Oxygen Vacancy-Rich Cobalt-Doped MnO Nanorods for Zn Ion Batteries.

Improving electrical conductivity and increasing the active site are important directions for improving the technology of manganese-based cathode materials for zinc ion batteries (ZIBs). In this paper, cobalt-doped and oxygen-vacancy coupled MnO nanorods (V-CMO) were prepared by defect engineering and an ion doping strategy as cathode materials for rechargeable ZIBs. Oxygen vacancies can increase the defect density of the material and provide more migration paths for zinc ions, thereby increasing the electrochemical activity and improving the specific capacity.

Plant-microbe interactions influence plant performance via boosting beneficial root-endophytic bacteria.

Background: Salvia miltiorrhiza is a highly valuable medicinal plant and its cultivation is constrained by limited suitable land. Long-term continuous cropping practices alleviate limitations in planting area as well as causes the decline in plant yield and quality. Endophytic microorganisms colonize inside plant roots and are known to play important roles in improving the performance of model plants (such as Arabidopsis thaliana) and food crops (such as wheat, soybean, rice and maize).

Enhancing Optoelectronic Performance of All-Inorganic Double Perovskites via Halogen Doping: Synergistic Screening Strategies and Multiscale Simulations.

Designing all-inorganic double perovskites through element mixing is a promising strategy to enhance their optoelectronic performance and structural stability. The complex interplay between multilevel structures and optoelectronic properties in element-mixed double perovskites necessitates further in-depth theoretical exploration. In this study, we employ screening strategies and multiscale simulations combining first-principles methods and device-scale continuum models to identify two novel element-mixed compounds, RbAgInClI and CsAgInClI, as promising candidates for photovoltaic applications.

Efficient and Stable Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells Enabled by a Fullerene-Based Hole Transport Molecule.

Designing an efficient modification molecule to mitigate non-radiative recombination at the NiO/perovskite interface and improve perovskite quality represents a challenging yet crucial endeavor for achieving high-performance inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, we synthesized a novel fullerene-based hole transport molecule, designated as FHTM, by integrating C with 12 carbazole-based moieties, and applied it as a modification molecule at the NiO/perovskite interface. The in situ self-doping effect, triggered by electron transfer between carbazole-based moiety and C within the FHTM molecule, along with the extended π conjugated moiety of carbazole groups, significantly enhances FHTM's hole mobility.

Urinary Metabolites of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons of Rural Population in Northwestern China: Oxidative Stress and Health Risk Assessment.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure is suspected to be linked to oxidative damage. Herein, ten PAH human exposure biomarkers [hydroxylated PAH metabolites (OH-PAHs)] and five oxidative stress biomarkers (OSBs) were detected in urine samples collected from participants living in a rural area ( = 181) in Northwestern China. The median molar concentration of ΣOH-PAHs in urine was 47.

Enhancing Reverse Intersystem Crossing in Triptycene-TADF Emitters: Theoretical Insights into Reorganization Energy and Heavy Atom Effects.

Thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters based on the triptycene skeleton demonstrate exceptional performance, superior stability, and low efficiency roll-off. Understanding the interplay between the luminescent properties of triptycene-TADF molecules and their assembly environments, along with their excited-state characteristics, necessitates a comprehensive theoretical exploration. Herein, we predict the photophysical properties of triptycene-TADF molecules in a thin film environment using the quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics method and quantify their substantial dependency on the heavy atom effects and reorganization energies using the Marcus-Levich theory.

Comparison of Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes Between Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy and Microdiscectomy: A Follow-up Exceeding 5 Years.

Objective: To compare the long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy (TELD) versus microdiscectomy (MD).

Methods: The data of 154 patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) who underwent TELD (n = 89) or MD (n = 65) were retrospectively analyzed. The patients' clinical outcomes were evaluated using visual analogue scales for leg and low back pain, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).

Predatory protists reduce bacteria wilt disease incidence in tomato plants.

Soil organisms are affected by the presence of predatory protists. However, it remains poorly understood how predatory protists can affect plant disease incidence and how fertilization regimes can affect these interactions. Here, we characterise the rhizosphere bacteria, fungi and protists over eleven growing seasons of tomato planting under three fertilization regimes, i.

Loss of ESRP2 Activates TAK1-MAPK Signaling through the Fetal RNA-Splicing Program to Promote Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression.

Tumors usually display fetal-like characteristics, and many oncofetal proteins have been identified. However, fetal-like reprogramming of RNA splicing in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is poorly understood. Here, it is demonstrated that the expression of epithelial splicing regulatory protein 2 (ESRP2), an RNA splicing factor, is suppressed in fetal hepatocytes and HCC, in parallel with tumor progression.

Urinary Levels of 14 Metal Elements in General Population: A Region-Based Exploratory Study in China.

Metal pollution may lead to a variety of diseases; for this reason, it has become a matter of public concern worldwide. However, it is necessary to use biomonitoring approaches to assess the risks posed to human health by metals. In this study, the concentrations of 14 metal elements in 181 urine samples obtained from the general population of Gansu Province, China, were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

Multiple metal exposure and metabolic syndrome in elderly individuals: A case-control study in an active mining district, Northwest China.

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is increasing at an alarming rate worldwide, particularly among elderly individuals. Exposure to various metals has been linked to the development of MetS. However, limited studies have focused attention on the elderly population living in active mining districts.

Identification of Novel Organophosphate Esters in Hydroponic Lettuces ( L.): Biotransformation and Acropetal Translocation.

The absorption, translocation, and biotransformation behaviors of organophosphate esters (OPEs) and diesters (OPdEs) in a hydroponic system were investigated. The lateral root was found as the main accumulation and biotransformation place of OPEs and OPdEs in lettuce. The nontarget analysis using high-resolution mass spectrometry revealed five hydroxylated metabolites and five conjugating metabolites in the OPE exposure group, among which methylation, acetylation, and palmitoyl conjugating OPEs were reported as metabolites for the first time.

Phthalates in dormitory dust and human urine: A study of exposure characteristics and risk assessments of university students.

Phthalate diesters (PAEs) are prevalent and potentially toxic to human health. The university dormitory represents a typical and relatively uniform indoor environment. This study evaluated the concentrations of phthalate monoesters (mPAEs) in urine samples from 101 residents of university status, and the concentrations of PAEs in dust collected from 36 corresponding dormitories.

Trophic interactions between predatory protists and pathogen-suppressive bacteria impact plant health.

Plant health is strongly impacted by beneficial and pathogenic plant microbes, which are themselves structured by resource inputs. Organic fertilizer inputs may thus offer a means of steering soil-borne microbes, thereby affecting plant health. Concurrently, soil microbes are subject to top-down control by predators, particularly protists.

Simultaneous determination of multiple isomeric hydroxylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in urine by using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

Monitoring the level of hydroxylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OH-PAHs) in urine is the key to exploring human metabolic changes and comprehensive potential toxicity of PAHs. The OH-PAHs with isomeric structure have different biological functions, indicating that their quantification is indispensable. However, the quantitation method is still dissatisfactory due to the poor separation of these isomeric OH-PAHs.

Multistate active control RCS signature for the continuous adjustment absorber/reflector transformation applications.

Smart structures with tunable electromagnetic characteristics are required for camouflaging high-value targets, such as land warfare moving equipment, in continuously changing complex electromagnetic environments. The targets must control their radar cross section (RCS) to avoid detection and tracking. Frequency selective surfaces (FSSs) are the next-generation smart structures in which active RCS control is realized via impedance loading.

Protists as main indicators and determinants of plant performance.

Background: Microbiomes play vital roles in plant health and performance, and the development of plant beneficial microbiomes can be steered by organic fertilizer inputs. Especially well-studied are fertilizer-induced changes on bacteria and fungi and how changes in these groups alter plant performance. However, impacts on protist communities, including their trophic interactions within the microbiome and consequences on plant performance remain largely unknown.

Copper-modified Ti6Al4V alloy fabricated by selective laser melting with pro-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties for potential guided bone regeneration applications.

Custom-made biocompatible titanium alloy mesh can be designed to facilitate the regeneration of alveolar bone defects by supporting a protected space and inhibiting bacterial infections. Copper ions are often incorporated into titanium alloy due to their high bioactivity and outstanding antibacterial properties. However, the impacts of copper-bearing alloys on peri-implanted cell behaviors have rarely been systematically explored.

The effect of 3 wt.% Cu addition on the microstructure, tribological property and corrosion resistance of CoCrW alloys fabricated by selective laser melting.

Microstructure, tribological property and corrosion resistance of orthopedic implant materials CoCrW-3 wt.% Cu fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM) process were systematically investigated with CoCrW as control. Equaxied γ-phase together with the inside {111} < 112 > type twin and platelet ε-phase was found in both the Cu-bearing and Cu-free alloys.

Soil protist communities form a dynamic hub in the soil microbiome.

Soil microbes are essential for soil fertility. However, most studies focus on bacterial and/or fungal communities, while the top-down drivers of this microbiome composition, protists, remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated how soil amendments affect protist communities and inferred potential interactions with bacteria and fungi.

Preliminary study on the corrosion resistance, antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity of selective-laser-melted Ti6Al4V-xCu alloys.

In this study, a series of Cu-bearing Ti6Al4V-xCu (x=0, 2, 4, 6wt%) alloys (shorten by Ti6Al4V, 2C, 4C, and 6C, respectively.) with antibacterial function were successfully fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM) technology with mixed spherical powders of Cu and Ti6Al4V for the first time. In order to systematically investigate the effects of Cu content on the microstructure, phase constitution, corrosion resistance, antibacterial properties and cytotoxicity of SLMed Ti6Al4V-xCu alloys, experiments including XRD, SEM-EDS, electrochemical measurements, antibacterial tests and cytotoxicity tests were conducted with comparison to SLMed Ti6Al4V alloy (Ti6Al4V).

Preliminary assessment of metal-porcelain bonding strength of CoCrW alloy after 3wt.% Cu addition.

In this work, a novel Cu-bearing CoCrW alloy fabricated by selective laser melting for dental application has been studied. For its successful application, the bonding strength of metal-porcelain is essential to be systematically investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the metal-porcelain bonding strength of CoCrWCu alloy by three-point bending test, meanwhile the Ni-free CoCrW alloy was used as control.

Microstructure, mechanical property and metal release of As-SLM CoCrW alloy under different solution treatment conditions.

In the study, the microstructure, mechanical property and metal release behavior of selective laser melted CoCrW alloys under different solution treatment conditions were systemically investigated to assess their potential use in orthopedic implants. The effects of the solution treatment on the microstructure, mechanical properties and metal release were systematically studied by OM, SEM, XRD, tensile test, and ICP-AES, respectively. The XRD indicated that during the solution treatment the alloy underwent the transformation of γ-fcc to ε-hcp phase; the ε-hcp phase nearly dominated in the alloy when treated at 1200°C following the water quenching; the results from OM, SEM showed that the microstructural change was occurred under different solution treatments; solution at 1150°C with furnace cooling contributed to the formation of larger precipitates at the grain boundary regions, while the size and number of the precipitates was decreased as heated above 1100°C with the water quenching; moreover, the diamond-like structure was invisible at higher solution temperature over 1150°C following water quenching; compared with the furnace cooling, the alloy quenched by water showed excellent mechanical properties and low amount of metal release; as the alloy heated at 1200°C, the mechanical properties of the alloy reached their optimum combination at UTS=1113.

A 796 bp PsPR10 gene promoter fragment increased root-specific expression of the GUS reporter gene under the abiotic stresses and signal molecules in tobacco.

A 1681 bp PsPR10 promoter was isolated from Pinus strobus and a series of 5'-deletions were fused to the β-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene and introduced into tobacco. GUS activity in P796 (-796 to +69) construct transgenic plant roots was similar with that of P1681 and higher than those of the P513 (-513 to +69) and P323 (-323 to +69) transgenic plants. Moreover, the abiotic stresses of NaCl, PEG 6000 and mannitol, and salicylic acid (SA), abscisic acid (ABA) and jasmonic acid (JA) induced higher GUS activity in the roots of P796 transgenic tobacco.