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Herein, Ni17W3 nanoparticles (NPs) decorated WO2 nanohybrid supported by Ni foam (Ni17W3/WO2/NF) is successfully prepared via annealing Ni4W6O21(OH)2·4H2O/NF under reductive atmosphere and applied ...

Ni

Ru, RuO2 and MoO3 embedded carbon nanorods (Ru-RuO2/MoO3 CNRs) were synthesized through electrospinning and low-temperature calcination. Results of comprehensive characterizations suggest that the strong interaction between Ru and Mo species, large electrochemical surface area, and high electrical conductivity (a proper ratio of RuO2 to Ru) endow Ru-RuO2/MoO3 CNRs-350 with excellent hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance.

With the integration of distributed generation and the construction of cross-regional long-distance power grids, power systems become larger and more complex. They require faster computing speed and better scalability for power flow calculations to support unit dispatch. Based on the analysis of a variety of parallelization methods, this paper deploys the large-scale power flow calculation task on a cloud computing platform using resilient distributed datasets (RDDs). It optimizes a directed acyclic graph that is stored in the RDDs to solve the low performance problem of the MapReduce model. This paper constructs and simulates a power flow calculation on a large-scale power system based on standard IEEE test data. Experiments are conducted on Spark cluster which is deployed as a cloud computing platform. They show that the advantages of this method are not obvious at small scale, but the performance is superior to the stand-alone model and the MapReduce model for large-scale calculations. In addition, running time will be reduced when adding cluster nodes. Although not tested under practical conditions, this paper provides a new way of thinking about parallel power flow calculations in large-scale power systems.

Here, we describe the synthesis of a novel interwoven NiS/NiS2 structure with an amorphous interface accomplished by carrying out a one-step thermal decomposition of nickel sulfate and thiourea. A partial phase transition from NiS2 to NiS induced the amorphous interface in NiS/NiS2 and was expected to separate the H* and H− intermediates onto different interface sites, and to reduce the interfacial energy and charge-transfer resistance as well. When NiS/NiS2 was applied as an electrocatalyst for overall water splitting (OWS), it achieved a geometrical current density of 100 mA cm−2 at a low overpotential of 248 mV for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and 416 mV for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), obviously superior to those of the single-phase catalysts. In addition, it was also employed as an efficient bifunctional catalyst for OWS, yielding a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at a voltage of 1.62 V.

The major challenges encountered in the search for the replacement of Pt group materials toward the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline electrolytes are the stabilities and sluggish kinetics of non-noble metal electrocatalysts. MoNi has exhibited considerably higher catalytic activity than MoNi2, MoNi3 and MoNi4 in alkaline electrolytes; however, there are no reports on the application of MoNi to the HER. Herein, we report for the first time the construction of MoNi nanoparticle decorated CoMoO3 cuboid arrays of vertical growth using Ni foam as the scaffold (MoNi/CoMoO3/NF). Owing to the high catalytic activity of MoNi nanoparticles, the interaction between different phases, the ability to increase the active sites of CoMoO3 cuboids and the synergistic effect on the whole, the MoNi/CoMoO3/NF exhibits high stability and activity with zero onset overpotential and a low Tafel slope of 35 mV dec−1, and only 18 mV is needed to afford 10 mA cm−2 in 1 M KOH, which is even better than that of the state-of-the-art Pt/C catalyst. Density functional theory calculations demonstrate that the CoMoO3 and MoNi in MoNi/CoMoO3 synergistically enhanced water splitting activity. Our findings provided a new idea to integrally construct non-noble metal catalysts with outstanding HER performance surpassing that of noble metals.

In a previous study, we reported the positive effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-MF) exposure on Alzheimer's disease (AD) rats; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In addition, we found that Raf-1 kinase inhibitor protein (RKIP) was downregulated by microwave exposure in the rat hippocampus. Our hypothesis was that RKIP-mediated NF-κB pathway signaling is involved in the effect of ELF-MF on the AD rat. In this study, D-galactose intraperitoneal (50 mg/kg/d for 42 d) and Aβ25-35 hippocampal (5 μL/unilateral, bilateral, single-dose) injection were implemented to establish an AD rat model. Animals were exposed to 50 Hz and 400 µT ELF-MF for 60 continuous days. The spatial memory ability of the rat was then tested using the Morris water maze. Protein expression and interaction were detected by western blotting and co-immunoprecipitation for RKIP-mediated NF-κB pathway factors. The results showed that ELF-MF exposure partially improved the cognitive disorder, upregulated the levels of RKIP, TAK1, and the RKIP/TAK1 interaction, but downregulated p-IKK levels in AD rats. These results indicated that RKIP-mediated NF-κB pathway signaling plays an important role in the ELF-MF exposure-mediated improvements in the AD rat. Our study suggested that ELF-MF exposure might have a potential therapeutic value for AD. Further in depth studies are required in the future.

N-(Aminobutyl)-N-(ethylisoluminol) (ABEI)-functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on cobalt disulfide nanowires (ABEI/AuNPs/CoS2 NWs) are rapidly synthesized through a microwave-assisted reduction of chloroauric acid (HAuCl4) on CoS2 NWs with ABEI. The obtained nanohybrids with enhanced chemiluminescence are exploited for the non-enzymatic detection of H2O2.

The development of low-cost, high-efficiency, and stable bifunctional electrocatalysts toward the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is of paramount importance for large-scale water splitting. Here, we develop a new strategy for the first design and synthesis of a NiO@Ni decorated WS2 nanosheet array on carbon cloth (NiO@Ni/WS2/CC) composite. This composite serves as a unique three-dimensional (3D) synergistic electrocatalyst that not only combines the intrinsic properties of individual NiO@Ni and WS2, but also exhibits significantly improved HER and OER activities when compared to that of pure NiO@Ni and WS2. This electrocatalyst possesses Pt-like activity for HER and exhibits better OER performance than that for commercial RuO2, as well as demonstrating superior long-term durability in alkaline media. Furthermore, it enables an alkaline electrolyzer with a current density of 10 mA cm–2 at a cell voltage as 1.42 V, which is the lowest one among all reported values to date. The excellent performance is mainly attributed to the unique 3D configuration and multicomponent synergies among NiO, Ni, and WS2. Our findings provide a new idea to design advanced bifunctional catalysts for water splitting., A NiO@Ni/WS2 nanosheet array loaded on carbon cloth (NiO@Ni/WS2/CC) was used as an excellent bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting.

A TiO2/SiOx/Si composite derived from cellulosic cotton as the structural template was biomimetically synthesized. Modified sol–gel deposition processes were performed to coat each cellulose nanofiber with a SiO2 thin gel layer, followed by layer-by-layer self-assembly processes to form an external TiO2 coating with controllable thickness. The resulted matter was calcined in air to obtain the TiO2/SiO2 composite, which was successively put in N2 atmosphere and treated with magnesiothermic reduction reaction, resulting in the final TiO2/SiOx/Si composite. The composite possessed a typical hierarchical three-dimensional (3D) nanotubular network microstructure precisely inherited from the cellulosic cotton template, and each nanotube had a core-shell nanostructure with Si-based matters as the core and TiO2 coating as the shell. Compared with the bare nanotubular SiOx/Si material, the TiO2/SiOx/Si composite showed a highly enhanced electrochemical performance as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), delivering an initial discharge capacity of 2370 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.2 A g−1 (an initial Coulombic efficiency of 56.4%), a reversible capacity of 682 mAh g−1 after 100 discharge/charge cycles, and a discharge capacity of 241 mAh g−1 at a high current density of 2.0 A g−1. The excellent specific capacity, cycling stability and rate capability are ascribed to the synergistic effect of the unique 3D porous nanotubular network structure and the uniform TiO2 coating layer, which accommodates the volume variation of Si-based components during cycling, offers sufficient ion transport pathways and improves the electron transfer efficiency. This work provides a facile biomass-based strategy for fabrication of metal oxide/Si composites with well-defined microstructures that exhibit significant potential as anode materials for LIBs.

Transition metal oxides (TMOs) and their heterostructure hybrids have emerged as promising candidates for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts based on the recent technological breakthroughs and significant advances. Herein, Ru-Co oxides/Co3 O4 double-shelled hollow polyhedrons (RCO/Co3 O4 -350 DSHPs) with Ru-Co oxides as an outer shell and Co3 O4 as an inner shell by pyrolysis of core-shelled structured RuCo(OH)x @zeolitic-imidazolate-framework-67 derivate at 350 °C are constructed. The unique double-shelled hollow structure provides the large active surface area with rich exposure spaces for the penetration/diffusion of active species and the heterogeneous interface in Ru-Co oxides benefits the electron transfer, simultaneously accelerating the surface electrochemical reactions during HER process. The theory computation further indicates that the existence of heterointerface in RCO/Co3 O4 -350 DSHPs optimize the electronic configuration and further weaken the energy barrier in the HER process, promoting the catalytic activity. As a result, the obtained RCO/Co3 O4 -350 DSHPs exhibit outstanding HER performance with a low overpotential of 21 mV at 10 mA cm-2 , small Tafel slope of 67 mV dec-1 , and robust stability in 1.0 m KOH. This strategy opens new avenues for designing TMOs with the special structure in electrochemical applications.

Self-reconstruction of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst, especially metal (oxy)hydroxides or oxides, has attracted much attention. Herein, an in-situ self-reconstruction process for Ni, Fe, Zn ternary-metal hydroxides (NFZ-TH) involving significant morphology transformation, and self-modulated electronic structure change of Ni and Fe owing to the etching of Zn species under anodic polarization potential is revealed. NFZ-TH derived materials, undergoing in-situ self-reconstruction (NFZ-TH-SR), exhibits superior OER performance (η = 217 mV @j = 10 mA cm−2geometry) and excellent stability over a period of ~48 h. Nano-pitted surface resulting from etching of Zn species improves the electrochemical surface area. Meanwhile, in NFZ-TH-SR, large amounts of defects induced defect-/corner-sited Fe and adjustability of NiOOH species are verified by Mossbauer spectra and in-situ Raman spectra respectively. Density functional theory calculations give insight that both defect-/corner- sited Fe and Ni at next-nearest-neighbour defect-site have high activity. This paper helps understand that the proposed in-situ self-reconstruction strategy can improve the electrochemical performance of OER catalysts.

The combinations of Earth-abundant materials with noble metals provide an orientation for developing highly active and stable catalysts toward hydrogen production with reduced noble metal loadings. Here, we designed carbon cloth (CC)-supported Earth-abundant Co(OH)2 nanosheets array (Co(OH)2/CC) as an ideal three-dimensional (3D) substrate for Pt electrodeposition (Pt–Co(OH)2/CC, Pt in Pt–Co(OH)2: 5.7 wt %) to achieve top performance of a hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) under alkaline and neutral conditions. The Pt–Co(OH)2/CC catalyst exhibits a near-zero onset overpotential and a Tafel slope of 70 mV dec–1, and it requires an overpotential of 32, 54, and 122 mV to deliver the geometrical current density of 10, 20, and 100 mA cm–2, respectively, with catalytic activities exceeding to those of the commercial Pt/C decorated CC (Pt/C/CC). Furthermore, the HER activity of Co(OH)2 decorated with several transition metals (Ni, Co, and Fe) was demonstrated in experiments, further validating the high HER activi...

The densification and mechanical properties of B4C–TiB2 composites fabricated by reactive pulsed electric current sintering from a mixture of TiC and amorphous B powders were investigated. The excess of B was essential to remove the carbon produced by the reaction. The degassing process at 1900 °C before applying a 50 MPa external pressure greatly improved the densification of the composites. The B4C–41 vol% TiB2 composite obtained at the optimum condition had a high 3-point bending strength of 891 MPa, a Vickers hardness of 28 GPa and a fracture toughness of 4.4 MPa m1/2, respectively.

Introducing bromine and nitrogen into metallic tungsten nanoarrays produces a W/BrN electrocatalyst with high performance for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at all pH ranges. Unlike the acid soluble metals (such as Fe, Co, Ni), the resultant W/BrN has successfully inherited the excellent corrosion resistance from pure metallic W, particularly in proton exchange membrane compatible acid electrolytes. However, more importantly, the W/BrN develops some outstanding electrochemical properties, such as enhanced electrical conductivity, optimized electronic properties, and large turnover frequency (TOF), after codoping with Br and N. Hence, the HER performance of W/BrN was higher by several orders of magnitude in current density than that of pure metallic W. To attain current density of 10 mA cm−2, the W/BrN only needs overpotentials of 148, 190 and 94 mV in acidic, neutral and alkaline conditions, respectively. In addition, we investigated the long-term stability of W/BrN in three electrolytes.

We investigated the effect of S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (SKP2) on radiosensitivity of esophageal cancer (EC) cells. Expression of SKP2, PI3K, AKT, Bcl-2 and Bax were assayed in EC. EC cells were transfected with SKP2-siRNA/IGF-1 to detect expression of SKP2, PI3K, AKT, Bcl-2 and Bax. At last, the radiosensitivity of cells in different doses of X (0, 2, 4, 6, 8 Gy) irradiation and cell apoptosis were also detected. EC cells displayed a higher positive expression rate of SKP2, elevated mRNA and protein expression of SKP2, PI3K, AKT, Bcl-2 and Bax, as well as higher extent of PI3K and AKT phosphorylation. SKP2 silencing downregulated mRNA and protein expression of PI3K, AKT and Bcl-2 but increased p27 protein expression, and inhibited the cell survival rate while promoting cell apoptosis. Taken together, silencing SKP2 can inhibit the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby increasing the radiosensitivity of EC cells.

(Tb0.6Y0.4)3Al5O12 transparent ceramics were successfully fabricated by solid-state reactive sintering using Tb4O7, Y2O3, and &alpha, Al2O3 powders as raw materials. The effect of (Tb+Y)/Al ratio on microstructure evolution and densification process was investigated in detailed. The results showed that the grain growth kinetics were significantly affected by (Tb+Y)/Al ratio. Al-rich and Tb-rich phases appeared in part of the samples of different ratios. Particularly, excess aluminum increased the diffusing process, leading to a higher densification rate, while samples with excess terbium ratios displayed a smaller grain size and lower relative density. The optical quality was highly related to the amount of the secondary phase produced by different (Tb+Y)/Al ratios. Finally, (Tb0.6Y0.4)3Al5O12 transparent ceramics have been fabricated through pre-sintering in vacuum, followed by hot isostatic sintering (HIP), and the best transmittance of sample with a 4 mm thickness was approximately 78% at 1064 nm.

In this study, rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells were induced into an Alzheimer's Disease (AD) neuronal model using nerve growth factor (NGF; 50 ng/mL) and Amyloid β25-35 (20 μmol/L). Changes in the morphological structure, cell viability, apoptosis rate, and expression of apoptosis-related protein induced by exposure to a power frequency electromagnetic field (PF-MF; 50 Hz, 100 μT, 24 h) were detected respectively by light and electron microscopy, the MTT assay, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The results showed that 3-12 h after PF-MF exposure, the pathological injury was improved partly; metabolic activity was promoted and cell apoptosis was inhibited in the AD neuronal model. In addition, PF-MF exposure significantly inhibited the expression of Caspase8, Caspase3, and CytC, but increased the Bcl-2/Bax ratio of the AD neuronal model. Meanwhile, PF-MF seemed to have no effect on the expression of Fas and TNFR1. This study indicated that the mitochondria/caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway plays an important role in the positive effects of PF-MF on an AD neuronal model. The results suggested that PF-MF exposure might have potential therapeutic value for AD, and the underling molecular mechanisms still need further studies.

Earth-abundant Ni has emerged as an interesting catalytic material toward electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline media, but developing high-performance Ni-integrated HER catalysts is still a big challenge. Herein, we describe the development of self-standing Ni-tungsten nitride heterostructure nanowires array on conductive carbon cloth (Ni-WN/CC) as a highly efficient 3D hydrogen-evolving cathode in 1.0 M KOH with catalytic activity outperforming most reported Pt-free HER catalysts. This Ni-WN/CC electrode exhibits a negligible onset overpotential and a Tafel slope of 71 mV dec−1. It demands overpotentials of only 47, 70, and 155 mV to drive 10, 20, and 100 mA cm−2, respectively, with its activity being maintained for 10 h. Such high hydrogen evolution activities are due to electrocatalytic synergistic effects of Ni and WN.

The development of cost-effective hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts based on 3d-transition metal is highly desired but still challenging. Herein, we report on the synthesis of the three-dimensional self-supported nickel-oxide-coated cobalt manganese sulfide nanosheets array on carbon cloth (CoMn-S@NiO/CC), which is used as an efficient electrocatalyst for HER in alkaline media. The performance of CoMn-S@NiO/CC is significantly improved through an in situ electrochemical reduction process. The electrochemically activated CoMn-S@NiO/CC (ECA CoMn-S@NiO/CC) drives 100 and 200 mA cm–2 at overpotentials of 232 and 278 mV, respectively, with long-term stability for hydrogen production in 1.0 M KOH. Such high hydrogen evolution activity for ECA CoMn-S@NiO/CC is owed to the incorporation of Co ions, increase in electrochemically active surface area, and the newly formation of amorphous regions on its surface.

Transition metal nitrides (TMNs) attract a lot of attention due to their excellent catalytic activities for energy related applications, although TMN catalysts developed as HER catalysts in alkaline environment are limited. Herein, we report a very simple and straightforward method to fabricate self-supported nickel nitride film on nickel foam (Ni3N/NF) via direct nitridation of NF under NH3 atmosphere. The Ni3N/NF, as an efficient 3D hydrogen-evolving cathode, needs overpotentials of 121, 177, and 254 mV to attain current densities of 10, 20, and 100 mA cm−2, respectively, and it maintains its catalytic activity for at least 32 h in alkaline media. Additionally, this electrode is also highly efficient under neutral and acidic conditions. The scalable fabrication approach reported here can be extended to synthesize other self-supported transition metal nitride HER cathodes.

SrRuO3 as a rare conductive perovskite ruthenate has attracted increasing attention for application in energy conversion. Here, the electrocatalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) of thermally synthesized layered SrRuO3 is investigated and shows a considerable activation during cathodic polarization in alkaline solution. The analysis demonstrates the electrode activation is caused by the increased hydrophilicity of SrRuO3 surface, revealing the influence of the surface properties on HER performance. For further improving the catalytic activity of perovskite ruthenate, the RuO2 /SrRuO3 (RSRO) heterostructure is fabricated in situ by reducing the thermal decomposition temperature of 1000 °C for SrRuO3 to 600 °C. The appropriate lattice parameter of SrRuO3 ensures a good lattice match, which results in a strong interaction between SrRuO3 and RuO2 . Hence, the RSRO substantially outperforms the corresponding single-component oxides. In addition, the increased active sites induced by the rapid improvement of hydrophilicity of RSRO surface further highlight its structural advantage for catalytic hydrogen generation. The experimental and theoretical computation results consistently validate the positive synergistic effect among SrRuO3 and RuO2 in tuning the atomic and electronic configuration.

This review summarizes the synthesis of gold (Au) and Au-based nanomaterials and their recent advances of application in electrochemical small-molecule sensors, DNA sensors and immunosensors. Au nanoparticles with various shape and size have been synthesized by using physical, chemical, biological, electrochemical and seeding growth methods. In order to broaden the applications and improve the functionality of Au nanoparticles, numerous Au-based nanocomposite materials have been developed, including bimetallic nanoparticles, metal oxide-gold, polymer-gold, carbon nanotube-gold and graphene/graphene oxide-gold nanocomposites. Finally, the application of Au nanoparticles and Au-based nanocomposite materials in electrochemical sensors and their analytical performance were discussed.

Synthesis of B4C–TiB2 composite powders via a carbide boronizing process was performed in a pulsed electric current sintering furnace with a specially designed graphite die/punch set-up. Pure B4C–TiB2 powders could be obtained at 1200 °C for 0 min or 1000 °C for 15 min with a total thermal cycle time of only 12–25 min. In the as-prepared B4C–TiB2 composite powders, submicrometer B4C particles were surrounded by nano-TiB2 particles with an average particle of less than 50 nm. The bulk B4C–TiB2 ceramic sintered from the as-prepared composite powders had a relative density of 96% with ultrafine microstructures.

Transparent alumina was fabricated by spark plasma sintering with AlF3 doping at a high heating rate of 100 degrees C min(-1) and a moderate loading pressure of 73 MPa. The sintered AlF3-doped alumina was dark in color due to light absorption by F- substitution and by the resulting defects induced in the alumina lattice. An AlF3 doping concentration of 0.1% was found best for producing transparent alumina. A possible mechanism was proposed to explain the doping effect under the present sintering condition. (C) 2014 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

B4C-TiB2 composite powders were synthesized by a carbide boronizing process, i.e. the solid state reaction between TiC and amorphous boron powders. The particle size of the raw TiC powders was found to greatly affect the phase composition of the composite powders. Nano-TiC powders could be totally consumed and turned into TiB2 phase with heat treatment at 1100 degrees C for 1 h whereas micro-TiC powders was still present even at 1400 degrees C for 1 h. The synthesized B4C-TiB2 composite powders have a small particle size and a homogenous phase distribution, indicating high sintering activity. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.

Nanocrystalline NbB2 powders were successfully prepared by borothermal reduction in molten salt at 800 degrees C-1000 degrees C. Due to the more homogeneous mixing and more rapid diffusion of species in the liquid state than in the solid state, the synthesis temperature of pure NbB2 phase was greatly decreased by the presence of molten NaCl/KCl salt. The NbB2 powders synthesized at 1000 degrees C had the largest specific surface area of 27.09m(2)/g and the lowest equivalent average particle size of 32nm, respectively.

The present communication reports on a novel high-sensitivity DNA sensor based on cooper sulfide nanoplates (CuS NPs). The CuS NPs are successfully synthesized through a mild one-step hydrothermal method. As an efficient nanosensor for the fluorescent detection of DNA, the CuS NPs possess high sensitivity and selectivity with a detection limit of 25pM.

To determine whether microwave (MW) radiation induces neural cell apoptosis, differentiated PC12 cells and Wistar rats were exposed to 2.856 GHz for 5 min and 15 min, respectively, at an average power density of 30 mW/cm². JC-1 and TUNEL staining detected significant apoptotic events, such as the loss of mitochondria membrane potential and DNA fragmentation, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy and Hoechst staining were used to observe chromatin ultrastructure and apoptotic body formation. Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining was used to quantify the level of apoptosis. The expressions of Bax, Bcl-2, cytochrome c, cleaved caspase-3 and PARP were examined by immunoblotting or immunocytochemistry. Caspase-3 activity was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results showed chromatin condensation and apoptotic body formation in neural cells 6h after microwave exposure. Moreover, the mitochondria membrane potential decreased, DNA fragmentation increased, leading to an increase in the apoptotic cell percentage. Furthermore, the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, expression of cytochrome c, cleaved caspase-3 and PARP all increased. In conclusion, microwave radiation induced neural cell apoptosis via the classical mitochondria-dependent caspase-3 pathway. This study may provide the experimental basis for further investigation of the mechanism of the neurological effects induced by microwave radiation.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the single ALT positive (ELSIA-HBV/HCV negative) and NAT-HBV/HCV on blood donor samples. Methods: 28710 samples were surveyed retrospectively from Dec. 2010 to Dec. 2011. ALT was detected by rate method, and the single ALT positive samples were detected by ELSIA-HBV/HCV and NAT-HBV/HCV. The relationship between the single ALT positive and NAT-HBV/HCV were analyzed. 21 samples, values in 40 U/L ≤ ALT ≤ 70 U/L, were selected at random from 2516 samples with single ALT positive, which were second detected by ELISA and NAT in the second donation. Results: 2516 (8.74%) single ALT positive samples (ELSIA-HBV/HCV negative) were found in 28710 donors. Among these samples, 8 (2.8/10000) positive were detected by NAT, including 5 HBV-DNA-positive and 3 HCV-RNA-positive. Obviously, positive rate of NAT from the donors whose ALT value ≤ 70 U/L were lower than those of ≥ 71 U/L (P < 0.01). 21 donors were investigated in the second donation in following 153 to 401 days, All samples were negative by ELISA-HBV/HCV and NAT-HBV/HCV. Conclusions: Donors with single ALT positive (value in 40 U/L-70 U/L) are not likely to become HBV/HCV virus carriers or HBV/HCV patients after half or one year. So it is to set ALT abandone threshlod to ≤ 70 U/L can ensure blood safety, and reduce blood abandone in our center.

Background Crush injury from debris, combined with hypoxia and water and food deprivation (combined crush injury), is common in industrial accidents and events such as earthquakes and terrorist attacks. Whether electrocardiographic changes are associated with combined crush injury is unclear. Methods Thirty-six rats underwent electrocardiography at baseline then were randomly assigned to 6 groups of 6. Bilateral hind limbs of all rats were compressed with custom-made clips (pressure 4.5 ± 0.3 kg), and the rats were put into a hypoxic compartment (oxygen concentration 10% ± 0.1%) for 72 hours without food or water. After 72 hours, the rats were moved to a normoxic environment, where the clips were removed (decompression) and food and water were freely accessible. Electrocardiography was performed in a different group at each of days 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 after decompression. Results One rat died at 0.6 days. Among the remaining 35 rats, 28 (80%) had abnormal electrocardiographic changes: ST-segment depression (n = 25), tall-peaked T waves (n = 16), arrhythmias (n = 4), abnormal Q waves (n = 2), wide QRS complexes (n = 2) and QT prolongation (n = 1). The abnormality rates among assessed rats were 100% on days 0, 1, and 3; 83% on day 7; and 50% on days 14 and 28. Conclusions The findings suggest that abnormal electrocardiographic changes were seen in rats after simulated combined crush injury and decompression and were slow to resolve.

A prototype HTS synchronous generator with a permanent magnet rotor and HTS armature windings was developed. The rated armature frequency is 10 Hz. The cryogenic Dewar is tightly surrounded outside the iron core. Both HTS coils and the iron core were cooled by using conduction cooling method. During the process of no-load running, the no-load loss power data were obtained through the torque measurement. The temperature evolution characteristics of the stator was measured by PT-100 temperature sensors. These results show that the no-load loss power at around 77 K are much larger than that at room temperature. The possible reason for the no-load loss increment is discussed. The ac loss power of one individual HTS coil used in this generator was also tested. Compared with the iron loss power, the ac loss power is rather small and could be neglected.

Background: To investigate the renal pathophysiologyin rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) in rats under hypoxia and deprivation of food and water (HDFW), thus broadening the knowledge about rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI in massive earthquake. Methods: Male Wistar rats weighing 200-230g were randomized into control, rhabdomyolysis (R), HDFW and rhabdomyolysis in combination with HDFW (R/HDFW) group. Experimental rhabdomyolysis rat model was established through clamping hind limb muscles, HDFW model rats were kept in 10% hypoxic chamber unavailable to food and water. At 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11d after treatment, serum creatinine (Scr) level, renal index, renal structural changes and cell apoptosis were analyzed. Results: After R, HDFW, R/HDFW treatment, the animals showed significantly higher Scr levels than the control group. Renal index in R and R/HDFW groups elevated remarkably compared with that in control and HDFW group. The results of histopathology, ultra-structure and apoptosis assay suggested that rhabdomyolysis caused renal tubular injury, HDFW treatment resulted in renal vascular dilation, tissue congestion and tubular cell damage. In addition, more severe renal lesion appeared in R/HDFW. Conclusions: We conclude that the association of experimental rhabdomyolysis with HDFW results in a different functional and histological pattern. The rhabdomyolysis-HDFW combination causes more severe renal injury.

To identify gene expression changes and the role of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) in hemin toxicity in renal tubular epithelial cells, then elucidate molecular mechanisms of hemin toxicity on renal tubular epithelial cells.An oligo array comprising 35,035 genes was used to compare differential gene expression in hemin-treated and non-treated HK-2 cells (human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells), and the role of ATF3 in hemin toxicity was assessed using siRNA technique.A total of 128 mRNAs were at least twofold up-regulated and 101 mRNAs were at least twofold down-regulated after hemin treatment. Expression levels of ATF3, heat shock protein 70, c-fos, and c-jun were remarkably increased. Hemin also suppressed nuclear factor-kappa B inhibitor α, β-2 adrenergic receptor, and interleukin-6 mRNA amounts more than twofold. We further demonstrated the protective role of ATF3 in hemin cytotoxicity.The data suggest that hemin caused multiple changes of gene expression in HK-2 cells, and ATF3 protects against hemin cytotoxicity.

Using data from recent surveys of migrants and local residents in 10 cities in 2005, this paper examines how migration influences measurements of urban poverty and inequality in China, and also compares how other indicators of well-being differ for migrants and local residents. Contrary to previous studies that report that the income poverty rate of migrant households is 1.5 times that of local resident households, we find relatively small differences in the poverty rates of migrants and local residents. Although the hourly wages of migrants are much lower than those of local residents, migrant workers work longer hours and have lower dependency ratios and higher labor force participation rates. Including migrants increases somewhat measures of urban income inequality. Significant differences between migrants and local residents are found for non-income welfare indicators such as housing conditions and access to social insurance programs.

Exploration of economical electrocatalysts for highly efficient and stable oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is believed to be essential for diverse future renewable energy applications. Herein, cobalt sulfide nanowire core encapsulated in a N, S codoped graphitic carbon shell (CoS NWs@NSC) is successfully fabricated via the calcination of polydopamine-coated Co(CO3 )0.5 (OH)0.11 H2 O NWs with sulfur powder under argon atmosphere. The uniform encapsulation of CoS core by N, S codoped graphitic carbon shell favors the interaction of the core-shell structure for generating stable and numerous ORR active sites homogeneously dispersed throughout the materials. Meanwhile, the wire-like CoS NWs@NSC stacks to form 3D mesoporous conductive networks, which improves the mass and charge transport capability of catalyst. Accordingly, the resultant CoS NWs@NSC electrocatalysts possess excellent ORR activity through the four-electron pathway with superior stability and methanol tolerance over the Pt/C in 0.1 m KOH. This strategy can offer inspiration for designing and fabricating novel core-shell-structured nanomaterials with active sites derived from uniform morphology as potential electrocatalysts for various vital renewable energy devices.

Using an input-output method, this paper simulates the impacts of the global financial crisis and the decline of exports on China's economy and employment. With shrinking external demand, boosting domestic demand becomes crucial for maintaining economic growth and promoting employment. Our simulated results indicate that an investment scenario with employment as a priority can achieve the objective of employment maximization without significantly reducing growth. Public investment should focus on employment, education, health, housing and social security to rebalance China's economy so that it can realize sustained and stable economic growth.

The objective of this paper is to specify the relationships between age and gender differentials in health among older people in China. The data were drawn from the 2002 Chinese Longitudinal Health Longevity Study (CLHLS), which included 15,789 respondents aged 65 or more years. The health indicators included the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental ADL scores, cognitive ability (using the Mini Mental State Examination), visual function, hearing or auditory function, number of natural teeth, self-reported health, and self-reported quality of life. The statistical significance of the age relationships was examined using Mann-Whitney U tests and Spearman's rank correlation coefficients. The principal results were that above 65 years of age, gender differentials were observed in most of the health indicators at most ages, although self-rated quality of life was an exception. For most of the objective (observer-rated) health indicators, the gender differentials increased with greater age, but that for the number of natural teeth decreased with age. Gender differentials in the two subjective health measures had no significant relationship with age. It is concluded that older Chinese women have poorer health than men and are in many ways disadvantaged, and that the relative disadvantage increases with age. Chinese women tend to live longer and suffer ill-health more than men.

Abstract—Multi-trips of circuit breakers often occur within a short period in a severe blackout, and the tripping usually relates to relays’ mal-operations. In fact, when two ore more electric primary devices are isolated by circuit breakers, the settings of most relays to protect their power system are getting infeasible and uncoordinated. Adaptive settings are needed to prevent them from wrong operation. This paper presents an adaptive protection scheme based on wide area information with best-effort protection strategy, and the outline of multiagents and WAN Based Adaptive Protection System (MAWAPS). In the scheme, the best-effort adaptive strategy is used to guarantee the adaptive settings to operate safely and effectively in most situations. The IP/SDH-based wide area network (WAN) is used to realize real-time wide area information exchange in the proposed protection scheme. Adaptive setting algorithms for the second stage zero-sequence current and phase overcurrent relays are proposed, which can provide larger line coverage than traditional relays. Moreover, multiagent techniques and IEC 61850 are employed to realize the fast communication between different agents, and MMS plays a prominent role in real-time remote communication. A simulating system has been developed according to the above ideas and approaches, and the experimental results show that the proposed adaptive protection scheme is feasible from the view of protective performance including the executing time.