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Sea fog is a hazardous natural phenomenon that reduces visibility, posing a threat to ports and nearshore navigation, making the identification of nearshore sea fog crucial. Millimeter-wave radar has significant advantages over satellites in capturing sudden and localized sea fog weather. The use of millimeter-wave radar for sea fog identification is still in the exploratory stage in operational fields. Therefore, this paper proposes a nearshore sea fog identification algorithm that combines millimeter-wave radar with multiple machine learning methods. Firstly, Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise (DBSCAN) is used to partition radar echoes, followed by the K-means clustering algorithm (KMEANS) to divide the partitions into recognition units. Then, Sea-Fog-Recognition-Convolutional Neural Network (SFRCNN) is used to classify whether the recognition units are sea fog areas, and finally, the partition coverage algorithm is employed to improve identification accuracy. The experiments conducted using millimeter-wave radar observation data from the Pingtan Meteorological Observation Base in Fujian, China, achieved an identification accuracy of 96.94%. The results indicate that the proposed algorithm performs well and expands the application prospects of such equipment in meteorological operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a ResGA-Net algorithm for cloud top height (CTH) retrieval using FY-4A satellite data. The algorithm utilizes genetic algorithms for data selection and employs a residual module-based neural network for modeling. It takes the spectral channel data from the FY-4A satellite as input features and uses CTH extracted from ground-based millimeter-wave cloud radar reflectivity as the target. By combining the large observation scale of the FY-4A satellite and the high accuracy of ground-based cloud radar observations, the model can generate satellite CTH products with higher precision. To validate the effectiveness of the algorithm, experiments were conducted using data from the Beijing area spanning from January 2020 to January 2022. The experimental results show that the metrics of the proposed ResGA-Net outperform those of various contrastive algorithms, and compared to the original FY-4A CTH product, the RMSE and MAE have decreased by 37.89% and 34.77%, while the PCC and SRCC have increased by 11.17% and 9.47%, respectively, demonstrating the superiority of the proposed method presented in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postoperative gastrointestinal disorder (POGD) was a common complication after surgery under anesthesia. Strategies in combination with Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western medicine showed some distinct effects but standardized clinical practice guidelines were not available. Thus, a multidisciplinary expert team from various professional bodies including the Perioperative and Anesthesia Professional Committees of the Chinese Association of Integrative Medicine (CAIM), jointly with Gansu Province Clinical Research Center of Integrative Anesthesiology/Anesthesia and Pain Medical Center of Gansu Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine and WHO Collaborating Center for Guideline Implementation and Knowledge Translation/Chinese Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) Center/Gansu Provincial Center for Medical Guideline Industry Technology/Evidence‐based Medicine Center of Lanzhou University, was established to develop evidence‐based guidelines. Clinical questions (7 background and 12 clinical questions) were identified through literature reviews and expert consensus meetings. Based on systematic reviews/meta‐analyses, evidence quality was analyzed and the advantages and disadvantages of interventional measures were weighed with input from patients' preferences. Finally, 20 recommendations were developed through the Delphi‐based consensus meetings. These recommendations included disease definitions, etiologies, pathogenesis, syndrome differentiation, diagnosis, and perioperative prevention and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrocatalytic CO2 reduction via renewable electricity provides a sustainable way to produce valued chemicals, while it suffers from low activity and selectivity. Herein, we constructed a novel catalyst with unique Ti3C2Tx MXene‐regulated Ag−ZnO interfaces, undercoordinated surface sites, as well as mesoporous nanostructures. The designed Ag−ZnO/Ti3C2Tx catalyst achieves an outstanding CO2 conversion performance of a nearly 100% CO Faraday efficiency with high partial current density of 22.59 mA cm−2 at −0.87 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode. The electronic donation of Ag and up‐shifted d‐band center relative to Fermi level within MXene‐regulated Ag−ZnO interfaces contributes the high selectivity of CO. The CO2 conversion is highly correlated with the dominated linear‐bonded CO intermediate confirmed by in situ infrared spectroscopy. This work enlightens the rational design of unique metal‐oxide interfaces with the regulation of MXene for high‐performance electrocatalysis beyond CO2 reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrocatalytic CO2 reduction via renewable electricity provides a sustainable way to produce valued chemicals, while it suffers from low activity and selectivity. Herein, we constructed a novel catalyst with unique Ti3C2Tx MXene‐regulated Ag−ZnO interfaces, undercoordinated surface sites, as well as mesoporous nanostructures. The designed Ag−ZnO/Ti3C2Tx catalyst achieves an outstanding CO2 conversion performance of a nearly 100% CO Faraday efficiency with high partial current density of 22.59 mA cm−2 at −0.87 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode. The electronic donation of Ag and up‐shifted d‐band center relative to Fermi level within MXene‐regulated Ag−ZnO interfaces contributes the high selectivity of CO. The CO2 conversion is highly correlated with the dominated linear‐bonded CO intermediate confirmed by in situ infrared spectroscopy. This work enlightens the rational design of unique metal‐oxide interfaces with the regulation of MXene for high‐performance electrocatalysis beyond CO2 reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, an Inconel625-Ni60-Ni60/25%WC (Inconel625-Ni/WC) composite coating was fabricated on Cr12MoV steel by first-stage laser cladding, followed by second-stage laser remelting with various laser powers, and the better laser energy density of 25.0 J/mm2 for laser remelting test was obtained by macroscopic morphology and microhardness analysis. The effects of laser remelting on the microstructure, microhardness, wear resistance, and impact resistance of the composite coating was systematically investigated by combining various characterization methods. The results showed that laser remelting did not cause the composite coating to produce new phases. The microstructure of the Ni/WC layer in the remelted composite coating was denser and finer, and the average grain size of the surface layer was reduced by 11.69%. The impact depth of laser remelting was about 2.0 mm. The average microhardness of the Ni/WC layer in the remelted composite coating increased by 5.9%, and the average wear rate of the surface was reduced by 50.12% compared with that before laser remelting. The wear surface of remelted composite coating exhibited abrasive wear, and the wear resistance was significantly improved. In addition, the impact toughness value of the remelted composite coating reached 5.15 J/cm2, which increased by 87.96% compared with that before laser remelting. The impact resistance of the composite coating was further improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent version of the Polar Weather Research and Forecasting model (Polar WRF) has been upgraded to the version 4.X era with an improved NoahMP Land Surface Model (LSM). To assess the model performance over the Antarctic and Southern Ocean, downscaling simulations with different LSM (NoahMP, Noah), WRF versions (Polar WRF 4.1.1 and earlier version 4.0.3, WRF 4.1.1), and driving data (ERA-Interim, ERA5) are examined with two simulation modes: the short-term that consists of a series of 48 h segments initialized daily at 0000 UTC with the first 24 h selected for model spin-up, whereas the long-term component used to evaluate long-term prediction consists of a series of 38–41 day segments initialized using the first 10 days for spin-up of the hydrological cycle and planetary boundary layer structure. Simulations using short-term mode driven by ERA-Interim with NoahMP and Noah are selected for benchmark experiments. The results show that Polar WRF 4.1.1 has good skills over the Antarctic and Southern Ocean and better performance than earlier simulations. The reduced downward shortwave radiation bias released with WRF 4.1.1 performed well with PWRF411. Although NoahMP and Noah led to very similar conclusions, NoahMP is slightly better than Noah, particularly for the 2 m temperature and surface radiation because the minimum albedo is set at 0.8 over the ice sheet. Moreover, a suitable nudging setting plays an important role in long-term forecasts, such as reducing the surface temperature diurnal cycle near the coast. The characteristics investigated in this study provide a benchmark to improve the model and guidance for further application of Polar WRF in the Antarctic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on a strategy of stabilizing the LiMn2O4 (LMO) cathode interface, the high‐temperature cycling and storage performance of 18 650‐type LMO/graphite lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) is effectively improved. The LMO cathode is prepared using lithium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMCLi)–polyacrylic acid/acrylate copolymer composite binder and nanoscale CaCO3 functional component (marked as binder C). Compared with the traditional oily binder, the dissolution of Mn2+ from LMO cathode into the electrolyte can effectively decrease, and the structure stability of LMO cathode can increase. The batteries exhibit retention capacity of 80.3% at 1 C after 600 cycles at room temperature and 76.7% at 1 C after 200 cycles at temperature of 45 °C. The high‐temperature storage performance is also improved and there are 81.1% and 73.5% residual capacities when the fully charged batteries are stored in 60 °C for 14 and 28 days. The enhanced performance is mainly attributed to the interfacial stability of LMO cathode due to the bonding ability of composite binders and the elimination of HF by CaCO3. These results reveal the application prospect of as‐developed aqueous binders and provide a way to improve the performance of LMO‐based LIBs through stable interface strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To overcome the shortcomings in the thermal stability and electrolyte wettability when a commercial polyethylene (PE) separator is used alone, a PE/glass fiber (GF)−Mg(OH)2/PE composite (PGMP) separator is developed, and the electrochemical and safety performance of lithium‐ion batteries is effectively enhanced. The PGMP separator is prepared by soaking a mixed dispersion solution of polyacrylate and Mg(OH)2 into the GF fabric substrate and subsequently bonding the PE microporous film on both substrate sides. Compared with the PE separator, PGMP separator exhibits enhanced mechanical strength (≥250 MPa), ionic conductivity, and electrolyte wettability. Furthermore, there is almost no shrinkage when this PGMP is annealed at 350 °C for 30 min. The nail penetration, impact, overcharge, and adiabatic rate calorimeter tests of LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2/graphite pouch cell with a nominal capacity of 2500 mAh show that the PGMP separator effectively improves the safety performance. The thermal runaway temperature of the pouch cells is increased from about 120 to 146 °C, and the electrolyte wettability ability of the PGMP separator gives the cell a capacity retention of 85% after 500 cycles at 1.0 C. Combined with the advantages, it is indicated that this PGMP separator has great potential in commercial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water‐soluble polyacrylate copolymers are developed as green functional binders of graphite anode to improve the performance of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Using five basic binders, it is demonstrated that the graphite plate with the alkanol acrylate crosslinker (type U20)‐acrylic acid/acrylate copolymer (type LA138) composite binder (marked as Binder B) exhibits larger adhesive force, higher compaction density, and better electrolyte adsorption capacity compared to other plates with aqueous binders. In particular, the electrochemical performance of the batteries with Binder B is enhanced both at room temperature and low temperature, and retention capacity of 82.8 % at 1 C and 25 °C after 930 cycles and 91.3 % at 0.5 C and 0 °C are obtained. In addition, the batteries with Binder B also exhibit enhanced safety and heat stability. The enhanced performance is attributed to the good chemical stability of polyacrylate copolymers and unique film‐forming properties. These results indicate that the graphite anode with aqueous Binder B has promising prospects for practical application, and it also provides a reference for solving the poor low‐temperature performance of graphite anodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impacts of initial conditions and model configuration on the simulations of polar lows (PLs) near Svalbard, the global "hotspot" for PL activity, were investigated using the Polar Weather Research and Forecasting (Polar WRF or PWRF) model and WRF three‐dimensional data assimilation (3DVAR). The well‐documented PL case presented by Sergeev et al., in 2017 from March 26, 2013 featuring in situ aircraft observations is revisited using PWRF and 3DVAR to identify the most suitable model configuration to simulate PLs. The simulation results using initial conditions from PWRF and 3DVAR cycling runs were compared with those of cold‐start experiments using reanalysis as the initial condition. For cycling runs, the impacts of initial conditions from synoptic observations together with satellite radiances were superior to the assimilation of synoptic data alone. Several additional experiments were undertaken to further refine the PWRF configuration by considering the horizontal resolution, analysis nudging, digital filter initialization, and two boundary‐layer and four microphysics schemes. Based on the chosen configuration of Polar WRF and 3DVAR from the case‐study, the monthly reanalysis mode with 3 hr time window cycling data assimilation and short‐term forecasts using PWRF alone were performed for March 2013 and the PLs that formed over the Nordic Seas were evaluated. Manual identification and verification of PLs were performed using thermal infrared satellite imagery and 10 m scatterometer winds. Overall, nine PLs were identified in addition to the case presented by Sergeev et al., in 2017. Both the case‐study and monthly simulation results show that the high‐resolution initial condition is the most important factor, but a reasonable forecast model configuration can help to improve the simulation performance. Satellite radiance data are very important for producing the high‐resolution initial conditions for Polar WRF to simulate PLs successfully; the best performance was obtained by assimilating both synoptic data and satellite radiances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Macrophages function as key orchestrators in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury (ALI). The current study sets out to investigate the molecular mechanism of transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ1) in the regulation of M1 alveolar macrophage polarization in ALI by modulating DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), along with the microRNA (miR)-124/Pellino 1 (PELI1)/interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) axis. Methods: First, ALI mouse models were established, and the proportion of M1 and M2 macrophages in mouse lung tissues was detected using flow cytometry. The targeting relationship between miR-124 and PELI1 was verified with the help of a dual luciferase gene reporter assay. Following TGFβ1 knockdown, RT-qPCR and Western blot assay were performed to analyze the expression patterns of TGFβ1, DNMT1, miR-124, and PELI1 and M1/M2 polarization markers in the lung tissues of ALI mice. Immunofluorescence was further employed to detect nuclear translocation of IRF5 in macrophages. Results: The polarization of M1 macrophages was found to be positively correlated with the severity of lung injury. TGFβ1, DNMT1, PELI1 were highly expressed, while miR-124 was down-regulated in ALI mice, and IRF5 was primarily distributed in the nucleus. TGFβ1 promoted the polarization of M1 alveolar macrophages by up-regulating DNMT1. Furthermore, DNMT1 down-regulated the expression of miR-124, which led to enhancement of M1 alveolar macrophage polarization. Meanwhile, over-expression of miR-124 inhibited the nuclear translocation of IRF5 and suppressed M1 alveolar macrophage polarization. On the other hand, over-expression of PELI1 reversed the above trends. Conclusion: Collectively, our findings indicated that TGFβ1 can promote the expression of DNMT1, which down-regulates miR-124 to activate PELI1 and nuclear translocation of IRF5, thereby aggravating ALI in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on different types of diseases are controversial, and the inner mechanisms remain unknown, which retards the utilization of MSCs in disease therapy. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the mechanisms of MSCs‐extracellular vesicles (EVs) carrying transforming growth factor‐beta 1 (TGF‐β1) in M2 polarization in mouse macrophages via the microRNA‐132 (miR‐132)/E3 ubiquitin ligase myc binding protein 2 (Mycbp2)/tuberous sclerosis complex 2 (TSC2) axis. Mouse MSCs were isolated for adipogenic and osteogenic induction, followed by co‐culture with mouse macrophages RAW264.7. Besides, mouse macrophages RAW264.7 were co‐cultured with MSCs‐EVs in vitro, where the proportion of macrophages and inflammation were detected by flow cytometry and ELISA. The experimental data revealed that MSCs‐EVs promoted M2 polarization of macrophages, and elevated interleukin (IL)‐10 expression and inhibited levels of IL‐1β, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and IL‐6. MSC‐EV‐treated macrophages RAW264.7 increased TGF‐β1 expression, thus elevating miR‐132 expression. MiR‐132 directly bound to Mycbp2, as confirmed by luciferase activity assay. Meanwhile, E3 ubiquitin ligase Mycbp2 could ubiquitinate TSC2 protein. Furthermore, silencing TGF‐β1 inhibited M2 polarization of MSC‐EV‐treated macrophages. Taken conjointly, this study provides evidence reporting that MSC‐secreted EVs carry TGF‐β1 to promote M2 polarization of macrophages via modulation of the miR‐132/Mycbp2/TSC2 axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and ERS-related neuronal apoptosis contribute to the cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. (-)-Clausenamide has been reported to be nootropic and improve learning and memory in amnesia animal models. However, whether (-)-Clau could protect neurons from ischemic injury and the possible mechanism needed further study. The present study aimed to explore the effects of (-)-Clau on primary cortical neurons treated with oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R). Rat primary cortical neurons were used to set up an injury model of OGD/R which imitated the clinical I/R injury. Cell viability and apoptosis were measured by CCK-8 assay, LDH detection and TUNEL staining, respectively. The activation of GRP78/eIF2α-ATF4-CHOP signaling pathway, one of the three branches of ERS, and cleaved caspase-3, the apoptotic marker, were assessed by western blotting. OGD/R induced activation of GRP78/eIF2α-ATF4-CHOP signaling pathway. (-)-Clau significantly attenuated OGD/R-induced decrease in the cellular viability and the activation of GRP78, eIF2α, ATF4 and CHOP. To further confirm the effect of (-)-Clau on OGD/R-induced ERS activation, the ERS inducer Tunicamycin (TM) was applied. TM significantly abolished (-)-Clau's protective effect against ERS and neuronal apoptosis, indicating that the protective effect of (-)-Clau was dependent on inhibiting ERS. The present work demonstrated for the first time that (-)-Clau could reverse the activation of GRP78/eIF2α-ATF4-CHOP branch, thus inhibited ERS and the subsequent apoptosis induced by OGD/R and promoted cell viability in vitro. (-)-Clau could serve as a promising therapeutic agent in the treatment for ischemic stroke in the future. ATF4: activating transcription factor-4; ATF6: activating transcription factor-6; CHOP: transcriptional induction of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein; (-)-Clau: 3-hydroxy-4-phenyl-5a-hydroxybenzylN-methyl-g-lactam; eIF2α: eukaryotic initiation factor 2α; ER: endoplasmic reticulum; ERS: endoplasmic reticulum stress; GRP78: 78-kDa glucose regulated protein; I/R: ischemia/reperfusion; IRE1: inositol requiring enzyme-1; JNK: c-Jun N-terminal kinase; OGD/R: oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation; PERK: double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase-like ER kinase; TM: Tunicamycin; UPR: unfolded protein response [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass-derived porous carbon materials have been receiving considerable attention in energy-storage devices by virtue of the abundant and renewable sources. In this work, we developed a facile, yet scalable fabrication of nitrogen doping porous carbon (QPC-3) with high specific surface area (SSA) of 2597 m2 g−1 derived from quinoa. The QPC-3 electrode exhibits a special capacitance of 330 F g−1 in 6 M KOH at a density of 1 A g−1 and a good rate capability. Additionally, symmetrical supercapacitors assembled by QPC-3 can deliver capacitances of 254 F g−1 and 99.2 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1, and the energy densities approach 9.5 Wh kg−1 and 22 Wh kg−1 in aqueous and organic electrolyte, respectively. The results suggest that this quinoa-derived porous carbon could be a promising biomass-derived electrode material applied in high-capacitance supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effects of total flavonoids from Oxytropis falcata Bunge on the inflammatory signaling pathway suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)/Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) in diabetic nephropathy KK-Ay mice. KK-Ay mice were used to establish a diabetic nephropathy model. The general condition of the mice treated with different concentrations of total flavonoids from O. falcata was monitored, respectively. Body weight, blood glucose, 24-h urinary albumin (UAlb), serum creatinine (Cre), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and uric acid (UA) levels were measured at different time points. Hematoxylin and eosin staining quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to detect changes in renal tissues and glomerular mesangial cells. Four weeks after model establishment, body weight, blood glucose, and 24 h UAlb significantly increased in KK-Ay mice compared with that in control C57BL/6j mice (P < 0.05). Compared with non-treated model mice, mice treated with total flavonoids from O. falcata for 4 weeks had significantly decreased serum Cre, BUN, and UA; monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1), nuclear factor(NF)-κB, interleukin(IL)-6, and transforming growth factor(TGF)-β1, JAK 1, STAT 3 and STAT 4 mRNA levels; and p-JAK2 and p-STAT1 protein levels and significantly increased SOCS-1 and SOCS-3 protein levels in the kidneys. The treatment effects were dose-dependent and same to in vitro. Our results reflected that total flavonoids from O. falcata relieved renal tissue inflammation in diabetic mice by reducing blood glucose levels and inhibiting JAK/STAT signaling, thereby protecting against the development of diabetic nephropathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous growing of exhaustive crops like sugarcane and imbalanced use of fertilizers would deplete the soil nutrients, degrade its health and ultimately restrict the crop growth. Biochar due to its unique nature can improve soil health, plant growth and nutrient distribution. The pot experiment was carried out with the biochar which derived from cassava straw additions of 0 t/ha (C0), 10 t/ha (C10) and 20 t/ha (C20), respectively. The biomass, green leaf number, leaf area, shoot/root ratio, photosynthetic characteristics and nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium nutrient contents were measured during sugarcane seedling, elongating and maturity stages to analyze the effect of biochar on sugarcane growth. The results showed that biochar application improved leaf biomass from 7.80 to 50.40%. However, biochar addition did not show a significant increase in sugarcane total biomass except form leaf biomass. Total biomass of sugarcane showed the coherent pattern of 0.20%, − 4.24% and 5.81% for C10 and 1.74%, 11.98% and − 1.83% for C20 at seedling, elongation and maturity stages, respectively. The accumulation of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents in leaves, shoots and roots was significantly increased at seedling, elongation and maturity stage, respectively. Furthermore, maximum total nitrogen content (4.64%) for C10, total phosphorus content (11.47 g kg−1) and total potassium content (76.29 g kg−1) for C20 also were higher than those of control at elongation stage. Biochar application significantly increased net photosynthetic rate and decreased transpiration rate during all the growth stages. These findings not only lead us to know that biochar application has positive effect on sugarcane growth, photosynthetic characteristics and nutrients utilization, but also indicate that field trials for several growing cycles are needed to fully understand the effects of biochar on sugarcane growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanisms underlying the pronociceptive effect of paradoxical sleep deprivation (PSD) are not fully established. The modulation of BDNF signaling-mediated descending facilitation from the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) of brain stem has been demonstrated in persistent pain models of inflammatory pain, but not in incisional pain model. Recent study has shown that PSD increases the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the brainstem structure. Therefore, in the current study, we asked whether the BDNF signaling-mediated descending facilitation was involved in the PSD-induced pronociceptive effect on incisional pain and delay the recovery period of postoperative pain in rats. Our results found that a preoperative 24 h PSD significantly aggravated the pain hypersensitivity after incision and prolonged the duration of postoperative pain. The lesions of ipsilateral dorsolateral funiculus partly reversed the PSD-induced pronociceptive effect on incisional pain. Interestingly, the 24 h PSD, but not incision significantly enhanced the levels of BDNF protein expression in the RVM areas of rats. Furthermore, at 1 day or 4 days after incision, intra-RVM microinjection of a BDNF antibody partly reversed the PSD-induced pronociceptive effects in incisional rats, while it did not change the cumulative pain scores and paw withdrawal thresholds in rats receiving only plantar incision. These findings suggest that the preoperative PSD may aggravate and prolong the incision-induced pain hypersensitivity via BDNF signaling-mediated descending facilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing efficient electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) based on non‐precious catalytic centers is critical to improve the efficiency of low temperature fuel cells. Herein, we report on a catalyst containing CoSe2 supported on selenium decorated reduced graphene oxide (CoSe2/Se‐rGO), which was synthesized via a one‐pot solvothermal method using Se‐rGO as support. Importantly, the CoSe2/Se‐rGO showed an enhanced catalytic activity for ORR in alkaline medium with an onset potential of 0.903 V vs. RHE and a half‐wave potential of 0.803 V vs. RHE. Its stability and methanol tolerance ability were significantly improved as compared to 20 wt% Pt/C, respectively. The strategy developed here provided a novel and efficient approach to prepare non‐precious electrocatalysts for ORR. Uniform dispersion: Selenium decorated reduced graphene oxide supported cobalt selenide CoSe2/Se‐rGO is synthesized by a one‐pot solvothermal route. Selenium on the surface of rGO acts as a nucleation site, inducing the uniform dispersion of CoSe2 on the surface of graphene. The electrocatalytic performance for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline medium is enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfated TiO2 nanoparticles were successfully immobilized on zeolite through improving hydrolysis-deposition method. Microstructure, crystallization, surface state and surface area of composite catalysts were characterized by SEM, XRD, FTIR spectra, XPS and BET and the photocatalytic activity was evaluated by degradation of methyl orange under UV irradiation. We optimized these factors (SO 4 2 − ions, calcination temperature and loading amount of sulfated TiO 2) on photocatalytic activity and crystallization of composite photocatalysts. The results indicated that the SO 4 2 − ions are successfully immobilized on the surface of TiO2, and sulfated TiO2/zeolite show the highest photocatalytic activity for methyl orange at the [SO 4 2 − ]/[Ti 4 + ] molar rate of 1:1, calcination temperature of 600 ∘ C for 2 h, and sulfated TiO2 loading amount of 40%, respectively. Sulfated TiO2 nanoparticles supported on zeolite composites were successfully prepared via an improving hydrolysis-deposition method. The SO 4 2 − ions contributed to the formation of anatase TiO2, and sulfated TiO2 supported on zeolite integrates the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 with the adsorption properties of zeolite together, resulting in the enhancement of photocatalytic efficiency to methyl orange of the as-synthesized catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphologies and structures of M-N-C catalysts are the key factor for controlling the formation of catalytic active sites, which are directly connected with the electrocatalytic activities for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). By combining different metal sources (metal-free, Co, and Fe) with polyaniline (PANI) and para-phenylenediamine functionalized GO (PGO), morphologies and structures are tuned to accelerate the ORR activity. Compared with metal-free catalyst, metal-containing catalysts show better ORR performance because of the possible synergistic effect between metal and N atoms. In particular, the improved ORR activity of Fe-PANI-PGO catalyst is obtained by rotating disc electrode (RDE) at 1600 rpm in 0.1 M KOH electrolyte. The Fe-PANI-PGO electrocatalyst has the enhanced half-wave potential of 0.89 V and the high stability with only decreasing 7 mV of half-wave potential after 10,000 cycles, implying increased number and strengthened structures of active sites. Combined with various means of characterization, advantageous morphologies and structures including large electrochemically active surface area, high graphitization degree, and thick carbon structure with more pyridinic nitrogen boned with metal atoms can greatly enhance the ORR activity and stability of the catalyst.Graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A wide range of pesticides is applied for crop protection in vegetable cultivation in China. Regulation of pesticide maximum residue limits (MRLs) in vegetables is established but not fully enforced. And pesticide residues in vegetables were not well monitored. This study conducted the monitoring surveys from 2011 to 2013 to investigate the pesticides in vegetables in the northwest region of China.Methods: A multi-residue gas chromatography/mass spectrometry method (GC/MS) was used in determination of pesticides in vegetable samples. The χ2 test was used to compare the concentration of pesticide residues.Results: A total of 32 pesticide residues were detected in 518 samples from 20 types of vegetables in this study. 7.7% of the detected pesticide residues exceeded the MRLs. The percentages of residues that exceeded the MRLs for leafy, melon and fruit, and root vegetables were 11.2%, 5.1%, and 1.6%, respectively. There was no seasonal difference in the proportion of samples that exceeded the MRLs in different vegetables. A total of 84.3% (27/32) pesticides were detected at concentrations that exceeded MRLs. And of the 27 pesticides that exceeded the MRLs, 11 (40.7%) were banned for use in agriculture. The most frequently detected pesticides were Malathion (9.4%), Dichlorvos (8.7%), and Dimethoate (8.1%).Conclusion: The observed high rate of pesticides detected and high incidence of pesticide detection exceeding their MRLs in the commonly consumed vegetables indicated that the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) may not be well followed. The management of pesticide use and control should be improved. Well-developed training programs should be initiated to improve pesticide application knowledge for farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Mixture of organophosphorus pesticides (MOPs) has been used worldwide to increase food production. The MOPs are harmful, and the exposure to them is both agricultural and nonagricultural through contaminated food. The neurotoxicity of MOPs has received more consideration recently due to the increased cases of malformed fetuses suspected to be caused by the MOPs exposure during gestation; however, relevant studies in animal model are rare. In this study, we performed a comprehensive analysis and demonstrated potential perinatal embryotoxicity and teratogenicity of MOPs exposure. As results, we found that MOPs decreased in utero fetal growth and alter the ratio of organs to whole body weight of the pregnant rats. MOPs also had been shown to disturb the balance of sex hormones and affect the reproduction of rats. Furthermore, we found various significantly elevated deformities in MOPs exposed embryos, confirming the embryotoxic and teratogenic effects of maternal exposure to MOPs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 139-146, 2017. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical reduction of nitrate using Fe cathode and Ti/TiO nanotube array anode in dual-chamber cell was investigated. The performance of different cathodes for nitrate removal were in the order of Fe>Al>Cu>Ni. The nitrate removal in dual-chamber cell (99.8%) was much higher than that in single-chamber cell (84.3%) with Fe cathode in 2.5 h. In dual-chamber cell, the highest nitrate removal was obtained at the current density of 15 mA/cm. The nitrate reduction followed first-order kinetics. With increasing initial nitrate concentration, the reduction rate constant slightly decreased from 2.2 h (100.0 mg/L) to 0.9 h (1000.0 mg/L), of which a remarkable nitrate removal of 88.3% could still be achieved with 1000.0 mg/L nitrate. In the presence of 0.5 g/L NaCl, simultaneous reduction of nitrate and oxidation of by-products of ammonia and nitrite were achieved in dual-chamber cell with Fe cathode, of which the nitrate removal rate was 94.3% and no by-products were detected in the solution. Graphical Abstract: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The teleconnection impact of the boreal winter Antarctic Oscillation (AAO) on the Somali Jet (SMJ) intensity in the following spring and summer is examined in this paper. The variability of the boreal winter AAO is positively related to the SMJ intensity in both spring and summer. The analyses show that the SST in southern high and middle latitudes seems to serve as a bridge linking these two systems. When the AAO is in strong positive phase, SST over the Southern Ocean cools in the high latitudes and warms in the middle latitudes, which persists into summer; however, the variability of SST in southern high and middle latitudes is also closely correlated to SMJ intensity. A possible mechanism that links SST variability with the AAO-SMJ relationship is also discussed. The AAO in boreal winter produces an SST anomaly pattern in southern high and middle latitudes through the air-sea coupling. This AAOrelated SST anomaly pattern modulates the local Ferrel cell anomaly in summer, followed by the regional Hadley cell anomaly in tropics. The anomalous vertical motion in tropics then changes the land-sea thermal contrast between the tropical Indian Ocean and the Asian continent through the variability of low cloud cover and downward surface longwave radiation flux. Finally, the land-sea thermal contrast anomaly between the tropical Indian Ocean and the Asian continent changes the SMJ intensity. The results from Community Atmosphere Model experiments forced by the SST anomaly in southern high and middle latitudes also confirm this diagnostic physical process to some extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen doped TiO (N-TiO) nanoparticles with about 30 nm in size were produced by a sol-gel method and characterized respectively by UV-vis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Their photocatalytic antibacterial properties were evaluated by the antibacterial ratio against Escherichia coli in dark and under simulated sunlight respectively. The XRD pattern showed that the doped nano-TiO was mainly composed of anatase phase. The XPS spectra of the N-TiO sample indicated that TiO was doped by nitrogen atom. The nitrogen doping created a new N 2p state slightly above the valence band top consists of O 2p state, and this pushes up the valence band top and decreased the band gap. Which leaded to the absorption edge was red-shifted to the visible light region of UV-vis spectra of nitrogen doped nano-TiO comparing with pure nano-TiO. The antibacterial percentage of N-TiO against E. coli reached to 90 % under simulated sunlight for 2 h, which was much better than that in dark, also than that of pure nano-TiO. The photo-catalytic antibacterial activity was activated under visible light. The structure and integrity of cell wall and cell membrane were destructed, and even caused the bacteria death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effects of total flavonoids from Oxytropis falcata Bunge on the inflammatory signaling pathway suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)/Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) in diabetic nephropathy KK-Ay mice. KK-Ay mice were used to establish a diabetic nephropathy model. The general condition of the mice treated with different concentrations of total flavonoids from O. falcata was monitored, respectively. Body weight, blood glucose, 24-h urinary albumin (UAlb), serum creatinine (Cre), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and uric acid (UA) levels were measured at different time points. Hematoxylin and eosin staining quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to detect changes in renal tissues and glomerular mesangial cells. Four weeks after model establishment, body weight, blood glucose, and 24 h UAlb significantly increased in KK-Ay mice compared with that in control C57BL/6j mice (P < 0.05). Compared with non-treated model mice, mice treated with total flavonoids from O. falcata for 4 weeks had significantly decreased serum Cre, BUN, and UA; monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1), nuclear factor(NF)-κB, interleukin(IL)-6, and transforming growth factor(TGF)-β1, JAK 1, STAT 3 and STAT 4 mRNA levels; and p-JAK2 and p-STAT1 protein levels and significantly increased SOCS-1 and SOCS-3 protein levels in the kidneys. The treatment effects were dose-dependent and same to in vitro. Our results reflected that total flavonoids from O. falcata relieved renal tissue inflammation in diabetic mice by reducing blood glucose levels and inhibiting JAK/STAT signaling, thereby protecting against the development of diabetic nephropathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]