Inorganic semiconductor-based microscale light-emitting diodes (micro-LEDs) have been widely considered the key solution to next-generation, ubiquitous lighting and display systems, with their ...efficiency, brightness, contrast, stability, and dynamic response superior to liquid crystal or organic-based counterparts. However, the reduction of micro-LED sizes leads to the deteriorated device performance and increased difficulties in manufacturing. Here, we report a tandem device scheme based on stacked red, green, and blue (RGB) micro-LEDs, for the realization of full-color lighting and displays. Thin-film micro-LEDs (size ∼100 μm, thickness ∼5 μm) based on III-V compound semiconductors are vertically assembled via epitaxial liftoff and transfer printing. A thin-film dielectric-based optical filter serves as a wavelength-selective interface for performance enhancement. Furthermore, we prototype arrays of tandem RGB micro-LEDs and demonstrate display capabilities. These materials and device strategies provide a viable path to advanced lighting and display systems.
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BFBNIB, NMLJ, NUK, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Organic matter (OM) cycling between coastal wetlands and their connected rivers is poorly constrained due to difficulties in assessing the composition of different OM sources (natural vs. ...anthropogenic). Bulk characteristics and lipid biomarkers were analyzed to distinguish different sources of OM in the sediments and soils of Liao River Delta, Northeast China, including Liao River Wetland, its connected Liao River, and nearby Daliao River. A similar range of stable carbon isotopic values (δ13Corg) was observed in wetland soils (−27.8‰ to −22.6‰) and river sediments (−26.0‰ to −23.3‰). In contrast, significantly higher stable nitrogen isotopic values (δ15N) were observed in Daliao River sediments (5.8‰–7.7‰) than both Liao River and wetland soils. Lipid biomarkers, especially n-alkyl lipids, phytosterols, triterpenoids, isoprenoids, monoalkyl glycerol ethers, and monoacylglycerols, indicated that the natural OM input in Liao River Delta was mainly of terrestrial origin, followed by in situ aquatic and microbial inputs. In addition to natural OM, anthropogenic influences in the form of sewage and petroleum inputs were evidenced by the detection of fecal sterols, plasticizers, and petrogenic biomarkers. Biomarker distributions in samples from Liao River and Liao River Wetland suggested similar OM sources or close interaction between them, which may be caused by lateral transport considering the low elevation delta exposed to strong tidal effects. In contrast, significantly higher anthropogenic inputs were detected in Daliao River, with no connectivity to the Liao River wetland. Taking advantage of isotopic and biomarker data, the principal component analysis further suggests that both the natural wetland distribution and anthropogenic activities may affect the OM sources and distribution in coastal rivers, which serve as an important transit of OM to coastal oceans.
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•Few studies investigated the organic matter source in a temperate coastal river and wetland system.•The terrestrial source was dominant followed by anthropogenic and microbial inputs.•Anthropogenic inputs were mainly derived from sewage and petroleum pollution.•Wetland and anthropogenic inputs affect the organic matter composition in river sediments.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Yang L, Ruan L-M, Ye H-H, Cui H-B, Mu Q-T, Lou Y-R, Ji Y-X, Li W-Z, Sun D-H, Chen X-B. Depression is associated with lower circulating endothelial progenitor cells and increased inflammatory markers.
...Objective: To test the hypothesis that depression status in subjects without cardiovascular diseases (CVD) or diabetes is associated with depletion of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and impaired endothelial function.
Method: Thirty depressive persons with the first episode of depression (case group) diagnosed according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) and 30 healthy people (control group) were investigated. The depression status was estimated using Hamilton Rating Scale of Depression from which the criteria of depression are determined to be >21 score. EPCs labeled with CD34-ECD, CD133-phycoerythrin and kinase insert domain receptor (KDR)-fluorescein isothiocyanate antibodies were counted by flow cytometry in the peripheral blood of patients and control subjects. Mononuclear cells that were positive for CD34/KDR, CD133/KDR and CD34/CD133/KDR within the lymphocyte population were characterised as different phenotypes of EPCs.
Results: There were no significant differences in baseline clinical characteristics between patients and healthy individuals (all p > 0.05). However, patients with depression had significantly lower levels of circulating CD34+CD133+KDR+ EPCs (132.20 ± 17.27 vs. 225.93 ± 9.88, p = 0.000) and endothelial colony-forming units (26.40 ± 3.79 vs. 36.60 ± 2.88, p = 0.000) than that of healthy subjects. Furthermore, CD34+CD133+KDR+ EPCs had a negative correlation with tumour necrosis factor-α (Spearman's ρ = 0.433, p = 0.000) and interleukin-6 (Spearman's ρ = 0.441, p = 0.032).
Conclusion: Our result shows that depression was associated with lower levels of circulating EPCs, which may contribute to the development of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
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•A bilayer actuator was bionically designed by imitating the structure of water lily.•An efficient actuator with a unique light/thermal response mechanism was constructed.•The smart ...soft actuator was integrated with machine recognition capability.•Multiple networks and the MXene were synergized to enhance mechanical properties.
Inspired by the natural stimulus–response of plants and animals, a range of soft equipment has been extensively developed and used in intelligent human–computer interaction, editable remote drives, and machine learning. Poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAM) hydrogels have gained popularity thanks to their low phase transition temperature and excellent flexibility. However, the PNIPAM hydrogels suffer from poor mechanical properties, low electrical conductivity, and lack of self-responsiveness. Herein, a bilayer light/thermal cascaded-driven anisotropic poly acrylamide/poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylamide)-polyvinyl alcohol-MXene (P/PP-M) actuator was prepared by a simple two-step polymerization method. The unique bionic light/thermal response mechanism enables rapid conversion of energy forms and the construction of remote editable actuators. Concretely, the mechanical properties of hydrogels (strain: 1014 %, stress: 94 KPa) have been greatly improved by copolymerizing MXene nanosheets and multiplex hydrogels through two-by-two interpenetrating molecular chains. MXene nanosheets formed dynamic networks conferring the hydrogel system with high conductivity and light/thermal conversion efficiency. The P/PP-M soft actuator features high sensitivity (Gauge factor = 3.62), fast response time (400 ms), and cycling durability (>500 cycles). Finally, the energy transfer mechanism from light to thermal energy to kinetic energy was corroborated by preparing a series of bionic equipment. Manual clips were prepared on this basis, which enables the transportation of objects and realizes the real-time reflection of the operating status of remotely driven soft manual clips through changes in electrical signals. Thus, the proposed efficient editable remote-driven machine recognition soft equipment provides new insights for developing intelligent flexible robots and wearable smart devices.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
In this paper, a novel design method for dual-polarized multi-resonance antennas is presented for base station applications. The radiator of the antenna is configured as cross-dipoles with four thin ...metal strips connected to the adjacent dipole arms. The attached strips create multiple current paths and introduce additional resonant points. As a result, the bandwidth of the antennas is broadened while maintaining a very compact size. Based on this working mechanism, two multi-resonance antennas are designed, fabricated, and tested. The antennas achieve bandwidths of 46.7% and 66.7% respectively, with excellent matching capabilities. The antennas also exhibit high port isolation levels and stable radiation performances. The promising wideband performances with compact physical sizes make the antennas highly suitable for the base station applications.
Light therapy is an effective approach for the treatment of a variety of challenging dermatological conditions. In contrast to existing methods involving high doses and large areas of illumination, ...alternative strategies based on wearable designs that utilize a low light dose over an extended period provide a precise and convenient treatment. In this study, we present a battery-free, skin-integrated optoelectronic patch that incorporates a coil-powered circuit, an array of microscale violet and red light emitting diodes (LEDs), and polymer microneedles (MNs) loaded with 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA). These polymer MNs, based on the biodegradable composite materials of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and hyaluronic acid (HA), serve as light waveguides for optical access and a medium for drug release into deeper skin layers. Unlike conventional clinical photomedical appliances with a rigid and fixed light source, this flexible design allows for a conformable light source that can be applied directly to the skin. In animal models with bacterial-infected wounds, the experimental group with the combination treatment of metronomic photodynamic and light therapies reduced 2.48 log10 CFU mL−1 in bactericidal level compared to the control group, indicating an effective anti-infective response. Furthermore, post-treatment analysis revealed the activation of proregenerative genes in monocyte and macrophage cell populations, suggesting enhanced tissue regeneration, neovascularization, and dermal recovery. Overall, this optoelectronic patch design broadens the scope for targeting deep skin lesions, and provides an alternative with the functionality of standard clinical light therapy methods.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Mitochondria are the "power plant" of the cell, providing a constant source of energy, and are involved in a variety of intracellular signaling pathways. Among these pathways, Ca
homeostasis is ...closely related to the normal function of mitochondria. By destroying the Ca
steady state of mitochondria and disrupting their multiple cellular activities, tumor cell killing can be achieved. In addition, the presence of an intracellular oxidative stress state triggers the closure of cellular calcium channels, which leads to intracellular Ca
retention and enrichment. We designed a targeted and tumor microenvironment (TME)-responsive CaO
-based nanosystem that can selectively target cancer cells for pH-controlled degradation and drug release, alter cellular physiological mechanisms by disrupting Ca
homeostasis in an artificial manner, and introduce mitochondrial Ca
excess-mediated apoptosis. Meanwhile, the production of Ca(OH)
will raise the pH of the microenvironment and subsequently promote the oxidation process of glutathione by H
O
released from CaO
degradation, achieving the goal of remodeling TME. Moreover, calcium overload of tumor cells and calcification of tissues can both inhibit tumor growth and act as a contrast agent for computed tomography imaging.
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IJS, KILJ, NUK, PNG, UL, UM
How microbes respond to substantial and increasing anthropogenic disturbance remains an open question in river systems. We tested the hypothesis that the source and distribution of anthropogenic ...organic matter (OM) were significant factors affecting the spatial variation of the microbial community composition of the Yangtze River sediments. Bulk geochemical proxies and lignin phenols suggested a general decrease of terrestrial C3 plants or soil OM input from the middle to the lower reaches. Fecal sterols inferred higher sewage contamination levels in the middle reaches. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) distribution indicated a dominant biomass and coal combustion signal in the middle reaches, whereas a mixed source including petroleum combustion in the lower reaches. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a large portion of Methanobacteria and Verrucomicrobia enriched in the middle reaches, whereas OM-degrading bacteria, including Flavobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Alphaproteobacteria were dominant in the lower reaches. Quantitative PCR analyses and multivariate analysis further demonstrated that sources and distribution of OM had combined effects in shaping alpha and beta-diversity of sediment microbial communities. Sewage discharge and incomplete OM combustion, respectively, were associated with Methylococcaceae, Chloroflexi, and Bacteroidetes groups. This study provides a foundation for further understanding of the river sediment microbial composition, considering the continued increase of anthropogenic influences.
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BFBNIB, DOBA, GIS, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
In the context of global climate change, ocean iron fertilization (OIF) has been suggested as a potential geoengineering strategy to enhance the growth of marine phytoplankton, subsequently promote ...the ocean carbon sink, and ultimately regulate atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and mitigate climate change. However, in past artificial OIF experiments, the elevation of both net primary production and carbon export to the deep ocean is far less than anticipated. This discrepancy can be attributed to several key factors that strongly influence the efficiency of OIF and biological carbon pump (BCP) including iron bioavailability and retention time, the sensitivity of phytoplankton to iron limitation, the influence of viruses and other microorganisms comprising the microbial carbon pump (MCP), and non-biological carbon cycles. Although previous reviews have extensively summarized the outcomes of the past OIF experiments, the mechanisms and key factors that influence climate regulation mediated by OIF have not been elucidated. In this review, we analyze these mechanisms throughout the whole process from OIF, to phytoplankton physiological responses, to carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and sequestration in the ocean, and ultimately to CDR in the atmosphere and its impact on climate change. By examining both natural and artificial OIF cases, as well as recent advancements in phytoplankton physiological ecology and carbon pump theory, possible reasons leading to the inconsistencies between OIF and carbon export are explored. These comprehensive analyses are helpful to identify the key issues in regulating climate change by providing a reference and scientific approach to guide potential OIF attempts in the future.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Purpose
Variations in hydrocarbon composition and concentration are essential for the assessment of its source and environmental health in estuarine environments. This study aims to reveal the ...spatial and temporal distribution of multiple hydrocarbons in surface sediments of the Pearl River Estuary, and to further determine various sources of these hydrocarbons.
Materials and methods
Surface sediments were taken monthly from four sites along a spatial transect from the Pearl River Estuary in a whole year by using a gravitational bottom sampler. A series of bulk parameters including the grain size, total organic carbon content, and total nitrogen content were measured. Hydrocarbons in sediments were extracted and analyzed by the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
Results and discussion
The abundances of higher plants and phytoplankton-derived
n
-alkanes, petrogenically derived pristane, phytane, hopanes, and steranes with geological configuration, and anthropogenically derived hydrocarbons, including linear alkylbenzenes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons all showed decreasing trends towards the coastal ocean. In contrast, the diatom-derived
C
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highly branched isoprenoids increased towards saline sites. Monthly fluctuations of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons at the estuarine mouth were smaller than the upstream freshwater sites, where high monthly variation (up to fivefold) was observed for most of the hydrocarbons detected.
Conclusions
This study showed substantial monthly and spatial variations of hydrocarbons in the surface sediments of the Pearl River Estuary. Distribution and composition of sedimentary hydrocarbons indicate mainly anthropogenic inputs (e.g., petroleum residues and synthetic detergents) and terrestrially higher plants, followed by aquatic inputs.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
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