Performance enhancement and active sites identification of Cu-Cd bimetallic oxide derived catalysts for electrochemical CO_(2) reduction

The development of earth-abundant electrocatalysts with high performance for electrochemical CO_(2)reduction(ECR)is of great significance.Cu-based catalysts have been widely investigated for ECR due to their unique ability to generate various carbonaceous products,but directing selectivity toward one certain product and identifying the real active sites during ECR are still full of challenge.Here,after the incorporation of CdO into CuO,the Cu_(0.5)Cd_(0.5)-O catalyst achieves a 10.3-fold enhancement for CO selectivity in comparison with CuO,and a CO faradic efficiency nearly 90%with a current density around20 mA cm^(-2)could maintain at least 60 h.Interestingly,a wide CO/H_(2)ratio(0.07-10)is reached on Cu_(x)Cd_(1-x)-O catalysts by varying the Cu/Cd ratio,demonstrating the potential of syngas production using such catalysts.The results of ex situ XRD,XPS,and in situ Raman reveal that the real active sites of Cu_(0.5)Cd_(0.5)-O catalysts for CO production during ECR reaction are the reconstructed mixed phases of CuCd alloy and CdCO_(3).In situ FTIR and theoretical calculations further implicate the presence of Cd related species promotes the CO desorption and inhibits the H_(2)evolution,thus leading to an enhanced CO generation.

Analysis of a Rare Heavy Rain Weather Process in Autumn in Ulanqab City

Based on the conventional observation data and NCEP/NCAR reanalysis data,the circulation situation,influencing systems and causes of the heavy rain during September 20-21,2010 in Ulanqab City were analyzed from the evolution process of weather circulation situation and the changes of various physical quantity fields.The results show that there was an obvious frontal zone between 45-52°N,which brought strong cold air.The transport of warm and humid air outside the subtropical high and typhoon was the main water vapor source of the strong precipitation,and the southwest jet at 700 hPa transported abundant water vapor.There was a broad inverted trough to the south of 45°N,with a central value of 1000.0 hPa.Ulanqab City was on the top of the inverted trough,stable and less moved,which was conducive to the occurrence of systematic heavy precipitation.The rainstorm was a strong precipitation process caused by the intersection of cold air brought by the southward movement of the upper frontal zone and warm and humid air outside the subtropical high.After the precipitation,the invasion of strong cold air brought frost and cold wave weather to Ulanqab City.

Analysis of Characteristics of Snow Accumulation and Its Meteorological Influencing Factors during a Snowstorm Process in Ulanqab City

Based on the data of national observation stations of CMISS system,artificial encrypted observation data of snow depth,ERA5 reanalysis data,the snowfall process in Ulanqab City from March 17 to 19,2022 was analyzed.It is found that the influencing system of the snowfall process was upper-air trough combined with ground inverted trough.Snowfall was not proportional to snow depth,and the relationship between the maximum snow depth and total snowfall varied in different value intervals.A large intensity of snowfall was a necessary condition for the formation of abundant accumulated snow when ground temperature was higher than 0℃.After the formation of accumulated snow,ground temperature changed less,and it was easy to produce accumulated snow as ground temperature was lower.The lower the temperature,the more conducive to the generation of accumulated snow.

Environmental contribution to needle variation among natural populations of Pinus tabuliformis

Variations in the phenotypic characteristics of conifer needles is a consequence of genetic evolution that has been widely used in geographic variation and ecological studies.Although many studies are based on an in situ sampling strategy and generally realize the contribution of environmental effects to variation in needle traits,it is still uncertain which needle traits are most influenced by genetic effects and which are most influenced by the environment.Using both a common garden experiment to eliminate environmental heterogeneity and an in situ sampling strategy,we compared 18 Pinus tabuliformis needle traits among 10 geographical populations.Using both sampling strategies,we found significant differences in needle traits among populations and among individuals within populations.Differences in the‘‘among-population’’variance component between the two sampling strategies revealed the environmental contribution among natural populations for each trait.The among-population variance in the following traits exceeded 8%:needle length,number of stomata within 2 mm(NS2),number of stomatal lines on the planar side,number of resin canals(RCN)and the resin canal area(RCA).For the stability of needle traits,NS2,RCN,RCA,ratio of the vascular bundle area to the RCA(VBA/RCA),and MA/RCA differed significantly in more than five provenance changes between the common garden populations and natural populations,which may be susceptible to environmental effects.Conversely,the crosssectional area,mesophyll area(MA),MA/(VBA+RCA),and MA/VBA were phenotypically stable.Geographic variation patterns and systematic relation of needle traits differed between the two sampling strategies,suggesting that in situ sampling results may reflect environmental effects and deviate statistical parameters for genetic study.Future studies of genetic evolution in the context of geographic variation should be based on appropriate sampling strategies and stable phenotypic traits.

Variations in electrical impedance and phase angle among seedlings of Pinus densata and parental species in Pinus tabuliformis habitat environment

Electrical impedance(EI) and phase angle(PHI)parameters in AC impedance spectroscopy are important electrical parameters in the study of medical pathology.However, little is known about their application in variation and genetic relationship studies of forest trees. In order to test whether impedance parameters could be used in genetic relationship analysis among conifer species, EI and PHI were measured in a seedling experiment test composed of Pinus tabuliformis, Pinus yunnanensis, and Pinus densata in a habitat of Pinus tabuliformis. The results showed that variations in both EI and PHI among species were significant in different electric frequencies, and the EI and PHI values measured in the two populations of P. densata were between the two parental species, P. yunnanensis and P.tabuliformis. These results show that these two impedance parameters could reflect the genetic relationship among pine species. This was the first time using the two AC impedance spectroscopy parameters to test the genetic relationship analysis between tree species, and would be a hopeful novel reference methodology for future studies in evolution and genetic variation of tree species.

Insights into high-efficient removal of tetracycline by a codoped mesoporous carbon adsorbent

Adsorbents with simple preparation and high surface area have become increasingly prevalent for the removal of organic contaminants.Herein,a carbon nanoplate codoped by Co and N elements with abundant ordered mesoporous(Co/N-MCs)was applied as an adsorbent for tetracycline removal.Taking integrated advantages of ordered mesopores on carbon-based structures and N-doping inducing the strengthenedπ–πdispersion and generation of pyridinic N,as well as cobaltic nanoparticles embedded in carbon nanoplates,the Co/N-MCs was tailored for high efficiently absorbing tetracycline viaπ-πinteraction,Lewis acid-base interaction,metal complexation and electrostatic attraction.The Co/N-MCs had the advantages of high surface area,porous structure,plenty adsorption sites,and easy separation.As such,the as-prepared Co/N-MCs adsorbents significantly enhanced tetracycline removal performance with a maximum adsorption capacity of 344.83 mg·g^(-1) at pH 6 and good reusability,which was finally applied to removal tetracycline from tap water sample.Furthermore,the adsorption process towards tetracycline hydrochloride could be well attributed to the pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models.Compared with traditional carbon-based adsorbents,it owns a simpler synthesis method and a higher adsorption capacity,as well as it is a promising candidate for water purification.

Collision and Deadlock Avoidance in Multi-Robot Systems Based on Glued Nodes

Dear editor,In this letter,we would like to discuss a method to avoid collisions and deadlocks in multi-robot systems based on a new concept of glued nodes.In terms of collision and deadlock avoidance,many methods are based on zone control which has two disadvantages.First,unless all nodes are collision-free,the roadmap must be divided into disjoint zones,which increases the difficulty of applying the methods.Moreover,each zone should be able to accommodate a robot,which leads to imprecision and waste of space.This letter proposes the concept of glued nodes,which can dynamically determine the mutual influence between nodes based on the real-time sizes and paths of the robots.Based on the glued nodes,this letter proposes a collision and deadlock avoidance algorithm,which can be applied to multi-robot systems with variable-sized robots and roadmaps with any structure.The experimental results indicate that the method proposed in this letter is effective and efficient.

Chinese Customers' WTP for Legal Digital Music Downloading

This study is to examine the effects of some significant factors on consumers' willingness to pay( WTP) for digital music via the moderating variables of music affinity and the deterrence effect of the legislation. Based on 517 Chinese respondents with access to digital music,using the multiple liner regression model,this study indicates that free ideology,perceived benefits of free downloading,perceived benefits of paid downloading,subjective norm,habit strength have direct influence on WTP,and music affinity and the deterrence effect of the legislation have moderating effects. This study contributes theoretically to research on Chinese consumers' WTP for digital music and offers practical recommendations for the digital music charging system setup.

Introduction of Environmental Protection Concept in Textile Major Education

The textile industry is a pillar industry of the national economy,and it is also a polluting industry.Green environmental protection has become the development trend of the textile industry,which requires the joint efforts of the government,enterprises and practitioners.Strengthening the environmental protection education of textile students has important significance for the implementation of sustainable development strategy of textile industry.Tertiary education is a very good platform for the implementation of environmental protection education for textile students,and it is also a critical period for students to strengthen the concept of environmental protection education.Students’environmental protection awareness may take measures to cultivate such as integrating environmental protection courses into major training programs,practice teaching of environmental protection,applying for training programs of college students’innovation and entrepreneurship,participating in research projects,etc.

Flexible one-dimensional photonic crystal films composed of chalcogenide glass and water-soluble polymer for curvature sensing

Curvature sensing plays an important role in structural health monitoring,damage detection,real-time shape control,modification,etc.Developing curvature sensors with large measurement ranges,high sensitivity,and linearity remains a major challenge.In this study,a curvature sensor based on flexible one-dimensional photonic crystal(1D-PC)films was proposed.The flexible 1D-PC films composed of dense chalcogenide glass and water-soluble polymer materials were fabricated by solution processing.The flexible 1D-PC film curvature sensor has a wide measurement range of 33-133 m-1and a maximum sensitivity of0.26 nm/m^(-1).The shift of the transmission peak varies approximately linearly with the curvature in the entire measurement range.This kind of 1D-PC film curvature sensor provides a new idea for curvature sensing and measurement.

Contact optimisation strategy for wafer-scale field-effect transistors based on two-dimensional semiconductors

Two-dimensional(2D)semiconductors can be utilized to continually miniaturize nanoscale electronic de-vices.However,achieving a practical solution for satisfying electrical contact with 2D semiconductors remains challenging.In this study,we developed a novel contact structure with transferred multilayer(t-ML)MoS 2 by integrating both edge and top contact.After in-situ plasma treatment for the edge of the MoS 2 channel and successive metal deposition,we achieved 16 times lower contact resistivity(22.8 kΩμm)than that of the top contacted devices.The thickness-dependent electrical measurement indicates that edge contact is highly effective with thick MoS 2 due to the alleviated current-crowding effect re-sulting from the small contact area.The temperature-dependent transport measurement further confirms the effective minimization of the influence from the Schottky barrier and tunnelling barrier.Finally,the simplified resistor network model and energy-band diagram were proposed to understand the carrier transport mechanism.Our work provides a practical strategy for achieving excellent electrical contact between bulk metals and 2D semiconductors,paving the way for future large-scale 2D electronic devices.

3-Hydroxybutyrate ameliorates insulin resistance by inhibiting PPARγSer273 phosphorylation in type 2 diabetic mice

3-Hydroxybutyrate(3HB)is a small ketone body molecule produced endogenously by the body in the liver.Previous studies have shown that 3HB can reduce blood glucose level in type 2 diabetic(T2D)patients.However,there is no systematic study and clear mechanism to evaluate and explain the hypoglycemic effect of 3HB.Here we demonstrate that 3HB reduces fasting blood glucose level,improves glucose tolerance,and ameliorates insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic mice through hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 2(HCAR2).Mechanistically,3HB increases intracellular calcium ion(Ca^(2+))levels by activating HCAR2,thereby stimulating adenylate cyclase(AC)to increase cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP)concentration,and then activating protein kinase A(PKA).Activated PKA inhibits Raf1 proto-oncogene serine/threonine-protein kinase(Raf1)activity,resulting in a decrease in extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2(ERK1/2)activity and ultimately inhibiting peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγ(PPARγ)Ser273 phosphorylation in adipocytes.Inhibition of PPARγSer273 phosphorylation by 3HB altered the expression of PPARγregulated genes and reduced insulin resistance.Collectively,3HB ameliorates insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic mice through a pathway of HCAR2/Ca^(2+)/cAMP/PKA/Raf1/ERK1/2/PPARγ.

LncRNA LOC103694972 promotes fibrosis of NRK-49F cells by regulating STAT3-dependent Smad/CTGF pathway via targeting miR-29c-3p

Background:Renalfibrosis is an important process in the development of chronic kidney disease.Understanding the pathogenesis andfinding effective treatments for renalfibrosis is crucial.This study aims to investigate whether a newly discovered long non-coding RNA(lncRNA)called LOC103694972 could be a potential target for treatingfibrosis of NRK-49F cells.Methods:LncRNA Chip was used to identify differentially expressed lncRNAs between TGF-β1-induced NRK-49F cells and normal cells.The dual-luciferase assay confirmed the binding between miR-29c-3p and signal transducer and activator of transcription(STAT3),as well as between miR-29c-3p and lncRNA LOC103694972.Si-LOC103694972 and miR-29c-3p mimic were then transfected into TGF-β1-induced NRK-49F cells.Results:The study found that LOC103694972 was highly expressed in TGF-β1-induced NRK-49F cells.These cells exhibited increased cell length and activity compared to the control group.The expression levels of Collagen I,α-Smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase(TIMP-1)were increased,while matrix Metalloproteinase 2(MMP2)and matrix Metalloproteinase 9(MMP9)expression was decreased.However,transfection with si-LOC103694972 and miR-29c-3p mimics restored cell morphology and reduced cell viability.This led to a decrease in the levels of Collagen I,α-SMA,and TIMP-1,as well as an increase in MMP2 and MMP9 expression.Additionally,TGF-β1-induced NRK-49F cells transfected with miR-29c-3p mimics activated the STAT3-Smad3/CTGF pathway.Conclusion:Based on thesefindings,lncRNA LOC103694972 shows promise as a target for treating renalfibrosis.It negatively regulates miR-29c-3p and activates the STAT3-Smad3/CTGF pathway.

聚羟基脂肪酸酯PHA代谢工程研究30年

聚羟基脂肪酸酯(Polyhydroxyalkanoate,PHA)是微生物合成的可降解高分子材料,种类及性能多样,应用前景广阔,然而其大规模生产受制于它较为高昂的生产成本。30年来,代谢工程的应用日益广泛,通过代谢流调控、代谢通路改造引入新通路等方法,微生物合成PHA的效率得到了很大提高,也丰富了PHA的单体种类、结构多样性和底物多样性;同时通过改变细胞形态和PHA颗粒大小等方法实现了更加高效的下游生产处理,降低了PHA生产成本。近年来,基于极端微生物,尤其是嗜盐菌的"下一代工业生物技术"(Next generation industrial biotechnology,NGIB)发展迅速。NGIB实现了PHA生产过程的开放性和连续性,节约能源和淡水,简化了PHA的生产过程。结合代谢工程技术,盐单胞菌可以作为多种PHA的低成本生产平台,将有望提高PHA的市场竞争力和推进其商业化。

Transition towards higher penetration of renewables: an overview of interlinked technical, environmental and socio-economic challenges

Investment for renewables has been growing rapidly since the beginning of the new century, and the momentum is expected to sustain in order to mitigate the impact of anthropogenic climate change.Transition towards higher renewable penetration in the power industry will not only confront technical challenges, but also face socio-economic obstacles.The connected between environment and energy systems are also tightened under elevated penetration of renewables.This paper will provide an overview of some important challenges related to technical, environmental and socio-economic aspects at elevated renewable penetration.An integrated analytical framework for interlinked technical, environmental and socio-economic systems will be presented at the end.

Multifunctional aramid nanofibers reinforced RGO aerogels integrated with high-efciency microwave absorption, sound absorption and heat insulation performance

Although lightweight and three-dimensional(3 D) graphene aerogels are highly desirable for microwave absorption(MA) due to their high porosity,specific surface area,and 3 D conductive network,it still remains a large challenge to construct a multifunctional application framework to quickly adapt to the complex practical environment,making it to be efficiently applied in a variety of complex situation.Herein,multifunctional aramid nanofibers(ANFs) reinforced reduced graphene oxide aerogels(RGO@ANF) have been achieved by in-situ gel reaction,freeze-drying,and thermal annealing processes.The introduced ANFs in RGO aerogels can prevent the graphene sheets from over-stacking and enhance the connectivity of cell walls,thus leading to excellent compression resistance,MA,sound absorption,and thermal insulation performance.Under 70% strain,the maximum compressive stress of RGO@ANF aerogel reaches78.8 kPa,and reversible compressibility with reliable resistance to fatigue for 100 compressive cycles at20% strain.Further,the RGO@ANF aerogel exhibit a minimum reflection loss(RL_(min)) of-56.5 dB and a maximum effective absorption bandwidth(EAB) of 7.0 GHz at a thickness of 2.8 mm,basically covering the X and Ku bands.Moreover,the hybrid aerogel exhibited excellent sound absorption with an average absorption coefficient> 0.56 at 2-6 kHz and good thermal insulation performance with low thermal conductivity of about 49.18 mW m-1K-1.The integrated graphene aerogels with such multifunctional performances hold a great promise for applications such as MA,sound absorption,and heat insulation.

Monolithic thin film lithium niobate electro-optic modulator with over 110 GHz bandwidth

High-performance thin film lithium niobate(LN) electro-optic modulators with low cost are in demand. Based on photolithography and wet etching, we experimentally demonstrate a thin film LN Mach–Zehnder modulator with a 3 d B bandwidth exceeding 110 GHz, which shows the potential of boosting the throughput and reducing cost. The fabricated modulator also exhibits a comparable low half-wave voltage-length product of ~2.37 V · cm, a high extinction ratio of >23 d B, and the propagation loss of optical waveguides of ~0.2 d B/cm. Besides, six-level pulse amplitude modulation up to 250 Gb/s is successfully achieved.

Overexpression of Hdac6 enhances resistance to virus infection in embryonic stem cells and in mice

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M0S2 dual-gate transistors with electrostatically doped contacts

Two-dimensional(2D)transition metal dichalcogenides(TMDs)such as molybdenum disulfide(M0S2)have been intensively investigated because of their exclusive physical properties for advaneed electronics and optoelectronics.In the present work,we study the M0S2 transistor based on a novel tri-gate device architecture,with dual-gate(Dual-G)in the channel and the buried side-gate(Side-G)for the source/drain regi ons.All gates can be in depe ndently con trolled without in terfere nee.For a MoS2 sheet with a thick ness of 3.6 nm,the Schottky barrier(SB)and non-overlapped channel region can be effectively tuned by electrostatically doping the source/drain regions with Side-G.Thus,the extri nsic resista nee can be effectively lowered,and a boost of the ON-state cur re nt can be achieved.Mean while,the cha nn el c ontrol remai ns efficient under the Dual-G mode,with an ON-OFF current ratio of 3 x 107 and subthreshold swing of 83 mV/decade.The corresponding band diagram is also discussed to illustrate the device operati on mechanism.This no vel device structure ope ns up a new way toward fabricati on of high-performance devices based on 2D-TMDs.

Wind and Solar Power in the United States:Status and Prospects

The United States has committed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 26%–28%by 2025 and by 83%by 2050 relative to 2005.Meeting these objectives will require major investments in renewable energy options,particularly wind and solar.These investments are promoted at the federal level by a variety of tax credits,and at the state level by requirements for utilities to include specific fractions of renewable energy in their portfolios(Renewable Portfolio Standards)and by opportunities for rooftop PV systems to transfer excess power to utilities through net metering,allowing meters to operate in reverse.The paper discusses the current status of these incentives.