Search

Recently, blue perovskite quantum dots (PeQDs) have garnered considerable attention for use in full-color optoelectronic displays. However, the large specific surface area caused by the small particle size of blue PeQDs results in high defect state density, which severely limits their optical pursuit. To address this issue, a co-regulation strategy using double short-chain molecules of tetraoctylammonium fluoride and tetraethylammonium perfluorooctanesulfonate is proposed to enhance the regrowth of blue Cs x Rb 1−x Pb(Cl y Br 1−y) 3 PeQDs. Long-chain insulated oleylamine and oleic acid ligands, which restrict the growth of PeQDs, are substantially replaced using short-chain ligands with higher adsorption energy. This replacement promotes PeQDs to regrow considerably from ∼8 to ∼18 nm, and the defect-state density decreases by 3–5 times. Consequently, highly efficient blue PeQDs with a photoluminescent quantum yield of unity are obtained. Moreover, the PeQDs exhibit lower insulating ligand density and improved charge injection property. As a result, the synthesized deep-blue PeQD light-emitting diodes (PeQLEDs) exhibit a maximum external quantum efficiency of 5.7% at the CIE coordinate of (0.148, 0.032). According to the International Telecommunication Union Radiocommunication Sector television standard (Rec. 2100), the obtained PeQLEDs are state-of-the-art among colloidal deep-blue PeQDs. This study provides a novel strategy to improve the optical performance of deep-blue PeQLEDs and paves the way for developing high-end wide color-gamut displays. [Display omitted] • This work promotes the crystal growth of perovskite quantum dots from 8 to 18 nm, with enhanced crystallinity and stability. • The defect state density is suppressed 3–5 times to achieve near-unity photoluminescence quantum yield of deep-blue emission. • The replacement of surface long-chain insulating ligands with short-chain ligands improves charge injection performance. • Patterned aerosol inkjet printing based on regrowth perovskite quantum dots with well dispersion stability is realized. • High color purity and efficient deep-blue colloidal perovskite quantum dots light-emitting diode is achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How to reduce NO 3 −-N from partial nitrification/Anammox (PN/Anammox) for low carbon emissions, thus achieve deep nitrogen removal, is a significant issue when applying PN/Anammox to treatment inorganic high-ammonia wastewater. This study designed a prepositioned double short-cut sulfur autotrophic denitrification (DSSADN) system integrated with PN/Anammox, achieving simultaneous sulfur recovery and complete autotrophic denitrification. It also examined the impact of reflux changes on the nitrogen and sulfur transformation characteristics in the coupled system when treating ammonia and sulfur-containing wastewater. Results indicate that the coupling of DSSADN zone (zone C1) enhanced TN removal by PN/Anammox, with the TN removal rate (TNRR T), TN removal efficiency (TNRE T), and S2− removal rate reaching 0.54 kg/(m³·d), 95.1%, and 100%, respectively. The NO 2 −-N accumulation efficiency (NiAE C1) of DSSADN reached 87.1%, with ΔSO 4 2--S consistently less than 11.8 mg/L, and the S0 accumulation efficiency (S0AE C1) reaching 82.4%. A small amount of O 2 carried in the reflux can effectively reduce residual S2− in zone C1, preventing its entry into the PN/Anammox zone (zone C2) and mitigating its toxic effects on Anammox. However, O 2 also increases the expression of soxB in zone C1, causing more S2− to be oxidized to SO 4 2−, and reducing S0AE C1. When DO C1 was between 0.05 mg/L and 0.34 mg/L, nirK expression was significantly increased, and the abundance of related functional microorganisms changed, led to more NO 3 −-N being reduced to N 2. When DO C1 exceeds 0.34 mg/L, it inhibits the denitrification process, leading to elevated NiAE. Therefore, when regulating reflux in DSSADN + PN/Anammox partitioned integrated coupling system, attention should be given to changes in DO C1 , controlling it within 0.05 mg/L. [Display omitted] • A partitioned system with S2− drive for deep nitrogen removal was constructed. • Simultaneously achieves S0 recovery and green low-carbon nitrogen and sulfur removal. • O 2 carried by reflux significantly impacts DSSADN's NO 2 − and S0 accumulation. • DO (0.05–0.37 mg/L) in DSSADN raises nirK , reducing NiAE from 80.3% to 15.6%. • Rising DO in DSSADN boosts soxB , reducing S0AE to 8.4%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The accumulation efficiency of NO 2 −-N and S0 reached 89.40% and 93.41%, respectively. • O 2 changes the ORP value, leading to a decrease in the accumulation of S0 and NO 2 −. • O 2 entry accelerates the oxidation of S2−, but limits the reduction of NO 3 −-N. • DO promoted the synergistic effect of Thiobacillus and Azoarcus without Nitrospia. Understanding the effect of O 2 on the accumulation characteristics of NO 2 −-N and S0 in the sulfur autotrophic denitrification (DSSADN) system is crucial for enhancing the denitrification efficiency of partial nitrification-anammox using DSSADN. The results revealed that in an environment without O 2 entry, the NO 2 −-N accumulation efficiency (NiAE) and S0 accumulation efficiency (S0AE) of the DSSADN system reached 89.40 % and 93.41 %, respectively. Once system entered O 2 , ORP value kept increasing. When ORP increased to −59.9 mV (DO = 0.1 mg/L), soxB and nirK gene expression rose and as well NiAE and S0AE continuously decreased to 48.13 % and 29.35 %. When ORP was above 30.9 mV (DO >0.2 mg/L) but below 81.0 mV (DO<0.4 mg/L), narG gene expression reduced and the relatively high sqr gene expression allowed NiAE and S0AE remained at 45.08 % and 33.31 %. O 2 promoted the synergistic effect of Thiobacillus and Azoarcus without the proliferation of nitrite oxidizing bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Salinity affects the nitrogen and sulfur conversion performance of DSSADN process. • The highest production rates of nitrite and S0 were observed at 2.5% salinity. • The production rate of nitrite and S0 decreased gradually with salinity higher than 3%. • The species of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria were more abundant in high salt environment. Double short-cut sulfur autotrophic denitrification (DSSADN) coupled with Anammox is of great significance in the low-carbon treatment of nitrogen-containing wastewater. In order to achieve high salinity autotrophic nitrogen removal, the effects of different salinities on the accumulation characteristics of NO 2 −-N and S0 and microorganisms in DSSADN process were studied. The results showed that the effect of salinity on the DSSADN process could be categorized into the stimulation, stable, and inhibition. When the salinity gradually increased to 2.5 %, the highest NO 2 −-N production rate (NiPR) and S0 production rate (S0PR) of DSSADN were 0.54 kg/(m3·d) and 1.1 kg/(m3·d) respectively. NiPR and S0PR gradually decreased as the salinity increased to more than 3 %. However, salinity had a relatively low impact on nitrite accumulation efficiency and S0 accumulation efficiency, which were 80 % and 81.5 %, respectively, when the salinity reached 5 %. Salinity has a great influence on the structure and abundance of microbial communities in the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To improve the nuclease resistance of siRNA while reducing its induction of an innate immune response and maintaining its biological activity for possible therapeutic application, we designed and synthesized a series of double short hairpin RNAs (dshRNAs). Each dshRNA consisted of two identical short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) linked at their 3′ ends by glycerol. The dshRNAs were synthesized on a glycerol-derivatized solid support from amidites with 2-cyanoethoxymethyl (CEM) as the 2′-hydroxyl protecting group. Synthesis was carried out in a single run on a DNA/RNA synthesizer, without the need for enzymatic ligation. The dshRNAs showed structure-dependent gene-silencing activity at the protein level, and dshRNAs in which the 3′ end of the two sense regions were linked showed especially high activity. Inclusion of 2′-O-methyluridine residues in the loop region was associated with 1.6- to 2.4-fold lower induction of interferon-α than was siRNA, without loss of gene-silencing activity. dshRNA also showed higher exonuclease resistance than siRNA or canonical shRNA. Our studies provide a new approach to gene silencing based on the concept of linking the 3′ end of the sense regions of two shRNA molecules to form a double shRNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia (ERAT) is common after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and has been associated with an increased risk of late atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence.Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and outcomes of patients experiencing ERAT after PVI using advanced-generation ablation technologies.Methods: This is a prespecified substudy of the CIRCA-DOSE (Cryoballoon vs Irrigated Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation: Double-Short vs Standard Exposure Duration) trial, a prospective, randomized, multicenter study comparing PVI with contact force-guided radiofrequency ablation to secondary-generation cryoballoon ablation for paroxysmal AF. All study patients received an implantable cardiac monitor to allow continuous rhythm monitoring. ERAT was defined as any recurrent atrial tachyarrhythmia within the first 90 days after AF ablation.Results: ERAT occurred in 61% of the 346 patients at a median of 12 days (range 1-90 days) after ablation. ERAF was a significant predictor of late recurrence (60.1% with ER vs 25.9% without ER; P <.001) and symptomatic atrial tachyarrhythmia (31.6% with ERAF vs 6.7% without ERAF; P <.001). Receiver operating curve analyses revealed a strong correlation between ERAT timing and burden and late recurrence. Multivariate analysis identified ER timing (hazard ratio [HR] 2.90; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.41-5.95; P = .004) and burden (HR 1.05 per 1% ER burden; 95% CI 1.04-1.07; P <.001) as strong independent predictors of late recurrence. Incidence rate, timing, burden, and prognostic significance of ER did not differ between the study groups.Conclusion: ERAT remains common after PVI despite use of advanced-generation ablation technologies. Early AF recurrence beyond 3 weeks after ablation is associated with increased risk of late recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Use of intraprocedural observation and pharmacologic challenges have been proposed as means to differentiate permanent pulmonary vein (PV)-left atrial conduction block from inadequate ablation lesions.Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and clinical impact of spontaneous and adenosine-provoked reconnection using contemporary atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation technologies.Methods: The CIRCA-DOSE (Cryoballoon vs. Irrigated Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation: Double Short vs. Standard Exposure Duration) study enrolled 346 patients with paroxysmal AF and randomized them to contact force-guided radiofrequency ablation (CF-RF) or cryoballoon ablation. Patients underwent provocative testing with adenosine after a 20-minute observation period. All patients received an implantable cardiac monitor for arrhythmia monitoring.Results: Spontaneous reconnection was observed in 5.4% of PVs (71/1318) during the 20-minute postprocedure observation period, and dormant conduction was elicited in 5.7% of PVs (75/1318). Both spontaneous reconnection and dormant conduction were more common after CF-RF compared to cryoballoon ablation (P = .03 and P <.0001, respectively). Acute PV reconnection (spontaneous or adenosine-provoked) was associated with a significantly higher incidence of recurrent atrial tachyarrhythmia in the cryoballoon group (hazard ratio [HR] 2.39; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.44-3.96; P = .0007) but not in the CF-RF group (HR 1.47; 95% CI 0.84-2.58; P = .16). In the absence of acute reconnection, the freedom from recurrent arrhythmia did not differ between groups (HR 0.95; 95% CI 0.6057-1.495; P = .83).Conclusion: Patients without spontaneous or adenosine-provoked reconnection had better outcomes compared to those with acute PV reconnection, suggesting that efforts should be directed toward ensuring an ideal ablation lesion at the first attempt in order to achieve durable PV isolation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Several novel prefabricated shear walls with different filling forms and materials was developed. • Seismic behaviour of the walls were studied through quasi-static tests and finite element analysis. • Effects of parameters on seismic behaviour were evaluated. • The optimization program of opening filling was proposed. Six double-short-limb reinforced concrete (RC) prefabricated shear walls with different infill wall were constructed and tested under cyclic horizontal load and constant vertical load to study the seismic performance, including unfilled shear wall, ceramsite concrete hollow block masonry infilling, concrete integration infilling with hollow tube (HTCI), concrete integration infilling with polystyrene plate sandwich (PPSCI), lightweight partition board infilling and ceramsite concrete infilling. The hysteretic curve, failure mode, stress feature, shear bearing capacity, deformation ability, stiffness, ductility and energy dissipating capacity were obtained. The testing results showed that, the prefabricated integration shear wall (HTCI infilling, PPSCI infilling) failed due to the combined action of bending moment and shear force. Compared to the specimen without infill wall, infilled by masonry and lightweight partition board, the integration shear wall and the shear wall with ceramsite concrete infilling owns better shear bearing capacity, stiffness, energy-dissipating capacity and reliable seismic performance. Finite element (FE) model of all tested specimens were developed by using software OpenSEES, and the precision and utility of these FE models verified by testing data. Using the proposed FE models, an extensive parametric study was performed to investigate the influence factors on the seismic performance of precast fabricated RC shear wall including length of the infill wall, concrete strength, ratio of longitudinal reinforcement in wall limbs and axial compression ratio. Finally, the optimization program of infill wall for the opening of the precast fabricated shear wall are studied based on thickness of polystyrene plate sandwich and setting of steel fabric. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat stress reduces fertility of high-producing dairy cows, and early administration of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) may improve it. Here, 401 heat-stressed, high-producing dairy cows on a single commercial farm were given eCG (500 UI, n = 214) or saline (n = 187) on days 11–17 after calving, and the effects on fertility after the first artificial insemination (AI) were assessed. On post-partum day 96.34 ± 9.88, all cows were inseminated after a “double short Cosynch” synchronization protocol. Ovarian activity and uterine status were checked by ultrasound on the day of eCG administration and every 7 days thereafter for a total of 3 weeks; checks were also performed during synchronization, and 7 days after AI. On post-partum day 30, cytobrush uterine cytology was performed to check for subclinical endometritis. Pregnancy status was checked on days 30 and 60 after AI. The eCG and control groups did not differ significantly in terms of average lactations per cow (2.33 ± 1.34), days in milk at first AI (96.33 ± 9.88), average milk yield at AI (41.38 ± 7.74 L), or the particular inseminator or bull used for AI. The eCG and control groups showed increasing ovarian activity with time, with approximately 75% of cows in both groups showing a corpus luteum at the beginning of the synchronization protocol. On post-partum day 30, 17.4% of eCG cows and 22.9% of control cows showed subclinical endometritis. Cows treated with eCG showed a tendency toward lower hyperecogenic intraluminal content (16.8 vs. 21.4%, P = 0.15), but ovarian activity during the synchronization protocol was similar between eCG and control groups, with 91% of animals in both groups showing luteolysis after prostaglandin application and 88% showing ovulation after the last administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone. Fertility was similar between the two groups at both time points after AI (30 days, 34.9 vs. 31.8%; 60 days, 30.6 vs. 28.5%; P > 0.2). These results suggest that early postpartum eCG administration does not improve fertility of heat-stressed dairy cows as long as 60 days after AI. Other strategies may be more effective at mitigating the ability of post-partum heat stress to reduce fertility of high-producing dairy cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We present a new method for computing the Konishi anomalous dimension in SYM at weak coupling. It does not rely on the conventional Feynman diagram technique and is not restricted to the planar limit. It is based on the OPE analysis of the four-point correlation function of stress-tensor multiplets, which has been recently constructed up to six loops. The Konishi operator gives the leading contribution to the singlet channel of this OPE. Its anomalous dimension is the coefficient of the leading single logarithmic singularity of the logarithm of the correlation function in the double short-distance limit, in which the operator positions coincide pairwise. We regularize the logarithm of the correlation function in this singular limit by a version of dimensional regularization. At any loop level, the resulting singularity is a simple pole whose residue is determined by a finite two-point integral with one loop less. This drastically simplifies the five-loop calculation of the Konishi anomalous dimension by reducing it to a set of known four-loop two-point integrals and two unknown integrals which we evaluate analytically. We obtain an analytic result at five loops in the planar limit and observe perfect agreement with the prediction based on integrability in AdS/CFT. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents an accurate analysis of noise equivalent power (NEP) and optical dynamic range (DR), for CMOS-3D image sensor based-on, indirect time-of-flight (TOF) technique with its derived algorithm: MDSI (multiple double short time integration). Considering, in addition, the maximum distance-range, scene features, and appropriate noise analysis a new approach for estimating NEP and DR has been proposed; exhibiting high correlation with MDSI principle, in contrast to the conventional approach where both parameters are only a function of incident-light power and integration time, which provides a general approach for all sort of image sensor including ordinary 2D image. Further analysis shows that NEP, for CMOS 3D-MDSI sensor, is at least 10 times the commonly quoted, and corresponds to the minimum required LASER-pulse power to achieve 90% of a given distance-range measurement, under a specific background light illumination (indoor/outdoor applications). Based-on the present analysis, an optimization criteria has been developed and applied to the design of 3D-MDSI sensor using 0.6μm standard CMOS process; a good agreement between experiment results and the conducted analysis has been found. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Two novel phenothiazine dyes bearing a single or double cyanoacrylic acid acceptors, which share the same electron donor phenothiazine and the same 4-phenyl-2-(thiophen-2-yl)thiazole π-bridge, were synthesized. Thus, phenothiazine dyes with D-π-A and A-D-π-A framework were configured, and their photophysical properties and photovoltaic performance were investigated. The incorporation of another cyanoacrylic acid acceptor was found to benefit the loading amount on TiO 2 , the light-harvesting ability, and the electron-injection efficiency. Dye with double cyanoacrylic acid acceptors showed a double short-circuit current compared with dye with a single acceptor. Therefore, dye with double cyanoacrylic acid acceptors achieved improved photoelectric conversion efficiency 4.35% (J SC = 10.29 mA cm−2, V OC = 0.65 V, FF = 0.65) under standard global AM 1.5 G solar condition with dye N719 (7.19%) as a reference. Image 1 • Two novel phenothiazine dyes have been synthesized with a single or double cyanoacrylic acid acceptors. • The incorporation of another cyanoacrylic acid acceptor was observed to be beneficial to the photovoltaic performance. • Dye with double acceptors shows better photoelectric conversion efficiency than dye with a single acceptor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The release or escape of genetically modified fish from confined aquaculture facilities presents a potential risk to wild fish stocks and surrounding ecosystems. Thus, reliable biocontainment methods for aquaculture-relevant species are needed. Since physical barriers are not 100% effective, it is critical to develop reliable genetic-based methods for biocontainment. RNA interference (RNAi) could regulate gene expression and target genes that are essential for fish viability and/or reproduction. One such target gene, deadend (dnd), is required for primordial germ cell (PGC) development, migration and survival. While the use of RNAi technology has been successfully reported in C. elegans, M. musculus, and D. melanogaster , its use in zebrafish (Danio rerio) has been met with variable success. We targeted dnd using two different short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) approaches in zebrafish embryos, namely, 1) CMV-driven or a Gal4/UAS constructs with one double short-hairpin RNA stem-loop design consisting of two different target sites, and 2) CMV-driven to test two separate target sites independently flanked by the 5′ and 3′ sequences of the pri-miR-30e miRNA. The first shRNA strategy did not completely nor consistently abolish PGCs, based on vasa -expression, but low vasa expression was observed in some fish at 6 dpf. In contrast, the second shRNA strategy resulted in reduced and/or ectopic positioning of PGCs based on vasa expression at 2 and 6 dpf. However, neither strategy affected fertility in adult fish. • shRNA constructs targeting the deadend (dnd) gene were produced. • shRNA knockdown of dnd in zebrafish impaired primordial germ cell development and/or migration. • shRNA knockdown of dnd did not markedly impair fertility of resulting adult zebrafish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]