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Lead-halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) are promising for fabricating deep-blue (<460 nm) light-emitting diodes (LEDs), but their development is plagued by low electroluminescent performance and lead toxicity. Herein, the synthesis of 12 kinds of highly luminescent and eco-friendly deep-blue europium (Eu2+)-doped alkali-metal halides (AX:Eu2+; A = Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+; X = Cl–, Br–, I–) NCs is reported. Through adjustment of the coordination environment, efficient deep-blue emission from Eu-5d→ Eu-4ftransitions is realized. The representative CsBr:Eu2+NCs exhibit a high photoluminescence quantum yield of 91.1% at 441 nm with a color coordinate at (0.158, 0.023) matching with the Rec. 2020 blue specification. Electrically driven deep-blue LEDs from CsBr:Eu2+NCs are demonstrated, achieving a record external quantum efficiency of 3.15% and half-lifetime of ∼1 h, surpassing the reported metal-halide deep-blue NCs-based LEDs. Importantly, large-area LEDs with an emitting area of 12.25 cm2are realized with uniform emission, representing a milestone toward commercial display applications.

Lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) are highly promising for backlighting display applications due to their high photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) and wide color gamut values. However, the practical applications of blue emitters are limited due to the toxicity of lead, unstable structure, and unsatisfactory PLQY. Herein, we report the successful synthesis of divalent europium-based perovskite CsEuBr3NCs using a modified hot injection method. By optimizing the reaction conditions, the CsEuBr3NCs display a deep-blue emission at 443 nm with a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 28.5 nm, a color purity of 99.61%, and a record high PLQY of 93.51% for deep-blue narrow-band emissive lead-free perovskite NCs as far as we know. The emission mechanism of CsEuBr3NCs is proved through first-principles calculations and spectral analysis. Notably, the CsEuBr3NCs exhibit remarkable stability when exposed to high temperature, UV irradiation, and long-term sealed storage. The incorporation of CsEuBr3NCs into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) serving as a converter is utilized for white light-emitting devices (WLEDs). WLEDs for backlight displays achieves a wide color gamut of 127.1% of the National Television System Committee standard (NTSC), 94.9% coverage of the ITU-R Recommendation BT.2020 (Rec.2020), and their half-lifetime is up to 1677 h, providing a promising pathway for highly efficient, environment-friendly and practical liquid crystal display backlights.

Introduction: Two-dimensional (2D) materials, such as MXene (Ti3C2Tx), have garnered extensive attention in recent years due to their exceptional performance across various domains. The flake size of Ti3C2Txnotably influences its specific surface area, a pivotal factor in interfacial interactions within electrochemistry.Method: Presently, modifying the flake size of bulk Ti3C2Txtypically involves complex and costly processes, like ultrasonic treatment and isolation. Leveraging the specific preparation principle of MXenes, which involves etching the A layers in precursor MAX phases, a topdown strategy for producing Ti3C2Txflakes of desired sizes, has been proposed in this work. In this approach, precursor Ti3AlC2 particles undergo ball-milling to adjust their size.Result: Through this innovative strategy, dispersions of Ti3C2Txflakes with varying average lateral sizes are generated, enabling an investigation into the impact of lateral size on the electrochemical properties of Ti3C2Txflakes. By controlling the ball milling time for Ti3AlC2powders, the resulting average sizes of Ti3C2Tx(0, 2, 4) are 6.34 µm, 2.16 µm, and 0.96 µm, respectively. Particularly, the Ti3C2Tx(2) electrode, composed of 2.16 µm sheets, demonstrates remarkable performance metrics. It exhibits a high areal capacitance of 845.0 mF/cm2at a scan rate of 5 mV/s, along with a gravimetric capacitance of 244.0 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g.Conclusion: This study presents a facile method to enable mass production of Ti3C2Txwith sheets of varying sizes, addressing both small and large dimensions.

Neural text-to-speech (TTS) systems have made significant progress in generating natural synthetic speech. However, neural TTS requires large amounts of paired training data, which limits its applicability to a small number of resource-rich languages. Previous work on low-resource TTS has addressed the data hungriness based on transfer learning from a multilingual model to low-resource languages, but it still relies heavily on the availability of paired data for the target languages. In this paper, we propose a text-inductive language adaptation framework for low-resource TTS to address the cost of collecting the paired data for low-resource languages. To inject textual knowledge during transfer learning, our framework employs a two-stage adaptation scheme that utilizes both text-only and supervised data for the target language. In the text-based adaptation stage, we update the language-aware embedding layer with a masked language model objective using text-only data for the target language. In the supervised adaptation stage, the entire TTS model is updated using paired data for the target language. We also propose a graphone-based multilingual training method that jointly uses graphemes and International Phonetic Alphabet symbols (referred to as graphones) for resource-rich languages, while using only graphemes for low-resource languages. This approach facilitates the transfer of pronunciation knowledge from resource-rich to low-resource languages. Through extensive evaluations, we demonstrate that 1) our framework with text-based adaptation outperforms the previous supervised transfer learning approach and 2) the proposed graphone-based training method further improves the performance of both multilingual TTS and low-resource language adaptation. With only 5 minutes of paired data for fine-tuning, our method achieved highly intelligible synthetic speech with the character error rates of around 6 % for a target language.

As one of the most rapidly expanding materials, hydrogels have gained increasing attention in a variety of fields due to their biocompatibility, degradability and hydrophilic properties, as well as their remarkable adhesion and stretchability to adapt to different surfaces. Hydrogels combined with carbon-based materials possess enhanced properties and new functionalities, in particular, conductive hydrogels have become a new area of research in the field of materials science. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview and up-to-date examination of recent developments in the synthesis, properties and applications of conductive hydrogels incorporating several typical carbon nanoparticles such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, carbon dots and carbon nanofibers. We summarize key techniques and mechanisms for synthesizing various composite hydrogels with exceptional properties, and represented applications such as wearable sensors, temperature sensors, supercapacitors and human-computer interaction reported recently. The mechanical, electrical and sensing properties of carbon nanoparticles conductive hydrogels are thoroughly analyzed to disclose the role of carbon nanoparticles in these hydrogels and key factors in the microstructure. Finally, future development of conductive hydrogels based on carbon nanoparticles is discussed including the challenges and possible solutions in terms of microstructure optimization, mechanical and other properties, and promising applications in wearable electronics and multifunctional materials.

Two-dimensional (2D) transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) exhibit promising potential in fabricating highly sensitive photodetectors due to their unique electrical and optoelectrical characteristics. However, micron-sized 2D materials produced by conventional chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and mechanical exfoliation methods fail to satisfy the demands for applications in integrated optoelectronics and systems given their poor controllability and repeatability. Here, we propose a simple selenization approach to grow wafer-scale (2 in.) 2D p-WSe2layers with high uniformity and customized patterns. Furthermore, a self-driven broadband photodetector with a p-WSe2/n-Si van der Waals heterojunction has been in situfabricated with a satisfactory responsivity of 689.8 mA/W and a large specific detectivity of 1.59 × 1013Jones covering from ultraviolet to short-wave infrared. In addition, a remarkable nanosecond response speed has been recorded under 0.5% duty cycle of the input light. The proposed selenization approach on the growth of 2D WSe2layers demonstrates an effective route to fabricate highly sensitive broadband photodetectors used for integrated optoelectronic systems.

• Porous 3D Ag/CNT-GF structure effectively alleviates the volume expansion of Li/Na. • Lithiophilic/sodiophilic Ag NPs directionally guide Li/Na deposition. • Dendrite free morphology is achieved in Li/Na@3D Ag/CNT-GF anodes. Although lithium metal and sodium metal are promised as ideal anodes for lithium ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium ion batteries (SIBs), they still suffer from inevitable dendrite growth. In light of this, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are sputtered onto three-dimensional carbon nanotube decorated graphene foam (3D CNT-GF) to construct superior 3D Ag/CNT-GF composite matrix for lithium metal anodes (LMAs) and sodium metal anodes (SMAs). With this design, lithiophilic/sodiophilic Ag NPs could provide favorable sites to guide Li/Na metal nucleation and growth, thus leading to low nucleation overpotentials, high Coulombic efficiency and long cycle performance. Accordingly, 3D Ag/CNT-GF electrodes can stably cycle for 1000 and 750 cycles at 3 mA cm−2 with 1 mAh cm−2 for SMAs and LMAs, respectively. More attractively, it can also stably sustain 300 cycles (SMAs) and 500 cycles (LMAs) at a large current density of 5 mA cm−2 with 1 mAh cm−2. The excellent electrochemical performance can be attributed to the lithiophilic/sodiophilic electrode surface, 3D porous electrode structure and the dendrite-free morphology as demonstrated by ex-situ scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and in-situ optical microscopy analyses. Furthermore, full cells based on Na@3D Ag/CNT-GF||Na 3 V 2 (PO 4) 3 @carbon (NVP@C) and Li@3D Ag/CNT-GF||LiFePO 4 (LFP) could deliver highly reversible capacities of 90.1 and 106.4 mAh g−1, respectively, at 100 mA g−1 after 200 cycles for SIBs and LIBs, respectively. This work demonstrates a novel 3D Ag/CNT-GF matrix for boosting Li/Na deposition stability for their future applications. Porous 3D Ag/CNT-GF nanostructure was designed and further adopted as the stable host of lithium/sodium metal anodes. Lithiophilic/sodiophilic Ag NPs directionally guide Li/Na deposition with uniform current density distribution over the 3D Ag/CNT-GF current collector surface, enabling a dendrite free deposition morphology and long cycle stability. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of the fire problems left in dense historical settlements in China, such as fire hazards that are prone to fires, difficulties in fighting fires, and the incomplete applicability of current fire codes due to the high historical value of buildings, this paper proposes a scientific and systematic performance-based fire protection method that gives priority to value preservation. This method is applied to dense historical settlements, and the effectiveness of this method is verified by evaluating the results of fire protection planning and renovation through multiple rounds of computer numerical simulation. The results show that in a connected cluster of buildings, one of the fire retrofitting requirements in the horizontal or vertical direction needs to be met between two adjacent buildings to ensure that the fire does not spread, and the retrofitting direction has to be selected based on the value and risk assessment results. When dense historical clusters are renovated for fire prevention planning, the optimal renovation path to meet fire safety can be effectively selected based on the method proposed in this paper.

As a p-type elemental material with high carrier mobility, superior ambient stability, and anisotropic crystal structure, emerging two-dimensional (2D) tellurium (Te) has been considered a successor to black phosphorus for developing infrared-related optoelectronics. Nevertheless, the lack of a scalable thickness engineering strategy remains an obstacle to unleashing its full potential. Te-based electronics with logic functions are also less explored. Herein, we propose a novel wet-chemical thinning method for 2D Te, with the merits of scalability and site-specific thickness patterning capability. A polarity-switchable van der Waals (vdW) heterodiode with a high rectification ratio of 2.4 × 103is realized on the basis of Te/WSe2. The electronic application of this unique characteristic is demonstrated by fabricating a logic half-wave rectifier, in which the rectifying states are switchable via electrostatic gating control. Besides, the narrow band gap of Te endows the device with a broad spectral response from visible to short-wave infrared. The room-temperature responsivity reaches 5.2 A W–1at the telecom wavelength of 1.55 μm, with an external quantum efficiency of 420% and detectivity of 6.8 × 109Jones. In particular, owing to the intrinsic in-plane anisotropy of Te, the device exhibits a favorable photocurrent anisotropic ratio of ∼3. Our study demonstrates the enormous potential of Te for novel electronics, promoting the development of elemental 2D materials.

Purpose: The interaction between the culture and tourism industries is naturally concentrated in cities. However, the effect of their co-agglomeration on urban tourism development depends on their level of integration. This study aims to answer the following questions: Can culture–tourism co-agglomeration promote the development of the tourism economy? Is the effect of culture–tourism co-agglomeration on tourism development moderated by culture–tourism integration? Does culture–tourism co-agglomeration have spatial spillover effects? Design/methodology/approach: Taking 262 prefecture-level cities in China from 2009 to 2019 as the research sample, this study measures the degree of culture–tourism co-agglomeration using a co-agglomeration index and measured culture–tourism integration using a coupling coordination degree model. Using a threshold model and a spatial econometric model, this study examined the effect of culture–tourism co-agglomeration on urban tourism development. Findings: Culture–tourism co-agglomeration had a positive effect on the urban tourism economy, and the effect differed according to geographical location and city grade. Moreover, culture–tourism co-agglomeration’s effect on the urban tourism economy was affected by the level of culture–tourism integration. When the level of culture–tourism integration crossed the threshold, the positive effect of culture–tourism co-agglomeration on the urban tourism economy will be enhanced. Finally, culture–tourism co-agglomeration had positive spatial spillover effects on surrounding cities. Originality/value: This study integrated culture–tourism co-agglomeration, culture–tourism integration and urban tourism economy into the same research framework and innovatively analyzed the effect of the scale and quality of culture–tourism interaction on the urban tourism economy. 文化产业和旅游产业之间的互动性使其天然地在城市中集聚发展。然而, 文化和旅游协同集聚对城市旅游发展的影响取决于它们的融合发展水平。本研究旨在回答以下问题：文化和旅游协同集聚能否促进旅游经济的发展？文化和旅游协同集聚对城市旅游发展的作用是否受到文化和旅游融合发展水平的调节影响？文化和旅游协同集聚对城市旅游发展的影响是否具有空间溢出效应？ 本文以2009-2019年中国262个地级及以上城市为研究样本, 采用协同集聚指数测度城市文化和旅游集聚水平, 采用耦合协调度模型测度城市文化和旅游融合发展水平, 并通过构建面板门槛模型和空间计量模型, 检验文化和旅游协同集聚对城市旅游发展的影响。 文化和旅游协同集聚对城市旅游发展具有正向的促进作用, 而且这种影响会因为地理位置和城市等级的不同而存在差异。此外, 文化和旅游协同集聚对城市旅游发展的促进作用还受到文旅融合发展水平的影响, 当文旅融合发展水平跨越发展门槛后, 文化和旅游协同集聚对城市旅游发展的正向影响得到增强。最后, 文化和旅游协同集聚对周边城市具有积极正向的空间溢出效应。 本文将文化和旅游协同集聚、文化和旅游融合发展、城市旅游发展纳入统一框架, 创新性地分析了文化和旅游互动发展的规模和质量对城市旅游发展的影响。

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) appear to be crucial in the process of adipogenesis according to mounting data. CircSETBP1 is a newly discovered circRNA associated with adipogenesis. Sequencing verification and RNase R treatment have confirmed the circular nature of circSETBP1 in porcine tissue. The precise function and mechanism of circSETBP1 in adipocyte biology are still unclear. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK8), Oil red O staining, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were employed in this investigation to reveal the functions of circSETBP1 and miR-149-5p in the growth and development of porcine intramuscular (IM) preadipocytes. CircSETBP1 overexpression accelerated cell differentiation while reducing cell proliferation. The opposite outcome was produced by overexpressing miR-149-5p. Meanwhile, circSETBP1 down-regulated the expression of miR-149-5p and miR-149-5p restrained the expression of CRTC1/CRTC2. CircSETBP1 was directly targeted by miR-149-5p, and CRTC1/CRTC2 were the target genes of miR-149-5p using bioinformatic analysis, the dual-Luciferase reporter system, and qRT-PCR. In conclusion, circSETBP1 controls the proliferation and differentiation of porcine IM preadipocytes and 3T3-L1 cells by regulating the miR-149-5p/CRTCs axis. The results of this study not only illuminate the molecular mechanism of circSETBP1/miR-149-5p involved in the deposition of porcine intramuscular fat (IMF), but they also provide a significant theoretical reference for raising quality of pork.

Outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) from emerging economies in the hospitality industry, the hotel sector in particular, has drastically increased in recent years. Based on Dunning's eclectic paradigm/Ownership-Location-Internalization (OLI) theory and the Investment Development Path (IDP) theory, the OFDI in the hotel sector was assessed from the home country's perspective using an inward FDI (IFDI) approach. Using China as a case study, this paper employed panel data and a negative binomial regression method to examine the impact of IFDI on hotel OFDI. The empirical findings showed that hotel-related IFDI is an important source of the ownership advantage of China's hotel OFDI. Meanwhile, China's IFDI in the hotel industry appear to exert positive and significant effects on its hotel OFDI. Furthermore, international market proximity, economic development, and tourism development were found to moderate significantly these effects. Finally, additional robustness checks showed that the results are reliable.

• Sodiophilic Au NPs guide the sodium metal uniformly deposited onto the surface of Au/CNT-GF without dendrite formation. • The regulated uniform Na metal deposition mechanism is investigated by the in-situ optical microscopy, ex-situ SEM and simulation analysis. • It exhibits a low nucleation overpotential and stable cycle performance for 2600 h at 1 mA cm−2 with 1 mAh cm−2. Moreover, it can cycle for more than 300 h at 5 mA cm−2 with 1 mAh cm−2. • Furthermore, a full cell with Na@3D Au/CNT-GF as the anode is fabricated and delivers a capacity of 84.6 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 after 200 cycles. Sodium metal anode has been attracting widely research attention due to its large capacity and low electrode potential as the anode of sodium-ion batteries. However, the uncontrollable growth of Na dendrite is one of the critical issues for its real applications. Herein, a three-dimensional (3D) nanostructure composed of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) supported on 3D carbon nanotube-graphene foam (3D CNT-GF) was designed and fabricated as the host of sodium metal anode. Na@3D Au/CNT-GF anode can deliver a Coulombic efficiency of 99.14% and stably cycle for 2600 h at 1 mA cm−2 with 1 mAh cm−2. It can cycle for 300 h at 5 mA cm−2 with 1 mAh cm−2. Detailed results indicate that its excellent electrochemical performance can be attributed to the unique macroporous structure and sodiophilic surface formed by Au NPs guiding the uniform sodium metal deposition enabled a dendrite-free morphology investigated by the ex-situ SEM and in-situ optical microscopy. At last, a full cell was assembled with Na@3D Au/CNT-GF as the anode and Na 3 V 2 (PO 4) 3 @C as the cathode. It can deliver a capacity of 84.6 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 after 200 cycles. Our results demonstrate that 3D Au/CNT-GF is a promising sodium metal anode host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featuring a high theoretical capacity, low cost, and abundant resources, sodium metal has emerged as an ideal anode material for sodium ion batteries. However, the real feasibility of sodium metal anodes is still hampered by the uncontrolled sodium dendrite problems. Herein, an artificial three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical porous sodiophilic V2CTx/rGO-CNT microgrid aerogel is fabricated by a direct-ink writing 3D printing technology and further adopted as the matrix of Na metal to deliver a Na@V2CTx/rGO-CNT sodium metal anode. Upon cycling, the V2CTx/rGO-CNT electrode can yield a superior cycling life of more than 3000 h (2 mA cm–2, 10 mAh cm–2) with an average Coulombic efficiency of 99.54%. More attractively, it can even sustain a stable operation over 900 h at 5 mA cm–2with an ultrahigh areal capacity of 50 mAh cm–2. In situand exsitucharacterizations and density functional theory simulation analyses prove that V2CTxwith abundant sodiophilic functional groups can effectively guide the sodium metal nucleation and uniform deposition, thus enabling a dendrite-free morphology. Moreover, a full cell pairing a Na@V2CTx/rGO-CNT anode with a Na3V2(PO4)3@C-rGO cathode can deliver a high reversible capacity of 86.27 mAh g–1after 400 cycles at 100 mA g–1. This work not only clarifies the superior Na deposition chemistry on the sodiophilic V2CTx/rGO-CNT microgrid aerogel electrode but also offers an approach for fabricating advanced Na metal anodes viaa 3D printing method.

Background: Liquid-based cytology (LBC) tests, including the liquid-based thin layer method, have demonstrated the highest potential for reducing false-negatives and improving sample quality.Method: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic role of LBC of bronchial brushing specimens in lung cancer. A total of 249 patients were analyzed in our study, involving 155 patients with combined bronchial brushing and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and 94 patients with BAL alone.Results: The sensitivity in the combined bronchial brushing and BAL group was 61.4% in the diagnosis of lung cancer, which is much higher than with BAL alone. Rates of positive predictive values and negative predictive values in the combined group compared with the BALF alone group were 98.6% vs 100% and 47.6% vs 37.4%, respectively. Sensitivity in the BALF alone group was 12.5% in bronchoscopically invisible pulmonary lesions and as high as 52.1% in the combined group.Conclusion: The results from our study demonstrated that LBC of brushing samples could be used as an important complement of bronchoscopy and could have the potential to be widely applied.

The use of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and Land Value Capture (LVC) as a procurement model to deliver Urban Rail Transit (URT) systems and networks has received mixed reviews. This paper addresses the following research question: How can the public sector effectively realise the benefits of integrating PPP with LVC when procuring URTs?We use a structured-case method to build, test, and revise a series of conceptual frameworks from the experiences of cities (i.e., Guangzhou, Guiyang, and Wuhan). The contributions of this research are threefold as it: (1) provides a state-of-the-art examination of PPP and LVC practice; (2) develops a convergent framework that takes into consideration the context and sub-contexts of PPP and LVC used to procure URTs; and (3) presents the public sector with a frame of reference that can be drawn upon to realise the benefits of integrating PPPs with LVC.

Owing to their structural tunability for furnishing high catalytic activity and photoactivity, perovskite oxides are a class of promising materials for high-performance photocathode catalysts in a photoassisted lithium oxygen battery (LOB), which is still in its infancy. Herein, single-crystalline LaCoO3(LCO) is successfully synthesized through a microwave-assisted approach and selenylated to simultaneously introduce anionic doping and oxygen vacancies, boosting not only the electrocatalytic activity toward reversible Li2O2formation/decomposition, but also the photoactivity to further reduce the charge/discharge polarization. As a result, LOBs utilizing Se-doped LCO as the photocathode catalyst demonstrate a superior performance under illumination in all aspects of energy efficiency, specific capacity, and cycling stability, ranking among the best reported in the literature for perovskite oxides. The photoenhanced charge kinetics is found to be correlated with the accelerated Li2O2nucleation with lowered granule size, which is key to both the improved charge/discharge capacity and reversibility. The results underscore the tailoring of perovskite structure to aggrandize both the catalytic activity and photoactivity for concertedly promoting the kinetics of LOBs.

Objectives The objective was to observe the effects of Astragaluspolysaccharides on diabetes and on regulation of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.Methods A type 2 diabetic rat model was established with a high-fat diet in combination with low-dose streptozotocin (35 mg/kg). Astragaluspolysaccharides were applied as treatment intervention and changes in blood glucose and kidney morphology and function were assessed.Results Eight weeks after model establishment, kidney weight as a proportion of total weight (KW/TW) in the high-, medium-, and low-dose Astragaluspolysaccharide groups was significantly lower than that in the model group, and the KW/TW value gradually decreased with increasing dose of polysaccharides in each treatment group. Fasting blood glucose in the low- and medium-dose Astragaluspolysaccharide groups was numerically lower than that in the model group and fasting blood glucose in rats in the high-dose group was significantly lower than that in the model group. Levels of 24-hour urinary microalbumin, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, collagens I, III, and IV, α-smooth muscle actin, transforming growth factor-β1, and Smad3 in Astragaluspolysaccharide groups (all doses) were significantly lower than those in the model group.Conclusions Astragaluspolysaccharide significantly improved blood glucose and protected kidney function in a rat diabetes model.

The historical, cultural, and social value of heritage buildings mandates special protection of these structures. Blue brick is one kind of the main construction materials of heritage buildings, which is porous material and easily subject to deterioration due to environmental factors such as humidity. Therefore, determining the dynamic moisture content rule of materials under fluctuant ambient humidity is necessary for preventative conservation. This study measured the equilibrium moisture content of eight types of Chinese blue bricks under isothermal conditions with varying humidity levels. The results show that when ambient humidity increased from 10% to 90%, the moisture sorption of historical Chinese blue bricks tripled, which is 3 times greater than that of modern Chinese blue bricks and 10 (at low humidity) to 20 times (at high humidity) greater than that of clay bricks in the international handbook. The results contribute to the improvement of the international building material database and research related to hygrothermal performance of heritage buildings in East Asia.

Several haloalkyl organophosphate triester (OPTE) flame retardants have been restricted in some countries due to their potential health risks, but the usage of alternative haloalkyl OPTEs is of concern. In this study, we comprehensively screened for haloalkyl OPTEs in house dust using high-resolution mass spectrometry. Through halogenation-guided nontarget screening, a rare chloroalkyl OPTE, diethylene glycol bis(bis(2-chloroisopropyl)phosphate) (DEGBBCPP), was unequivocally identified (Level 1) in house dust of Beijing, North China. In addition, by screening a suspect list of 61 haloalkyl OPTEs from the EPA’s CompTox Chemicals Dashboard, we tentatively identified diethylene glycol bis(bis(2-chloroethyl)phosphate) (DEGBBCEP) and ethylene bis[bis(2-chloroethyl)phosphate] (EBBCEP) (Level 2). DEGBBCPP was detected in all 45 house dust samples, and the median concentration was 98.4 ng/g (13.6–6217 ng/g), that is, approximately one-half that of tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate, a traditional high-production chloroalkyl OPTE. The detection frequencies of DEGBBCEP and EBBCEP were 96% and 98%, respectively, but at relatively low median concentrations of 10.6 ng/g (from not detected to 152 ng/g) and 3.79 ng/g (from not detected to 130 ng/g), respectively. In standard house dust SRM2585, DEGBBCEP and EBBCEP were detected at 160 ± 15.7 and 1897 ± 38.8 ng/g, respectively, but DEGBBCPP was not detected. Future studies should evaluate the potential adverse health effects of these emerging flame retardants.

Since the first discovery of Ti3C2in 2011, two-dimensional (2D) transition-metal carbides, carbonitrides and nitrides, known as MXenes, have attracted significant attention. Due to their outstanding electronic, optical, mechanical, and thermal properties, versatile structures and surface chemistries, Ti3C2MXenes have emerged as new candidates with great potential for applications in optoelectronic devices, such as photovoltaics, photodetectors and photoelectrochemical devices. The excellent metallic conductivity, high anisotropic carrier mobility, good structural and chemical stabilities, high optical transmittance, excellent mechanical strength, tunable work functions, and wide range of optical absorption properties of Ti3C2MXene nanostructures are the key to their success in a number of electronic and photonic device applications. Herein, we summarize the fundamental properties and preparation of pure Ti3C2MXenes, functionalized Ti3C2MXenes and their hybrid nanocomposites, as well as their optoelectronic applications. In the end, the perspective and current challenges of Ti3C2MXenes toward the development of advanced MXene-based nanostructures are briefly discussed for future optoelectronic applications.

Objective: Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) and hypertension are associated with cardiovascular events. However, effects of Hcy-lowing interventions on cardiovascular outcome were conflicting. Serum folate level was proposed to be a possible determinant of efficacy of extra folate supplementation on cardiovascular outcome. The aims of the present study were to describe representative information on the levels of serum homocysteine and folate in hypertensive patients, and to explore the major determinants of HHcy. Methods: 11,007 participants with hypertension were analyzed in this cross-sectional study. Blood pressure and serum levels of biochemical indicators were measured. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to assess the associated factors of HHcy. Results: Geometric mean of serum total homocysteine was 14.1 (95% CI: 13.9, 14.4) μmol/L and prevalence of HHcy was 36.1 (95% CI: 34.0, 38.1) % in hypertensive patients. HHcy was strongly associated with factors including male sex, older age, elevated serum creatinine (SCr), lower serum folate and vitamin B12, and uncontrolled blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Elevated SCr attributed to HHcy with the etiologic fraction of 0.29. The change of the odds ratio of HHcy associated with folate was significantly higher in patients with elevated SCr compared with that of patients with normal SCr. Conclusion: The results suggested the protection of female sex and higher levels of folate and vitamin B12 from HHcy and attribution of older age and elevated SCr to HHcy. Restoring renal function deserved attention for hypertensive patients to benefit from Hcy-lowing measures.

Recently, metal-halide perovskites have emerged as promising materials for photodetector (PD) applications owing to their superior optoelectronic properties, such as ambipolar charge transport characteristics, high carrier mobility, and so on. In the past few years, rapid progress in lead-based perovskite PDs has been witnessed. However, the critical environmental instability and lead-toxicity seriously hinder their further applications and commercialization. Therefore, searching for environmentally stable and lead-free halide perovskites (LFHPs) to address the above hurdles is certainly a worthwhile subject. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of currently explored LFHPs with an emphasis on their crystal structures, optoelectronic properties, synthesis and modification methods, as well as the PD applications. LFHPs are classified into four categories according to the replacement strategies of Pb2+, including AB(ii)X3, A3B(iii)2X9, A2B(i)B(iii)′X6, and newly-emerging perovskite derivatives. Then, we give a demonstration of the preliminary achievements and limitations in environment-friendly PDs based on such LFHPs and perovskite derivatives, and also discuss their applications in biological synapses, imaging, and X-ray detection. With the perspective of their properties and current challenges, we provide an outlook for future directions in this rapidly evolving field to achieve high-quality LFHPs and perovskite derivatives for a broader range of fundamental research and practical applications.

Recently, the newly-emerging lead halide perovskite quantum dots (QDs) have attracted intensive research interest for lighting and display applications owing to their remarkable optoelectronic properties. It is regrettable that the toxicity and instability of lead largely hinder their practical applications. Here, zero-dimensional (0D) cesium indium halide (Cs3InX6) QDs were synthesized for the first time using a modified ligand-assisted reprecipitation method, and the emission wavelength can be tuned facilely viaan anion exchange reaction. Typically, the Cs3InBr6QDs showed broadband blue emission with a high photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield of 46%. First-principles calculations were performed and temperature-dependent PL was studied to investigate the emission mechanisms of the Cs3InBr6QDs; the 0D nature of Cs3InBr6enhances the localization of excitons, resulting in a large exciton binding energy. It is worth noting that the strong electron–phonon coupling of Cs3InBr6indicates that the broadband emission comes from self-trapped exciton emission. Moreover, the Cs3InX6QDs exhibit excellent stability against moisture, ultraviolet light and heat degradation, significantly better than for conventional lead halide perovskites. Subsequently, the white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) prepared using blue-emissive Cs3InBr6QD powder used as the phosphor showed an excellent working stability with a record half-life (T50) of 186 h. Even if the operating temperature is as high as 106.9 °C, the LED can still operate well and reach a T50of 50 h. These results highlight the huge advantages and application potential of 0D Cs3InX6QDs as an environmentally friendly emitter in the field of solid-state lighting.

Recently, white light-emitting devices (WLEDs) based on halide perovskites has been extensively studied. However, the lead toxicity and poor stability of conventional lead halide perovskites severely hinder their commercial applications. In this study, lead-free double perovskite Cs2AgInCl6with a broadband emission was fabricated by a heat-assisted solution evaporation method, in which a compositional engineering by sodium (Na+) alloying and bismuth (Bi3+) doping was performed. The photoluminescence quantum yield was promoted from ∼1.1 to 46.4% and then to 87.2% by Na+alloying and subsequent Bi3+doping. In addition, the theory calculation reveals that the diffusion barrier of Cl–vacancy in Cs2AgInCl6can be increased by Na+alloying, which would contribute to the stability of the material. Experimentally, the resulting Cs2Ag0.7Na0.3InCl6:Bi products demonstrate a remarkable stability under heat, ultraviolet light, and moisture conditions. The above advantages make it possible for this material to be used as solid-state phosphors for WLED applications, and the Commission International de I’Eclairage color coordinates at (0.38, 0.44), correlated color temperature of 4347 K, and high color rendering index of 87.8 were achieved. More importantly, the WLED demonstrates a remarkable operation stability in air ambient, and only 4.5% emission decay occurs after a long working time for 1000 h, the longest lifetime for perovskite-based WLEDs as far as we know.

In this study, for the first time, the integration of nontoxic ternary copper halide Cs3Cu2I5with one-dimensional Si nanowires (NWs) was reported to achieve an ultraviolet (UV)-enhanced Si NW broadband photodetector. A compact and uniform coverage of Cs3Cu2I5on the top and sidewall of Si NWs formed a core/shell heterostructure, in which Si NWs served as the growth template and the electron-transport layer, and Cs3Cu2I5was employed as the UV photoactive material and the hole-transport layer. The as-fabricated Cs3Cu2I5/Si-core/shell NW photodetector demonstrates a multiband photodetection from the deep UV to near-infrared region, a fast response speed of 92.5/189.2 μs (265 nm), and a high photoresponsivity of 130 mA/W, nearly 600 times as much as the reference device constructed using Si NWs. More importantly, the proposed photodetector exhibits an excellent stability in air ambient. Typically, it could endure a high temperature of 60 °C for 11 h consecutive working; after storage in air ambient for two weeks, its photodetection ability can almost be retained. Additionally, high-resolution UV imaging applications were presented by employing the proposed photodetector as sensing pixels. These obtained results verify the effectiveness of the Cs3Cu2I5/Si-core/shell NW heterojunction strategy for UV-enhanced broadband photodetection, making such a device really possible for practical applications.

Currently, the blue perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) suffer from a compromise in lead toxicity and poor operation stability, and most previous studies have struggled to meet the crucial blue NTSC standard. In this study, electrically driven deep-blue LEDs (∼445 nm) based on zero-dimensional (0D) Cs3Cu2I5nanocrystals (NCs) were demonstrated with the color coordinates of (0.16, 0.07) and a high external quantum efficiency of ∼1.12%, comparable with the best-performing blue LEDs based on lead-halide perovskites. Encouraged by the remarkable stability of Cs3Cu2I5NCs against heat and environmental oxygen/moisture, the proposed device was operated in a continuous current mode for 170 h, producing a record half-lifetime of ∼108 h. The device stability was further verified by an aggressive thermal cycling test (300–360–300 K) and a 35-day storage test. Together with the eco-friendly features and facile colloidal synthesis technique, the 0D Cs3Cu2I5NCs can be therefore regarded as a promising candidate for deep-blue LEDs applications.

Cancer cells increase lipogenesis for their proliferation and the activation of sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs) has a central role in this process. SREBPs are inhibited by a complex composed of INSIG proteins, SREBP cleavage-activating protein (SCAP) and sterols in the endoplasmic reticulum. Regulation of the interaction between INSIG proteins and SCAP by sterol levels is critical for the dissociation of the SCAP–SREBP complex from the endoplasmic reticulum and the activation of SREBPs1,2. However, whether this protein interaction is regulated by a mechanism other than the abundance of sterol—and in particular, whether oncogenic signalling has a role—is unclear. Here we show that activated AKT in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells phosphorylates cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1), the rate-limiting enzyme in gluconeogenesis, at Ser90. Phosphorylated PCK1 translocates to the endoplasmic reticulum, where it uses GTP as a phosphate donor to phosphorylate INSIG1 at Ser207 and INSIG2 at Ser151. This phosphorylation reduces the binding of sterols to INSIG1 and INSIG2 and disrupts the interaction between INSIG proteins and SCAP, leading to the translocation of the SCAP–SREBP complex to the Golgi apparatus, the activation of SREBP proteins (SREBP1 or SREBP2) and the transcription of downstream lipogenesis-related genes, proliferation of tumour cells, and tumorigenesis in mice. In addition, phosphorylation of PCK1 at Ser90, INSIG1 at Ser207 and INSIG2 at Ser151 is not only positively correlated with the nuclear accumulation of SREBP1 in samples from patients with HCC, but also associated with poor HCC prognosis. Our findings highlight the importance of the protein kinase activity of PCK1 in the activation of SREBPs, lipogenesis and the development of HCC.

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), CRISPR interference and programmable base editing have transformed the manipulation of eukaryotic genomes for potential therapeutic applications1–4. Here, we exploited CRISPR interference and programmable base editing to determine their potential in editing a TERTgene promoter-activating mutation, which occurs in many diverse cancer types, particularly glioblastoma5–8. Correction of the −124C>T TERTpromoter mutation to −124C was achieved using a single guide RNA (sgRNA)-guided and catalytically impaired Campylobacter jejuniCRISPR-associated protein 9-fused adenine base editor (CjABE). This modification blocked the binding of members of the E26 transcription factor family to the TERTpromoter, reduced TERTtranscription and TERT protein expression, and induced cancer-cell senescence and proliferative arrest. Local injection of adeno-associated viruses expressing sgRNA-guided CjABE inhibited the growth of gliomas harbouring TERT-promoter mutations. These preclinical proof-of-concept studies establish the feasibility of gene editing as a therapeutic approach for cancer and validate activated TERT-promoter mutations as a cancer-specific therapeutic target.

Recently, much progress has been made in polarization-sensitive photodetectors based on the newly-emerging metal-halide perovskites. However, compared to extensive work on visible/infrared-light photodetection, polarization-sensitive perovskite photodetectors targeted at the ultraviolet (UV) region have not been reported. In addition, most of the previously reported photodetectors concentrated on lead-halide perovskites, but the lead-toxicity and poor stability severely restricted their practical applications. In this study, for the first time, one-dimensional CsCu2I3nanowires (NWs) were used as the light absorber to fabricate a polarization-sensitive UV photodetector because of their electric and optical anisotropy of the asymmetric structure and external morphology anisotropy, and a high photocurrent anisotropy ratio of ∼3.16 was achieved. Owing to the high crystallinity of the CsCu2I3NWs, the device exhibits remarkable photodetection ability with a photoresponsivity of ∼32.3 A W−1, a specific detectivity of 1.89 × 1012Jones, and a fast response speed of 6.94/214 μs. Moreover, such a device fabricated on a flexible substrate shows almost no photodetection degradation after extreme bending for 1000 cycles, demonstrating good flexibility and bending endurance. The results obtained highlight the great potential of such copper halides as a stable and environmentally-friendly candidate for polarization-sensitive UV photodetectors, rendering them potentially useful for assembly of optoelectronic systems in the future.

Increased expression of the 3.1 isoform of the KCNH2 potassium channel has been associated with cognitive dysfunction and with schizophrenia, yet little is known about the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. Here, by using in vivo wireless local field potential recordings during working memory processing, in vitro brain slice whole-cell patching recordings and in vivo stereotaxic hippocampal injection of AAV-encoded expression, we identified specific and delayed disruption of hippocampal-mPFC synaptic transmission and functional connectivity associated with reductions of SERPING1, CFH, and CD74in the KCNH2-3.1 overexpression transgenic mice. The differentially expressed genes in mice are enriched in neurons and microglia, and reduced expression of these genes dysregulates the complement cascade, which has been previously linked to synaptic plasticity. We find that knockdown of these genes in primary neuronal–microglial cocultures from KCNH2-3.1 mice impairs synapse formation, and replenishing reduced CFHgene expression rescues KCNH2-3.1-induced impaired synaptogenesis. Translating to humans, we find analogous dysfunctional interactions between hippocampus and prefrontal cortex in coupling of the fMRI blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal during working memory in healthy subjects carrying alleles associated with increased KCNH2-3.1 expression in brain. Our data uncover a previously unrecognized role of the truncated KCNH2-3.1 potassium channel in mediating complement activation, which may explain its association with altered hippocampal–prefrontal connectivity and synaptic function. These results provide a potential molecular link between increased KCNH2-3.1 expression, synapse alterations, and hippocampal–prefrontal circuit abnormalities implicated in schizophrenia.

Ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors with high spectrum selectivity are highly desired for certain special applications, like selected-wavelength imaging and UV-phototherapy. Here, for the first time, a highly stable and spectrum-selective self-powered UV photodetector based on lead-free Cs3Cu2I5films was demonstrated. By designing the Cs3Cu2I5/GaN heterojunction, a narrow spectral response “window” of 300–370 nm was realized, and the working mechanism was investigated through the dependence of the spectral response on the absorber thickness and bias voltage. Because of the high material integrity of the Cs3Cu2I5films and competent interfacial charge transfer from Cs3Cu2I5to GaN, the proposed device exhibits a remarkable photodetection capability. Moreover, the proposed photodetector without encapsulation exhibits excellent working stability in ambient air, and typically it can operate continuously for more than 12 h under a high operation temperature of 373 K, indicating a high temperature tolerance and desired performance for practical applications under harsh environments. In addition, the device was used as the sensing pixels in a UV imaging system, and high-resolution imaging patterns were achieved. The results highlight the great potential of such lead-free Cs3Cu2I5as environment-friendly alternatives for stable and spectrum-selective UV photodetection without band-pass filters that can be employed in imaging.

Human speech and animal vocalizations are important for social communication and animal survival. Neurons in the auditory pathway are responsive to a range of sounds, from elementary sound features to complex acoustic sounds. For social communication, responses to distinct patterns of vocalization are usually highly specific to an individual conspecific call, in some species. This includes the specificity of sound patterns and embedded biological information. We conducted single-unit recordings in the amygdala of awake marmosets and presented calls used in marmoset communication, calls of other species and calls from specific marmoset individuals. We found that some neurons (47/262) in the amygdala distinguished ‘Phee’ calls from vocalizations of other animals and other types of marmoset vocalizations. Interestingly, a subset of Phee-responsive neurons (22/47) also exhibited selectivity to one out of the three Phees from two different ‘caller’ marmosets. Our findings suggest that, while it has traditionally been considered the key structure in the limbic system, the amygdala also represents a critical stage of socially relevant auditory perceptual processing.This study reveals a crucial role of the amygdala in processing the conspecific vocalization.

Recently, the growing demand for optical anticounterfeiting technology has motivated intensive research in newly emerging halide perovskite quantum dots (QDs). However, the poor stability and unsatisfactory fluorescence efficiency of such materials are the main obstacles to the application of reliable anticounterfeiting. In this work, we performed a well-controlled investigation of the effect of the surfactant (l-α-phosphatidylcholine, LP) and silica encapsulation on the stability and emission of the CsPbBr3QDs. Because of the synergetic effect of the surfactant and core/shell configuration, the resulting CsPbBr3/LP/SiO2QD composites demonstrated a higher photoluminescence quantum yield (>90%), a better color purity, and a significantly improved stability in heat, ultraviolet light, water, and ambient oxygen, which provide them the basic conditions as a high-tech security ink for anticounterfeiting. By inkjet printing technology, we demonstrated that our CsPbBr3/LP/SiO2QD composites can act as a smart concealed ink for information encryption and decryption. More importantly, the anticounterfeiting effect can be efficiently sustained even though the paper with designable patterns was crudely treated by water-soaking, heating/cooling cycling, and continuous ultraviolet light switching (1500 cycles). The above results obtained provide effective strategies to improve emission efficiency and stability of perovskite QDs, thereby enduing them anticounterfeiting application potential.

This research provided a meta-analysis of the direct economic impacts of cruise tourism, using a meta-regression, an Ordinary Least Square model, a fixed-effects model, and Sobel-Goodman mediation tests. The results revealed a significantly positive coefficient between direct economic impacts and: number of passengers, number of crew members, number of cruise lines, expenditures per passenger, and expenditures per cruise line. It was further found that cruise lines had significant mediation effects on the expenditures per passenger and per crew member at port destinations. Compared to North American markets, the direct economic impacts of cruise tourism on ports in the Caribbean markets and other emerging markets were significantly lower.

ABSTRACTCircular RNAs (circRNAs) are evolutionarily conserved and widely present, but their functions remain largely unknown. Recent development has highlighted the importance of circRNAs as the sponge of microRNA (miRNA) in cancer. We previously reported that gga-miR-375 was downregulated in the liver tumors of chickens infected with avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J) by microRNA microarray assay. It can be reasonably assumed in accordance with previous studies that the gga-miR-375 may be related to circRNAs. However, the question as to which circRNA acts as the sponge for gga-miR-375 remains to be answered. In this study, circRNA sequencing results revealed that a circRNA Vav3 termed circ-Vav3 was upregulated in the liver tumors of chickens infected with ALV-J. In addition, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), biotinylated RNA pull-down and RNA-fluorescence in situhybridization (RNA-FISH) experiments were conducted to confirm that circ-Vav3 serves as the sponge of gga-miR-375. Furthermore, we confirmed through dual luciferase reporter assay that YAP1 is the target gene of gga-miR-375. The effect of the sponge function of circ-Vav3 on its downstream genes has been further verified by our conclusion that the sponge function of circ-Vav3 can abrogate gga-miR-375 target gene YAP1 and increase the expression level of YAP1. We further confirmed that the circ-Vav3/gga-miR-375/YAP1 axis induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through influencing EMT markers to promote tumorigenesis. Finally, clinical ALV-J-induced tumor livers were collected to detect core gene expression levels to provide a proof to the concluded tumorigenic mechanism. Together, our results suggest that circ-Vav3/gga-miR-375/YAP1 axis is another regulator of tumorigenesis.

Recently, halide perovskites have attracted tremendous attention because of their great abilities in large-scale and cost-effective manufacturing of optoelectronic devices. Here, a novel photodetector configuration was proposed by employing vapor-processed micrometer-scale inorganic CsPbBr3microplatelets as the light absorber. Temperature-dependent steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence spectra were first recorded to study the emission mechanisms and carrier recombination dynamics of the CsPbBr3microplatelets. Furthermore, a photoconductive detector was prepared, and the device exhibits good performances with a high on/off photocurrent ratio of 4.6 × 103, a responsivity of ∼1.33 A/W, and a specific detectivity of 0.86 × 1012jones. Additionally, temperature-dependent current–voltage and current–time characteristics of the photodetector were studied to assess the thermal effects on its photodetection ability. In particular, the unencapsulated photodetector demonstrates a prominent stability over the long-term temperature endurance measure in ambient air. Even operated at 373 K, the photodetector can operate properly, showing a high temperature resistance. Moreover, the device performance can almost be retained even with a 7 month storage in air. The experimental results suggest that the CsPbBr3microplatelets can serve as a good candidate for the fabrication of high-performance photodetectors compatible with practical applications.

In this study, a dual-source vapor evaporation method was employed to fabricate the high-quality CsPbBr3thin films with a good crystalline and high surface coverage. Temperature-dependent and excitation power-dependent photoluminescence measurements were performed to study the optical properties of the CsPbBr3material. Further, based on the experimental data, the temperature sensitivity coefficient of band gap and exciton binding energy were estimated. More importantly, for the first time, we designed and prepared a hole-injection layer-free perovskite light-emitting diode (LED) based on the Au/MgO/CsPbBr3/n-MgZnO/n+-GaN structure, producing an intense green emission (∼538 nm) with a high purity. Besides, the device demonstrated a high luminance of 5025 cd/m2, an external quantum efficiency of 1.46%, a current efficiency of 1.92 cd/A, and a power efficiency of 1.76 lm/W. We studied in detail the current–voltage and electroluminescence properties of the prepared device and proposed the hole generation models and the carrier transport/recombination mechanisms to make these interesting characteristics certain. The results obtained would provide a new and effective strategy for the design and preparation of perovskite LEDs.

Current models of somatosensory perception emphasize transmission from primary sensory neurons to the spinal cord and on to the brain1–4. Mental influence on perception is largely assumed to occur locally within the brain. Here we investigate whether sensory inflow through the spinal cord undergoes direct top-down control by the cortex. Although the corticospinal tract (CST) is traditionally viewed as a primary motor pathway5, a subset of corticospinal neurons (CSNs) originating in the primary and secondary somatosensory cortex directly innervate the spinal dorsal horn via CST axons. Either reduction in somatosensory CSN activity or transection of the CST in mice selectively impairs behavioural responses to light touch without altering responses to noxious stimuli. Moreover, such CSN manipulation greatly attenuates tactile allodynia in a model of peripheral neuropathic pain. Tactile stimulation activates somatosensory CSNs, and their corticospinal projections facilitate light-touch-evoked activity of cholecystokinin interneurons in the deep dorsal horn. This touch-driven feed-forward spinal–cortical–spinal sensitization loop is important for the recruitment of spinal nociceptive neurons under tactile allodynia. These results reveal direct cortical modulation of normal and pathological tactile sensory processing in the spinal cord and open up opportunities for new treatments for neuropathic pain. Somatosensory corticospinal neurons facilitate touch sensitivity and touch-evoked neuropathic pain in mice.

Metabolism and gene expression, which are two fundamental biological processes that are essential to all living organisms, reciprocally regulate each other to maintain homeostasis and regulate cell growth, survival and differentiation. Metabolism feeds into the regulation of gene expression via metabolic enzymes and metabolites, which can modulate chromatin directly or indirectly — through regulation of the activity of chromatin trans-acting proteins, including histone-modifying enzymes, chromatin-remodelling complexes and transcription regulators. Deregulation of these metabolic activities has been implicated in human diseases, prominently including cancer. Metabolism feeds into gene regulation, allowing adaptation of gene expression to satisfy cellular needs, including in pathological scenarios such as cancer. Metabolism modulates gene expression through metabolites, which serve as cofactors for DNA and histone modifiers, and through metabolic enzymes, which locally regulate chromatin and transcription in the nucleus.

Recently, a pressing requirement of solid-state lighting sources with high performance and low cost has motivated increasing research in metal halide perovskites. However, the relatively low emission efficiency and poor operation stability of perovskite light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are still critical drawbacks. In this study, a strategy of solution-processed all-inorganic heterostructure was proposed to overcome the emission efficiency and operation stability issues facing the challenges of perovskite LEDs. Solution-processed n-ZnO nanoparticles and p-NiO are used as the carrier injectors to fabricate all-inorganic heterostructured CsPbBr3quantum dot LEDs, and a high-efficiency green emission is achieved with maximum luminance of 6093.2 cd/m2, external quantum efficiency of 3.79%, and current efficiency of 7.96 cd/A. More importantly, the studied perovskite LEDs possess a good operation stability after a long test time in air ambient. Typically, the devices can endure a high humidity (75%, 12 h) and a high working temperature (393 K, three heating/cooling cycles) even without encapsulation, and the operation stability is better than any previous reports. It is anticipated that this work will provide an effective strategy for the fabrication of high-performance perovskite LEDs with good stability under ambient and harsh conditions, making practical applications of such LEDs a real possibility.

Mechanical energy in a rolling tire is strong and stable, but it is always wasted and there is no effective means for harvesting. Herein, we demonstrate an array of compressible hexagonal-structured triboelectric nanogenerators (CH-TENGs) for harvesting the mechanical energy from a rolling tire. The CH-TENG units can be stacked in parallel connections and fixed in a rubber tire. The energy harvesting performances are systematically investigated and the maximum instantaneous power is 1.9 mW with the CH-TENG in 8 units, a weight load of 10 N and a speed of 2.51 m/s. The CH-TENGs have stable and durable characteristics for a 30-day continuous work and can drive a wireless tire pressure sensor once every 14 min when the moving speed is 2.51 m/s and weight load is 10 N. On the basis of the measured output power of the CH-TENG, it is expected to produce at least 1.2 W for a standard tire with the CH-TENG in 500 units and the running speed of 100 km/h. This work not only provides a promising solution to harvest the wasted mechanical energy from rolling tires, but also demonstrates the potential applications of the CH-TENG in sustainable automotive electronics.

The vapor-assisted solution method was developed to prepare high-quality organic–inorganic halide perovskite CH3NH3PbBr3(MAPbBr3) thin films. We detailedly investigated the effect of evaporation time and temperature of MABr powder on the microstructure, crystallinity, and optical characterizations of MAPbBr3thin films, and a controllable morphology evolution with varying surface coverage was observed. Temperature-dependent and time-resolved photoluminescence measurements were carried out to investigate the optical transition mechanisms and carrier recombination dynamics of MAPbBr3thin films. Our results revealed that no structural phase transition occurred within the heating process (10–300 K). In addition to the exciton-related emission, a trapped charge-carrier emission appeared at a critical temperature of 140 K. The corresponding temperature sensitivity coefficient of band gap, exciton binding energy, and optical phonon energy of the MAPbBr3thin films were extracted from the experimental data. Furthermore, planar perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) based on a Al/LiF/TPBi/MAPbBr3/NiO/ITO structure were fabricated, and a high-purity green emission at ∼532 nm with a low line width (25 nm) was achieved. The devices demonstrated remarkable performances with high luminance (6530 cd/m2), current efficiency (8.16 cd/A), external quantum efficiency (4.36%), and power efficiency (4.49 lm/W). This research will provide valuable information for the preparation of high-quality perovskite thin films, facilitating their future applications in novel high-performance PeLEDs.

Polycrystalline 2D layered molybdenum disulfide (MoS_2) films were synthesized via a thermal decomposition method. The MoS_2/Si heterostructures were constructed in situ by synthesis MoS_2 on plane Si substrates. Such MoS_2/Si heterostructures exhibited high sensitivity to light illumination with wavelengths ranging from the deep ultraviolet to the near infrared. Photoresponse analysis reveals that a high responsivity of 23.1 A/W, a specific detectivity of 1.63×10^12 Jones, and a fast response speed of 21.6/65.5 μs were achieved. Notably, the MoS_2/Si heterojunction photodetector could operate with excellent stability and repeatability over a wide frequency range up to 150 kHz. The high performance could be attributed to the high-quality heterojunction between MoS_2 and Si obtained by the in situ fabrication process. Such high performance with broadband response suggests that MoS_2/Si heterostructures could have great potential in optoelectronic applications.

Disassembly of nucleosomes in which genomic DNA is packaged with histone regulates gene expression. However, the mechanisms underlying nucleosome disassembly for gene expression remain elusive. We show here that epidermal growth factor receptor activation results in the binding of the RNF8 forkhead-associated domain to pyruvate kinase M2–phosphorylated histone H3-T11, leading to K48-linked polyubiquitylation of histone H3 at K4 and subsequent proteasome-dependent protein degradation. In addition, H3 polyubiquitylation induces histone dissociation from chromatin, nucleosome disassembly, and binding of RNA polymerase II to MYC and CCND1 promoter regions for transcription. RNF8-mediated histone H3 polyubiquitylation promotes tumor cell glycolysis and proliferation and brain tumorigenesis. Our findings uncover the role of RNF8-mediated histone H3 polyubiquitylation in the regulation of histone H3 stability and chromatin modification, paving the way to gene expression regulation and tumorigenesis.