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This study assessed the incidence of mild, moderate and severe adverse events (AEs) and examined their association with age, sex, body region examined, time to event and duration of the AE(s) in a large cohort of patients who underwent contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) with Lumason/SonoVue. In this retrospective observational study, 49,100 patients who underwent CEUS were analyzed. Forty-three (0.088%) patients experienced AEs, with 23 (0.047%) patients experiencing mild AEs, 13 (0.026%) experiencing moderate AEs and 7 (0.014%) experiencing severe AEs. No fatal event occurred. There was no age- or sex-related difference in the incidence of the AE(s) (p = 0.158 and p = 0.474). Inpatients (0.17%) more often experienced AEs than outpatients (0.06%, p = 0.003). The mean time to event for mild and moderate AEs was 14.50 ± 6.96 and 15.75 ± 10.40 min, respectively, whereas that for severe AEs was 1.89 ± 1.21 min after the injection. The remission time for mild and moderate AEs was approximately 30-40 min, and all patients with severe AEs recovered within 12 h. Twenty-one (48.8%) patients received medical treatment. In summary, Lumason/SonoVue has a good safety profile with a low incidence of AEs, most of which are mild with a short time to event and duration.

e-Caprolactone is traditionally produced through Baeyer-Villiger oxidation of cyclohexanone oxidized by peracids in industry, which inevitably results in large discard acid and environmental pollution. To this end, a green route to e-caprolactone was developed by coupling the direct generation of hydrogen peroxide from aerobic oxidation of benzhydrol catalyzed by NHPI and Baeyer-Villiger oxidation of cyclohexanone with the in situ hydrogen peroxide over Sn-Beta zeolites in one pot. Molecular oxygen was employed as the terminal oxidant, and the effects of several reaction factors were studied. Compared with one-step process, the one-pot two-step method noticeably improved the selectivity of e-caprolactone. When the amount of in situ hydrogen peroxide was 0.72 equivalent, the selectivity of e-caprolactone was obtained 94.8% with 39.2% conversion of cyclohexanone, and the efficiency of H2O2 was up to 51.5%. As compared to the commercial 30 wt% aqueous H2O2 added directly, in situ H2O2 dramatically improved the selectivity of e-caprolactone and had higher efficiency. Additionally, the catalyst could be easily separated from the reaction solution and reused several times without the remarkable loss of activity.

Electronegative guests can be induced to fill the voids of skutterudite by doping electron donors in the framework of skutterudites. This method has been considered a promising method to improve thermoelectric properties. In this study, SeyNi0.3Co3.7Sb12 (y = 0, 0.025, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15) skutterudite compounds were prepared using a melt-quenching-annealing synthesis route and spark plasma sintering technology. The phase constituents, microstructure, thermoelectric properties, and thermal transport properties were investigated. Experimental results suggest that the charge compensation between Ni doping and Se filling has a positive effect on the formation of thermodynamically stable SeyNi0.3Co3.7Sb12 alloys. The existence of Se fillers in the voids reduces the lattice thermal conductivity. As the filling fraction of Se increases, the number of holes increases while the electron concentration decreases. The figure of merit (zT) of Se0.15Ni0.3Co3.7Sb12 reaches a maximum of 0.81 at 823 K.

Objective This study aimed to investigate the effect of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) DLGAP1 antisense RNA 1 (DLGAP1-AS1) on vascular endothelial cell (VEC) injury via the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway in rat models of acute lower limb ischaemia–reperfusion (I/R). Methods Differentially expressed lncRNAs related to I/R were screened using the gene expression omnibus database. Acute lower limb I/R models were induced in male Wistar rats, in which the regulatory mechanisms of DLGAP1-AS1 silencing were analysed after the treatment of small interfering RNA (siRNA) against DLGAP1-AS1 or an inhibitor of the PI3K/Akt pathway. The relationship between DLGAP1-AS1 and the PI3K/Akt pathway was analysed. The levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and creatine kinase (CK) activity, were measured. The number of circulating endothelial cells (CECs) and apoptosis of VECs were identified. Results Microarray based analysis indicated that DLGAP1-AS1 was highly expressed in I/R, which was further confirmed by detection of expression in rat models of acute lower limb I/R. Notably, the treatment of siRNA against DLGAP1-AS1 led to the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway. In response to siRNA against DLGAP1-AS1, the levels of TNF-α and VCAM-1 were decreased, and MDA concentration and CK activity was downregulated. Reduced CEC numbers and suppressed VEC apoptosis were also observed. Conclusion DLGAP1-AS1 silencing could further suppress the oxidative stress, exert an anti-apoptosis effect, and reduce inflammatory reaction, whereby VEC injury is alleviated by activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway in rats with acute lower limb I/R.

The effect of the size of the flake Ti powders on fabricating graphene nanoflakes (GNFs)/Ti composites were investigated in this work. By this, the flake Ti powders of various size were produced via the flake powder metallurgy methods. The GNFs were tightly inserted into the flake Ti powders during high energy ball milling (HEBM) process. Raw spherical Ti powders (45 μm) with 4.34 deformation degree exhibit the best GNFs distribution on boundaries and in the interior of grains. Thus, after a short time heat treatment, the exceptional network-structural GNFs/Flake Ti properties were achieved with a good ductility and a superior compressive strength of ∼2.8 GPa. It was demonstrated that the excellent properties were mainly attributed to the proper combination of special distribution status and effective load transfer ability of titanium carbide interface. The results might provide new insights for designing advanced GNFs/Fake Ti composites with simultaneously high strength and ductility.

The effect of mismatch elastic strain energy between GaInN epitaxial film and GaN (0001) substrate is investigated by classical thermodynamics combining with classical elastic mechanics and first-principles calculations. The mismatch elastic strain energies in different indium content are calculated by classical mechanics with stiffness coefficients determined by the first-principles calculations. A negative excess term is discovered in the mismatch strain energy of GaInN epitaxial films. The negative excess term largely counteracts the positive mixing enthalpy of GaInN solution compound, suppressing the large miscibility gap of GaInN alloy. The calculations well explain the successful growth of GaInN epitaxial films with high indium content. This work provides an easy and logical approach to evaluate the thermodynamics of lattice mismatch in various material systems, such as heteroepitaxial growth, second-phase precipitation, etc.

A simple and repeatable method has been developed to synthesize g-C3N4 via a pyrolysis of protonated precursors, with the simultaneous doping and controlled morphology. Protonated precursors with morphology of polyhedrons, nanoflakes, and nanowires are achieved after melamine has been treated by sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, and nitric acid, respectively. After pyrolysis of protonated precursors, as-attained S-g-C3N4 (derived from sulfuric acid treated melamine) exhibit remarkable photocatalyst performance owing to a delicate band gap and high specific surface area. Specifically speaking, an H2 evolution rate of S-g-C3N4 (0.473 mmol/h) is about four times than that of N-g-C3N4 (derived from nitric acid treated melamine). Besides, S-g-C3N4 can endow a complete degradation of RhB within 120 min. The merits of this research provide a universality and reproducible approach to synthesize novel photocatalyst for energy conservation and environmental protection.

Aurivillius single-phase Bi2.5Nd0.5Nb1.5Fe0.5O9 (BNNF) ceramics was synthesized via solid state mixed oxide sintering method. Electrical properties of the samples were intensely studied in a wide range of temperature (25 °C–650 °C). Dielectric behaviors were investigated by dielectric and impedance spectroscopies in the range (40 Hz−10 MHz) of frequency. Single dielectric relaxation was observed due to the grains contribution. The phase transition temperature (TC) was noticed at ∼270 °C. Kinetic analysis of dielectric data was used to understand the possible relaxation-conduction behaviors in the ceramics. Above ∼250 °C, relaxation and conduction of the ceramics was assigned to the motion of ionized oxygen vacancies. The Aurivillius ceramics has promising industrial applications in dielectric capacitors and piezoelectric transducers due to low leakage below ∼200 °C. The results could be valuable for designing and/or modifying properties of BNNF related materials.

Natural biopolymer cellulose nanofiber (CNF)/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) hybrid aerogels are developed for light-weight and high-efficiency microwave absorption (MA) materials. To evaluate the MA performance, CNF/rGO composites with different rGO/CNF ratios are fabricated, and the microstructure of CNF/rGO composites is tuned by changing the concentration of CNF precursor solution. It demonstrates that the MA performance is determined by not only the rGO addition but also the concentration of CNF aqueous precursor solution, evidencing the important role of microstructure of CNF/rGO composites in MA performance. The CNF/10% rGO composite prepared by 0.75% CNF solution exhibits superior MA performance with the maximum reflection loss (RL) of −40.64 dB and effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) (RL

Constructing heterostructured microwave absorbers out of low dimensional nanomaterials has been proved an effective method for enhancing the attenuation ability and boarding the effective attenuation bandwidth in electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbing area. By using a simple intermediate reduction mixing process, 2D layer by layer hierarchical architectures of few-layered MoS2 nanosheets (NMS) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) are prepared under different volume ratios, which achieve enhanced EMW absorption performance with respect to the pure NMS or rGO. The minimum reflection loss (RL) value of NMS/rGO-5:1 with 20 wt% loading is −55 dB under 2.2 mm compared to −38.42 dB of pure NMS with 60% loading under 2.4 mm or −37.2 dB of pure rGO with 30% loading under 3.5 mm. The effective attenuation bandwidth (EAB

Southeastward strain transfer in the middle-southern Longmen Shan (LMS) thrust belt not only can promote the development of fault-related folds and earthquakes in the piedmont, but also affect the seismogenic capacity of the middle-southern LMS thrust belt. However, the detailed transfer process remains elusive. In this work, we combine structural profile re-analysis, sandbox modeling and seismic statistics to illustrate the strain transfer process. Our main results indicate that: (1) the thickness of the shallow detachment (e.g. Middle-Lower Triassic gypsum-salt strata) is probably the main factor for differences in southeastward strain transfer within the domain between the middle-southern LMS thrust belt and Weiyuan-Moxi anticline. This is also supported by our sandbox model; (2) the seismogenic capacity in the southern LMS thrust belt is probably proportional to the corresponding shortening of the Range Front Blind Thrust (RFBT). Thus, seismogenic capacity in the seismic gap zone is weaker than those of other segments of the southern LMS thrust belt, which is probably

Intercalation/deintercalation of large size Na ion leads to serious electrode materials fragmentation that would be the main reason of Na-ion battery capacity fading. Herein, we reported a Na-ion battery cathode material composed of layer-structured VO2 (A) nanowires wrapped with graphene. The VO2 (A)/graphene nanostructure which effectively suppressed pulverization of VO2 (A) nanowires during cyclic charging and discharging exhibited prominent cycle stability and high specific capacity. A reversible capacity of 115 mA h g−1 was retained over 100 cycles at a high current density of 100 mA g−1. Comparing to the electrochemical performance of other vanadium oxides, VO2 (A)/graphene demonstrates a potential cathode material for Na-ion batteries.

People with chronic pancreatitis (CP) normally develop a fibrotic pancreas with reduced β-cell mass. Limited studies have focused on the development and pathogenesis of CP-related diabetes. MiRNAs packaged as exosomes are the key regulators of β-cell dysfunction. This study aimed to define the effect of exosomal miRNA from activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) on β-cells.Exosomes in the supernatants of mouse PSCs lines were extracted via ultracentrifugation and then identified. The role of exosomes secreted by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-treated PSCs in β-cell function was assessed. MiRNAs were prepared from exosomes extracted from TGF-β1-treated and untreated PSCs (T-Exo or C-Exo), and the miRNA expression profiles were compared by microarray. Then, miR-140-3p and miR-143-3p were overexpressed or inhibited in MIN6 cells and islets to determine their molecular and functional effects.Exosomes were the predominant extracellular vesicles secreted by PSCs into the culture medium. The MIN6 cells incubated with T-Exo had less insulin secretion and lower viability than the MIN6 cells incubated with PBS or C-Exo. MiR-140-3p and miR-143-3p were notably upregulated in T-Exo. Enhancing the expression of miR-140-3p and miR-143-3p in β-cells decreased the cell count and viability and increased the cleaved caspase-3 levels. Mechanistically, T-Exo mediated the intercellular transfer of miR-140-3p and miR-143-3p by targeting the B-cell lymphoma 2 gene in recipient β-cells to induce cell death.Exosomal miRNA transfer as a communication mode between PSCs and β-cells, which may be explored for its therapeutic utility.

With the increasing demand for clean and renewable energy, high-energy and power-density energy storage devices with the environmental and sustainable merits are highly needed. Herein, a convenient and sustainable approach was developed to construct 3D porous multi-component composites. The 3D Fe/Fe3O4/carbon composites were successfully derived from daily-used wet wipes. Such composites exhibited superior cycling and rate performance when evaluated as anode materials for lithium ion batteries. A highly reversible capacity of 814.0 mA h g−1 at 180th cycle was delivered at the rate of 0.2 A g−1. Moreover, a high capacity of 648.1 mA h g−1 was retained after long-life cycling (435 cycles) at the high rate of 1.0 A g−1. The work provided a prospective guidance for developing eco-friendly, sustainable, high-performance electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage applications.

Cation co-doping was proved an effective approach to reduce the metal-insulator transition (MIT) temperature (θc) of vanadium dioxide (VO2) for realizing excellent optical switching properties near room temperature, but its mechanism is remaining a great challenge. Herein, the Mg-W co-doped VO2 films are fabricated through hydrothermal growth. By changing the Mg content with maintaining 1 at% W doping level, it is observed that Mg dopants raise the θc of co-doped VO2 at a rate of ∼22 ℃ per at% Mg as the Mg content is less than ∼ 1 at%, but loses efficacy more than 1 at% Mg. The resistance of the co-doped VO2 films show the similar variation trend. The valence-band XPS spectra indicate that the Mg dopants counteract the VBE uplifting of VO2 caused by W dopants, consequently enlarging the optical band gap of W-doped VO2, which would partially explain the improvement of the visible light transmittance of W-doped VO2 induced by Mg dopants. The results clearly evidence that the charge compensation takes effect in the co-doped VO2, demonstrating the co-doping of high- and low-valent cations is unfavorable for effectively decreasing θc of VO2, and reveal the electron doping plays a key role in reducing θc.

Vanadium oxides represent promising host materials for energy storage but suffer from sluggish ionic diffusion and poor cyclability. We here synthesize hierarchical V2O5 microspheres (HVMs) which demonstrate excellent electrochemical performance for sodium ion storage, especially at high discharge/charge rates. The HVMs deliver a high capacity of 254 mA h g-1 at 0.1 A g-1 with Coulombic efficiency of above 99.0%. Highly reversible capacities of 120-155 mA h g-1 are well retained with limited decay for 500 cycles even under much high discharge/charge rates of 0.5-2.0 A g-1. The robust performance is attributed to the fast Na+-ion diffusion in the unique hollow structure and enhanced reaction kinetics through a pseudocapacitive process.

As we all know, the normally-off HEMT is very important to the safety of power electronic systems. To increase the threshold voltage of the device, this article proposes to cover Al2O3 on the recessed P-GaN to form the recessed p-GaN HEMT covered with Al2O3. Through simulation calculation, covering Al2O3 on P-GaN can effectively increase the threshold voltage, but the saturation current and transconductance will be severely reduced. Therefore, this article optimizes the structure and proposes a composite recessed-gate HEMT for the first time. It can obtain high saturation current and high transconductance while maintaining a high threshold voltage. Compared with the recessed p-GaN HEMT covered with Al2O3, the transconductance and saturation current of the composite recessed-gate HEMT are increased by 13.14% and 121.33%, respectively, while the threshold voltage is only reduced by 4.44% (4.3 V). In addition, the gate dielectric has a greater impact on device performance. Therefore, this paper analyzes the influence of the thickness of the Al2O3 layer on the device through theoretical calculations and obtains the optimal value of the thickness. (T1 = 18.3 nm, Vth = 4.5 V, Isat = 456 mA/mm). The results show that the composite recessed gate has broad application prospects in the next generation of normally-off power device applications.

In current work, for improving the photocatalytic efficiency of BaTiO 3 , a series of BaTiO 3 /Graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites with different mass ratio of GO were prepared via a convenient freeze-drying approach. The enhanced photocatalytic activity was confirmed by the degradation of Methylene blue (MB) under the irradiation of Xe light. In comparison with other nanocomposites, the composite with 80% of GO exhibits relatively higher degradation rate of 67% in 150 min. The research here rendered useful information for understanding the mechanism of this improved photocatalytic behavior. It was indicated that the combination of ferroelectric materials and two-dimensional materials as a high-efficiency photo-catalyst is of great significance.