Operando Spectroscopic Analysis of Axial Oxygen-Coordinated Single-Sn-Atom Sites for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction.

Sn-based materials have been demonstrated as promising catalysts for the selective electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). However, the detailed structures of catalytic intermediates and the key surface species remain to be identified. In this work, a series of single-Sn-atom catalysts with well-defined structures is developed as model systems to explore their electrochemical reactivity toward CO2RR. The selectivity and activity of CO2 reduction to formic acid on Sn-single-atom sites are shown to be correlated with Sn(IV)-N4 moieties axially coordinated with oxygen (O-Sn-N4), reaching an optimal HCOOH Faradaic efficiency of 89.4% with a partial current density (jHCOOH) of 74.8 mA·cm-2 at -1.0 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). Employing a combination of operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy, attenuated total reflectance surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and 119Sn Mössbauer spectroscopy, surface-bound bidentate tin carbonate species are captured during CO2RR. Moreover, the electronic and coordination structures of the single-Sn-atom species under reaction conditions are determined. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations further support the preferred formation of Sn-O-CO2 species over the O-Sn-N4 sites, which effectively modulates the adsorption configuration of the reactive intermediates and lowers the energy barrier for the hydrogenation of *OCHO species, as compared to the preferred formation of *COOH species over the Sn-N4 sites, thereby greatly facilitating CO2-to-HCOOH conversion.

Boosting the Proton-coupled Electron Transfer via Fe-P Atomic Pair for Enhanced Electrochemical CO2 Reduction.

Single-atom catalysts exhibit superior CO2 -to-CO catalytic activity, but poor kinetics of proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) steps still limit the overall performance toward the industrial scale. Here, we constructed a Fe-P atom paired catalyst onto nitrogen doped graphitic layer (Fe1 /PNG) to accelerate PCET step. Fe1 /PNG delivers an industrial CO current of 1 A with FECO over 90 % at 2.5 V in a membrane-electrode assembly, overperforming the CO current of Fe1 /NG by more than 300 %. We also decrypted the synergistic effects of the P atom in the Fe-P atom pair using operando techniques and density functional theory, revealing that the P atom provides additional adsorption sites for accelerating water dissociation, boosting the hydrogenation of CO2 , and enhancing the activity of CO2 reduction. This atom-pair catalytic strategy can modulate multiple reactants and intermediates to break through the inherent limitations of single-atom catalysts.

Associations of Reduced Sympathetic Neural Activity and Elevated Baroreflex Sensitivity With Non-Rapid Eye Movement Sleep: Evidence From Electroencephalogram- and Electrocardiogram-Based Sleep Staging.

OBJECTIVE: Autonomic neural controls in sleep regulation have been previously demonstrated; however, whether these alternations can be observed by different sleep staging approaches remains unclear. Two established methods for sleep staging-the standardized visual scoring and the cardiopulmonary coupling (CPC) analysis based on electrocardiogram-were used to explore the cardiovascular profiles of sleep. METHODS: Overnight polysomnography was recorded together with continuous beat-to-beat blood pressure. Cortical activity, heart rate variability, blood pressure variability, and baroreflex sensitivity during sleep stages from 24 nights of sleep were obtained from 15 normotensive participants and analyzed. RESULTS: Non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREM) from visual scoring and restful sleep (RS) of CPC both showed the highest delta power of electroencephalogram (EEG) and lowest beta activity of EEG in comparison with other sleep stages (p < .001); likewise, the lowest total power of heart rate variability and suppressed vascular-sympathetic activity, reflected by low-frequency power of blood pressure variability, as well as a trend in elevated baroreflex sensitivity, were observed in the NREM or RS. This suppressed vascular-sympathetic activity during stable sleep further exhibited a significant correlation with increased slow-wave activity (NREM: r = -0.292 ± 0.34, p = .002; RS: r = -0.209 ± 0.30, p = .010). CONCLUSIONS: Autonomic nervous system is evidently associated with stable sleep, as indicated by the similar findings obtained from sleep stages categorized by standardized visual scoring or CPC analysis. Such association between cardiovascular neural activity and sleep EEGs can be observed regardless of the sleep staging approach followed.

Olmesartan Ameliorates Organ Injury and Mortality in Rats With Peritonitis-Induced Sepsis.

INTRODUCTION: Sepsis and related complications lead to high morbidity and mortality in humans and animals. Olmesartan medoxomil (OLM), a nonpeptide angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker, has antiinflammatory and antioxidative effects in various experimental animal models. The present study aimed to investigate whether OLM protects against sepsis in a clinically relevant model of polymicrobial sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). METHODS: Sepsis was induced by CLP in anesthetized rats. OLM was administered intraperitoneally 3 h after CLP onset. Hemodynamic, biochemical, and inflammatory parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: The administration of OLM in CLP rats significantly improved their survival rate. Moreover, OLM mitigated CLP-induced hypotension and organ injury (indicated by biochemical parameters), but not tachycardia. OLM significantly reduced the plasma levels of interleukin-6 and nitric oxide. CONCLUSIONS: OLM markedly attenuated CLP-induced hypotension and organ injury, and hence improved survival by inhibiting the inflammatory response and nitrosative stress in this clinically relevant model of sepsis.

Angiotensin-(1-7) attenuates organ injury and mortality in rats with polymicrobial sepsis.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis and related multiple organ dysfunction result in high morbidity and mortality. Angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7), a biologically active peptide, has various opposing effects of Ang II. Because the effect of Ang-(1-7) on sepsis is unknown, in this study we aimed to determine the impact of Ang-(1-7) on pathophysiologic changes in a clinically relevant model of polymicrobial sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). METHODS: Sepsis was induced by CLP in rats under anesthesia. Rats were randomized to one of the following five groups: (1) sham-operated group, (2) Ang-(1-7) (1 mg/kg intravenously infused for 1 h) at 3 h and 6 h after sham operation, (3) CLP, (4) Ang-(1-7) at 3 h after CLP, and (5) Ang-(1-7) at 3 h and 6 h after CLP. Rats were observed for 24 h after CLP surgery and then killed for subsequent histological examination. RESULTS: Ang-(1-7) significantly improved the survival of septic rats (83.3% vs. 36.4% at 24 h following CLP; p = 0.009). Ang-(1-7) attenuated the CLP-induced decreased arterial pressure and organ dysfunction, indicated by diminished biochemical variables and fewer histological changes. Ang-(1-7) significantly reduced the level of plasma interleukin-6 and pulmonary superoxide production (p < 0.05). Moreover, caspase-3 and cytoplasmic IκB expression in liver was significantly lower in the Ang-(1-7)-treated CLP rats (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this clinically relevant model of sepsis, Ang-(1-7) ameliorates CLP-induced organ dysfunction and improves survival, possibly through suppressing the inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and apoptosis, suggesting that Ang-(1-7) could be a potential novel therapeutic approach to treatment of peritonitis and polymicrobial sepsis.

Extraction of intercalated O2 from aligned carbon nanotubes: the breaking of intertube paths and exponential changes in resistance.

In carbon nanotube films, the alignment of carbon nanotubes creates Lennard-Jones potentials at intertube junctions and trapped O2 appears to oscillate at elevated temperatures. Electrical measurements reveal a low hopping barrier along the transverse direction and an underlying mechanism that involves intercalated molecules acting as charge carriers between tubes. Ab initio calculations support dynamic intercalation and charge transfer through O2 bouncing between tubes.

Carbon nanotubes enhanced Seebeck coefficient and power factor of rutile TiO2.

The Seebeck coefficient, according to Ioffe's approximation, is inversely proportional to carrier density and decreases with doping. Herein, we find that the incorporation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes into rutile TiO2 improves the electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient at a low filling fraction of tubes; moreover, the former was due to the lengthening of the mean free path and doping modified carrier mobility for the latter. Tube-oxide mixing also causes significant phonon drag at the interfaces and the reduced thermal conductivity was verified by the promoted figure of merit.

Production of Large Specific Capacitance by Electrodes with Low Active Mass and Synergistic Mechanisms.

Decoration of vanadium nitride nanoparticles on carbon nanotubes creates electrodes with three different energy storage mechanisms that operate synergistically to give a high specific capacitance with a low active mass. Calculation and measurements further indicate the power and energy density to be as high as 105-106 W/kg and 102 Wh/kg, respectively. Particle attachment also greatly improves the capacitive coefficient, including ionic transmittance, charge transfer, porosity, and conductivity. Corrosion tests based on the Tafel method reveal the corrosion potential and current of electrodes as low as -0.721 V and 7.53 × 10-4 A, respectively.

Agreement of cardiac output measurement between pulse contour analysis and thermodilution in various body positions: a porcine study.

BACKGROUND: We elucidated the effects of various body positions on the agreement of cardiac output (CO) measurement between pulse contour analysis with the PiCCO monitor and thermodilution with pulmonary artery catheterization. METHODS: Fifteen anesthetized and mechanically ventilated pigs (40 ± 2 kg) were sequentially placed in various positions to facilitate simultaneous CO measurement. Between-methods agreement was assessed using the Bland-Altman method. Trending ability was assessed using Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient analysis. RESULTS: In supine, reverse Trendelenburg, Trendelenburg, and left lateral decubitus (lateral) positions, CO measured by these two methods was comparable (4.9 ± 1.5 versus 4.6 ± 1.6 L/min, 4.6 ± 2.2 versus 4.8 ± 1.8 L/min, 5.1 ± 2.1 versus 4.9 ± 2.1 L/min, and 5.4 ± 1.8 versus 5.0 ± 1.6 L/min; all P > 0.05). Mean bias between methods and limits of agreement (percentage error) were 0.3 ± 2.9 L/min (61%), -0.3 ± 3.3 L/min (71%), 0.1 ± 4.1 L/min (77%), and 0.5 ± 3.7 L/min (71%). Directional changes of paired CO revealed 66% (reverse Trendelenburg), 57% (Trendelenburg), and 66% (lateral) concordance. The correlation coefficient (r(2)) was 0.199, 0.127, and 0.108. For paired CO ≤6 L/min, mean bias between methods and limits of agreement (percentage error) were 0.2 ± 1.0 L/min (25%), -0.1 ± 1.0 L/min (28%), 0.2 ± 1.1 L/min (29%), and 0.5 ± 0.9 L/min (23%). Directional changes of paired CO revealed 84% (reverse Trendelenburg), 76% (Trendelenburg), and 65% (lateral) concordance. The correlation coefficient (r2) was 0.583, 0.626, and 0.213. CONCLUSIONS: The mean CO measured by pulse contour analysis and thermodilution did not agree well in various body positions. Moreover, the measurements tended to trend differently in response to positional changes. For paired CO ≤6 L/min, however, the between-methods agreement and the trending ability improved significantly.

Carbon nanotube alignment driven rapid actuations.

Suspended micro-beams made from aligned carbon nanotubes and parylene deflect reversibly in an ac field and the deflection rate is three orders of magnitude greater than those for existing devices. The direction of beam deflection is determined by the area moment of inertia and the actuation mechanism involves rapid accumulation of charges at tube surfaces, the creation of Coulomb repulsive forces between tubes, beam dilation and the formation of compressive stresses at beam ends. Tube alignment plays a crucial role in the first step as is verified by experimental data and calculation.

Right-side frontal-central cortical hyperactivation before the treatment predicts outcomes of antidepressant and electroconvulsive therapy responsivity in major depressive disorder.

Major depressive disorder places a great burden on healthcare resources worldwide. Antidepressants are the first-line treatment for major depressive disorder, but if patients don't respond adequately, brain stimulation therapy may be needed as second-line treatment. Digital phenotyping in patients with major depressive disorder will aid in the timely prediction of treatment effectiveness. This study explored electroencephalographic (EEG) signatures that diversify depression treatment responsivity, including antidepressant administration or brain stimulation therapy. Resting-state, pre-treatment EEG sequences from depressive patients who received fluoxetine treatment (n = 55; 26 remitters and 29 poor responders) or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT, n = 58; 36 remitters and 22 nonremitters) were recorded on 19 channels. Twenty-nine EEG segments were obtained from each patient per recording electrode. Power spectral analysis was conducted for feature extraction and showed the highest predictive accuracy for fluoxetine or ECT outcomes. Both occurred with beta-band oscillations within right-side frontal-central (F1-score = 0.9437) or prefrontal areas of the brain (F1-score = 0.9416), respectively. Significantly higher beta-band power was observed among patients who lacked adequate treatment response than the remitters, specifically at 19.2 Hz or 24.5 Hz for fluoxetine administration or ECT outcome, respectively. Our findings indicated that pre-treatment, right-side cortical hyperactivation is associated with poor outcomes of antidepressant-based or ECT-based treatment in major depression. Whether depression treatment response rates can be improved by reducing the high-frequency EEG power in corresponding areas of the brain to provide a protective effect against depression recurrence warrants further study.

Carbon nanotube papers with p-n junctions along the thickness direction.

Conductive papers made from carbon nanotubes and wood fibers exhibit a p-type character. N2 plasma treatment converts paper into n-type and conversion is verified by elemental analyses, work function and Hall-effect measurements. By screening one face of p-type paper in plasma, the p-n junctions are successfully created along the thickness direction and electrical rectification is evident by current-voltage measurement.

Stimulation of angiotensin II type 2 receptor attenuates organ injury in rats with polymicrobial sepsis.

BACKGROUND: Both inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to the pathogenesis of sepsis and its associated organ damage. Angiotensin-(1-7), acting through the Mas receptor and angiotensin II-type 2 receptors (AT2R), could attenuate organ dysfunction and improve survival in rats with sepsis. However, the role of AT2R in inflammation and oxidative stress in rats with sepsis is unclear. Therefore, this study examined the modulatory effects and molecular mechanism of AT2R stimulation in rats with polymicrobial sepsis. METHODS: Male Wistar rats underwent cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) or sham surgery followed by the administration of saline or CGP42112 (a selective, high-affinity agonist of AT2R, 50 µg/kg intravenously) at 3 hours after sham surgery or CLP. The changes in hemodynamics, biochemical variables, and plasma levels of chemokines and nitric oxide were detected during the 24-hour observation. Organ injury was evaluated by histological examination. RESULTS: We found that CLP evoked delayed hypotension, hypoglycemia, and multiple organ injuries, characterized by elevated plasma biochemical parameters and histopathological changes. These effects were attenuated by treatment with CGP42112. CGP42112 significantly attenuated plasma chemokines and nitric oxide production and reduced liver inducible nitric oxide synthase and nuclear factor kappa-B expression. More importantly, CGP42112 significantly improved the survival of rats with sepsis (50% vs. 20% at 24 h after CLP, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The protective effects of CGP42112 may be related to anti-inflammatory responses, suggesting that the stimulation of AT2R is a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of sepsis.

Boosting the Ultrastable High-Na-Content P2-type Layered Cathode Materials with Zero-Strain Cation Storage via a Lithium Dual-Site Substitution Approach.

P2-type layered transition-metal (TM) oxides, NaxTMO2, are highly promising as cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to their excellent rate capability and affordability. However, P2-type NaxTMO2 is afflicted by issues such as Na+/vacancy ordering and multiple phase transitions during Na-extraction/insertion, leading to staircase-like voltage profiles. In this study, we employ a combination of high Na content and Li dual-site substitution strategies to enhance the structural stability of a P2-type layered oxide (Na0.80Li0.024[Li0.065Ni0.22Mn0.66]O2). The experimental results reveal that these approaches facilitate the oxidation of Mn ions to a higher valence state, thereby affecting the local environment of both TM and Na ions. The resulting modification in the local structure significantly improves the Na-ion storage capabilities as required for cathode materials in SIBs. Furthermore, it induces a solid-solution reaction and enables nearly zero-strain operation (ΔV = 0.7%) in the Na0.80Li0.024[Li0.065Ni0.22Mn0.66]O2 cathode during cycling. The assembled full cells demonstrate an exceptional rate performance, with a retention rate of 87% at 10 C compared to that of 0.1 C, as well as an ultrastable cycling capability, maintaining a capacity retention of 73% at 2 C after 1000 cycles. These findings offer valuable insights into the electronic and structural chemistry of ultrastable cathode materials with "zero-strain" Na-ion storage.

Boosting photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide production by regulating electronic configuration of single Sb atoms via carbon vacancies in carbon nitrides.

Single-atom catalysts supported on semiconductors can serve as active sites for efficient oxygen reduction to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). However, researchers have long been puzzled by the lack of guidance on optimizing the performance of single-atom photocatalysts. In this study, we propose a versatile strategy that utilizes carbon vacancies to regulate the electronic configuration of antimony (Sb) atoms on carbon nitrides (C3N4). This strategy has been found to significantly enhance the photocatalytic production of H2O2. The H2O2 evolution rate of Sb single-atom on carbon vacancy-rich C3N4 (designated as Sb1/Cv-C3N4) is 5.369 mmol g-1h-1, which is 10.9 times higher than C3N4 alone. By combining experimental characterizations and density functional theory simulations, we reveal the strong electronic interaction between Sb atoms and carbon vacancy-rich C3N4. This interaction is capable for maintaining the electron-rich state of Sb atoms, facilitating efficient electron transfer to pauling-type absorbed oxygen, and ultimately enhancing the formation of *OOH intermediates. This innovative defect-engineering approach can manipulate the electronic configuration of single-atom catalysts, providing a new avenue to boost the photocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction towards H2O2 production.

Nanograin-Boundary-Abundant Cu2O-Cu Nanocubes with High C2+ Selectivity and Good Stability during Electrochemical CO2 Reduction at a Current Density of 500 mA/cm2.

Surface and interface engineering, especially the creation of abundant Cu0/Cu+ interfaces and nanograin boundaries, is known to facilitate C2+ production during electrochemical CO2 reductions over copper-based catalysts. However, precisely controlling the favorable nanograin boundaries with surface structures (e.g., Cu(100) facets and Cu[n(100)×(110)] step sites) and simultaneously stabilizing Cu0/Cu+ interfaces is challenging, since Cu+ species are highly susceptible to be reduced into bulk metallic Cu at high current densities. Thus, an in-depth understanding of the structure evolution of the Cu-based catalysts under realistic CO2RR conditions is imperative, including the formation and stabilization of nanograin boundaries and Cu0/Cu+ interfaces. Herein we demonstrate that the well-controlled thermal reduction of Cu2O nanocubes under a CO atmosphere yields a remarkably stable Cu2O-Cu nanocube hybrid catalyst (Cu2O(CO)) possessing a high density of Cu0/Cu+ interfaces, abundant nanograin boundaries with Cu(100) facets, and Cu[n(100)×(110)] step sites. The Cu2O(CO) electrocatalyst delivered a high C2+ Faradaic efficiency of 77.4% (56.6% for ethylene) during the CO2RR under an industrial current density of 500 mA/cm2. Spectroscopic characterizations and morphological evolution studies, together with in situ time-resolved attenuated total reflection-surface enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (ATR-SEIRAS) studies, established that the morphology and Cu0/Cu+ interfacial sites in the as-prepared Cu2O(CO) catalyst were preserved under high polarization and high current densities due to the nanograin-boundary-abundant structure. Furthermore, the abundant Cu0/Cu+ interfacial sites on the Cu2O(CO) catalyst acted to increase the *CO adsorption density, thereby increasing the opportunity for C-C coupling reactions, leading to a high C2+ selectivity.

Electric field created p-n junction in composite films made from carbon nanotubes, iron (III) sulfate and polyvinyl alcohol.

Suspension made of Fe2(SO4)3(aq), polyvinyl alcohol and carbon nanotubes is placed in electric field to separate charges. Charges remain separated as suspension solidifies, forming composite films with cations and anions enriched at opposite sides. Polarized films behave as junction diodes with forward current and threshold voltage found to be 10-4-10-5 A and 2.4-2.6 V at ± 5 V. Rectification is preserved in strained composite films.

Influential Factors and Personalized Prediction Model of Acute Pain Trajectories after Surgery for Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Background: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common neoplasm in kidneys, and surgical resection remains the mainstay treatment. Few studies have investigated how the postoperative pain changes over time and what has affected its trajectory. This study aimed to characterize the variations in postoperative pain over time and investigate associated factors after RCC surgery. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in a single medical center in Taiwan, where maximal pain scores in a numeric rating scale were recorded daily in the first five postoperative days (PODs) after RCC surgery. Latent curve models were developed, using two latent variables, intercept and slope, which represented the baseline pain and rate of pain resolution. These models explain the variations in postoperative pain scores over time. A predictive model for postoperative pain trajectories was also constructed. Results: There were 861 patients with 3850 pain observations included in the analysis. Latent curve analysis identified that female patients and those with advanced cancer (stage III and IV) tended to have increased baseline pain scores (p = 0.028 and 0.012, respectively). Furthermore, patients over 60 years, without PCA use (both p < 0.001), and with more surgical blood loss (p = 0.001) tended to have slower pain resolution. The final predictive model fit the collected data acceptably (RMSEA = 0.06, CFI = 0.95). Conclusion: Latent curve analysis identified influential factors of acute pain trajectories after RCC surgery. This study may also help elucidate the complex relationships between the variations in pain intensity over time and their determinants, and guide personalized pain management after surgery for RCC.

Effectiveness of Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Young People: Preliminary Findings from Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Various forms of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-i) have been developed to improve its scalability and accessibility for insomnia management in young people, but the efficacy of digitally-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (dCBT-i) remains uncertain. This study systematically reviewed and evaluated the effectiveness of dCBT-i among young individuals with insomnia. We conducted comprehensive searches using four electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, and Embase; until October 2021) and examined eligible records. The search strategy comprised the following three main concepts: (1) participants were adolescents or active college students; (2) dCBT-I was employed; (3) standardized tools were used for outcome measurement. Four randomized controlled trials qualified for meta-analysis. A significant improvement in self-reported sleep quality with a medium-to-large effect size after treatment (Hedges's g = -0.58~-0.80) was noted. However, a limited effect was detected regarding objective sleep quality improvement (total sleep time and sleep efficiency measured using actigraphy). These preliminary findings from the meta-analysis suggest that dCBT-i is a moderately effective treatment in managing insomnia in younger age groups, and CBT-i delivered through the web or a mobile application is an acceptable approach for promoting sleep health in young people.

Production of nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots with controllable emission wavelength, excellent sensing of Fe3+ in aqueous solution, and potential application for stealth quick response coding in the visible regime.

Nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs) exhibit a high quantum yield with controllable emission wavelength and intensity in the blue-green regime. N-CQDs were tested and determined to be thermally and optically stable during 150 °C heat treatment and prolonged UV irradiation. Potential applications of N-CQDs were demonstrated, including excellent Fe3+ sensing in aqueous solution, fluorescent polymer fibres, and stealth quick response coding at visible wavelengths.