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Glucocorticoids (GCs) are potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant medications and remain the cornerstone of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) therapy. However, ongoing exposure to GCs has the potential to elicit multiple adverse effects. Considering the irreplaceability of GCs in SLE therapy, it is important to explore the optimal regimen of GCs. Here, we compared the long-term efficacy and safety of pulsed and oral GC therapy in a lupus-prone mouse model. Mice were grouped using a randomized block design. We monitored survival rates, proteinuria, serum autoantibodies, and complement 3 (C3) levels up to 28 weeks of age, and assessed renal damage, bone quality, lipid deposition in the liver and marrow, glucose metabolic parameters, and levels of hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Finally, we explored the mechanisms underlying the superior efficacy of the pulse regimen over oral prednisone regimen. We found that both GC regimens alleviated the poor survival rate, proteinuria, and glomerulonephritis, while also reducing serum autoantibodies and increasing the level of C3. The pulsed GC regimen showed less resistance to insulin, less suppression of the HPA axis, less bone loss, and less bone marrow fat deposition than the oral GC regimen. Additionally, GC-induced leucine zipper (GILZ) was significantly overexpressed in the GC pulse group. These results suggest that the GC pulse regimen ameliorated symptoms in lupus-prone mice, with fewer side effects, which may be related to GILZ overexpression. Our findings offer a potentially promising GC treatment option for SLE. [Display omitted] • Methylprednisolone (MP) pulse regimen has fewer side effects than oral prednisone regimen. • MP pulse regimen and oral prednisone regimen have similar efficacy. • GILZ overexpression may be a potential mechanism for MP pulse regimen's fewer side effects. • MP pulse regimen is a potentially promising GC treatment option for SLE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atomistic exploration of Li+ diffusion behaviors in electrodes of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has been documented to be an effective strategy to uncover Li+ storage mechanisms and to guide the design of promising electrode materials. In this work, we prepared two different types of SnO 2 nanorods-graphene hybrids with anchored (A-SnG) and sandwiched (S-SnG) structures, investigated their electrochemical performances and unveiled the Li+ diffusion behaviors at atomic level. The Li+ diffusion behaviors of two SnO 2 -G hybrids during lithification were analyzed by in situ transmission electron microscopy. It is noted that Li+ orientation-dependently intercalated into crystal planes of SnO 2 and induce anisotropic volume expansion upon the lithiation process. We assume that dislocations inside SnO 2 nanorods provide effective channels for Li+ diffusion. In addition, graphene matrix accelerates the electron transfer, which can promote the electrochemical reaction kinetics. These merits in the SnO 2 nanorods-graphene hybrids during lithiation process give clues to thoroughly regulate the Li+ diffusion behaviors and thus to get clear insight into advanced electrode material design. The Li+ diffusion behaviors in sandwiched and anchored structured SnO 2 nanorod-graphene hybrids are uncovered by a atomistic level and real-time in situ TEM technique, which paves the way for advanced material design. [Display omitted] • The Li+ diffusion behaviors of two types of SnO 2 nanorod-graphene hybrids are uncovered by in situ TEM technique. • The S-SnO 2 exhibit superior electrochemical performance, which provides a promising strategy to design electrode. • Li+ are preferentially inserted into specific facets of SnO 2 in A-SnG, while isotropically in S-SnG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlling the fire monitor through visual sensors is crucial for achieving automatic fire extinguishing. Since it takes a certain time for the water jet drop point (JDP) to respond the action of fire monitor, the controller with the image of the JDP will lead to jet oscillation and long adjustment time, which will reduce the effectiveness of fire extinguishing. To solve these problems, first of all, a kinematic model of the JDP with delay is constructed by scrutinizing the movement of particles in the water jet. This model quantifies the delay mechanism of the JDP and lessens its detrimental effects. Then, the visual predictive controller with visibility and structural restrictions is used to achieve the desired angles of the fire monitor in various degrees of freedom. Finally, the dynamic model of the fire monitor is derived to achieve accurate tracking control for the desired angles, and a controller with the linear extended state observer is proposed to account for unknown terms resulting from factors such as jet reaction forces. Comparative experiments are conducted on a real fire-extinguishing robot to verify the effectiveness of the proposed kinematic model and controller. [Display omitted] • A kinematic model of the water jet drop point (JDP) is developed. • A vision prediction controller with the kinematic model is proposed to control the JDP. • A dynamic model considering unknown disturbances and a controller with the disturbance observer are proposed to achieve accurate tracking control of the fire monitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association between metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and disease progression in patients with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are unclear. To explore the association between MAFLD and the severity of COVID-19 by meta-analysis. We conducted a literature search using PubMed, EMBASE, Medline (OVID), and MedRxiv from inception to July 6, 2020. Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and Stata 14.0 were used for quality assessment of included studies as well as for performing a pooled analysis. A total of 6 studies with 1,293 participants were included after screening. Four studies reported the prevalence of MAFLD patients with COVID-19, with a pooled prevalence of 0.31 for MAFLD (95CI 0.28, 0.35, I2 = 38.8%, P = 0.179). MAFLD increased the risk of COVID-19 disease severity, with a pooled OR of 2.93 (95CI 1.87, 4.60, I2 = 34.3%, P = 0.166). In this meta-analysis, we found that a high percentage of patients with COVID-19 had MAFLD. Meanwhile, MAFLD increased the risk of disease progression among patients with COVID-19. Thus, better intensive care and monitoring are needed for MAFLD patients infected by SARS-COV-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We followed up for more than eight years. • Comprehensive clinical and imaging data. • Clinical Neuroscience reported many times on the application of Coflex. To evaluate the long-term efficacy of Coflex dynamic stabilization device in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis. The clinical and imaging data of 73 patients undergoing Coflex dynamic stabilization surgery from July 2008 to June 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients had a minimum of 8 years of follow-up. Clinical data were used to assess the clinical efficacy, and radiographic parameters were measured for evaluation of ASD. 56 Patients were followed up for 107.6 ± 13.3 months. The visual analogue scale of pain (VAS), Owestry disability index (ODI) and Japanese Orthopedic Association Scores (JOA) improved significantly after surgery. At 6 months after surgery and the last follow-up, lumbar range of motion (ROM) was significantly lower than that before surgery (P < 0.001). ROM was slightly increased at the last follow-up compared with that 6 months after operation (P > 0.05). ROM of adjacent segments increased at 6 months and at the last follow-up compared with that before surgery (P > 0.05). At 6 months after surgery, intervertebral space height (ISH) and intervertebral foramen height (IFH) of implanted segment was significantly higher than that before surgery (P < 0.05). At the last follow-up, there was a decrease in ISH and IFH (P > 0.05). During the follow-up period, a total of 11 patients (19.6%) experienced complications and 6 patients (10.7%) underwent secondary surgery. Coflex interspinous process dynamic stabilization is effective in the long-term treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis, the ISH and IFH of implanted segment could be increased in a short period of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Participants were injected with a single booster doses 2–32 years after the primary immunization. • Participants were randomly divided into two groups receiving a booster dose of HepB (SC) or CHO. • Both linear and logistic regression models were used to detect the factors which were associated with immune response to a booster vaccination. To assess the immune effect of different types of hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) booster doses 2–32 years after primary immunization, explore the influencing factors, and offer guidance regarding the necessity and timing of boosters. In total, 1163 participants who were born from 1986 to 2015, received the HepB full-course primary vaccination, were hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) negative, and had hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) <10 mIU/mL were enrolled. Individuals were randomly divided into two groups and received a booster dose of HepB. Venous blood samples were collected 30 days later and tested for anti-HBs. In total, 595 and 568 individuals received a single dose of HepB (CHO) and HepB (SC), respectively. Venous blood samples were obtained from 1079 vaccinees (CHO: 554, SC: 525). The seroconversion rates were 93.68% (519/554) and 86.67% (455/525) (p < 0.05), with geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) of 426.58 mIU/ml and 223.8 mIU/ml, respectively. This result indicated that BMI, smoking status, vaccine types of booster and prebooster anti-HBs concentration significantly influenced anti-HBs levels. Only BMI, prebooster anti-HBs concentrations and booster types were different between the anti-HBs positive and negative groups. Participants boostered with HepB (CHO) had a relatively higher seroconversion rate than those boostered with HepB (SC). The high seroconversion rates in the two groups suggested that the subjects remained protected despite low circulating antibodies, so there is currently no urgent need for booster immunization. Factors including BMI ≥ 25 and prebooster anti-HBs concentration <2.5 mIU/mL, which contributed to lower responses to a booster dose, might indicate a greater risk of breakthrough infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type-II heterostructures have gained popularity in photocatalysis due to their ability to suppress carrier recombination. One distinctive approach towards achieving superior photocatalytic efficiency is by constructing heterostructures using 2D polarized materials. In this work, we constructed a GeS/Zr 2 CO 2 heterostructure and investigated its built-in electric field and photocatalytic properties using first-principles calculations, with a focus on the effects of biaxial strain engineering. Our results indicated that under biaxial tension, the band alignment of GeS/Zr 2 CO 2 heterostructure changed from a type-I to a type-II, while maintaining an indirect band gap. The GeS/Zr 2 CO 2 heterostructure possessed a built-in electric field induced by dipoles and interfacial effects from the GeS monolayer and the interface between two monolayers, respectively, which increased with biaxial tension. Additionally, the GeS/Zr 2 CO 2 heterostructure exhibited superior light absorption compared to individual monolayers, which was further enhanced by biaxial tension. The stretched 3% (4%) GeS/Zr 2 CO 2 heterostructure has a remarkable STH efficiency of 21.2% (20.6%). Moreover, their anisotropic m e * and lower m h * can enhance the efficiency of photocatalytic reactions by suppressing carrier recombination. These results suggest that the GeS/Zr 2 CO 2 heterostructure hold great potential as water-splitting photocatalysts, and biaxial strain is a promising approach for developing high-performance photocatalysts in the foreseeable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have conducted a study on the electronic and thermoelectric characteristics of Janus AsSeX (X = Cl, Br, I) monolayers. To accomplish this, we employed a combination of density functional theory (DFT) and Boltzmann transport theory. Through our study, we observed that the Janus AsSeX monolayers possess excellent dynamic, thermal, and mechanical stabilities. Our results reveal that AsSeCl, AsSeBr, and AsSeI are indirect band gap semiconductors with bandgaps of 2.10 eV, 1.87 eV, and 1.85 eV, respectively. Following the value of the B/G and v , we observe that Janus AsSeCl displays brittle property, whereas Janus AsSeBr and AsSeI exhibit ductile characteristics. We have also calculated the lattice thermal conductivity of these materials at room temperature, which are 1.87 Wm−1K−1, 3.80 Wm−1K−1, and 2.63 Wm−1K−1 for AsSeCl, AsSeBr and AsSeI, respectively. Furthermore, we have extracted thermal transport parameters, including the phase volume space group velocity, scattering rate, Grüneisen parameter, and group velocity, and carried out an in-depth analysis of their underlying mechanisms. Finally, we predict ZT values of 1.55, 0.95, and 1.11 for the p-type doping of Janus AsSeCl, AsSeBr, and AsSeI monolayers at 700 K, indicating that Janus AsSeCl and AsSeI monolayers are potential thermoelectric materials with high ZT values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon composite products with different structures have been developed and used as anode for lithium-ion batteries due to the superior elasticity of carbon, which can keep the morphology integrity of the electrode materials in the process of the multiple cycles. Herein, a novel structure of nanosheets-in-nanotube Co 3 O 4 /carbon arrays is fabricated by the method of modified chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The carbon nanotube (CNT) layer acting as an outside coater can efficiently prevent the electrode from fragmentation and consequently ensure its shape integrity. The specific structure shows the ultra-stable cycle life (850 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 0.5C) and high rate capability (694 mAh g−1 at 2C). The favorable electrochemical properties are contributed to the combination of the wrapped elastic carbon and the enclosed Co 3 O 4 nanosheets in the lithiation process, which is confirmed by an in situ transmission electron microscope. A novel structure of nanosheets-in-nanotube Co 3 O 4 /carbon array is fabricated by the method of modified chemical vapor deposition, which shows the stable cycle life and high rate capability as tested as anode materials for Lithium-ion batteries. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A ratiometric aptasensor with no need for real-time excitation and sample separation was developed for accurate detection of OTA. • The developed aptasensor combines the features of non-autofluorescence, exogenous interference-free as well as high specificity. • The developed aptasensor has a lower detection limit and a wider detection range than some recently reported methods. • The developed ratiometric aptasensor has good universality by replacing aptamer and corresponding complementary chain. Accurate and sensitive detection of ochratoxin A (OTA) is highly necessary due to its high carcinogenicity, teratogenicity and mutagenicity. Herein, we reported an exogenous interference and autofluorescence-free ratiometric aptasensor based on dual-colored persistent luminescent nanoparticles for precise detection of OTA. Green-emitting ZnGeO:Mn bonded with OTA aptamer and BHQ1-modified complementary base was acted as detection and specific recognition probe (ZGM@BHQ1). Quaternary ammonium modified ZnGaGeO:Cr with red emission was employed as reference probe and further bonded to ZGM@BHQ1 through electrostatic interaction to construct the ratiometric aptasensor. The developed ratiometric aptasensor was free from real-time excitation, external interference and autofluorescence and gave low detection limit of 3.4 pg mL−1, wide linearity in the range of 0.01–50 ng mL−1 and high precision of 3.1 % (11 replicate determinations, at 1 ng mL−1 level). The applicability of the aptasensor was successfully demonstrated by analyzing OTA in in grain samples with recoveries of 97.6 %-105.2 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The effect of health status on the relationship between particulate matter (PM) and black carbon (BC) and cardiac autonomic function has not been examined sufficiently directly comparing patients with healthy participants. Objectives To evaluate the association patterns between size-fractioned indoor PM and BC and cardiac autonomic function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and their healthy spouses. Methods Twenty-four-hour heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate (HR) was measured in eight pairs of stable COPD patients and their healthy spouses. Real-time size-fractioned indoor PM and BC levels were monitored on the same, and preceding, days. Mixed-effects models were used to estimate the changes in health indices and pollutants after controlling for potential confounding variables. Results Increases in size-fractioned PM and BC were associated with alterations in cardiac autonomic function in both COPD patients and their healthy spouses. However, the association patterns differed between the two groups. In COPD group, an IQR (13.65 μg/m 3 ) increase in PM 0.5 at 12-h moving average was associated with reductions of 14.62% (95% CI: -21.74%, -6.86%) in total power (TP) and 10.14% (95% CI: -16.11%, -3.76%) in high frequency (HF) power. In healthy volunteers, however, TP and HF declined immediately upon exposure to PM and then returned to normal levels gradually. In this group, an IQR increase in PM 0.5 at 5 min moving average was associated a 20.30% (95% CI: -25.49%, -14.73%) reduction in TP and a 31.79% (95% CI: -36.48%, -26.72%) reduction in HF. Conclusions Exposure to indoor PM and BC was associated with cardiac autonomic dysfunction in COPD patients and their healthy spouses. Exposure had a greater lagged effect on HRV in COPD patients than in healthy participants. These findings will aid the formulation of targeted measures to prevent the adverse effects of indoor air pollution for individuals with different health statuses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Previous studies have reported adverse health effects of indoor air pollutants especially particulate matter (PM) and black carbon (BC). Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have been shown to be more likely with cardiovascular comorbidities in which cardiac autonomic dysfunction plays an important role. However, there is little evidence for the effect of indoor PM and BC exposures on cardiac autonomic function in COPD patients. Objectives To evaluate the association between exposure to indoor size-fractioned PM and BC and changes in HRV and HR in COPD patients. Methods Forty-three doctor diagnosed, stable COPD patients were recruited and measured for 24-h HRV and HR. Real-time indoor size-fractioned PM and BC were monitored on the day before and the day of performing health measurements. Mixed-effects models were used to estimate the associations between indoor PM and BC and HRV indices and HR after controlling for potential confounders. Results Increasing levels of size-fractioned PM and BC were associated with decreased HRV indices and increased HR. An IQR (3.14 μg/m 3 ) increase in 8-h BC moving average and an IQR (20.72 μg/m 3 ) increase in 5-min PM 0.5 moving average concentrations were associated with declines of 7.45% (95% CI: − 10.89%, − 3.88%) and 16.40% (95% CI: − 21.06%, − 11.41%) in LF, respectively. The smaller the particles size, the greater effects on HRV indices and HR. Patients' BMI modified the associations between size-fractioned PM and BC and their HRV and HR. For an IQR increase in PM 0.5 , there was decline in HF of 34.85% (95% CI: − 39.08%, − 30.33%) in overweight patients, compared to a 2.01% (95% CI: − 6.44%, 11.19%) increase in normal-weight patients. Conclusions Exposures to indoor PM and BC were associated with altered cardiac autonomic function in COPD patients, and the associations for HRV measures of parasympathetic activity (e.g., HF) were more apparent in overweight patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Short-term exposure to ambient air pollution has been associated with lower pulmonary function and higher blood pressure (BP). However, controversy remains regarding the relationship between ambient multiple daily ozone (O 3 ) metrics and cardiopulmonary health outcomes, especially in the developing countries. Objectives To investigate and compare the short-term effects of various O 3 metrics on pulmonary function, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and BP in a panel study of COPD patients. Methods We measured pulmonary function, FeNO and BP repeatedly in a total of 43 patients with COPD for 215 home visits. Daily hourly ambient O 3 concentrations were obtained from central-monitoring stations close to subject residences. We calculated various O 3 metrics [daily 1-h maximum (O 3 -1 h max), maximum 8-h average (O 3 -8 h max) and 24-h average (O 3 -24 h avg)] based on the hourly data. Daily indoor O 3 concentrations were estimated based on estimated indoor/outdoor O 3 ratios. Linear mixed-effects models were used to estimate associations of various O 3 metrics with cardiopulmonary function variables. Results An interquartile range (IQR) increase in ambient O 3 -8 h max (80.5 μg/m 3 , 5-d) was associated with a 5.9% (95%CI: −11.0%, −0.7%) reduction in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV 1 ) and a 6.2% (95%CI: −10.9%, −1.5%) reduction in peak expiratory flow (PEF). However, there were no significant negative associations between ambient O 3 -1 h max, O 3 -24 h avg and FEV 1 , PEF. An IQR increase in ambient O 3 -1 h max (85.3 μg/m 3 , 6-d) was associated with a 6.7 mmHg (95%CI: 0.7, 12.7) increase in systolic BP. The estimated indoor O 3 were still significantly associated with reduction of FEV 1 and PEF. No significant associations were found between various O 3 metrics and FeNO. Conclusions Our results provide clues for the adverse cardiopulmonary effects associated with various O 3 metrics in COPD patients and highlight that O 3 -8 h max was more closely associated with respiratory health variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• PTEN/SOCS3 co-inhibition actives two pathways of AKT/mTOR and JAK/STAT in cortex. • PTEN/SOCS3 co-inhibition promotes axon regeneration after SCI. • Combining rehabilitation with PTEN/SOCS3 co-inhibition further enhance regeneration. • Combining rehabilitation with PTEN/SOCS3 co-inhibition improve skilled function. Previous studies reported that the codeletion of PTEN and SOCS3 can greatly enhance the capacity of axon regeneration after central nervous system (CNS) injury. Moreover, the promotion of functional recovery can be improved by rehabilitative training under a use-dependent plasticity mechanism after CNS injury. However, few studies have reported the interaction between these mechanisms after spinal cord injury (SCI). Therefore, we investigated the combined effects of PTEN/SOCS3 coinhibition and rehabilitative training on axon regeneration and upper extremity motor functional improvement after cervical SCI in mice. In this study, we used RNA interference viruses to coinhibit PTEN and SOCS3 and induced a C5 crush injury on the side of preference. The injured upper extremity was trained by single pellet grasping for 4 weeks. We found that the coinjection of viruses significantly increased the expression of p-S6 and p-STAT in the cortex, reduced the dieback pattern of injured axons and promoted traced axon regeneration. More importantly, combination therapy further enhanced axon regeneration compared with PTEN/SOCS3 coinhibition alone. In behavioral tests, the motor performance of the mice in the PTEN/SOCS3 + Training group was better than that of the mice in the other groups. These results indicate that combining task-based rehabilitative training with PTEN/SOCS3 coinhibition further promotes axon regeneration and significant improvement in forelimb skilled motor function after cervical SCI. Our findings provide new therapeutic insights into SCI treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to characterize the pattern of gene expression at the last stage of ovarian maturation in Chlamys farreri . Dynamic transcriptomic analysis of ovaries was performed at four time points prior to ovulation, using the Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. A total of 174,928 unigenes were obtained, among which 42,534 were annotated according to bioinformatics databases, such as NT, NR, Swiss-Prot, KOG, GO, and KEGG. Results from the transcriptome analysis revealed a time-dependent pattern of global transcriptional responses. When compared to the 0 d library, 99, 152, and 3248 differently expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained in the 3, 10, and 21 d libraries, respectively. Those three libraries shared only 10 DEGs, the majority of which were time-specific. Pairwise comparisons of each profile demonstrated that DEGs were related to hormone metabolism and receptors, cell division, gametogenesis, and vitellogenesis pathways. Notably, when adjacent sampling time point groups were compared, the only DEG throughout the experimental period was related to the G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathway. The present study provides the first dynamic transcriptomic analysis of C. farreri for evaluation of the molecular basis of gonadal maturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel type I LaFeO 3 /CeO 2 heterostructures were prepared via a facile ultrasonic synthetic process to induce boosted charge carrier separation and high photocatalytic activity. The formed nanocomposites were characterized by XRD, DRS, XPS, SEM, EDX, HRTEM, PL, and N 2 adsorption-desorption analyses, which indicated that the LaFeO 3 /CeO 2 heterojunction was successfully synthesized. DRS analysis showed that a suitable band gap was crucial for enhancing photocatalytic activity. The high surface area of LFO/Ce = 3:7 (65.292 m2/g) relative to LaFeO 3 (19.934 m2/g) and CeO 2 (47.876 m2/g) provided more active sites, which led to a further enhancement in photocatalytic activity. Moreover, the coupling of LaFeO 3 and CeO 2 improved the lifetime of charge carriers, as confirmed by the photoelectrochemical analysis. The performance of these LaFeO 3 /CeO 2 composites for the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants under visible light was examined. Notably, the sample LFO/Ce = 3:7 displayed the highest photocatalytic activity for methylene blue (MB), rhodamine B (RhB), and tetracycline (TC) degradation. The removal rates of MB, RhB, and TC by LFO/Ce = 3:7 were respectively 2.1 and 2.7, 1.1 and 1.6, and 2.3 and 1.9 times higher than those of pure LaFeO 3 and CeO 2 within the same degradation time. The TOC analysis of the degraded product verified the high mineralization (68%) of MB by LFO/Ce = 3:7. Scavenging experiments and ESR studies indicated that h+ and •OH were the main active species during the photocatalytic degradation. The LaFeO 3 /CeO 2 composites with type I heterostructures facilitated the separation of photogenerated e-h+ pairs and prevented their recombination. Consequently, various active species (h+, •OH, and •O 2 −) were generated. Therefore, these efficient LaFeO 3 /CeO 2 heterostructures show great promise as effective photocatalysts for complex environmental wastewater purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The notorious defects in the grain boundaries (GBs) and surfaces trigger serious nonradiative recombination and interfacial charge losses, concomitantly exacerbating the deterioration of photovoltaic performance and phase stability of CsPbI 2 Br perovskite solar cells. In this work, a comprehensive dual-passivation strategy enabled by formamidine salts (FADP) is developed to annihilate defects both inside the GBs and over the surface. It is shown that formamidinothiourea (FATU) additive could effectively modulate crystallization and afford to passivate both shallow-/deep-level defects at GBs, thereby endowing CsPbI 2 Br films with reduced lattice micro-strains and enlarged grains over 2 µm. Meanwhile, formamidinium bromine (FABr) post-treatment can efficiently heal the defective surface and realize cationic exchange with below CsPbI 2 Br films, forming a gradient band alignment at the CsPbI 2 Br/HTL interface. Profiting from ameliorated crystallization, inhibited GBs/surface charge recombination and facilitated hole transport ability, the novel FADP strategy substantially lifts the V oc from 1.22 V to 1.34 V, yielding a champion PCE of 16.74% with greatly reduced hysteresis. Coincidently, the unencapsulated FADP devices maintained 86.2% of initial PCE after aging at 25% RH for 40 days and 83.8% after 480 h aging under continuous illumination, which is pertinent to the inhibited defective region as well as Br-rich surface. [Display omitted] • A dual-passivation strategy enabled by formamidine salts is introduced to passivate defects both inside GBs and over the surface. • Formamidinothiourea additive enables high-quality films while FABr post-treatment forms gradient band alignment at CsPbI 2 Br/HTL interface. • V oc increases from 1.22 V to 1.34 V and a power-conversion-efficiency of 16.74% is achieved. • The unencapsulated devices behave excellent humidity- and light- stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association of systemic antioxidant activity with ambient air pollution has been unclear. A panel of 40 healthy college students underwent repeated blood collection for 12 occasions under three exposure scenarios before and after relocating from a suburban area to an urban area in Beijing, China in 2010–2011. We measured various air pollutants including fine particles (PM 2.5 ) and determined circulating levels of antioxidant enzymes extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) in the laboratory. An interquartile range increase of 63.4 μg/m 3 at 3-d PM 2.5 moving average was associated with a 6.3% (95% CI: 0.6, 12.4) increase in EC-SOD and a 5.5% (95% CI: 1.3, 9.8) increase in GPX1. Several PM 2.5 chemical constituents, including negative ions (nitrate and chloride) and metals (e.g., iron and strontium), were consistently associated with increases in EC-SOD and GPX1. Our results support activation of circulating antioxidant enzymes following exposure to particulate air pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional (2D) pentagonal materials have attracted tremendous interest due to their multifunctional applications in catalytic, optoelectronic and thermoelectric fields. In the work, we examine the dynamic and thermal stabilities for the pentagonal MS 2 (M = Zn, Cd) monolayers by phonon spectra and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. The structural, electronic and thermal transport properties of the pentagonal MS 2 (M = Zn, Cd) monolayers are investigated by employing first-principles calculations coupled with Boltzmann transport theory. The pentagonal MS 2 (M = Zn, Cd) monolayers exhibit the semiconductor character with indirect band gaps. The high carrier mobility with 553 cm2 V−1 s−1 of CdS 2 monolayer is obtained along the y direction. The calculated anisotropic lattice thermal conductivities (K l) are 2.23 (1.83) and 5.69 (5.27) W/m K along x (y) direction for the pentagonal ZnS 2 and CdS 2 monolayers at 300 K, respectively. The heat capacity, phonon group velocity and phonon lifetime are also obtained. It is found that the lower K l along the same direction (x or y) can be attributed to the stronger phonon anharmonicity. A similar anisotropy of power factor (PF) for pentagonal MS 2 (M = Zn, Cd) is discussed in detail. Additionally, the zT values of 1.09 and 0.96 are predicted for the pentagonal ZnS 2 and CdS 2 at the n-type doping along the y direction at 300 K, suggesting the potential applications in thermoelectric fields of pentagonal MS 2 (M = Zn, Cd) monolayers. • The ZnS 2 and CdS 2 monolayers show the semiconductor character with indirect band gaps. • The obtained lattice thermal conductivities are lower than many other 2D materials at 300 K. • The maximum ZT values of 1.09 and 0.96 are predicted for the ZnS 2 and CdS 2 at 300 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the multiple meanings of land in the peasant economy of modern China. It argues that the three-generation structure of the peasant family and the circularity of labour migration ensure that land remains a central and non-substitutable resource. This implies that the, oft-articulated, thesis that migrant work represents a definitive adieu to farming is a fallacy. Peasant workers remain attached, and consequently return, to their land, precisely due to labour migration. In the absence of their husbands, women care for the land, together with their fathers in law and in so doing they sustain both the productivity and continuity of agriculture. It is also argued that a further softening of the Chinese Hukou regulation will not trigger a massive rural exodus. The strong relations between peasant households and the land suggest that this will not happen. The article draws on anthropological and agronomic research by the authors in villages in the province of Hebei that has been ongoing for several years and reviews of historical literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The biofloc technology was proposed as a sustainable solution to culture shrimp with low protein feeds even in intensive systems, which can effectively control water quality under negligible water exchange and sustain healthy culture of shrimp. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of four dietary protein levels (20%, 25%, 30% and 35%) on selected parameters of immune and antioxidant systems, and growth performance of Litopenaeus vannamei juveniles reared in zero-water exchange biofloc-based intensive culture tanks for a period of 7weeks. Good water quality was maintained with the promotion and development of biofloc through sucrose addition during the feeding experiment. At the end of the experiment, the total hemocyte count in the hemolymph, phagocytic activity of the hemocyte, and antibacterial activity and bacteriolytic activity in the plasma of shrimp showed no significant differences (P >0.05) among the four treatments with four dietary protein levels. The shrimp in the treatment with 20% dietary protein level had the lowest total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in both the plasma and the hepatopancreas, and the lowest reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio in the plasma. No significant differences were found in the antioxidant status (in terms of T-AOC, superoxide dismutase activity, GSH level and GSH/GSSG ratio in the plasma and the hepatopancreas) of shrimp fed with 25%, 30% and 35% dietary protein levels. Furthermore, except for the suboptimal growth performance of shrimp in the treatment with 20% dietary protein level, the growth (in terms of final weight, weight gain and specific growth rate) and feed conversion rate (FCR) of shrimp in treatments with 25%, 30% and 35% dietary protein levels showed no significant differences (P >0.05). Mean survival rates were above 85%, with no significant differences (P >0.05) among the four treatments with four dietary protein levels. The results of this study demonstrated that, when juveniles of L. vannamei were reared in zero-water exchange biofloc-based intensive culture tanks, dietary protein level can be reduced from 35% to 25% without affecting survival, growth, FCR, and physiological status of immune response and antioxidant capability, indicating that the promoted biofloc could contribute to the protein nutrition and physiological health of cultured shrimp. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Biofloc technology (BFT) is a microbial manipulation technique used recently in intensive shrimp aquaculture. The driving force of BFT culture systems is microbial biofloc that is responsible for enhancing water quality, supplementing natural food, and improving growth and health of cultured shrimp. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of biofloc on immune response and antioxidant status of Litopenaeus vannamei juveniles reared in biofloc-based tanks through manipulating high C/N ratio of feed input. Two biofloc treatments and one control were compared: Biofloc-based tanks under zero-water exchange with two levels of C/N ratio (15:1, 20:1) by addition of carbohydrate referred to as ‘CN15’ and ‘CN20’ and clear water tanks operated with high water exchange and without addition of carbohydrate referred to as ‘control’. The shrimp were cultured for 30days. The water quality in biofloc-based tanks was maintained with the promotion and development of biofloc through sucrose addition during the experiment. At the end of the experiment, the total hemocyte count in the hemolymph and the phagocytic activity of the hemocyte of the shrimp in the two biofloc treatments were significantly higher than those of the shrimp in the control group (P <0.05). Furthermore, the total antioxidant capacity in both the plasma and the hepatopancreas of the shrimp in the two biofloc treatments was significantly higher than those of the shrimp in the control group (P <0.05). Increased superoxide dismutase activity in the plasma, and increased reduced/oxidized glutathione ratio in both the plasma and the hepatopancreas were found in the shrimp of the two biofloc treatments (P <0.05). There were no significant differences in all of the above parameters between the CN15 and CN20 treatments (P >0.05). The results indicated that promoting biofloc through carbohydrate addition in zero-water exchange systems could enhance immune cellular response and antioxidant status of cultured shrimp under the conditions of the present study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] A facile route was designed to fabricate rod-like Co3O4 and Ag/Co3O4 composite nanomaterials. [•] Co3O4 and Ag/Co3O4 composite were modified on a GCE directly. [•] All samples exhibited enhanced catalytic property for p-nitrophenol reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Precursors of Co3O4 and Ag/Co3O4 composites with sheet-like shape were synthesized with assistance of ethylene glycol via a solvothermal process. The final samples were obtained by calcining each precursor at 400 °C. The as-prepared samples were identified and characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and differential thermal gravimetric (DTG) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The Co3O4 and Ag/Co3O4 composite nanosheets were used as electrocatalysts modified on a glassy carbon electrode for p-nitrophenol and H2O2 reduction respectively in a basic solution. The electrocatalytic results showed that p-nitrophenol could be reduced by pure Co3O4 at a large peak current but a rather higher peak potential, and could be reduced effectively by Ag/Co3O4 composites at lower potential. Ag/Co3O4 composites with 6% Ag displayed the highest electrocatalytic activity for H2O2 reduction at the largest peak current and a lower peak potential. The reduction peak potentials of H2O2 all reduced a great deal using Ag/Co3O4 composite. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We evaluated the soft tissue of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after intracapsular condylar fracture. Eighteen consecutive patients (19 TMJ) were diagnosed between 1 January 2010 and 30 October 2011. They were examined using bilateral sagittal and coronal MRI, which were obtained immediately after injury to assess the displacement of the disc, whether there was a tear in capsule or the retrodiscal tissue, and whether there was an effusion in the joint. On the affected side MRI showed disc displacement in 15 of 19, tears in the capsule in 9, and tears in the retrodiscal tissue in 16. All 19 had joint effusions. It also showed 2 joints with abnormalities on the unaffected side. We conclude that MRI is useful for diagnosis and for estimating the amount of damage to the TMJ, and is helpful in planning treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]