One-Step Self-Assembled WO3/rGO Microspheres Photoanode Assembled Efficient Photocatalytic Fuel Cells for Simultaneous Organic Pollutant Degradation and Electricity Generation.

Photocatalytic fuel cells (PFCs) present a promising and environmentally friendly approach to simultaneously treat organic pollutants in wastewater and electricity generation. The development of photoanodes with high light absorption and carrier mobility is essential for enhancing the performance of PFCs but remains challenging. Herein, a one-step self-assembly strategy was adopted to develop flower-like WO3/rGO microspheres for PFC devices. Attributed to the abundant surface-active sites, enhanced light harvesting, and efficient separation of photogenerated charge carriers, the WO3/rGO photoanode demonstrated superior rhodamine B (RhB) degradation rate (90% in 2 h), maximum power density (4.74 µW/cm2), and maximum photocurrent density (0.096 mA/cm2), 1.4, 2.4, and 4.0 times higher than the corresponding pure WO3 photoanode, respectively. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the built-in electric field formed between the interface of WO3 and rGO promotes the transfer of photogenerated electrons from WO3 to rGO, thus exerting a significant impact on improving the migration and separation of photoinduced charge carriers. Moreover, by combining experimental and theoretical results, a complete PFC operation mechanism for the PFC system was proposed. This study focuses on the strategy of constructing rGO-doped photocatalysts to enhance the interfacial charge transfer mechanism, providing a promising approach for the development of high-performance photoanodes in PFC systems.

Study on the Polymorphic Loci of Explosive Strength-Related Genes in Elite Wrestlers.

This investigation aimed to explore the relationship between Chinese elite wrestlers and the polymorphic loci of explosive strength genes, and to further explore the feasibility of its application to athlete selection. The snapshot technique was used to resolve the polymorphic loci of explosive power genes in the wrestler group (59 elite wrestlers) and the control group (180 ordinary college students), and to analyze the genotype frequencies and allele frequencies of each group. A chi-square test was performed on the genotype and allele distribution data of each group to analyze the loci of explosive power genes that were associated with elite wrestlers. The loci that had an association with elite wrestlers were combined with the genotyping data, and the dominance ratios of the genotypes were calculated using the chi-square test to determine the dominant genotypes associated with elite wrestlers. The VDR gene rs2228570 locus exhibited statistically significant differences in genotype and allele distributions between elite wrestlers and the general population (p < 0.01). At the rs2228570 locus of the VDR gene, the difference between the CC genotype and other genotypes was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The rs2228570 locus of the VDR gene was identified as the locus associated with Chinese elite wrestlers. The polymorphism of the VDR gene can be used as a biomarker for Chinese wrestlers, and the CC genotype can be used as a molecular marker for the selection of Chinese elite athletes in this sport. However, expanding the sample size of elite athletes is necessary to further validate the scientific validity and feasibility of these findings.

Ultrafast mechanosynthesis of hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks with UV and NIR photoswitching of photochromic/photothermal behavior.

We present a facile and ultrafast mechanosynthesis of hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks |C10N2H10‖HC2O4|2 with UV and NIR bidirectional photoswitching of photochromic/photothermal behavior. The reaction time is reduced to mere seconds, and the method is both high-yield and scalable.

High-Power Impulse Magnetron Sputter Deposition of Ag on Self-Assembled Au Nanoparticle Arrays at Low-Temperature Dewetting Conditions.

Plasmons have facilitated diverse analytical applications due to the boosting signal detectability by hot spots. In practical applications, it is crucial to fabricate straightforward, large-scale, and reproducible plasmonic substrates. Dewetting treatment, via applying direct thermal annealing of metal films, has been used as a straightforward method in the fabrication of such plasmonic nanostructures. However, tailoring the evolution of the dewetting process of metal films poses considerable experimental complexities, mainly due to nanoscale structure formation. Here, we use grazing-incidence small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering for the in situ investigation of the high-power impulse magnetron sputter deposition of Ag on self-assembled Au nanoparticle arrays at low-temperature dewetting conditions. This approach allows us to examine both the direct formation of binary Au/Ag nanostructure and the consequential impact of the dewetting process on the spatial arrangement of the bimetallic nanoparticles. It is observed that the dewetting at 100 °C is sufficient to favor the establishment of a homogenized structural configuration of bimetallic nanostructures, which is beneficial for localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs). The fabricated metal nanostructures show potential application for the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection of rhodamine 6G molecules. As SERS platform, bimetallic nanostructures formed with dewetting conditions turn out to be superior to those without dewetting conditions. The method in this work is envisioned as a facile strategy for the fabrication of plasmonic nanostructures.

Mitogenomic phylogeny, biogeography, and cryptic divergence of the genus Silurus (Siluriformes: Siluridae).

The genus Silurus, an important group of catfish, exhibits heterogeneous distribution in Eurasian freshwater systems. This group includes economically important and endangered species, thereby attracting considerable scientific interest. Despite this interest, the lack of a comprehensive phylogenetic framework impedes our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the extensive diversity found within this genus. Herein, we analyzed 89 newly sequenced and 20 previously published mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) from 13 morphological species to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships, biogeographic history, and species diversity of Silurus. Our phylogenetic reconstructions identified eight clades, supported by both maximum-likelihood and Bayesian inference. Sequence-based species delimitation analyses yielded multiple molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs) in several taxa, including the Silurus asotus complex (four MOTUs) and Silurus microdorsalis (two MOTUs), suggesting that species diversity is underestimated in the genus. A reconstructed time-calibrated tree of Silurus species provided an age estimate of the most recent common ancestor of approximately 37.61 million years ago (Ma), with divergences among clades within the genus occurring between 11.56 Ma and 29.44 Ma, and divergences among MOTUs within species occurring between 3.71 Ma and 11.56 Ma. Biogeographic reconstructions suggested that the ancestral area for the genus likely encompassed China and the Korean Peninsula, with multiple inferred dispersal events to Europe and Central and Western Asia between 21.78 Ma and 26.67 Ma and to Japan between 2.51 Ma and 18.42 Ma. Key factors such as the Eocene-Oligocene extinction event, onset and intensification of the monsoon system, and glacial cycles associated with sea-level fluctuations have likely played significant roles in shaping the evolutionary history of the genus Silurus.

Comparative Study of Ultrasonic Vibration-Assisted Die-Sinking Micro-Electrical Discharge Machining on Polycrystalline Diamond and Titanium.

Die-sinking micro-electrical discharge machining (micro-EDM) is a potential method used to fabricate intricate structures without complex electrode motion planning and compensation. However, machining efficiency and poor discharge states are still bottlenecks. This study conducted a comparative investigation into the impact of ultrasonic vibration on die-sinking micro-EDM of polycrystalline diamond (PCD) and pure titanium (TA2). By adjusting discharge parameters, this study systematically evaluated the influence of ultrasonic vibration on these two materials based on discharge waveforms, motion trajectories, effective discharge counts and groove profiles. At an open-circuit voltage of 100 V, ultrasonic vibration promotes die-sinking micro-EDM of PCD. However, when the open-circuit voltage increases to 200 V, ultrasonic vibration exhibits inhibitory effects in general. Conversely, for TA2, ultrasonic vibration shows a promoting effect at both voltages, indicating the differences of ultrasonic vibration-assisted die-sinking micro-EDM on PCD and TA2. For PCD, ultrasonic cavitation improves the discharge gap environment, accelerating the removal of discharge debris. For TA2, due to its poor thermal conductivity, ultrasonic cavitation acts to break the arc, accelerating heat transfer. These research findings provide guidance for ultrasonic vibration-assisted die-sinking micro-EDM in industrial applications.

Temporally interfering electric fields brain stimulation in primary motor cortex of mice promotes motor skill through enhancing neuroplasticity.

Temporal interference (TI) electric field brain stimulation is a novel neuromodulation technique that enables the non-invasive modulation of deep brain regions, but few advances about TI stimulation effectiveness and mechanisms have been reported. Conventional transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) can enhance motor skills, whether TI stimulation has an effect on motor skills in mice has not been elucidated. In the present study, TI stimulation was proved to stimulating noninvasively primary motor cortex (M1) of mice, and that TI stimulation with an envelope wave frequency of 20 Hz (Δ f = 20 Hz) once a day for 20 min for 7 consecutive days significantly improved the motor skills of mice. The mechanism of action may be related to regulating of neurotransmitter metabolism, increasing the expression of synapse-related proteins, promoting neurotransmitter release, increasing dendritic spine density, enhancing the number of synaptic vesicles and the thickness of postsynaptic dense material, and ultimately enhance neuronal excitability and plasticity. It is the first report about TI stimulation promoting motor skills of mice and describing its mechanisms.

Sirtuins in macrophage immune metabolism: A novel target for cardiovascular disorders.

Sirtuins (SIRT1-SIRT7), as a family of NAD+-dependent protein modifying enzymes, have various catalytic functions, such as deacetylases, dealkalylases, and deribonucleases. The Sirtuins family is directly or indirectly involved in pathophysiological processes such as glucolipid metabolism, oxidative stress, DNA repair and inflammatory response through various pathways and assumes an important role in several cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, hypertension and heart failure. A growing number of studies supports that metabolic and bioenergetic reprogramming directs the sequential process of inflammation. Failure of homeostatic restoration leads to many inflammatory diseases, and that macrophages are the central cells involving the inflammatory response and are the main source of inflammatory cytokines. Regulation of cellular metabolism has emerged as a fundamental process controlling macrophage function, but its exact signaling mechanisms remain to be revealed. Understanding the precise molecular basis of metabolic control of macrophage inflammatory processes may provide new approaches for targeting immune metabolism and inflammation. Here, we provide an update of studies in cardiovascular disease on the function and role of sirtuins in macrophage inflammation and metabolism, as well as drug candidates that may interfere with sirtuins, pointing to future prospects in this field.

Biological Activity and Sterilization Mechanism of Marine Fungi-derived Aromatic Butenolide Asperbutenolide A Against Staphylococcus aureus.

Marine fungi represent a huge untapped resource of natural products. The bio-activity of a new asperbutenolide A from marine fungus Aspergillus terreus was not well known. In the present study, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and RNA-Sequencing were used to analyze the bio-activity and sterilization mechanism of asperbutenolide A against clinical pathogenic microbes. The results showed that the MICs of asperbutenolide A against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were 4.0-8.0 µg/mL. The asperbutenolide A present poor bio-activity against with candida. The sterilization mechanism of asperbutenolide A against MRSA showed that there were 1426 differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) between the groups of MRSA treated with asperbutenolide A and negative control. Gene Ontology (GO) classification analysis indicated that the DEGs were mainly involved in cellular process, metabolic process, cellular anatomical entity, binding, catalytic activity, etc. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) classification analysis showed that these DEGs were mainly enriched in amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, membrane transport, etc. Moreover, qRT-PCR showed similar trends in the expressions of argF, ureA, glmS and opuCA with the RNA-Sequencing. These results indicated that asperbutenolide A was with ideal bio-activity against with MRSA and could be as a new antibacterial agent.

Optimisation of stable flight posture of ski jumping based on computational fluid dynamics simulation technology.

The stable flight posture that affects sports performance during flight is usually formed by the multiple angles of the athlete-ski posture. At present, research on the flight phase is mainly based on the single-factor impact analysis based on computational fluid dynamics simulation technology, but studies on the multi-factor coupling relationship of two or more factors is less. This study aims to determine the best optimal-level combination based on the simulation model of this work through comprehensive evaluation from the optimisation perspective of multi-factor coupling. Here, a refined model of the athlete-ski system with the characteristics of ski jumping was established. Reynolds time-averaged method was used for the simulation. A three-factor and five-level simulation test was conducted on the relative inclination between skis, the angle between the body and the ski and the ski V-angle through orthogonal experiment design. Our results show that the optimal-level combination of the relative inclination between skis of 120°, the angle between the body and the ski of 20°, and the ski V-angle of 30° is relatively best in terms of aerodynamic characteristics. Simulation results were similar to the results of the winter field data from video analysis, and the results were effective.

Thiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole-Based Metal-Organic Framework for Catalytic CO2 Cycloaddition and Photocatalytic Benzylamine Coupling Reactions.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with permanent porosity and multifunctional catalytic sites constructed by two or more organic ligands are regarded as effective heterogeneous catalysts to improve certain organic catalytic reactions. In this work, a pillared-layer Zn-MOF (MOF-LS10) was constructed by 2,3,5,6-tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)pyrazine (H4TCPP) and 2,5-di(pyridin-4-yl)thiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole (DPTZTZ). After activation, MOF-LS10 has a permanent porosity and moderate CO2 adsorption capacity. The introduction of thiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole (TZTZ), a photoactive unit, into the framework endows MOF-LS10 with excellent photocatalytic performance. MOF-LS10 can not only efficiently catalyze the formation of cyclic carbonates from CO2 and epoxide substrates under mild conditions but also can photocatalyze benzylamine coupling at room temperature. In addition, we used another two ligands 1,2,4,5-tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)benzene (H4BTEB) and 1,4-di(pyridin-4-yl)benzene (DPB) to synthesize MOF-LS11 (constructed by BTEB4- and DPTZTZ) and MOF-LS12 (constructed by TCPP4- and DPB) in order to explore whether the pyrazine structural unit and the TZTZ structural unit synergistically catalyze the reaction. The electron paramagnetic resonance spectrum demonstrates that the superoxide radical (·O2-), generated by electron transfer from the MOF excited by light to the oxidant, is the main active substance of oxidation. The design and synthesis of MOF-LS10 provide an effective synthetic strategy for the development of versatile heterogeneous catalysts for various organic reactions and a wide range of substrates.

Decoding the Self-Assembly Plasmonic Interface Structure in a PbS Colloidal Quantum Dot Solid for a Photodetector.

Hybrid plasmonic nanostructures have gained enormous attention in a variety of optoelectronic devices due to their surface plasmon resonance properties. Self-assembled hybrid metal/quantum dot (QD) architectures offer a means of coupling the properties of plasmonics and QDs to photodetectors, thereby modifying their functionality. The arrangement and localization of hybrid nanostructures have an impact on exciton trapping and light harvesting. Here, we present a hybrid structure consisting of self-assembled gold nanospheres (Au NSs) embedded in a solid matrix of PbS QDs for mapping the interface structures and the motion of charge carriers. Grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering is utilized to analyze the localization and spacing of the Au NSs within the hybrid structure. Furthermore, by correlating the morphology of the Au NSs in the hybrid structure with the corresponding differences observed in the performance of photodetectors, we are able to determine the impact of interface charge carrier dynamics in the coupling structure. From the perspective of architecture, our study provides insights into the performance improvement of optoelectronic devices.

Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy-Based Evidence of the Cerebral Oxygenation and Network Characteristics of Upper Limb Fatigue.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research is to better understand the effects of upper limb fatigue on the cerebral cortex. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of cerebral oxygenation and cortical functional connectivity in healthy adults after upper limb fatigue using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). METHODS: Nineteen healthy adults participated in this study. The participants began exercising on an arm crank ergometer with no load, which was then increased by 0.2 kg per minute, maintaining a speed of at least 90 revolutions per minute during the exercise. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy covering the prefrontal cortex and motor area was used to monitor brain activity during rest and exercise. Heart rate and RPE were monitored during exercise to evaluate the degree of fatigue. Paired-sample t-tests were used to examine differences in the concentration of oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO2) and functional connectivity before and after fatigue. RESULTS: All participants completed the exercise test that induced fatigue. We observed a significant decrease in HbO2 levels in the prefrontal and motor areas after exercise. In addition, brain network features showed a significant decrease in functional connectivity between the left and right motor cortices, between the motor and prefrontal cortices, and between both prefrontal cortices after fatigue. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that, in healthy adults, exercise-induced fatigue in the upper limbs significantly affects brain function. In particular, it leads to reduced functional connectivity between the motor cortex and the prefrontal cortex.

Multi-component carbon-based composites containing high crystallinity NiBDC as high-performance electrodes for supercapacitors.

Herein, we propose a strategy combining in situ sol-gel hydrothermal growth and annealing treatment for preparing multi-component carbon-based composites with high crystallinity of NiBDC (C-Ni/NiO/NiBDC). The C-Ni/NiO/NiBDC can be used by both positive and negative materials to build a supercapacitor that shows superior capacitance over the wide potential range of 0-1.8 V, resulting from the high crystallinity of NiBDC and synergistic effect of NiBDC, Ni and NiO, as well as their mutual intimate interfacial contact.

High Freshwater Flux Solar Desalination via a 3D Plasmonic Evaporator with an Efficient Heat-Mass Evaporation Interface.

Passive solar desalination with interfacial heating is a promising technique to utilize solar energy to convert seawater into fresh water through evaporation and condensation. However, the current freshwater flux of solar desalination is much below industrial requirements (> 20 L m-2  h-1 ). Herein, it is demonstrated that a 3D plasmonic evaporator with an efficient heat-mass evaporation interface (HM-EI) achieves a freshwater flux of 29.1 L m-2  h-1 for 3.5 wt.% NaCl, which surpasses the previous solar evaporators and approaches the level of reverse osmosis (the highest installed capacity in industrial seawater desalination technology). The realization of high freshwater flux solar desalination comes from the efficient HM-EI comprising a grid-like plasmonic macrostructure for enhanced energy utilization in heat properties and a large-pore microstructure for accelerated ion transport in mass properties. This work provides a new direction for designing next-generation solar evaporators with high freshwater flux for industrial requirements.

Risk factor analysis for diabetic foot ulcer-related amputation including Controlling Nutritional Status score and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio.

Diabetic foot ulcer often leads to amputation, and both nutritional status and immune function have been associated with this process. We aimed to investigate the risk factors of diabetic ulcer-related amputation including the Controlling Nutritional Status score and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio biomarker. We evaluated data from hospital in patients with diabetic foot ulcer, performing univariate and multivariate analyses to screen for high-risk factors and Kaplan-Meier analysis to correlate high-risk factors with amputation-free survival. Overall, 389 patients underwent 247 amputations over the follow-up period. After correction to relevant variables, we identified five independent risk factors for diabetic ulcer-related amputation: ulcer severity, ulcer site, peripheral arterial disease, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and nutritional status. Amputation-free survival was lower for the moderate-to-severe versus mild cases, for the plantar forefoot versus hindfoot location, for the concomitant peripheral artery disease versus without and in the high versus low neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (all p < 0.01). The results showed that ulcer severity (p < 0.01), ulcer site (p < 0.01), peripheral artery disease (p < 0.01), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (p < 0.01) and Controlling Nutritional Status score (p < 0.05) were independent risk factors for amputation in diabetic foot ulcer patients and have predictive values for diabetic foot ulcer progression to amputation.

Comparison and analysis of the biomechanics of the lower limbs of female tennis players of different levels in foot-up serve.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine biomechanical performance of the foot-up serve (FUS) in female tennis players at different skill levels. Methods: FUS analysis was completed in the biomechanical laboratory by 32 female college tennis players at three different levels. During FUS, 3D-biomechanical data from tennis players' lower limbs were collected. One-way ANOVA was used to examine differences in kinematic and kinetic data between groups Results: Range of motion (ROM) of bilateral lower-limb joints revealed significant differences in kinematics performance during both the preparation and landing cushion phases (p < 0.05). During preparation, Level 3 was significantly longer than Level 2 (P-a = 0.042, P-b = 0.001, and P-c = 0.006). During the flight phase, significant differences between levels 1 and 3 (P-a:0.002) and levels 1 and 2 (P-c:0.000) were discovered (P-a:0.002 and P-c:0.000). There were significant height differences between levels 1 and 2 as well as between levels 1 and 3. (P-a = 0.001, P-c = 0.000). During serve preparation (P-c = 0.001) and landing, GRF's peak was significantly higher than level 3. (P-c:0.007). Significant differences were found between groups in the LLS preparation stage, with level 3 significantly higher than levels 1 and 2. (P-a = 0.000, P-b = 0.001, and P-c = 0.000); during landing, level 2 LLS was significantly higher than levels 1 and 3. (P-a = 0.000, P-b = 0.000, and P-c = 0.035). Conclusion: The range of motion of joints and the stiffness of the lower limbs have a significant impact on a tennis player's FUS performance. A larger of joint mobility and lower-limb stiffness promote better performance during the FUS preparation stage.

Key transition technology of ski jumping based on inertial motion unit, kinematics and dynamics.

BACKGROUND: The development and innovation of biomechanical measurement methods provide a solution to the problems in ski jumping research. At present, research on ski jumping mostly focuses on the local technical characteristics of different phases, but studies on the technology transition process are less. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate a measurement system (i.e. the merging of 2D video recording, inertial measurement unit and wireless pressure insole) that can capture a wide range of sport performance and focus on the key transition technical characteristics. METHODS: The application validity of the Xsens motion capture system in ski jumping was verified under field conditions by comparing the lower limb joint angles of eight professional ski jumpers during the takeoff phase collected by different motion capture systems (Xsens and Simi high-speed camera). Subsequently, the key transition technical characteristics of eight ski jumpers were captured on the basis of the aforementioned measurement system. RESULTS: Validation results indicated that the joint angle point-by-point curve during the takeoff phase was highly correlated and had excellent agreement (0.966 ≤ r ≤ 0.998, P < 0.001). Joint root-mean-square error (RMSE) differences between model calculations were 5.967° for hip, 6.856° for knee and 4.009° for ankle. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with 2D video recording, the Xsens system shows excellent agreement to ski jumping. Furthermore, the established measurement system can effectively capture the key transition technical characteristics of athletes, particularly in the dynamic changes of straight turn into arc in inrun, the adjustment of body posture and ski movement during early flight and landing preparation.