Effects of endogenous dopamine induced by low concentration atropine eye drops on choroidal neovascularization in high myopia mice

AIM:To evaluate effects of endogenous dopamine induced by low concentration atropine eye drops on choroidal neovascularization(CNV)in high myopia mice.METHODS:The C57BL/6J mice were deprived of the right eye for 4wk,and the high myopia was diagnosed by optometry,the diopter was less than-6.00 D,and CNV was induced by 532 nm laser.The changes of dopamine D1 receptor(DRD1),dopamine D2 receptor(DRD2),and vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA)were detected by Western blot technology at 0.5,1,2h,and 7d after 0.01%,0.05%,and 0.1%atropine eye drops,respectively,the area of CNV was measured.RESULTS:Significant increases were observed on the expression of DRD2 in mouse high myopia model at 0.5,1,2h,7d with 0.05%and 0.1%atropine eye drops(P<0.05).Significant decreases were observed on the expression of DRD1 and VEGFA in mouse high myopia model at 0.5,1,2h,7d with 0.05%and 0.1%atropine eye drops(P<0.05).The area of CNV induced by laser in the drug-treated group was significantly smaller than that in the control group,and the higher the concentration,the more significant the inhibitory effect(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:The 0.01%,0.05%,0.1%atropine eye drops can decrease the level of VEGFA and inhibit high myopia CNV indirectly by up-regulating the level of DRD2 and down-regulating the level of DRD1,and the effect of 0.05%and 0.1%atropine eye drops is more significant.

Diluted low concentration electrolyte for interphase stabilization of high-voltage LiNi_(0.5)Mn_(1.5)O_(4) cathode

The Co-free Li Ni_(0.5)Mn_(1.5)O_(4)(LNMO)is a promising cathode for lithium-ion batteries owing to its high operating voltage and low costs.However,the synthesis of LNMO is generally time and energy consuming,and its practical application is hindered by the lack of a compatible electrolyte.Herein,a spray pyrolysis-based energy-saving synthesis method as well as a diluted low concentration electrolyte(0.5 M LiPF_(6) in a mixture of fluoroethylene carbonate/dimethyl carbonate/1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl-2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl ether(FEC:DMC:TTE,1:4:5 by volume))are proposed to address these challenges.Owing to the unique features of the precursor prepared by spray pyrolysis,well-crystallized LNMO single-crystal can be obtained within 1 h calcination at 900℃.Besides,the fluorinated interphases derived from the diluted low concentration electrolyte not only mitigate the Mn dissolution and Al corrosion at the cathode side,but also suppresses dendritic Li deposition at the anode side,thus enabling stable cycling of both LNMO and Li metal anode.Thus,30μm Li|LNMO(1.75 m A h cm^(-2))cells achieve a high capacity retention(90.9%)after 168 cycles in the diluted low concentration electrolyte.

Recent progress of green sorbents-based technologies for low concentration CO_(2) capture

The increased concentration of CO_(2) due to continuous breathing and no discharge of human beings in the manned closed space,like spacecraft and submarines,can be a threat to health and safety.Effective removal of low concentration CO_(2) from the manned closed space is essential to meet the requirements of long-term space or deep-sea exploration,which is an international frontier and trend.Ionic liquids(ILs),as a widespread and green solvent,already showed its excellent performance on CO_(2) capture and absorption,indicating its potential application in low concentration CO_(2) capture.In this review,we first summarized the current methods and strategies for direct capture from low concentration CO_(2) in both the atmosphere and manned closed spaces.Then,the multi-scale simulation methods of CO_(2) capture by ionic liquids are described in detail,including screening ionic liquids by COSMO-RS methods,capture mechanism by density functional theory and molecular dynamics simulation,and absorption process by computational fluid dynamics simulation.Lastly,some typical IL-based green technologies for low concentration CO_(2) capture,such as functionalized ILs,co-solvent systems with ILs,and supported materials based on ILs,are introduced,and analyzed the subtle possibility in manned closed spaces.Finally,we look forward to the technology and development of low concentration CO_(2) capture,which can meet the needs of human survival in closed space and proposed that supported materials with ionic liquids have great advantages and infinite possibilities in the vital area.

Efficient electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate to ammonia at low concentration by copper-cobalt oxide nanowires with shell-core structure

Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia(NO3−RR)for removing nitrate from wastewater is a promising but challengeable technology that is increasingly studied.Herein,we developed an efficient CuO_(x)and CoCuO_(x)composed hybrid catalyst(CoCuO_(x)@CuO_(x)/copper foam(CF)),characteristic of distinctive shell-core nanowires grown on CF substrate with CuO_(x)core and CoCuO_(x)shell.The built-in electric field formed at the interface of the CoO/Cu_(2)O heterostructure promotes NO3−adsorption by modulating the charge distribution at the interface,which greatly improves the ammonia yield rate and Faradaic efficiency.At−0.2 V vs.reversible hydrogen electrode(RHE),CoCuO_(x)@CuO_(x)/CF achieves not only an excellent ammonia yield rate of up to 519.1μg·h^(−1)·cm^(−2)and Faradaic efficiency of 99.83%at 1 mM NO3−concentration,but also excellent mechanical stabilities.This study provides a novel pathway to design electrocatalyst for the removal of nitrate from dilute nitric acid solutions(≤2 mM).

Effect of low concentration electrolytes on the formation and corrosion resistance of PEO coatings on AM50 magnesium alloy

In this paper,the formation process,morphology,and electrochemical performance of PEO coatings on AM50 magnesium alloy prepared in low concentration phosphate,aluminate,and phosphate-aluminate electrolytes were systematically studied.The results show that the coatings prepared from the phosphate electrolytes have a higher thickness and better corrosion resistance properties compared to the other electrolytes.The coatings prepared from low concentration phosphate-aluminate mixed electrolytes have slightly thinner thickness,a similar coating structure and an order of magnitude lower value of electrochemical impedance compared with phosphate electrolyte coatings.The Coatings prepared from low concentration aluminate electrolytes have the lowest thickness and the worst corrosion resistance properties which gets close to corrosion behavior of the bare AM50 under the same test conditions.Considering application,coatings prepared from single low concentration phosphate electrolytes and low concentration phosphate-aluminate electrolytes have greater potential than single low concentration aluminate coatings.However,reducing the electrolyte concentrations of coating forming ions too much has negative influence on the coating growth rate.

Synergistic Treatment of Low-concentration Organic Waste Gas by Micro-nano Bubble Coordinated with Peroxymonosulfate

Continuous dynamic experiment was conducted for the treatment of low-concentration organic waste gas with xylene as a representative, using micro-nano bubble and peroxymonosulfate working in synergy. The degradation rule of xylene under different conditions such as the ORP value of the spray liquid, pH value of the spray liquid, liquid-gas ratio of the spray liquid, residence time of xylene, and initial concentration of xylene was investigated. The results showed that at a low concentration, the pH value of the spray liquid had little effect on the degradation rate of xylene. The degradation rate of xylene rose with the increase of the ORP value of the spray liquid, the liquid-gas ratio of the spray liquid, the residence time of xylene, and the initial concentration of xylene.

High temperature H_(2)S selective oxidation on a copper-substituted hexaaluminate catalyst: A facile process for treating low concentration acid gas

H_(2)S selective catalytic oxidation technology is a prospective way for the treatment of low concentration acid gas with simple process operation and low investment. However, undesirable results such as large formation of SO_(2) and catalyst deactivation inevitably occur, due to the temperature rise of fixed reaction bed caused by the exothermic reaction. Catalyst with high activity in wide operating temperature window, especially in high temperature range, is urgently needed. In this paper, a series of copper-substituted hexaaluminate catalysts (LaCu_(x), x = 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5) were prepared and investigated for the H_(2)S selective oxidation reaction at high temperature conditions (300-550℃). The LaCu_(1) catalyst exhibited excellent catalytic performance and great stability, which was attributed to the best reductive properties and proper pore structure. Besides, two facile deep processing paths were proposed to eliminate the remaining H_(2)S and SO_(2) in the tail gas.

Myocardial perfusion imaging with a contrast agent at a low concentration in the diagnosis of myocardial infarction in the elderly

Objective To evaluate the clinical value of myocardial perfusion imaging with dual-source dual-energy CT and a contrast agent at a low concentration in the diagnosis of myocardial infarction in the elderly.Methods Onestop cardiac imaging with dual-source CT was conducted in 138 elderly patients diagnosed with myocardial infarction between October 2015 and May 2016.The

High aluminum concentration and initial establishment of Handroanthus impetiginosus : clues about an Al non-resistant species in Brazilian Cerrado

Cerrado soils are acidic and nutrient-poor,with high content of solubilized Al 3+.Plants growing in these conditions may display adaptations to cope with high aluminum concentrations especially during early developmental stages.We investigated leaf nutritional status,and photosynthetic and growth characteristics during the initial establishment of Handroanthus impetiginosus(Mart.Ex Dc.)Mattos,a secondary tree species distributed in the Brazilian Cerrado.Our goal was to understand leaf-level traits related to diff erent aluminum concentrations.H.impetiginosus plants were cultivated in four diff erent aluminum sulfate concentrations:0,1,2,and 4 mM Al,for 40 days.We performed analyses of growth,leaf gas exchange,chloroplast pigment content,and leaf mineral nutrients.We observed a linear increase of Al leaf content as a function of Al concentration in the nutrient solution.Plants grown in 1 mM Al showed a remarkable increase of K leaf content,net photosynthesis,stomatal conductance,and transpiration,while in 4 mM Al there were reductions of N,P,and K contents,gas exchange characteristics,and height.H.impetiginosus did not have mechanisms of avoidance,compartmentalization,or resistance to high Al concentrations.Indeed,this species showed a hormetic response,with low Al concentrations stimulating and high Al concentrations inhibiting plant responses.

Geothermal,Oceanic,Wildfire,Meteorological and Anthropogenic Impacts on PM_(2.5) Concentrations in the Fairbanks Metropolitan Area

The impacts of low and high-frequency variability from teleconnections between large scale atmospheric processes and local weather as well as emissions changes on concentrations of particulate matter of 2.5 μm or less in diameter ([PM2.5]) were examined for the Fairbanks Metropolitan Area (FMA). October to March and May to August mean [PM2.5] were 1.8 and 3.1 μg&#183;m&#45;3 higher for positive than negative annual mean Pacific Decadal Oscillation. Annual mean [PM2.5] were 3.8 μg&#183;m&#45;3 lower for positive than negative Southern Oscillation Index. On 1999-2018 average, [PM2.5] decreased 2.9 μg&#183;m&#45;3&#183;decade&#45;1. On average over October to March, decadal and inter-annual variability caused higher or similar differences in mean observed [PM2.5] and its species than emission-control measures. The 2006 implementation of Tier 2 for new vehicles decreased observed sulfate concentrations the strongest (~4.95 μg&#183;m&#45;3&#183;decade&#45;1) of all occurred emissions changes. On average, observed [PM2.5] showed elevated values at all sites when wind blew from directions of hot springs. The same was found for the sulfate, ammonium and non-metal components of PM2.5. Observations showed that these geothermal waters contain sulfate, ammonia, boric acid and non-metals. Hot springs of such composition are known to emit hydrogen sulfide and ammonia that can serve as precursors for ammonium and sulfate aerosols.

A compact and high-power silicon-wafer solar strip-cells-array module integrated with an array concentrator

A compact, low-cost and high-output-power silicon-wafer solar strip-cells-array module(SCAM) was experimentally demonstrated. The proposed SCAM consisted mainly of a silicon-wafer strip-cell sparse array and low-concentrationratio array concentrator based on an epoxy resin polymer(ERP) cylindrical plano-convex lens. A polymer replication process based on a polydimethylsiloxane mold was used to fabricate the ERP lens array concentrator. The results show that 46.94% of the silicon-wafer cell was saved in the designed SCAM. Moreover, the output power of the SCAM with a low concentration ratio of 8 suns was improved by 8.6%, compared with a whole piece of a conventional silicon-wafer solar cell with the same area as the module. The proposed method encapsulating solar cells provides a means to reduce the usage of silicon cells in modules as well as improving the output power of modules.

Simultaneous nitrification and denitrification in activated sludge system under low oxygen concentration

Simultaneous nitrification and denitrification(SND),which is more economical compared with the tradi-tional method for nitrogen removal,is studied in this paper.In order to find the suitable conditions of this process,a mixed flow activated sludge system under low oxygen concentration is investigated,and some key control parameters are exam-ined for nitrogen removal from synthetic wastewater.The results show that SND is accessible when oxygen concentra-tion is 0.3-0.8 mg/L.The nitrogen removal rate can be obtained up to 66.7%with solids retention time(SRT)of 45 d,C/N value of 10,and F/M ratio of 0.1 g COD/(g MLSS·d).Theoretical analysis indicates that SND is a physical phenomenon and governed by oxygen diffusion in flocs.

An experimental study on ignition of single coal particles at low oxygen concentrations

An experimental study on the ignition of single coal particles at low oxygen concentrations (XO_(2)<21%) was conducted using a tube furnace. The surface temperature (Ts) and the center temperature (Tc) of the coal particles were obtained from the images taken by an infrared camera and thermocouples respectively. The ignition processes were recorded by a high-speed camera at different XO_(2) values and furnace temperatures Tw. Compared with literature experimental data obtained at a high XO_(2) value, the ignition delay time τi decreases more rapidly as XO_(2) increases at the low XO_(2) region. The responses of Ts and Tc to the variation of XO_(2) are different: Ts decreases while Tc remains nearly constant with increasing XO_(2) at a low XO_(2) value. In addition, τi is less sensitive to Tw while the ignition temperature Ti is more sensitive to Tw at a low XO_(2) value than in air. Observations of the position of flame front evolution illustrate that the ignition of a coal particle may change from a homogeneous mode to a heterogeneous or combined ignition mode as XO_(2) decreases. At a low XO_(2) value, buoyancy plays a more significant role in sweeping away the released volatiles during the ignition process.

The utility of X-Ray fluorescence spectrometry as a tool for monitoring compliance with limits on concentrations of halogenated flame retardants in waste polymers:A critical review

This study reviews current knowledge about the presence of brominated and chlorinated organophosphate flame retardants(BFRs and Cl-OPFRs)in plastic consumer articles,with particular reference to the potential as a result of recycling,for such chemicals to unintentionally contaminate articles in which flame retardants are not required.To minimize such unintentional contamination,jurisdictions such as the EU(European Union)have introduced limits on concentrations of some BFRs in waste plastics,with articles exceeding such limits prevented from being recycled.Substantial technical and economic constraints associated with the conventional methods for determining compliance with such limit values exist,leading to less specific,but simpler,more rapid,and less expensive methods such as portable X-ray fluorescence(XRF)spectrometry being identified as possible alternatives.This paper thus examines the evidence that XRF offers a viable method for checking compliance with existing and possible future limits on BFRs and Cl-OPFRs in waste plastics and identifies future research priorities.

Nitrate removal from aqueous solutions by magnetic cationic hydrogel:Effect of electrostatic adsorption and mechanism

Excessive nitrate(NO3-)is among the most problematic surface water and groundwater pollutants.In this study,a type of magnetic cationic hydrogel(MCH)is employed for NO3-adsorption and well characterized herein.Its adsorption capacity is considerably pHdependent and achieves the optimal adsorption(maximum NO3--adsorption capacity is95.88±1.24 mg/g)when the pH level is 5.2-8.8.The fitting result using the homogeneous surface diffusion model indicates that the surface/film diffusion controls the adsorption rate,and NO3-approaches the center of MCH particles within 30 min.The diffusion coefficient(Ds)and external mass transfer coefficient(kF)in the liquid phase are1.15×10-6 cm2/min and 4.5×10-6 cm/min,respectively.The MCH is employed to treat surface water that contains 10 mg/L of NO3-,and it is found that the optimal magnetic separation time is 1.6 min.The high-efficiency mass transfer and magnetic separation of MCH during the adsorption-regeneration process favors its application in surface water treatment.Furthermore,the study of the mechanism involved reveals that both-N+(CH3)3 groups and NO3-are convoluted in adsorption via electrostatic interactions.It is further found that ion exchange between NO3-and chlorine occurs.

Enhanced CO sensing properties of Pd modified ZnO porous nanosheets

Noble metal is usually used to improve the gas sensing performance of metal oxide semiconductor(MOS)due to its better catalytic properties.In this work,we reported a synthesis of Pd/ZnO nanocomposite by an in situ reduction with ascorbic acid(AA).It was found that Pd/ZnO sensor has excellent selectivity to CO and the response of the Pd/ZnO sensor towards 100 ppm CO was as high as 15(Ra/Rg),obviously higher than that of the pristine ZnO sensor(1.4)when the working temperature is 220℃.Moreover,the pure ZnO sensor almost has no selectivity to CO,but the Pd/ZnO sensor has excellent selectivity to CO,which may be ascribed to the electronic sensitization of Pd.Our present results demonstrate that the Pd can significantly improve the gas-sensing performance of metal oxide semiconductor and the obtained sensor has great potential in monitoring coal mine gas.

Electrochemical filtration for drinking water purification:A review on membrane materials,mechanisms and roles

Electrochemical filtration can not only enrich low concentrations of pollutants but also produce reactive oxygen species to interact with toxic pollutants with the assistance of a power supply,making it an effective strategy for drinking water purification.In addition,the application of electrochemical filtration facilitates the reduction of pretreatment procedures and the use of chemicals,which has outstanding potential for maximizing process simplicity and reducing operating costs,enabling the production of safe drinking water in smaller installations.In recent years,the research on electrochemical filtration has gradually increased,but there has been a lack of attention on its application in the removal of low concentrations of pollutants from low conductivity water.In this review,membrane substrates and electrocatalysts used to improve the performance of electrochemical membranes are briefly summarized.Meanwhile,the application prospects of emerging single-atom catalysts in electrochemical filtration are also presented.Thereafter,several electrochemical advanced oxidation processes coupled with membrane filtration are described,and the related working mechanisms and their advantages and shortcomings used in drinking water purification are illustrated.Finally,the roles of electrochemical filtration in drinking water purification are presented,and the main problems and future perspectives of electrochemical filtration in the removal of low concentration pollutants are discussed.