Search

Electrochemical biosensor based on horseradish peroxidase (HRP) modified gold nanoparticle/sulfur-doped graphene (AuNP/SG) has been developed for the quantification of trans-resveratrol (Res). Gold nanoparticle (AuNP) was selected as the carrier for HRP due to its excellent electrochemical catalytic activity, biocompatibility, and conductivity, while sulfur-doped graphene (SG) was selected as the support for AuNP due to the defects introduced in the carbon network by sulfur doping can facilitate the high dispersion state of AuNP and HRP. The results show that the excellent sensing performance of the HRP/AuNP/SG is attributed to the high charge polarization of material after sulfur dropping and the co-catalysis of HRP and AuNP. For the detection of Res, linear response can be observed with high sensitivity and low detection limit (4 × 10−8 M). Further, this electrochemical biosensor presents strong reproducibility, stability, and anti-interference capability in detecting Res. These unique properties make it an excellent choice for Res reliable detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alpha-pinene is one of the main defensive components in conifers. Monochamus alternatus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), a wood borer feeding on Pinaceae plants, relies on its detoxifying enzymes to resist the defensive terpenoids. Here, we assayed the peroxide level and GST activity of M. alternatus larvae treated with different concentrations of α-pinene. Meanwhile, a gst gene (MaGSTe3) was isolated and analyzed. We determined its expression level and verified its function. The results showed that α-pinene treatment led to membrane lipid peroxidation and thus increased the GST activity. Expression of MaGSTe3 was significantly upregulated in guts following exposure to α-pinene, which has a similar pattern with the malonaldehyde level. In vitro expression and disk diffusion assay showed that the MaGSTe3 protein had high antioxidant capacity. However, RNAi treatment of MaGSTe3 did not reduce the hydrogen peroxide and malonaldehyde levels, while GST activity was significantly reduced. These results suggested MaGSTe3 takes part in α-pinene adaptation, but it does not play a great role in the resistance of M. alternatus larvae to α-pinene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monochamus alternatus , the dominant vector of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Aphelenchida: Aphelenchoididae), has caused immense damage to forest resources. In China, this vector was native to the southern regions but has spread northward recently. To adapt to more challenging environments in the northern winter, M. alternatus has evolved an intricate strategy for overwintering, which remains largely unknown. Herein, we compared the transcriptome data of the overwintering and non-overwintering larvae of M. alternatus larvae to investigate the molecular mechanisms in overwintering. A total of 53.10 GB clean bases and 28, 245 unigenes were obtained by RNA-seq. Analysis of 2597 upregulated and 2429 downregulated unigenes, as well as the enrichment of DEGs showed that many genes and pathways were jointly involved in the overwintering period. Besides, the accuracy of the RNA-seq data was tested by using qPCR experiment involving 13 selected genes. The results revealed that the overwintering process relied largely on the energy allocation trade-off. Specifically, overwintering M. alternatus inhibited energy-intensive activities, such as growth and molting, detoxification, and trehalose transport, and the reserved energy was skewed towards the synthesis of antifreeze compounds and immune response to cope with the deleterious effects of winter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preparation of sesame oil by aqueous extraction is a traditional process with a long history. In this study, samples were obtained from key stages of the sesame oil process, such as baking, stone grinding, and hot water oil extraction, and the changes in sensory properties, composition, and antioxidant properties of the samples were studied to control product quality. The results showed that the flavor and color in sesame oil were mainly formed by Maillard reactions, and the two key stages for these reactions were roasting and hot water oil extraction. Adding hot water reduced the total amino acid, alkaline amino acid, and essential amino acid contents in the sample, corresponding to a significant increase in the total amount of brown matter, richness of taste, types of volatile nitrogen oxides, •OH scavenging ability, and Fe2+ chelating ability. In addition, the bitterness value and DPPH• scavenging ability of sesame residues were significantly positively correlated with the absorbance value of the sesame residue aqueous solution at 420 nm. The roasting process enhances the oxidative stability of oil during storage, while the water extraction process does not alter this stability. • The flavor and color in aqueous extraction sesame oil were mainly formed by Maillard reactions. • The two key stages for Maillard reactions were roasting and hot water oil extraction. • The hot water extraction is the key step in exploring the special flavor of this sesame oil. • Maillard reaction products improved the antioxidant properties of sesame residue and oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women around the world. Estrogen receptor α (ERα) is expressed in approximately 70% of breast tumors, and considered as one of most effective targets in breast cancer therapy. It has been reported that the degradation of ERα protein is mediated by ubiquitin-proteasome system. However, little is known about the regulation of ERα deubiquitination, a critical constituent of its degradation control. The current study first reports that there is a positive correlation between ERα and ubiquitin specific protease 7 (USP7) protein levels in human breast tumor tissues. Subsequent studies showed that USP7 physically interacted with the ERα, thereby mediating the deubiquitination and stabilization of ERα. In addition, USP7 inhibition or silencing led to growth inhibition and apoptosis of ERα-positive breast cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, overexpression of ERα rescued the USP7 silencing-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, supporting that ERα status is essential to the function of USP7 in breast carcinogenesis. Overall, this study suggests that targeting USP7-ERα complex could be a potential strategy to treat ERα-positive breast cancer. • Targeting deubiquitinase USP7 by inhibition or silence leads to cell growth suppression in ERα positive breast cancer cells. • USP7 interacts with ERα and stabilizes the expression of ERα protein by cleaving the ubiquitin on ERα. • ERα expression is indispensable to USP7 deletion induced-growth inhibition in ERα positive breast cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Phosphorene quantum dot modified prussian blue (PB) skeleton has been synthesized. • CN– groups passivate edges of phosphorene quantum dot (BP) to improve its stability. • CN– group can desire the band edge positions of BP to improve its catalytic activity. • PB skeleton can support BP to inhibit its agglomeration and transport the electron. • This nanostructure used as highly efficient electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution. Facile liquid precipitation method assisted by liquid phase stripping has been used to prepare phosphorene quantum dot modified prussian blue porous skeleton structure. In this structure, the CN– group in prussian blue has larger chemical electronegativity than phosphorus atom, which can not only passivate the edges of phosphorene nanostructure, but also desire the valence band maximum and conduction band minimum band edge positions of black phosphorus for hydrogen generation in electrocatalytic water splitting. Moreover, the prussian blue porous network can be used as the support for phosphorene quantum dot and the medium for electron transport. This prussian blue supported phosphorene quantum dot porous network exhibits enhanced electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance with an over-potential of 148 mV at −10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 79 mV dec−1, which drastically surpass those of the black phosphorus. In addition, both the consecutive cyclic voltammetry and potentiostatic test reveal the outstanding electrocatalytic stability of the composite. This construction based on edge-modified phosphorene nanostructure presents efficient electrocatalys activity for water splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A yolk structure of C/SiO 2 /C and a hollow structure of C/SiO 2 composites with porous feature are synthesized by one-step method and two steps method, respectively. When evaluate as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the C/SiO 2 /C and C/SiO 2 deliver an impressive cycle performance and exhibit an excellent rate capacity. More importantly, attributing to the one-step synthesis method of C/SiO 2 /C, it possesses interconnected micropore and higher special surface area, which provide a more efficient ionic transportation path and facilitate the diffusion of Li + between the electrolyte and C/SiO 2 /C, thus the activation time of SiO 2 can be effectively shorten. The capacity achieves the steady value of 1135 mAh g −1 (based on the weight of SiO 2 in the electrode material) only by 60 cycles at 50 mA g −1 which is much faster than that of C/SiO 2 and delivers a high-rate capacity of 390 mAh g −1  at 1000 mA g −1 . Considering the good lithium storage abilities and fast-activated features, the C/SiO 2 /C composites hold promise in applications in practical LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, production of H 2 through photocatalytic water splitting has attracted considerable attention in the chemistry and material fields. In this work, TiO 2 based heterojunction photocatalyst, which is consisted of rutile nanorods and anatase nanoparticles, is systematically studied by controlling the HCl concentration in hydrothermal process. With the help of loaded Pt, an interesting two-peak feature (“M” shape) is observed in the HCl-dependent H 2 production efficiency. The peak values are 54.3 mmol h −1 g −1 and 74.4 mmol h −1 g −1 , corresponding to 83.9% and 12% anatase phase, respectively. A detailed analysis based on the microstructure and photoluminescence (PL) spectra indicate that the “M” shape feature is directly linked to the HCl-controlled interface area. Moreover, an unexpected zero interface area is revealed at an intermediate HCl concentration. In terms of homogeneous and heterogeneous nucleations, an interface growth mechanism is proposed to clarify its HCl-sensitive character. This work provides a route to enhance the photocatalytic activity in TiO 2 based photocatalyst via increasing the interface area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hexagram-like CoS-MoS composites were prepared on indium tin oxide (ITO) conductive glasses via cyclic voltammetry electrodeposition using Co(NO) and (NH)MoS as precursors and tested for application in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The structure of CoS-MoS composites was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS). Electrochemical characterizations indicate that CoS-MoS composites exhibit more excellent catalytic activity and stability than MoS. Compared with pure MoS, the hexagram-like CoS-MoS composites with increased specific surface area improved the density of exposed active sites, and the Co binding S edges in CoS-MoS composites promote the number of highly catalytic edge sites and decreased the binding energy △ G . Moreover, the effects of different substrates on the CoS-MoS composites were also investigated. Our further understanding of this highly active hydrogen evolution catalyst can facilitate the development of economical electrochemical hydrogen production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellular glutathione plays critical roles in protecting neuronal cells against dopamine induced oxidative stress and electrophilic cellular damage; inspired by above mentioned properties of glutathione, we used glutathione as a polymerization inhibitor to develop a dopamine biosensor which can be used in alkaline environment. The detection of dopamine in alkaline environment has been challenged by its polymerization for many years, glutathione as a kind of thiol can be used to prevent the polymerization of dopamine in alkaline environment by eliminating the electrophilic quinone molecules needed during the polymerization. In order to enhance the electrochemical performance of electrode, Ag 2 Se/MoSe 2 composite with large exposed surface areas was synthesized, which improved the sensitivity and stability for dopamine detection. The low oxidation peak potential for dopamine, 0.04 V vs. SCE, indicats that glutathione can realize the electrooxidation of dopamine at lower potential in alkaline environment. In this study, by introducing glutathione to inhibit the dopamine polymerization, sensitive and stable detection of dopamine can be achieved at pH 8.5 based on the Ag 2 Se/MoSe 2 /GCE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen sensors with high sensitivity, rapid response and low cost are urgently demanded in today’s industry. In this work, we reported our research on the fabrication process and the relevant sensing mechanisms of a TiO 2 film based hydrogen sensor which showed an excellent performance at room temperature in air. The sensor, prepared by hydrothermal methods with a seed layer being introduced during the growth of the thin films, exhibited the concentration detection limit as low as 1 ppm and the response time as short as 9 s. Structural analysis revealed that the introduction of the seed layer resulted in a significant improvement in the quality of the TiO 2 thin film, which was intimately related to the sensing properties. The dynamical response process was studied and the corresponding sensing mechanisms were analyzed in detail. It was found that, in addition to the generally accepted Schottky barrier mechanism, the adsorption of H 2 molecules at (002) surface of the TiO 2 thin film played a key role in achieving such a low detection limit and a short response time for the sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An optimized VP2 gene from the current prevalent CPV strain (new CPV-2a) in China was expressed in a baculovirus expression system. It was found that the VP2 proteins assembled into virus-like particles (VLPs) with antigenic properties similar to those of natural CPV and with an especially high hemagglutination (HA) titer (1:2). Dogs intramuscularly or orally immunized with VLPs produced antibodies against CPV with >1:80 hemagglutination inhibition (HI) units for at least 3 months. The CPV VLPs could be considered for use as a vaccine against CPV or as a platform for research on chimeric VLP vaccines against other diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendritic MoO3/Ag with good crystallinity has been prepared through an operando method. In the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), this catalyst, which was designed to utilize the best properties of each component material, showed a high catalytic activity. After the precursor was drop-cast onto a glassy carbon electrode, a reductive potential was applied to the coated electrode, and H2 evolution occurred within the range of potentials. The overpotential required to evolve H2 at the benchmark rate decreased progressively with subsequent voltammetric cycles, until a steady state was reached at which only 145 mV of overpotential was required to pass −10 mA cm−2 of current density. During the electrocatalysis, the precursor was converted to catalyst through an operando method. This operando-synthesized MoO3/Ag catalyst has a low Tafel slope (43 mV dec−1), low overpotential (145 mV), and excellent durability for HER. It has the potential to be a promising material for HER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flowerlike graphene-based particles had been successfully synthesized from the suspension of graphene oxide (GO) in the aqueous solution of sucrose by one-pot hydrothermal carbonization approach. Porous carbon from sucrose prompted the evolution of graphene from flat-shaped to flowerlike curved morphology, which was confirmed by the observation of scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The graphene-based particles possess large pore volume (0.69 cm 3 g −1 ) and surface area (470.5 m 2 g −1 ), which is about 6 times greater than that of carbonized graphene sheets (79.2 m 2 g −1 ). Electrochemical investigation indicated that the specific capacitance of the particles reached 162 F g −1 at current density of 0.1 A g −1 in 30 wt% KOH aqueous electrolytes and the capacitance maintenance achieved 90% as the current density enlarged 50 times. The keys to the ideal capacitive performance are the abilities to make full utilization of specific surface area of graphene and ensure a quick kinetic process for the diffusion of ions within curved graphene particles with considerable open edges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous structured Ag-Ag 2 S/MoS 2 composite was synthesized by a facile chemical etching method and tested with respect to its application in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Extensive spectroscopic and electrochemical characterizations were performed to investigate the origin of the catalytic activity of this Ag-Ag 2 S/MoS 2 composite and understand the property of this material for HER. During the synthesis process, cysteine (Cys) was used to improve the number of highly catalytic S edges as revealed by a low ratio of Mo to S. The high density of active sites that result from the rough and porous structure surface morphology also contributes to the highly catalytic activity. The catalytic activity for HER increases with the change of material morphology from a relatively complete lamellar structure to the porous structure. The electrochemical stability tests indicate that the catalyst remains highly active throughout prolonged operation. Our enhanced understanding of this highly active hydrogen evolution catalyst may facilitate the development of economical electrochemical hydrogen production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: MoS2-carbon composites which with different morphologies were synthesized by hydrothermal method and tested with respect to their application in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Their performances were compared to evaluate how the morphology influence HER. The obtained results showed that the composite containing amorphous MoS2 showed higher activity than composite which contains crystalline MoS2. The catalytic activity of composite was highly correlated to its active surface area which was controlled by the morphology. In addition, compared with composite which contains amorphous MoS2, the composite containing crystalline MoS2 showed higher durability in the long-term operation. However, in acidic and alkaline environments, the stability of composite containing amorphous MoS2 is better than which containing crystalline MoS2. The impedance measurements suggested that the high catalytic activity of the composite stems from the synergistic effect of MoS2 and carbon materials. The enhanced understanding of these highly active hydrogen evolution catalysts can facilitate the development of economical electrochemical hydrogen production systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A convenient and low-cost synthesis approach is proposed for the development of a simple and novel electrochemical sensor for the determination of tryptophan (Try). In this synthesis process, graphene-like molybdenum sulfide was successfully obtained, and silver nanoflakes (AgNFs) were directly synthesized on the surface of molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) films, in this process chitosan (CS) and ascorbic acid (AA) acted as the stabilizer and reducing agent, respectively. This nanocomposite was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) were employed to evaluate the electrochemical property of Ag-MoS2/CS toward the oxidation of tryptophan. Under the optimized experimental conditions, the oxidation peak currents are proportional to the concentrations of tryptophan over the range of 0.5μM to 120μM, and the detection limit is 0.05μM (S/N=3). Moreover, the proposed method is free of interference from other amino acid to other coexisting species. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The deformation characteristics of subsidence and movement induced by mining under thin bedrocks and thick unconsolidated layers are researched using field measurement and the prediction method of artificial neural networks (ANN). Firstly, the occurrence characteristics of thin bedrock and thick unconsolidated layers were analyzed in a research coal field. Based on the measured data, the characteristics of ground movement show that the surface subsidence deformation of mining under thin bedrock is more intensive than that of mining under normal thickness bedrock. Such is evident through the settlement time concentrating, the maximum surface subsidence being greater than the thickness of coal seam, the distribution of ground movement and deformation being concentrated, the range extension being wide, the active period being intensive and concentrated, the surface damage being very serious, and the crack development being significant. A quantitative prediction method is made on mining subsidence under thin bedrocks and thick unconsolidated layers by means of ANN. The improved neural network was used for modeling and predicting the mining subsidence. The ANN output can reflect the change trend of ground movement and deformation. The forecasting results are in good agreement with the real observation results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A tholeiite–boninite terrane occurs as a ~4.5-km-thick massif with lavas and intrusions in the Dachadaban (DCDB) area, the middle part of the North Qilian oceanic-type suture zone. It comprises two distinct lithological groups: the lower tholeiite unit and the upper boninite unit. The lower tholeiite unit consists of massive lava flows and subordinate gabbro intrusions with MORB-like characteristics that could represent 5–6% melting of an enriched MORB mantle. In contrast, the overlying boninite unit consists of pillow lavas, dolerite dykes and gabbro intrusions and shows high-Ca boninite features that may be formed by continuous melting of the extremely refractory mantle with the aid of a combination of the elevated mantle potential temperature of 1380–1460°C at depths of 42–66km and involvement of slab-derived hydrous fluids/melts. Zircon U–Pb SHRIMP dating shows that lower tholeiite magmatism lasted for at least 12M.y. from 517Ma to 505Ma and upper boninite volcanism occurred between 505 and 487Ma, which is consistent with the earliest age (486±7Ma) of the SSZ-type ophiolite belt immediately north of the Dachaidaban (DCDB) tholeiite–boninite terrane. The lower tholeiites are considered to represent the products of earliest infant arc magmatism by decompression-induced partial melting of the relatively “dry” and fertile upwelling mantle in response to the onset of subduction. The upper boninite unit with younger age of 487±9Ma is interpreted as earliest products of infant arc splitting and subsequent back-arc basin development. Therefore, the long-lived DCDB tholeiite–boninite sequence presents a key lithological record of early stages of supra-subduction zone magmatic activity evolved from subduction initiation at ~517Ma to back-arc extension at ~487Ma. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A trondhjemitic body occurs in the Aoyougou area, the western part of the North Qilian orogen. It is geochemically characterized by high SiO, NaO (high Na/K), elevated Sr/Y and (La/Yb)N, positive Sr anomaly, relatively enriched large ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and light rare earth elements (LREEs), and depleted Nb, Ta, Ti, resembling the high-silica adakite. Zircon U-Pb SHRIMP dating yields a weighted mean age of 438±3 Ma. This age is significantly younger than eclogitization ages of 460-490 Ma in the North Qilian orogen, suggesting that formation of the adakite postdates the subduction of oceanic crust in association with closure of the ancient Qilian Ocean. Whole-rock Sr and Nd isotopic analyses give initial ratios of I=0.7044-0.7047 and ɛ( t)=3.0-4.1, indicating that they are derived from partial melting of the juvenile oceanic crust. In view of the tectonic evolution of the North Qilian orogen, the high-silica adakite was probably derived from decompression melting of the exhumed eclogite at the depth of ∼60 km. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous carbons used for electric double-layer capacitors were fabricated by chemical blending and carbonization of phenolic resin (PF) and suberic acid (SA). The reaction of PF with diacid was confirmed by longer wavelength shift of carbonyl stretching peak of diacid in FTIR spectra and higher decomposition temperature of suberic acid in TG curves. The decomposition of suberic acid at high temperature contributed to the formation of micropores in PF resin during carbonization process. The influence of the ratio of PF to SA on pore structure, adsorption behavior and capacity performance was investigated. The specific surface area and total pore volume increase with decrease of ratio of PF to SA at first and then decrease. The maximum specific surface area and total pore volume were obtained at ratio 3, which corresponds to 511 m gand 0.26 cm g, respectively. Electrochemical investigation indicates that a satisfactory specific capacitance of 145 Farad g in 30 wt% KOH aqueous electrolytes is obtained. The capacitance maintenance achieves 72% as the current density increases 50 times. Porous carbon with reasonable pore structure was produced by chemical blending of diacid and phenolic resin, which offers a new development direction for preparation of porous carbon materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Self-aligned titania thin films of either the rutile or the anatase phase were successfully grown on FTO (F-doped SnO2) substrates with hydrothermal methods. The selection of the targeted phase, either rutile or anatase, in the thin films was controlled by adjusting the content and type of acidic anions such as Cl− and SO4 2−. The growth kinetics depended on the synthesis temperature and the types of alcohol in the solvent. The self-alignment in both the anatase and rutile thin films was attributed to the minimization of surface energies during growth. The hydrogen sensing characteristics of dense films of both rutile and anatase phases were investigated and there was remarkable improvement of sensitivity response over reported data. It was found that rutile films had higher sensitivity while anatase films had faster response. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the absence of activation process, we prepared a series of carbon particles from saccharine, in which hydrothermal carbonization method was used. These particles have spherical or near-spherical morphology, controllable monodisperse particle size from the analyses of SEM. Raman and XRD results show that they are nongraphitizable. The BET surface area of these carbon spherules is around 400–500m2 g−1 and the microporosity is about 84%, suggesting that the carbon particles are rich in micropores. The electrochemical behaviors were characterized by means of galvanostatic charging/discharging, cycle voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy. The results show that the specific capacitance of sucrose-based carbon spherule reached 164Fg−1 in 30% KOH electrolyte and a high volumetric capacitance over 170Fcm−3 was obtained. These carbon spherules could be promising materials for EDLC according to their facile preparation way, low cost and high packing density. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Jiugequan ophiolite is one of the representative ophiolite fragments in the Early Paleozoic orogenic belt of the North Qilian Mountain. It has been drawn much attention and extensively studied in recent years. In this study, ion microprobe (SHRIMP) U-Pb dating was carried out for zircons from isotropic gabbro from the Jiugequan ophiolite. Eighteen analyses yield a relatively consistent apparent 206Pb/238U ages from 480 to 508 Ma with a weighted mean age of 490±5 Ma (MSWD=1.06), which is believed to be the crystallization age of the gabbro and thus the forming age of the Jiugequan ophiolite. Major and trace element geochemical study indicates that the diabase-basalts from the Jiugequan ophiolite have N-MORB and E-MORB characteristics with some subduction-related signatures. The petrological, geochemical and chronological data enable us to conclude that the Jiugequan ophiolite is most likely to be formed at a spreading center of back-arc basin during the early Ordovician, while the ancient Qilian oceanic plate subducted northwards. The acquisition of forming age and determination of tectonic setting for Jiugequan ophiolite provide significant constraints on the evolution of intra-oceanic subduction system in the North Qilian orogenic belt during the Early Paleozoic era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel fiber consisted of nano-Fe2O3 particles/polyamide-6 (PA-6) nanocomposite has been prepared successfully. The thermal stability of the composite material was enhanced about 16 °C (from 440 °C to 456 °C) by the addition of Fe2O3 nanoparticles with 15.0% content (part per hundred parts of resin). In situ polymerization can make the materials possess homogeneously dispersed nanoparticles. The Fe2O3 reinforced materials processed by melt spinning displayed improved tensile modulus compared to similarly processed pure polyamide-6, the improvements of tensile strength and modulus were 21.22% and 112%, respectively. Moreover, this fiber has the property of ultraviolet and visible light absorption. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Luminescence of the short multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) conjugated with carboxylic acid groups has been studied. The results show that the carboxyl-functionalized short MWNTs could emit luminescence and the emission peak appears at 500nm with a corresponding optimal excitation wavelength centering at 310nm. When the short MWNTs are filtered through 0.15μm polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane, the ultrashort MWNTs are obtained from the filtrate. An interesting feature for the ultrashort MWNTs is that the emission intensity is strengthened and the peak is slightly blue shifted to 460nm. This result indicates that the luminescence properties of MWNTs are strongly affected by the tube length. After chemical oxidization cutting, defects and carboxylic acid groups at the tube end and/or sidewall can be produced; the more shorten of MWNTs, the better dispersion and carboxylic passivation of the nanotubes, and the more intense luminescence emissions. The broad emissions are logically attributed to the trapping of excitation energy by defect sites in the carboxyl-functionalized nanotube structure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Type A acute aortic dissection (TAAAD) is a destructive cardiovascular disease, with high morbidity and mortality rates. Identifying the high-risk TAAAD patients at an early stage is urgently necessary. Methods: A retrospective study of 160 patients was carried out. The admission data were retrospectively gathered. Logistic regression analysis and receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) was utilized. Results: Compared with the survivor group, the nonsurvivor group was older, had higher D-dimer levels, red blood cell distribution width (RDW) levels and platelet distribution width (PDW) levels, and lower fibrinogen levels, platelet levels and plateletcrit levels. Multivariate analysis displayed that four independent factors, age (hazard ratio (HR): 7.877, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.740–22.641, p < 0.001), D-dimer (HR: 3.791, 95% CI 1.520–9.452, p = 0.004), RDW (HR: 3.300, 95% CI 1.109–9.825, p = 0.032), PDW (HR: 3.755, 95% CI 1.436–9.815, p = 0.007) were incorporated into the model. The predict accuracy of the model (AUC 0.861, 95% CI 0.798–0.911, p < 0.001) was best. Conclusions: Age, D-dimer, RDW and PDW are independent markers of in-hospital death in TAAAD patients and the newly established model has better performance in predicting high-risk patients. This model can be used as a quick screening tool to assess the prognosis of patients in individualizing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early detecting of the released gas during charging and discharging of lithium ion battery (LIB) is critical for safety monitoring of the equipment and devices which use LIB as power source. H 2 is one of the typical component of the released gas. The main challenges for detecting H 2 in LIB is the room temperature working, small size of the sensor and hypoxic environment. To address these problems, a room temperature working MEMS hydrogen sensor was developed with Pt-modified Nb-doped TiO 2 nanosheet as sensing material. The sensor has the advantages of a compact size (0.05 cm3), low power consumption (0.1 mW at room temperature), easy integration, and excellent sensing performance. The response achieved 12.3, and the response and recovery time are 31 s/270 s at room temperature to 1000 ppm H 2 (40 °C). The working mechanism of the sensor in the hypoxic environment, which is quite different from the traditional oxygen adsorption mechanism, is proposed according to the characterization of the MEMS sensors. [Display omitted] • The sensor with volume (0.05 cm3) and power consumption (0.1 mW at room temperature) have greatly the potential applications. • MEMS H 2 sensor shows high sensitivity to hydrogen at room temperature (S = 12.3–1000 ppm H 2). • Clarifies the mechanism of sensing mechanism in hypoxic environment. • The sensor shows excellent selectivity and long-term stability for 100 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal-organic frameworks are recognized as active electrode materials for rechargeable batteries due to their structural diversity, abundant electrochemical active sites and large ion diffusion channels. Herein, nickel-terephthalic acid metal-organic frameworks (Ni-PTA MOFs) with different crystal and morphology structures are synthesized via a facile solvothermal method by simply adjusting the nature of solvent. Due to the fewest guest molecules and porous structure, the Ni-PTA resulting from the combinations of DMF and EtOH exhibits the comparatively higher chemical/thermal stability and shortened ion diffusion pathway. As a result, it exhibits a high discharge/charge capacity of 2196.4 and 1762.3 mAh g−1 at the first cycle and retains 1300 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles at 100 mA g−1 when tested as anode materials for Li-ion batteries. Even when the current density reaches 4000 mA g−1, it maintains a capacity of 452 mAh g−1. This work provides possibilities for regulating the crystal and morphology structure of MOFs as high performance anode materials for lithium ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to systematically demonstrate a methodology to determine the relative and absolute encapsulation efficiencies (αRe and αAb) for thermally- and chemically-robust inorganic pigments, typically like ZrSiO4-based pigments, thereby enhancing their coloring performance. Design/methodology/approach: The authors designed a route, surplus alkali-decomposition and subsequently strong-acid dissolution (SAD2) to completely decompose three classic zircon pigments (Pr–ZrSiO4, Fe2O3@ZrSiO4 and CdS@ZrSiO4) into clear solutions and preferably used inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) to determine the concentrations of host elements and chromophores, thereby deriving the numeric data and interrelation of αRe and αAb. Findings: Zircon pigments can be thoroughly decomposed into some dissoluble zirconate–silicate resultants by SAD2 at a ratio of the fluxing agent to pigment over 6. ICP-OES is proved more suitable than some other quantification techniques in deriving the compositional concentrations, thereby the values of αRe and αAb, and their transformation coefficient KRA, which maintains stably within 0.8–0.9 in Fe2O3@ZrSiO4 and CdS@ZrSiO4 and is slightly reduced to 0.67–0.85 in Pr–ZrSiO4. Practical implications: The SAD2 method and encapsulation efficiencies are well applicable for both zircon pigments and the other pigmental or non-pigmental inhomogeneous systems in characterizing their accurate composition. Originality/value: The authors herein first proposed strict definitions for the relative and absolute encapsulation efficiencies for inorganic pigments, developed a relatively stringent methodology to determine their accurate values and interrelation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women around the world. Estrogen receptor α (ERα) is expressed in approximately 70% of breast tumors, and considered as one of most effective targets in breast cancer therapy. It has been reported that the degradation of ERα protein is mediated by ubiquitin-proteasome system. However, little is known about the regulation of ERα deubiquitination, a critical constituent of its degradation control. The current study first reports that there is a positive correlation between ERα and ubiquitin specific protease 7 (USP7) protein levels in human breast tumor tissues. Subsequent studies showed that USP7 physically interacted with the ERα, thereby mediating the deubiquitination and stabilization of ERα. In addition, USP7 inhibition or silencing led to growth inhibition and apoptosis of ERα-positive breast cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, overexpression of ERα rescued the USP7 silencing-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, supporting that ERα status is essential to the function of USP7 in breast carcinogenesis. Overall, this study suggests that targeting USP7-ERα complex could be a potential strategy to treat ERα-positive breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal oxides, especially bimetal oxides, are considered as one of the most promising anode materials for high‐performance lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) due to their ultra‐high theoretical capacity. However, it is difficult to achieve fast charging at high rates due to the issues of poor electrical conductivity, large volume expansion, and poor reaction kinetics. The design of advanced nanostructured anode materials is very important to boost lithium storage performance. Herein, the multi‐hierarchical heterostructure material NiCo2O4/ZnCo2O4/Carbon Cloth (NCO/ZCO/CC) including carbon cloth substrate, ZnCo2O4 nanosheets, and NiCo2O4 nanowires is prepared as a binder‐free anode for LIBs. Benefiting from the special hierarchical nanostructure and the synergistic interaction of the component, the as‐prepared NCO/ZCO/CC anode material exhibits good electrical conductivity, structural stability, and electrochemical kinetics, which can provide a high reversible areal capacity of 2.55 mAh cm−2 at 2 mA cm−2 after 200 cycles. At a high current density of 5 mA cm−2, the NCO/ZCO/CC electrode only takes about 20 min to fully charge and it can still reach a capacity of 1.50 mAh cm−2 with a capacity retention of 86.2% after 400 cycles, revealing the potential for fast charging at high rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

EGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) have been widely used as a standard therapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with EGFR mutations. However, most if not all of the patients who initially have responded to EGFR-TKIs later experience progression or deterioration of the disease while still on the treatment. Drug resistance becomes inevitable due to the emergence of the second-site EGFR T790M mutation within exon 20, MET and HER2 amplification, small cell histologic transformation and rare secondary BRAF mutations. The acquired drug resistance limits the efficacy of EGFR-TKIs in patients. Thalidomide is a widely used anti-angiogenic and immunomodulatory drug with anticancer effects. The current study was aimed to explore the combined effects of gefitinib and thalidomide on NSCLC. The combination of thalidomide and gefitinib induced antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects in HCC827, PC9, and PC9GR cells. The inhibition of EGFR phosphorylation and downstream signaling was more pronounced in the thalidomide and gefitinib co-treatment group as compared with the single agent treatment groups. Further study revealed that the inhibitors of AKT, MEK/ERK, and p38 increased the antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects of the combined treatment of thalidomide and gefitinib. However, JNK inhibition moderately abrogated cell apoptosis induced by the co-treatment. In conclusion, thalidomide and gefitinib exhibit synergistic effects on both TKI-sensitive and -resistant NSCLC cells by targeting the EGFR signaling pathways, suggesting that the combination strategy is promising for the treatment of NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Androgen receptor (AR) is expressed in approximately 70% of breast tumors. Recent studies increasingly support AR as a potential therapeutic target of AR-positive breast cancer. We have previously reported that deubiquitinase USP14 stabilizes AR proteins by deubiquitination and USP14 inhibition results in inhibition of cell growth and tumor progression in AR-positive prostate cancer and breast cancer. The current study aims to explore the anticancer effect of a treatment combining AR antagonist enzalutamide with USP14 inhibition on breast cancer cells. Methods: The combining effects of enzalutamide and USP14 inhibition on breast cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis and associated cell signaling were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Results: USP14 inhibition via administration of IU1 or USP14-specific siRNA/shRNA enhanced cell growth inhibition and apoptosis induction by enzalutamide in breast cancer cell lines in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, the combination of enzalutamide with USP14 inhibition/knockdown induced significant downregulation of AR proteins and suppression of AR-related signaling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/AKT pathways. Moreover, AKT inhibition via MK2206 increased the antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects of enzalutamide+IU1 combined treatment. Conclusion: Collectively, our data suggest that USP14 inhibition in combination with enzalutamide represents a potentially new therapeutic strategy for breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we designed a Pt/CoFe 2 O 4 /NC composite material as an excellent electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and used the HER signal to construct an electrochemical immunosensor for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) detection. Remarkably, Pt/CoFe 2 O 4 /NC demonstrated superior HER performance compared to alternative Pt-based materials. It exhibited a low overpotential of only 42 mV and a Tafel slope of 253 mV dec−1 in acidic medium. Furthermore, due to the excellent conductivity, large surface area, and superior HER performance of Pt/CoFe 2 O 4 /NC, it was used as secondary antibody (Ab 2) label to achieve signal amplification in the electrochemical immunosensor. The results showed that this immunosensor possessed high selectivity and sensitivity. The linear detection range is 1.0 × 10−4–5.0 ng mL−1, and the detection limit is 0.0134 pg mL−1. It has potential applications in the clinical analysis field. Due to the excellent conductivity, large surface area, and superior HER performance of Pt/CoFe 2 O 4 /NC, it was used as an Ab 2 label to achieve signal amplification in the electrochemical immunosensor. The results showed that this immunosensor possessed high selectivity and sensitivity. The linear detection range is 1.0 × 10−4–5.0 ng mL−1, and the detection limit is 0.0134 pg mL−1. It has potential applications in the clinical analysis field. [Display omitted] • Pt is loaded onto the CoFe 2 O 4 /NC by photoreduction method. • The Pt/CoFe 2 O 4 /NC with low Pt loading presents low overpotential and Tafel slope in the HER. • A novel electrochemical immunosensor based on Pt/CoFe 2 O 4 /NC was constructed for CEA detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal oxide semiconductor hetero- and homojunctions are commonly constructed to improve the performance of hydrogen sensors at room temperature. In this study, a simple two-step hydrothermal method was employed to prepare TiO2 films with homojunctions of rutile and anatase phases (denoted as TiO2-R/A). Then, the microstructure of anatase-phase TiO2 was altered by controlling the amount of hydrochloric acid to realize a more favorable porous structure for charge transport and a larger surface area for contact with H2. The sensor used a Pt interdigital electrode. At an optimal HCl dosage (25 mL), anatase-phase TiO2 uniformly covered rutile-phase TiO2 nanorods, resulting in a greater response to H2 at 2500 ppm compared with that of a rutile TiO2 nanorod sensor by a factor of 1153. The response time was 21 s, mainly because the homojunction formed by the TiO2 rutile and anatase phases increased the synergistic effect of the charge transfer and potential barrier between the two phases, resulting in the formation of more superoxide (O2−) free radicals on the surface. Furthermore, the porous structure increased the surface area for H2 adsorption. The TiO2-R/A-based sensor exhibited high selectivity, long-term stability, and a fast response. This study provides new insights into the design of commercially competitive hydrogen sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is of particular significance to unveil the authentic coloration mechanism of the multivalent praseodymium colored ZrSiO4 yellow pigments for advanced decoration applications. We herein adopted a facile strategy to modulate the fluorine‐assisted zircon crystallization and thereby obtained ultrafine Pr‐ZrSiO4 yellow pigments, which have a remarkably narrow size distribution and average diameters within 250–400 nm. By virtue of some cogent combinative spectra of reflection, absorption, excitation, and emission from three types of elaborately‐designed H2‐, air‐, and O2‐based pigments, the coloration mechanism for the Pr‐colored zircon was systematically unveiled: both Pr4+ and Pr3+ coexist invariably in the pigments, while the former contributes primarily to the ligand‐to‐metal charge transfer from O2p to Pr(IV)4f for the blue–violet absorption to generate the yellow hue, and the latter is inclined to discolor the pigments. Therefore, an oxidizing atmosphere is preferable to produce brilliant Pr‐ZrSiO4 pigments with enhanced chromatic properties. The stark spectroscopic distinctions between the wide‐band absorption from the nonluminescent tetravalency and the narrow‐band absorption from the luminescent trivalency can expand our understanding to the rare‐earth‐based inorganic pigments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Auranofin (Aur) inhibits thioredoxin reductases and is also an inhibitor of 19S proteasome associated deubiquitinases, targeting USP14 and UCHL5. Androgen receptor is often over-expressed in prostate cancer (PCa) and is strongly linked to PCa growth and progression. Consequently, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) that reduces androgen has been applied to treat androgen receptor-mediated PCa for decades. Nevertheless, most ADT treated patients experience relapse due to the development of the castration-resistant PCa. Numerous studies have shown that down-regulation of cellular androgen receptor level, including inhibiting its transcription and promoting its protein degradation, is lethal to PCa cells. Here we report that Aur arrested cell cycle progression and induced apoptosis of PCa cells. Co-inhibition of USP14 and UCHL5 with Aur facilitated the ubiquitination and degradation of androgen receptors in LNcap and 22RV1 PCa cells. Our results also show that Aur decreases the mRNA level of androgen receptors. In conclusion, our findings suggest that Aur is a promising agent for clinical translation to treat PCa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of trench-arc-backarc (TABA) systems is uniquely associated with modern-style plate tectonics on Earth. The Qilian orogenic belt in NW China records the evolution history of the Proto-Tethys Ocean at the transition time from the Proterozoic to Phanerozoic. This paper presents systematic studies of petrography, U–Pb chronology and geochemistry on various rocks from a middle-ocean ridge (MOR)-type ophiolite belt, active continental margin and back-arc basin in the Qilian orogenic belt to address the development of a modern-style TABA system. Arc magmas include felsic intrusions with ages of 531 to 477 Ma and felsic-mafic arc volcanic rocks with ages of 506 to 439 Ma, showing distinctive features of typical magmatic rocks formed at an Andean-type continental margin. The back-arc basin is recorded by a 490- to 448-Ma suprasubduction zone (SSZ)-type ophiolite with boninite, and Silurian turbidite flysch formation. We establish a three-stage tectonic history from the initiation of subduction to the formation of a mature Japan-Sea-type back-arc basin at the active continental margin in the Early Paleozoic era. (1) Northward subduction of Proto-Tethys Ocean initiated and the Andean-type continental arc developed at ~530 to 500 Ma with continual crustal thickening; (2) a tectonic transition occurred from an Andean-type active continental margin to a West Pacific-type active continental margin at ~500 to 490 Ma with rapid thinning of crust to ~35 km; and (3) mature ocean basins and back-arc-basin (BAB) ophiolites were formed in the back-arc extensional environment at ~490 to 450 Ma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TiO2 thin films with various Mn doping contents were fabricated by reactive magnetron sputtering deposition at 550 °C and their structural, optical and electrical properties were characterized. All films were made of densely packed columnar grains with a fibrous texture along the normal direction of the substrate. The as-deposited structure in the pure TiO2 film consisted of anatase grains with the [1 0 1] texture. Mn incorporation stabilized the rutile phase and induced lattice contraction in the [1 0 0] direction. The texture in the Mn-doped films changed from [1 1 0] to [2 0 0] with increasing Mn content. The incorporation of Mn in the TiO2 lattice introduced intermediate bands into its narrowed forbidden gap, leading to remarkable red-shifts in the optical absorption edges, together with significantly improved electrical conductivity of the thin films. Hall measurement showed that the incorporation of Mn-induced p-type conductivity, with hole mobility in heavily doped TiO2 (∼40% Mn) being about an order higher than electron mobility in single-crystal rutile TiO2. Oxygen vacancies, on the other hand, interacted with substitutional Mn atoms to reduce its effect on optical and electrical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the production of hydrogen through water splitting using titania (TiO 2 ) as photocatalyst has received great attention in the new energy field. In this work, a single one-step hydrothermal method is used to synthesize ultra-thin TiO 2 (B) nano-sheets, anatase TiO 2 , and their composite, using ethylene glycol (EG) and ethanol as the solvent. A new composite nanostructure with anatase TiO 2 quantum dots grown on TiO 2 (B) nano-sheets is obtained at certain ratios between EG and ethanol. Even without the help of co-catalyst, a high photocatalytic efficiency, about 45 times of that of rutile-anatase mixed Degussa P25, is observed in the TiO 2 (B)-anatase composite nanostructure. The outstanding performance can be attributed to its large specific surface area, abundant surface active sites, mixed phase promoted efficient charge separation. Moreover, the properly aligned band structure, with the conduction band level of ultra-thin TiO 2 (B) about 0.6 eV higher than that of the anatase, provides a large driving force for the reduction of water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few study has been carried out on the construction of immunesensors utilized the photoelectric and catalytic signal of nanomaterial. Here, a dual-signal electrochemical immunosensor was constructed for procalcitonin (PCT) detection based on the excellent photoelectric and hydrogen evolution performance of molybdenum-doped cobalt-iron sulfur nanosheets modified by platinum nanoparticles (Pt/Mo–CoFeS). Due to the electronic structure regulation between Pt and Mo–CoFeS, Pt/Mo–CoFeS exhibits superior photoelectric and hydrogen evolution performance compared to single Mo–CoFeS, which improved the sensitivity of the electrochemical immunosensor. Furthermore, the presence of Pt improves surface area and biocompatibility, achieving more antibodies loading and signal amplification. The linear range of PCT detection are 0.002–20 ng mL−1 and 0.002–50 ng mL−1, the detection limits are 0.0015 and 0.0012 ng mL−1. In addition, this electrochemical immunosensor was applied to the PCT analysis in human serum samples with high recoveries. F-test and t -test show that there is no significant difference in the test results between the HER and photoelectric signals, the mutual verification between above two signals can effectively improve the accuracy of detection result. Bifunctional catalyst Pt/Mo–CoFeS for water electrolysis and photoelectric conversion was prepared and used as a signal marker to construct a dual-signal electrochemical immunosensor for procalcitonin detection. Results show that this dual-signal electrochemical immunosensor with wide detection linear range (0.002–50 ng mL−1) and low detection limits (HER signal: 0.0015 ng mL−1 and photoelectric signal: 0.0012 ng mL−1), and the mutual verification between above two signals can effectively improve the accuracy of detection result. [Display omitted] • Dual-signal electrochemical immunosensor was constructed based on Pt/Mo–CoFeS. • The electronic regulation between Pt and Mo–CoFeS improve its HER and photoelectric performance. • PCT detection based on the immunosensor with wide linear range and low detection limit. • F-test and t -test show that there is no significant difference in these two test results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the mechanism of insect resistance to toxic effects of phytochemicals can provide an insight into plant–herbivore interactions. Monochamus alternatus Hope, a main vector of pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus), prefers to infest masson pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb) and causes huge economic and environmental losses. α‐Pinene is the primary component of resin produced by masson pine and plays a crucial role in defending against herbivorous insects, but its defensive effects on M. alternatus larvae are barely known. Here, we explored the physiological metabolism in M. alternatus larvae that were fumigated with (+)‐α‐pinene, (‐)‐α‐pinene, β‐pinene, (R)‐(+)‐limonene, myrcene and (‐)‐α‐phellandrene. (+)‐α‐Pinene showed the highest fumigant toxicity to M. alternatus larvae among these monoterpenes, and the fourth instar larvae possessed the highest resistance to this compound at the larval stage. Comparative transcriptome analysis detected 423 up‐regulated and 311 down‐regulated genes in the larvae fumigated with (+)‐α‐pinene, which were mainly related to detoxification, energy and protein metabolism. Among the differentially expressed genes encoding for detoxification enzymes, 14 P450s, 13 UGTs, 1GSTs and 3ABCs were dramatically up‐regulated in the larvae fumigated with (+)‐α‐pinene. Silencing of P450s via RNA interference led to an increased mortality in the larval fumigated with (+)‐α‐pinene. Piperonyl butoxide exposure significantly increased the mortality and inhibited the expressions of P450s, UGTs and ABCs in the larvae fumigated with (+)‐α‐pinene. These results suggested an important role of P450s in the resistance of M. alternatus larvae to (+)‐α‐pinene fumigation, which may facilitate the understanding of terpenoid detoxification in M. alternatus larvae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CuO thin films with different levels of compositional deviation from 50:50 stoichiometry have been fabricated using radiofrequency sputtering deposition wherein the sputtering gases consisted of oxygen and argon in various proportions. The microstructures of the thin films were characterized by combining a series of advanced methods including X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, scanning and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results showed that the chemical states of Cu and O in the thin films depended upon CuO composition and sputtering conditions, so that different levels of Cu vacancies dictated the electrical/electronic properties of the thin films. The ability to control the compound composition and associated alloying chemistry enables tuning of the concentration and mobility of holes in CuO, hence creating alow-cost and environmentally friendly semiconductor from abundant materials. This offers an essential technical basis in engineering photonic devices such as pn or Schottky diodes, thus opening new avenues for economic harvest of solar energy using diodes solely based on sustainable oxides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Making full use of photogenerated charge carriers by careful design multifunctional photocatalysts to achieving bi-value-added production with high-efficiency is highly desirable and extremely challenge. Herein, a novel 2D/3D ZnIn 2 S 4 @Ni 1 /UiO-66-NH 2 (ZIS@Ni 1 /UN) heterojunction with spatially separated and precise redox sites was designed and fabricated for both photocatalytic H 2 production and benzyl alcohol (BA) valorization. By precise structural regulation and modification of UiO-66 integrated with -NH 2 , ZnIn 2 S 4 (ZIS) and Ni single-atom, the spatial separation of redox sites and directional electron transfer has been achieved. This realizes collaborative and efficient solar energy to chemical energy conversion. The optimal sample 5ZIS@Ni 1 /UN-6 shows high photocatalytic H 2 and benzaldehyde (BAD) production rates of 11.44 mmol∙g−1∙h−1 and 10.02 mmol∙g−1∙h−1 under visible light. This work highlights the importance of rational construction for the engineering of charge behavior in heterogeneous photocatalysts with spatial separation and identifies their crucial role in promoting the photocatalytic redox coupling reactions. [Display omitted] • A novel 2D/3D ZnIn 2 S 4 @Ni 1 /UiO-66-NH 2 heterojunction is successfully design and fabricated. • High production rates of benzaldehyde and H 2 simultaneous is achieved under visible-light. • Precise construction of spatially separated redox-sites and directional electron transfer synergistically boost photocatalytic performance. • The carbon-centered free radical process of selective oxidation of benzylalcohol is confirmed by in-situ EPR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing linear ultra-high response hydrogen sensors that operate at room temperature without additional heating is paramount for real applications. WO 3 /Pt-ZnO thin films are fabricated via a two step method. The Pt2+ ions are reduced to metallic Pt0 clusters and co-decorated with WO 3 nanoparticles grown on the well-aligned ZnO nanowalls. The H 2 response is highly linear and strongly dependent on the metallic Pt0 content. The optimized sample shows a response of 13 and 3870 to 1 ppm and 4000 ppm hydrogen, respectively, with excellent gas selectivity and cycling stability. The microstructure and band energy level analyses indicate that the well-aligned porous nanowall structure and the double charge transport channel enable the ultrahigh hydrogen response. • The well aligned porous ZnO nanowall with Pt nanoparticles covered by a WO 3 layer. • The response is 13 at 1 ppm H 2 and the selectivity factor is larger than 40. • Double charge transport channels enable an ultrahigh H 2 response at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A hierarchically interconnected porous conjugated polymer network was prepared. • The planar conjugated structure ensures a high electrical conductivity and efficient electron transfer in BT-CMP electrode. • Experiment and theoretical calculation reveal the cooperatively coupled potassium storage mechanism of S and N sites. • BT-CMP electrodes afford a high specific capacity and excellent cycle durability. Conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) with enhanced electrical conductivity and insolubility against liquid electrolytes are receiving increasing attention as promising organic anode materials for rechargeable batteries. However, the poor electronic conductivity and restricted-access active sites limit the specific capacity and cycling stability of CMPs and the potassium-storage mechanism in hetero-incorporated CMPs not well understood. Herein, a highly conjugated polymer network with hierarchically interconnected porous structure was deliberately constructed by selecting 4,7-dibromo-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (BT) and 1,3,5-triacetylene benzene as the acceptor and donor, respectively. The good planarity and high π-electron delocalization of BT units lead to an enhanced conductivity of BT-CMP. Ex-XPS analysis and DFT calculations reveal that the synergistic coupling of S and N enables a prompt complexation and release of K + ions and improves the coordination activity of the C N active sites. More importantly, the hierarchically interconnected porous networks make active sites facilely accessible and accommodate the volumetric expansion effectively, enabling highly stable storage of K-ions. Therefore, the as-prepared BT-CMP anode displays a high specific capacity (462 mAh/g−1 at 30 mA g−1 after 100 cycles) and ultra-long stability (226.2 mAh g−1 at 1000 mA g−1 after 2000 cycles without significant attenuation) in potassium-ion storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Doping of Ga in octagon-square nitrogene increase its thermoelectric efficiency. • Salient electronic performance obtained from band convergence and p z orbital. • The κ L of doped system is about thirty times lower than nitrogen monolayer. • Lower κ L is due to increased scattering phase space and structural anharmonicity. Improving thermoelectric performance of self-powered operation of electronics has been a continuous effort to relieve energy crisis and environmental degradation. In the branches of thermoelectric research, multiscale phonon engineering and proper doping are effective strategies to reduce lattice thermal conductivity and enhance electrical conductivity of bulk materials, respectively, yet great challenge remains in the modulation of transport properties for low-dimensional structures. Here we propose to employ doping of Ga in the single-layer octagon-square nitrogene (OS-N) as an alternative way to increase its thermoelectric efficiency. Our work demonstrates that salient electronic performance can be obtained benefiting from the convergence of valence band as well as non-localized p z orbital state. At the same time, the relatively complexed configuration of doped system shows a much increased impeding of thermal transport, which is about thirty times lower than that of elemental two-dimensional nitrogene monolayer. This pronounced improvement is attributed to the softening of phonon branches, which increase the scattering phase space and structural anharmonicity. Our work illustrates the realization of tailoring electronic and phonon properties in the dimensionality reduced system and provides a road map for potential applying it in fields such as thermal management and thermoelectrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]