD 8, ICUD 2; p = 0.026). The mean follow-up times were 48.7 months (ECUD group) and 26.4 months (ICUD group). There were no statistically significant differences in estimated glomerular filtration rates postoperatively (p = 0.516). Seven patients had disease metastases (ECUD 2 out of 19, ICUD 5 out of 19; p = 0.405) and 5 died (ECUD 3 out of 19, ICUD 2 out of 19; p > 0.9). Conclusions: ICUDs benefit females by having smaller incisions, faster recoveries, and decreased complication rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the rapid expansion of cities, the impermeable area has increased. This exacerbated the accumulation of pollutants in road particles and made the road sediment one of the most widely distributed pollution carriers in the urban area. Urban-rural fringe is the frontier of urban expansion and the most dynamic area in the urban region, but less knowledge was available on the pollution status of the region. In this study, the occurrence, release behavior, and environmental risk of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) accumulated in road sediment in urban-rural fringe were systematically studied and compared with five other urban functional areas (i.e., commercial area, industrial park, residential area, traffic area, and leisure area) in Beijing, china. The concentration of ∑16PAHs in the road sediment followed in the order of petrol station (2.223 mg/kg)>crossroad (1.506 mg/kg)>main road (0.949 mg/kg)>university gate (0.841 mg/kg)>bus station (0.839 mg/kg). The PAHs concentration in the road sediment with different land use followed in the order of traffic area (3.030 mg/kg)>urban-rural fringe (1.338 mg/kg)>commercial area (0.946 mg/kg)>residential area (0.866 mg/kg)>industrial park (0.673 mg/kg)>leisure area (0.316 mg/kg). The cancer risk in the urban-rural fringe was second only to the traffic area. PAHs with low ring numbers were easier to release into the water, as indicated by that 20–95% nap could be released from the road sediment to runoff. In contrast, high-ring PAHs were more likely to accumulate in the particulate matter as <18.3% of PHE, FLA, and PYR (corresponding to 0.002–0.010 mg/kg) could be released into the water phase, which means that the removal of road sediment plays an important role in reducing pollution. Overall, this study reveals that pollution in the urban-rural fringe cannot be ignored and provides scientific data to support pollution control and risk assessment, especially for urban-rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The corrosion wear mechanism of 30CrNi 2 MoVA was revealed. • 30CrNi 2 MoVA was tested in different environments. • The effect of load and speed on corrosion wear of 30CrNi 2 MoVA. • Compared with load, speed has a greater influence on material corrosion. This study investigates the corrosion wear behavior of 30CrNi 2 MoVA steel in a simulated seawater environment using an electrochemical workstation and a friction-wear testing machine. The results indicate that under dry friction conditions, an increase in load leads to an increase in friction coefficient and wear depth. In seawater, an increase in speed results in a decrease in friction coefficient and an increase in wear depth, while the effect of load on material loss is minimal, highlighting the crucial role of speed in corrosion-wear behavior. The synergistic effect of corrosion and wear causes more severe damage than dry friction. The corrosion wear behavior of 30CrNi 2 MoVA steel is a dynamic process of "mechanical deoxidation-chemical reoxidation," as evidenced by the change in corrosion potential from −0.6502 V to −0.8646 V and increased material loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Verpa spp. are potentially important economic fungi within Morchellaceae. However, fundamental research on their mating systems, the key aspects of their life cycle, remains scarce. Fungal sexual reproduction is chiefly governed by mating-type genes, where the configuration of these genes plays a pivotal role in facilitating the reproductive process. For this study, de novo assembly methodologies based on genomic data from Verpa spp. were employed to extract precise information on the mating-type genes, which were then precisely identified in silico and by amplifying their single-ascospore populations using MAT-specific primers. The results suggest that the MAT loci of the three tested strains of V. bohemica encompassed both the MAT1-1-1 and MAT1-2-1 genes, implying homothallism. On the other hand, amongst the three V. conica isolates, only the MAT1-1-1 or MAT1-2-1 genes were present in their MAT loci, suggesting that V. conica is heterothallic. Moreover, bioinformatic analysis reveals that the three tested V. bohemica strains and one V. conica No. 21110 strain include a MAT1-1-10 gene in their MAT loci, while the other two V. conica strains contained MAT1-1-11, exhibiting high amino acid identities with those from corresponding Morchella species. In addition, MEME analysis shows that a total of 17 conserved protein motifs are present among the MAT1-1-10 encoded protein, while the MAT1-1-11 protein contained 10. Finally, the mating type genes were successfully amplified in corresponding single-ascospore populations of V. bohemica and V. conica, further confirming their life-cycle type. This is the first report on the mating-type genes and mating systems of Verpa spp., and the presented results are expected to benefit further exploitation of these potentially important economic fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The content of bismuth and nitrogen can strongly affect the physical properties of III–V semiconductors and have a decisive impact on their performance in applications. Using first-principles calculations, we systematically study the geometry, electronic and optical properties of InP 1 − x − y N x Bi y aligned in special quasirandom structures (SQS). The incorporation of a small amount of N and Bi can effectively tune the band gap of pristine InP. For the same number of P atoms being substituted, co-doping mode reduced the bond length disparity and the corresponding formation energy was also smaller than that of only nitrogen doped. Since the bismuth doped increases spin-orbit splitting energy (Δ SO ) , the Auger recombination and intervalence band absorption (IVBA) processes are found to be suppressed for quaternary InP 0. 8 8 9 N 0. 0 3 7 Bi 0. 0 7 4 (4.40  μ m), InP 0. 8 1 5 N 0. 0 7 4 Bi 0. 0 7 4 (12.04  μ m) and InP 0. 8 1 5 N 0. 1 1 1 Bi 0. 0 3 7 (9.12 μ m) alloys, which provides new feasibility in the future mid-wavelength infrared and long-wavelength infrared (MWIR/LWIR) device applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Tibetan wild barley (Hordeum spontaneum) accession XZ16 is higher salt tolerant than the cultivar Golden Promise. • In roots, miR393a, miR156d and miR172b regulating HvAFB2 / HvTIR1 , UGTs and HvAP2 are responsible for salt tolerance. • In shoots, miR319a/miR396e module, miR159a and miR172b regulating GRFs , MYB33 and HvAP2 might contribute to salt tolerance. Abstract A deep understanding of the mechanisms underlying salt tolerance should be helpful for breeding of salt-tolerant crop cultivars. Our previous study identified some wild barley accessions with high salt tolerance. In this study, small RNA and degradome sequencing was performed to identify salt-responsive microRNAs (miRNAs) and their target genes in a Tibetan wild barley accession XZ16 and a cultivar Golden Promise (GP), differing in salt tolerance. Under salt stress, XZ16 showed higher salt tolerance than GP in terms of biomass and shoot Na+ accumulation. A total of 278 and 320 miRNAs were found in roots and shoots of both genotypes, respectively. Among them, 40 and 51 miRNAs were salt-responsive in roots and shoots, respectively. In roots, miR156d, miR164a, miR393a, miR319a and miR172b targeting UGTs , NAC079 , HvAFB2 / HvTIR1 , TCP4 and HvAP2 , respectively, are probably responsible for salt tolerance. In shoots, miR159a, miR169i, miR319a/miR396e module and miR172b regulating MYB33 , NHX1/LEA7 , TCP4 , GRFs and HvAP2 , respectively, might contribute to salt tolerance. Compared with GP, XZ16 showed differential expression of miR156d, miR164a, miR169i, miR172b, miR319a, miR393a and a novel miRNA PC-miR124. We proposed that these differentially expressed miRNAs could account for the difference in salt tolerance of the two genotypes and drawn up a putative regulatory network of miRNAs to reveal molecular mechanisms of salt tolerance in barley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

First-principles calculations were carried out to predict the stability, electronic, and hydrogen passivation properties of PdS 2 nanoribbons (PdS 2 NRs) with either zigzag- or armchair-terminated edges. Based the energy analysis, we reveal that the armchair NRs are more stable than the zigzag ones. Bare zigzag PdS 2 NRs are metallic, irrespective of the ribbon width. On the other hand, bare armchair NRs change from metal to semiconductor when the ribbon width is greater than 1.24 nm. In addition, different hydrogen passivation type in the armchair direction leads to distinct electronic and magnetic properties of the PdS 2 NRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sanjiang Plain is the largest marsh distribution area of China, and marshes in this region significantly affect regional carbon cycle and biodiversity protection. The vegetation phenology of marsh significantly affects the energy exchange and carbon cycle in that region. Under the influence of global climatic change, identifying the changes in phenology and their responses to climatic variation in marshes of Sanjiang Plain is essential for predicting the carbon stocks of marsh ecosystem in that region. Using climate and NDVI data, this paper analyzed the spatiotemporal variations in the start (SOS), end (EOS), and length (LOS) of vegetation growing season and explored the impacts of climatic variation on vegetation phenology in marshes of Sanjiang Plain. Results showed that the SOS advanced by 0.30 days/a, and EOS delayed by 0.23 days/a, causing LOS to increase significantly (p <.05) by 0.53 days/a over marshes of Sanjiang Plain. Spatially, the large SOS advance and EOS delay resulted in an obvious increasing trend for LOS in northern Sanjiang Plain. The rise of spring and winter temperatures advanced the SOS and increased the LOS, and the rise in temperature in autumn delayed the EOS in marshes of Sanjiang Plain. Our findings highlight the necessity of considering seasonal climatic conditions in simulating marsh vegetation phenology and indicate that the different influences of climatic variation on marsh vegetation phenology in different regions should be fully considered to assess the marsh ecosystem response to climatic change in Sanjiang Plain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The charge densities, band structure, density of states, dielectric functions of Si-doped -Ga2O3 have been investigated based on the density functional theory (DFT) within the hybrid functional HSE06. The heavy doping makes conduction band split out more bands and further influences the band structure. It decreases the band gap and changes from a direct gap to an indirect gap. After doping, the top of the valence bands is mainly composed by the O-2 p states, Si-3 p states and Ga-4 p states and the bottom of the conduction bands is almost formed by the Si-3 s, Si-3 p and Ga-4 s orbits. The anisotropic optical properties have been investigated by means of the complex dielectric function. After the heavy Si doping, the position of absorption band edges did not change much. The slope of the absorption curve descends and indicates that the absorption became more slow for Si-doped -Ga2O3 than undoped one due to the indirect gap of Si-doped -Ga2O3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium‐decorated (Li‐decorated) C3N has been investigated as a potential material for high capacity reversible hydrogen storage. The energetic stability, dynamical stability, and thermal stability were studied. The cohesive energy of C3N (7.03 eV/atom) denotes the energetic stability, imaginary frequencies are not found from the result of phonon spectrum calculation, and the free energy vibrates slightly around −64.63 eV during the 5000 fs period and no structure reconstruction. Electronic properties showed the band gaps are 0.39 and 1.12 eV, via PBE and HSE calculations, respectively. The four probable Li‐adsorbed sites were calculated, indicating that the hollow site above the center of a hexagon ring HC site is the most likely site to absorb Li atom. Hydrogen molecules were added one by one to research the maximum hydrogen gravimetric density. Each Li atom can attach 10 hydrogen molecules within the range of physical adsorption processes (−0.1 to −0.4 eV/H2) and the hydrogen storage capacity can reach as high as 8.81 wt%. Li‐decorated C3N has great potential for on‐board reversible solid‐state hydrogen molecule storage application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sanjiang Plain is the most extensive marsh distribution region in China. Marshes in this region can protect biodiversity, regulate climate, and provide habitats for wild animals and plants. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) is a crucial indicator of vegetation coverage, which may reflect ecosystem structure and functional features. Clarifying the spatiotemporal change of marsh coverage and its climatic drivers is vital for observing and predicting vegetation change in Sanjiang Plain. Using meteorological dataand MODIS NDVI data from 2000 to 2020, we analyzed the spatiotemporal variation in marsh vegetation coverage and climatic change effects in Sanjiang Plain. We found that the growing season vegetation NDVI of marsh increased significantly at a rate of 0.011/decade, indicating that the marsh vegetation growth has obviously improved during the past 21 years. Furthermore, we found that the increase of minimum (Tmin) and maximum (Tmax) temperature in July can significantly promote the marsh plant growth, and increasing nighttime Tmin has a stronger impact on promoting the growth than increasing daytime Tmax in this month. In addition, the increase of daytime Tmax in August can promote the marsh vegetation growth, whereas the increasing precipitation in August was unfavorable for the growth in Sanjiang Plain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, elastic properties of stanene under equiaxial or uniaxial tensions along armchair and zigzag directions are investigated by first-principles calculations. The stress-strain relation is calculated and the relaxation of the internal atom positions is analyzed. The high-order elastic constants are calculated by fitting the polynomial expressions. The Young's modulus and Poisson ratio of the stanene is calculated to be 24.14 N/m and 0.39 N/m, respectively. The stanene exhibits lower Young's modulus than those of the proceeding group IV elements, which is attributed to the smaller - bond energy in stanene than those of silicene and germanene. Calculated values of ultimate stresses and strains, second-order elastic constants (SOCEs) and the in-plane Young's modulus are all positive. It proves that stanene is mechanically stable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finding effective methods for simultaneous removal of antibiotics and heavy metals has attracted increasing concern since both of them are frequently detected in aquatic environments. In this study, a novel mesoporous silica adsorbent (Fe-N,N-SBA15) contained dual-functional groups was synthesized by first grafting di-amino groups on SBA15, and then coordinating Fe(III) onto the adsorbent. The adsorbent was then used in the synchronous elimination of tetracycline (TC) and Cu(II) from water, which was deeply studied by solution pH, kinetics, equilibriums in sole and binary systems. It was found that the adsorbent had high affinity for both TC and Cu(II) and synergistic effects on the adsorption were found. The solution pH remarkably affected the adsorption due to pH-dependent speciation of TC, Cu(II), TC–Cu(II) complex and the surface properties of the adsorbent. Increasing adsorption amount of TC and Cu(II) on the adsorbent could be attributed to the formation of complex TC–Cu(II) bridging or the stronger affinity of the adsorbent for the TC–Cu(II) complex than that for TC or Cu(II) separately. FT-IR and XPS studies revealed that Fe(III) and amino groups on the adsorbent were complexed with the amide of TC and Cu(II), respectively. The recyclabilities of the adsorbent were also evaluated and the Fe-N,N-SBA15 exhibited good reusability for TC and Cu(II) removal. This study shows guidelines and offers an innovative, effective method for the synergistic removal of antibiotics and heavy metals from aquatic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A first-principles study and Boltzmann transport theory have been performed to evaluate the electronic structure and thermoelectric properties of SnSe compound. The energy band structure and density of states are studied in detail. The electronic transport coefficients are then calculated as a function of chemical potential or temperature within the assumption of the constant relaxation time. The figure of merit ZT is obtained with the use of calculated thermoelectric properties and can reach as high as 1.87 along yy and 1.6 along zz direction at 800 k . Our theoretical result agrees well with previous experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Synthetic methods of 2D MOFs/COFs/Zeolites nanosheets were summarized and compared. • Fabrications of 2D MOFs/COFs/Zeolites nanosheets membranes were summarized and discussed. • Applications of 2D MOFs/COFs/Zeolites nanosheets membranes in water purification were summarized and discussed. Membrane-based separation is an essential part of water purification, however, traditional polymeric membranes suffer from a trade-off limitation between selectivity and permeability. In recent years, owing to high porosity and adjustable pore structure, 2D metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent-organic framework (COFs), and zeolites exhibit promising potential in the separation membranes to break the trade-off law. In this comprehensive review, we endeavour to present the state-of-art progress on 2D MOFs, COFs and zeolites nanosheets as ideal candidates for membrane separations with a particular emphasis on the water-related applications. Recent researches on the typical fabrication methods for the above 2D porous nanosheets are summarized. The assembling strategies into pure 2D porous membranes involve in-situ growth and layer stacking assembly, while 2D MMMs normally employ phase-inversion or interfacial polymerization methods. Subsequently, particular attention is devoted to introduce the latest advances on these novel membranes for water-related separation processes, including desalination, heavy metals removal, oil/water separation, dyes, pharmaceutical and agricultural pollutants separations. Finally, challenges and future perspective for the industrial implementation of these membranes are pointed out. This review is expected to provide an insight view for the production and applications of highly efficient 2D porous membranes in water-related separations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The flower-like Ag/WSe 2 was successfully synthesized; • The decorated Ag NPs were uniformly decorated on the surface of WSe 2 ; • Ag NPs promote the visible light absorption and accelerate the adsorption of CO 2 ; • The Ag NPs could accelerate the charge separation and transport of e–-h+ pairs; • The prepared Ag/WSe 2 exhibited an enhanced CO yield rate of 14.80 µmol g–1h−1. In this work, flower-like Ag/WSe 2 was synthesized through solvothermal method and in situ photodeposition. Ag nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed and the catalyst exhibited a much better CO yield rate of 14.80 µmol g–1h−1 as compared with that of WSe 2 (5.24 µmol g–1h−1). Based on photoelectrochemical investigation, this was mainly attributed to the enhancement of visible light absorption along with improved charge separation and transfer at the interface of Ag/WSe 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an effective means to adjust the properties of 2D materials, type‐II van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures have been under extensive research due to their significantly reduced carrier recombination probability and extended carrier lifetime. Herein, stable vdW heterostructures based on arsenic phosphorus (AsP) and transition metal dichalcogenides are designed. The geometry, electronic, and optical properties for type‐II AsP/MX2 heterostructures (M = Mo, W; X = S, Se) by first‐principle calculations are systematically explored and their application in solar cell materials is predicted. AsP/MX2 heterostructures are indirect semiconductors with the quasiparticle bandgap ranging from 1.49 to 2.02 eV. They effectively widen the light absorption of AsP monolayers in visible and ultraviolet regions. It is worth noting that AsP/WSe2 heterostructure can form a built‐in electric field (0.832 eV Å−1) and have a minor exciton binding energy (0.22 eV), suggesting that it is a potential solar cell material. The power conversion efficiency is more than 15%. The results will provide a theoretical basis for sustainable energy applications of AsP‐based vdW heterostructures in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There have been few investigation of the provenance of sediments and hydrological response to past climatic change in the subalpine peatland in southern China. The source of sediments and regional climatic variations during the Holocene have been deduced from Rare Earth Elements (REEs), Sr Nd isotopic data and grain size end-member modeling analysis (EMMA) derived from peat sediments from the southwestern mountainous region of Hunan Province, China. From the distinctive Sr Nd isotopes patterns, LREEs enrichment, and the Eu anomaly observed in these sediments, it can be concluded that local weathering residues have been the primary sedimentary source throughout the Holocene. Based on the method of EMMA, four distinct end members were identified. EM2, signifying weathering products of moderate particle size, is sensitive to climate variations. This sensitivity makes it an effective marker to track the historical evolution of the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) intensity. The results suggest that the prevalence of the relatively weak EASM during the interval 11,600–9000 cal yr BP, followed by an overall weakening trend during the past 9000 years. EM3 + EM4, the coarsest component in the peat sediments, indicate strong runoff typically caused by the extreme weather events. Notably, the occurrence of relatively high EM3 + EM4 component during the interval 5400–4500 cal yr BP and 3500–2600 cal yr BP is consistent with the previous reported palaeoflood events in the Yangtze River basin. We suggest that the regional flood patterns are predominantly controlled by the East Asian monsoon system, which in turn, is driven by ENSO activities. For a comprehensive understanding of regional flood patterns, it is imperative to extend research into high-altitude areas. • The dominant source of sediments in the peatland is the local weathering residues over the entire Holocene. • Grain size records can be used to reconstruct climate evolution during the Holocene. • The combination of a weak EASM and strong ENSO activities is responsible for palaeoflood events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lower Yangtze region is one of the important marine sedimentation areas of oil and gas distribution in southern China, for its favorable source rocks, reservoirs and covers. However, the intense tectonic movements and complex hydrocarbon generation process made it highly impossible to form large-sized oil and gas reservoirs. So it was divided to different hydrocarbon-bearing preservation units in oil-gas exploration. Recent study shows that the Permian and Lower Triassic source rocks in the Lower Yangtze region are complicated in lithology. The hydrocarbon generation potential of limestone there is low while argillaceous source rocks are overall of high abundance with excellent organic types, now in the process of hydrocarbon generation, so differences in high maturity influence the evaluation of organic matter abundance and type. Biomarker characteristics indicate a reductive environment. n-alkanes are marked by a single peak, with no odd-even predominance. The composition and distribution of the carbon numbers of n-alkanes, and the high abundance of long-chain tricyclic terpanes are indicative of marine sedimentation. The high contents of pregnane, homopregnane, rearranged hopane suggest that the source rocks are of high maturity. There is a good linear correlation between methylphenanthrene index and vitrinite reflectance. The correlation of oil-source rocks indicated that the oil of Well HT-3 may come from the Permian Longtan Formation in the Huangqiao area, the oil of Wells Rong-2 and Juping-1 came from the Lower Triassic Qinglong Formation in the Jurong area. The exploration here is promising in those different source rocks which all have great potential in hydrocarbon generating, and oil and gas were produced in the late stage of hydrocarbon generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing process of the individual microbubble in an open rectangular capillary microgroove was theoretically analyzed in this study. Several correlations of bubble growth rate for pool boiling were proved not available for microgroove boiling. A theoretical model based on thermal equilibrium and force balance was developed in this article. The growing process of the individual microbubble was divided into three stages: initial growing stage, normal and axial confined ellipsoidal growing stage, and axial subcylindrical growing stage. Growth period and volume increment of the micro vapor bubble were analyzed. The calculation results indicate that the growth of the micro vapor bubble is confined by the geometric structure of the microgroove. Comparison of the results between calculation and experiment shows that the correlation is available to predict the bubble growth rate for boiling in microgrooves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large amounts of construction and demolition (C&D) waste have been generated due to the rapid urbanization process in China over recent decades. Hence, effective strategies for C&D waste reuse and recycling are urgently needed to reduce the impact of the generation of C&D waste. This work assessed the pollution control efficiency of recycled aggregates from C&D waste as substrates in vertical flow constructed wetlands (VFCWs) and the regeneration capability of these substrates. Six artificial experimental columns loaded with three recycled aggregates, namely, brick (RBA), concrete (RCA), and concrete-brick mixtures (C&B), and three natural aggregates, namely, limestone (LIM), lava rock (LAV), and zeolite (ZEO), were separately used. The results showed that recycled aggregates performed more effectively in terms of TP and COD removal than did natural aggregates, with the highest removal efficiency of 87.1% towards TP achieved by RCA and 74.9% towards COD achieved by C&B. Nemerow pollution index calculation demonstrated that the effluent water quality followed the order of RCA > C&B > RBA > LIM > ZEO > LAV. NH 3 –N, TP and COD removal efficiencies of 51.3%, 51.0% and 58.9%, respectively, were observed for RCA after in situ regeneration. The highest NH 3 –N and TP removal efficiencies were 54.7% and 84.8%, respectively, for RCA by aeration and NaOH washing, respectively, after four adsorption-desorption runs of ectopic regeneration. However, chemical regeneration of RCA and LIM severely destroyed the substrate structure over physical regeneration. Unfortunately, a low temperature led to a poor removal of TN in all systems, and the recycled aggregates from C&D waste were less resistant to impact than were the natural aggregates. Life cycle cost analysis showed that RCA as a substrate reduces the cost of wetland construction. This work provides a systematic comparison of recycled aggregates and natural aggregates as substrates in VFCWs in regard to their purification ability, regeneration methods and economic cost. [Display omitted] • Recycled aggregates were feasibly applied as substrates in constructed wetlands. • Recycled aggregates achieved certain advantages such as TP and COD removal. • The effluent water quality of RCA was Class III according to the Nemerow pollution index. • Drainage reoxygenation was the best choice for RCA and LIM regeneration. • LCCA indicated that CWs with recycled concrete aggregates were less expensive than CWs with limestone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By making use of first principles calculations, lithium-decorated (Li-decorated) and nitrogen-doped (N -doped) penta-graphene (PG) was investigated as a potential material for hydrogen storage. The geometric and electronic structures of two types of N -doped PG were studied, and the band gaps were 1.86 eV and 2.06 eV, respectively, depending on the positions of the substitution. The probable adsorption sites for Li atoms on topside and downside were calculated. Hydrogen molecules were added one by one to Li-decorated N -doped PG to research the maximum hydrogen gravimetric density. It is found that up to 5 hydrogen molecules on topside and 8 hydrogen molecules on downside can be adsorbed around a Li atom, and the average adsorption energies are in the range of physical adsorption processes (0.1–0.4 eV). The gravimetric densities can reach 7.88 wt% for N -doped PG with Li decoration. Our results suggest that Li-decorated N -doped PG is a significantly promising material for hydrogen storage. • The stability of two types of Li-decorated N -doped PG were studied. • Li-decorated N -doped penta-graphene is a potential material for hydrogen storage. • The hydrogen storage capacities can reach 7.88 wt%, which is higher than the values of other carbon-base materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Searching for the catalysts with excellent catalytic activity and high chemical stability is the key to achieve large-scale production of hydrogen (H 2) through hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Two-dimensional (2D) platinum and palladium dichalcogenides with extraordinary electrical properties have emerged as the potential candidate for HER catalysts. Here, chemical stability, HER electrocatalytic activity, and the origin of improved HER performance of Pt/Pd-based dichalcogenides with single-atom doping (B, C, N, P, Au, Ag, Cu, Co, Fe, Ni, Zn) and vacancies are explored by first-principles calculations. The calculated defect formation energy reveals that most defective structures are thermodynamically stable. Hydrogen evolution performance on basal plane is obviously improved by single-atoms doping and vacancies. Particularly, Zn-doped and Te vacancy PtTe 2 have a Δ G H value close to zero. Moreover, defect engineering displays a different performance on HER catalytic activity in sulfur group elements, in order of S < Te < Se in Pd-based chalcogenides, and S < Se < Te in Pt-based chalcogenides. The origin of improved hydrogen evolution performance is revealed by electronic structure and charge transfer. Our findings of the highly activating defective systems provide a theoretical basis for HER applications of platinum and palladium dichalcogenides. • Pt/Pd-based dichalcogenides (MX 2) with various atomic defects were constructed. • The HER activity of MX 2 basal plane is obviously improved by atomic defects. • Zn-doped and Te vacancy PtTe 2 show the optimal HER activity. • Defect engineering displays a different performance in sulfur group elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]