MgAl-LDH nanoflowers as a novel sensing material for high-performance humidity sensing.

This work details a novel application of MgAl-LDH nanoflowers, applied in the fabrication of humidity sensors using quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). An oscillating circuit approach has been utilized to thoroughly investigate the humidity detection characteristics of QCM sensors that are fabricated using MgAl-LDH nanoflowers. The examination encompassed various parameters such as the sensors' response, humidity hysteresis, repeatability, and stability. Experimental results clearly indicate that these MgAl-LDH nanoflower-based QCM sensors exhibit a distinct logarithmic frequency response to varying moisture levels. Notably, the sensitivity of the sensors is intricately tied to the amount of MgAl-LDH nanoflowers utilized during the deposition process. Moreover, these sensors maintain remarkable stability across a wide humidity range spanning from 11% to 97% RH. Additionally, the MgAl-LDH nanoflower-based QCM sensors possess minimal humidity hysteresis and display swift dynamic response and recovery periods, further highlighting their potential for humidity detection applications.

Predictors of Toxic Metal/Metalloid Exposures Among Mexican Americans in Starr County, Texas.

BACKGROUND: Arsenic, cadmium, and lead are toxic elements that widely contaminate our environment. These toxicants are associated with acute and chronic health problems, and evidence suggests that minority communities, including Hispanic/Latino Americans, are disproportionately exposed. Few studies have assessed culturally specific predictors of exposure to understand the potential drivers of racial/ethnic exposure disparities. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate acculturation measures as predictors of metal/metalloid (hereafter "metal") concentrations among Mexican American adults to illuminate potential exposure sources that may be targeted for interventions. METHODS: As part of a longitudinal cohort, 510 adults, aged 35 to 69 years, underwent baseline interview, physical examination, and urine sample collection. Self-reported acculturation was assessed across various domains using the Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics (SASH). Multivariable linear regression was used to assess associations between acculturation and urinary concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, and lead. Ordinal logistic regression was utilized to assess associations between acculturation and a metal mixture score. Lastly, best subset selection was used to build a prediction model for each toxic metal with a combination of the acculturation predictors. RESULTS: After adjustment, immigration factors were positively associated with arsenic and lead concentrations. For lead alone, English language and American media and food preferences were associated with lower levels. Immigration and parental heritage from Mexico were positively associated with the metal mixture, while preferences for English language, media, and food were negatively associated. CONCLUSION: Acculturation-related predictors of exposure provide information about potential sources of toxic metals, including international travel, foods, and consumer products. The findings in this research study provide information to empower future efforts to identify and address specific acculturation-associated toxicant exposures in order to promote health equity through clinical guidance, patient education, and public policy.

First record of the spider family Trechaleidae Simon, 1890 (Araneae) from China.

The family Trechaleidae Simon, 1890 is reported for the first time from China, including one new species: Shinobiuscona sp. nov. (♂♀). Morphological descriptions, photos and illustrations of the new species are provided. Taxonomic features of species belonging to the genus are briefly discussed. Photos of the female of Shinobiusorientalis (Yaginuma, 1967) are also presented to compare it with the new species.

Ant-eating spiders from Xizang, China (Araneae, Zodariidae).

Six species of the ant-eating spider of the family Zodariidae are described from Xizang, China, including five new species: Asceuachayusp. nov. (♀), A.dawaisp. nov. (♂♀), Mallinellamigusp. nov. (♂), M.mеdogsp. nov. (♂♀), and M.yadongsp. nov. (♂♀). The female of Cydrelalinzhiensis (Hu, 2001) is described here for the first time. Descriptions and photographs of all the species are provided.

A new genus and three new species of Hahniidae (Araneae) from China.

A new genus of comb-tailed spider (Hahniidae), Sinahahniagen. nov., is described based on three new species from the high-altitude areas of China: Sinahahniaeyusp. nov. (♂♀, Chongqing and Hubei), S.fanjingshansp. nov. (♂♀, Guizhou), and S.yintiaolingsp. nov. (♀, Chongqing). Digital images, illustrations, and a distribution map are provided.

Improved Vth Stability and Gate Reliability of GaN-Based MIS-HEMTs by Employing Alternating O2 Plasma Treatment.

The Vth stability and gate reliability of AlGaN/GaN metal-insulator-semiconductor high-electron-mobility transistors (MIS-HEMTs) with alternating O2 plasma treatment were systematically investigated in this article. It was found that the conduction band offset at the Al2O3/AlGaN interface was elevated to 2.4 eV, which contributed to the suppressed gate leakage current. The time-dependent dielectric breakdown (TDDB) test results showed that the ALD-Al2O3 with the alternating O2 plasma treatment had better quality and reliability. The AlGaN/GaN MIS-HEMT with the alternating O2 plasma treatment demonstrated remarkable advantages in higher Vth stability under high-temperature and long-term gate bias stress.

Impact of Whey Protein Isolate and Xanthan Gum on the Functionality and in vitro Digestibility of Raw and Cooked Chestnut Flours.

Due to the limitations of the properties of chestnut flour, its applications have been restricted. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of whey protein isolate (WPI) and xanthan gum (XG) on the functional and digestive properties of chestnut flour, specifically focusing on gel texture, solubility and swelling power, water absorption capacity, freeze-thaw stability and starch digestibility. The addition of both WPI and XG reduced the gel hardness, gumminess and chewiness of the co-gelatinized and physically mixed samples. Furthermore, the inclusion of physically mixed WPI and XG led to an increase in the solubility (from 58.2 to 75.0%) and water absorption capacity (from 3.11 to 5.45 g/g) of chestnut flour. The swelling power of the chestnut flour was inhibited by both additives. WPI was superior to XG at maintaining freeze-thaw stability, by reducing the syneresis from 71.9 to 68.1%. Additionally, WPI and XG contributed to the inhibition of starch hydrolysis in the early stage of digestion, resulting in a lower starch digestibility of chestnut flours. This research provides insights into the interaction mechanisms between WPI, XG, and chestnut flour, offering valuable information for the development of chestnut flour products with enhanced properties.

Spatial spillover effect of environmental factors on the tuberculosis occurrence among the elderly: a surveillance analysis for nearly a dozen years in eastern China.

BACKGROUND: In many areas of China, over 30% of tuberculosis cases occur among the elderly. We aimed to investigate the spatial distribution and environmental factors that predicted the occurence of tuberculosis in this group. METHODS: Data were collected on notified pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) cases aged ≥ 65 years in Zhejiang Province from 2010 to 2021. We performed spatial autocorrelation and spatial-temporal scan statistics to determine the clusters of epidemics. Spatial Durbin Model (SDM) analysis was used to identify significant environmental factors and their spatial spillover effects. RESULTS: 77,405 cases of PTB among the elderly were notified, showing a decreasing trend in the notification rate. Spatial-temporal analysis showed clustering of epidemics in the western area of Zhejiang Province. The results of the SDM indicated that a one-unit increase in PM2.5 led to a 0.396% increase in the local notification rate. The annual mean temperature and precipitation had direct effects and spatial spillover effects on the rate, while complexity of the shape of the greenspace (SHAPE_AM) and SO2 had negative spatial spillover effects. CONCLUSION: Targeted interventions among the elderly in Western Zhejiang may be more efficient than broad, province-wide interventions. Low annual mean temperature and high annual mean precipitation in local and neighboring areas tend to have higher PTB onset among the elderly.

Metal-organic framework-derived metal oxides for resistive gas sensing: a review.

Gas sensors with exceptional sensitivity and selectivity are vital in the real-time surveillance of noxious and harmful gases. Despite this, traditional gas sensing materials still face a number of challenges, such as poor selectivity, insufficient detection limits, and short lifespan. Metal oxides, which are derived from metal-organic framework materials (MOFs), have been widely used in the field of gas sensors because they have a high surface area and large pore volume. Incorporating metal oxides derived from MOFs into gas sensors can improve their sensitivity and selectivity, thus opening up new possibilities for the development of innovative, high-performance gas sensors. This article examines the gas sensing process of metal oxide semiconductors (MOS), evaluates the advances made in the research of different structures of MOF-derived metal oxides in resistive gas sensors, and provides information on their potential applications and future advancements.

The first record of Tricholathys Chamberlin & Ivie, 1935 (Araneae, Dictynidae) from China, with a new combination and descriptions of seven new species.

The genus Tricholathys, found for the first time in China, is surveyed and seven new species, T.burangensissp. nov. (♂♀, Thibet), T.chenzhenningisp. nov. (♂♀, Qinghai), T.hebeiensissp. nov. (♀, Hebei), T.lhunzeensissp. nov. (♂♀, Tibet), Tricholathysrelictoidessp. nov. (♂♀, Xinjiang), T.serratasp. nov. (♂♀, Tibet), and T.xizangensissp. nov. (♂♀, Tibet), are described. A new combination is proposed for Tricholathysalxa (Tang, 2011) comb. nov., ex. Argenna Thorell, 1870. Descriptions of all new species are provided, together with digital images, illustrations, and a distribution map. The DNA barcode information of four recently collected species is also provided.

Ankle biomechanics of the three-step layup in a basketball player with chronic ankle instability.

At present, the effects of chronic ankle instability (CAI) on the biomechanics of the ankle joint in the three-step layup of basketball players are not clear. This work aims to thoroughly investigate the impact of CAI on the biomechanical characteristics of the ankle during the execution of a three-step layup in basketball players. Thirty male basketball players were stratified into distinct groups-namely, a CAI group and a non-CAI group-comprising 15 individuals each, based on the presence or absence of CAI. Demographic attributes, including age, weight, height, and the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) score, were subjected to rigorous statistical examination within both athlete cohorts. The research employed four Whistler 9281CA 3D force measuring platforms (Switzerland), recording at 1000 Hz, in conjunction with eight camera motion analysis systems (USA), functioning at a frequency of 200 Hz. The study recorded maximal plantarflexion angle, inversion angle, dorsiflexion angle, and peak ankle dorsiflexion moment across the subjects during the distinct phases of push-off, landing, and the ensuing landing period. The findings notably exhibited that within the context of the one-foot push-off phase, the maximum ankle inversion angle was notably diminished in the CAI group as contrasted with the non-CAI group, demonstrating statistical significance (t = - 3.006, P < 0.01). The CAI group exhibited a lesser alteration in ankle inversion angle compared to the non-CAI group. Notably, during the one-foot landing period, the CAI group demonstrated a significantly greater maximum ankle inversion angle in contrast to the non-CAI group (t = 8.802, P < 0.001). Furthermore, the CAI group displayed a substantially larger maximum dorsiflexion angle at the ankle joint compared to the non-CAI group (t = 2.265, P < 0.05). Additionally, the CAI group exhibited a prolonged peak time for ankle dorsiflexion moment as compared to the non-CAI group (t = - 2.428, P < 0.05). Collectively, the findings elucidated a reduction in the maximum ankle joint inversion angle during the one-foot push-off phase in individuals with CAI. Furthermore, increased maximum inversion angle and maximum dorsiflexion angle of the ankle joint were observed during the one-foot landing period, alongside a lengthening of the peak time of ankle dorsiflexion moment. These results contribute valuable insights into the selection of training methodologies for basketball players afflicted by CAI.

First record of the genus Passiena (Araneae, Lycosidae) from China, with the first description of the male of P.spinicrus Thorell, 1890 from Malaysia.

The genus Passiena is recorded for the first time from China with Passienaduanisp. nov. (♂♀) from Guangxi described here. In addition, the male of P.spinicrus Thorell, 1890 is described for the first time based on a specimen from Malaysia and colour photographs of freshly collected material are also presented. Detailed morphological descriptions, photographs, genital illustrations, and a distribution map for the two species are provided.

Hormonal Injustice: Environmental Toxicants as Drivers of Endocrine Health Disparities.

The toll of multiple endocrine disorders has increased substantially in recent decades, and marginalized populations bear a disproportionate burden of disease. Because of the significant individual and societal impact of these conditions, it is essential to identify and address all modifiable risk factors contributing to these disparities. Abundant evidence now links endocrine dysfunction with exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), with greater exposures to multiple EDCs occurring among vulnerable groups, such as racial/ethnic minorities, those with low incomes, and others with high endocrine disease burdens. Identifying and eliminating EDC exposures is an essential step in achieving endocrine health equity.

Non-Buffer Epi-AlGaN/GaN on SiC for High-Performance Depletion-Mode MIS-HEMTs Fabrication.

A systematic study of epi-AlGaN/GaN on a SiC substrate was conducted through a comprehensive analysis of material properties and device performance. In this novel epitaxial design, an AlGaN/GaN channel layer was grown directly on the AlN nucleation layer, without the conventional doped thick buffer layer. Compared to the conventional epi-structures on the SiC and Si substrates, the non-buffer epi-AlGaN/GaN structure had a better crystalline quality and surface morphology, with reliable control of growth stress. Hall measurements showed that the novel structure exhibited comparable transport properties to the conventional epi-structure on the SiC substrate, regardless of the buffer layer. Furthermore, almost unchanged carrier distribution from room temperature to 150 °C indicated excellent two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) confinement due to the pulling effect of the conduction band from the nucleation layer as a back-barrier. High-performance depletion-mode MIS-HEMTs were demonstrated with on-resistance of 5.84 Ω·mm and an output current of 1002 mA/mm. The dynamic characteristics showed a much smaller decrease in the saturation current (only ~7%), with a quiescent drain bias of 40 V, which was strong evidence of less electron trapping owing to the high-quality non-buffer AlGaN/GaN epitaxial growth.

A Novel Atomic-Level Post-Etch-Surface-Reinforcement Process for High-Performance p-GaN Gate HEMTs Fabrication.

A novel atomic-level post-etch-surface-reinforcement (PESR) process is developed to recover the p-GaN etching induced damage region for high performance p-GaN gate HEMTs fabrication. This process is composed of a self-limited surface modification step with O2 plasma, following by an oxide removal step with BCl3 plasma. With PESR process, the AlGaN surface morphology after p-GaN etching was comparable to the as-epitaxial level by AFM characterization, and the AlGaN lattice crystallization was also recovered which was measured in a confocal Raman system. The electrical measurement further confirmed the significant improvement of AlGaN surface quality, with one-order of magnitude lower surface leakage in a metal-semiconductor (MS) Schottky-diode and 6 times lower interface density of states (Dit) in a MIS C-V characterization. The XPS analysis of Al2O3/AlGaN showed that the p-GaN etching induced F-byproduct and Ga-oxide was well removed and suppressed by PESR process. Finally, the developed PESR process was successfully integrated in p-GaN gate HEMTs fabrication, and the device performance was significantly enhanced with ~20% lower of on-resistance and ~25% less of current collapse at Vds,Q bias of 40 V, showing great potential of leverage p-GaN gate HEMTs reliability.

In Situ H-Radical Surface Treatment on Aluminum Gallium Nitride for High-Performance Aluminum Gallium Nitride/Gallium Nitride MIS-HEMTs Fabrication.

In this work, we demonstrated a low current collapse normally on Al2O3/AlGaN/GaN MIS-HEMT with in situ H-radical surface treatment on AlGaN. The in situ atomic pretreatment was performed in a specially designed chamber prior to the thermal ALD-Al2O3 deposition, which improved the Al2O3/AlGaN interface with Dit of ~2 × 1012 cm-2 eV-1, and thus effectively reduced the current collapse and the dynamic Ron degradation. The devices showed good electrical performance with low Vth hysteresis and peak trans-conductance of 107 mS/mm. Additionally, when the devices operated under 25 °C pulse-mode stress measurement with VDS,Q = 40 V (period of 1 ms, pulse width of 1 µs), the dynamic Ron increase of ~14.1% was achieved.

Two new species of Amaurobius C.L. Koch, 1837 from China (Araneae, Amaurobiidae).

Two new species of the genus Amaurobius are described from China: A.guangwushanensissp. nov. (♂♀) from Sichuan and A.wulongdongensissp. nov. (♂♀) from Shaanxi. With the addition of two new species, the number of Amaurobius species endemic to China now reaches four. Morphological descriptions, photos, and illustrations of copulatory organs, as well as a map of distribution records, are provided.

Lampshade web spider Ectatosticta davidi chromosome-level genome assembly provides evidence for its phylogenetic position.

The spider of Ectatosticta davidi, belonging to the lamp-shade web spider family, Hypochilidae, which is closely related to Hypochilidae and Filistatidae and recovered as sister of the rest Araneomorphs spiders. Here we show the final assembled genome of E. davidi with 2.16 Gb in 15 chromosomes. Then we confirm the evolutionary position of Hypochilidae. Moreover, we find that the GMC gene family exhibit high conservation throughout the evolution of true spiders. We also find that the MaSp genes of E. davidi may represent an early stage of MaSp and MiSp genes in other true spiders, while CrSp shares a common origin with AgSp and PySp but differ from MaSp. Altogether, this study contributes to addressing the limited availability of genomic sequences from Hypochilidae spiders, and provides a valuable resource for investigating the genomic evolution of spiders.

Renal interferon-inducible protein 16 expression is associated with disease activity and prognosis in lupus nephritis.

BACKGROUND: Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most severe complications of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the current management of LN remains unsatisfactory due to sneaky symptoms during early stages and lack of reliable predictors of disease progression. METHODS: Bioinformatics and machine learning algorithms were initially used to explore the potential biomarkers for LN development. Identified biomarker expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and multiplex immunofluorescence (IF) in 104 LN patients, 12 diabetic kidney disease (DKD) patients, 12 minimal change disease (MCD) patients, 12 IgA nephropathy (IgAN) patients and 14 normal controls (NC). The association of biomarker expression with clinicopathologic indices and prognosis was analyzed. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) were utilized to explore potential mechanisms. RESULTS: Interferon-inducible protein 16 (IFI16) was identified as a potential biomarker for LN. IFI16 was highly expressed in the kidneys of LN patients compared to those with MCD, DKD, IgAN or NC. IFI16 co-localized with certain renal and inflammatory cells. Glomerular IFI16 expression was correlated with pathological activity indices of LN, while tubulointerstitial IFI16 expression was correlated with pathological chronicity indices. Renal IFI16 expression was positively associated with systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) and serum creatinine while negatively related to baseline eGFR and serum complement C3. Additionally, higher IFI16 expression was closely related to poorer prognosis of LN patients. GSEA and GSVA suggested that IFI16 expression was involved in adaptive immune-related processes of LN. CONCLUSION: Renal IFI16 expression is a potential biomarker for disease activity and clinical prognosis in LN patients. Renal IFI16 levels may be used to shed light on predicting the renal response and develop precise therapy for LN.

Improving Performance of Al2O3/AlN/GaN MIS HEMTs via In Situ N2 Plasma Annealing.

A novel monocrystalline AlN interfacial layer formation method is proposed to improve the device performance of the fully recessed-gate Al2O3/AlN/GaN Metal-Insulator-Semiconductor High Electron Mobility Transistors (MIS-HEMTs), which is achieved by plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) and in situ N2 plasma annealing (NPA). Compared with the traditional RTA method, the NPA process not only avoids the device damage caused by high temperatures but also obtains a high-quality AlN monocrystalline film that avoids natural oxidation by in situ growth. As a contrast with the conventional PELAD amorphous AlN, C-V results indicated a significantly lower interface density of states (Dit) in a MIS C-V characterization, which could be attributed to the polarization effect induced by the AlN crystal from the X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) characterizations. The proposed method could reduce the subthreshold swing, and the Al2O3/AlN/GaN MIS-HEMTs were significantly enhanced with ~38% lower on-resistance at Vg = 10 V. What is more, in situ NPA provides a more stable threshold voltage (Vth) after a long gate stress time, and ΔVth is inhibited by about 40 mV under Vg,stress = 10 V for 1000 s, showing great potential for improving Al2O3/AlN/GaN MIS-HEMT gate reliability.