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Abstract MYB proteins are major transcription factors that play significant roles in plant defenses against various stresses. However, available information regarding stress-related MYB genes in maize is minimal. Herein, a maize MYB gene, ZmMYB3R , was cloned and functionally characterized. Subcellular localisation analysis showed that ZmMYB3R is localised to the nucleus. Yeast one-hybrid results revealed that ZmMYB3R has trans-activation activity, and a minimal activation domain at the C-terminus spanning residues 217–563. Gene expression analysis suggested that ZmMYB3 R was induced by drought, salt and abscisic acid (ABA). Transgenic Arabidopsis plants overexpressing ZmMYB3R displayed enhanced growth performance and higher survival rates, elevated catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activities, increased sensitivity to ABA, and regulation of the stomatal aperture, suggesting that ZmMYB3R enhances tolerance to drought and salt stress. qRT-PCR assays revealed elevated expression levels of stress/ABA genes in transgenic plants following stress treatments. Moreover, transgenic plants accumulated higher ABA content than wild-type plants under drought and salt stress conditions. Collectively, these results indicate that ZmMYB3R is a positive transcription factor that enhances tolerance to drought and salt stress via an ABA-dependent pathway. The findings may prove useful for engineering economically important crops. Highlights •. A novel maize MYB-3R gene was cloned and characterized. •. ZmMYB3R increases tolerance to drought and salt stress in transgenic plants. • ZmMYB3R is a positive transcription factor for stress responses. •. ZmMYB3R functions via an ABA-dependent pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Cell-based assays including both cell identification assays and cell functional assays are broadly used in life science research and for medical applications. Traditionally, cell-based assays are performed in professional laboratories. Although such an approach is reliable, it significantly limits the accessibility of cell-based assays by many researchers without specialized cell imaging facilities and does not permit on-site use at most clinics. Over recent years, growing efforts have been made to overcome this limitation by developing various portable cell imaging platforms. Herein, we provide a timely review on the recent development of portable imaging systems and their biomedical applications. We describe the respective applications of three main classes of portable imaging technologies including miniaturized microscope, lens-free imaging device and smartphone-based microscope for cell-based assays. We conclude by discussing our views on the opportunities, problems and future directions of this emerging field. Graphical abstract fx1 Highlights • The recent development of portable imaging systems is reviewed. • Various cell-based assays enabled by portable imaging platforms are described. • The challenges, opportunities and future directions of this emerging field are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultra-lightweight foamed geopolymer (UFG) based on fly ash-metakaolin blends with its density of between 150 kg/m 3 and 300 kg/m 3 was successfully prepared by the mixed foaming method of chemical foaming. In the present study, the properties and characteristics of UFG were investigated by designing and optimizing the components of fly ash, metakaolin, alkaline activator, foam stabilizer and foaming agent (H 2 O 2 ), as well as the curing temperature. The results showed that foamed geopolymer with curing age of 7 days presented its dry density between 150 kg/m 3 and 300 kg/m 3 , the mean pore size between 0.57 mm and 1.13 mm, the porosity between 71.8% and 84.5%, the thermal conductivity between 0.0622 W/(m·K) and 0.0852 W/(m·K) and the compressive strength between 0.68 MPa and 2.23 MPa, showing better mechanical properties than the traditional portland cement foamed concrete with the same density. It is also found that curing temperature at 55 °C for 12 h seemed to substantially improve the compressive strength of UFG which is 1.91 MPa compared to curing at 25 °C for the same period of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

M obile s ensing based on the integration of m icrofluidic device and s martphone, so-called MS 2 technology, has enabled many applications over recent years, and continues to stimulate growing interest in both research communities and industries. In particular, it has been envisioned that MS 2 technology can be developed for various cell functional assays to enable basic research and clinical applications. Toward this direction, in this paper, we describe the development of a MS 2 -based cell functional assay for testing cell migration (the M kit ). The system is constructed as an integrated test kit, which includes microfluidic chips, a smartphone-based imaging platform, the phone apps for image capturing and data analysis, and a set of reagent and accessories for performing the cell migration assay. We demonstrated that the M kit can effectively measure purified neutrophil and cancer cell chemotaxis. Furthermore, neutrophil chemotaxis can be tested from a drop of whole blood using the M kit with red blood cell (RBC) lysis. The effects of chemoattractant dose and gradient profile on neutrophil chemotaxis were also tested using the M kit . In addition to research applications, we demonstrated the effective use of the M kit for on-site test at the hospital and for testing clinical samples from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patient. Thus, this developed M kit provides an easy and integrated experimental platform for cell migration related research and potential medical diagnostic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

T lymphocyte migration is crucial for adaptive immunity. Manipulation of signaling molecules controlling cell migration combined with in-vitro cell migration analysis provides a powerful research approach. Microfluidic devices, which can precisely configure chemoattractant gradients and allow quantitative single cell analysis, have been increasingly applied to cell migration and chemotaxis studies. However, there are a very limited number of published studies involving microfluidic migration analysis of genetically manipulated immune cells. In this study, we describe a simple microfluidic method for quantitative analysis of T cells expressing transfected chemokine receptors and other cell migration signaling probes. Using this method, we demonstrated chemotaxis of Jurkat transfectants expressing wild-type or C-terminus mutated CCR7 within a gradient of chemokine CCL19, and characterized the difference in transfectant migration mediated by wild-type and mutant CCR7. The EGFP-tagged CCR7 allows identification of CCR7-expressing transfectants in cell migration analysis and microscopy assessment of CCR7 dynamics. Collectively, our study demonstrated the effective use of the microfluidic method for studying CCR7 mediated T cell transfectant migration. We envision this developed method will provide a useful platform to functionally test various signaling mechanisms at the cell migration level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • ORR performance depended on the synergic transfer of molecules and electrons. • Ordered matrix and disordered edge regulate electrons and molecules transfer. • C = O functional groups enhanced the transfer of oxygen molecules. • Sparse pyridine-N regulated the transfer of interface electron. • Pyridine-N/C = O groups collaborated to improve the selectivity of 2e-ORR. In situ hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) production by two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e-ORR) is limited by sluggish dynamics which are divided into molecule transfer and reaction kinetics. Ordered matrix and disordered edge is synthesized to regulate molecules and electrons transfer. Interface Atomic Domains (IAD) are used to regulate the dynamics of 2e-ORR, which are a local chemical environment composed of C/N/O atoms (C-N, C = O). IAD are synthesized by biomass tar through pyrolysis, oxidation and doping. Sparse pyridine-N are constructed by the formation of C = O groups and the placeholder of pyrrole-N. Results indicate that surface pyridine-N improves interface electrons transfer, while sparse pyridine-N increases 2e-ORR selectivity. Meanwhile, the surface C = O groups provide strong chemical adsorption for O 2 molecules. The collaboration of pyridine-N/C = O groups realized the high activity and selectivity of 2e-ORR. As a result, the synthetic material with N, O-functional groups possesses over 90% selectivity for 2e-ORR during a wide potential range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of photocatalysts with efficient hydrogen evolution activity has been the goal for sustainable hydrogen production. In this work, heterojunction composite photocatalyst is formed by hydrothermal coupling of ZnO and Mn 0.2 Cd 0.8 S. Compared with pure ZnO and Mn 0.2 Cd 0.8 S, the composite photocatalyst has the ability to provide more abundant active sites and better photogenerated carriers separation efficiency. The optimized composite photocatalyst shows a 9.36-fold increase in hydrogen evolution activity (4297.99 μmol g−1 h−1) compared to Mn 0.2 Cd 0.8 S (459.31 μmol g−1 h−1) and exhibits excellent cycling stability. Density functional theory calculations identifies Type-II charge transfer path in the composite photocatalyst, achieving effective separation in space of photogenerated electrons from holes and suppressing recombination within the semiconductor. The results show that the construction of Type-II heterojunction in this work achieves a significant enhancement of the hydrogen evolution activity of the photocatalyst by constructing carrier transport channels at the contact interface of the heterojunction. [Display omitted] • Novel and low-cost Mn 0.2 Cd 0.8 S@ZnO structured photocatalyst is prepared by thermal coupling. • Construction of Type-II heterojunction enables efficient separation of photogenerated carriers. • More abundant active sites are exposed on the surface of Mn 0.2 Cd 0.8 S@ZnO. • Composite photocatalysts exhibit significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Broaden the application of Ti3C2Tx (MXene) in the electromagnetic wave absorption field. • Provides a new means of developing high-performance MXene absorbers with adjustable conductivity and dielectric loss. • Optimized the impedance matching properties by loading highly defective TiO2 onto a Ti3C2Tx (MXene) sheet with S-doping and high-temperature annealing treatment. Ti 3 C 2 T x (MXene) materials with multilayered structures have been widely developed in various academic fields. However, the application of electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption is limited because of the high conductivity, which leads to impedance mismatch. Herein, the impedance-matching properties were optimized by loading highly defective TiO 2 onto an MXene sheet with S-doping and high-temperature annealing treatment. This treatment enhanced the EMW absorption because of the synergistic effect between the appropriate conductivity and enhanced polarization. The results show that S-doped MXene-300 has a conductivity of 2.70 × 10–5 S/cm and exhibits the best area of impedance matching among the investigated samples. When the as-prepared S-doped MXene-300 quality ratio with paraffin was 1:1, the minimum reflection loss could reach −44.91 dB with a 4 mm coating thickness. In addition, the widest effective absorption (reflection loss ≤–10 dB) frequency bandwidth was 5.88 GHz when the thickness was 2.5 mm, which indicated that the dipolar polarization is the main positive EMW attenuation pathway for the S-doped MXene absorber. This research provides a new means of developing high-performance MXene EMW absorbers with adjustable conductivity and dielectric loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Utilizing experimental methods, we have identified that the phase transition of WO3 from edge-sharing into corner-sharing can largely decrease the bleaching velocity during hydrogen sensing cycles. This phase transition was successfully prevented by the addition of silica and the gas sensing cycles of WO3/SiO2 film have been undertaken more than 500 times without any obvious property attenuation. The first principles calculations suggest a tendency of WO3 from clusters into cross-link network. During this process, the HOMO–LUMO gap of WO3 decreases as well as the hydrogen atom desorption energy, which indicates a decay of the bleaching velocity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Numerous studies have focused on the preparation of carbon fibers (CFs)-based high-efficiency microwave absorbers with reasonable structural design and surface morphology control, which simultaneously meet the required impedance matching and loss ability. Here, CFs@NiS/Ni 3 S 4 @MoS 2 (CNNM) with core-sheath structure was prepared through several simple hydrothermal reactions. The morphology of the as-prepared CNNM nanocomposite is controlled by the amount of added sodium molybdate dihydrate, which causes the difference in minimum reflection loss (RL) and effective attenuation bandwidth among the samples. For the microwave absorbing performance, the minimum RL is −18 dB and the effective attenuation bandwidth is 8.7 GHz, which appear at the thickness of 2.8 mm and cover most of the X- and Ku-bands. The excellent absorbing performance is attributed to optimized impedance matching and enhanced polarization loss. These results originate from the transition metal sulfides, which not only effectively prevent the skin effect by decreasing the conductivity of CFs but also increase interfaces and flaws, leading to interface polarization and dipole polarization losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutrophils need to migrate through tight tissue spaces to eliminate pathogens, but their movement is often hindered by their large and stiff nuclei. Neutrophil migration is impaired in sepsis patients, but it is unclear whether this defect is related to the deformability of their nuclei. Herein, we designed microfluidic devices with micron-scale narrow slits to simulate biological barriers. This setup allowed us to observe and record neutrophil movement and nuclear deformation in real-time. We also developed a method for morphological analysis to quantify nucleus deformation in numerous individual cells. Our studies showed that neutrophils from healthy individuals could adjust their nuclear shape to squeeze through these constrictions, whereas those from sepsis patients demonstrated less flexibility. Neutrophils with rigid nuclei struggled to pass through narrow gaps and were more likely to rupture under pressure. These findings suggest that the migration defects of neutrophils observed in sepsis may be attributed to the inability of neutrophils to deform their nuclei, highlighting the crucial role of microfluidic technologies in offering new insights into migration defects under pathological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The fluidity of UHPCC fresh mortar is directly related to ST-GNPs content. • The effect of ST-GNPs on the microstructure change of the UHPCC is investigated. • The introduction of ST-GNPs is confirmed to reduce the resistivity of UHPCC. • The self-perceived performance of UHPCC with ST-GNPs has been evaluated. An ultra-high-performance cement-based composite (UHPCC) with excellent mechanical behaviors and self-perceived properties was successfully prepared in this work. The effects of silane-treated graphene nano-platelets (ST-GNPs) on the fluidity, porosity, degree of hydration, mechanical behaviors, and self-perceived properties of UHPCC were investigated. The results revealed that the fluidity of UHPCC fresh mortar is directly related to ST-GNPs content. The fluidity decreases as the amount of ST-GNPs increases. Furthermore, when the amount of ST-GNPs was 0.05%, the porosity of UHPCC was found to be 11.5%, and the compressive strength and flexural strength reached the maximum value of 142.5 MPa and 23.8 MPa, respectively. Additionally, the microstructure of the UHPCC was investigated. Also, it was indicated that the introduction of ST-GNPs could enhance the transformation of fibrous calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H) gel into petal-like hydration products, which has the tendency to continuous interpenetration. Further, the introduction of ST-GNPs is confirmed to reduce the resistivity of UHPCC from 18.85 kΩ·m to 6.26 kΩ·m. Finally, the self-perceived performance of UHPCC with 0.05% ST-GNPs was observed to be about double that of UHPCC without ST-GNPs, which indicates that the UHPCC prepared by adding ST-GNPs has excellent self-perceived performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to clarify the distribution, sources, and ecological risk of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments of mangrove wetland located in Shantou, twenty eight surface sediments were collected. The concentration of PAHs ranged from 79.74 to 853.17 ng g−1 dry weight. The concentration of PAHs of sediment in the high tides was higher than that in the low tides and higher in mangrove-planting area than that in non-mangrove growth zone. The spatial distribution of PAHs in the sediment of mangrove wetland was mainly influenced by input sources and tidal currents. The result of the principal component analysis-multiple linear regression model indicated that the major source of PAHs in the studied area was coal burning. However, the adverse effect of PAHs was weak to biota. Undeniably, a lot more systematic explorations are demanded in future to investigate the PAHs contamination in the mangrove wetlands in small–medium cities with the development of coastal zone economy. • The occurrence of PAHs in mangrove sediments from Shantou was studied. • Spatial distribution of PAHs was influenced by input source and tidal current. • PCA-MLR indicated that coal combustion was the principal source of PAHs. • Ecological risk of PAHs was weak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis (RIPF) is a common side effect of radiation therapy for thoracic tumors without effective prevention and treatment methods at present. The aim of this study was to explore whether glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) has a protective effect on RIPF and the underlying mechanism. A RIPF mouse model administered GA was used to determine the effect of GA on RIPF. The cocultivation of regulatory T (Treg) cells with mouse lung epithelial-12 cells or mouse embryonic fibroblasts and intervention with GA or transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) inhibitor to block TGF-β1 was conducted to study the mechanism by which GA alleviates RIPF. Furthermore, injection of Treg cells into GA-treated RIPF mice to upregulate TGF-β1 levels was performed to verify the roles of TGF-β1 and Treg cells. GA intervention improved the damage to lung tissue structure and collagen deposition and inhibited Treg cell infiltration, TGF-β1 levels, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), and myofibroblast (MFB) transformation in mice after irradiation. Treg cell-induced EMT and MFB transformation in vitro were prevented by GA, as well as a TGF-β1 inhibitor, by decreasing TGF-β1. Furthermore, reinfusion of Treg cells upregulated TGF-β1 levels and exacerbated RIPF in GA-treated RIPF mice. GA can improve RIPF in mice, and the corresponding mechanisms may be related to the inhibition of TGF-β1 secreted by Treg cells to induce EMT and MFB transformation. Therefore, GA may be a promising therapeutic candidate for the clinical treatment of RIPF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this study, mechanically-dewatered sludge was used to investigate the effect of electro-dewatering (EDW) under two electrical modes, which are constant current mode followed by constant voltage mode (CV-EDW), and constant voltage mode followed by constant current mode (VC-EDW). The effect of current and voltage changes on dewatering efficiency and energy consumption of sludge electroosmosis under CV-EDW and VC-EDWs was evaluated The results show that compared with constant current mode (C-EDW), CV-EDW can improve the final dry solids content and reduce the heating rate, and the final dry solids content and unit energy consumption increase with the decrease of current and the increase of voltage. Under CV-EDW, when the dry solids content is 32%, the energy consumption can be reduced by changing to the constant voltage stage, and the energy consumption is 0.093–0.113 kWh/kg water. Compared with constant voltage mode (V-EDW), VC-EDW significantly improves sludge dewatering rate. Under VC-EDW, the final dry solids content of sludge increases with the decrease of current and voltage. When the voltage is decreased by 10 V, the unit energy consumption is reduced by 27.15 ± 1.77% on average, and the energy consumption is 0.132–0.163 kWh/kg water. Compared with CV-EDW, the dehydration rate of VC-EDW is increased by 72.9% on average. However, the unit energy consumption required for dehydration increases by 43.09% when the dry solids content is less than 45%. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Constant current and voltage modes are combined for sludge electro-dewatering. • The combination shows advantage over constant current or voltage mode. • Constant current-to-voltage mode yields higher dry solids content and saves energy. • Best point for constant current-to-voltage mode is a dry solids content of 32%. • Constant voltage-to-current mode yields higher dehydration rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights: • A generic strategy is reported to controlled synthesize TiO 2 /Bi x M y O z heterojunctions. • The surface defects of TiO 2 can be used to design the growth sites of Bi x M y O z. • The TiO 2 /Bi x M y O z heterojunctions generally show enhanced photocatalytic activities. Abstract Use of nanoscale TiO 2 /Bi x M y O z (M = W, Mo) heterojunctions is one of the most promising strategies for improving the photocatalytic efficiency. However, the controllable synthesis and morphology modification of these heterojunctions are still highly challenging. In this work, we developed a generic approach to hydrothermally synthesize TiO 2 /Bi x M y O z heterojunctions and tailor their morphologies. The key to this strategy is to intentionally utilize the surface defects of TiO 2 as highly active sites to adsorb the intermediate hydrolysis-products, which is in marked contrast to the conventional direct precipitation methods. In the subsequent hydrothermal reactions, MO 4 2− replaced the hydroxyl and nitrate radicals to form stable TiO 2 /Bi x M y O z heterojunctions, in which the second phase Bi x M y O z occupied the defect sites of TiO 2 nanobelts. Under visible light irradiation, the photocatalytic reaction rate constant of TiO 2 /Bi 2 WO 6 heterojunctions was four times higher than that of single phase Bi 2 WO 6 nanosheets, while the photocatalytic reaction rate constant of TiO 2 /Bi 3.64 Mo 0.36 O 6.55 heterojunctions exhibited a seven-fold increase compared with Bi 3.64 Mo 0.36 O 6.55 nanopaticles. The substantial enhancement of photocatalytic activity is primarily ascribed to the matching energy band structure in the TiO 2 /Bi x M y O z heterojunctions, which is able to improve the separation efficiency of photo-generated electron-hole pairs and prolong the lifetime of charge carriers in the heterojunctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present work demonstrate an efficient strategy of regulating the molecular conformation in PEDOT:PSS for ordered PEDOT domains and favorable band alignment, leading to the formation of true-blue PeLEDs with peak EQE up to 6.86% and maximum luminance of 854.10cd/m2 at wavelength of 478 nm. And we achieved the success of air-processed blue PeLEDs based on PFOA modified PEDOT:PSS. [Display omitted] • PFOA regulates the molecular conformation of PEDOT:PSS, improving carrier transport and alignment with the perovskite layer. • The PeLEDs with PFOA reach a peak external quantum efficiency of 6.86 % and a maximum luminance of 854.10 cd/m2 at a wavelength of 478 nm, which are the record values for the pure-bromide quasi-2D PeLEDs in the true-blue region. • The blue PeLEDs were successfully fabricated under ambient conditions (≈25 % RH and 20 °C), owing to the hydrophobic fluorine-carbon (C-F) chains of PFOA. The pure-bromide quasi-2D perovskite has shown advantages in fabrication of blue perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) due to its relatively good color stability and capability of moisture resistance. However, the performances of efficiency and luminance of pure-bromide quasi-2D PeLEDs with true-blue (470 nm−480 nm) emission are still inferior. Here, we show a interfacial modification strategy of involving perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) to a hole transport layer of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS), to improve the performances of the true-blue PeLEDs. The PFOA regulates the molecular conformation of PEDOT:PSS, forming ordered PEDOT domains that improves the carrier transport and a more favorable band alignment with the perovskite emissive layers. The achieved true-blue PeLEDs show peak EQE of 6.86 % and maximum luminance of 854.10 cd/m2 at wavelength of 478 nm, which are the record values for the pure-bromide quasi-2D PeLEDs in true-blue region. Moreover, owing to the hydrophobic fluorine-carbon (C-F) chains of PFOA, we successfully fabricate the blue PeLEDs in air condition without inert gas protection. This work paves the way for commercial applications in next-generation display technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abscisic acid-, stress-, and ripening-induced (ASR) proteins in plants play a significant role in plant response to diverse abiotic stresses. However, the functions of ASR genes in maize remain unclear. In the present study, we identified a novel drought-induced ASR gene in maize (ZmASR1) and functionally characterized its role in mediating drought tolerance. The transcription of ZmASR1 was upregulated under drought stress and abscisic acid (ABA) treatment, and the ZmASR1 protein was observed to exhibit nuclear and cytoplasmic localization. Moreover, ZmASR1 knockout lines generated with the CRISPR–Cas9 system showed lower ROS accumulation, higher ABA content, and a higher degree of stomatal closure than wild-type plants, leading to higher drought tolerance. Transcriptome sequencing data indicated that the significantly differentially expressed genes in the drought treatment group were mainly enriched in ABA signal transduction, antioxidant defense, and photosynthetic pathway. Taken together, the findings suggest that ZmASR1 negatively regulates drought tolerance and represents a candidate gene for genetic manipulation of drought resistance in maize. • A novel ASR gene was firstly cloned and characterize from maize. • ZmASR1 knockout lines showed enhanced drought stress tolerance in maize. • ZmASR1 knockout lines showed altered the expression of stress-response related genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manganese oxide (MnO 2) is considered as one of the most hopeful cathode materials for aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) thanks to its nontoxicity, high voltage, and low cost. However, its practical application in ZIBs is hindered by its slow reaction kinetics and poor structural stability. The heteroatom-doped δ-MnO 2 prepared by hydrothermal reaction can overcome the inherent defects of δ-MnO 2 and significantly improve the performance of ZIBs. Nevertheless, hydrothermal method requires high temperature and high pressure processes, which will increase production costs and energy consumption. To address this issue, herein, the Co-doped δ-MnO 2 (Co-δ-MnO 2) cathode is synthesized by a one-step route through stirring the solution of MnCl 2 , CoCl 2 , and H 2 O 2 in the presence of tetramethylammonium cations at room temperature. The Co-δ-MnO 2 cathode displays outstanding zinc ion storage performance with a high specific capacity of 408.9 mAh g−1 at the current density of 0.1 A g−1, a superior rate capability of 232.7 mAh g−1 at 3.0 A g−1, a high energy density of 554.9 Wh kg−1 at 135.2 W kg−1, and good cyclability with a capacity retention rate of 77.8 % after 1000 cycles. Ex-situ tests reveal that the charge storage mechanism of the Co-δ-MnO 2 cathode is H+/Zn2+ co-insertion/extraction. [Display omitted] • The Co-δ-MnO 2 cathode was synthesized by a one-step route at room temperature. • The Co-δ-MnO 2 cathode displays a high specific capacity of 408.9 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 • Co doping changes the crystallinity of δ-MnO 2 , facilitating ion insertion/extraction. • The charge storage mechanism of the Co-δ-MnO 2 cathode is H+/Zn2+ co-insertion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The δ-MnO 2 /Ti 3 C 2 T x cathode was prepared by a mild one-step in-situ growth strategy. • The δ-MnO 2 /Ti 3 C 2 T x cathode has a high specific capacity of 320.6 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1. • The Ti 3 C 2 T x scaffolds suppress the irreversible structural damage of δ-MnO 2. • The Ti 3 C 2 T x nanosheets constitute an efficient continuous electron transport pathway. Manganese-based oxides are deemed to be prospective cathode materials for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs). Nevertheless, their practical application was hampered by the slow zinc-ion diffusion dynamics and the instability of MnO 2 structure. The δ-MnO 2 /MXene cathodes have been investigated to overcome the inherent defects of δ-MnO 2 and significantly improve the performance of ZIBs. However, these δ-MnO 2 /MXene cathodes suffer from high-temperature, high-pressure, time-consuming or complicated production processes. To address these issues, δ-MnO 2 /Ti 3 C 2 T x cathode was synthesized by a one-step in-situ growth strategy under mild conditions. The δ-MnO 2 /Ti 3 C 2 T x cathode can take advantages of the large specific capacity of δ-MnO 2 and the high conductivity of Ti 3 C 2 T x nanosheets. Besides, the highly conductive Ti 3 C 2 T x scaffolds efficaciously suppress the irreversible structural damage of δ-MnO 2. Therefore, the ZIB assembled with the δ-MnO 2 /Ti 3 C 2 T x cathode demonstrates significantly improved electrochemical behavior with a large specific capacity of 320.6 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, excellent rate capability of 153.0 mAh g−1 at 3.0 A g−1, high energy density of 440.0 Wh kg−1 at 136.6 W kg−1, and good cyclability with a capacity retention of 70.2 % after 1500 cycles, significantly outperforming the δ-MnO 2 cathode. The findings of this study suggest that the δ-MnO 2 /Ti 3 C 2 T x composite holds promise as a potential cathode for high-performance aqueous ZIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taurine (3S) inhibits heat-induced Ostwald ripening by binding to perovskite. 3, 3-diphenylpropylamine (DPPA) improves hydrophobicity to suppresses moisture-induced phase disproportionation. As a result, perovskite films with 3S and DPPA maintain stability for over 200h at 70 °C and over 310 h at 20% relative humidity, achieving the most stable blue quasi-2D perovskite emitters. [Display omitted] • Studying the optical property evolution of blue perovskite under stimuli of moisture and heat. • Proposing a strategy to curb Ostwald ripening and phase disproportionation in blue perovskite. • Achieving one of the most stable blue perovskite films under stimuli of moisture and heat. Quasi-2D metal halide perovskite is rising for efficient blue light-emitting diodes due to strong quantum confinement and tunable emission, while a challenge remains in its poor stability of n -phase distribution under external stresses. Herein, the stable blue quasi-2D perovskite under heat and moisture conditions is achieved by dual ligand engineering. The Lewis base moieties − SO 3 − from taurine (3S) bind tightly with perovskite edges, inhibiting Ostwald ripening of the perovskite phase caused by the heat, and 3, 3-diphenylpropylamine (DPPA) provides a strong hydrophobicity to the perovskite film, suppressing phase disproportionation induced by the moisture. Accordingly, the blue perovskite film, modified synergistically by the 3S and DPPA dual ligands, maintains its initial photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) after over 200 h with 70 °C heating, and only exhibiting a redshift in PL peak wavelength less than 10 nm. Exposing under environment condition of 20 % relative humidity for 300 h, the blue perovskite film still retains its initial PL peak wavelength with PLQY exceeding 50 % of the initial value. This achievement establishes a notable strategy for enhancing both the thermal and moisture stability of blue quasi-2D perovskite. Furthermore, the light-emitting diodes based on the perovskite films display the enhanced operating stability. This work offers an efficient strategy for stabilizing blue quasi-2D perovskite and the corresponding devices for the display application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TaC x (x = 0.5, 0.55, 0.6 and 0.7) ceramics with 20 mol% Al addition were prepared by hot pressing TaC, Ta and Al powder mixtures. Effects of the overall C:Ta ratios and the Al addition on constituent phases, microstructures and mechanical properties of the consolidated materials were examined. Results showed that O impurity contained in the starting powders was collected in form of Al 2 O 3 due to strong affinity of O with Al. The TaC x -Al composites were easy to densify due to presence of molten Al at its melting point (T m = 660 °C) and a transient Al–Ta eutectic liquid at higher temperatures. After densification, the metallic liquids were eliminated ultimately by formation of refractory Ta 4 AlC 3 via reaction of Al, Ta and TaC. Reactions between the remnant Ta and TaC after Ta 4 AlC 3 formation resulted in ζ-Ta 4 C 3-z or h-Ta 2 C depending on the initial C:Ta ratio. The Ta 4 AlC 3 compound was compatible with the tantalum carbides. Microstructures of the TaC x -Al (x = 0.5–0.7) composites were consisted of ζ-Ta 4 C 3-z and Ta 4 AlC 3 fine lamellar grains to benefit the mechanical properties of the composites. The TaC 0.7 –20mol% Al composition had satisfying mechanical properties (flexural strength 613 ± 28 MPa and fracture toughness 11.2 ± 0.8 MPa m1/2). TG-DSC evidenced an increase in oxidation resistance of the TaC x ceramics by the addition of 20 mol% Al. TaC x -20mol% Al (x = 0.5,0.55,0.6,0.7) composites prepared by hot pressing powder mixtures of TaC, Ta and Al are featured by easy densification, coexistence of Ta 4 AlC 3 with ζ-Ta 4 C 3-z /h-Ta 2 C and lamellar growth of the constituent grains in the microstructures as shown here in the SEM micrograph to result in good flexural strength and fracture toughness (613 ± 28 MPa and 11.2 ± 0.8 MPa m1/2, respectively, at x = 0.7). Addition of 20 mol% Al improved oxidation resistance of the tantalum carbide ceramics by increasing the oxidation initiation temperature from about 550 °C for pure TaC ceramics to 750 °C for the TaC x -Al composites. [Display omitted] • TaC x (x = 0.5–0.7) ceramics with addition of 20mol%Al were prepared. • The composites were easy to densify due to presence of a transient Al–Ta liquid. • The Al–Ta liquid was replaced by formation of the ultimate refractory Ta 4 AlC 3 and ζ-Ta 4 C 3-z /h-Ta 2 C. • Lamellar growth of the constituent phases imparted good fracture toughness to the composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferrochrome slag (FCS) is a by-product discharged in the smelting of ferrochrome alloys. This high-volume waste can be effectively valorized by utilizing it as aggregate in ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC), which is beneficial for resolving the environmental issue induced via its buildup and potential risk of chromium leaching. Additionally, it can also compensate for the shortage of natural aggregate (NA), and reduce the cost of UHPC. Its feasibility as aggregate in UHPC was explored. The enhancement mechanisms of FCS aggregate dosage, pre-wetting water, and steel fiber on the performances of UHPC were systematically investigated. The results indicated that FCS with rough texture, higher water absorption and lower strength can substitute NA in the manufacturing of UHPC. The mechanical and drying shrinkage properties of UHPC mixed with FCS were improved, which was attributed to the synergistic effects including the reduction of effective water-binder ratio and porosity, the enhanced interface structure, and the internal curing to matrix. The water film layer enriched surrounding aggregate absorbed by FCS, which reduced the enrichment and directional growth of portlandite at interface. This also inhibited the water absorption of UHPC, and may hinder the transport of harmful ions inside UHPC. With the incorporation of FCS, its autogenous shrinkage increased, this matter can be ameliorated by the pre-wetted aggregates with water not exceeding 45%–65% of the saturated water absorption rate. Furthermore, the reinforcement of steel fiber on UHPC strength gradually decreased due to the fiber dispersion was affected by the declined workability and aggregate morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In previous works, it was found hard to synthesize "phase pure" ζ-Ta 4 C 3-z at relatively low temperatures even by prolonged heating, though ζ-Ta 4 C 3-z was believed stable till decomposition at ~2130°C. When the samples were subjected to TEM, vast richness of locally disordered structures in close relation with stacking of the close-pacted Ta-atom planes was observed. Although kinetic factors including diffusion of C atoms/vacancies and re-stacking of the Ta-atom planes explain the densely disordered structures, the richness of local disorders is a scenario that shows cohabitant of the cubic, rhombohedral, and hexagonal structures in a single grain, i.e. formation of a "hybrid grain" consisted of the three symmetries, indicating a transitional or intermediate stage before complete formation of the final phase of rhombohedral ζ-Ta 4 C 3-z. This time tantalum carbide ceramics TaC x with C:Ta atomic ratios x = 0.66 and 0.7 were prepared by reaction hot pressing of TaC and Ta powder mixtures. 5–30 mol% Cu/Ag additives and heat treatments were used to reproduce "hybrid grains" to facilitate further TEM and HRTEM observations on the disordered hybrid grains to argue for the transitional/intermediate stage. The cohabitant cubic, rhombohedral, and hexagonal structures in single grains may also help explain the difficulty in identification of the various phases by XRD in the transitional/intermediate stage of ζ-Ta 4 C 3-z reaction. Microstructural evolution and fracture toughness of the composites were also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• ZmbZIP22 gene encodes a bZIP transcription factor, can interact with the promoters of key starch enzyme genes. • ZmbZIP22 can inhibit the expression of GBSSIa and enhance the expression of most starch synthesis genes, resulting in a loss of amylose content in mature seeds. • Overexpressing ZmbZIP22 showed reductions in the size and alterations in the chemical structure of starch granules, and reduced amylose content. • We provide candidate regulators and show that ZmbZIP22 has a similar adjustment mechanism of starch biosynthesis in maize and rice. • The function of ZmbZIP22 can act as a negative regulator in the starch synthesis. Starch content and composition are major determinants of yield and quality in maize. In recent years, the major genes for starch metabolism have been cloned in this species. However, the role of transcription factors in regulating the starch metabolism pathway remains unclear. The ZmbZIP22 gene encodes a bZIP transcription factor. In our study, plants overexpressing ZmbZIP22 showed reductions in the size of starch granules, the size and weight of seeds, reduced amylose content, and alterations in the chemical structure of starch granules. Also, overexpression of ZmbZIP22 resulted in increases in the contents of soluble sugars and reducing sugars in transgenic rice and maize. ZmbZIP22 promotes the transcription of starch metabolism genes by binding to their promoters. Screening by yeast one-hybrid assays indicated a possible interaction between ZmbZIP22 and the promoters of eight key starch enzyme genes. Collectively, our results indicated that ZmbZIP22 functions as a negative regulator of starch synthesis, and suggest that this occurs through the regulation of key sugar and starch metabolism genes in maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract It is of importance to develop earth-abundant, low-cost and efficient catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, we prepare Ti 3 C 2 T x -FeOOH heterostructure that exhibits excellent electrochemical performance with a potential of 1.65 V at 10 mA cm−2, a Tafel slope of 31.7 mV dec−1 and outstanding stability for OER in alkaline medium. The superior catalytic activity is attributed to the synergistic coupling between amorphous FeOOH QDs and Ti 3 C 2 T x. This study offers a new pathway for MXene-based materials toward OER in alkaline media. Highlights • Amorphous FeOOH QDs anchored on Ti 3 C 2 T x nanosheets show highly efficient electrocatalytic activity for oxygen evolution. • The catalytic reactivity is enhanced by synergistic effect between Ti 3 C 2 T x and FeOOH. • As-synthesized electrocatalysts show small Tafel slope and high stability in OER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-atom catalysts have attracted extensive attention due to their unique performances and high atom utilization. However, is single atom always the best? Here we found a reverse case that nickel metaphosphate (NPO) supported nanoparticles (Ru n) is much better than single atoms (Ru s) for all pH hydrogen evolution. The mass activity of Ru n -NPO is 3.8 times higher than that of Ru s -NPO, and 21.4 times higher than that of Pt/C in alkaline media. The results show that Ru nanoparticle possess lower valence state than single atom, providing optimized Ru-H bond strength and suitable hydrogen adsorption free energy. As a novel support, NPO is also essential for firmly anchoring Ru and transporting electrons for optimizing the d -band center, and eventually accelerating the H 2 O dissociation in rate-limiting Volmer step. This work gives Ru-NPO promising potential for practical hydrogen production, and sheds light on the exploration of supported metal catalysts in energy conversion-related fields. [Display omitted] • Nickel metaphosphate (NPO) supported Ru catalyst is developed for all pH HER. • Ru nanoparticles exhibit better HER activity than Ru single atoms. • NPO optimizes the thermodynamic parameter of Ru through metal-support interactions. • The sluggish kinetics of Ru in Volmer step have been speed up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • High-valence Zr-incorporated Ni 2 P is fabricated through the hydrothermal and subsequently phosphorization method. • Zr 0.1 Ni 1.9 P exhibits remarkable HER and OER performances with the excellent long-term durability more than 100 h. • DFT results confirm that the incorporation of Zr effectively regulates the electronic state and boosts the intrinsic activity of catalyst. Expediting the kinetics of electrochemical hydrogen (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a critical segment in water electrolysis, however, it remains a great challenge. Here, we address this issue via incorporating high valence Zr into Ni 2 P (Zr x Ni 2-x P) to lower the energy barrier of reaction intermediates. The as-prepared Zr 0.1 Ni 1.9 P catalyst exhibits unexceptionable catalytic activities for both HER and OER. It possesses low overpotential of 68 and 239 mV for the HER and OER at the current density of 10 mA cm−2 (j 10), respectively, with the excellent long-term durability more than 100 h. Particularly, the catalytic activity of Zr 0.1 Ni 1.9 P is superior to that of noble metal catalysts (Pt/C and RuO 2) at high current density (> j 300). Furthermore, the electrolytic cell achieves a low potential of only 1.54 V at j 10 to drive overall water splitting in alkaline medium. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that high-valence Zr incorporating promotes the adsorption and dissociation processes of H 2 O to boost alkaline HER and decreases the free energy change of the potential-determining step (O*→OOH*) to facilitate the OER process. This strategy of incorporating high valence Zr to boost reaction kinetics provides a new avenue for designing high performance electrocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microglia are involved in many neurodegenerative diseases and repairment of traumatic injury to the CNS. Activin A is a neurotrophic and neuroprotective factor that can regulate the activities of macrophages/microglia. However, the effects of activin A on the migration of microglia are still unclear. In this study, the role of activin A in regulation of the microglia migration was investigated with the murine microglial BV2 cell. The levels of cytokines were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein expression was examined by Western blotting. The adhesion of BV2 cells was assayed by real-time cell analysis (RTCA). The migration of BV2 cells was determined by transwell chamber and microfluidics device. Smad3 was overexpressed or knocked down in BV2 cells by transfection of Smad3 or Smad3 shRNA-expressing plasmids. Activin A inhibited the release of nitric oxide (NO) and inflammatory cytokines of TNF-α and IL-6 and the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA by BV2 cells. In contrast, activin A promoted the production of TGF-β1. Activin A inhibited adhesion, promoted wound healing and migration which is related to the expression of N-cadherin and E-cadherin expression. Additionally, Smad3 overexpression in BV2 cells decreased the levels of TNF-α and IL-6, and promoted the wound healing, whereas Smad3 knockdown showed the opposite effects. These findings revealed that activin A regulated the biological behavior of BV2 cells via Smad3 signaling, suggesting that activin A may serve as a potential treatment target for neuroinflammation and glia scar formation in nervous system. • Activin A inhibits BV2 cell adhesion and induces BV2 cell migration. • Activin A inhibits the production pro-inflammatory cytokine by BV2 cell. • Activin A regulates BV2 cell activity via Smad3 signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ag 3 PO 4 was synthesized with the assistance of N, N-dimethylformamid (DMF) and urea for high performance photocatalysis. The photocatalytic activity of the as-synthesized samples was evaluated by photodegrading rhodamine B (Rh B) under visible light irradiation. As a result, the optimal Ag 3 PO 4 synthesized with the assistance of DMF and urea exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity for Rh B degradation under visible light irradiation. DMF and urea play vital roles in improving the photocatalytic activity of Ag 3 PO 4 . This study could provide a new perspective for the controllable synthesis of Ag 3 PO 4 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Gut epithelial barrier was mimicked and real-time monitored in ECIS-based IECs. • Gut barrier damages by adverse factors can be classified via analysis of ECIS data. • ECIS-based biosensor verified theanine a nutrient alleviates DON-induced damage. Mycotoxin and pathogens-induced intestinal barrier damages are the pathogenesis for inflammatory bowel diseases. Here, we established electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) based biosensors to real-time monitor the intestinal barrier, and classify the barrier damage patterns induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) or deoxynivalenol (DON). The developed ECIS-based biosensors monitored a time-dependent decrease of impedance induced by DSS or DON, during which the Rb (resistance between cells), α (resistance between cell and extracellular matrix), and Cm (cell membrane capacitance) were decreased, indicating the disruption of the intestinal barrier. Noteworthy, the cell micromotion in ECIS can be quantified to the Cellular-Energy, Detail-VAR, Detail-SD, Detail-SMA, and Cellular-Power, by which the DSS and DON induced barrier damage patterns can be classified. Besides, results based on ECIS and traditional assays both verified l -theanine as a nutrient that alleviates the DON-induced intestinal barrier damage. In conclusion, the ECIS-based biosensor was demonstrated as a multiparametric tool to characterize the barrier function, shedding light on exploiting real-time platforms for intestinal barrier-targeted drug screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Indoor simulation experiment was conducted to explore phosphine’ effects on rice seedlings. [•] We examine the physiological and biochemical responses of rice seedlings to phosphine. [•] Antioxidant enzymes played important roles in protecting rice seedlings from ROS damage. [•] Rice plants could cope with the oxidative stress induced by low concentrations of phosphine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The indoor simulation experiment was conducted to explore the effect of phosphine. [•] We examine the physiological and biochemical responses of rice seeds to phosphine. [•] Antioxidant enzymes and malondialdehyde were affected significantly. [•] The mechanism of phosphine on plants is different from that on mammals and insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Vanadium oxide nanotubes (VO x -NTs) are prepared by sol–gel method and subsequent hydrothermal treatment using dodecylamines as structure directing templates. After sintering of VO x -NTs in the mixed gas flow of nitrogen and oxygen, we successfully obtain a kind of nanospike shaped vanadium pentoxide free of organic template. The synthesized vanadium pentoxide nanospike (V2O5-NS) is composed of interconnected V2O5 nanocrystals (50–200 nm) and exhibits superior specific capacity and cycling performance (427 mA h g−1 for the first cycle and 218 mA h g−1 after 50 cycles at 50 mA g−1 current density between 1.5 and 4 V versus Li/Li+) when used as cathode materials for lithium ion batteries. Besides, V2O5-NS also possesses good rate capability. This novel method adopted in the work is facile and effective for the synthesis of nanostructured vanadium oxide. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • Intramolecular heterostructured carbon nitride is successfully synthesized. • The as-prepared sample exhibits superior photocatalytic hydrogen production. • Rapid separation and transfer of photogenerated carriers in as-prepared sample. • The addition of salt mixture regulates the localized electronic structure. Efficient separation and transfer of photogenerated carriers is vital for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. We report development of a new type of intramolecular heterostructure graphitic carbon nitride with heptazine-triazine (CN-HT) by use of a one-step thermal polymerization method. This intramolecular heterostructure changes the electronic structure to promote charge transfer and enhances the adsorption of H*. The as-prepared CN-HT exhibits superior photocatalytic hydrogen evolution of 88.29 μmol/h, which is 14.2 times that of pristine CN. The apparent quantum yield is 10.1% at 400 nm and 9.6% at 450 nm. The efficient separation and transfer of photogenerated carriers as well as the expanded visible light absorption in this intramolecular CN heterostructure contribute to the efficient utilization of photogenerated carriers, thus enhancing the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures are commonly used as semiconductor films for the photoanodes of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). However, the photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of DSSCs with ZnO photoanode was compromised by the instability of the physical and chemical properties of ZnO. In this paper, ZnO-reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composite photoanodes were obtained by a one-step electrodeposition method, and the photoelectric performance of the assembled DSSCs were measured. By comparing the PCE and other photoelectric parameters of the DSSCs constructed by the ZnO-rGO photoanodes deposited under different deposition potentials and times, the DSSCs achieved the best performance with the photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE), open circuit voltage (Voc), short-circuit current density (Jsc), and fill factor (FF) of 1.07%, 386.15 mV, 4.65 mA cm−2, and 0.59, respectively. [Display omitted] • We report a one-step electrodeposition method for preparing ZnO-rGO composite. • The photoelectric properties of ZnO-rGO composite photoanodes are higher than ZnO. • The electrodeposition of ZnO was carried out simultaneously with reduction of GO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A fucoidan from the brown alga Hizikia fusiforme was extracted with hot water and fractionated by anion-exchange chromatography. The main fraction YF5 was depolymerized by partial acid hydrolysis and further purified by gel filtration chromatograph. The sequences of oligosaccharides generated were then determined by ES-CID-MS/MS, which gave directly information on the structural heterogeneity of fucoidan from H. fusiforme. It was shown that YF5 had a backbone of a repeating disaccharide unit of [→4GlcAβ1,2Manα1→], in good agreement with previous report by NMR and methylation analysis. In the product-ion spectra, the unique 0.2A type fragmentation was important to establish the presence of a 2-linked Man in the backbone structure. In addition, abundant novel heterogeneous branched structural fragments were also detected and characterized: Fuc1,3Fuc, Fuc1,3Gal, Fuc1,4GlcA, Gal1,4Gal, Gal1,4GlcA and GlcA1,4GlcA. The sulfation mainly occurred at C2 or C4 of the fucose residue and C2, C4 or C6 of the galactose residue. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Silver colloidal nanoparticles were synthesized via an analogous silver mirror reaction process without the traditional Tollens reagent. Instead of ammonia, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was employed to coordinate with Ag+. The silver nanoparticles and reaction process were characterized by UV–vis spectrometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that the silver concentration in the colloid reached 0.05mol/l and the colloid could keep stable for over 45 days. The halogen in CTAB is used as surfactant counterion to form a CTABr−Ag+ complex, which can be reduced by glucose to Ag nanoparticles. Besides, the apparent impact on the dispersion and shape of silver nanoparticles induced by the molar ratio of CTAB to Ag is also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• FeNiCoO X HHNCs were synthesized by cation exchange method and annealing process. • FeNiCoO X HHNCs combined structural advantages and multi-metal element compositions. • FeNiCoO X HHNCs exhibited superior electrocatalytic performance for OER. Highly efficient, inexpensive and stable electrocatalysts of oxygen evolution reaction are of great significance for the potential application of water splitting in new energy technology. In this work, we develop FeNiCoO X hierarchical hollow nanocages via a cation exchange reaction with annealing in air, which show excellent OER performances in 1 M KOH. This FeNiCoOx catalyst exhibits a small overpotential of 248 mV at 10 mA cm−2, a Tafel slope of 45.4 mV dec−1, as well as the remarkable stability. Excellent electrocatalytic performances are attributed to the synergistic effects from the multi-metal element compositions and the hierarchical hollow structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We report an easy, cheap and green way to prepare membranes with opposite wettability. • Both fabrics show excellent capability for oil/water separation with high efficiency. • Both types of fabrics could maintain their original wettability in harsh environments. • A T-shaped bidirectional separation device was assembled by the two types of fabrics. • Continuous separation of oil/water mixtures regardless of oil density was realized. Fabrication of filtration membranes with opposite wettability for the separation of immiscible oil/water mixture has aroused extensive attention owing to the avoidance of oil/water density relationship limitation. Herein, we demonstrate a low-cost, mild and environment-friendly method to prepare underwater superoleophobic graphene oxide (GO) coated fabric through dip-coating of GO nanosheets onto cotton fabric, and the superhydrophilic GO coated fabric can be converted to superhydrophobic reduced graphene oxide (rGO) coated fabric after chemical reduction of the coated GO. The GO and rGO coated fabrics show excellent efficiencies for unidirectional separation of various light oils and heavy oils from water, respectively. Both types of fabrics could maintain their original wettability in harsh environments, and demonstrate high efficiency and recyclability for the separation of oil/water mixtures containing hot water, acid and salt. Furthermore, a T-shaped bidirectional separation device was devised by integrating the two fabrics with opposite wettability, which can realize high-efficient continuous separation of various oil/water mixtures regardless of the oil density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We report a facile, cheap and green way to prepare membranes with inverse wettability. • Both meshes exhibit superior capability for water/oil separation with high efficiency. • Both types of meshes could maintain their original wettability in harsh environment. • A T-shaped bidirectional separation setup was assembled by the two types of membranes. • Continuous separation of water/oil mixtures of any oil density was achieved. We report a mild, inexpensive, environment-friendly method to fabricate graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) coated meshes with superhydrophilicity/underwater superoleophobicity and superhydrophobicity/superoleophilicity through scrape coating of GO nanosheets onto stainless steel mesh and electrochemical reduction of the GO coated mesh, respectively. The GO coated meshes exhibit high efficiency for unidirectional separation of mixtures of water and various light oils, while the RGO coated meshes show excellent capability of separating various heavy oils from water. Both types of meshes could maintain their original wettability in harsh environments, and demonstrate high efficiency and recyclability for the separation of water/oil mixtures containing boiling water, acid and salt. In addition, a T-shaped bidirectional device was assembled by fixing the two meshes with inverse wettability at the both horizontal ends of a T-tube, which can achieve continuous high-efficiency separation of various mixtures of water and oil regardless of their density relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Thermodynamic cement hydration models were proposed to calculate hydration products over time. • The phase equilibrium model and the surface complexation model were unified to describe the chloride binding isotherm. • Influences of sulfate on the chemically bound chloride and physically adsorbed chloride were studied. • The evolution of Friedel's salt and ettringite was tested and verified by the thermodynamic model. This paper mainly investigates the chloride binding capacity of cement paste immersed in chloride and various chloride-sulfate solution. Taking into account the influence of sulfate on the chemically bound and physically adsorbed chloride, a thermodynamic model consisting of hydration model, phase equilibrium model and surface complexation model is established to describe the chloride binding behavior. The formation of Friedel's salt and ettringite in chloride-sulfate solution are tested by XRD and simulated by the thermodynamic model. The model result of chloride binding behavior in chloride and chloride-sulfate solution are in good agreement with the experimental results. Physically absorbed chloride ions and chemically bound chloride ions are calculated quantitatively. The formation of Friedel's and Kuzel's salt are reduced by the presence of sulfate as well as the chloride adsorbed on C-S-H. The evolution of Friedel's salt and ettringite is closely related to chloride and sulfate concentrations, which is confirmed by the experiment and the proposed model. The thermodynamic model proposed in this paper can be useful to effectively describe the interaction between chloride and sulfate on cement paste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Hierarchical ZnO nanorod arrays (ZNRAs) were prepared on stainless steel meshes via a two-step electrodeposition method. • The performance of hierarchical ZNRAs can be improved through modulating the condition of first-step electrodeposition. • The DSSC assembled with hierarchical ZNRAs obtained an optimal power conversion efficiency of 1.81 %. Hierarchical zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorod arrays (ZNRAs) were fabricated on stainless steel meshes via a two-step electrodeposition approach as flexible dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) photoanodes. The two-step electrodeposition was realized by deposition of primary ZNRAs followed by growth of secondary branched ZnO nanorods on the primary ZnO nanorods surfaces. The morphologies of ZNRAs and the photovoltaic performances of the assembled DSSCs with different deposition conditions of primary ZNRAs were compared in detail. After modulating electrodeposition conditions, the DSSC assembled with hierarchical ZNRAs obtained an optimum photovoltaic performance with power conversion efficiency of 1.81 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A microfluidic chip and a semi-automated immunoassay instrument were demonstrated. • Reagent loading, well washing and signal detection can be procedurally realized. • Eleven samples can be simultaneously tested within a short time. • The platform was validated using clinical serum samples for human IL-6 ELISA. Microfluidic based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has been recognized as an advanced diagnosis tool due to the reduced sample consumption and fast reaction; but it often suffers from limited throughput and requires specialized operation skills. In this paper, we developed a microfluidic chip for multi-sample ELISA and an associated instrument for fluidic delivery and colorimetric detection. Eleven different samples can be assayed simultaneously using the developed platform in a straightforward, user-friendly, and low manual workload manner. Human interleukin-6 (IL-6) was used as the model protein biomarker to validate the platform and the estimated limit of detection (LOD) is 1.262 pg/ml. The entire assay took about 35 min, which is about six-fold shorter than the assay conducted in the traditional 96-well plate. Furthermore, we validated this platform using serum samples from 89 patients with ovarian cancer. The IL-6 concentrations in the clinical samples measured by the microfluidic platform were in good agreement with the traditional well-plate measurements. High accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of 95.5%, 96.2% and 90.9% are achieved in the testing of early-stage ovarian cancer. The semi-automated microfluidic immunoassay provides a convenient, rapid and reliable method for biomedical diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) has become a leading technique for in situ bioaffinity assay of diverse targets without need of fluorescent or enzymatic labeling. Nanomaterials-enhanced SPR sensors have developed rapidly and widened the application scope of SPR sensing technology. In this report we describe an ultrasensitive SPR biosensor for detecting carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Our SPR biosensor utilizes a Ti 3 C 2 -MXene-based sensing platform and multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs)-polydopamine (PDA)-Ag nanoparticle (AgNPs) signal enhancer. Ti 3 C 2 -MXene, a new class of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides, offers a large hydrophilic-biocompatible surface ideal for SPR biosensing. Ti 3 C 2 -MXene/AuNPs composites after synthesis are then decorated with staphylococcal protein A (SPA) to orient and immobilize monoclonal anti-CEA antibody (Ab 1) through its Fc region. By introducing MWCNTs-PDA-AgNPs-polyclonal anti-CEA antibody (MWPAg-Ab 2) conjugate combined with a sandwich format, the present method provides a dynamic range for CEA determination of 2×10-16 to 2×10-8 M and a detection limit of 0.07 fM. This biosensing approach demonstrates good reproducibility and high specificity for CEA in real serum samples providing a promising method to evaluate CEA in human serum for early diagnosis and monitoring of cancer. • Ultrathin Ti 3 C 2 -MXene nanosheet-based SPR sensing film is applied for detecting biomarker CEA. • MWCNTs-PDA-AgNPs composites as signal enhancer are employed for further improving sensitivity. • The prepared biosensor for CEA shows ultralow LOD of 0.07 fM with good stability and reproducibility. • The high selectivity in human serum samples provides great potential in clinical diagnosis for cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]