Colossal anisotropic absorption of spin currents induced by chirality.

The chiral induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect, in which the structural chirality of a material determines the preference for the transmission of electrons with one spin orientation over that of the other, is emerging as a design principle for creating next-generation spintronic devices. CISS implies that the spin preference of chiral structures persists upon injection of pure spin currents and can act as a spin analyzer without the need for a ferromagnet. Here, we report an anomalous spin current absorption in chiral metal oxides that manifests a colossal anisotropic nonlocal Gilbert damping with a maximum-to-minimum ratio of up to 1000%. A twofold symmetry of the damping is shown to result from differential spin transmission and backscattering that arise from chirality-induced spin splitting along the chiral axis. These studies reveal the rich interplay of chirality and spin dynamics and identify how chiral materials can be implemented to direct the transport of spin current.

A ZBP1 isoform blocks ZBP1-mediated cell death.

ZBP1 is an interferon (IFN)-induced nucleic acid (NA) sensor that senses unusual Z-form NA (Z-NA) to promote cell death and inflammation. However, the mechanisms that dampen ZBP1 activation to fine-tune inflammatory responses are unclear. Here, we characterize a short isoform of ZBP1 (referred to as ZBP1-S) as an intrinsic suppressor of the inflammatory signaling mediated by full-length ZBP1. Mechanistically, ZBP1-S depresses ZBP1-mediated cell death by competitive binding with Z-NA for Zα domains of ZBP1. Cells from mice (Ripk1D325A/D325A) with cleavage-resistant RIPK1-induced autoinflammatory (CRIA) syndrome are alive but sensitive to IFN-induced and ZBP1-dependent cell death. Intriguingly, Ripk1D325A/D325A cells die spontaneously when ZBP1-S is deleted, indicating that cell death driven by ZBP1 is under the control of ZBP1-S. Thus, our findings reveal that alternative splicing of Zbp1 represents autogenic inhibition for regulating ZBP1 signaling and indicate that uncoupling of Z-NA with ZBP1 could be an effective strategy against autoinflammations.

Parent-child attachment mediates the association between parental conflict perceptions and suicide intention: a cross-sectional survey among middle school students in China.

Introduction: Adolescent suicide is a prevalent issue globally, with various factors contributing to this phenomenon. This study aimed to investigate these factors and their interrelationships to better understand the causes of adolescent suicide and provide evidence for its prevention. Methods: This study conducted among middle school students in Liaoning Province, China, from April to May 2016, A cross-sectional survey was administered to 1,028 students aged 10-19, using instruments such as the Behavior Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R), Children's Perception of Interparental Conflict Scale (CPIC), and revised version of Inventory of Parent Attachment (IPPA-R). Result: Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that adolescents aged 15-19, adolescents with strong perceptions of parental conflict were at high risk of suicide intention. Adolescents living in rural areas, adolescents with high mother-child attachment, adolescents with high father-child attachment were at low risk of suicide intention. Furthermore, parent-child attachment played a mediating role between two dimensions of parental conflict perception (resolved situations and response effect) and suicide intention. Discussion: The study concludes that adolescents living in urban areas, older adolescents, adolescents with a high level of parental conflict intensity, and those with low levels of parent-child attachment are at high risk of suicide intention. parent-child attachment played a mediating role between two dimensions of parental conflict perception (resolved situations and response effect) and suicide intention. Interventions aimed at reducing family conflicts and improving parent-child relationships are recommended to decrease the incidence of adolescent suicide.

Direct visualization of intraparotid facial nerve assisting in parotid tumor resection.

Precise recognition of the intraparotid facial nerve (IFN) is crucial during parotid tumor resection. We aimed to explore the application effect of direct visualization of the IFN in parotid tumor resection. Fifteen patients with parotid tumors were enrolled in this study and underwent specific radiological scanning in which the IFNs were displayed as high-intensity images. After image segmentation, IFN could be preoperatively directly visualized. Mixed reality combined with surgical navigation were applied to intraoperatively directly visualize the segmentation results as real-time three-dimensional holograms, guiding the surgeons in IFN dissection and tumor resection. Radiological visibility of the IFN, accuracy of image segmentation and postoperative facial nerve function were analyzed. The trunks of IFN were directly visible in radiological images for all patients. Of 37 landmark points on the IFN, 36 were accurately segmented. Four patients were classified as House-Brackmann Grade I postoperatively. Two patients with malignancies had postoperative long-standing facial paralysis. Direct visualization of IFN was a feasible novel method with high accuracy that could assist in recognition of IFN and therefore potentially improve the treatment outcome of parotid tumor resection.

Efficacy and mechanism of acupuncture in animal models of depressive-like behaviors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Many studies have investigated the efficacy of acupuncture in treating depression, but the mechanism of acupuncture for depression is still controversial and there is a lack of meta-analysis of mechanisms. Consequently, we investigated acupuncture's efficacy and mechanism of depression. Methods: We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science. The SYRCLE Risk of Bias Tool was used to assess bias risk. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 15.0 for indicators of depression mechanisms, body weight and behavioral tests. Results: A total of 22 studies with 497 animals with depressive-like behaviors were included. Meta-analysis showed that acupuncture significantly increased BDNF [SMD = 2.40, 95% CI (1.33, 3.46); I2 = 86.6%], 5-HT [SMD = 2.28, 95% CI (1.08, 3.47); I2 = 87.7%] compared to the control group (p < 0.05), and significantly reduced IL-1ß [SMD = -2.33, 95% CI (-3.43, -1.23); I2 = 69.6%], CORT [SMD = -2.81, 95% CI (-4.74, -0.87); I2 = 86.8%] (p < 0.05). Acupuncture improved body weight [SMD = 1.35, 95% CI (0.58, 2.11); I2 = 84.5%], forced swimming test [SMD = -1.89, 95% CI (-2.55, -1.24); I2 = 76.3%], open field test (crossing number [SMD = 3.08, 95% CI (1.98, 4.17); I2 = 86.7%], rearing number [SMD = 2.53, 95% CI (1.49, 3.57); I2 = 87.0%]) (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. Conclusion: Acupuncture may treat animals of depressive-like behaviors by regulating neurotrophic factors, neurotransmitters, inflammatory cytokines, neuroendocrine system. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023403318, identifier (CRD42023403318).

Effect of parenting style on the emotional and behavioral problems among Chinese adolescents: the mediating effect of resilience.

BACKGROUND: Although previous studies have found that parenting style significantly predicts emotional and behavioral problems (EBPs) among Chinese adolescents, the mechanism between different parenting styles and EBPs requires in-depth investigation. In our study, we aimed to investigate the mediating effect of resilience, a positive psychological characteristic, between parenting style and EBPs among Chinese adolescents. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we used a multistage stratified cluster random sampling method to collect data in Shenyang, Liaoning Province from November to December 2019. Self-developed questionnaires were distributed to 1028 adolescents aged 10-18. Finally, the study consisted of 895 participants. The bootstrap method was used to investigate the role of resilience as a mediator in the relationship between different parenting styles and EBPs from a positive psychology perspective. RESULTS: The mean score of EBPs was 12.71 (SD = 5.77). After controlling for variables such as gender, age, left-behind children, family type and family income, resilience partially played a mediating role in the associations of paternal rejection (a × b = 0.051 BCa95%CI:0.023,0.080), maternal rejection (a × b = 0.055 BCa95%CI: 0.024, 0.086), paternal emotional warmth (a × b = -0.139 BCa95%CI: -0.182, -0.099) and maternal emotional warmth (a × b = -0.140 BCa95%CI: -0.182, -0.102), with EBPs. The effect sizes were11.28%, 11.51%, 40.76%, and 38.78%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Resilience could partially mediate the relationship between parenting style and EBPs, highlighting that parents should adopt a positive parenting style and that resilience improvement could be effective in reducing EBPs among Chinese adolescents.

Apparent Treatment-Resistant Hypertension in the First Year Associated with CV Mortality in PD Patients.

BACKGROUND: Few reports have focused on the association between apparent treatment-resistant hypertension (aTRH) and cardiovascular (CV) mortality in peritoneal dialysis (PD) population, thus we conducted this retrospective cohort to explore it.Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted from January 2011 to January 2020 with PD patients in 4 Chinese dialysis centers. ATRH was defined according to the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines. ATRH duration was calculated as the total number of months when patients met the diagnostic criteria in the first PD year. The primary outcome was CV mortality, and the secondary outcomes were CV events, all-cause mortality, combined endpoint (all-cause mortality and transferred to HD), and PD withdrawal (all-cause mortality, transferred to HD and kidney transplantation). Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the association. RESULTS: A total of 1,422 patients were finally included in the analysis. During a median follow-up period of 26 months, 83 (5.8%) PD patients incurred CV mortality. The prevalence of aTRH was 24.1%, 19.9%, 24.6% at 0, 3, 12 months after PD initiation respectively. Overall, aTRH duration in the first PD year positively associated with CV mortality (per 3 months increment, adjusted HR, 1.29; 95% CI 1.10, 1.53; P=0.002). After categorized, those with aTRH duration more than 6 months presented the highest adjusted HR of 2.92. Similar results were found for secondary outcomes, except for the CV event. CONCLUSION: Longer aTRH duration in the first PD year is associated with higher CV mortality and worse long-term clinical outcomes. Larger studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

Investigation on the Attitude of Middle School Students with Depression in the City Toward Professional Psychological Help-Seeking.

Background: Many middle school students are depressed due to pressure from family, study, life, and communication. With the increasing depression of middle school students, professional psychological counseling institutions have also become more numerous. Therefore, students need to be guided to correctly recognize difficulties and seek professional psychological assistance. Aim: We aimed to investigate the depression status of middle school students in the city and analyze their attitude towards professional psychological help-seeking. Methods: A total of 2485 students from two classes of each grade from six middle schools in the city were randomly selected as the research objects. They were subjected to answer the general questionnaire and professional psychological help-seeking attitude questionnaire to analyze their depression status, psychological help-seeking status, and attitude towards professional psychological help-seeking. Results: 2485 questionnaires were distributed, and 2205 valid questionnaires were returned. A total of 791 (35.9%) of students had depressive symptoms. The detection rate and depression scores in girls were significantly higher than in boys, and the detection rate in junior high school students in the city was notably higher than in high school students and students from rural areas (P<0.05). Only 31 (3.9%) middle school students with depressive symptoms have sought professional psychological help. The scores of self-cognition, stigma tolerance, interpersonal openness, and trust scores of middle school students with depressive symptoms in help-seeking attitude were significantly lower than those of normal students, while self-stigma scores were significantly higher in those with depressive symptoms (P<0.001). Conclusion: Middle school students in the city with depression have a poor attitude towards professional psychological help-seeking. Educators should positively and correctly guide depressed middle school students to seek professional psychological assistance when they need help.

Relationship between phospholipid molecules species and volatile compounds in grilled lambs during the heating process.

The present study used a comprehensive analysis combining headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS) to investigate changes in volatile compounds and phospholipid molecules in grilled lambs. The results revealed 19 key volatile compounds (OAV > 1) involved in the grilling process of lambs. Additionally, UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis detected 142 phospholipid molecules in grilled lamb, with phosphatidylcholine exhibiting the highest content (36.62 %), followed by phosphatidyl ethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidyl glycerol, and phosphatidic acid. Through partial least squares analysis, 63 key differential phospholipids were identified. Principal component analysis of the key differential phospholipids and volatile compounds indicated that phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidyl ethanolamine phospholipids are the key substrates in forming volatile compounds in grilled lambs. This information is essential for precisely regulating the flavor profile, enhancing the grilling process, and minimizing the production of harmful compounds in grilled meat products.

Introducing CuCo2S4 Nanoparticles on Reduced Graphene Oxide for High-Performance Supercapacitor.

In this work, a bimetallic sulfide-coupled graphene hybrid was designed and constructed for capacitive energy storage. The hybrid structure involved decorating copper-cobalt-sulfide (CuCo2S4) nanoparticles onto graphene layers, with the nanoparticles anchored within the graphene layers, forming a hybrid energy storage system. In this hybrid structure, rGO can work as the substrate and current collector to support the uniform distribution of the nanoparticles and provides efficient transportation of electrons into and out of the electrode. In the meantime, CuCo2S4-active materials are expected to offer an evident enhancement in electrochemical activities, due to the rich valence change provided by Cu and Co. Benefiting from the integrated structure of CuCo2S4 nanoparticles and highly conductive graphene substrates, the prepared CuCo2S4@rGO electrode exhibited a favorable capacitive performance in 1 M KOH. At 1 A g-1, CuCo2S4@rGO achieved a specific capacitance of 410 F g-1. The capacitance retention at 8 A g-1 was 70% of that observed at 1 A g-1, affirming the material's excellent rate capability. At the current density of 5 A g-1, the electrode underwent 10,000 charge-discharge cycles, retaining 98% of its initial capacity, which indicates minimal capacity decay and showcasing excellent cycling performance.

Azvudine versus paxlovid for oral treatment of COVID-19 in Chinese patients.

PURPOSE: To explore the effect of azvudine as compared to paxlovid for oral treatment of hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS: We analyzed data from a cohort of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection in Shandong provincial hospital between February 15 and March 15, 2023. The primary outcome was time to sustained clinical recovery through Day 28 and secondary outcomes included the percentage of participants who died from any cause by Day 28, the average hospitilization time and expenses, the changes in liver and kidney function and adverse events. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression model was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between azvudine and paxlovid in terms of time to sustained clinical recovery (p = 0.429) and death rates (p = 0.687). As for hospitalization time and fee, no significant differences were observed between azvudine group and paxlovid group (Hospitalization time: p = 0.633; Hospitalization fee: p = 0.820). In addition, there were no significant differences in the effects of the two drugs on liver and kidney function (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Among adults who were hospitalised with SARS-CoV-2 infection, azvudine was noninferior to paxlovid in terms of time to sustained clinical recovery, death rates, hospitalization time and cost, with few safety concerns. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR2300071309; Registered 11 May 2023. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III; Retrospective cohort study.

First screening for tick-borne pathogens in Chinese Milu deer (Elaphurus davidianus).

Ticks are primary vectors for many tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) and pose a serious threat to veterinary and public health. Information on the presence of TBPs in Chinese Milu deer (Elaphurus davidianus) is limited. In this study, a total of 102 Chinese Milu deer blood samples were examined for Anaplasma spp., Theileria spp., Babesia spp., Rickettsia spp., and Borrelia spp., and three TBPs were identified: Anaplasma phagocytophilum (48; 47.1 %), Candidatus Anaplasma boleense (47; 46.1%), and Theileria capreoli (8; 7.8 %). Genetic and phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA confirmed their identity with corresponding TBPs. To our knowledge, this is the first report on Candidatus A. boleense and T. capreoli detection in Chinese Milu deer. A high prevalence of A. phagocytophilum with veterinary and medical significance was identified in endangered Chinese Milu deer, which could act as potential zoonotic reservoirs. The identification of the TBPs in Chinese Milu deer provides useful information for the prevention and control of tick-borne diseases.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Nasal Corticosteroids in COVID-19-Related Olfactory Dysfunction: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Olfactory disturbance is one of the main symptoms of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Various olfactory disorders caused by viral infections are treated with nasal corticosteroids. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of nasal corticosteroids in the treatment of olfactory disorders caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. DATA SOURCES: We searched the Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases for clinical trials of nasal corticosteroids for treating COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction. REVIEW METHODS: We assessed the effect of nasal corticosteroids on olfactory function in COVID-19-affected individuals using a Meta-analysis of published studies, considering the number of patients who fully recovered from olfactory dysfunction, olfactory scores following treatment, and olfactory recovery time. RESULTS: Seven studies involving 930 patients were analyzed. The Meta-analysis results revealed that the olfactory score of the experimental group was 1.40 points higher than that of the control group (standardized mean difference [MD]: 1.40, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.34-2.47, P < .00001). However, the differences in the outcomes of cure rate (risk ratio: 1.18, 95% CI: 0.89-1.69, P = .21) and recovery time (MD: -1.78, 95% CI: -7.36 to 3.81, P = .53) were not statistically significant. Only 1 study reported adverse effects of nasal steroid treatment, namely tension, anger, and stomach irritation. CONCLUSION: Although nasal steroid therapy does not result in significant adverse effects, it proves ineffective in the treatment of COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction.

SPP1 is associated with adverse prognosis and predicts immunotherapy efficacy in penile cancer.

BACKGROUND: The effect of SPP1 in squamous cell carcinoma of the penis (PSCC) remained unknown. We attempted to clarify the function of the SPP1 gene in PSCC. METHOD: Eight paired penile cancer specimens (including penile cancer tissue, paracancerous tissue, and positive lymph node tissue) subjected to whole transcriptome sequencing were analysed to identify differentially expressed genes. We used immunohistochemistry to detect the expression of SPP1 protein and immune cell related proteins in penile cancer tissue. Then, we performed weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify the genes related to SPP1 in penile cancer tissue and positive lymph node tissue. Based on the GSE57955 dataset, the CIBERSORT and ssGSEA algorithms were carried out to investigate the immune environment of PSCC. GSVA analysis was conducted to identify the signaling pathways related to SPP1 subgroups. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was adopted to detect SPP1 level in the serum of 60 patients with penile cancer. RESULTS: Differential analysis indicated that SPP1 was the most differentially upregulated gene in both penile cancer tissues and positive lymph node tissues. Survival analysis suggested that the prognosis of the low-SPP1 group was significantly poorer than that of the high-SPP1 group. Subsequently, immune-related bioinformatics showed that SPP1 was significantly associated with B cells, CD8 + T cells, CD4 + T cells, macrophages, helper T cells, neutrophils and dendritic cells. The immunohistochemical results showed that the high-SPP1 group was characterized by relatively high expression of CD16 and relatively low expression of CD4. GSVA analysis indicated that high-SPP1 group was significantly associated with immune-related pathways such as PD-L1 expression and the PD-1 checkpoint pathway in cancer and the TNF signaling pathway. ELISA demonstrated that the serum level of SPP1 in patients with positive lymph node metastasis of penile cancer was significantly higher than that in patients with negative lymph node metastasis of penile cancer. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that the SPP1 gene might be an effective biomarker for predicting the prognosis and the efficacy of immunotherapy in PSCC patients.

Thromboelastography (TEG) parameters as potential predictors of malignancy and tumor progression in colorectal cancer.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of thromboelastography (TEG) in patients with colorectal cancer and to examine whether the TEG parameters can be used as potential markers for disease screening and prediction of disease severity. METHODS: One-hundred fifteen healthy controls (HC), 43 patients with benign adenoma (BA), and 387 patients with colorectal cancers (CRC) were included in the study. TEG parameters (reaction time, R; clot kinetics, K; alpha angle, α-angle; maximum amplitude, MA), conventional laboratory parameters, and clinical information were collected and analyzed among the HC, BA, and CRC groups. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) were used for differential analysis. The correlation between TEG parameters and pathological information of CRC (differentiation degree, vaso-nerve infiltration, TNM stage) was analyzed. The differences in TEG parameters at different stages of disease and pre-/post operation were compared. RESULTS: Shorter K and higher α-angle/MA were found in patients with CRC compared with HC and BA (P < 0.001). TEG parameters demonstrated moderate diagnostic value (distinguish CRC from HC + BA: K-AUC = 0.693, α-angle-AUC = 0.687, MA-AUC = 0.700) in CRC but did not outperform traditional laboratory parameters. TEG hypercoagulability was closely associated with tumor markers (carcinoma embryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen 19-9) and pathological information (differentiation degree, vaso-nerve infiltration, and TNM stage) (P < 0.05). Trend analysis showed that K decreased, but α-angle/MA increased gradually as the tumor progressed (P < 0.001). K- and α-angle showed slightly better sensitivity in predicting advanced tumors compared to traditional laboratory parameters. In CRC patients, 3-6 months after tumor resection, K [from 1.8 (1.5, 2.3) to 1.9 (1.6, 2.6)], α-angle [from 65.3 (59.0, 68.6) to 63.7 (56.6, 68.5)], and MA [from 61.0 (58.2, 66.0) to 58.9 (55.8, 61.3)] exhibited modest improvements compared to their preoperative values (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: TEG parameters possess moderate diagnostic value in CRC diagnosis and predicting advanced tumors, and they are closely linked to surgical interventions. Although TEG parameters do not significantly outperform traditional laboratory parameters, they still hold promise as potential alternative indicators in CRC patients.

Fu's subcutaneous needling as an adjunctive therapy for diaphragmatic dysfunction in a critically ill patient with severe neurologic disability: A case report.

RATIONALE: Diaphragmatic dysfunction is prevalent among intensive care unit patients. The use of Fu's subcutaneous needling (FSN) for respiratory problems is a new issue and few study has been conducted so far. PATIENT CONCERNS: Despite conventional treatments, the patient continued using noninvasive ventilation after discharge from the intensive care unit due to diaphragmatic dysfunction. DIAGNOSIS: Diaphragmatic dysfunction. INTERVENTIONS: After the myofascial trigger points were confirmed in the neck, chest, and abdomen area, FSN therapy was performed using disposable FSN needles. FSN needles were penetrated into the subcutaneous layer. OUTCOMES: The patient dyspnea and tachypnea improved, and noninvasive ventilation time dropped significantly. The patient was successfully weaned from the ventilator after 3 sessions of FSN therapy, and there was an increase in diaphragmatic excursion and tidal fraction of the diaphragm via the ultrasound imaging. We found no evidence of relapse 12 months after treatment. LESSONS: FSN therapy has potential as an alternative strategy for patients with diaphragmatic dysfunction and severe neurologic disabilities who do not respond well to conventional therapies, but further research is still required to establish the effects of FSN on diaphragmatic function.

Selective Conversion of Propane by Electrothermal Catalysis in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell.

Electrochemical conversion of alkanes to high value-added oxygenated products under a mild condition is of significance. Herein, we effectively couple the electrocatalysis of H2 O2 with the thermo-catalysis of propane oxidation in the cathode of proton exchange membrane fuel cell. Specifically, H2 O2 is in-situ generated on the nitric acid-treated carbon black (C-acid) via 2e- process of oxygen reduction reaction, and then transports to the Fe active sites of MIL-53 (Al, Fe) metal-organic frameworks for propane oxidation. Based on this strategy, the space-time yield of C3 oxygenated products of propane oxidation reaches 2.65 µmol h-1 cm-2 , which represents a new benchmark for electrochemical alkane oxidation in the fuel-cell-type electrolyzer. This study highlights the importance of multifunctional composite catalysts in the field of electrosynthesis.

Siliceous Origin of the Cambrian Qiongzhusi Formation Shale in the Middle Part of the Upper Yangtze Platform: Significance of Organic Matter Enrichment.

The early Cambrian Qiongzhusi Formation shale is rich in organic matter and is a high-quality marine Source rock. However, the origin of Qiongzhusi Formation siliceous rocks is unknown, and the role of siliceous rocks in the process of organic matter enrichment or preservation is also lacking. This study combines thin section, scanning electron microscopy, SEM/EDS, major and trace element analysis, and N2 adsorption experiments to analyze and evaluate the shale of the Qiongzhusi Formation in the central region of the Sichuan Basin. The quartz types in the shale of the Qiongzhusi Formation are divided into four types, namely, bioclastic siliceous rocks, terrestrial detrital quartz, siliceous microcrystalline quartz particles, and microcrystalline quartz aggregates; at the same time, according to petrographic and geochemical parameters, the content of authigenic quartz in Qiongzhusi Formation shale decreases from top to bottom, and terrigenous detrital quartz tends to increase, and biogenic silicon accounts for the majority of authigenic quartz components; autogenous quartz has a positive impact on the pore structure of shale, providing sufficient pore space for the development of organic pores and protecting the internal pore network by forming intergranular pores as rigid frameworks. At the same time, it plays a crucial role in the enrichment and preservation of organic matter.

Thermal Transport in Poly(p-phenylene): Anomalous Dimensionality Dependence and Role of π-π Stacking.

For heat conduction along polymer chains, a decrease in the axial thermal conductivity often occurs when the polymer structure changes from one-dimensional (1D) to three-dimensional (3D). For example, a single extended aliphatic chain (e.g., polyethylene or poly(dimethylsiloxane)) usually has a higher axial thermal conductivity than its double-chain or crystal counterparts because coupling between chains induces strong interchain anharmonic scatterings. Intuitively, for chains with an aromatic backbone, the even stronger π-π stacking, once formed between chains, should enhance thermal transport across chains and suppress the thermal conductivity along the chains. However, we show that this trend is the opposite in poly(p-phenylene) (PPP), a typical chain with an aromatic backbone. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we found that the axial thermal conductivity of PPP chains shows an anomalous dimensionality dependence where the thermal conductivity of double-chain and 3D crystal structures is higher than that of a 1D single chain. We analyzed the probability distribution of dihedral angles and found that π-π stacking between phenyl rings restricts the free rotation of phenyl rings and forms a long-range order along the chain, thus enhancing thermal transport along the chain direction. Though possessing a stronger bonding strength and stabilizing the multiple-chain structure, π-π stacking does not lead to a higher interchain thermal conductance between phenyl rings compared with that between aliphatic chains. Our simulation results on the effects of π-π stacking provide insights to engineer thermal transport in polymers at the molecular level.