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Edible offal of farmed animals can accumulate cadmium (Cd). However, no studies have investigated Cd bioavailability and its health effects. Here, based on mouse models, market pork kidney samples exhibited high Cd relative bioavailability of 74.5 ± 11.2% (n = 26), close to 83.8 ± 7.80% in Cd-rice (n = 5). This was mainly due to high vitamin D3content in pork kidney, causing 1.7–2.3-fold up-regulated expression of duodenal Ca transporter genes in mice fed pork kidney compared to mice fed Cd-rice, favoring Cd intestinal absorption via Ca transporters. However, although pork kidney was high in Cd bioavailability, subchronic low-dose (5% in diet) consumption of two pork kidney samples having 0.48 and 0.97 μg Cd g–1dw over 35 d did not lead to significant Cd accumulation in the tissue of mice fed Cd-free rice but instead remarkably decreased Cd accumulation in the tissue of mice fed Cd-rice (0.48 μg Cd g–1) by ∼50% and increased abundance of gut probiotics (Faecalibaculumand Lactobacillus). Overall, this study contributed to our understanding of the bioavailability and health effects associated with Cd in edible offal, providing mechanistic insights into pork kidney consumption safety based on Cd bioavailability.

In this paper, we proposed a new axial-type superconducting magnetic bearing (SMB) based on the interaction behavior between a permanent magnet and two closed superconducting coils. Firstly, the principle of the new SMB was presented. Then, the axial restoration characteristic is simulated based on a finite element simulation model. With the simulation results, the optimized parameters for designing the new SMB are obtained. Finally, we built a prototype of the axial SMB and a testing platform for measuring its axial restoring force. The experimental results indicated that the new axial-type SMB has practical axial double-direction stiffness and stability, and may provide an alternative technology for horizontal axle type flywheel energy storage system.

This work examines a novel wireless knowledge caching framework where machine learning models (i.e., knowledge) are cached at local small cell base-stations (SBSs) to facilitate both federated training and access of the models by users. We first consider a single-SBS scenario, where the caching decision, user selection, and wireless resource allocation are jointly determined by minimizing a training error bound subject to constraints on the cache capacity, the communication and computation latency, and the energy consumption. The solution is obtained by first computing the minimum achievable training loss for each model, followed by the optimization of the binary caching variables, which reduces to a 0-1 knapsack problem. The proposed framework is then extended to the multiple-SBS scenario where the user association among SBSs is further examined. We adopt a dual-ascent method where Lagrange multipliers are introduced and updated in each iteration to regularize the dependence among user selection and association. Given the Lagrange multipliers, the caching decision, user selection, resource allocation and user association variables are optimized in turn using a block coordinate descent algorithm. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme can achieve a training error bound that is lower than preference-only and random caching policies in both scenarios.

The paper proposes a novel approach called MusicEmo, a transformer-based intelligent system for music emotion generation and recognition. The paper highlights the challenges of creating emotionally resonant music that is musically cohesive and diverse. The proposed approach addresses this challenge by introducing a theme-based conditioning approach, which trains the transformer to manifest the conditioning sequence as thematic material that appears multiple times in the generated result. The MusicEmo architecture incorporates an emotion vector and an LSTM model for creating symbolic musical sequences that are musically coherent and emotionally resonant. The proposed framework outperforms state-of-the-art approaches based on musical consistency and emotional resonance. The transformer-based approach offers a fresh and original way of creating music based on emotions, and it can potentially revolutionize how we create and experience music in the future.

The Conductor on Round Core (CORC) cable has attracted wide attention with its strong current carrying capacity and high flexibility. Due to the limitation of soldering technology, joint resistances of a CORC cable are evitable, which can impact the performance of CORC cable significantly. In this work, a 3D model of a typical CORC cable with joint resistance is proposed based on H-formulation and heat transfer theory. Then, investigations are carried out on impacts of the joint resistance on the current distribution of CORC cable with DC transport current and AC transport current. Besides, the influence of Joule heat generated by the joint resistance on the temperature of the CORC cable is explored. The proposed model can serve as a powerful tool to analyze the electromagnetic-thermal behaviors of CORC cable in real applications.

The conductor on round core (CORC) cable spirally wound by second-generation high temperature superconducting (HTS) tapes is considered as a good candidate conductor for high-field magnets due to its good isotropy and low AC losses. Simulation is an effective way to clarify the electromagnetic characteristics of CORC cables. In this work, a 3D finite element model of the CORC cable based on H formulation is proposed, which considers the influence of magnetic field on critical current. The influence of the winding direction on the transport current distribution and the AC loss of the CORC cable is investigated based on the proposed model. The simulation results clearly illustrate the electromagnetic characteristics of CORC cables wound in the same and opposite directions. This work provides an important reference for the design and practical application of CORC cables.

Damage of reactive oxygen species to various molecules such as DNA has been related to many chronic and degenerative human diseases, aging, and even cancer. 8-Oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (OG), the most significant oxidation product of guanine (G), has become a biomarker of oxidative stress as well as gene regulation. The positive effect of OG in activating transcription and the negative effect in inducing mutation are a double-edged sword; thus, site-specific quantification is helpful to quickly reveal the functional mechanism of OG at hotspots. Due to the possible biological effects of OG at extremely low abundance in the genome, the monitoring of OG is vulnerable to signal interference from a large amount of G. Herein, based on rolling circle amplification-induced G-triplex formation and Thioflavin T fluorescence enhancement, an ultrasensitive strategy for locus-specific OG quantification was constructed. Owing to the difference in the hydrogen-bonding pattern between OG and G, the nonspecific background signal of G sites was completely suppressed through enzymatic ligation of DNA probes and the triggered specificity of rolling circle amplification. After the signal amplification strategy was optimized, the high detection sensitivity of OG sites with an ultralow detection limit of 0.18 amol was achieved. Under the interference of G sites, as little as 0.05% of OG-containing DNA was first distinguished. This method was further used for qualitative and quantitative monitoring of locus-specific OG in genomic DNA under oxidative stress and identification of key OG sites with biological function.

As awareness of environmental protection increases, the most inextricably linked issue of greatest concern is atmospheric pollution. In particular, the major gaseous pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are the precursors for the formation of fine particulate matter and ozone, have attracted significant attention. To eliminate these pollutants, zeolite-based materials have become the indispensable adsorbents and/or catalysts due to their remarkable shape selectivity, adsorption and ion exchange capability, high hydrothermal durability, tunable acidity and polarity, and affordable production expenses. Furthermore, modifying their porous architectures and compositions, and the incorporation of exotic species could lead to an unprecedented high performance in a wide range of challenging environmental governance processes. In this perspective, we focus on the latest advancements in employing zeolite-based materials to eliminate NOxand VOCs. Especially, the impacts of porous structures and components on the performance of adsorption and catalytic conversion were elucidated. Finally, the potential challenges and future opportunities for the utilization of zeolite-based materials are identified and outlined to meet the ever-increasing requirements for the improved atmospheric environment in the future.

Abstract: Complex microstructures are the hallmark of natural ceramic biocomposites, but limited processing methods to reproduce them hinder the understanding of mineral orientation roles on the mechanical properties. This study investigates the influence of microplatelet orientation in composite materials, utilizing the magnetically assisted direct ink writing method (M-DIW) to create microstructured microplatelet-reinforced composites. Experimental and computational approaches are employed to explore the critical role of microplatelet orientation on the flexural properties of these materials. Horizontal microplatelets are found to significantly enhance the composite’s flexural toughness by promoting overlap and increasing fracture energy during crack propagation. Vertical microplatelets contribute to increased flexural modulus and strength. Perpendicular microplatelets facilitate straight crack paths and smoother fracture surfaces. Moreover, complex microstructural designs were introduced by strategically combining microplatelet orientations to optimize mechanical properties. These findings emphasize the vital role of microplatelet orientation in composite materials, offering potential for tailored materials with superior performance. Impact statement: The findings of this research carry significant implications in the fields of materials science and engineering. By comprehensively examining the role of microplatelet orientation in composite materials, this study offers a novel perspective on how to optimize mechanical properties for various applications. The identification of distinct strengths and limitations associated with horizontal, vertical, and perpendicular microplatelet orientations enables the creation of tailored materials with enhanced mechanical performance. This customization potential holds considerable promise for industries that rely on composite materials, such as aerospace, automotive, and construction. Moreover, the introduction of hierarchical designs presents innovative avenues for engineering materials with superior properties. These designs showcase the potential to achieve a delicate balance between flexural toughness, strength, and modulus, allowing for materials that can outperform traditional monolithic structures. Ultimately, this research empowers materials scientists and engineers to make informed decisions regarding microplatelet orientation, enhancing the efficiency and versatility of composite materials across a wide range of industries. As a result, it brings us one step closer to a future where materials can be precisely tailored to meet the demands of specific applications, driving innovation and progress in diverse sectors. Graphical abstract:

The fast dc fault current-limiting and the fast fault isolation are both necessary technologies in dc power system. In this research, a self-adaptive dc inductive superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL) with energy dissipation capability was proposed, which can restrict dc fault current rising-rate and amplitude at the initial stage of dc fault. At the same time, it can also accelerate the fault isolation speed of dc circuit breaker. The structure and working principle of the proposed SFCL was deeply discussed firstly, the mathematical model at different operation stages was calculated. Then, the dc short-circuit tests were carried out on the experiment platform which consist the SFCL prototype and a dc circuit breaker connected to it. Finally, according to the experiment results, the current-limiting performances of SFCL were detailedly analyzed, including the limitation rate, the fault current cleaning speed, the energy absorption, etc.

Post-transcriptional RNA modification is an emerging epigenetic control mechanism in cells that is important in many different cellular and organismal processes. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is one of the most prevalent, prolific, and ubiquitous internal transcriptional alterations in eukaryotic mRNAs, making it an important topic in the field of Epigenetics. m6A methylation acts as a dynamical regulatory process that regulates the activity of genes and participates in multiple physiological processes, by supporting multiple aspects of essential mRNA metabolic processes, including pre-mRNA splicing, nuclear export, translation, miRNA synthesis, and stability. Extensive research has linked aberrations in m6A modification and m6A-associated proteins to a wide range of human diseases. However, the impact of m6A on mRNA metabolism and its pathological connection between m6A and other non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, liver diseases, and cancer remains in fragmentation. Here, we review the existing understanding of the overall role of mechanisms by which m6A exerts its activities and address new discoveries that highlight m6A’s diverse involvement in gene expression regulation. We discuss m6A deposition on mRNA and its consequences on degradation, translation, and transcription, as well as m6A methylation of non-coding chromosomal-associated RNA species. This study could give new information about the molecular process, early detection, tailored treatment, and predictive evaluation of human non-communicable diseases like cancer. We also explore more about new data that suggests targeting m6A regulators in diseases may have therapeutic advantages.

The high temperature superconductor (HTS) maglev train has several merits in compare with other ones. In our previous work, the feasibility of using electromagnetic guideway (EMG) in HTS maglev trains has been verified and the HTS bulk is proved to gain repulsive force in a reversed magnetic field, which can be used for propulsion function based on EMG in HTS maglev train. In this paper, the repulsive force under different factors are experimented in both EMG unit and segment. With the single EMG unit, the propulsion force under different levitation height, different operation velocities and the hysteresis of propulsion force are discussed. With a 60 cm EMG segment, the periodicity of propulsion forces is discussed and a free propulsion experiment were conducted. The results verify the feasibility of a levitation, guidance and propulsion integrated operation system in HTS maglev train and can support the further development of it.

In recent years, a new type of superconducting energy storage is proposed based on the interaction of a permanent magnet and a superconducting coil, and many studies on the superconducting energy storage have been conducted. Based on its unique ability of directly realizing energy conversion of mechanical → electromagnetic → mechanical, the new energy storage has promising potential in the applications of utilizing mechanical energy, such as the aircraft catapult. In this paper, we proposed an auxiliary system for the aircraft catapult using the new superconducting energy storage. It works with the conventional aircraft catapult, such as steam catapult and electromagnetic catapult, to realize the catapult capability improvement and energy regeneration. The expected structure and working principle are introduced. The simulation results indicate that a meter-scale auxiliary system can provide propulsion force of average about 100 kN at the beginning of launching, which is significantly helpful. Therefore, we confidently believe that the auxiliary system will greatly enhance the capability of aircraft catapults, both the steam catapult and electromagnetic catapult, which brings a breakthrough in aircraft catapult technology.

In this study, the reliability issues are discussed under dc and ac negative gate bias stress (ac-NGBS) in Al2O3/Si3N4 metal–insulator–semiconductor high electron mobility transistors (MIS-HEMTs). Converse degradation between these two stress conditions is discovered. The holes generated by trap-assisted thermionic field emission (TA-TFE) are trapped into the Al2O3 layer, so that the threshold voltage ( ${V}_{\text {th}}$ ) decreases under dc negative gate bias stress (dc-NGBS). ${V}_{\text {th}}$ increases because of the hot electrons injected into the GaN layer, while the device is turned on quickly under ac-NGBS. In addition, the degradation mechanisms under dc-NGBS and ac-NGBS are confirmed by the OFF-state gate and drain leakages, respectively. Silvaco TCAD is used to validate the degradation mechanism under ac-NGBS. Finally, the characteristics of the ${V}_{\text {th}}$ shift transition from dc to ac NGBS are discussed.

Due to excellent properties of large current-carrying capability and high critical magnetic field, high-temperature superconducting (HTS) materials play an increasingly important role in the field of energy storage. The superconducting magnetic energy storage generally needs power electronic converters to realize the power exchange, where the loss is inevitable. In this paper, the interaction between a closed HTS coil and in-series permanent magnets are investigated, which can realize the efficient storage and release of electromagnetic energy without power electronic converters. The working principle and performance of the proposed structure have been verified through both simulation and experimental tests. The results can provide an insight into constructing high-performance superconducting magnetic energy storage devices.

NOxstorage–reduction (NSR), a promising approach for removing NOxpollutants from diesel vehicles, remains elusive to cope with the increasingly lower exhaust temperatures (especially below 250 °C). Here, we develop a conceptual electrified NSR strategy, where electricity with a low input power (0.5–4 W) is applied to conductive Pt and K co-supported antimony-doped tin oxides (Pt–K/ATO), with C3H6as a reductant. The ignition temperature for 10% NOxconversion is nearly 100 °C lower than that of the traditional thermal counterpart. Furthermore, reducing the power in the fuel-lean period relative to that in the fuel-rich period increases the maximum energy efficiency by 23%. Electrically driven release of lattice oxygen is revealed to play vital roles in multiple steps in NSR, including NO adsorption, desorption, and reduction, for improved NSR activity. This work provides an electrification strategy for developing high-activity NSR catalysis utilizing electricity onboard hybrid vehicles.

Objective: Anthracycline chemotherapeutic agents have significant cardiotoxicity. The present study emphasized the effect of anthracycline chemotherapy drugs on left ventricular (LV) myocardial stiffness in breast cancer patients by measuring the intrinsic wave velocity propagation (IVP), and evaluating the potential clinical value of IVP in detecting early LV diastolic function impairment. Methods: A total of 68 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, who were treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy, were analyzed. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed at baseline (T0), and after 1, 2, 3, 4 and 8 chemotherapeutic cycles (T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively). Then, the IVP, LV strain parameters [global longitudinal strain (GLS), longitudinal peak strain rate at systole (LSRs), longitudinal peak strain rate at early diastole (LSRe), longitudinal peak strain rate at late diastole (LSRa), and the E/LSRe ratio], and conventional echocardiographic parameters were obtained and further analyzed. A relative reduction of >15% in GLS was considered a marker of early LV subclinical dysfunction. Results: Compared to the T0 stage, IVP significantly increased at the T1 stage. However, there were no significant changes in GLS, LSRs, or LSRe between the T0 and T1 stages. These parameters significantly decreased from the T2 stage. LSRa started to significantly decrease at the T5 stage, and the E/LSRe ratio started to significantly increase at the T3 stage (all P<0.05). At the T0 stage, IVP (AUC=0.752, P<0.001) had a good predictive value for LV subclinical dysfunction after chemotherapy. Conclusions: IVP is a potentially sensitive parameter for the early clinical assessment of anthracycline-related cardiac diastolic impairment.

High-electron-mobility transistor (HEMT) based on Gallium Nitride (GaN) material is often designed for high-voltage operating conditions because of the high electric critical field of GaN material. However, such devices are often prone to the hot carrier stress (HCS) effect under high drain voltage and on-state conditions. Therefore, the HCS effect is an important consideration for reliable GaN HEMT devices. The Al2O3/Si3N4 bilayer gate dielectric AlGaN/GaN metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS) HEMT has many advantages such as low gate leakage current and interface defects. However, the degradation phenomena observed in this device under HCS is very different from those of Si3N4 MIS HEMTs discussed in several reported studies. In this work, the HCS degradation results of Si3N4 MIS HEMTs and Al2O3/Si3N4 bilayer MIS HEMTs are both investigated and compared. The HCS degradations in Al2O3/Si3N4 bilayer MIS HEMTs are also examined and illustrated in depth. Finally, different stress voltage conditions of HCS are applied and the C-V measurements are carried out in order to confirm the degradation behaviors of MIS HEMT device.

Evidence from physical sciences in oncology increasingly suggests that the interplay between the biophysical tumor microenvironment and genetic regulation has significant impact on tumor progression. Especially, tumor cells and the associated stromal cells not only alter their own cytoskeleton and physical properties but also remodel the microenvironment with anomalous physical properties. Together, these altered mechano-omics of tumor tissues and their constituents fundamentally shift the mechanotransduction paradigms in tumorous and stromal cells and activate oncogenic signaling within the neoplastic niche to facilitate tumor progression. However, current findings on tumor biophysics are limited, scattered, and often contradictory in multiple contexts. Systematic understanding of how biophysical cues influence tumor pathophysiology is still lacking. This review discusses recent different schools of findings in tumor biophysics that have arisen from multi-scale mechanobiology and the cutting-edge technologies. These findings range from the molecular and cellular to the whole tissue level and feature functional crosstalk between mechanotransduction and oncogenic signaling. We highlight the potential of these anomalous physical alterations as new therapeutic targets for cancer mechanomedicine. This framework reconciles opposing opinions in the field, proposes new directions for future cancer research, and conceptualizes novel mechanomedicine landscape to overcome the inherent shortcomings of conventional cancer diagnosis and therapies.

[Display omitted] • Recent development of IONPs for wastewater treatment is highlighted. • Overview of synthesis strategies and constraints of IONPs for wastewater treatment. • Comprehensive review on transformations of IONPs and green synthesis routes. • Potential environmental impacts of IONPs for wastewater treatment are outlined. • Challenges and research gaps on large-scale utilization of IONPs are discussed. Over the past decade, incessant research efforts have been devoted to the development of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) for wastewater industry. Past research has witnessed the potential of non-toxic and abundant IONPs to serve as powerful nanosorbents and nanocatalysts, which has become an innovative research point to provide adequate, safe, sustainable, and affordable wastewater treatment for preserving the environment. To improve the efficiency of wastewater treatment process, worldwide researchers have made substantial efforts in tuning the size, morphology, chemical composition, and surface chemistry of IONPs. This review provides an up-to-date overview of the synthesis strategies, limitations and transformation of IONPs for wastewater treatment. Special mentions on the various transformations of IONPs such as functionalization, homogenous-heterogenous catalyst, multifunctional catalyst, and green synthesis routes of IONPs. Finally, the constraints that hinder the real-life applications of IONPs, including the challenges in the development of IONPs with ideal properties, the long-term stability that allows their repeated usage in wastewater treatment, and understanding their potential environmental impacts are outlined. Future research should focus on developing highly efficient and environmental friendly synthesis approaches, optimizing the stability and reusability of IONPs, and conducting thorough assessments of their potential environmental impacts to fully realize the potential of IONPs in the wastewater industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic (As) exposure has been related to many diseases, including cancers. Given the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, the dietary supplementation of polyphenols may alleviate As toxicity. Based on a mouse bioassay, this study investigated the effects of chlorogenic acid (CA), quercetin (QC), tannic acid (TA), resveratrol (Res), and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on As bioavailability, biotransformation, and toxicity. Intake of CA, QC, and EGCG significantly (p< 0.05) increased total As concentrations in liver (0.48–0.58 vs 0.27 mg kg–1) and kidneys (0.72–0.93 vs 0.59 mg kg–1) compared to control mice. Upregulated intestinal expression of phosphate transporters with QC and EGCG and proliferation of Lactobacillusin the gut of mice treated with CA and QC were observed, facilitating iAsVabsorption via phosphate transporters and intestinal As solubility via organic acid metabolites. Although As bioavailability was elevated, serum levels of alpha fetoprotein and carcinoembryonic antigen of mice treated with all five polyphenols were reduced by 13.1–16.1% and 9.83–17.5%, suggesting reduced cancer risk. This was mainly due to higher DMAV(52.1–67.6% vs 31.4%) and lower iAsVcontribution (4.95–10.7% vs 27.9%) in liver of mice treated with polyphenols. This study helps us develop dietary strategies to lower As toxicity.

Two-dimensional metal–organic framework (MOF) crystalline materials possess promising potential in the electrochemical sensing process owing to their tunable structures, high specific surface area, and abundant metal active sites; however, developing MOF-based nonenzymatic glucose (Glu) sensors which combine electrochemical activity and environmental stability remains a challenge. Herein, utilizing the tripodic nitrogen-bridged 1,3,5-tris(1-imidazolyl) benzene (TIB) linker, Co2+and Ni2+, two 2D isomorphic crystalline materials, including Co/Ni-MOF {[Co (TIB)]·2BF4} (CTGU-31) and {[Ni(TIB)]·2NO3} (CTGU-32), with a binodal (3, 6)-connected kgdtopological net were firstly synthesized and fabricated with conducting acetylene black (AB). When modified on a glassy carbon electrode, the optimized AB/CTGU-32 (1:1) electrocatalyst demonstrated a higher sensitivity of 2.198 μA μM–1cm–2, a wider linear range from 10 to 4000 μM, and a lower detection limit (LOD) value (0.09 μM, S/N= 3) compared to previously MOF-based Glu sensors. Moreover, AB/CTGU-32 (1:1) exhibited desirable stability for at least 2000 s during the electrochemical process. The work indicates that MOF-based electrocatalysts are a promising candidate for monitoring Glu and demonstrate their potential for preliminary screening for diabetes.

The next-generation Euro 7 standard proposed much lower pollutant limits from gasoline vehicles, specifically for CO and NOx, which would be challenging for the three-way catalysts (TWCs) utilized commercially to eliminate these pollutants. TWCs with reductive (Rh) and oxidative (Pd) active components on gasoline particulate filters (TWC on GPF) play importantly auxiliary roles in the remediation of CO and NOxdownstream the close coupled TWCs to meet their emission targets. Here, a low-content Rh-based TWC (0.17 wt%) zoned with a less expensive Pd-based TWC (0.29 wt%) for GPF applications (cGPF) is reported using improved colloidal deposition method. The supporting of Rh on Y-stabilized ZrO2rather than on CeO2–ZrO2inhibits the formation of inactive Ce rhodate species, while Pd on CeO2–ZrO2not only guarantees the high oxygen storage capacity (OSC) but also enhances catalytic activity. The layout of the front one-fifth in volume being 0.29 wt% Pd on Ce0.43Zr0.57O2and the rear four-fifths being 0.17 wt% Rh on Zr0.85Y0.15O2prevents the possible alloying of Rh with Pd. The highly effective zoned Rh and Pd TWCs show synergistic three-way activity before and after severe hydrothermal aging at 1000 °C with 10% water for 24 h, which could be potential choices for close coupled GPF application to satisfy the upcoming stringent emission standards, such as Euro 7 and China 6b.

In the field of recycling CO2, the photocatalytic CO2reduction reaction (CO2RR) is a typical example, and researchers have designed a variety of photocatalysts to improve the conversion rate of CO2over the years. In this paper, two metal–oxygen clusters are designed and formulated as [Co3Zn(OH)6(SO4)]·4H2O (1) and [Ni3Zn(OH)6(SO4)]·4H2O (2). As for compound 1, the main structure is composed of {CoO6} octahedra connected by edge-sharing to form a two-dimensional layer, on which {ZnO4} and {SO4} tetrahedra are supported. More interestingly, compound 1has outstanding photocatalytic activity, which is mainly attributed to the open-framework structure and the cobalt ions as active sites. Upon catalysis for eight hours, its maximum CO generation rate is 9982.13 μmol g–1h–1, with a selectivity of 81.8%. Additionally, compound 1takes on weak antiferromagnetic coupling due to Co(II) ions.

A multilayered Ti−Al composite was designed and fabricated by hot pressing and hot rolling of alternately stacked Ti and Al foils. In situ electron backscatter diffraction was utilized to characterize the orientation evolution and deformed substructure upon tension. A remarkably inhomogeneous deformation mode was observed within the interior of Ti grains, in a way that the closer to the grain boundary or Ti/Al interfaces, the harder the plastic flow. Such a phenomenon is attributed to the synergetic constraint of phase interface and grain boundary. The present study thus provides a new strategy to tailor the deformation behavior of metallic materials by sufficiently leveraging the interfacial constraint effect for performance optimization.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the Chinese Version of the Tinnitus Primary Function Questionnaire (TPFQ). One hundred and sixteen patients who had been suffering from tinnitus for over 3 months were included in this study. Those tinnitus patients were administered the TPFQ, the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Additionally, the magnitude estimate of tinnitus loudness, pure tone audiogram, and tinnitus matching was obtained. The factor structure was measured using the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin test. The internal consistency was examined using Cronbach's αcoefficient. The relationships between the TPFQ scores and other measurements were compared using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. The Cronbach's αof the 20‐item version of TPFQ was 0.94, and that of the 12‐item version of TPFQ was 0.92. Both the 20‐ and 12‐item versions of TPFQ were significantly correlated with magnitude estimation of tinnitus loudness, THI, PSQI, BDI, and BAI. The average pure tone hearing threshold was significantly correlated with the hearing subscale. The 20‐ and 12‐item Chinese versions of TPFQ are reliable and valid measures of tinnitus. The TPFQ can be applied to the assessment and management of tinnitus among the Chinese‐speaking population. Both the 20‐ and 12‐item versions of the Chinese Tinnitus Primary Function Questionnaire can be used in Chinese‐speaking patients.The four subscales can help evaluate tinnitus patients comprehensively. Both the 20‐ and 12‐item versions of the Chinese Tinnitus Primary Function Questionnaire can be used in Chinese‐speaking patients. The four subscales can help evaluate tinnitus patients comprehensively.

In this work, the supercritical oxygen treatment is proposed to passivate the defects of enhancement-mode p-GaN high-electron mobility transistors. After the treatment, the treated device gets enhanced in ON-state current and transconductance without changing the threshold voltage. Thus, the supercritical oxygen may not affect Mg doping concentration of the p-GaN layer, degrading the p-GaN layer after the treatment. The statistical analysis indicates uniformity of devices is improved after the treatment. The gate lag and pulsed $\text{I}_{\text {D}}$ - $\text{V}_{\text {D}}$ measurements are proposed to examine the interface between the passivation layer and the AlGaN layer. The few trapped electrons in defects exhibit the suppression of the charge trapping effect. Based on these results mentioned above, the physical model is proposed to explain the phenomenon. The pristine passivation layer has a number of dangling bonds which capture the electrons and lead to the charge trapping effect. The supercritical oxygen permeates into material matrix, repairing the dangling bonds. Therefore, the technique exhibits potential for power device improvement, enabling effective practical application in the future.

Early-life arsenic (As) exposure is a particular health concern. However, it is unknown if As ingested early in life is more readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, i.e., higher in oral bioavailability. Here, weanling (3-week) and adult (6-week-old) female mice were exposed to arsenate in the diet (10 μg g–1) over a 3-week period with As oral bioavailability estimated using As urinary excretion as the bioavailability endpoint. The As urinary excretion factor was 1.54-fold higher in weanling mice compared to adult mice (82.2 ± 7.29 versus 53.1 ± 3.73%), while weanling mice also showed 2.28-, 1.50-, 1.48-, and 1.89-fold higher As concentration in small intestine tissue, blood, liver, and kidneys, demonstrating significantly higher As oral bioavailability of early-life exposure. Compared to adult mice, weanling mice significantly differed in gut microbiota, but the difference did not lead to remarkable differences in As biotransformation in the GI tract or tissue and in overall gut metabolite composition. Although the expression of several metabolites (e.g., atrolactic acid, hydroxyphenyllactic acid, and xanthine) was up-regulated in weanling mice, they had limited ability to elevate As solubility in the intestinal tract. Compared to adult mice, the intestinal barrier function and intestinal expression of phosphate transporters responsible for arsenate absorption were similar in weanling mice. However, the small intestine of weanling mice was characterized by more defined intestinal villi with greater length and smaller width, providing a greater surface area for As to be absorbed across the GI barrier. The results highlight that early-life As exposure can be more readily absorbed, advancing the understanding of its health risk.

Developing inexpensive co-catalysts for photo-thermal synergistic catalysis by artificially inducing active sites on non-noble metal compounds has drawn much attention recently. In this work, oxygen-deficient molybdenum oxide (MoO3−x) was in situphotodeposited on the surface of graphite-like carbon nitride (g-C3N4) to tremendously improve its photocatalytic activity for CO2conversion. A series of characterization analyses divulged that the MoO3−xnot only promoted the separation of photo-generated charge carriers, but also served as the active sites for the adsorption and activation of CO2molecules. More importantly, the oxygen-vacancy defect sites of MoO3−xcan trigger localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) that enables effective harnessing of near-infrared (NIR) photons, promoting photo-thermal synergistic catalytic conversion of CO2into value-added fuels through full solar spectrum harnessing.

The photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) into renewable fuels holds great promise as a sustainable energy production approach, addressing both the imminent energy crisis and global warming simultaneously. However, the poor CO2adsorption and rapid recombination of photogenerated charge carriers on semiconductors greatly limit the CO2conversion efficiency along with poor selectivity towards the desired product. Herein, we propose that the construction of a homojunction in a crystalline–amorphous photocatalyst can greatly enhance its photocatalytic performance. In this study, we developed a hydrated niobium pentoxide (HNBO) homojunction with co-existing crystalline and amorphous structures through a facile hydrothermal method. The resulting crystalline–amorphous HNBO demonstrated exceptional photocatalytic activity for CO2reduction into methane (CH4) and carbon monoxide (CO), in which the selectivity for CH4reached 85.7%. The superior performance of HNBO can be attributed to the following factors: (i) the presence of a large specific surface area (355 m2g−1) due to the aggregation of HNBO nanoparticles with abundant “ink bottle” mesopores, (ii) the abundant OH−groups on HNBO promoting the adsorption and activation of CO2, (iii) the enhanced separation of charge carriers resulting from the crystalline–amorphous homojunction interface, and (iv) a narrowed bandgap along with an elevated conduction band potential to give strong reduction power. This work presents a remarkable instance of a solitary crystalline–amorphous material for CO2photoreduction into CH4with superior activity and high selectivity. Notably, this was achieved without the need for any dopants or co-catalysts, underscoring the elegance of this photocatalyst.

ABSTRACTIn dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), LCN2 (lipocalin 2) is upregulated. Whereas LCN2 has been implicated in AMD pathogenesis, the mechanism remains unknown. Here, we report that in retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells, LCN2 regulates macroautophagy/autophagy, in addition to maintaining iron homeostasis. LCN2 binds to ATG4B to form an LCN2-ATG4B-LC3-II complex, thereby regulating ATG4B activity and LC3-II lipidation. Thus, increased LCN2 reduced autophagy flux. Moreover, RPE cells from cryba1KO, as well as sting1KO and Sting1Gtmutant mice (models with abnormal iron chelation), showed decreased autophagy flux and increased LCN2, indicative of CGAS- and STING1-mediated inflammasome activation. Live cell imaging of RPE cells with elevated LCN2 also showed a correlation between inflammasome activation and increased fluorescence intensity of the Liperfluo dye, indicative of oxidative stress-induced ferroptosis. Interestingly, both in human AMD patients and in mouse models with a dry AMD-like phenotype (cryba1cKO and KO), the LCN2 homodimer variant is increased significantly compared to the monomer. Sub-retinal injection of the LCN2 homodimer secreted by RPE cells into NOD-SCID mice leads to retinal degeneration. In addition, we generated an LCN2 monoclonal antibody that neutralizes both the monomer and homodimer variants and rescued autophagy and ferroptosis activities in cryba1cKO mice. Furthermore, the antibody rescued retinal function in cryba1cKO mice as assessed by electroretinography. Here, we identify a molecular pathway whereby increased LCN2 elicits pathophysiology in the RPE, cells known to drive dry AMD pathology, thus providing a possible therapeutic strategy for a disease with no current treatment options.Abbreviations:ACTB: actin, beta; Ad-GFP: adenovirus-green fluorescent protein; Ad-LCN2: adenovirus-lipocalin 2; Ad-LCN2-GFP: adenovirus-LCN2-green fluorescent protein; LCN2AKT2: AKT serine/threonine kinase 2; AMBRA1: autophagy and beclin 1 regulator 1; AMD: age-related macular degeneration; ARPE19: adult retinal pigment epithelial cell line-19; Asp278: aspartate 278; ATG4B: autophagy related 4B cysteine peptidase; ATG4C: autophagy related 4C cysteine peptidase; ATG7: autophagy related 7; ATG9B: autophagy related 9B; BLOC-1: biogenesis of lysosomal organelles complex 1; BLOC1S1: biogenesis of lysosomal organelles complex 1 subunit 1; C57BL/6J: C57 black 6J; CGAS: cyclic GMP-AMP synthase; ChQ: chloroquine; cKO: conditional knockout; Cys74: cysteine 74; Dab2: DAB adaptor protein 2; Def: deferoxamine; DHE: dihydroethidium; DMSO: dimethyl sulfoxide; ERG: electroretinography; FAC: ferric ammonium citrate; Fe2+: ferrous; FTH1: ferritin heavy chain 1; GPX: glutathione peroxidase; GST: glutathione S-transferase; H2O2: hydrogen peroxide; His280: histidine 280; IFNL/IFNλ: interferon lambda; IL1B/IL-1β: interleukin 1 beta; IS: Inner segment; ITGB1/integrin β1: integrin subunit beta 1; KO: knockout; LC3-GST: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3-GST; C-terminal fusion; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3; LCN2: lipocalin 2; mAb: monoclonal antibody; MDA: malondialdehyde; MMP9: matrix metallopeptidase 9; NLRP3: NLR family pyrin domain containing 3; NOD-SCID: nonobese diabetic-severe combined immunodeficiency; OS: outer segment; PBS: phosphate-buffered saline; PMEL/PMEL17: premelanosome protein; RFP: red fluorescent protein; rLCN2: recombinant LCN2; ROS: reactive oxygen species; RPE SM: retinal pigmented epithelium spent medium; RPE: retinal pigment epithelium; RSL3: RAS-selective lethal; scRNAseq: single-cell ribonucleic acid sequencing; SD-OCT: spectral domain optical coherence tomography; shRNA: small hairpin ribonucleic acid; SM: spent medium; SOD1: superoxide dismutase 1; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; STAT1: signal transducer and activator of transcription 1; STING1: stimulator of interferon response cGAMP interactor 1; TYR: tyrosinase; VCL: vinculin; WT: wild type.