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Due to its excellent performance, aerogel is considered to be an especially promising new material. Cellulose is a renewable and biodegradable natural polymer. Aerogel prepared using cellulose has the renewability, biocompatibility, and biodegradability of cellulose, while also having other advantages, such as low density, high porosity, and a large specific surface area. Thus, it can be applied for many purposes in the areas of adsorption and oil/water separation, thermal insulation, and biomedical applications, as well as many other fields. There are three types of cellulose aerogels: natural cellulose aerogels (nanocellulose aerogels and bacterial cellulose aerogels), regenerated cellulose aerogels, and aerogels made from cellulose derivatives. In this paper, more than 200 articles were reviewed to summarize the properties of these three types of cellulose aerogels, as well as the technologies used in their preparation, such as the sol–gel process and gel drying. In addition, the applications of different types of cellulose aerogels were also introduced.

Molecular assembly has attracted wide attention in chemistry, condensed physics, molecular electronics, and materials sciences. However, it remains a great challenge to perform post-modulation on the assembled structures without the aid of externally applied fields. Herein, we demonstrate a combined full-weak-bonded interaction and fullerene-derivative strategy and achieve the post-modulation of layer-by-layer assembly with a precision of 5.0 Å. In the absence of external fields, the fullerene derivative exhibits a long-range interaction to boost the modulation of the assembly. Benefiting from that, a catalytic dose of fullerene derivative is able to modulate a large area of assembly, reminiscent of the catalyst in chemical reactions. This work provides an efficient and flexible approach for the catalysis and precise modulation of molecular assembly. Molecular assembly is of great importance in many fields. Here, the authors establish a strategy to post-modulate angle-mismatched layer-by-layer materials by fullerene derivatives and achieve a modulation accuracy of up to 5 Å.

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy in treating patients with shoulder impingement syndrome. We sourced data from PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase databases up until June 19, 2024. Our analysis included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the impact of PEMF therapy on pain levels and functional capacity in these patients. In total, four RCTs involving 252 participants were included. The pooled data indicated that PEMF therapy significantly reduced short-term pain (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.66 to -0.01, three RCTs, n = 166) and improved both short-term (SMD = 0.4, 95% CI = 0.08 to 0.73, three RCTs, n = 166) and long-term functional capacity (SMD = 0.6, 95% CI = 0.33 to 0.88, three RCTs, n = 212). The aforementioned results all achieved clinical significance. The observed low heterogeneity for short-term pain, along with short term and long-term functional capacity, highlights the sustained robustness and consistency of the effect on functional capacity over time. These results suggest that PEMF therapy is statistically effective in enhancing short-term pain relief and improving both short-term and long-term functional capacity in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome, with clinically significant benefits. However, the study limitations include a small sample size and variability in PEMF protocols, highlighting the necessity for standardized methodologies in future research.

The two-dimensional semiconducting material molybdenum disulphide shows strong piezoelectricity in its single-layered form, suggesting possible applications in nanoscale electromechanical devices for sensing and energy harvesting. Piezoelectricity in monolayer MoS 2 Two-dimensional semiconducting materials are the focus of much research effort thanks to their unusual and potentially useful physical properties. Wenzhou Wu and colleagues now confirm theoretical expectations that one such material — molybdenum disulphide — exhibits strong piezoelectricity in its single-layered form. Such a coupling of mechanical and electrical properties suggests possible applications in nanoscale electromechanical devices for sensing and energy harvesting. The piezoelectric characteristics of nanowires, thin films and bulk crystals have been closely studied for potential applications in sensors, transducers, energy conversion and electronics 1 , 2 , 3 . With their high crystallinity and ability to withstand enormous strain 4 , 5 , 6 , two-dimensional materials are of great interest as high-performance piezoelectric materials. Monolayer MoS 2 is predicted to be strongly piezoelectric, an effect that disappears in the bulk owing to the opposite orientations of adjacent atomic layers 7 , 8 . Here we report the first experimental study of the piezoelectric properties of two-dimensional MoS 2 and show that cyclic stretching and releasing of thin MoS 2 flakes with an odd number of atomic layers produces oscillating piezoelectric voltage and current outputs, whereas no output is observed for flakes with an even number of layers. A single monolayer flake strained by 0.53% generates a peak output of 15 mV and 20 pA, corresponding to a power density of 2 mW m −2 and a 5.08% mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion efficiency. In agreement with theoretical predictions, the output increases with decreasing thickness and reverses sign when the strain direction is rotated by 90°. Transport measurements show a strong piezotronic effect in single-layer MoS 2 , but not in bilayer and bulk MoS 2 . The coupling between piezoelectricity and semiconducting properties in two-dimensional nanomaterials may enable the development of applications in powering nanodevices, adaptive bioprobes and tunable/stretchable electronics/optoelectronics.

Background A comprehensive evaluation of the -omic profiles of venom is important for understanding the potential function and evolution of snake venom. Here, we conducted an integrated multi-omics-analysis to unveil the venom-transcriptomic and venomic profiles in a same group of spine-bellied sea snakes ( Hydrophis curtus ) from the South China Sea, where the snake is a widespread species and might generate regionally-specific venom potentially harmful to human activities. The capacity of two heterologous antivenoms to immunocapture the H. curtus venom was determined for an in-depth evaluation of their rationality in treatment of H. curtus envenomation. In addition, a phylogenetic analysis by maximum likelihood was used to detect the adaptive molecular evolution of full-length toxin-coding unigenes. Results A total of 90,909,384 pairs of clean reads were generated via Illumina sequencing from a pooled cDNA library of six specimens, and yielding 148,121 unigenes through de novo assembly. Sequence similarity searching harvested 63,845 valid annotations, including 63,789 non-toxin-coding and 56 toxin-coding unigenes belonging to 22 protein families. Three protein families, three-finger toxins (3-FTx), phospholipase A 2 (PLA 2 ), and cysteine-rich secretory protein, were detected in the venom proteome. 3-FTx (27.15% in the transcriptome/41.94% in the proteome) and PLA 2 (59.71%/49.36%) were identified as the most abundant families in the venom-gland transcriptome and venom proteome. In addition, 24 unigenes from 11 protein families were shown to have experienced positive selection in their evolutionary history, whereas four were relatively conserved throughout evolution. Commercial Naja atra antivenom exhibited a stronger capacity than Bungarus multicinctus antivenom to immunocapture H. curtus venom components, especially short neurotoxins, with the capacity of both antivenoms to immunocapture short neurotoxins being weaker than that for PLA 2 s. Conclusions Our study clarified the venom-gland transcriptomic and venomic profiles along with the within-group divergence of a H. curtus population from the South China Sea. Adaptive evolution of most venom components driven by natural selection appeared to occur rapidly during evolutionary history. Notably, the utility of commercial N. atra and B. multicinctus antivenoms against H. curtus toxins was not comprehensive; thus, the development of species-specific antivenom is urgently needed.

Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the foremost cause of mortality globally. Taurine, an amino acid, holds promise for cardiovascular health through mechanisms such as calcium regulation, blood pressure reduction, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Despite these potential benefits, previous studies have yielded inconsistent results. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aims to evaluate the existing evidence on the quantitative effects of taurine on hemodynamic parameters and cardiac function grading, which are indicative of overall cardiovascular health and performance. Methods We conducted an electronic search across multiple databases, including Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov, from their inception to January 2, 2024. Our analysis focused on key cardiovascular outcomes, such as heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and New York Heart Association (NYHA) Functional Classification. Meta-regression was applied to explore dose-dependent relationships based on the total taurine dose administered during the treatment period. A subgroup analysis, stratified according to the baseline disease status of patients, was also conducted. Results The analysis included a pooled sample of 808 participants from 20 randomized controlled trials. Taurine demonstrated a significant reduction in HR (weighted mean difference [WMD] = -3.579 bpm, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -6.044 to -1.114, p  = 0.004), SBP (WMD = -3.999 mm Hg, 95% CI = -7.293 to -0.706, p  = 0.017), DBP (WMD: -1.435 mm Hg, 95% CI: -2.484 to -0.386, p  = 0.007), NYHA (WMD: -0.403, 95% CI: -0.522 to -0.283, p  < 0.001), and a significant increase in LVEF (WMD: 4.981%, 95% CI: 1.556 to 8.407, p  = 0.004). Meta-regression indicated a dose-dependent reduction in HR (coefficient = -0.0150 per g, p  = 0.333), SBP (coefficient = -0.0239 per g, p  = 0.113), DBP (coefficient = -0.0089 per g, p  = 0.110), and NYHA (coefficient = -0.0016 per g, p  = 0.111), and a positive correlation with LVEF (coefficient = 0.0285 per g, p  = 0.308). No significant adverse effects were observed compared to controls. In subgroup analysis, taurine significantly improved HR in heart failure patients and healthy individuals. Taurine significantly reduced SBP in healthy individuals, heart failure patients, and those with other diseases, while significantly lowered DBP in hypertensive patients It notably increased LVEF in heart failure patients and improved NYHA functional class in both heart failure patients and those with other diseases. Conclusions Taurine showed noteworthy effects in preventing hypertension and enhancing cardiac function. Individuals prone to CVDs may find it advantageous to include taurine in their daily regimen.

There has been a surge of interest on velocity-based training (VBT) in recent years. However, it remains unclear whether VBT is more effective in improving strength, jump, linear sprint and change of direction speed (CODs) than the traditional 1RM percentage-based training (PBT). To compare the training effects in VBT vs. PBT upon strength, jump, linear sprint and CODs performance. Web of science, PubMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). The qualified studies for inclusion in the meta-analysis must have included a resistance training intervention that compared the effects of VBT and PBT on at least one measure of strength, jump, linear sprint and CODs with participants aged ≥16 yrs. and be written in English or Chinese. The modified Pedro Scale was used to assess the risk of bias. Random-effects model was used to calculate the effects via the mean change and pre-SD (standard deviation). Mean difference (MD) or Standardized mean difference (SMD) was presented correspondently with 95% confidence interval (CI). Six studies met the inclusion criteria including a total of 124 participants aged 16 to 30 yrs. The differences of training effects between VBT and PBT were not significant in back squat 1RM (MD = 3.03kg; 95%CI: -3.55, 9.61; I2 = 0%) and load velocity 60%1RM (MD = 0.02m/s; 95%CI: -0.01,0.06; I2 = 0%), jump (SMD = 0.27; 95%CI: -0.15,0.7; I2 = 0%), linear sprint (MD = 0.01s; 95%CI: -0.06, 0.07; I2 = 0%), and CODs (SMD = 0.49; 95%CI: -0.14, 1.07; I2 = 0%). Both VBT and PBT can enhance strength, jump, linear sprint and CODs performance effectively without significant group difference.

The reliable long-distance transmission of electromagnetic wave signals within goaf is fundamental for the implementation of wireless monitoring and early warning systems for goaf-related disasters. This paper establishes an experimental platform for electromagnetic wave signal transmission within goaf and develops a propagation model for electromagnetic waves in the porous media of goaf. The transmission characteristics of electromagnetic waves at various frequencies within the porous media environment of goaf are investigated through experimental and numerical simulation approaches. The results indicate that the received signal intensity of electromagnetic waves across different frequency bands diminishes with increasing propagation distance in the lossy environment of the goaf. Initially, the decay follows a logarithmic pattern, whereas, at later stages, the attenuation exhibits a gradual and smooth decrease. As the frequency increases, the initial attenuation amplitude of electromagnetic wave intensity rises; however, subsequent attenuation is largely unaffected by frequency, with the later attenuation rate being proportional to porosity. Electromagnetic waves at a frequency of 700 MHz exhibit a low attenuation coefficient under both experimental and simulated conditions, demonstrating superior stability and reliability. This frequency significantly enhances the overall performance of the communication system and is suitable for use as the operational frequency band in wireless sensor networks.

The Ang-(1–7)/MasR axis is critically involved in treating several diseases; For example, Ang-(1–7) improves inflammatory response and neurological function after traumatic brain injury and inhibits post-inflammatory hypothermia. However, its function in traumatic brain injury (TBI) combined with seawater immersion hypothermia remains unclear. Here, we used a mice model of hypothermic TBI and a BV2 cell model of hypothermic inflammation to investigate whether the Ang-(1–7)/MasR axis is involved in ameliorating hypothermic TBI. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR, western blotting assay, and immunofluorescence assay were performed to confirm microglia polarization and cytokine regulation. Hematoxylin-eosin staining, Nissl staining, and immunohistochemical assay were conducted to assess the extent of hypothermic TBI-induced damage and the ameliorative effect of Ang-(1–7) in mice. An open field experiment and neurological function scoring with two approaches were used to assess the degree of recovery and prognosis in mice. After hypothermic TBI establishment in BV2 cells, the Ang-(1–7)/MasR axis induced phenotypic transformation of microglia from M1 to M2, inhibited IL-6 and IL-1β release, and upregulated IL-4 and IL-10 levels. After hypothermic TBI development in mice, intraperitoneally administered Ang-(1–7) attenuated histological damage and promoted neurological recovery. These findings suggest that hypothermia exacerbates TBI-induced damage and that the Ang-(1–7)/MasR axis can ameliorate hypothermic TBI and directly affect prognosis.

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship of consumer personality trait, brand personality and brand loyalty.Design methodology approach - The convenience sampling method was used to collect primary data. A total of 400 adult consumers were interviewed who looked round or bought toys and video games in Taipei City Mall, and 387 effective questionnaires were collected; the effective response rate was 96.75 per cent. Regression analysis was adopted to test hypotheses.Findings - The major findings were: a significantly positive relationship between extroversion personality trait and excitement brand personality; a significantly positive relationship between agreeableness personality trait and excitement brand personality, sincerity brand personality and competence brand personality; competence and sophistication brand personality have a significantly positive influence on affective loyalty; competence, peacefulness and sophistication brand personality have a significantly positive influence on action loyalty; agreeableness and openness personality trait have a significantly positive influence on affective loyalty; agreeableness and openness personality trait have a significantly positive influence on action loyalty.Research limitations implications - The restriction on selecting countries and brands, and the restraint of the sampling coverage present limitations. The paper verifies that consumers with different personality traits will have different cognizance towards brand personality, which can also be applied to the toy and video game industries. The paper proves that a distinct brand personality can appeal to more brand loyalty. It shows that agreeableness and openness of personality traits have a positive influence on brand loyalty.Practical implications - The paper highlights the value of brand personality that benefits a company. It emphasizes the importance of brand loyalty for a company. Consumers who register in agreeableness and openness are the target audience for BANDAI.Originality value - The extra value of the paper is to link the theory and practice, and explore the relationship of consumer personality trait, brand personality and brand loyalty.