Band Structure Tuning via Pt Single Atom Induced Rapid Hydroxyl Radical Generation toward Efficient Photocatalytic Reforming of Lignocellulose into H2.

Photocatalytic lignocellulose reforming for H2 production presents a compelling solution to solve environmental and energy issues. However, achieving scalable conversion under benign conditions faces consistent challenges including insufficient active sites for H2 evolution reaction (HER) and inefficient lignocellulose oxidation directly by photogenerated holes. Herein, it is found that Pt single atom-loaded CdS nanosheet (PtSA -CdS) would be an active photocatalyst for lignocellulose-to-H2 conversion. Theoretical and experimental analyses confirm that the valence band of CdS shifts downward after depositing isolated Pt atoms, and the slope of valence band potential on pH for PtSA -CdS is more positive than Nernstian equation. These characteristics allow PtSA -CdS to generate large amounts of •OH radicals even at pH 14, while the capacity is lacking with CdS alone. The employment of •OH/OH- redox shuttle succeeds in relaying photoexcited holes from the surface of photocatalyst, and the •OH radicals can diffuse away to decompose lignocellulose efficiently. Simultaneously, surface Pt atoms, featured with a thermoneutral Δ G H ∗ $\Delta G_{\mathrm{H}}^{\mathrm{*}}$ , would collect electrons to expedite HER. Consequently, PtSA -CdS performs a H2 evolution rate of 10.14 µmol h-1 in 1 m KOH aqueous solution, showcasing a remarkable 37.1-fold enhancement compared to CdS. This work provides a feasible approach to transform waste biomass into valuable sources.

Population attributable risk estimates of risk factors for contrast-induced acute kidney injury following coronary angiography: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is a common complication with poor outcomes following coronary angiography (CAG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, no study has explored the population attributable risks (PARs) of the CI-AKI risk factors. Therefore, we aimed to identify the independent risk factors of CI-AKI and estimate their PARs. METHODS: We analyzed 3450 consecutive patients undergoing CAG/PCI from a prospective cohort in Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital. CI-AKI was defined as a serum creatinine elevation ≥50% or 0.3 mg/dL from baseline within the first 48 to 72 h after the procedure. Independent risk factors for CI-AKI were evaluated through stepwise approach and multivariable logistic regression analysis, and those that are potentially modifiable were of interest. PARs of independent risk factors were calculated with their odds ratios and prevalence among our cohort. RESULTS: The overall incidence of CI-AKI was 7.19% (n = 248), which was associated with increased long-term mortality. Independent risk factors for CI-AKI included heart failure (HF) symptoms, hypoalbuminemia, high contrast volume, hypotension, hypertension, chronic kidney disease stages, acute myocardial infarction and age > 75 years. Among the four risk factors of interest, the PAR of HF symptoms was the highest (38.06%), followed by hypoalbuminemia (17.69%), high contrast volume (12.91%) and hypotension (4.21%). CONCLUSIONS: These modifiable risk factors (e.g., HF symptoms, hypoalbuminemia) could be important and cost-effective targets for prevention and treatment strategies to reduce the risk of CI-AKI. Intervention studies targeting these risk factors are needed.

A comparison between different definitions of contrast-induced acute kidney injury for long-term mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have demonstrated the association between contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) and long-term mortality and explored which definition of CI-AKI accounts for most long-term deaths among patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Therefore, we aimed to evaluate this association and compared the population attributable risks (PARs) of three CI-AKI definitions. METHODS: We analyzed 1300 consecutive AMI patients undergoing angiography in Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital. The endpoint was all-cause mortality. CI-AKI was evaluated according to three definitions: (1) CI-AKIA, with a serum creatinine elevation ≥ 50% or ≥ 0.3 mg/dL from baseline in the first 72 h after procedure; (2) CI-AKIB, ≥ 0.5 mg/dL in 72 h; (3) CI-AKIC: ≥ 25% in 72 h; multivariable Cox analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between CI-AKI and long-term mortality. PARs of CI-AKI under different definitions were calculated with their odds ratios and prevalence among our cohort. RESULTS: During the median follow-up period of 7.0 (5.5; 8.7) years, CI-AKI was significantly associated with poorer outcome regardless of the definition (adjusted hazard ratios: 1.417-2.711). Among the three definitions of CI-AKI, the prevalence was the highest for CI-AKIC (18.77%), and PAR was the highest for CI-AKIA (11.62%, 95% CI: 4.99-19.71), followed by CI-AKIB (9.20%, 95% CI: 4.22-16.00) and CI-AKIC (7.26%, 95% CI: 0.21-15.62). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that CI-AKI is associated with long-term mortality in patients with AMI irrespective of its definitions. Cardiologists and studies regarding long-term prognosis should pay more attention to the presence of CI-AKI, especially CI-AKIA with the highest PAR.

Indirect measurement of molten steel level in tundish based on laser triangulation.

For real-time and precise measurement of molten steel level in tundish during continuous casting, slag level and slag thickness are needed. Among which, the problem of slag thickness measurement has been solved in our previous work. In this paper, a systematic solution for slag level measurement based on laser triangulation is proposed. Being different from traditional laser triangulation, several aspects for measuring precision and robustness have been done. First, laser line is adopted for multi-position measurement to overcome the deficiency of single point laser range finder caused by the uneven surface of the slag. Second, the key parameters, such as installing angle and minimum requirement of the laser power, are analyzed and determined based on the gray-body radiation theory to fulfill the rigorous requirement of measurement accuracy. Third, two kinds of severe noises in the acquired images, which are, respectively, caused by heat radiation and Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI), are cleaned via morphological characteristic of the liquid slag and color difference between EMI and the laser signals, respectively. Fourth, as false target created by stationary slag usually disorders the measurement, valid signals of the slag are distinguished from the false ones to calculate the slag level. Then, molten steel level is obtained by the slag level minus the slag thickness. The measuring error of this solution is verified by the applications in steel plants, which is ±2.5 mm during steady casting and ±3.2 mm at the end of casting.