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Reasonable design of hierarchically porous structures with mass transport maximization and highly accessible active sites still remains a great challenge. Herein, we successfully fabricated Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles embedded in the nitrogen-doped hierarchical porous carbon nanofibers as efficient and durable electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), which was synthesized by a stepwise electrospinning-pyrolysis strategy. The unique hierarchically porous carbon nanofibers could not only improve the dispersion and exposure of metal active sites, but also maximize the mass transport, thereby enhancing the accessibility of active sites and chemical reaction rate with efficient transport channels for reactants and products. Remarkably, the optimized sample (Fe 3 O 4 @Fe–N/HPCNF) displayed outstanding ORR activity with an onset potential of 0.99 V and a half-wave potential of 0.88 V in alkaline media, even comparable to that of commercial Pt/C. Additionally, Fe 3 O 4 @Fe–N/HPCNF catalyst also revealed excellent ORR performance with a half-wave potential of 0.75 V in acidic solution. More importantly, the optimal power density of Fe 3 O 4 @Fe–N/HPCNF assembled Zn-air battery can achieve 116 mW cm−2. The excellent electrocatalytic performance is benefited from the synergistic coupling between unique hierarchically porous carbon nanofibers and highly accessible Fe-based active sites. The unique hierarchically porous carbon nanofiber coated with Fe-based active sites as an outstanding ORR electrocatalyst was synthesized by a stepwise electrospinning-pyrolysis strategy. [Display omitted] • The catalyst was synthesized by a stepwise electrospinning-pyrolysis strategy. • The hierarchically porous carbon nanofibers could maximize the mass transport. • The catalyst displayed excellent ORR activity in alkaline and acidic electrolytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atrial fibrosis is a crucial contributor to initiation and perpetuation of atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed to identify a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network related to atrial fibrosis in AF, especially to validate hsa_circ_0000672/hsa_miR-516a-5p/TRAF6 ceRNA axis in AF preliminarily. The circRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network associated with AF fibrosis was constructed using bioinformatic tools and literature reviews. Left atrium (LA) low voltage was used to represent LA fibrosis by using LA voltage matrix mapping. Ten controls with sinus rhythm (SR), and 20 patients with persistent AF including 12 patients with LA low voltage and 8 patients with LA normal voltage were enrolled in this study. The ceRNA regulatory network associated with atrial fibrosis was successfully constructed, which included up-regulated hsa_circ_0000672 and hsa_circ_0003916, down-regulated miR-516a-5p and five up-regulated hub genes (KRAS, SMAD2, TRAF6, MAPK11 and SMURF1). In addition, according to the results of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, these hub genes were clustered in TGF-beta and MAPK signaling pathway. In the patients with persistent AF, hsa_circ_0000672 expression in peripheral blood monocytes was significantly higher than those in controls with SR by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (p-value < 0.001). Furthermore, hsa_circ_0000672 expression was higher in peripheral blood monocytes of persistent AF patients with LA low voltage than those with LA normal voltage (p-value = 0.002). The dual-luciferase activity assay confirmed that hsa_circ_0000672 exerted biological functions as a sponge of miR-516a-5p to regulate expression of its target gene TRAF6. Hsa_circ_0000672 expression in peripheral blood monocytes may be associated with atrial fibrosis. The hsa_circ_0000672 may be involved in atrial fibrosis by indirectly regulating TRAF6 as a ceRNA by sponging miR-516a-5p. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetic Weyl semimetallic state can lead to intriguing magnetotransport, such as chiral anomaly and the layered quantum Hall effect. Mn3X (X = Sn, Ge) is a noncollinear antiferromagnetic semimetal where a Weyl semimetallic state is stabilized by time-reversal symmetry breaking. Compared to the well-studied Mn3Sn, the Weyl fermion-induced magnetotransport in Mn3Ge has been merely studied. Here, we report an in-depth study on the magnetotransport in a microfabricated Mn3Ge single crystal from room temperature to 10 K. We reveal an anomalous anisotropic magnetoresistance with fourfold symmetry and a positive high-field longitudinal magnetoresistance below the critical temperature (160–170 K). The possible origin is the temperature-induced tilting of the Weyl nodes. Our study helps to understand the magnetotransport properties in the Weyl fermion system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

4-octyl itaconate (OI) is one kind of cell-permeable derivative of itaconate to regulate inflammation and oxidative stress. However, its effects on the angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced inflammatory response and oxidative stress in human primary retinal pigment epithelium (hRPE) cells as well as its underlying mechanisms were unclear. In this study, we found that OI suppressed changes in pro-inflammatory cytokines (MCP-1, IL-8, and IL-6) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) via activation of Nrf2 signaling in Ang II-treated hRPE cells. A total of 645 differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and 455 mRNAs were identified by microarray analysis. Ten lncRNAs were analyzed using the Coding-non-coding gene co-expression (CNC) network and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, revealing that many differentially expressed lncRNAs were enriched in immune response-related pathways, such as IL-17, TNF, and NOD-like receptor signaling. This finding suggested that OI inhibits Ang II-induced inflammatory response and oxidative stress by activating Nrf2 signaling in hRPE cells. We also provided a novel perspective on the role of lncRNAs in the protective effects of OI. • OI inhibited Ang II-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in hRPE cells. • The protective effects of OI might be through activating Nrf2 signaling. • LncRNAs might serve as mediators contributing to the protective effects of OI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-collinear antiferromagnet Mn3Sn is a functional material that exhibits the magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) as well as the anomalous Hall effect, arising from the nonvanishing Berry curvature in the broken time-reversal symmetry lattice system likewise the ferromagnets. Mn3Ge, isostructural to Mn3Sn, is also expected to exhibit a similar MOKE but has not been demonstrated yet. In this study, we performed the MOKE measurement in a Mn3Ge single crystal and obtained a large polar MOKE signal (∼8.2 mdeg) and a longitudinal MOKE signal (∼5.6 mdeg). Furthermore, by applying hyperfine polishing and annealing to the surface, we rebuilt a homogenous surface and largely improved the reproducibility of the MOKE signal in Mn3Ge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can cause vision loss or blindness in elderly. The associations between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and AMD in Chinese Tujia ethnic minority group are still unclear. Methods: A total of 2122 Tujia volunteers were recruited and 197 of them were diagnosed with AMD (either dry or wet type).Then the blood specimens of these 197 AMD patients and 404 controls from the remaining 1925 normal Tujia volunteers were collected to detect the frequencies of 39 chosen SNPs. The Bonferroni method was used to correct the P values from the Fisher's exact test. Results: The mean age of the 197 AMD patients(113 males and 84 females) was 68.4197 years old. No significant differences in allelic and genotypic frequencies were found for all the 39 SNPs between the patients and controls. However, weak correlations between 10 SNPs (CFH rs1329428 TT genotype, CFH rs3753394 CC genotype and T allele, CFH rs1410996 AA genotype, CFH rs800292 AA genotype, CFH rs800292 A allele, VEGF rs833061 TT genotype and C allele, VEGF rs2010963 CG genotype, VEGFR2 rs1531289 TT genotype, ARMS2 rs10490924 TT genotype, KCTD10 rs238104 GC genotype, rs1531289 T allele and ARMS2 rs10490924 T allele) and AMD were shown. Conclusions: The effects of 39 SNPs have found no associations with the morbidity of AMD in Chinese Tujia ethnic minority group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrocephalus may cause Parinaud's syndrome which consists of vertical gaze palsy, convergence palsy, lid retraction and pupil light-near dissociation. We are aware of only two prior reports of hydrocephalus presenting with bilateral ptosis. Both were cured by ventriculoperitoneal shunts. We report a 28-month-old girl who presented acute bilateral ptosis but full eye movements both sides. Neuroimages revealed chronic hydrocephalus and aqueductal stenosis. The bilateral ptosis resolved quickly after endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Object: Methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) with early-onset severe hydrocephalus is rare. In this paper, we described two cases of MMA with hydrocephalus and review the literature to elucidate the clinical features of the disease, treatment options, and follow-up results.Methods: The PubMed and Embase databases were searched for clinical reports on MMA with severe hydrocephalus, and two unreported cases were presented to illustrate the clinical spectrum.Results: Six cases of MMA with severe hydrocephalus were observed in the previous literature. Our two patients with severe hydrocephalus but not bulging fontanelle received a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt, and intracranial hypertension was confirmed in both cases during the operation. These patients’ clinical symptoms significantly improved after the operation.Conclusions: Intracranial hypertension can exist in early-onset severe hydrocephalus in MMA, even if the bulging anterior fontanelle is not apparent. These patients could benefit from a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With the increasing number of studies indicating that two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs1061170 and rs1410996, in complement factor H (CFH) might be associated with the susceptibility to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the exact association still remains uncertain. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to systematically summarize and clarify the association between the two SNPs and the AMD risk particularly in an Asian population. Methods: A systematic search of studies on the association of two SNPs with the susceptibility to AMD was conducted in PubMed, Embase and Web of Science. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of allele contrast and genotype contrast were estimated using the random or fixed effects model. The Q statistic test was used to identify heterogeneity, and the funnel plot was adopted to evaluate publication bias. A total of 19 case-control studies on rs1061170 and 8 studies on rs1410996 were included. Results: Clearly a significantly increased trend of AMD was observed with the rs1061170 (T vs. C: OR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.71-2.13, pH = 0.029; TC vs. CC: OR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.30-3.42, pH = 0.792; TT vs. CC: OR = 3.90, 95% CI = 2.45-6.22, pH = 0.774). Similarly, the rs1410996 polymorphism also showed a rising AMD tendency (T vs. C: OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.17-1.87, pH < 0.001; TC vs. CC: OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.13-2.04, pH = 0.002; TT vs. CC: OR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.27-3.49, pH < 0.001). What is more, subgroup analysis revealed that both polymorphisms indicated a high risk of nAMD (neovascular AMD) in Asian populations. Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggested that CFH rs1061170 and rs1410996 polymorphisms were associated with AMD risk, both of which demonstrated a higher susceptibility to AMD, especially to nAMD. However, the results of rs1410996 should be interpreted with caution due to the limited sample and heterogeneity. Large-scale and well-designed studies are needed to validate our findings. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: MoSi2 is introduced into dye-sensitized solar cell (DSC) as counter electrode (CE) catalyst for the first time, and the DSC produces power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 4.87%. To improve the catalytic activity, Pt/MoSi2 composite catalyst is synthesized and it is found that 1.13 wt% of Pt loading is enough for achieving high catalytic activity. After optimization, the DSC using the Pt/MoSi2 composite CE shows high PCE of 7.68%, close to the Pt CE based DSC (7.94%). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The metallic nanoparticles wrapped in the wheat-like porous carbon nanofibers as bifunctional electrocatalysts were prepared by electrospinning. • The unique wheat-like porous structure not only provides a large specific surface area for the catalyst, but also facilitates the transport of electrolyte and oxygen during the electrocatalytic process, improving its catalytic activity. • The bifunctional catalyst displays excellent electrocatalytic performance for ORR with a positive half-wave potential of 825 mV and OER with a positive overpotential of 440 mV at 10 mA·cm−2. Developing high-efficiency, low-cost and durable bifunctional catalysts for oxygen evolution and reduction reaction (OER and ORR) is paramount yet challenging for the application of rechargeable Zn-air batteries (ZABs). Herein, we prepared an unique wheat-like porous carbon nanofibers embedded with Co nanoparticles as a bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst for ORR and OER, which was obtained by carbonizing the zeolitic imidazolate frameworks-Co and polyacrylonitrile electrospun nanofibers. The unique wheat-like porous structure not only provides a large specific surface area for the catalyst, but also facilitates the transport of electrolyte and oxygen during the electrocatalytic process, improving its catalytic activity. Meanwhile, the unique wheat-like structure with metal nanoparticles wrapped into the carbon nanofibers can avoid corrosion caused by alkaline electrolyte. The bifunctional catalyst displays excellent electrocatalytic performance for OER with a positive overpotential of 440 mV at 10 mA·cm−2 and ORR with a positive half-wave potential of 825 mV. Furthermore, the maximum power density of the assembled ZABs with catalyst Co@N-PCNF-1.0 serving as the air electrode is 118.41 mW·cm−2, and this ZABs are able to cycle 200 h in galvanostatic discharge test. This work can offer some interesting design concepts for the construction of outstanding bifunctional catalysts toward rechargeable Zn-air batteries. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Titanium films have been deposited on stainless steel metal sheets using dc magnetron sputtering technique at different substrate temperatures. The structure of the titanium films strongly depend on the substrate temperature. The titanium film deposited at the substrate temperature lower than 300°C has a loose flat sheet grains structure and the titanium film prepared at the substrate temperature higher than 500°C has a dense nubby grains structure. The DSSC assembled using stainless steel sheet coated with titanium film deposited at high substrate temperature has a low charge transfer resistance in the TiO2/Ti interface and results in a high conversion efficiency. The DSSC assembled using stainless steel sheet coated with titanium film deposited at temperature higher than 500°C has higher conversion efficiency than that assembled using titanium metal sheet as the substrate. The maximum conversion efficiency, 2.26% is obtained for DSSC assembled using stainless steel sheet coated with titanium film deposited at 700°C substrate temperature, which is about 70% of the conversion efficiency of the FTO reference cell used in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) which features a moderate power conversion efficiency (PCE), low cost and plasticity. It mentions that the introduction of nanocrystalline semiconductor (metal oxide) mesoporous films is the major break through in the development of DSCs. It further mentions that titanium oxide-based DSCs performance level is low due to the fast recombination dynamics, low voltage value and poor adsorption capacity of sensitizer.

Titanium carbide (TiC) has been used as a counter electrode (CE) catalyst in place of Pt for triiodide reduction in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). Its catalytic activity can be comparable to that of Pt. The effect of the thickness of the TiC layer on the performance of the DSCs was investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and Tafel polarization measurements. We found that as the film thickness increased, the fill factor and short-circuit current density increased, which led to improved power-conversion efficiency. When the TiC film was thicker than 20 μm, however, no significant continuous improvement in the catalytic activity was observed. A high power-conversion efficiency of 6.46 % was obtained for the DSC by using a TiC CE at the optimized film thickness, a value similar to that obtained with a Pt CE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wall-associated kinase (WAK) is widely involved in signal transduction, reproductive growth, responses to pathogen infection and metal ion stress in plants. In this study, 19, 12, and 37 SsWAK genes were identified in Saccharum spontaneum , Saccharum hybrid and Sorghum bicolor , respectively. Phylogenetic tree showed that they could be divided into three groups. These WAK genes contained multiple cis -acting elements related to stress, growth and hormone response. RNA-seq analysis demonstrated that SsWAK genes were constitutively expressed in different sugarcane tissues and involved in response to smut pathogen (Sporisorium scitamineum) stress. Additionally, ScWAK1 (GenBank Accession No. OP479864), was then isolated from sugarcane cultivar ROC22. It was highly expressed in leaves and roots and its expression could be induced under SA and MeJA stress. Besides, ScWAK1 was significantly downregulated in both smut-resistant and susceptible sugarcane cultivars in response to S. scitamineum infection. ScWAK1 was a membrane protein without self-activating activity. Furthermore, transient expression of ScWAK1 in Nicotiana benthamiana enhanced the susceptibility of tobacco to the inoculation of Ralstonia solanacearum and Fusarium solani var. coeruleum , suggesting its negative role in disease resistance. The present study reveals the origin, distribution and evolution of WAK gene family and provides potential gene resources for sugarcane molecular breeding. • Totally, 68 WAK genes were identified. • WAK gene family could be divided into three groups. • Promotor cis- element prediction analysis suggested that WAK genes may play vital roles in response to various stresses. • SsWAK genes were constitutively expressed in sugarcane tissues and were involved in response to smut pathogen stress. • The function analysis of ScWAK1 showed it might play a negative role in disease resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate long-term corneal endothelial cell changes of intraocular lens (IOL) reposition and exchange in children. Setting: State key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China Methods: In this retrospective study, all IOL reposition and exchange procedures performed in patients under 14 years old between January 1999 and April 2009 were included. Follow-up outcomes included corneal endothelial cell density, hexagonality, coefficient of variance, average cell size. Results: IOL reposition procedures in 12 eyes (12 cases) (reposition group, RPG), and IOL exchanges in eight eyes (eight cases) (exchange group, EXG) were performed because of IOL pupillary capture or IOL dislocation. Median of follow-up was 44.5 months in RPG and 66.2 months in EXG. The density of corneal endothelial cells in RPG (2,053 ± 493/mm) and EXG (2,100 ± 758/mm) was significantly decreased in comparison to the control eyes (3,116 ± 335/mm). Hexagonality of corneal endothelial cells and coefficient of variance showed no difference among the control group, RPG and EXG ( P > 0.05). Conclusions: The density of corneal endothelial cells was conspicuously decreased after IOL reposition or exchange procedures in childhood cases. Longer follow-up must be conducted in these cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To observe the hemodynamic changes of the superficial temporal artery (STA) by color Doppler and the correlation between the results of angiography and the hemodynamic changes of the STA after superficial temporal artery–middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass surgery for moyamoya disease. Methods: This study included 26 cases of moyamoya disease; standard STA-MCA bypass surgery were performed in all patients. GE-LOGIQ9 color ultrasound with 7L transducer was used to monitor STA hemodynamic changes, including peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), mean flow velocity (Vm), pulse index (PI), and resistance index (RI), preoperatively and 1 week and 3 months after surgery in 10 cases. In 22 cases, color Doppler of STA and digital subtraction angiography of the external carotid artery (ECA), internal carotid artery (ICA), common carotid artery (CCA), and vertebral artery (VA) were performed preoperatively and 1 week after surgery. Based on the patency of STA-MCA on angiography, the patients were divided into two groups: 11 patients were in the patent group, and 11 patients were in the nonpatent group. Statistical significance was evaluated using analysis of variance of random block design and paired samples t test. SPSS software version 11.5 was used. Results: In the 10 cases, there was no significant difference among the three imaging series in PSV. Compared with the preoperative values, the values of EDV and Vm 1 week and 3 months after surgery were significantly higher (P < 0.05). The difference was not significant, however, between 1 week and 3 months after surgery. The PI and RI at 1 week and 3 months after surgery were significantly lower than the preoperative values (P < 0.05); there was no significant difference between 1 week and 3 months after surgery. Among the 22 cases, the values of PSV, EDV, and Vm increased significantly (P < 0.05) and the values of PI and RI decreased significantly(P < 0.01) after surgery in the patent group. In the nonpatent group, the values of PSV and PI decreased significantly after surgery (P < 0.05). EDV, Vm, and RI had no significant changes after surgery. Conclusions: Higher blood flow can develop in anastomosed STA after STA-MCA bypass surgery. The hemodynamic changes of STA after surgery mainly occurred at an early period after operation with little change at 3-month follow-up examination. The increase of blood flow in STA may be due to the low resistance of the intracranial vascular bed. Postoperative Doppler examination of the STA may predict angiographic results of the anastomosis in the early postoperative period. Continuous observation is necessary to identify an accurate correlation between quantitative alteration of the Doppler parameters and angiographic results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: NF-κB is a family of important transcription factors involved in many cellular functions, such as cell survival, proliferation, and stress responses. Many studies indicate that NF-κB is a stress-sensitive transcription factor and its activation is regulated by reactive oxygen species. In previous studies, we and others demonstrated that this transcription factor can be activated by transient oxidative stress. However, the effects of sustained oxidative stress on NF-κB activation are not clear. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of sustained oxidative stress on NF-κB activation and to elucidate the signaling events affected by sustained oxidative stress. Human lens epithelial cells (HLEC) that were subjected to 4 h of continuous influx of hydrogen peroxide were used to investigate the effects of sustained oxidative stress on NF-κB activation. The data showed that, unlike transient oxidative stress, sustained exposure of HLEC to physiologically relevant levels of H2O2 (50–100 μM for 4 h) did not induce the degradation of I-κB and activation of NF-κB, but attenuated TNFα-induced degradation of I-κB and activation of NF-κB. Sustained exposure of HLEC to these levels of H2O2 also inactivated proteasome activity by 50–80%. Consistent with the role of the proteasome in degradation of I-κB and activation of NF-κB, treatment of HLEC with proteasome inhibitors also attenuated TNFα-induced I-κB degradation and NF-κB activation. The data also indicate that activation of NF-κB is essential for the cells to recover from oxidative stress. Inhibiting NF-κB activation during recovery from transient oxidative stress significantly reduced the cell viability. Together, these data indicate that sustained oxidative stress may inactivate the proteasome and subsequently inhibit NF-κB activation by impeding the degradation of I-κB. The oxidative inactivation of the proteasome and subsequent impairment of NF-κB activation may contribute to the death of lens epithelial cells, a common feature associated with cataract. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Bipyridine‐based covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as promising contenders for the photocatalytic generation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). However, the presence of imine nitrogen alters the mode of H2O2 generation from an efficient one‐step two‐electron (2e−) route to a two‐step 2e− oxygen reduction pathway. In this work, we introduce 3,3′‐bipyridine units into imine‐based COF skeletons, creating a pyridyl‐imine structure with two adjacent nitrogen atoms between the pyridine ring and imine linkage. This unique bipyridine‐like architecture can effectively suppress the two‐step 2e− ORR process at the single imine‐nitrogen site, facilitating a more efficient one‐step 2e− pathway. Consequently, the optimized pyridyl‐imine COF (PyIm‐COF) exhibits a remarkable H2O2 production rate of up to 5850 μmol h−1 g−1, nearly double that of pristine bipyridine COFs. This work provides valuable insight into the rational design of functionalized COFs for enhanced H2O2 production in photocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bipyridine‐based covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as promising contenders for the photocatalytic generation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). However, the presence of imine nitrogen alters the mode of H2O2 generation from an efficient one‐step two‐electron (2e−) route to a two‐step 2e− oxygen reduction pathway. In this work, we introduce 3,3′‐bipyridine units into imine‐based COF skeletons, creating a pyridyl‐imine structure with two adjacent nitrogen atoms between the pyridine ring and imine linkage. This unique bipyridine‐like architecture can effectively suppress the two‐step 2e− ORR process at the single imine‐nitrogen site, facilitating a more efficient one‐step 2e− pathway. Consequently, the optimized pyridyl‐imine COF (PyIm‐COF) exhibits a remarkable H2O2 production rate of up to 5850 μmol h−1 g−1, nearly double that of pristine bipyridine COFs. This work provides valuable insight into the rational design of functionalized COFs for enhanced H2O2 production in photocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) using SnO2 and Nb2O5 counter electrodes (CEs) prepared in N2 atmosphere yielded power conversion efficiencies (PCE) of 6.09% and 4.65%, much higher than the PCE values (1.84%, 0.97%) of the DSCs using the same SnO2 and Nb2O5 CEs prepared in air. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthesized niobium oxides (Nb2O5and NbO2) were applied for the first time as counter electrodes (CEs) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). The DSC using NbO2CE showed a higher power conversion efficiency of 7.88%, compared with that of the DSC using Pt CE (7.65%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tungsten dioxide (WO2) nanorods were synthesized, which showed excellent catalytic activity for the reduction of triiodide to iodide. The dye-sensitized solar cell (DSC) using WO2as a counter electrode (CE) reached a high energy conversion efficiency of 7.25%, which can match the performance of the DSC based on a Pt CE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To analyze the effect of carbon emission quota allocation on the locational marginal price (LMP) of day-ahead electricity markets, this paper proposes a two-stage algorithm. For the first stage of the algorithm, a multi-objective optimization model is established to simultaneously minimize the total costs and carbon emission costs of power systems. Hence, an evenly distributed Pareto optimal solution can be solved effectively by means of the normalized normal constraint method. For the second stage, a tracing model is built with the goal of minimizing the total costs of power systems and satisfying the constraints generated based on the Pareto optimal solution obtained from the first stage. Furthermore, the influence of carbon emission quota allocation on the LMP of electricity markets is analyzed, and different schemes to allocate carbon emission quotas are evaluated on a real 1560-bus and 52-unit system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing highly effective and stable counter electrode (CE) materials to replace rare and expensive noble metals for dye‐sensitized and perovskite solar cells (DSC and PSC) is a research hotspot. Carbon materials are identified as the most qualified noble metal‐free CEs for the commercialization of the two photovoltaic devices due to their merits of low cost, excellent activity, and superior stability. Herein, carbonaceous CE materials are reviewed extensively with respect to the two devices. For DSC, a classified discussion according to the morphology is presented because electrode properties are closely related to the specific porosity or nanostructure of carbon materials. The pivotal factors influencing the catalytic behavior of carbon CEs are also discussed. For PSC, an overview of the new carbon CE materials is addressed comprehensively. Moreover, the modification techniques to improve the interfacial contact between the perovskite and carbon layers, aiming to enhance the photovoltaic performance, are also demonstrated. Finally, the development directions, main challenges, and coping approaches with respect to the carbon CE in DSC and PSC are stated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, most multibeam echo sounders (MBESs) have been able to collect water column image (WCI) data while performing seabed topography measurements, providing effective data sources for gas-leakage detection. However, there can be systematic (e.g., sidelobe interference) or natural disturbances in the images, which may introduce challenges for automatic detection of gas leaks. In this paper, we design two data-processing schemes to estimate motion velocities based on the Farneback optical flow principle according to types of WCIs, including time-angle and depth-across track images. Moreover, by combining the estimated motion velocities with the amplitudes of the image pixels, several decision thresholds are used to eliminate interferences, such as the seabed, non-gas backscatters in the water column, etc. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, we simulated the scenarios of pipeline leakage in a pool and the Songhua Lake, Jilin Province, China, and used a HT300 PA MBES (it was developed by Harbin Engineering University and its operating frequency is 300 kHz) to collect acoustic data in static and dynamic conditions. The results show that the proposed method can automatically detect underwater leaking gases, and both data-processing schemes have similar detection performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract-dynamic plasma sheath can severely interfere with the communication of hypersonic vehicles during atmospheric reentry. Theoretical and experimental results show that low-frequency (LF) electromagnetic (EM) waves could penetrate the plasma sheath, building a feasible method to solve the "radio blackout" problem. This paper discovers that the propagation of LF EM waves in plasmas is still influenced by parasitic modulation effects. Compared to microwave frequencies, the impact of parasitic modulation effects on signal modulation patterns is more distinct for LF EM waves. In contrast to the microwave frequency range, where the rotation direction of QPSK signal constellation points changes with the ratio of plasma frequency to electromagnetic wave frequency, in the LF range, the constellation points undergo limited clockwise rotation. This phenomenon can be attributed to the unique magnetic field propagation mechanism of LF EM waves in dynamic plasmas. This paper analyzes the mechanism of this specific parasitic modulation effect and discovers a sinusoidal transformation relationship between amplitude attenuation and phase shift. Meanwhile, the experimental and simulation results proved that the time-varying plasma could cause the parasitic modulation effect of LF EM wave, resulting in a limited clockwise rotation of orthogonal phase-shift keying constellation points, which is consistent with the theoretical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The doped transition metal oxides (TMOs) substitute for the traditional Pt as the counter electrode (CE) catalyst is a unique way to reduce the cost and improve the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Herein, four different morphologies and size of Fe 2 O 3 (nanodiscus (ND), nanocubes (NC), nanorings (NR), nanoball (NB)) assisted by multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) to prepare Fe 2 O 3 @MWCNT composites, and then were further utilized in the encapsulated DSSCs. The obtained different morphologies Fe 2 O 3 @MWCNT composites had been characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and N 2 adsorption-desorption. The significant effects of different morphologies of Fe 2 O 3 on the electrochemical activity of Fe 2 O 3 @MWCNT composites as CEs were confirmed by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Tafel polarization experiments. The DSSCs using Fe 2 O 3 @MWCNT composites CEs achieved high PCEs of 6.34 (ND), 6.53(NC), 6.65(NR), and 7.09% (NB) to regenerate traditional I 3 −/I− shuttles by the photocurrent-photovoltage (J - V) test, respectively, which is due to the synergistic effect between Fe 2 O 3 and MWCNT to improve electrical conductivity and promote a high number of active catalytic sites, implying a remarkable alternative of Pt-free catalyst that can be applied to the encapsulated DSSCs as CEs. • Four different morphologies and size of Fe 2 O 3 @MWCNT composites were prepared. • Fe 2 O 3 @MWCNT composites were designed as counter electrode for DSSCs. • The DSSCs with Fe 2 O 3 @MWCNT composites CEs achieved higher PCEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kane, RBF 3.0, and SRK/T were more accurate in PACD eyes. IRD is a promising parameter to improve accuracy of IOL power calculation by improving ELP prediction for patients with PACD. Purpose: To evaluate the role of a new parameter, iris root depth (IRD), in intraocular lens power calculation using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) in primary angle-closure diseases (PACDs), and to compare the accuracy of 6 formulas in PACDs: Barrett Universal II (BUII), Haigis, Hill-Radial Basis Function (RBF) v. 3.0, Hoffer Q, Kane and Sanders Retzlaff Kraff/Theoretical (SRK)/T. Setting: Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangzhou, China. Design: Retrospective consecutive case series. Methods: Patients diagnosed with PACDs who had undergone cataract surgery were reviewed to first evaluate the performance of 6 formulas. Then preoperative UBM examinations of 58 eyes were used to measure IRD and predict effective lens position (ELP) to generate the HaigisIRD formula. The accuracy of HaigisIRD was compared with BUII, Haigis and Kane formulas. The SD of predicted error was the main indicator evaluating formula performance, according to heteroscedastic analysis. Results: 103 eyes (103 patients) were included. The SDs of Kane (0.59, P =.01), RBF 3.0 (0.61, P =.02) and SRK/T formula (0.62, P =.04) were significantly lower than Hoffer Q. Modified with IRD, HaigisIRD generated the lowest SD (0.41), which was significantly lower than Haigis formula (0.54, P =.03) and was equal to Kane formula (0.45, P =.37). Conclusions: Kane, RBF 3.0 and SRK/T were more accurate in PACD eyes. Optimized with IRD, HaigisIRD formula achieved the lowest SD and had comparable accuracy with Kane formula. IRD could be a promising parameter to improve accuracy of IOL power calculation for PACDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vanadium-based carbides have been applied as Pt-free counter electrodes (CEs) electro-catalysts for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) due to the advantages of earth-abundant reserves, diverse composition, ease modification, and low cost. Herein, the polyoxovanadate (NH 4) 2 V 6 O 16 as V source assisted by dicyandiamide (C 2 H 4 N 4) as C source via simply physical mixing by ball-milling to assemble VC@C precursors. And then, five different VC@C composites derived from precursors with mass ratios of dicyandiamide to polyoxovanadate of 5:1, 10:1, 15:1, 20:1 and 25:1 at 900 °C, and further achieved power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 5.4%, 5.6%, 6.6%, 6.2% and 5.1% as CEs for regenerate traditional I 3 −/I− couple in the encapsulated DSSCs, respectively. The effects of different mass ratio of dicyandiamide on the catalytic performances of VC@C composite CEs were also assessed using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Tafel polarization experiments. The photocurrent-photovoltage (J - V) results indicated that VC@C composites CEs had high conductivity and rich number of active sites, which indicated that VC@C composites could be a cost-effective and high-performance alternative Pt-based CEs catalyst for DSSCs. • The pyrolysis of polyoxovanadates assisted by C 2 H 4 N 4 to derive VC@C composites. • VC@C composites were designed as counter electrode by the mass ratio optimized. • The obtained VC@C-3 has high conductivity and rich active sites. • The DSSCs with VC@C-3 composites CEs had the highest PCE of 6.6%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To increase the competitiveness of quantum-dotsensitized solar cells (QDSCs) among the various photovoltaic devices, it is necessary to develop new counter-electrode (CE) catalysts to replace the unviable Pt CE. Herein, a series of metalsulfide spheres (e.g., FeS2, Co9S8, NiS, CuS, and ZnS) are designed and synthesized as CE catalysts for QDSCs. As inferred from cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and Tafel polarization-curve results, except for ZnS, all of the sulfide spheres perform better than Pt toward Sx 2-/S2- redox-couple regeneration, among which, NiS shows the highest catalytic activity, followed by Co9S8, CuS, and FeS2. The power conversion efficiencies of ZnO nanorod-array photoanode-based QDSCs with sulfide-sphere CEs are 2.5 % (NiS), 2.2 % (Co9S8), 1.8 % (CuS), and 0.8 % (FeS2), much higher than that of their Pt CE-based counterparts (0.30 %). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intradiploic hematoma is extremely rare, especially in infant patients. Less than 15 cases were reported in English literature up to now. Here, we presented another intradiploic hematoma in an infant boy without coagulopathy. A left parietal craniotomy was performed. Post-operative CT showed well-reconstructed skull. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing non-precious metal electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) not only should improve the activity of the catalytic reaction sites, but also need to consider the transport channels of the reactants and electrolyte inside the catalysts to enhance the utilization of active sites. Here, Fe/Ni dual-active sites anchored on the unique honeycomb hierarchical porous carbon materials are successfully prepared by pyrolysis of Fe and Ni bimetal co-doped covalent organic polymer with the assistance of pore-forming agents. The unique honeycomb hierarchical porous structures are favorable for transport and diffusion of oxygen and electrolyte during the electrochemical reaction process, so that the internal active sites can be fully utilized to improve the catalytic activity. The as-synthesized catalyst exhibits excellent ORR (E 1/2 = 874 mV) and OER (overpotential = 352 mV at 10 mA cm−2) performance. More importantly, the rechargeable liquid Zn-air battery assembled with the catalyst exhibits a large specific capacity of 781.7 mA h g−1 and a long-term cycle stability with repeatedly charging and discharging for 450 h at 20 mA cm−2. Additionally, an all-solid-state flexible Zn-air battery based on this catalyst as cathode shows a maximum power density of 83.5 mW cm−2. • The hierarchical porous structure can ensure the effective sue of active sites. • COP can stabilize metals and achieve precisely control dual-active-site. • The Zn-air battery can be stable for more than 640 h at 10 mA cm−2 current density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds: A new generic formulation of 3.5% lidocaine hydrochloride ophthalmic gel has been developed in China. This study aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and effectiveness of this lidocaine hydrochloride gel for ocular surface anesthesia. Methods: In the pharmacokinetics study, the new form of 3.5% lidocaine hydrochloride gel or Akten™ 3.5% lidocaine hydrochloride gel was applied in eyes of 70 rabbits. The ocular tissues and plasma samples were collected after the application of 3.5% lidocaine hydrochloride gel or Akten lidocaine gel and analyzed using the liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method to determine the concentration of lidocaine. A multicenter, randomized, double-blind prospective clinical trial was conducted in Chinese adults. Two hundred twenty participants were 1:1 randomized into the sham gel group or the lidocaine hydrochloride group. The primary efficacy endpoint was defined as the percentage of subjects achieving anesthesia by 5 min. Results: The animal pharmacokinetics study showed the lidocaine level was significantly higher in the choroid at 15 min and the vitreous body at 15 and 30 min; it was lower in tears at 8 h for 3.5% lidocaine hydrochloride gel than Akten (P ≤ 0.05). Our clinical trial showed that the percentage of subjects achieving anesthesia within 5 min in the lidocaine hydrochloride gel group was significantly higher than the sham gel group (86.92%-18.18%, P < 0.0001). The incidence of adverse events was relatively low and favorable for both groups. Conclusion: This new formulation of lidocaine hydrochloride gel, with pharmacokinetics similar to Akten, may exert a sustained, effective, and safe anesthetic effect. The clinical trial for this new generic formulation of lidocaine hydrochloride has been registered with the Drug Clinical Trial Registration and Information Publicity Platform established by State Food and Drug Administration of China (Registration No. CTR20160593). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. There is still no clear understanding of the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF). For this purpose, we used integrated analysis to uncover immune infiltration characteristics and investigated their relationship with competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network in AF. Methods. Three AF mRNA data sets (GSE14975, GSE79768, and GSE41177) were integrated using the SVA method from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Together with AF circRNA data set (GSE129409) and miRNA data set (GSE70887) from GEO database, we built a ceRNA network. Then hub genes were screened by the Cytoscape plug-in cytoHubba from a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. As well, CIBERSORT was employed to investigate immune infiltration, followed by Pearson correlation coefficients to unravel the correlation between AF-related infiltrating immune cells and hub genes. Ulteriorly, circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory axises that could be immunologically related to AF were obtained. Results. Ten hub genes were identified from the constructing PPI network. The immune infiltration analysis revealed that the number of monocytes and neutrophils was higher, as well as the number of dendritic cells activated and T cells regulatory (Tregs) was lower in AF. Seven hub genes (C5AR1, CXCR4, HCK, LAPTM5, MPEG1, TLR8, and TNFSF13B) were associated with those 4 immune cells (P < 0.05). We found that the circ_0005299–miR-1246–C5AR1 and circRNA_0079284-miR-623-HCK/CXCR4 regulatory axises may be associated with the immune mechanism of AF. Conclusion. The findings of our study provide insights into immuno-related ceRNA networks as potential molecular regulators of AF progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have shown that optimal blood pressure (BP) control is necessary to outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Acute left ventricular MI is a prevalent type of AMI with poor prognosis. We aimed to analyze the associations between BP control in the first 7 days of hospitalization and long-term mortality specific to patients with isolated left ventricular MI. A total of 3108 acute left ventricular MI patients were included in this analysis. The average BP on the first seven days of hospitalization was categorized into 10-mmHg increments. The primary and secondary outcomes were all-cause death and cardiac death, respectively. Cox models were used to assess the association of outcomes with BP during hospitalization. The median length-of-stay was 7 (IQR 6–10) days. The relationship between systolic BP (SBP) or diastolic BP (DBP) followed a U-shaped curve association with outcomes. All-cause mortality was higher in patients with lower SBP (≤90 mmHg) (adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) 7.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.13–16.19; p < 0.001) and DBP (<60 mmHg) (HR 1.76, 95% CI 1.14–2.71; p = 0.011) [reference: 110 < SBP ≤120 mmHg; 70 < DBP ≤ 80 mmHg], respectively. Furthermore, primary outcome was higher in patients with higher SBP (>130 mmHg) (HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.12–2.03; p = 0.007) and DBP (>80 mmHg) (HR 1.61, 95% CI 1.20–2.18; p = 0.002), respectively. Maintaining a SBP from 90 to 130 mmHg and a DBP from 60 to 80 mmHg may be beneficial to patients with acute left ventricular MI in the long run. • Our study was firstly focused on acute left ventricular myocardial infarction (MI). • Mean BP in the 7 days after acute left MI were associated with long-term mortality. • Maintaining SBP (90-130 mmHg) and DBP (60-80 mmHg) in the 7 days after acute left MI may be beneficial. • Our data proposed an valuable hypothesis to better clinical outcomes in acute left ventricular MI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The air–oil two-phase flow inside an oil-jet lubricated ball bearing was investigated by the CFD method. The VOF method for multiphase flow was used to track the air–oil two-phase flow. The sliding mesh plane was applied between the flow field inside the bearing and the flow field on both outsides of the bearing. The results suggest that the air–oil distribution inside the oil-jet lubricated ball bearing is not uniform. The lowest oil volume fraction appears in the upstream side near the nozzle. The flow velocity and the pressure of the air–oil phase increase inside a faster bearing. The average oil volume fraction becomes lower as the speed increases. With the increase of the oil flow rate, the oil volume fraction in the bearing and the drag against the rotation of the rolling elements and cage increase. The nonuniformity of the air–oil distribution is also enhanced. The nonuniform air–oil distribution should be considered for the heat transfer analysis of the oil-jet lubricated ball bearing. Optimizing the oil-jet lubrication according to the air–oil distribution inside the oil-jet lubricated ball bearing is significant for the high-speed rotation to achieve lower drag loss and greater cooling effect. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To enhance the inferior photovoltaic performance of all-inorganic carbon-based perovskite solar cells (C-PSCs) caused by inefficient charge extraction and transport processes of the CsPbBr 3 /carbon back interface, three types of tungsten oxides (WO 3 , WO 2.72 , WO 2) are synthesized as low cost and stable hole transport layers (HTLs) to modify the back interface by tunning the energy level alignment. Among the three kinds of tungsten oxides, WO 3 shows the best hole extraction and transport capability and the C-PSCs using WO 3 HTL generates a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 7.90% with a high open circuit voltage (V oc) of 1.307 V, indicating a great PCE enhancement of 43.9%, as compared with the device without HTL (5.49%). Meanwhile, WO 2.72 and WO 2 also are also proved to be qualified HTLs and the devices show PCE values of 7.57% and 6.24%, respectively. Importantly, WO 3 and WO 2.72 based device show excellent stabilities with PCE retention over 90% of the initial PCE values under ambient conditions for 60 days. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The NAC (NAM, ATAF, and CUC) is one of the largest transcription factor gene families in plants. In this study, 180, 141, and 131 NAC family members were identified from Saccharum complex, including S. officinarum , S. spontaneum , and Erianthus rufipilus. The Ka/Ks ratio of ATAF subfamily was all less than 1. Besides, 52 ATAF members from 12 representative plants were divided into three clades and there was only a significant expansion in maize. Surprisingly, ABA and JA cis-elements were abundant in hormonal response factor, followed by transcriptional regulator and abiotic stressor. The ATAF subfamily was differentially expressed in various tissues, under low temperature and smut pathogen treatments. Further, the ScATAF1 gene, with high expression in leaves, stem epidermis, and buds, was isolated. The encoded protein, lack of self-activation activity, was situated in the cell nucleus. Moreover, SA and JA stresses down-regulated the expression of this gene, while ABA, NaCl, and 4°C treatments led to its up-regulation. Interestingly, its expression in the smut susceptible sugarcane cultivars was much higher than the smut resistant ones. Notably, the colors presented slight brown in tobacco transiently overexpressing ScATAF1 at 1 d after DAB staining, while the symptoms were more obvious at 3 d after inoculation with Ralstonia solanacearum , with ROS, JA, and SA signaling pathway genes significantly up-regulated. We thus speculated ScATAF1 gene could negatively mediate hypersensitive reactions and produce ROS by JA and SA signaling pathways. These findings lay the groundwork for in-depth investigation on the biological roles of ATAF subfamily in sugarcane. • In total, 18 ATAF subfamily members were identified from the Saccharum complex. • Those ATAF members from representative species were divided into three clades. • Expression of ScATAF1 was higher in smut-susceptible cultivars than in resistant ones. • Overexpression of ScATAF1 in tobacco leaves played a negative regulation for pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Binary composite of Pt decorated transition metal compounds (WO2, TiC, and VN) were introduced into dye-sensitized solar cells and excellent performance were obtained, almost 20% better than unitary materials. Ternary composite of Pt/WO2/TiO2 was also prepared to further improve the photovoltaic performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SBG) and Coptis chinensis Franch (CCF) are traditional herbal medicine pairs used for clearing heat and eliminating dampness, stopping diarrhea, and detoxification. Traditionally, these two herbs are combined and decocted together, but the modern preparation procedures separate them to avoid the large amount of precipitation generated from co-decoction. Thus, a conflict lies between the traditional and modern extraction processes of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi - Coptis chinensis Franch (SBG-CCF). There is a conflict between traditional medical practices of SBG-CCF and the modern formulation industry. In this study, we investigated the differences in the effects and mechanisms of SBG-CCF extracted by decocting separately and combining decoctions, as well as the scientific effectiveness of traditional and modern treatment methods on both. Acute alcoholic liver injury (ALI) rats were used as the pathological model. SD rats were divided into 8 groups, including blank group, model group, low, medium, and high dose groups of SBG-CCF separated decoction, low, medium, and high dose groups of SBG-CCF combined decoction. Acute alcoholic liver injury model was induced in rats by gradually increasing the dose of alcohol through gavage everyday using white wine with an alcohol content 52%. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) were used as indicators to assess the intervention effect of SBG-CCF. And the potential active ingredients of SBG-CCF and the targets related to ALI were screened using network pharmacology, and the prediction results of network pharmacology were verified by quantitative real-time fluorescence PCR (qRT-PCR). SBG-CCF decoction alone and six combinations of decoctions have different degrees of improvement on alcoholic liver injury, with significant efficacy in the middle-dose group, and the combined decoction was superior to the individual decoction. SBG-CCF gavage can reduce the activity of AST, ALT, TC, TG, LDH, and MDA in the serum and liver of ALI rats, while increasing the levels of SOD and GSH. Network pharmacological analysis identified 39 active components, mainly flavonoids and alkaloids. Enrichment analysis suggested that SBG-CCF may treat ALI through the regulation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), interleukin-17 (IL-17), apoptosis, and the Toll-like receptor signaling pathways. The key targets in the Disease-Signaling Pathway-Target Network were MAPK8, IKBKB, MAPK10, MAPK3, MAPK1, and AKT1. qRT-PCR results indicated that targets regulating inflammation and lipid metabolism are MAPK8, MAPK10, MAPK3, and AKT1. SBG-CCF separately extracts and combines decoction can alleviate acute alcoholic liver injury, and the effect of combined decoction is more significant than separate decoction, implying that the precipitate produced by the combination of the two is also an active substance. The resistance mechanism of SBG-CCF ALI may be related to the modulation of lipid metabolism, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, and oxidative stress. SBG-CCF has the characteristics of multi-component, multi-pathway, and multi-target resistance to ALI. [Display omitted] • The use of Scutellaria baicalensis and Coptis chinensis in the treatment of alcoholic liver disease is inspiring. • Comparing the effectiveness of combined and separate decoctions of S. baicalensis and C. chinensis extracts. • The mechanism may be related to the regulation of lipid metabolism, inhibition of lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• MCNT x composites were prepared by well-defined Mo 2 C anchored on multi-walled carbon nanotubes. • Favorable synergistic effect between Mo 2 C and CNTs boost electrocatalytic activities of MCNT x. • The DSSCs with MCNT x based CE achieved the highest PCE of 8.06 %. Multicomponent synergistic regulation has been an effective strategy to enhance the electrochemical properties of Mo 2 C-based counter electrode (CE) catalysts in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Herein, Mo 2 C/CNTs composites (termed MCNT x , x = 2, 4, 6, 8, means the phosphomolybdic acid (PMo 12) concentration) have been prepared using well-crystallized Mo 2 C nanograins anchored on the wall of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by a facial two-step approach. Through simple ultrasound assistance, PMo 12 was spontaneously connected with CNTs, and the obtained precursors can be converted to the target product MCNT x by a simple thermal decomposition at N 2 atmosphere. The modified CNTs guarantees the fast transfer of electrons and serves as framework for the support of Mo 2 C nanoparticles and mass diffusion, moreover the well-defined Mo 2 C nanoparticles ensures more accessible active sites to promote the triiodide reduction reaction (IRR). As a result of the synergistic effect between modified CNTs and Mo 2 C nanoparticles, MCNT x show excellent power conversion efficiency (PCE) when fabricated as CEs of DSSCs. The MCNT6-based DSSC exhibits a superior PCE up to 8.06 %, which is significantly higher than DSSC assembled with Pt CE (7.19 %). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mismatched energy level alignments, back interface defects in the perovskite/carbon back interface, as well as low conductivity of carbon counter electrode are the primary factors for the low photovoltaic behavior of all-inorganic hole transport layer (HTL)-free perovskite solar cells (C–PSCs) using carbon counter electrode-based. Herein, 2D layered Ti 3 C 2 and N–Ti 3 C 2 are proposed to form Ti 3 C 2 @carbon and N–Ti 3 C 2 @carbon counter electrodes for modifying the perovskite/carbon back interface. First, the appropriate work function of Ti 3 C 2 can optimize the energy level alignments. Second, nitrogen doping can enhance the conductivity of Ti 3 C 2 which can lower the total resistance of the device. Third, the specific 2D layered structure Ti 3 C 2 and N–Ti 3 C 2 can reduce back interface defects. Therefore, the perovskite/carbon back interface shows improved charge extraction and transport capabilities disclosed by photoluminescence measurements. Consequently, the power conversion efficiencies (PCE) of the C–PSCs are enhanced to 7.56 % from 5.94 % by using Ti 3 C 2 @carbon counter electrode, and further to 8.91 % by using N–Ti 3 C 2 @carbon counter electrode, indicating remarkable PCE improvements of 27.3 % and 50.0 %. Moreover, the Ti 3 C 2 @carbon and N–Ti 3 C 2 @carbon-based C–PSCs show remarkable stabilities under ambient conditions for 30 days. This work is expected to provide a feasible path to optimize the back interface of the all-inorganic C–PSCs. • 2D layered Ti 3 C 2 and N–Ti 3 C 2 are proposed as additives for perovskite solar cells. • Ti 3 C 2 and N–Ti 3 C 2 can optimized the perovskite/carbon back interface effectively. • The PCE improvements are up to of 27.3 % and 50.0 % by using Ti 3 C 2 and N–Ti 3 C 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To investigate the refractive outcomes of second‐eye adjustment (SEA) methods in different intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formulas for second eye following bilateral sequential cataract surgery. Methods: This retrospective consecutive case‐series study included 234 eyes from 234 patients who underwent bilateral sequential phacoemulsification and implantation of enVista MX60 in a hospital setting. Postoperative refraction outcomes calculated by standard formulas (SRK/T and Barrett Universal II, BUII) with SEA method were compared with those calculated by an artificial intelligence‐based IOL power calculation formula (PEARL DGS) under second eye enhancement (SEE) method. The median absolute error (MedAE), mean absolute error (MAE) and percentage prediction errors (PE) of eyes within ±0.25 diopters (D), ±0.50 D, ±0.75 D and ± 1.00 D were determined. Results: Overall, the improvement in MedAE after SEA was significant for PEARL DGS (p < 0.01), SRK/T (p < 0.001) and BUII (p = 0.031), which increased from 74.36, 71.37, and 77.78% to 83.33, 80.34, and 79.49% of eyes within a PE of ±0.50 D, respectively. For first eyes with a medium axial length (22–26 mm), PEARL DGS with SEE had the lowest MedAE (0.21 D). For a first‐eye MAE over 0.50 D, SEA method led to significant improvement in the second eye (p < 0.01). Interocular axis length differences exceeding 0.3 mm were associated with weaker effects using SEA in the studied formulas (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Either SEA method with SRK/T and BUII formulas or second‐eye enhancement method based on the PEARL DGS formula can improve postoperative refractive outcomes in second eye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the accuracy of intraocular lens power calculation formulas Barrett Universal II (BUII), Hill-Radial Basis Function (RBF) 3.0, Kane, Ladas Super Formula (LSF), Haigis, Hoffer Q, and SRK/T in primary angle-closure disease (PACD). Methods: A total of 129 PACD eyes were enrolled. Prediction refraction was calculated for each formula and compared with actual refraction. Accuracy was determined by formula performance index (FPI), median absolute error (MedAE) and percentage of eyes with a prediction error (PE) within ± 0.50D. Subgroup analysis was performed according to axial length (AL). Results: Overall, FPI was ranked as follows: Kane (0.067), RBF 3.0 (0.064), Haigis (0.062), SRK/T (0.060), BUII (0.058), Hoffer Q (0.055), and LSF (0.049). Kane got the highest (71.3%) percentage of eyes with PE within ± 0.50 D. In medium AL eyes (22 mm < AL ≤ 25 mm), FPI ranked the same as in total group. MedAEs were equal across all formulas (P = 0.121). In short eyes (AL ≤ 22 mm), FPI was Kane (0.055), RBF 3.0 (0.050), SRK/T (0.050), Haigis (0.049), BUII (0.047), Hoffer Q (0.045), and LSF (0.033). MedAEs were significantly different across all formulas (P = 0.033). Haigis showed the lowest MedAE (0.35 D), Haigis and Kane got the highest percentage (63.6%) of eyes with PE within ± 0.50 D. Conclusion: Kane outperformed in total PACD eyes; RBF 3.0, Haigis, and SRK/T achieved satisfying performance. When dealing with PACD eyes shorter than 22 mm, Kane achieved the best accuracy. RBF 3.0, SRK/T, Haigis, and BUII achieved comparable outcomes. No formula showed superiority over others for medium AL PACD eyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We fabricated low-cost carbon and carbides counter electrodes (CEs) with excellent adhesion by adding an industrial conductive carbon paste (CC) as a binder for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). We compared the electrochemical catalytic activity of CC and carbon dye (Cd)/CC in the reduction of triiodide to iodide using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). CC and Cd/CC electrodes both exhibit electrochemical catalytic activity for triiodide reduction. After investigating the influence of CC on the performance of DSSCs, we also chose several transition metal carbides, including molybdenum carbide (MoC), tungsten carbide (WC), ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC), MoC embedded in OMC (MoC-OMC), and WC embedded in OMC (WC-OMC) as catalytic materials of CEs. DSSCs based on the carbon and carbides CEs reached efficiencies of 4.50–6.81%. The results indicate that CC is a superior binder for Pt-free catalysts in DSSCs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Low-cost quantum-dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) were fabricated by using the earth-abundant element SnS quantum dot, novel TiC counter electrodes, and the organic disulfide/thiolate (T2/T−) redox couple, and reached an efficiency of 1.03 %. QDSSCs based on I−/I3−, T2/T−, and S2−/S x2− redox couples were assembled to study the role of the redox couples in the regeneration of sensitizers. Charge-extraction results reveal the reasons for the difference in JSC in three QDSSCs based on I−/I3−, T2/T−, and S2−/S x2− redox couples. The catalytic selectivity of TiC and Pt towards T2/T− and I−/I3− redox couples was investigated using Tafel polarization and electrochemical impedance analysis. These results indicated that Pt and TiC show a similar catalytic selectivity for I−/I3−. However, TiC possesses better catalytic activity for T2/T− than for I−/I3−. These results indicate the great potential of transition metal carbide materials and organic redox couples used in QDSSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: All-transparent and all-flexible dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) were fabricated using a novel, facile, and low-lost friction-transfer technique, which involved assembling TiO2 films on flexible substrates via high-temperature sintering. This friction-transfer technique led to a 25% enhancement in conversion efficiency compared with the compression method. The efficiency of the optimized all-flexible DSC reached 5.7%, which is approximately 73% higher than that of the all-flexible DSC prepared by the low-temperature sintering method (3.3%). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]