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Organic–inorganic copper(I) halides (OICHs) have recently attracted great attentions for their unique optoelectronic properties. However, most of them have poor stability and narrow excitation in UV region, which seriously hinder their applications in efficient white light‐emitting diodes (WLEDs). Herein, 0D (C19H18P)2Cu4I6 with super broad‐band excitation (300–500 nm) and yellow emission with the absolute photoluminescence quantum yield of 87.4% is synthesized in a quantity of gram scale. Specifically, (C19H18P)2Cu4I6 possesses exceptional thermal‐, photo‐, air‐stability, and can maintain efficient emission even if soaked in water, ethyl acetate, and isopropanol over 30 days. WLEDs with remarkable color stability under various driven currents are fabricated using 450, 400, 365, and 310 nm LED chips. The ideal WLEDs based on single (C19H18P)2Cu4I6 by 450 nm LED chip presents high color rendering index of 86.7, and outstanding luminous efficiency of 90 lm W−1. To the best of the knowledge, this is the highest value that is achieved based on single‐component OICHs using blue light chip. This work not only promotes the prospect of OICHs in WLEDs but also significantly broadens their application in special lighting fields, such as underwater illumination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Zeta converter is an essential and widely used high-order converter. The current modeling studies on Zeta converters are based on the model that devices, such as capacitors and inductors, are of integer order. For this reason, this paper takes the Zeta converter as the research object and conducts an in-depth study on its fractional-order modeling. However, the existing modeling and analysis methods have high computational complexity, the analytical solutions of system variables are tedious, and it is difficult to describe the ripple changes of state variables. This paper combines the principle of harmonic balance with the equivalent small parameter method (ESPM); the approximate analytic steady-state solution of the state variable can be obtained in only three iterative steps in the whole solving process. The DC components and ripples of the state variables obtained by the proposed method were compared with those obtained by the Oustaloup's filter-based approximation method; the symbolic period results obtained by ESPM had sufficient precision because they included more combinations of higher harmonics. Finally, the influence of fractional order on harmonics were analyzed. The obtained results show that the proposed method has the advantage of being less computational and easily describing changes in the ripple of the state variables. The simulation results are provided for validity of the theoretical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The short pre-M1 helix within the S1–M1 linker (also referred to as the pre-M1 linker) between the agonist-binding domain (ABD, S1) and the M1 transmembrane helix of the NMDA receptor (NMDAR) is devoid of missense variants within the healthy population but is a locus for de novo pathogenic variants associated with neurological disorders. Several de novo variants within this helix have been identified in patients presenting early in life with intellectual disability, developmental delay, and/or epilepsy. In this study, we evaluated functional properties for twenty variants within the pre-M1 linker in GRIN1, GRIN2A, and GRIN2B genes, including six novel missense variants. The effects of pre-M1 variants on agonist potency, sensitivity to endogenous allosteric modulators, response time course, channel open probability, and surface expression were assessed. Our data indicated that virtually all of the variants evaluated altered channel function, and multiple variants had profound functional consequences, which may contribute to the neurological conditions in the patients harboring the variants in this region. These data strongly suggest that the residues within the pre-M1 helix play a key role in channel gating and are highly intolerant to genetic variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the fact that the inductor and capacitor are of a non-integer order by nature, to provide a more accurate theoretical basis for the optimal control of the converter, the fractional-order model of the Buck-Boost converter in the continuous mode of current is established according to the fractional-order calculus theory. The fractional-order PIλ control system of the fractional-order Buck-Boost converter is designed to compare the performance of the integer-order PI controller with the fractional-order controller. Secondly, the sparrow search algorithm is applied to the optimal design of the fractional-order PIλ control system of the fractional-order Buck-Boost converter to improve the system's phase margin, stability, and robustness. Finally, the simulation is verified on the Matlab/Simulink simulation platform and compared with the integer-order PI controller. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cancer survivors perceive cancer‐related fatigue (CRF) as one of the most common symptoms. However, the potential relationship between CRF and gut microbiota has not been elucidated. Our study aimed to preliminary explore the diverse gut microbiota composition between mild and severe CRF in advanced lung cancer patients undergoing first‐line chemotherapy. Methods: A total of 20 advanced lung patients treated with first‐line chemotherapy were enrolled, 10 with mild CRF and 10 with severe CRF. The self‐reported Piper Fatigue Scale and stool samples were collected from all eligible patients. The 16 S ribosomal ribonucleic acid gene was performed to analyze the intestinal microbiome. Results: We identified the significantly diverse gut microbiota composition among patients with mild and severe CRF. The pattern was characterized by the increasing abundance in short‐chain fatty acid‐producing taxa for mild CRF patients (genus Lachnospiraceae‐UCG‐008 and family Lachnospiraceae, p < 0.05), whereas higher abundance in taxa related to inflammation (family Enterobacteriaceae and genus Escherichia‐Shigella, p < 0.05) for severe CRF patients. Significantly different Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways between mild and severe CRF patients were evaluated concerning fatty acid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, brain function, amino acid metabolism, and so on (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our study observed a plausible association between different levels of CRF and the diverse gut microbiota composition, with increasing proinflammation taxa in severe CRF patients and anti‐inflammation taxa growing in mild CRF patients. Further studies are warranted to evaluate whether CRF can be improved by modulating the gut microbiota composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of mesoscale eddies is crucial for understanding the ocean energy cascade. In this study, using global reanalysis sea surface velocity data and a mesoscale eddy trajectory product tracked by satellite altimeters, we aimed to reveal the coherence of eddy kinetic energy (EKE) variation to low-frequency ageostrophic energy during the eddy life span. The variation in EKE throughout the eddy life span was highly coherent to that of the seven-day low-passed ageostrophic kinetic energy, with a correlation coefficient of −0.94. The low-frequency ageostrophic motions supplied 38% of the EKE variation in the growing stage of mesoscale eddies and absorbed 42% in the decaying stage. The evolution rate of the EKE during the eddy life span was consistent with the barotropic conversion rate of the low-frequency ageostrophic motions, further confirming the dominant role of low-frequency ageostrophic motions in eddy growth and decay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking advantage of the large surface area and high porosity characteristic of metal-organic framework (MOF) materials, the synthesis of carbon-coated bimetallic transition metal oxides stands out as an effective strategy to reduce volume expansion, enhance cycling stability, and improve electronic conductivity at the active sites in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In this research, a novel rambutan-like Ni-Co MOF was successfully synthesized via a hydrothermal method followed by calcination to obtain nitrogen-doped carbon-stabilized hierarchical rambutan-like NiCo 2 O 4 composites (NiCo 2 O 4 /NC). The resulting composites inherited the original rambutan-like structure of the Ni-Co MOF, which was characterized by uniform size, highly ordered porosity and large surface area, and showed excellent electrochemical Li+ storage performance. In particular, the NiCo 2 O 4 /NC-600 composite exhibited superior cyclic stability and rate capability, maintaining a remarkable reversible charge/discharge specific capacity of 1281.7/1292.7 mAh g−1 after 400 cycles at 0.5 A g−1. In addition, when paired with LiFePO 4 in a full cell, it maintained a reversible discharge specific capacity of 143.9 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 0.1 A g−1, indicating commendable cyclic stability. Ex-situ analyses confirmed the pseudo-capacitive behavior of the NiCo 2 O 4 /NC composites. Furthermore, the nitrogen-doped carbon layer embedded in the NiCo 2 O 4 /NC composites effectively mitigated the volume expansion during repeated Li stripping/plating processes, thereby improving the structural integrity, conductivity, and specific capacitance. This study presents a practical approach for fabricating nitrogen-doped carbon-stabilized bimetallic oxide anodes in high-power LIBs through architectural engineering and compositional tailoring. [Display omitted] • Hierarchical spherical NiCo 2 O 4 /NC composites by a facile MOF-derived oxidation method. • NiCo 2 O 4 /NC composites retained uniform size, well-ordered porosity and large surface area. • NiCo 2 O 4 /NC-600 composite showed excellent cyclic stability and rate performance. • The lithium storage mechanism of NiCo 2 O 4 /NC-600 composite was confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, nitrogen-doped carbon-coated NaV 3 O 8 (NVO@NC) were successfully synthesized by a simple rheological phase method using melamine as a nitrogen source. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses revealed that nitrogen-doped carbon-coated didn't change the crystal structure of NVO but altered the thickness and properties of the surface coating. Among obtained composites, NVO@NC containing a molar ratio of melamine to citric acid of 2.75:1.25 displayed the best electrochemical properties. The electrochemical tests suggested discharge capacity reaching 231.3 mAh g−1 at 150 mA g−1, with discharge capacity remaining at 169.4 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) proved that the coated materials delivered a much lower resistance than that of bulk NVO. Galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) tests demonstrated sodium ion diffusion coefficient was greatly enhanced after nitrogen-doped carbon coating. In conclusion, nitrogen-doped carbon might increase material conductivity, aid in the formation of SEI films on electrode surfaces, and improve electrode material stability, resulting in NVO materials with high-capacity and ultrafast Na-ion storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To observe the clinical efficacy of Reduning injection combined with recombinant human interferon α-2b spray in the treatment of children with viral pneumonia. Methods. A total of 200 children with viral pneumonia over 2 years old who were admitted to the Pediatrics Department of the Cangzhou Central Hospital from September 2018 to November 2020 were recruited and randomized into the control group and observation group at a ratio of 1 : 1, with 100 cases in each group. The children in the control group were given recombinant human interferon α-2b spray, and the children in the observation group were given Reduning injection on the basis of the control group. The clinical symptoms and signs, clinical efficacy, levels of inflammatory mediators, and drug safety were compared between the two groups. Results. The t-test results showed that the disappearance time of body temperature, respiratory rate, pulmonary rales, and cough in the observation group was significantly shorter than that in the control group. The chi-square revealed a significantly higher total effective rate in the observation group vs. the control group. After treatment, the levels of IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP in the two groups were lower than the corresponding values before treatment, and greater reduction was observed in the observation group in relative to the control group (both p < 0.05). The two groups have a similar safety profile. Conclusion. Reduning combined with recombinant human interferon α-2b produces a remarkable effect in the treatment of children with viral pneumonia, and it ameliorates clinical symptoms and reduces inflammatory response with a good safety profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DC–DC converters are widely used. They are a typical class of strongly nonlinear time-varying systems that show rich nonlinear phenomena under certain working conditions. Therefore, an in-depth study of their nonlinear phenomena, characteristics, and generation mechanism is of great practical significance for gaining a deep understanding of this kind of switching converter, revealing the essence of these nonlinear phenomena and then optimizing the design of this kind of converter. Based on the fact that most of the inductance and capacitance are fractional-order, the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of the fractional-order (FO) DCM buck–boost converter are researched in this paper. The main research work and achievements of this paper include: (1) using the predictor–corrector method of fractional calculus, which is not limited by fractional order and can directly calculate the accurate values of the inductance current and capacitor voltage of the fractional converter; the predictor–corrector model of the FO converter is established. (2) The bifurcation diagrams are obtained based on this model, and the period-doubling bifurcation and chaotic behavior of the FO buck–boost converter are analyzed. (3) The phase diagrams are obtained and verified to the point that period-doubling bifurcation occurs; then, some conclusions are drawn. The results show that under certain operating and parameters conditions, the FO buck–boost converter will appear as a bifurcation and chaotic nonlinear phenomenon. Under the condition of the same circuit parameters, the stability parameter domains of the integer-order buck–boost converter and the FO buck–boost converter are different. Compared with the integer-order converter, the parameter stability region of the FO buck–boost converter is bigger. The FO buck–boost converter is more accurate at describing the nonlinear dynamic characteristics. Furthermore, the predictor–corrector method can also be applied to other FO power converters and provides theoretical guidance for converter parameter optimization and controller design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Muscle quality is an essential muscle metric, which can be assessed by measuring intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) and skeletal muscle radiodensity (SMD) via computed tomography (CT) images. We aimed to explore the associations of Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM)–defined malnutrition with muscle mass, muscle quality, and muscle strength in hospitalized older adults. A cross-sectional study. Hospitalized older patients. Malnutrition was defined by the GLIM criteria after screening by the Mini Nutrition Assessment–Short Form (MNA-SF). Chest CT images were used to segment skeletal muscle area (SMA) and IMAT, and to measure SMD. Skeletal muscle index (SMI) was calculated by SMA (cm2)/body height squared (m2). Handgrip strength (HGS) was measured using a digital dynameter. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs. We included 1135 patients. The MNA-SF score is positively associated with SMI, SMD, and HGS, but negatively associated with IMAT. Compared to patients with normal nutrition, patients with malnutrition had significantly lower SMD and HGS in both men and women. Women with malnutrition had significantly higher IMAT than women with normal nutrition, whereas men with malnutrition had significantly lower SMI than men with normal nutrition. After adjustment for confounders, SMI (adjusted OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.93, 0.98), SMD (adjusted OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.93, 0.98), and HGS (adjusted OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.89, 0.94) were significantly and negatively associated with malnutrition. IMAT appeared to be positively associated with malnutrition, but the result was not statistically significant (adjusted OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00, 1.07). Our study provides new evidence regarding the association between handgrip strength and malnutrition in older inpatients. Moreover, a small association of chest CT-–derived muscle quality and mass with malnutrition is identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by epilepsy and structural abnormalities of the brain. Little research has been done to explore the relationship between the tuber brain proportion (TBP) and epilepsy. We investigated several quantitative cerebral lesions including TBP on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and their impact on the onset age, seizure mode, and antiseizure treatment effectiveness of epilepsy in children with TSC.Methods: We reviewed the clinical characteristics and MRI information of 44 children with TSC who had experienced epileptic seizures. Supratentorial tubers were quantitatively manually measured to calculate the TBP. The numbers of cortical/subcortical cyst-like tubers, diffuse lesions, subependymal nodules, and subependymal giant cell astrocytomas were also evaluated.Results: Twelve children (27.3%) had experienced infantile spasms, thirteen children (29.5%) had early-onset epilepsy, and twenty-seven patients (64.3%) had a significant reduction in the frequency of seizures after antiseizure treatments. The median TBP was 9.2%, and diffuse lesions (range: 0-2) and cortical cyst-like lesions (range: 0-17) were seen in seven and seventeen children, respectively. The values of TBP (P < 0.001), diffuse lesions (P < 0.001), and cortical cyst-like tubers (P < 0.001) were all associated with early-onset epilepsy. The values of TBP (P = 0.004) and cortical cyst-like tuber (P < 0.001) were associated with the occurrence of infantile spasms. The values of TBP (P = 0.01), diffuse lesions (P = 0.04), and cortical cyst-like tubers (P = 0.004) were negatively associated with the effectiveness of antiseizure treatments. There was no significant correlation between subcortical cyst-like tuber, subependymal nodule, subependymal giant cell astrocytoma, and epilepsy severity.Conclusions: Increasing abnormality of the cerebral hemispheres, as shown by quantitative MRI analysis including TBP, cortical cyst-like tubers, and diffuse lesions, is associated with measures of more severe epilepsy due to TSC. The values of TBP demonstrate strong significance for early-onset epilepsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the 25-h continuing hydrographic observations at three successive stations in February 2012 and the mooring time series of current observations from January to March 2015, the tidal currents and tidal energy fluxes in the coastal waters east of Hainan Island in the northwestern South China Sea were analyzed. The diurnal and semidiurnal (using K1 and M2 as proxies, respectively) tidal currents and associated isopycnal undulations were derived with harmonic analysis. Results show that the velocities of the diurnal and semidiurnal tides derived from the 25-h observations are comparable to those from the mooring series. The semi-major axes of the tidal ellipses were O(4–7 cm/s) for barotropic tides and O(2–4 cm/s) for baroclinic tides. The directions were in NE-SW at deeper stations to N-S at the shallowest station for the diurnal tide and from NW-SE to NE-SW for the semidiurnal tide. Both the diurnal and semidiurnal isopycnal fluctuations reached O(5 m), O(8 m), and O(10 m) at the cross-shelf stations (H03, H04, and H05) from 35 m, 45 m, to 55 m, respectively, showing insignificant vertical variation, and the barotropic signals were predominate. The baroclinic diurnal tide showed first-mode structures at H03-05, as does the semidiurnal tide at H03. The semidiurnal tide at H04 and H05 exhibited higher-mode structures. The time series of both the alongshore and cross-shore components reveal the vertically propagation features of the baroclinic tidal phase and energy. The calculated horizontal energy fluxes of the diurnal and semidiurnal internal tides decreased from O(0.1 W/m) at H05 to O(0.01 W/m) at H03, implying a propagation and dissipation of energy from offshore to inshore. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the alteration of microglial subtypes, the representative markers of microglia, and the morphology of dendrites and dendritic spines after acute status epilepticus (SE) and during recurrent seizures. A mouse kainate-induced SE model was used. Dendrites and dendritic spines of granule neurons in the dentate gyrus (DG) subregion and pyramidal neurons in the cornu ammonis (CA)1 and cornu ammonis (CA)3 subregions of the hippocampus were visualized by Golgi staining. Synaptic proteins were evaluated by Western blot analysis, and microglia and their markers were evaluated by flow cytometry. Extensive partial spine loss was observed in the dendrites of granule and pyramidal cells in the acute and early chronic stages of SE. In terms of spine loss, the thin and mushroom types predominated. Accompanying the spine loss in these two stages, the proportion of M1 microglia increased significantly with high CX3CR1 expression and low CD200R expression. However, at the transiting stage, the proportion of M2 microglia was increased dramatically, and high expression levels of CXCR3 on all microglia and CD68 on M1 microglia were observed. Morris water maze tests revealed significant learning and memory impairment in the chronic phase of epilepsy. Dendritic spines in the hippocampus and microglia in the central nevus system are dynamically altered in epilepsy during the establishment and maintenance of spontaneous seizures. Microglia may contribute to the spine loss and related learning and memory impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atrazine (ATZ) represents an endocrine-disrupting pesticide posing significant threats to both the environment and human well-being. In this study, a novel turn-on electrochemical aptasensor was successfully developed for highly sensitive ATZ detection. It relied on Ni 6 MnO 8 @C/Au nanorods (Ni 6 MnO 8 @C/AuNR) and covalent-metal organic framework nanohybrids (MCA@Ce-MOF) with RecJ f -catalyzed target recycling amplification. Notably, this marks the first instance of utilizing this strategy for ATZ detection. The substrate material, ultrathin Ni 6 MnO 8 @C/AuNR nanosheets, enhanced the specific surface area, conductivity, and biocompatibility, thereby facilitating biomolecule attachment and improving sensitivity. The scaffolds, hierarchically porous MCA@Ce-MOF, not only elevated the loading efficiency and surface concentration of signal molecules, but also strengthened the binding firmness of biomolecules. RecJ f -catalyzed target recycling was triggered in the presence of ATZ, further magnifying electrochemical signals. Leveraging these unique attributes, the developed aptasensor exhibited exceptional ATZ detection performance with a low detection limit of 4.9 fg·mL−1, a wide linear range of 4 × 10−5–4 ng·mL−1, and a satisfactory recovery of 93.3–99.6% in corn samples. With its diverse signal amplification capabilities, this aptasensor holds promise for detecting various analytes in environmental monitoring applications. • Ni 6 MnO 8 @C/AuNR improved the specific surface area, conductivity, and biocompatibility of the electrode. • MCA@Ce-MOF loaded massive signal molecules and biomolecules. • RecJ f -catalyzed target recycling further amplified the signals. • Achieved highly sensitive detection of ATZ with a detection limit of 4.9 fg·mL1. • This developed aptasensor was successfully applied to detect ATZ in the corn samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Vanadate, as an advanced inorganic material, has been a major object of scientific research due to its flexible valence states and the multi-electron transfer mechanism of vanadium. This review concentrates on the application of vanadates in aqueous ZIBs, which facilitates researchers to understand the latest research progress on vanadate-based cathodes for ZIBs. Furthermore, the limitations of current vanadate-type cathodes are pointed out and the perspectives for their application in emerging energy storage areas are presented. • This work comprehensively summarizes the application of vanadates as aqueous ZIBs cathodes. • Electrochemical performance and energy storage behavior of vanadates cathodes are further discussed. • Current challenges and expected development foregrounds of vanadates cathodes in aqueous ZIBs are proposed. With the increasing pursuit of electronic products with high specific energy and outstanding environmental compatibility, developing advanced new power sources is urgent. As the representative of new energy, rechargeable aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) have gained much focus recently in the field of energy storage owing to their advantages of safety, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. Nevertheless, the progression of suitable Zn-storage cathode materials remains a huge challenge, limited by commercial requirements. Vanadate, as an advanced inorganic material, has been a major object of scientific research due to its flexible valence states and the multi-electron transfer mechanism of vanadium. Undeniably, understanding the electrochemical Zn-storage properties and mechanisms of this class of materials plays a crucial role in facilitating their development. However, there is a paucity of reviews on vanadates as cathodes for aqueous ZIBs. This review concentrates on the application of vanadates in aqueous ZIBs, which facilitates researchers to understand the latest research progress on vanadate-based cathodes for ZIBs. Finally, the limitations of current vanadate-type cathodes are pointed out and the perspectives for their application in emerging energy storage areas are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although existing literature has stressed the influences of various factors on job performance, the influence of the perceptions of promotion opportunities on job performance is frequently disregarded in the majority of studies on public sector human resource management. Using the survey data from Chinese junior civil servants, the study revealed that perceptions of promotion opportunities can directly influence both task performance and contextual performance, and perceptions of promotion opportunities can strengthen task performance and contextual performance by the mediating role of job engagement. It was also indicated that perceptions of promotion opportunities were influenced by rank, supervisor-subordinate relationships, and promotion justice. Thus, the study developed a conceptual framework that included the variables laid-above to understand the mechanisms of the influence of perceptions of promotion opportunities on job performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous carbons have a great potential in the field of environment and energy storage, due to their advantages of wide sources, low cost, tailorable pore structure and abundant surface functional groups, etc. Pore-forming approaches and precursors are two crucial factors for the preparation of porous carbons. Templating approach is greatly important in synthesizing porous carbons due to its ability to tailor pore structure purposefully and precisely. Meanwhile, with miscibility and easily tuned morphology, fluid precursors are optimal candidates to match up with templating approach. Therefore, porous carbons synthesized by templating approach from fluid precursors (PCTF) can be developed with ordered pore structure, controllable morphologies, uniform active sites and functional design. This article reviews the progress in fluid precursors and templating approach and summaries the application of PCTF on environment and energy storage. Fluid precursors including ionic liquids, carbohydrates, oil and others are introduced systemically. Moreover, templating approach including self-generated templating approach, hard templating approach and soft templating approach, is summarized and compared. The applications on air pollution control, water pollution control, supercapacitors and batteries were presented and the current challenges on PCTF to design outstanding porous carbons are discussed throughout the review. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Polypyrrole is successfully introduced to enhance the reaction stability and ionic conductivity of LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 material through an ultrasound dispersion method and applied as cathode materials for lithium‐ion batteries. This polymer can significantly advance the electrochemical properties. Expectedly, the 8 wt.% LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2/polypyrrole composite has lower mixing degree of Li+/Ni2+, higher c/a value, which delivers the first discharge capacity of 199.2 mAh g−1, which abate to 121.3 mAh g−1 in the 300th cycle at 0.2 C between 2.5 and 4.5 V. Even at 3 C, it continues to reveal a reversible capacity of 86.4 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles. All the consequences implied that the 8 wt.% LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2/polypyrrole verified a minor charge transfer resistance and better Li+ diffusion ability, hence establishing preferable rate and cycling performance compared with the primordial LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the complementary electrochromic devices (ECDs), nickel oxide (NiO x) is the mostly studied material as counter electrode for its neutral brown color and relatively large coloration efficiency. However, there exist some obstacles that limit the utilization of NiO x counter electrode in ECDs due to the poor transparency in the bleached state and inadequate ion storage capacity. Here, a new type of counter electrode Li x NiO y layers has been investigated, and Li x NiO y -based all-solid-state inorganic ECD has been successfully fabricated by magnetron sputtering. The prepared ECD exhibits excellent electrochromic performance with an optical contrast of 72.8% at 550 nm, and desirable response time with 13 s and 3.5 s for coloring and bleaching process, respectively. Furthermore, the advantages of Li x NiO y -based ECDs have been demonstrated due to the gradient distribution of Li element in the Li x NiO y layer. The Li x NiO y layer in the proposed ECD shows a Li-rich surface, which can provide more Li ions for the coloration process. Meanwhile, the bottom of Li x NiO y layer is Li-poor, which can accommodate more ions during the bleaching reaction. This structure shows superiority over the traditional NiO x -based structure, as well as some other structures. Hence, our work guided a promising new structure for the electrochromic practical application and commercial mass production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low‐dimensional organic–inorganic metal halides (OIMHs) have emerged as promising light emitters due to their broadband emission originating from self‐trapped excitons (STE), especially for Cu‐based OIMHs. Herein, Cu(I)‐based OIMH with a structure of (TPP)2Cu4I6·2DMSO (TPP stays for tetraphenylphosphonium, and DMSO – for dimethyl sulfoxide) has been synthesized, both in form of single crystals and as a microcrystalline powder. This compound exhibits a broadband green emission with a peak at 515 nm and a full width at half‐maximum of 78 nm, and a near‐unity photoluminescence quantum yield of 99.5%. Experimental data supported by theoretical calculations indicate that the STE emission is responsible for the green emission with a long lifetime of 2.53 µs. Down‐conversion light‐emitting device with a high luminous efficiency of 50 lm W−1 based on this compound have been fabricated, and white light has also been achieved with a high color rendering index of 96.7. Moreover, green emissive (TPP)2Cu4I6·2DMSO is utilized in scintillators for X‐ray detection and imaging, and as a luminescent ink for encryption applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Microfluidic strategy was designed to synthesis monodispersed porous carbon spheres. • ZIF-8 acted the dual functions of N-doping and pore generation without using environmentally unfriendly additive agent. • Synthesized carbon spheres displayed high N content and hierarchical pore structure. • In-suit N-doped porous carbon exhibited outstanding CO 2 /N 2 selectivity of 40. N-doped porous biochar is a promising material for CO 2 capture due to its easy regeneration and high CO 2 selectivity. In this study, a new strategy was proposed to design monodisperse porous carbon spheres by microfluidics system with chitosan in-situ grow ZIF-8, utilizing ZIF-8 as a self-sacrificing template and nitrogen dopant. The mesoporous volume and N content of carbon spheres can be adjusted through the ZIF-8 content in the microfluidic system and carbonization temperature, within 0.01 ∼ 0.48 cm3/g and 3.23 ∼ 19.25%, respectively. The optimum sample (CZ 2 -900) exhibited superior CO 2 /N 2 selectivity at 40. Adsorption kinetics and diffusion resistance indicated that CO 2 adsorption in CZ 2 -900 is controlled by the process of CO 2 diffusion from the surface of the basic site to mesopores. This was the first attempt at using a microfluid chip to grow ZIF-8 in chitosan skeleton and pyrolysis approach to synthesize N-doped porous carbon sphere where both additional template agent and activator are non-used, revealing the potential of microfluidic technology for the precise synthesis of highly selective CO 2 capture materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study reported the first case of Kohlschütter-Tönz syndrome (KTS) in China and reviewed the literature of the reported cases. Methods: This patient was registered at the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. The patient's symptoms and treatments were recorded in detail, and the patient was monitored for six years. We employed a combination of the following search terms and Boolean operators in our search strategy: Kohlschütter-Tönz syndrome, KTS, and ROGDI. These terms were carefully selected to capture a broad range of relevant publications in PubMed, Web of Science, WHO Global Health Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, including synonyms, variations, and specific terms related to KTS. The pathogenicity of the variants was predicted using SpliceAI and MutationTaster, and the structures of the ROGDI mutations were constructed using I-TASSER. Results: This is the first case report of KTS in China. Our patient presented with epilepsy, global developmental delay, and amelogenesis imperfecta. A trio-WES revealed homozygous mutations in ROGDI (c.46-37_46-30del). The brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and video electroencephalogram (VEEG) were normal. The efficacy of perampanel (PMP) in treating seizures and intellectual disability was apparent. Furthermore, 43 cases of ROGDI-related KTS were retrieved. 100% exhibited epilepsy, global developmental delay, and amelogenesis imperfecta. 17.2% received a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and 3.4% were under suspicion of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Language disorders were observed in all patients. Emotional disorders, notably self-harm behaviors (9.1%), were also reported. Conclusion: ROGDI-related KTS is a rare neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by three classic clinical manifestations: epilepsy, global developmental delay, and amelogenesis imperfecta. Moreover, patients could present comorbidities, including ADHD, ASD, emotional disorders, and language disorders. PMP may be a potential drug with relatively good efficacy, but long-term clinical trials are still needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about pediatric patients suffering from nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) after convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) cessation. The aim of this study was to identify in pediatric patients the clinical characteristics of NCSE after CSE cessation and the factors that contribute to patient outcomes. Data from clinical features, electroencephalography (EEG) characteristics, neuroimaging findings, treatments, and prognosis were systematically summarized, and the associations between clinical characteristics and prognosis were quantified. Thirty-eight children aged 51 days–14 years, 2 months were identified in the Chongqing Medical University pediatric intensive care unit as having experienced NCSE after CSE cessation between October 1, 2014 and April 1, 2017. All patients were comatose, 15 of whom presented subtle motor signs. The most common underlying etiology was acute central nervous system (CNS) infection. Electroencephalography (EEG) data showed that, during the NCSE period, all patients had several discrete episodes (lasting from 30 s to 6 h long), and the most common duration was 1–5 min. The ictal onset locations were classified as focal (16 patients, 42.1%), multiregional independent (10 patients, 26.3%), and generalized (12 patients, 31.6%). Wave morphologies varied during the ictal and interictal periods. Neuroimaging detected signal abnormalities in the cerebral cortex or subcortex of 33 patients with NCSE (87%), which were classified as either multifocal and consistent with extensive cortical edema (21 patients, 55.3%) or focal (12 patients, 31.6%). Twelve patients were on continuous intravenous phenobarbital, and 31 were on continuous infusion of either midazolam (27 patients) or propofol (4 patients). At least one other antiepileptic drug was prescribed for 32 patients. Three patients were on mild hypothermia therapy. The duration of NCSE lasted < 24 h for 20 patients and > 24 h for 18 patients. The mortality rate was 21.1%, and half of the surviving patients had severe neurological morbidity. Our results indicated that EEG monitoring after treatment of CSE was essential to the recognition of persistent seizures. The clinical features, EEG characteristics, and neuroimaging findings varied during the NCSE period. The morbidity is high in pediatric patients who had NCSE after CSE. Convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) duration and neuroimaging results may be related to the prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the mechanism of mesoscale eddies observed in the South China Sea (SCS) deep basin, which are characterized by high-frequency occurrence, long life, and regular distribution patterns. Geophysical fluid dynamics predicts that for an enclosed ocean basin, there exist the Rossby normal modes if considering the Earth rotation effect. We use a rectangular ocean basin with a uniform depth to simulate the SCS deep basin and obtain 2D (x - y) sea level distribution patterns of the Rossby normal modes, consisting of alternating cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies, as well as their dynamic parameters. The periods of the modes are evidenced by the Fourier period power density spectra of satellite altimeter sea level anomaly (SLA) data from 1993 to 2015. The 2D normal mode patterns are evidenced by SLA images. The phase speeds are evidenced by that derived from the westward movement of the wave/eddy patterns on SLA time-series images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overexpression of microRNA-10b (miRNA-10b) is closely associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which may act as an advance biomarker to diagnose HCC early. Here, a novel luminescent nanosensor for the ultrasensitive detection of miRNA-10b was firstly developed by target-triggered catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) and upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs)-based luminescence resonance energy transfer (LRET). The hybridization process of DNA1-modified UCNPs with DNA2-modified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) makes the energy donor (UCNPs) and acceptor (AuNPs) into close proximity, resulting in luminescence quenching of UCNPs. The miRNA-10b can hybridize with the hairpin structure of DNA2, releasing the recognition domain site and activate the CHA reaction with its signal amplification chain (H3). At the same time, the LRET was inhibited accompany with the AuNPs moved away from the UCNPs, which resulted in the luminescence recovery of UCNPs. The miRNA-10b can be quantified by measurement of the luminescence recovery rate of UCNPs. The sensor has high sensitivity with a detection limit of 8.96 fM. In addition, the sensor can be used to the discrimination of miRNA-10b expression levels in human hepatocarcinoma and hepatocyte cell lines with satisfactory results. The technique shows great promise for early diagnosis of HCC because of its high sensitivity and selectivity. [Display omitted] • A LRET-based luminescence sensor was constructed for miRNA-10b detection. • This sensor integrates target-triggered CHA signal amplification and LRET between UCNPs and AuNPs. • High detection sensitivity (detection limit 8.96 fM) and selectivity. • This sensor has great potential in the early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is one of the most distressing side effects associated with deterioration in the quality of life. This study aimed to assess the clinical value of Huoxiang Zhengqi (HXZQ) oral liquid, a Chinese patent medicine, in combination with 5-HT3 receptor antagonists (RAs) and dexamethasone, in preventing CINV in patients receiving multiday cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Methods: In this multicenter, exploratory randomized clinical trial, the authors compared the efficacy of HXZQ oral liquid against a control group receiving a placebo, in combination with 5-HT3 RAs and dexamethasone, in preventing CINV in chemotherapy-naive patients receiving a multiday cisplatin-based regimen between January 2021 and September 2021. The primary endpoint was the complete response (CR) rate. The secondary endpoints included days with no CINV, the incidence of CINV, and life function. Results: Sixty patients were randomized into two groups and included in the study. The CR rate was significantly improved by HXZQ oral liquid in acute CINV (63.33% vs. 33.33%, p = 0.020) and CINV beyond the risk phase (96.67% vs. 46.67%, p = 0.000). The number of days with no CINV was significantly more in the HXZQ group compared with the control group in the overall phase (18.10 ± 3.64 vs. 12.13 ± 7.63, p = 0.002). Significantly higher Functional Living Index-Emesis total and domain scores were observed in the HXZQ group. Conclusions: HXZQ oral liquid combined with 5-HT3 RAs and dexamethasone is a feasible and safe approach to prevent CINV in patients receiving multiday cisplatin-based chemotherapy who cannot use neurokinin 1 RAs. Clinical Trial Registration: ChiCTR2000040123 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Na 2 THBQ were combined with CDs as cathode materials in SIBs for the first time. • o -Na 2 THBQ/CDs-2 performed good cycling stability and rate performance. • The mechanism of o -Na 2 THBQ/CDs-2 was explored by ex-situ tests. • The sodium ion diffusion coefficient of the materials was tested by GITT. Organic compounds are considered auspicious due to their widespread presence in nature, low cost, and sustainability. However, the inherent drawbacks of these organics' compounds, like low-conductivity and high-solubility, restrict their large-scale application. To solve these problems, we innovatively combined carbon quantum dots (CDs) with active substances (tetrahydroxybenzoquinone ortho -disodium salt (o -Na 2 THBQ)) at different mass ratios. The optimized o -Na 2 THBQ/CDs-2 (the mass ratio of o -Na 2 THBQ to CDs is 10:2) exhibited excellent electrochemical performance, the first-cycle discharge specific capacity was 410 mAh g−1 and maintained 182 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles, and the Coulombic efficiency was nearly 100 %. After 1300 cycles, the o -Na 2 THBQ/CDs-2 composite demonstrated a high specific capacity of 63 mAh g−1 at 500 mA g−1. This work provides a reference to design an optimal composite ratio of carbon dots (CDs) and organics to fabricate cathode materials for high-performance sodium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anatase TiO 2 nanopores are successfully prepared through alternating voltage induced electrochemical synthesis (AVIES) approach at room temperature. When utilizing TiO 2 nanoporous materials as an anode for Na-ion battery, it delivers a reversible charge-discharge capacity of around 180 mA h g −1 at 0.2 C (67 mA g −1 ) after 200 cycles. Meanwhile, it also shows a good cycling performance and a high rate capability due to unique nanoporous structures, which promote electrolyte wetting and facilitate diffusion of Na + . Additionally, cyclic voltammetry demonstrate that the sodium-ion storage of as-prepared TiO 2 is a cooperative control behavior of diffusion and capacitance, but mainly controlled by capacitive behavior, which further facilitates a rapid (de-)intercalation of Na + . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gray-colored Mo 6+ -doped anatase TiO 2 is prepared uniformly with particle size of 10–20 nm, and is firstly employed as anode material in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), presenting excellent electrochemical performances. It delivered reversible specific capacities of 231.8 mAh g −1 at 0.1 C (33.5 mA g −1 ) after 100 cycles and 108.3 mAh g −1 at 5 C (1.68 A g −1 ), comparing to 170.5 mAh g −1 at 0.1 C and only 41.7 mAh g −1 at 5C for the bare TiO 2 . The improved electrochemical performances might be beneficial from the doping of Mo 6+ , which can effectively enhance the conductivity of TiO 2 resulting from induced conduction band electrons, interstitial oxygen defects and vacancies. In addition, the doping can also lead to the lattice expansion, which can facilitate the diffusion of Na + . In combination with natural abundance and environmental benignity, Mo 6+ -doped TiO 2 can be expected to be utilized as an anode material for enhanced sodium storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study deals with the physical properties and 3D structures of the wave motions with finite wavelengths of O(100-550) km in the tropical western North Pacific and their variation as propagating from the Pacific to the South China Sea (SCS) using conductivity-temperature-depth observations taken in October and November 2005 and concurrent satellite altimeter data. Three wave components with wavelength bands of O(100), O(200), and O(550) km are derived from the isopycnal undulation signals along 21°, 18°, and 15°N using the ensemble empirical mode decomposition analysis. Their maximum amplitudes are over 100 m in the layer of 1000-2000 m. Phase speeds are derived from cruise-observed vertical profiles of zonal-mean geostrophic flow velocity and the Brunt-Väisälä frequency based on linear quasigeostrophic wave theory with background flow and topography. The speeds are also derived from concurrent sea level anomaly data with the objective Radon transform method. They are close to that of the first baroclinic mode of theoretical solutions, implying that the observed wave motions possess the physical properties of Rossby waves (RWs). The vertical structures of the first generalized modes are derived from cruise observations at three sections. It is shown that the RWs continuously propagate from the Pacific to the SCS, and the available potential energy of RWs 1 and 2 intensify 3-4 times in the Luzon Strait and the SCS compared to that in the Pacific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For cost and safety reasons, aqueous batteries are suitable for large-scale energy storage. Among all aqueous batteries, the rechargeable aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) are promising choices owing to the low equilibrium potential and high volumetric capacity of zinc. However, its development is also severely hindered by the limited available cathode materials, which generally display poor cycling capabilities. As one of the most investigated POVs (polyvanadates) today, (V 10 O 28)6− has been demonstrated to be feasible in the energy storage rely on the well-defined structure and fascinating material activity. Herein, we propose a polyvanadate-Na 6 V 10 O 28 with (V 10 O 28)6− anion as a support structure and serve it for the first time as aqueous ZIBs cathode. The high stability of the (V 10 O 28)6− cluster permits the material to tolerate the reversible (de)insertion of Zn2+. As a result, the Na 6 V 10 O 28 cathode delivers a high capacity of 279.5 mAh g−1 and extraordinary lifespan over 2000 cycles. Furthermore, the pseudocapacitance analysis and GITT test reveal the pseudocapacitance behavior and high Zn2+ diffusion coefficient (10−10 cm2 s−1) of the Na 6 V 10 O 28 /Zn cell, respectively. Not only that, ex-situ XRD, XPS, and TEM are also employed to analyze the storage mechanism of Zn2+, indicating the synergistic Zn-storage capacity of Na 6 V 10 O 28 and irreversible products. Overall, this work presents new insights into the application of Na 6 V 10 O 28 in aqueous ZIBs and also demonstrates the competitive potential of POVs for energy storage. [Display omitted] • For the first time, the Na 6 V 10 O 28 cathode is applied for aqueous zinc ion batteries. • Na 6 V 10 O 28 delivers excellent cycling stability and the high specific discharge capacity. • The Zn2+ ion diffusion rate of Na 6 V 10 O 28 is as high as 10−10 cm2 s−1. • The high reversibility of Zn2+ insertion/extraction in Na 6 V 10 O 28 is demonstrated by ex-situ XRD. For cost and safety reasons, aqueous batteries are suitable for large-scale energy storage. Among all aqueous batteries, rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are promising choices owing to the low equilibrium potential and high volumetric capacity of zinc. However, its development is also severely hindered by the limited available cathode materials, which generally display poor cycling capabilities. As one of the most investigated POVs (polyvanadates) today, (V 10 O 28)6− has been demonstrated to be feasible in energy storage rely on the well-defined structure and fascinating material activity. Herein, we propose a polyvanadate-Na 6 V 10 O 28 with (V 10 O 28)6− anion as a support structure and serve it for the first time as an aqueous ZIBs cathode. The high stability of the (V 10 O 28)6− cluster permits the material to tolerate the reversible (de)insertion of Zn2+. As a result, the Na 6 V 10 O 28 cathode delivers a high capacity of 279.5 mAh g−1 after activation and an extraordinary lifespan over 2000 cycles. Furthermore, the pseudocapacitance analysis and GITT test reveal the pseudocapacitance behavior and high Zn2+ diffusion coefficient (10−10 cm2 s−1) of the Na 6 V 10 O 28 /Zn cell, respectively. Not only that, ex-situ XRD, XPS, and TEM are also employed to analyze the storage mechanism of Zn2+, indicating the synergistic zinc-storage capacity of Na 6 V 10 O 28 and irreversible products. Overall, this work presents new insights into the application of Na 6 V 10 O 28 in aqueous ZIBs and also demonstrates the competitive potential of POVs for energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the change in signal intensity (SI) and volume (V) from multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for assessing the response of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) to chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Materials and methods: Eight‐two LARC patients who underwent pre‐ and post‐CRT T2‐weighted (T2W), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted (ceT1W) MRI were retrospectively analyzed. The change of volume (%△V) and relative SI ratio (%△SIR) from each sequence were determined. All LARCs were confirmed pathologically and classified as tumor regression grade (TRG) ‐0, 1, 2,or 3. Descriptive statistics and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, with calculation of area under the curve (AUC), were used to compare the diagnostic performances. Results: Sixteen patients had TRG‐0, 15 had TRG‐1, 35 had TRG‐2, and 16 had TRG‐3. Except for ADC‐%△SIR, the remaining %△V and %△SIR values on MR sequences had significant differences among the four groups. The %△V and %△SIR (alone or together) did not distinguish TRG‐1 from TRG‐2, nor TRG‐2 from TRG‐3; however, differences between other TRGs were identified by %△V and %△SIR. The combined use of ADC‐%△V and T2W‐%△SIR provided the best diagnostic performance in distinguishing of TRG‐0 from TRG‐2 (AUC: 0.954) and from TRG‐3 (AUC: 1.000). Conclusions: Preoperative MRI of LARC patients after CRT has high diagnostic value for determination TRG, and may therefore improve the selection of patients most suitable for surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite significant progress in the treatment of myeloma, multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable hematological malignancy due to cell adhesion-mediated drug resistance (CAM-DR) phenotype. However, data on the molecular mechanisms underlying the CAM-DR remains scanty. Here, we identified a miRNA-mRNA regulatory network in myeloma cells that are directly adherent to bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). Our data showed that the BMSCs up-regulated miR-30a-5p and down-regulated BCL2L11 at both mRNA and protein level in the myeloma cells. Besides, luciferase reporter genes demonstrated direct interaction between miR-30a-5p and BCL2L11 gene. Moreover, the BMSCs activated NF-ΚB signaling pathway in myeloma cells and the NF-κB P65 was shown to directly bind the miR-30a-5p promoter region. Moreover, suppression of the miR-30a-5p or upregulation of the BCL2L11 promoted apoptosis of the myeloma cells independent of the BMSCs, thus suggesting clinical significance of miR-30a-5p inhibitor and PLBCL2L11 plasmid in CAM-DR. Together, our data demonstrated the role of P65-miR-30a-5p-BCL2L11 loop in CAM-DR myeloma cells. These findings give new insights into the role of tumor microenvironment in the treatment of patients with myeloma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Near-inertial motion is an important dynamic process in the upper ocean and plays a significant role in mass, heat, and energy transport across the thermocline. In this study, the dissipation of wind-induced near-inertial energy in the thermocline is investigated by using observation data collected in July and August 2005 during the tropical storm Washi by a moored system at (19°35′N, 112°E) in the continental shelf region off Hainan Island. In the observation period, the near-inertial part dominated the observed ocean kinetic energy and about 80% of the near-inertial energy dissipated in the upper layer. Extremely strong turbulent mixing induced by near-inertial wave was observed in the thermocline, where the turbulent energy dissipation rate increased by two orders of magnitude above the background level. It is found that the energy loss of near-inertial waves in the thermocline is mainly in the large-scales. This is different from the previous hypothesis based on 'Kolmogorov cascade' turbulence theory that the kinetic energy is dissipated mainly by small-scale motions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been proven effective in treating hypertensive patients in China. However, the mechanisms of action of UR in reducing hypertension and myocardial fibrosis are still unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of UR in an angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ) induced mouse model. The mice were randomly divided into 5 groups and infused with Ang Ⅱ (500 ng/kg/min) or saline, then administered UR (0.78, 1.56 or 3.12 g/kg/d) or saline for 4 weeks. UR treatment significantly attenuated the elevation of blood pressure caused by Ang Ⅱ. It enhanced myocardial function and attenuated the increase in the heart weight index and the pathological changes in the Ang Ⅱ-induced hypertensive mice. Furthermore, UR treatment inhibited cardiac fibrosis and significantly down-regulated collagen I, collagen Ⅲ, and α-SMA protein expression in cardiac tissues. UR also attenuated the expression of RhoA, ROCK1, CTGF, and TGF-β1. In cultured cardiac fibroblasts stimulated with Ang Ⅱ, UR significantly down-regulated the expression of Collagen I, Collagen III, RhoA, ROCK1, and α-SMA. In summary, UR can significantly attenuate Ang Ⅱ-induced hypertension and cardiac fibrosis, partly via suppression of the RhoA/ROCK1 signaling pathway. [Display omitted] • Uncaria Rhynchophylla treatment attenuates Ang Ⅱ-induced elevation of blood pressure. • Uncaria Rhynchophylla improves cardiac dysfunction and myocardial pathological changes in Ang II-induced hypertensive mice. • Uncaria Rhynchophylla treatment ameliorates cardiac fibrosis via suppression of the RhoA/ROCK1 pathway in vitro and in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of super pulse CO2 laser-assisted punctoplasty with canalicular curettage in primary canaliculitis. In this retrospective serial case study, the clinical data of 26 patients who underwent super pulse CO2 laser-assisted punctoplasty for the treatment of canaliculitis were collected from January 2020 to May 2022. The clinical presentation, intraoperative and microbiologic findings, surgical pain severity, postoperative outcome, and complications were studied. Of the 26 patients, most were females (female:male 20:6), with a mean age of 60.1 ± 16.1 years (range, 19–93). Mucopurulent discharge (96.2%), eyelid redness and swelling (53.8%), and epiphora (38.5%) were the most common presentations. During the surgery, concretions were present in 73.1% (19/26) of the patients. The surgical pain severity scores ranged from 1 to 5, according to the visual analog scale, with a mean score of 3.2 ± 0.8. This procedure resulted in complete resolution in 22 (84.6%) patients and significant improvement in 2 (7.7%) patients, and 2 (7.7%) patients required additional lacrimal surgery with a mean follow-up time of 10.9 ± 3.7 months. The surgical procedure of super pulse CO2 laser-assisted punctoplasty followed by curettage appears to be a safe, effective, minimally invasive, and well-tolerated treatment for primary canaliculitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on high-resolution, Array for Real-time Geostrophic Oceanography (Argo) profiles and Sea Level Anomaly (SLA) data, this study statistically analyzes and compares turbulent diapycnal mixing profiles inside and outside mesoscale eddies in the Gulf Stream region. The result indicates that average diapycnal diffusivity at 300-540 m depths in anticyclonic eddies reaches 4.0×10 m s. This is significantly higher than the 1.6×10 m s outside eddies and 0.8×10 m s in cyclonic eddies. Probabilities of diapycnal diffusivity greater than 10 m s within anticyclonic and cyclonic eddies and outside eddies are 29%, 5% and 12%, respectively. However, magnitudes of average diapycnal diffusivity at 540-900 m depths in these three cases are of the same order, 10 m s. Twenty-four of a total 38 anticyclonic eddies had enhanced mixing in the ocean interior, and 22 were observed during or shortly after strong winds. The coincidence between enhanced mixing and strong wind stress indicates that more wind-induced, near-inertial wave energy propagates downward in anticyclonic eddies. The deeper part of 12 profiles (below 540 m) in anticyclonic eddies had vertical overturns with Thorpe scale exceeding 5 m, among which three profiles had overturns reaching 20 m. Enhanced mixing may have occurred in deep layers of some profiles, although it was not evident in average conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Based on moored observations and remote sensing data in July and August 2005, energy sources for enhancing turbulent mixing and possible mechanisms of phytoplankton bloom in the continental shelf southeast of Hainan Island under the influence of Washi, a fast-moving and weak tropical storm, are analyzed in this paper. Observations show that strong near-inertial internal waves were generated by the rapidly changing wind stress and the near-inertial energy was dissipated quickly across the thermocline. The strong turbulent mixing associated with the near-inertial baroclinic shear instability occurred with maximum eddy diffusivity above 3.2×10−4 m2 s−1, and the surface chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentration after the storm increased by 22.2%. The Chl-a concentration augment was inferred to be an upper ocean biophysical response to the enhanced near-inertial turbulent mixing which could increase the upward nutrient flux into the surface low eutrophic zone during the passage of Washi. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cyclanilide (CYC), a plant growth regulator, is a potent shoot branching agent in apple. However, its mechanism remains unclear. The current study revealed that CYC treatment resulted in massive reprogramming of the axillary bud transcriptome, implicating several hormones in the response. We observed a marked increase (approximately 2-fold) in the level of zeatin riboside and a significant decrease (approximately 2-fold) in the level of abscisic acid (ABA). Zeatin metabolism gene cytokinin (CTK) oxidase 1 (CKX 1) was down-regulated at 168 h after CYC treatment compared with the control. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis of differentially expressed genes demonstrated the turquoise module clusters exhibited the highest positive correlation with zeatin riboside (r = 0.92) and the highest negative correlation with ABA (r = −0.8). A total of 37 genes were significantly enriched in the plant hormone signal transduction pathway in the turquoise module. Among them, the expressions of CTK receptor genes WOODEN LEG and the CTK type-A response regulators genes ARR3 and ARR9 were up-regulated. ABA signal response genes protein phosphatase 2C genes ABI2 and ABI5 were down-regulated in lateral buds after CYC treatment at 168 h. In addition, exogenous application of 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA, a synthetic type of CTK) and CYC enhanced the inducing effect of CYC, whereas exogenous application of lovastatin (a synthetic type of inhibitor of CTK biosynthesis) or ABA and CYC weakened the promoting effect of CYC. These results collectively revealed that the stimulation of bud growth by CYC might involve CTK biosynthesis and signalling, including genes CKX1 and ARR3/9, which provided a direction for further study of the branching promoting mechanism of CYC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cesium copper iodide compound (Cs 3 Cu 2 I 5) is in a blossoming status owing to its advantages of high photoluminescence quantum yield (PL QY), non-toxicity and low-cost, which holds great potential in optoelectronic applications. The issue of long-term stability of Cs 3 Cu 2 I 5 should be concerned before its commercialization. Herein, we fabricate ultra-stable Cs 3 Cu 2 I 5 powder by adopting Na + ions doping strategy, achieving great improvements in the air-, photo- and thermal stabilities, and the PL intensity enhancement is also obtained possibly due to the formation of a stronger chemical interaction between Cu+ and I− ions upon Na+ doping, which potentially helps to stabilize both Cu+ cations and I− anions by restraining the diffusion of these ions and prevent Cu+ from oxidizing into Cu2+ from the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results. We find that Cs 3 Cu 2 I 5 : Na with the doping concentration of 7.4% displays the best performance, its air-, photo-, and thermal stabilities exhibit great improvements. In addition, the PL intensity of Cs 3 Cu 2 I 5 : 7.4% Na powder gets significantly enhanced by 17.4% compared with the undoped Cs 3 Cu 2 I 5 powder. Moreover, the performance of the UV pumped phosphor converted LEDs (pc-LEDs) based on Cs 3 Cu 2 I 5 : 7.4% Na powder as phosphor also slightly improved compared with the undoped Cs 3 Cu 2 I 5 based device. Above all, this work is expected to promote the commercialization process of copper-based compounds with excellent stabilities and high emission. • The doped copper-based halide compounds with enhanced performances were firstly reported. • The PL intensity of Cs 3 Cu 2 I 5 : 7.4% Na powder got enhanced by 17.4% compared with the undoped Cs 3 Cu 2 I 5 powder. • The air-, photo- and thermal stabilities of Cs 3 Cu 2 I 5 powder by adopting Na+ ions got remarkably improved. • The performances of pc-LEDs based on Cs 3 Cu 2 I 5 : 7.4% Na powder were improved compared with the undoped device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this work, a highly sensitive hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) biosensor based on immobilization of hemoglobin (Hb) at Au nanoparticles (AuNPs)/flower-like zinc oxide/graphene (AuNPs/ZnO/Gr) composite modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was constructed, where ZnO and Au nanoparticles were modified through layer-by-layer onto Gr/GCE. Flower-like ZnO nanoparticles could be easily prepared by adding ethanol to the precursor solution having higher concentration of hydroxide ions. The Hb/AuNPs/ZnO/Gr composite film showed a pair of well-defined, quasi-reversible redox peaks with a formal potential (E 0) of −0.367V, characteristic features of heme redox couple of Hb. The electron transfer rate constant (k s) of immobilized Hb was 1.3s−1. The developed biosensor showed a very fast response (<2s) toward H2O2 with good sensitivity, wide linear range, and low detection limit of 0.8μM. The fabricated biosensor showed interesting features, including high selectivity, acceptable stability, good reproducibility, and repeatability along with excellent conductivity, facile electron mobility of Gr, and good biocompatibility of ZnO and AuNPs. The fabrication method of this biosensor was simple and effective for determination of H2O2 in real samples with quick response, good sensitivity, high selectivity, and acceptable recovery. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novel electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) assay for sensitive determination of thrombin is designed employing CdSe/ZnS quantum dots served as an ECL label. This ECL sensor is fabricated on graphene modified glassy carbon electrode which is then covered with a low surface coverage of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). An aptamer is used to selectively recognize the target. The thiol-terminated aptamer is first immobilized on AuNPs/graphene modified electrode, and then thrombin is imported to form the aptamer–thrombin complexes. After blocking the nonspecifically bound oligonucleotides with MCH solution, another CdSe/ZnS quantum dots modified aptamer is hybridized with the free thiol-terminated aptamer to form a DNA complexe. A decreased ECL signal is observed upon recognition of the target thrombin. The integrated ECL intensity versus the concentration of thrombin is linear in the range from 0.01 to 50nM. The detection limit is 10fM. The present aptasensor also exhibits excellent selectivity, stability and reusability. This sensing system can provide a promising label-free model for aptamer-based compounds sensitive detection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novel platform based on reduced graphene oxide and Au nanoparticles entrapped in chitosan/silica sol–gel hybrid membranes (RGO–AuNPs–CSHMs) was successfully constructed for the fabrication of biosensor. The hybrid membranes are prepared by cross-linking chitosan (CS) with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), while the presence of RGO and AuNPs improved the conductivity of CSHMs. The morphologies and electrochemistry of the nanocomposite film were investigated by using scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical techniques including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry (CV), respectively. The results suggested that the modified electrode exhibited enhanced sensitivity towards the oxidation of dopamine (DA) and uric acid (UA). Well defined and separated oxidation peaks were observed by CV and differential pulse voltammetry. Linear calibration plots for the oxidation of DA and UA were obtained in the range of 1.0–200μM for DA and 1.0–300μM for UA. Detection limits of DA and UA were found to be 0.3–0.7μM, respectively. In addition, the sensor was successfully applied for the determination of analytes urine samples using the standard adding method with recoveries of 94.2–106.0%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Interaction of two identical excitable spiral waves in a bilayer system is studied. We find that the two spiral waves can be completely synchronized if the coupling strength is sufficiently large. Prior to the complete synchronization, we find a new type of weak synchronization between the two coupled systems, i.e., the spiral wave of the driven system has the same geometric shape as the spiral wave of the driving system but with a much lower amplitude. This general behavior, called projective synchronization of two spiral waves, is similar to projective synchronization of two coupled nonlinear oscillators, which has been extensively studied before. The underlying mechanism is uncovered by the study of pulse collision in one-dimensional systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interaction of spiral waves in a two-layer system described by a model of coupled complex Ginzburg-Landau equations with negative-feedback couplings [variant_greek_epsilon]1 and [variant_greek_epsilon]2 is studied. Synchronization of two spiral waves can be broadly found if [variant_greek_epsilon]1+[variant_greek_epsilon]2 is sufficiently large. Prior to the synchronization, under the condition of strongly asymmetric coupling (|[variant_greek_epsilon]1-[variant_greek_epsilon]2|>0), a novel type of spiral wave, amplitude spiral wave, exists in the driven system. The pattern of amplitude spiral wave shows the spiral in the amplitude and without a singularity point (tip), compared to usual spiral waves known for phase with amplitude uniform far away from tips and rotating around tips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Layered Li1.2V3O8 has been efficiently prepared via a sol–gel method. XRD and particle size analysis indicate that the final product with monoclinic structure consists of homogeneously distributed particles whose sizes are in a very narrow range. There are two different water molecules in the compound according to TGA and DTA. The structural water works as a pillar in the structure and is lost at higher temperature than the combined water. The as-prepared material was also compared with the one synthesized from the conventional solid-state method in terms of their morphology, electrochemistry capacity and electrodynamic characteristics. As a result, the Li1.2V3O8 obtained at 300°C for 10h has excellent electrochemical properties. A high-first discharge capacity of 286.4mAh/g was observed at a current rate of C/5 between 1.7 and 3.8V and the structure of Li1.2V3O8 remains stable in the subsequent cycles. EIS calculation suggests a better diffusion path for lithium ions in as-prepared material than in the solid-state compound. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has emerged as an inevitable trend in promoting environmental sustainability and resource conservation. Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO 4 or LFP) battery, renowned for its unique stability and favorable price, has been the predominant focus for lithium-ion battery manufacturers, consequently resulting in a surge in the number of spent LIBs. In view of the failure mechanism, the direct regeneration technology presents a potential strategy for the closed-loop recycling of LFP. The aim is to retain the high added value and revitalize optimal state of the spent cathode materials through a non-destructive process that maximizes efficiency and ensures desirable profits. Hence, the existing technical challenges and recent progress in the separation pretreatment are reviewed and summarized. Subsequently, the current direct regeneration methods and advanced upcycling techniques for spent LFP cathode are outlined, along with an appraisal of their respective advantages and disadvantage. Specifically, a comprehensive analysis of environmental and economic benefits derived from three presentative examples is highlighted compared to traditional metallurgy process. The review also aims to provide an overview on direct regeneration of spent LFP cathode, making it favorable for further industry adoption. • Potential strategy for low-value LFP via direct regeneration is presented. • Challenges and recent progress in separation pretreatment are discussed. • Recent advancements and advanced upcycling for spent LFP cathode are summarized. • The merits and drawbacks of each approach are assessed. • The comprehensive analysis of environmental and economic benefits is emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]