Search

To establish the safe and reproducible effects of cold plasma (CP) technology on food products, this study evaluated the gelatinization parameters, fatty acid profile, and hygroscopic properties of rice grains repeatedly treated with low-pressure radiofrequency (RF) helium CP (13.56 MHz, 140 Pa, 120 W-20s, 0–4 times, and 300 g sample). Compared with the untreated (zero times) sample, with an increase in CP treatment times from one to four on rice, the water contact angle and cooking time decreased, while the water absorption rate and freshness index increased, and the pH value remained unchanged. CP repeating treatments essentially had no effect on the gelatinization enthalpy, but significantly increased the peak temperature of gelatinization. From the pasting profile of rice that has been repeatedly CP treated, the peak, breakdown, and setback viscosities in flour paste decreased. CP repeating treatments on rice did not change the short-range molecular order of starch. Compared with the untreated sample, the first helium CP treatment maintained the content of C18:1n9c, C18:2n6c, and C18:3n3, but the second to fourth CP treatment significantly decreased contents of these fatty acids (FAs) as the C18:0 content increased. The first three CP treatments can increase the water and sucrose solvent retention capacity in rice flours. CP repeatedly treated rice first exhibits the similar monolayer water content and solid surface area of water sorption. Principal component analysis shows that contact angle, pasting parameters, and fatty acid profile in milled rice are quite sensitive to CP treatment. Results support that the effect of low-pressure RF 120W helium CP treatment 20 s on rice grains is perdurable, and the improvement of CP intermittent treatments on rice cooking and pasting properties is an added benefit, and the hygroscopic properties of rice was kept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Atherosclerosis (AS) risk increases in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases. The association and mechanism between primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) and AS haven't been explained for now. We did this cross‐sectional study to clarify the prevalence and risk factors of AS in patients with pSS, and to further explore how immune cells and inflammatory cytokines work in the process. Methods: Patients with pSS were enrolled. General information, AS events, immune cells, inflammatory cytokines, and related clinical data were recorded. Prevalence of AS events was calculated. Correlation analysis between immune factors and AS quantitative parameters were conducted by SPSS v20.0. Results: A total of 155 pSS patients were included with a median Framingham 10‐year risk of 7%. Sixty‐four AS events were recorded, with a prevalence of 41.3%. Carotid intima‐media thickness was positively correlated to immunoglobulin (Ig) A (r = 0.245, p = 0.030) and negatively correlated to IgM (r = −0.227, p = 0.045). Left ankle‐brachial pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was positively correlated to the course of disease (r = 0.352, p = 0.004), B cells (r = 0.410, p = 0.001), and T helper (Th) cells (r = 0.284, p = 0.029), while negatively correlated to IgM (r = −0.257, p = 0.042). Right baPWV was positively correlated to the course of pSS (r = 0.319, p = 0.010), B cells (r = 0.453, p < 0.001), Th cells (r = 0.302, p = 0.020), and C‐reactive protein (CRP) (r = 0.286, p = 0.042). Use of hydroxychloroquine, cyclophosphamide, and glucocorticoids had no impact on AS events. Conclusion: The prevalence of AS in patients with pSS is reported to be 41.3%. Several risk factors have been associated with AS in these patients, including the duration of the disease, levels of Th cells, B lymphocytes, and CRP. Interestingly, IgM appears to have a protective effect against AS. It is worth noting that traditional therapy for pSS does not seem to have any effect in preventing AS events. Keypoints: What is already known about this subject?Atherosclerosis (AS) could be caused and accelerated by inflammation of arteries' wall. Previous studies have proved patients with autoimmune diseases have enhanced systemic inflammatory reaction and are at high risks of cardiovascular diseases, but the exact immune mechanisms are still unknown.What does this study add?Our research proved the association between primary Sjogren's syndrome (SS) and AS. The results of this study showed multiple inflammatory cells and factors participated in the process, including B/T lymphocytes and different immunoglobulins. These findings discovered potential immune mechanisms from the autoimmune condition to the AS events.How might this impact on clinical practice?Test of lymphocytes and serum natural immunoglobulins in patients with primary SS could be used in the clinical practice as AS risk predictor, which will help to improve clinical strategies. Deep discovering of potential immune mechanisms might provide novel targets for drug development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermoelectric modules (TEMs) have great potential in energy conversion. There is research about performance improvements of thermoelectric generator (TEG) and thermoelectric coolers (TECs). However, TEMs are always studied separately, and no research focuses on the influence of the Peltier effect of TEG on the TEC–TEG hybrid system, in which TEG is driven directly by TEC. Herein, an experimental setup is built to discover how the Peltier effect produced by the TEG affects the exergy of the TEC–TEG system especially for the included TEC. The temperature variation of hybrid system caused by the Peltier effect of TEG is studied, and the relationship between performance of every single part and the Peltier effect of TEG is revealed. The performance of the hybrid system and the single TEC system is also compared. It is shown in the results that the Peltier effect produced by TEG is beneficial to the operation of TEC in the system. And, the adverse influence of Peltier effect produced by TEG on itself can be compensated. After thermal‐resistance optimization of hybrid system, the total output power of the hybrid system is up to 14.2% higher than that of the single TEC system in same conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing crisis of antibiotic resistance calls for advanced and sustainable antibacterial strategies. In the past few years, lanthanide‐doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) with unique photophysical properties have been innovatively explored for bacterial detection and therapy, and hold promise for alleviating challenges faced in the post‐antibiotic era. In this review, the interface engineering for the bacteria‐targeted UCNP nanoplatforms is highlighted, the principles and merits of various upconversion detection strategies are discussed, and the latest progress in UCNP‐based antibacterial applications are summarized, especially in deep‐tissue infection imaging and therapy. Finally, the remaining concerns and future efforts for practical applications are put forward. This review is expected to provide comprehensive guidance for diagnosing and combating bacterial infections based on advanced UCNP nanoplatforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid composites made of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have attracted considerable interest for their synergistically enhanced functions in various applications such as chemical sensing, photocatalysis, anticounterfeiting and nanomedicine. However, precise assembly of MOF/UCNP hybrid composites with tunable morphologies remains a challenge due to the lack of effective synthetic methods and fundamental understanding of the growth mechanisms. Herein, we propose a modulator-directed assembly strategy to synthesize a series of ZIF-8@UCNP composites (ZIF-8 = zeolitic imidazolate framework-8). The UCNPs densely paved on the surface of ZIF-8 microcrystals and endowed the composites with intense upconversion blue emission, which were verified by steady-state/transient photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and single-particle imaging. Ethylenediamine (EDA) was firstly used as a modulator to fine-tune the predominant MOF facets and realized distinct morphologies of the composites. By adjusting the concentration of EDA from 0 to 25 mmol/L, the morphology of the ZIF-8@UCNP composites was tuned from rhombic dodecahedron (RD) to truncated rhombic dodecahedron (TRD), cube with truncated edges (CTE), cube, and finally a unique form of interpenetration twins (IT). The nucleation and growth process of the ZIF-8@UCNP composites was monitored by time-dependent scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and the formation mechanism was thoroughly revealed. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the strategy for assembly of morphology-controllable ZIF-8@UCNP composites was generally applicable to various UCNPs with different sizes and shapes. The proposed strategy is expected to open up new avenues for the controllable synthesis of MOF/UCNP composites toward diverse applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high content of flame retardant in non‐combustible electrolytes leads to deterioration of the electrochemical performance of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Besides, fire hazard of most non‐flammable electrolytes is studied in coin cell, for which it is impossible to reveal real performance. Thus, the stable interfacial, phosphorus‐fixed nonflammable gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) with low content of flame retardant (7.5 wt.%) has been designed by in situ polymerization of tri(acryloyloxyethyl) phosphate and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate in electrolyte. After being heated by fire for >10 s, the GPE is still not ignited. The average capacity attenuation rate of graphite//GPE//Li (0.008%) is much lower than that of the liquid electrolyte (0.039%). Besides, the nonflammable GPE based pouch cell with good flexibility and excellent fire safety is prepared. No fire, no thermal runaway and no electrolyte leakage occur for 1 Ah flexible pouch cell with 100% SOC. The mechanism for high safety of pouch cell has also been revealed. First the amount of combustible pyrolysis products from thermal degradation of GPE is reduced through forming P and F containing char. Second, the combustion of GPE is extinguished through OH free radical quenching effect of flame retardant molecular. This work provides a guideline for designing high‐safety LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although previous studies showed that women's menopause-related symptoms varied in different ethnic groups and countries, and were affected by specific social and cultural factors, few studies have been conducted to explore menopause-related symptoms and its influencing factors in middle-aged women among ethnic groups in China. This study aimed to explore the characteristics of menopause-related symptoms and its influencing factors among Mosuo, Yi, and Han women in Yongning area of Yunnan province, China. A cross-cultural design by snowball sampling method was used to recruit 208 women aged 40–60 from Yongning Township, Ninglang County, Yunnan province, China. The 11-item Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) was used to assess menopause-related symptoms. Compared with Yi and Han women, Mosuo women were accorded the highest family status. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that ethnicity, age, family support, and family decision-making patterns were associated with the severity of menopause-related symptoms. Yi and Han women had more severe menopause-related symptoms than Mosuo women. Among the three groups, women living in "female-dominated" and "co-deliberated" households had significantly lower scores of menopause-related symptoms than those in "male-dominated" households. This study indicates that menopause-related symptoms vary among middle-aged women in different ethnic groups. A higher level of female status in the family and family support may be protective factors of menopause-related symptoms in middle-aged women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermoelectric generator (TEG) has great potential in low‐grade waste heat recovery and there is some research on the influence of the Peltier effect on it. However, most of them only consider the total performance changes, such as the variation of power and efficiency due to the Peltier effect, and ignore the impact of the Peltier effect on the temperature of TEGs, which is the core reason of performance changes. To investigate how the Peltier effect affects the temperature loss at the two sides of TEGs, respectively, an experimental setup is built and an analytical model is derived. The result shows that the temperature loss at the cold side is less than that of the hot side. The power loss has a linear relation with the product of the temperature difference and temperature loss. The maximum loss of power, energy efficiency, and exergy efficiency occurs at a particular load range. Within that range, power, energy efficiency, and exergy efficiency reach the maximum, respectively. According to the results, the suggestion of thermal resistance optimization for TEGs is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fundamental understanding of the effect of doping on the optical properties of 3D double perovskites (DPs) especially the dynamics of self‐trapped excitons (STEs) is of vital importance for their optoelectronic applications. Herein, a unique strategy via Cu+ doping to achieve efficient STE emission in the alloyed lead‐free Cs2(Ag/Na)InCl6 DPs is reported. A small amount (1.0 mol%) of Cu+ doping results in boosted STE emission in the crystals, with photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield increasing from 19.0% to 62.6% and excitation band shifting from 310 to 365 nm. Temperature‐dependent PL and femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopies reveal that the remarkable PL enhancement originates from the increased radiative recombination rate and density of STEs, as a result of symmetry breakdown of the STE wavefunction at the octahedral Ag+ site. These findings provide deep insights into the STE dynamics in Cu+‐doped Cs2(Ag/Na)InCl6, thereby laying a foundation for the future design of new lead‐free DPs with efficient STE emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid emergence of drug‐resistant bacteria has raised a great social concern together with the impetus for exploring advanced antibacterial ways. NIR‐triggered antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDT) by lanthanide‐doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNP) as energy donor exhibits the advantages of high tissue penetration, broad antibacterial spectrum and less acquired resistance, but is still limited by its low efficacy. Now we designed a bio‐inorganic nanohybrid and combined lysozyme (LYZ) with UCNP‐PDT system to enhance the efficiency against resistant bacteria. Benefiting from the rapid adhesion to bacteria, intelligently bacteria‐responsive LYZ release and synergistic LYZ‐PDT effect, the nanoplatform achieves an exceptionally strong bactericidal capacity and conspicuous bacteriostasis on methicillin‐resistant S. aureus. These findings pave the way for designing efficiently antibacterial nanomaterials and provide a new strategy for combating deep‐tissue bacterial infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid emergence of drug‐resistant bacteria has raised a great social concern together with the impetus for exploring advanced antibacterial ways. NIR‐triggered antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDT) by lanthanide‐doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNP) as energy donor exhibits the advantages of high tissue penetration, broad antibacterial spectrum and less acquired resistance, but is still limited by its low efficacy. Now we designed a bio‐inorganic nanohybrid and combined lysozyme (LYZ) with UCNP‐PDT system to enhance the efficiency against resistant bacteria. Benefiting from the rapid adhesion to bacteria, intelligently bacteria‐responsive LYZ release and synergistic LYZ‐PDT effect, the nanoplatform achieves an exceptionally strong bactericidal capacity and conspicuous bacteriostasis on methicillin‐resistant S. aureus. These findings pave the way for designing efficiently antibacterial nanomaterials and provide a new strategy for combating deep‐tissue bacterial infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold plasma (CP) treatment for enhancing functional and cooking properties has been investigated on less rice varieties and delays the industrial adoption of this technology. This study treated three types (short-, medium-, and long-kernel) of milled rice from six Chinese varieties with helium plasma (Radio frequency, 13.56 MHz, 140 Pa) at a combination of watt and time, and evaluated the cooking properties, cooked rice texture, kernel appearance quality, and surface morphology, as well as flour thermal and thermomechanical properties. CP treatment at 120 W for 20 s significantly decreased the cooking time and the hardness of cooked rice while increasing adhesiveness, elasticity, and gruel solid loss. CP did not significantly change the appearance of milled rice, except for chalky rice rate, and kept the peak temperature and enthalpy of gelatinization in rice flour. 120W–20s CP significantly increased rice dough development and stability time, starch gelatinization maximum torque, and starch breakdown, but decreased the stability of protein network and starch retrogradation. As CP power strength increased from 120 to 520 W; the surface rupture of a rice kernel became more severe, and small particles aggregated on the rough surface. Compared with the 0 h sample of 120W–20s CP treatment, the repeating CP treatments at 24 h, 48 h, and 30 d significantly decreased water contact angle and free fatty acid content, but increased water absorption rate and chalky rice rate. These results suggest that 120W–20s helium CP improved the cooking properties of milled rice via leading to the rough kernel surface, higher water absorption rate, weak protein network, and a higher speed of starch gelatinization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiplexed intracellular detection is desirable in biomedical sciences for its higher efficiency and accuracy compared to the single-analyte detection. However, it is very challenging to construct nanoprobes that possess multiple fluorescent signals to recognize the different intracellular species synchronously. Herein, we proposed a novel dual-excitation/dual-emission upconversion strategy for multiplexed detection through the design of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNP) loaded with two dyes for sensitization and quenching of the upconversion luminescence (UCL), respectively. Based on the two independent energy transfer processes of near-infrared (NIR) dye IR845 to UCNP and UCNP to visible dye PAPS-Zn, ClO− and Zn2+ were simultaneously detected with a limit of detection (LOD) of 41.4 and 10.5 nM, respectively. By utilizing a purpose-built 830/980 nm dual-laser confocal microscope, both intrinsic and exogenous ClO− and Zn2+ in live MCF-7 cells have been accurately quantified. Such dual-excitation/dual-emission ratiometric UCL detection mode enables not only monitoring multiple intracellular analytes but also eliminating the detection deviation caused by inhomogeneous probe distribution in cells. Through modulation of NIR dye and visible dye with other reactive groups, the nanoprobes can be extended to analyze various intracellular species, which provides a promising tool to study the biological activities in live cells and diagnose diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

α-Diazo quinones were applied in an Ir(III)-catalyzed direct C–H functionalization assisted by N-phenylacetamide for the construction of highly functionalized 2-hydroxy-2′-amino-1,1′-biaryl scaffolds in good to excellent yields. This strategy features operational simplicity, atom- and step-economy and high efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lanthanide (Ln3+)‐doped luminescent nanoparticles (NPs) with emission in the second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) biological window have shown great promise but their applications are currently limited by the low absorption efficiency of Ln3+ owing to the parity‐forbidden 4f→4f electronic transition. Herein, we developed a strategy for the controlled synthesis of a new class of NIR‐II luminescent nanoprobes based on Ce3+/Er3+ and Ce3+/Nd3+ co‐doped CaS NPs, which can be effectively excited by using a low‐cost blue light‐emitting diode chip. Through sensitization by the allowed 4f→5d transition of Ce3+, intense NIR‐II luminescence from Er3+ and Nd3+ with quantum yields of 9.3 % and 7.7 % was achieved, respectively. By coating them with a layer of amphiphilic phospholipids, these NPs exhibit excellent stability in water and can be exploited as sensitive NIR‐II luminescent nanoprobes for the accurate detection of an important disease biomarker, xanthine, with a detection limit of 32.0 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lanthanide (Ln3+)‐doped luminescent nanoparticles (NPs) with emission in the second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) biological window have shown great promise but their applications are currently limited by the low absorption efficiency of Ln3+ owing to the parity‐forbidden 4f→4f electronic transition. Herein, we developed a strategy for the controlled synthesis of a new class of NIR‐II luminescent nanoprobes based on Ce3+/Er3+ and Ce3+/Nd3+ co‐doped CaS NPs, which can be effectively excited by using a low‐cost blue light‐emitting diode chip. Through sensitization by the allowed 4f→5d transition of Ce3+, intense NIR‐II luminescence from Er3+ and Nd3+ with quantum yields of 9.3 % and 7.7 % was achieved, respectively. By coating them with a layer of amphiphilic phospholipids, these NPs exhibit excellent stability in water and can be exploited as sensitive NIR‐II luminescent nanoprobes for the accurate detection of an important disease biomarker, xanthine, with a detection limit of 32.0 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expression of miR-106 in endometrial carcinoma RL95-2 cell line and its effect on proliferation and invasion of cancer cells was investigated. miR-106 expression vector was constructed and transiently transfected into in vitro cultured RL95-2 cells of human endometrial carcinoma. Cells were divided into three groups including blank control cells (MOCK group), miR-106 transfection group (miR-106 group) and negative control group (siNC group).Reverse-transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expression of miR-106. Proliferation and in vitro migration of RL95-2 cells were detected by MTT and scratch assay, and cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Compared with MOCK and siNC group, cell apoptosis rate was significantly decreased but cell proliferation rate was significantly increased in miR-106 group (p<0.05). In addition, cell migration and invasion ability was significantly increased in miR-106 group (p<0.05). Overexpression of miR-106 can promote proliferation and inhibit apoptosis of endometrial cancer RL95-2 cells, and miR-106 may serve as a new target for the treatment of endometrial cancer in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of veneer orientation and loading direction on the mechanical properties of bamboo-bundle/poplar veneer laminated veneer lumber (BWLVL) were investigated by a statistical analysis method. Eight types of laminated structure were designed for the BWLVL aiming to explore the feasibility of manufacturing high-performance bamboo-based composites. A specific type of bamboo species named Cizhu bamboo ( Neosinocalamus affinis) with a thickness of 6 mm and diameter of 65 mm was used. The wood veneers were from fast-growing poplar tree ( Populus ussuriensis Kom.) in China. The bamboo bundles were obtained by a mechanical process. They were then formed into uniform veneers using a one-piece veneer technology. Bamboo bundle and poplar veneer were immersed in water-soluble phenol formaldehyde (PF) resin with low molecular weight for 7 min and dried to MC of 8-12 % under the ambient environment. All specimens were prepared through hand lay-up using compressing molding method. The density and mechanical properties including modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), and shearing strength (SS) of samples were characterized under loading parallel and perpendicular to the glue line. The results indicated that as the contribution of bamboo bundle increased in laminated structure, especially laminated on the surface layers, the MOE, MOR and SS increased. A lay-up BBPBPBB (B-bamboo, P-poplar) had the highest properties due to the cooperation of bamboo bundle and poplar veneer. A higher value of MOE and MOR was found for the perpendicular loading test than that for the parallel test, while a slightly higher SS was observed parallel to the glue line compared with perpendicular loading. Any lay-up within the homogeneous group can be used to replace others for obtaining the same mechanical properties in applications. These findings suggested that the laminated structure with high stiffness laid-up on the surface layers could improve the performance of natural fiber reinforced composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to explore competitive bio-products to meet the requirements of the engineering structural member with high-strength, light-weight and low cost, bamboo bundle and wood laminated veneer lumbers (BWLVLs) with well-designed laminated structures have been regarded as potential candidate. Eight different assemble patterns of BWLVLs were designed and their mechanical performances with elastic range and ultimate bearing failure stage including the deflection, stress distribution, and stress transferring between adjacent layers were investigated using finite element simulations. The results showed that the finite element predicting model with a high accuracy could be used to optimize the design of laminated structures for bamboo bundle and wood veneer laminated composites. The relative error of the simulation results from the predicting model and the experimental results for different laminated composite panels was substantially less than 10%. The rank order for the VonMises stress of eight assemble BWLVLs were (7B) > (BBPPPBB) ≈ (BBPBPBB) > (BPBPBPB) > (BPPPPPB) ≈ (BPPBPPB) > (PBPBPBP) > (7P), (P) poplar, and (B) bamboo. The stress in laminated composites was transferred from poplar layers with low modulus to bamboo bundle layer with high elastic modulus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two novel microporous metal–organic frameworks were obtained by combination of a tetratopic linker and linear trinuclear cobalt(ii) and cadmium(ii) cluster subunits. The complexes exhibit unprecedented topological features and unique magnetic and photoluminescence properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A doubly interpenetrated microporous indium based metal–organic framework was solvothermally synthesized, in which cage-like pores and one-dimensional channels coexist. Due to its flexible nature, the complex exhibits a novel dynamic response to N2, Ar and CO2 sorption. Furthermore, the material shows a high H2 uptake capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rattle structure is a topic of great interest in design and application of nanomaterials due to the unique core@void@shell architecture and the integration of functions. Herein, we developed a novel 'ship-in-a-bottle' method to fabricate upconverting (UC) luminescent nanorattles by incorporating lanthanide-doped fluorides into hollow mesoporous silica. The size of nanorattles and the filling amount of fluorides can be well controlled. In addition, the modification of silica shell (with phenylene and amine groups) and the variation of efficient UC fluorides (NaYF:Yb,Er, NaLuF:Yb,Er, NaGdF:Yb,Er and LiYF:Yb,Er) were readily achieved. The resulting nanorattles exhibited a high capacity and pH-dependent release of the anti-cancer drug doxorubicin (DOX). Furthermore, we employed these nanorattles in proof-of-concept UC-monitoring drug release by utilizing the energy transfer process from UC fluorides to DOX, thus revealing the great potential of the nanorattles as efficient cancer theranostic agent. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An example of structural evolution from inclined polycatenation to parallel polyrotaxane-like interpenetration is demonstrated by modifying the (6,3) layer. Notably synergies of co-ligand binding mode and metal coordination geometry provide the appropriate constituent motifs necessary to instill this entanglement variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A polyhedral metal–organic framework (FJI-2) has been synthesized based on rare hexanuclear zinc clusters, which comprises 2.4 nm double-walled octahedral cages topologically featuring a new 3,12-connected structure. FJI-2 has a good H2 uptake capacity of 149.7 cm3 g−1 (1.34 wt %) at 77 K and 1.0 bar, and the IAST calculation predicts highly selective adsorption of CO2 over N2 and CH4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We herein report the synthesis and characterization of a new charged metal-organic framework, [Et2NH2][In(BPTC)] (InOF-2) (InOF = indium-organic framework; BPTC = biphenyl-3,3′,5,5′-tetracarboxylate), featuring an unc-type topology. Interestingly, InOF-2 undergoes a distinct porosity transition on going from a typical reversible type-I N2 isotherm to a type-IV N2 isotherm with a hysteresis loop when employing thermal treatment. A Li+-exchanged material [Li0.9(H3O)0.1][In(BPTC)] (InOF-2-Li+) is obtained using an ion-exchange method with BET surface areas estimated to be 1494 m2 g−1, and 867 m2 g−1 for InOF-2, indicating that the N2 adsorption capacity of InOF-2-Li+ significantly increases by ca. 72.3%. Meanwhile, H2 adsorption measurements show a corresponding improvement in H2 storage capacity (ca. 70.6%) on going from InOF-2 (1.14 wt%) to desolvated InOF-2-Li+ (1.95 wt%) at 1.0 bar and 77 K, which is comparable to the calculated increase in BET surface area. A similar improvement is also confirmed in other single gas adsorption measurements, including CH4 and CO2. Overall, the performance characteristics of InOF-2 and InOF-2-Li+ indicate these two materials to be unprecedented examples for the charged metal-organic frameworks to improve their gas storage capacity with both the thermal treatment and cation-exchange method, showing promise for more applications in producing more porous metal-organic frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural characteristics of xyloglucan are constant in the pericarp cell walls of kiwifruit ( Actinidia deliciosa) throughout fruit enlargement and maturation. Most of the xyloglucan (XG) persists in the cell walls of ripe kiwifruit. XG from the pericarp tissues of 36-h ethylene-treated kiwifruit was extracted as hemicellulose II (HC-II) with 4.28 M KOH containing 0.02% NaBH4, and purified using iodine precipitation and subsequent anion-exchange chromatography. This purifying protocol increased XG purity from 50 mol% in HC-II fraction to 62 mol% in the purified XG powder. The molar ratio of glucose: xylose: galactose: fucose in the purified XG was 10: 6.9: 2.1: 0.3. Gel permeation chromatography indicated that purified XG had an average molecular-mass of 161 KDa, a value that exceeds the 95 KDa Mr determined for total polymeric sugars. Sugar linkage analysis confirmed the lack of fucose in the kiwifruit XG, but a small amount of arabinoxylan and low Mr glucomannan remained associated with this fraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A discrete octahedral nano-cage has been synthesized by using a C3-symmetry semi-rigid pyridine-based ligand tppa. X-ray structure study reveals that the cage has a big inner cavity, flexible windows and all PO moieties of tppa ligands are inside positions. By anion exchange the 0D nano-cages can transform to infinite chain without noticeable loss of their crystallinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intracellular detection is highly desirable for biological research and clinical diagnosis, yet its quantitative analysis with noninvasivity, sensitivity, and accuracy remains challenging. Herein, a near‐infrared (NIR) dual‐excitation strategy is reported for ratiometric intracellular detection through the design of dye‐sensitized upconversion probes and employment of a purpose‐built NIR dual‐laser confocal microscope. NIR dye IR808, a recognizer of intracellular analyte hypochlorite, is introduced as energy donor and Yb,Er‐doped NaGdF4 upconversion nanoparticles are adopted as energy acceptor in the as‐designed nanoprobes. The efficient analyte‐dependent energy transfer and low background luminescence endow the nanoprobes with ultrahigh sensitivity. In addition, with the nonanalyte‐dependent upconversion luminescence (UCL) excited by 980 nm as a self‐calibrated signal, the interference from environmental fluctuation can be alleviated. Furthermore, the dual 808/980 nm excited ratiometric UCL is demonstrated for the quantification of the level of intracellular hypochlorite. Particularly, the intrinsic hypochlorite with only nanomolar concentration in live MCF‐7 cells in the absence of exogenous stimuli is determined. Such an NIR dual‐excitation ratiometric strategy based on dye‐sensitized UCL probes can be easily extended to detect various intracellular analytes through tailoring the reactive NIR dyes, which provides a promising tool for probing biochemical processes in live cells and diagnosing diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]