Downregulation of Serum PTEN Expression in Mercury-Exposed Population and PI3K/AKT Pathway-Induced Inflammation

Objective This study investigated the impact of occupational mercury(Hg) exposure on human gene transcription and expression, and its potential biological mechanisms.Methods Differentially expressed genes related to Hg exposure were identified and validated using gene expression microarray analysis and extended validation. Hg-exposed cell models and PTEN lowexpression models were established in vitro using 293T cells. PTEN gene expression was assessed using qRT-PCR, and Western blotting was used to measure PTEN, AKT, and PI3K protein levels. IL-6 expression was determined by ELISA.Results Combined findings from gene expression microarray analysis, bioinformatics, and population expansion validation indicated significant downregulation of the PTEN gene in the high-concentration Hg exposure group. In the Hg-exposed cell model(25 and 10 μmol/L), a significant decrease in PTEN expression was observed, accompanied by a significant increase in PI3K, AKT, and IL-6 expression.Similarly, a low-expression cell model demonstrated that PTEN gene knockdown led to a significant decrease in PTEN protein expression and a substantial increase in PI3K, AKT, and IL-6 levels.Conclusion This is the first study to report that Hg exposure downregulates the PTEN gene, activates the PI3K/AKT regulatory pathway, and increases the expression of inflammatory factors, ultimately resulting in kidney inflammation.

Mercury Levels Assessment in the Population of Aby and Frambo Villages in the Vinicity of Aby Lagoon in Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa)

The Minamata Convention in the aim to protect human life and the environment, seeks to reduce mercury (Hg) by monitoring it concentrations in the environment. Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) has been identified as the most important anthropogenic source of human exposure to Hg. In this context, the main goal of this study was to assess the level of mercury in hair of two (2) populations living along two lagoons respectively Aby and Tendo, in Ivory Coast. To reach this goal, hair samples of 138 residents were collected and analyzed by using Cold Vapor Atomic Fluorescence Spectrophotometry (CV-AFS) technique for mercury concentration. Results showed that for the entire population the Hg mean was 2.34 μg/g. Also, they were ranged between 0.15 to 8.53 μg/g and presented substantial differences amongst the villages. In Aby village, we observed the highest Hg concentrations (Mean = 2.62 μg/g). Our findings showed that almost the entire sample group (82%) exceed the USEPA recommended limit, furthermore 56% of them exceed the normal level of WHO and 2% of the respondent has the unhealthy levels of mercury (≥6 μg Hg/g) of hair by WHO standards. Gender differences in hair mercury varies greatly among reports. Lower levels in women’s hair compared to men were reported in the both village. Considering age, the lowest concentrations were observed with children. However, when we take in account the age groups, data suggested that the most exposed sub-population of [18-29] years old is from Aby village in opposite at Frambo village, the same case those who were ≥ 40 years old. It’s convenient to note that, the proportion of Mercury levels would not to be neglected among studied population especially with the resident from Aby village. So, some measures need to be taken at the political level to control mercury contamination.

Key issues on magnetic reconnection at Mercury

Magnetic reconnection processes and their impact on planetary magnetospheric dynamics exhibit significant differences due to differences in upstream solar wind conditions and internal planetary environments.Current understanding of reconnection phenomena at Mercury is rooted in the MESSENGER mission.However,direct detection of reconnection remains rare.Here,we aim to assess the limitations of MESSENGER in detecting reconnection in Mercury’s space and to discuss key issues of reconnection that will be addressed by BepiColombo,including the dynamics of magnetic flux ropes,particle acceleration,density asymmetric reconnection,IMF-driven near-tail structures,and potential modes of magnetospheric convection.

Statistical study of magnetic holes in the upstream region of Mercury’s bow shock

Magnetic holes are magnetic depression structures that exist widely in many plasma environments.The magnetic holes with durations of>1 s in the solar wind at Mercury’s orbit have drawn much attention,but the properties of the magnetic holes with shorter durations are still unclear.Here,we investigate the magnetic holes with durations of 0.1-100 s in the upstream region of Mercury’s bow shock based on observations by the MESSENGER(MErcury Surface,Space ENvironment,GEochemistry,and Ranging)spacecraft.They can be divided into two groups according to the distribution of their duration:small-duration magnetic holes(SDMHs,<0.6 s)and large-duration magnetic holes(LDMHs,>0.6 s).The duration of each group approximately obeys a log-normal distribution with a median of~0.25 s and 3 s,respectively.Approximately 1.7%(32.6%)of the SDMHs(LDMHs)reduce the magnetic field strength by more than 50%.For both groups,some structures have a linear or quasi-linear polarization,whereas others have an elliptical polarization.The magnetic hole events in both groups tend to have a higher rate of occurrence when the interplanetary magnetic field strength is weaker.Their occurrence rates are also affected by Mercury’s foreshock,which can increase(decrease)the occurrence rate of the SDMHs(LDMHs).This finding suggests that Mercury’s foreshock might be one source of the SDMHs and that the foreshock can destroy some LDMHs.These observations suggest that a new group of magnetic holes with durations of<0.6 s exist in the upstream region of Mercury’s bow shock.

Tb^(3+)-nucleic acid probe-based label-free and rapid detection of mercury pollution in food

Mercury is a threatening pollutant in food,herein,we developed a Tb^(3+)-nucleic acid probe-based label-free assay for mix-and-read,rapid detection of mercury pollution.The assay utilized the feature of light-up fluorescence of terbium ions(Tb^(3+))via binding with single-strand DNA.Mercury ion,Hg^(2+)induced thymine(T)-rich DNA strand to form a double-strand structure(T-Hg^(2+)-T),thus leading to fluorescence reduction.Based on the principle,Hg^(2+)can be quantified based on the fluorescence of Tb^(3+),the limit of detection was 0.0689μmol/L and the linear range was 0.1-6.0μmol/L.Due to the specificity of T-Hg^(2+)-T artificial base pair,the assay could distinguish Hg^(2+)from other metal ions.The recovery rate was ranged in 98.71%-101.34%for detecting mercury pollution in three food samples.The assay is low-cost,separation-free and mix-to-read,thus was a competitive tool for detection of mercury pollution to ensure food safety.

Rational Synthesis of Crystalline Covalent Triazine Framework with Methylthio Pendant Arms for Efficient Mercury(Ⅱ)Adsorption

The interest in curtailing environmental pollution issues through physical separation processes has inspired an extensive search for novel nanoporous materials with exceptional adsorption capabilities.Covalent triazine frameworks(CTFs),emerged as a class of crystalline covalent organic frameworks(COFs),have been widely examined for various separation applications,owing to their large porosity,high stability,and rich nitrogen(N)doping.The development of CTFs for efficient adsorption of mercury(Ⅱ)(Hg^(2+))is of great importance for the field,whereas it is rarely attempted,on account of limited synthetic strategies and unknown structural-property relations of conventional CTFs derived from ionothermal approaches.Herein,we report rational synthesis of a crystalline CTF with methylthio pendant arms for efficient removal of Hg^(2+)with an exceptional capacity of 751 mg·g^(-1),ranking at the top among previously-reported adsorbents.This work may open up new possibility in the synthesis of COFs for various separations.

Physiological Mechanism of Exogenous Selenium in Alleviating Mercury Stress on Pakchoi(Brassica campestris L.)

The objective of this study was to explain the physiological mechanisms through which Na_(2)SeO_(3) mitigates the growth and developmental inhibition of pakchoi under HgCl_(2)stress.The results showed that treatment with HgCl_(2)(40 mg L^(−1))led to reduced biomass,dwarfing,root shortening,and root tip necrosis in pakchoi.Compared to control(CK),the activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and peroxidase(POD)in Hg treatment increased,and the content of malondialdehyde(MDA)also dramatically increased,which negatively impacted the growth of pakchoi.Low concentrations of Na_(2)SeO_(3)(0.2 mg L^(−1))significantly increased the content of soluble sugars compared with control,while chlorophyll,soluble proteins,free amino acids,and vitamin C had no significant changes.The results of the mixed treatments with HgCl_(2)and Na_(2)SeO_(3) suggested that selenium may be able to reduce the toxicity of mercury in pakchoi.The biomass,plant height,root length,chlorophyll content,soluble protein,other physiological indicators,and proline showed significant increases compared with the HgCl_(2)treatment.Additionally,the MDA content and mercury accumulation in pakchoi decreased.Our results revealed the antagonistic effects of selenium and mercury in pakchoi.Thus,a theoretical basis for studying pakchoi’s mercuryexcreted and selenium-rich cultivation technology was provided.

Mercury应用于辅助无机化学的教学研究

无机化学是化学领域的一个重要分支,同时也是各大高校化学类专业的一门专业基础课程。价层电子对互斥理论是无机化学教学的重中之重,是学好后续元素知识的基础,教学中存在概念抽象,二维结构图难以动态展示分子的三维结构等缺点。本文以NO^(-)_(3)、SF_(4)、PCl^(-)_(6)为例,通过Mercury软件将这三个物质进行动态展示,将理论与实验相结合,深入的叙述了这些化合物分子结构、键长、键角等的参数信息。将微观结构宏观化,抽象的化学理论形象化,将静态的二维分子结构进行三维动态展示,解决教学过程中的难点,不断提高教学效率。

Building mm Wave on the Evolving C-V2X:mm Wave NR-V2X

Since the evolving standardization of cellular V2X(C-V2X)technologies is continuously developed by 3GPP,research on new radio(NR-V2X)has been on schedule by academic and industries.Though millimeter wave(mm Wave)frequency band is supposed to provide large transmission bandwidth,yet the development of mm Wave band in NR-V2X is still in preliminary stage.In this article,a comprehensive discussion of mm Wave NR-V2X is given covering trends,standardization landscape,and enabling technologies,aiming at tackling the challenge of channel modeling,directional channel access,beamforming and blockage management.The vision of mm Wave NR-V2X is to fully support the development of automated driving,holographic control display and improved in-car infotainment for the future.

Formation and growth of nanophase iron particles on the surface of Mercury revealed by experimental study

Space weathering is a primary factor in altering the composition and spectral characteristics of surface materials on airless planets.However,current research on space weathering focuses mainly on the Moon and certain types of asteroids.In particular,the impacts of meteoroids and micrometeoroids,radiation from solar wind/solar flares/cosmic rays,and thermal fatigue due to temperature variations are being studied.Space weathering produces various transformation products such as melted glass,amorphous layers,iron particles,vesicles,and solar wind water.These in turn lead to soil maturation,changes in visible and near-infrared reflectance spectra(weakening of characteristic absorption peaks,decreased reflectance,increased near-infrared slope),and alterations in magnetism(related to small iron particles),collectively termed the“lunar model”of space weathering transformation.Compared to the Moon and asteroids,Mercury has unique spatial environmental characteristics,including more intense meteoroid impacts and solar thermal radiation,as well as a weaker particle radiation environment due to the global distribution of its magnetic field.Therefore,the lunar model of space weathering may not apply to Mercury.Previous studies have extensively explored the eff ects of micrometeoroid impacts.Hence,this work focuses on the eff ects of solar-wind particle radiation in global magnetic-field distribution and on the weathering transformation of surface materials on Mercury under prolonged intense solar irradiation.Through the utilization of highvalence state,heavy ion implantation,and vacuum heating simulation experiments,this paper primarily investigates the weathering transformation characteristics of the major mineral components such as anorthite,pyroxene,and olivine on Mercury’s surface and compares them to the weathering transformation model of the Moon.The experimental results indicate that ion implantation at room temperature is insufficient to generate np-Fe^(0)directly but can facilitate its formation,while prolonged exposure to solar thermal radiation on Mercury’s surface can lead directly to the formation of np-Fe^(0).Therefore,intense solar thermal radiation is a crucial component of the unique space weathering transformation process on Mercury’s surface.

C-V2X网联环境下应急优先的绿灯补偿模型研究

针对在路口实施应急车辆优先策略会对非优先相位交通造成影响的问题,在蜂窝车联网(C-V2X)环境下进行了均衡非优先相位通行效益的绿灯补偿模型研究。搭建了相应的算法模型,并对一辆应急车辆的场景进行了模拟。该模型在不影响应急车辆优先通行的前提下,根据非优先相位实时交通需求计算补偿绿灯时间,从而最小化应急优先对非优先相位的车辆通行影响。仿真结果证明,所提模型在不同的饱和度状态下均可有效地降低应急车辆通过后非优先相位车辆的平均延误时间和平均排队长度。所提模型对于应急车辆通过红绿灯路口的策略进行了优化,提高了通行效率。

A monolithic integrated medium wave Mercury Cadmium Telluride polarimetric focal plane array

A medium wave(MW)640×512(25μm)Mercury Cadmium Telluride(HgCdTe)polarimetric focal plane array(FPA)was demonstrated.The micro-polarizer array(MPA)has been carefully designed in terms of line grating structure optimization and crosstalk suppression.A monolithic fabrication process with low damage was explored,which was verified to be compatible well with HgCdTe devices.After monolithic integration of MPA,NETD<9.5 mK was still maintained.Furthermore,to figure out the underlying mechanism that dominat⁃ed the extinction ratio(ER),specialized MPA layouts were designed,and the crosstalk was experimentally vali⁃dated as the major source that impacted ER.By expanding opaque regions at pixel edges to 4μm,crosstalk rates from adjacent pixels could be effectively reduced to approximately 2%,and promising ERs ranging from 17.32 to 27.41 were implemented.

Multi-Pollutant Formation and Control in Pressurized Oxy-Combustion:SO_(x),NO_(x),Particulate Matter,and Mercury

Oxy-combustion is a promising carbon-capture technology,but atmospheric-pressure oxy-combustion has a relatively low net efficiency,limiting its application in power plants.In pressurized oxycombustion(POC),the boiler,air separation unit,flue gas recirculation unit,and CO_(2)purification and compression unit are all operated at elevated pressure;this makes the process more efficient,with many advantages over atmospheric pressure,such as low NO_(x)emissions,a smaller boiler size,and more.POC is also more promising for industrial application and has attracted widespread research interest in recent years.It can produce high-pressure CO_(2)with a purity of approximately 95%,which can be used directly for enhanced oil recovery or geo-sequestration.However,the pollutant emissions must meet the standards for carbon capture,storage,and utilization.Because of the high oxygen and moisture concentrations in POC,the formation of acids via the oxidation and solution of SO_(x)and NO_(x)can be increased,causing the corrosion of pipelines and equipment.Furthermore,particulate matter(PM)and mercury emissions can harm the environment and human health.The main distinction between pressurized and atmospheric-pressure oxy-combustion is the former’s elevated pressure;thus,the effect of this pressure on the pollutants emitted from POC—including SO_(x),NO_(x),PM,and mercury—must be understood,and effective control methodologies must be incorporated to control the formation of these pollutants.This paper reviews recent advances in research on SO_(x),NO_(x),PM,and mercury formation and control in POC systems that can aid in pollutant control in such systems.

Estimation of unfrozen water content of saturated sandstones using nuclear magnetic resonance, mercury intrusion porosimetry, and ultrasonic tests

The unfrozenwater content(UWC)is a crucial parameter that affects the strength and thermal properties of rocks in relation to engineering construction and geological disasters in cold regions.In this study,three different methods were employed to test and estimate the UWC of saturated sandstones,including nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR),mercury intrusion porosimetry(MIP),and ultrasonic methods.The NMR method enabled the direct measurement of the UWC of sandstones using the free induction decay(FID).The MIP method was used to analyze the pore structures of sandstones,with the UWC subsequently calculated based on pore ice crystallization.Therefore,the MIP test constituted an indirect measurement method.Furthermore,a correlation was established between the P-wave velocity and the UWC of these sandstones based on the mixture theory,which could be employed to estimate the UWC as an empirical method.All methods demonstrated that the UWC initially exhibited a rapid decrease from 0C to5C and then generally became constant beyond20C.However,these test methods had different characteristics.The NMR method was used to directly and accurately calculate the UWC in the laboratory.However,the cost and complexity of NMR equipment have precluded its use in the field.The UWC can be effectively estimated by the MIP test,but the estimation accuracy is influenced by the ice crystallization process and the pore size distribution.The P-wave velocity has been demonstrated to be a straightforward and practical empirical parameter and was utilized to estimate the UWC based on the mixture theory.This method may be more suitable in the field.All methods confirmed the existence of a hysteresis phenomenon in the freezing-thawing process.The average hysteresis coefficient was approximately 0.538,thus validating the GibbseThomson equation.This study not only presents alternative methodologies for estimating the UWC of saturated sandstones but also contribute to our understanding of the freezing-thawing process of pore water.

Feasibility Evaluation of Using Biochar-based Permeable Reactive Barrier for the Remediation of Mercury and Arsenic Composite Polluted Water Bodies

This study employed a modified biochar material to construct a permeable reactive barrier(PRB)for the treatment of water bodies polluted with mercury and arsenic.The experimental results demonstrated that the addition of goethite-modified biochar significantly enhanced the remediation efficiency of As(III),achieving a maximum removal rate of 100%.Conversely,pure biochar exhibited high efficiency in the removal of Hg(II),with a maximum removal rate approaching 100%.Furthermore,the pH level of the water significantly influenced the adsorption efficiency of heavy metal ions,with the optimal removal performance observed at a pH of 6.0.The PRB system demonstrated excellent removal rates under low concentrations of heavy metals.However,as the concentration increased,the remediation efficiency exhibited a slight decrease.In summary,the findings of this study provide compelling evidence for the use of modified biochar in the construction of PRBs for the remediation of mercury and arsenic-polluted water bodies.Furthermore,the study reveals the mechanism by which pH and heavy metal concentration influence remediation efficiency.

基于C-V2X的智能路侧单元系统设计

随着自动驾驶技术和智能交通产业的不断发展,车路协同技术逐渐成为交通领域研究的热点,路侧单元RSU做为车路协同系统的路侧核心设备,是支撑车路协同技术应用的关键所在。基于此,文章设计了一种基于C-V2X的智能路侧单元,具备C-V2X直连通信及5G通信功能,支持C-V2X系列标准协议,能够连接路侧各类智能设备以及交通参与者,将路侧信息分析处理后上传到云端,同时将信息发送给车端,为智能网联车辆、自动驾驶车辆提供各类信息服务,支撑车路协同场景应用。

基于C-V2X技术的车载终端设计与验证

针对V2X(Vehicle-to-Everything)车载终端需要满足高速行驶车辆低延迟、高速率和高可靠性的通信需求,开展基于C-V2X技术的车载终端设计与验证。该终端采用DMD31芯片与主副处理器相结合的设计、主天线和分集天线的增益设计以及全新的任务调度与数据交互设计,研究了该终端硬件系统与软件系统的结构和主要功能,分别在静态场景和动态场景下对该终端的性能进行了测试。结果表明:该终端在200 m内的通信时延低于19.7 ms,丢包率低于0.03%;与现有基于专用短程通信技术设计的车载终端相比,平均通信时延降低了0.4 ms,通信距离大于100 m后丢包率降低了1.8%。该终端的通信性能满足3GPP TS 36.521 Release15标准规范,可用于构建各类车路协同应用。

C-V2X系统中动态信道预测的R-ATB算法

在智能交通系统中,由于车辆节点高速运动,且速度、方向等状态频繁发生变化,造成了车联网无线信道的时变衰落.针对目前所采用的自适应交通信标ATB(adaptive traffic beacons)预测算法过程较为复杂、使用信道质量评估指标较多的问题,提出了新型的R-ATB预测算法.根据节点运动的多普勒频移程度,计算对应的相关时间参数RT(relevant time),给出R-ATB算法.通过OMNET++通用网络平台的条件设定与系统建模,对相关信道预测算法下的PDR(package delivery rate)与时延参数进行分析与评估.结果表明:与静态信标和传统ATB算法相比,R-ATB预测算法使用较少的实时评价指标量与较小的预测过程计算量,降低了IoV的通信信道拥塞,在典型高密度OBUs数据交互场景下,安全信标的传播及时性和高速数据的传输成功率PDR都有所提高.

基于C-V2X的高速公路服务区智慧停车引导技术研究

文章针对C-V2X在高速公路停车场的应用优势进行阐述,对高速公路停车引导的现状与面临的挑战进行了分析,指出利用C-V2X中的场站路径引导服务功能可提高服务区停车效率、优化停车体验,并具体探究C-V2X在服务区的停车引导技术应用方法,且在实际的落地案例中得到验证,说明了该方法的可用性和适用性,以期为智慧高速公路的建设提供参考和借鉴。

5G蜂窝车联网(C-V2X)资源分配优化与性能评估

为改善蜂窝车联网(C-V2X)频谱利用效率,提出了一种针对系统下行吞吐量最大化、并保证车对车通讯(V2V)链路连接性的资源分配算法。定义蜂窝车联网信道模型,在最大发射功率、中断概率等约束条件下建立优化模型并对其进行分步求解,采用二分图最佳匹配(KM)算法动态调度信道资源,实现C-V2X通信系统中车辆到路边设施(V2I)下行链路与V2V链路之间动态分配网络资源,最后通过不同交通场景评估算法的优化性能。结果表明:本算法经7次迭代后进入稳态,在保证V2V链路连接性条件下实现了V2I链路资源的优化分配,下行链路频谱效率相较于贪心算法平均提升3.5%以上。