Two-dimensional Mo1-xB2 with ordered metal vacancies obtained for advanced thermoelectric applications based on first-principles calculations.

The study and development of high thermoelectric properties is crucial for the next generation of microelectronic and wearable electronics. Derived from the recent experimental realization of layers of transition metal molybdenum and boride, we report the theoretical realization of advanced thermoelectric properties in two-dimensional (2D) transition metal boride Mo1-xB2 (x = 0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.125, 0.15)-based defect sheets. The introduction of metal vacancies results in stronger d-p exchange interactions and hybridization between the Mo-d and B-p atoms. Meanwhile, the ordered metal vacancies enabled transition metal borides (n-type Mo0.9B2) to widen the d-bandwidth and raise the d-band center, leading to a relatively high carrier mobility of 3262 cm2 V-1 s-1 and conductivity twice that of a bug-free n-type MoB2 layer, which indicates that it presents good electronic and thermal transport properties. Furthermore, investigations of the thermoelectric performance exhibit a maximum ZT of up to 3.29, which is superior to those of currently reported 2D materials. Modulation by defect engineering suggests that 2D transition metal boride sheets with ordered metal vacancies have promising applications in microelectronics, wearable electronics and thermoelectric devices.

Nephrotic syndrome associated with solid malignancies: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Nephrotic syndrome (NS) can occur as a paraneoplastic disorder in association with various types of carcinoma. However, paraneoplastic nephrotic syndrome (PNS) is often misdiagnosed as idiopathic nephrotic syndrome or as an adverse effect of oncology treatment, leading to delayed diagnosis and suboptimal treatment. The characteristics of NS associated with solid malignancies are not yet elucidated. We systematically summarized the clinical data for 128 cases of NS combined with solid malignancies with the aim of informing the clinical management of PNS. METHODS: We searched the PubMed database for articles published from the date of inception through to October 2023 using the following keywords: "cancer" or "malignant neoplasms" or "neoplasia" or "tumors" and "nephrotic syndrome", "nephrotic" or "syndrome, nephrotic". All data were extracted from case reports and case series, and the extraction included a method for identifying individual-level patient data. RESULTS: A literature search yielded 105 cases of PNS and 23 of NS induced by cancer therapy. The median age at diagnosis was 60 years, with a male to female ratio of 1.8:1. In patients with PNS, manifestations of NS occurred before, concomitantly with, or after diagnosis of the tumor (in 36%, 30%, and 34% of cases, respectively). Membranous nephropathy (49%) was the most prevalent renal pathology and found particularly in patients with lung, colorectal, or breast carcinoma. Regardless of whether treatment was for cancer alone or in combination with NS, the likelihood of remission was high. CONCLUSION: The pathological type of NS may be associated with specific malignancies in patients with PNS. Prompt identification of PNS coupled with suitable therapeutic intervention has a significant impact on the outcome for patients.

Outward foreign direct investment and GVC position of manufacturing industry: A perspective on China's general trade and processing trade structure.

Depending on the trading modes, the effect of Outward Foreign Direct Investment (OFDI) on the manufacturing industry's position within the global value chain (GVC) may differ considerably. This paper examines the GVC position of China's manufacturing industry from 2003 to 2018, specifically focusing on the general trade and processing trade. Drawing upon this premise, this paper analyzes the effect and mechanism by which OFDI influences the GVC position of China's manufacturing industry. The result demonstrates that: (1) China's processing trade manufacturing industry has a much lower GVC position than general trade manufacturing industry. The GVC position of China's general trade manufacturing industry rose from 2.76 to 2.90 from 2003 to 2018, while processing trade manufacturing industry remained around 1.93. (2) OFDI boosts the GVC position of general trade manufacturing industry through facilitating reverse technology spillover, inducing industry structure upgrading, and enabling export scale expansion. (3) OFDI hinders the GVC position growth of processing trade manufacturing industry. The research findings offer theoretical backing for China to develop OFDI strategies that are tailored to different trading modes within the new framework of dual circulation. These strategies aim to facilitate the transformation and advancement of the manufacturing industry, as well as the growth of the GVC position.