Search

• Single-step heat treatment aids template etching and particle growth for successful development of hollow magnetic MXene@Co microspheres. • MXene@Co microspheres show excellent reflection loss capability (−57.32 dB, 2.5 mm) and wide range of absorption bandwidth (5.2 GHz, 2.2 mm). • The superior electromagnetic wave absorption performance is attributed to the constructed hollow structure, enhanced interfacial polarization and optimized magnetic loss. MXene is considered as a candidate for preparing high-performance electromagnetic wave absorbing materials due to its large specific surface area, rich surface modification groups, and unique metal properties. However, the impedance matching problem caused by its high conductivity and easy stacking properties is a limiting factor. In this study, a self-assembling-etching-anchoring growth method was proposed to prepare MXene@Co electromagnetic wave absorbing materials. The hollow structure of MXene microspheres constructed with PMMA as a hard template is conducive to optimizing impedance matching and surface modification. In addition, MXene@Co exhibits abundant heterogeneous interfaces, enhancing the interfacial polarization phenomenon during electromagnetic wave absorption. Meanwhile, the surface-anchored growth of magnetic Co particles forms a magnetic network, which provides a strong magnetic loss capability for the absorber. The hollow structure design significantly enhances the wave absorption performance compared to conventional MXene@Co composites, with a minimum reflection loss of −57.32 dB (effective absorption bandwidth of 5.2 GHz) when the thickness is 2.5 mm (2.2 mm). This work provides a meaningful reference for the design of MXene-based electromagnetic wave absorbing materials. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride is widely used in aquaculture industry, and is often used as fishery medicine to prevent and treat bacterial infection diseases in aquatic animals. However, the drug will enter the environment in the form of primitive form or metabolites, directly threatening public health safety and polluting the ecological environment. In this study, based on graphdiyne quantum dot (GDYQDs), a new nanocomplex dopamine-graphdiyne quantum dot (DA-GDYQDs) was prepared using the mussel bionic nanotechnology. And DA-GDYQDs was used to build a fluorescence sensing system for quantitative detection of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride. The experimental results proved that DA-GDYQDs can be used in detecting ciprofloxacin residue in water quickly and effectively.

• NiCeO x /CNTs were prepared by a simple two-step process. • The defects generated by Ni2+ replacing Ce4+ will lead to dipole polarization, which is beneficial to the electromagnetic wave absorption. • The combination of 2D NiCeO x nanosheets and 1D CNTs complicates the electromagnetic wave absorption mechanism. • The optimal reflection loss reaches -53.2 dB at 1.9 mm. In this work, two-dimensional NiCeO x nanosheet-modified carbon nanotubes (CNTs) composites were prepared by a hydrothermal method. NiCeO x with different morphologies can be formed by adjusting the addition ratio of nickel salt and cerium salt, and the introduction of CNTs in the subsequent synthesis process can effectively prevent the aggregation of NiCeO x nanosheets. Microstructural studies show that hexagonal NiCeO x nanosheets with a size of 100 nm are uniformly intertwined with CNTs. When applied to the attenuation of electromagnetic waves, NiCeO x /CNTs composites exhibit better electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption performance than pure CNTs and NiCeO x nanosheets due to improved impedance matching and multiple polarization relaxation. At the matching thickness of 1.9 mm, the composite exhibits a minimum reflection loss (RL min) of –53.2 dB and an effective absorption bandwidth (RL < –10 dB) of 5.04 GHz with a thickness of 2.3 mm. These results indicate that the as-prepared NiCeO x /CNTs composites have excellent EMW absorption performance and are expected to be a candidate material for EMW absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-performance electrode materials are very important for the wide applications of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), especially in extreme environments. Herein, electronic-conductive Li2VSiO5microparticles with a carbon coating are developed as a new anode material with high performance in a wide temperature range. In the crystal structure of Li2VSiO5, electrochemical inactive SiO4–LiO6polyhedron chains/layers fully surround active VO6octahedron chains/layers, thereby accommodating the volume changes from not only Li+insertion/extraction but also V-ion reduction/oxidation. Consequently, “zero-strain” behavior with tiny unit-cell-volume variations (maximum 0.194%) is achieved, which enables excellent cyclability with 102.8% capacity retention at 3000 mA g–1after 3000 cycles within a safe potential range of 0.2–3.0 V. The abundant and wide channels in this special crystal structure allow fast Li+diffusivity, significantly contributing to a large reversible capacity of 377 mAh g–1at 50 mA g–1and high rate capability with a 3000 vs 50 mA g–1capacity percentage of 45.7%. At an elevated temperature of 60 °C, the excellent cyclability and safety are well retained, while the rate capability and capacity are desirably improved. Thus, this Li2VSiO5material has great practicability for high-performance LIBs.

Located in the north segment of the North-South seismic belt where the Alxa block (AB) and the Ordos block (OB) contact, the Helan Mountains-Yinchuan Basin (HLM-YCB) constitutes a typical normal faulting basin-mountain structure on the Chinese mainland. The 1739 M8.0 Pingluo earthquake occurred in the Yinchuan fault depression basin with such a basin-mountain structure. Data on five magnetotelluric profiles encompassing distinct segments of the HLM-YCB were utilized for three-dimensional (3D) joint inversion in order to collect fine 3D electrical structure information at a crustal and upper mantle scale across the entire region. The electrical structure between the main blocks in the HLM-YCB and adjacent areas is characterized by east-west horizontal blocks OB, YCB, and HLM, which are divided by the Yellow River fault (F5) with the HLM eastern piedmont fault (F2) as electrical boundary zones on the east and west sides. The two main block units, AB and OB, exhibit an obvious layered resistivity structure. Besides, the HLM-YCB is characterized by a typical basin-mountain structure with the mountains as a high-resistivity body and the basin as a low-resistivity body, and in the northern YCB a large-scale low-resistivity structure exists, extending to the upper mantle, probably derived from the upwelling of mantle-derived materials. It is speculated from a combination of recent 3D crustal movement field information and other data that the HLM-YCB is an active tectonic zone formed viaregional tensile action. The formation of the HLM-YCB lies in the interaction of the Tibetan Plateau (TP), AB, and OB and abnormal mantle activities beneath the YCB. The HLM-YCB reflects the joint action of upwelling and diffluence caused by the underplating of hot materials from the deep mantle with gravity and the redistribution of regional tectonic stress on the earth’s surface, which may be the main dynamic reason for the 1739 M8.0 Pingluo earthquake.

VNb9O25has emerged as a highly promising Li+-storage anode material due to its excellent safety and high theoretical capacity. However, it suffers from poor electrochemical kinetics. Here, the electrochemical performance of VNb9O25is improved through dual modifications. The large-ion (Mo6+and Zr4+) substitution enlarges the crystal structure of VNb9O25, not only enhancing the Li+diffusivity but also reducing the unit-cell volume expansion during Li+insertion. Additional carbon coating further enhances the electrochemical kinetics. Consequently, the resulting ~1 wt% carbon-coated V0.6Mo0.4Zr0.4Nb8.6O25(C-V0.6Mo0.4Zr0.4Nb8.6O25) exhibits a larger reversible capacity (254 mAh g−1vs.173 mAh g−1at 0.05 A g−1), higher rate capability (108 mAh g−1vs.80 mAh g−1at 2 A g−1), and better cycling stability (95.4 % vs.84.8 % capacity retention at 2 A g−1after 2000 cycles) than those of VNb9O25. Moreover, at 45 °C, C-V0.6Mo0.4Zr0.4Nb8.6O25delivers even higher rate capability (133 mAh g−1at 2 A g−1) and good cycling stability (80.2 % capacity retention at 2 A g−1after 1000 cycles), because the enlarged crystal structure enables high capability of accommodating unit-cell-volume expansion after excessive Li+insertion at the high temperature. Therefore, C-V0.6Mo0.4Zr0.4Nb8.6O25can be a high-performance anode material practically working in a wide temperature range.

• Different manganese oxide/carbon hybrid composites have been synthesized. • The relaxation times of composites have been discussed in detail. • The optimal performance with RL min of -76.0 dB and EAB max of 5.2 GHz were achieved. The fabrication of high-performance electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption (EMA) materials is an effective strategy to deal with ever-increasing EM pollution. In this work, a series of manganese oxides/porous carbon (Mn x O y @C) hybrid composites are obtained by a two-step process. It is revealed that different manganese oxides play various influence on the dielectric properties of absorbers. Owing to the moderate complex permittivity of MnO@C hybrid composites, the optimal reflection loss could reach as high as -76.0 dB at the matching thickness of 2.0 mm with 5.2 GHz of effective absorption bandwidth at thickness of 2.1 mm. We demonstrated that the addition of porous carbon is vital for enhancing EMA performance of composites, which not only coordinates impedance matching allowing more EM waves enter the absorber, but also provides the path for electron movement, thus profiting conductive loss. Besides, different heterogeneous interfaces including porous carbon, manganese oxide and so on, are conducive to contribution of interface polarization. The most noteworthy is ingenious design of composite materials and systematic research of EM energy attenuation mechanism in this work will provide the possibility to realize high-performance EMA. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atomically ordered intermetallic compounds (OICs) have aroused remarkable interests for wide applications and are considered as very promising materials for electrocatalysis owing to the strict stoichiometry, well-defined atom binding environment, and the specific crystalline phase. However, the tunable synthesis of the intermetallics remains a giant challenge. Herein, this study reports the preparation of the Pd-Sn OICs composed of an interconnected nanowire network structure with adjustable molar ratios of elements Pd and Sn. The co-reduction of Pd(acac)2and SnCl2·2H2O in ethylene glycol (EG) in the presence of sodium hypophosphite (NaH2PO2) as the reducing agent affords OICs of three phases: hexagonal Pd3Sn2-P63/mmc, orthorhombic PdSn-Pnmb, and orthorhombic PdSn2-Aba2. Also, the pure phase can convert to two mixed phases (Pd3Sn2/PdSn and PdSn/PdSn2) by just altering the feed ratio. It is found that orthorhombic PdSn-PnmbOIC has a large electrochemically active surface area (ECSA), excellent electrocatalytic performance (4857 mA mgPd−1), and outstanding stability toward ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR), which could be attributed to its optimal electronic structure. These results demonstrate that the phase engineering of OICs with desired components is an excellent way for catalysts design.

Graphical abstract: Multiple interface polarization along with conductive loss and dipolar polarization are contributed to excellent electromagnetic wave absorption performance of the CeO2/porous carbon composites.

Multiple dielectric loss along with magnetic loss mechanisms were responsible for prominent electromagnetic wave absorption capacity. [Display omitted] • The Ni proportion of composites was tuned by varying preparation process. • The Ni proportion had a great influence on the electromagnetic wave absorption performance. • The composite with optimized Ni content exhibits the remarkable RL value and wide absorption bandwidth. The reasonable design of the composition of the composite materials is of great significance to optimized the electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption performance. Herein, the Ni/NiO@C hybrid composites with tunable Ni proportion were successfully synthesized through a two-step process. With the assistance of X-ray diffraction with refinement treatment, the specific proportion of Ni of as-obtained hybrid composites could be obtained. Employing controlling calcination time to adjust the Ni content of Ni/NiO@C hybrid composites, it has been found that the composite carbonized at 500 °C exhibited remarkable EM wave absorption with the minimum reflection loss (RL min) of -49.1 dB at 4.9 mm and the widest effective absorption bandwidth (EAB max) of 4.56 GHz at 2.1 mm. Moreover, by adjusting the Ni source, the optimal EM wave absorption performance could be achieved. Results illustrated that the N 3 PC with the Ni proportion of 13.17 % showed the RL min as low as -51.1 dB at 2.4 mm and the EAB max was 5.12 GHz at 2.7 mm. It is worth noting that this work demonstrates the relevance of the composition and EM wave absorption performance of hybrid composites, which offers a feasible reference for the absorption mechanism of absorber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional skeleton-structured assemblies of graphene sheets decorated with SnO2nanocrystals are fabricated via a facile and large-scalable spray-drying-induced assembly process with commercial graphene oxide and SnO2sol as precursors. The influences of different parameters on the morphology, composition, structure, and electrochemical performances of the skeleton-structured SnO2/graphene composite spheres are studied by XRD, TGA, SEM, TEM, Raman spectroscopy, and N2adsorption–desorption techniques. Electrochemical properties of the composite spheres as the anode electrode for lithium-ion batteries are evaluated. After 120 cycles under a current density of 100 mA g–1, the skeleton-structured SnO2/graphene spheres still display a specific discharge capacity of 1140 mAh g–1. It is roughly 9.5 times larger than that of bare SnO2clusters. It could still retain a stable specific capacity of 775 mAh g–1after 50 cycles under a high current density of 2000 mA g–1, exhibiting extraordinary rate ability. The superconductivity of the graphene skeleton provides the pathway for electron transportation. The large pore volume deduced from the skeleton structure of the SnO2/graphene composite spheres increases the penetration of electrolyte and the diffusion of lithium ions and also significantly enhances the structural integrity by acting as a mechanical buffer.

Diatom bloom is characterized by a rapid increase of population density. Perception of population density and physiological responses can significantly influence their survival strategies, subsequently impacting bloom fate. The population density itself can serve as a signal, which is perceived through chemical signals or chlorophyll fluorescence signals triggered by high cell density, and their intracellular signaling mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In this study, we focused on the model diatom, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, and designed an orthogonal experiment involving varying cell densities and light conditions, to stimulate the release of chemical signals and light-induced chlorophyll fluorescence signals. Utilizing RNA-Seq and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis, we identified four gene clusters displaying density-dependent expression patterns. Within these, a potential hub gene, PtSLC24A, encoding a Na+/Ca2+exchanger, was identified. Based on molecular genetics, cellular physiology, computational structural biology, and in situoceanic data, we propose a potential intracellular signaling mechanism related to cell density in marine diatoms using Ca2+: upon sensing population density signals mediated by chemical cues, the membrane-bound PtSLC24Afacilitates the efflux of Ca2+to maintain specific intracellular calcium levels, allowing the transduction of intracellular density signals, subsequently regulating physiological responses, including cell apoptosis, ultimately affecting algal blooms fate. These findings shed light on the calcium-mediated intracellular signaling mechanism of marine diatoms to changing population densities, and enhances our understanding of diatom bloom dynamics and their ecological implications.

Increasing ocean temperatures threaten the productivity and species composition of marine diatoms. High temperature response and regulation are important for the acclimation of marine diatoms to such environments. However, the molecular mechanisms behind their acclimation to high temperature are still largely unknown. In this study, the abundance of PtCPF1homologs (a member of the cryptochrome-photolyase family in the model diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum) transcripts in marine phytoplankton is shown to increase with rising temperature based on TaraOceans datasets. Moreover, the expression of PtCPF1in P. tricornutumat high temperature (26 °C) was much higher than that at optimum temperature (20 °C). Deletion of PtCPF1in P. tricornutumdisrupted the expression of genes encoding two phytotransferrins (ISIP2A and ISIP1) and two Na+/P co-transporters (PHATRDRAFT_47667 and PHATRDRAFT_40433) at 26 °C. This further impacted the uptake of Fe and P, and eventually caused the arrest of cell division. Gene expression, Fe and P uptake, and cell division were restored by rescue with the native PtCPF1gene. Furthermore, PtCPF1 interacts with two putative transcription factors (BolA and TF IIA) that potentially regulate the expression of genes encoding phytotransferrins and Na+/P co-transporters. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to reveal PtCPF1 as an essential regulator in the acclimation of marine diatoms to high temperature through the coordination of Fe and P uptake. Therefore, these findings help elucidate how marine diatoms acclimate to high temperature.

• A novel CoFe 2 O 4 /C/PANI composite was synthesized based on abandoned pomelo peel. • (2) The composite can be applied as an ideal EM wave absorber. • (3) The effective absorption bandwidth reaches 8.88 GHz with the matching thickness of 2.5 mm. • (4) The reaction and EM wave absorbing mechanism were studied in detail. To solve the electromagnetic pollution, herein, a CoFe 2 O 4 /C/PANI composite was developed by a green route, which was constructed with spinel of metal oxide, graphitized carbon and conductive polymer composites. Benefiting from the designable interfaces and increased dipoles, the microwave dielectric response capability can be boosted significantly and resulted in the enhanced microwave absorbing performance. As revealed by the reflection loss curve, the minimum reflection loss (RL min) reached -51.81 dB at 12.4 GHz under a matched thickness of 2.57 mm. At 2.5 mm, the effective absorbing band covered 8.88 GHz, suggesting the desirable wideband feature. In our case, the method of utilization of a novel green way to fabricate multiple-component EM absorber can be a promising candidate for high-performance EM absorber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of complex networks is to discover the characteristics of these connections and to discover the nature of the system between them. Link prediction method is a classic in the study of complex networks. It ca not only reflect the relationship between the node similarity. More can be estimated through the edge, which reveals the intrinsic factors of network evolution, namely the network evolution mechanism. Threat information network is the evolution and development of the network. The introduction of such a complex network of interdisciplinary approach is an innovative research perspective to observe that the threat intelligence occurs. The characteristics of the network show, at the same time, also can predict what will happen. The evolution of the network for network security situational awareness of the research provides a new approach.

The rational design of graphene-encapsulated nanomaterials is of great significance to the high-rate and long-cycle anode materials in lithium-ion batteries. Herein, composites of three-dimensional reduced graphene oxide-encapsulated SnO2nanoparticles (SnO2/RGO) have been synthesized by combining hydrothermal treatment with spray drying or freeze drying, and finally calcination. The morphology of a SnO2/RGO composite can be controlled and SnO2/RGO microspheres obtained by spray drying possess a large specific surface area and abundant inner spaces. Such kinds of morphology and porosity characteristics cannot only provide sufficient interior void to buffer the large volume variation but also provide an effective contacting area of electrolyte with electrode materials and more active sites for a redox reaction, which effectively avoids shedding of active components during lithiation/delithiation. The obtained SnO2/RGO shows a high specific capacity of 1592 mA h g–1after 500 cycles at 500 mA g–1, and it can maintain 319 mA h g–1even at 5 A g–1.

Objectives: We studied the difference in the corneal biomechanical parameters of ptotic and fellow eyes in patients with congenital blepharoptosis. The correlations between corneal biomechanical parameters and demographic or ocular parameters, and the changes after surgery were also researched. Methods: The corneal biomechanical parameters were measured by Corvis ST tonometry. The central corneal thickness (CCT), axial length (AL) and keratometry measurements were performed with LenStar LS900, and intraocular pressure (IOP) by non-contact applanation tonometry. The parameters were evaluated for the effect of ptosis and the relationship of corneal biomechanical parameters. These examinations were repeated 6 months after blepharoptosis surgery. Results: Twenty-nine patients were enroled. The Corvis ST parameters (Deformation amplitude [DA], A1 times, and A1 velocity), CCT, IOP with NCT, IOP with corrected, differed significantly between ptotic and fellow eyes. CCT was significantly positively correlated with Length A1 and IOP with Corvis, and negatively correlated with IOP corrected by Corvis of the ptotic eyes. The same tendency was found in the fellow eyes. Six months after the ptosis surgery, the differences in corneal biomechanics parameters between ptotic eyes and fellow eyes were not significantly changed. Conclusions: Congenital blepharoptosis causes significant corneal biomechanical changes measured by Corvis ST. The ptotic eyes had thicker and less deformable corneas. The differences in corneal biomechanics between ptotic eyes and fellow eyes were mostly related to CCT changes. Six months after surgery, these differences in corneal biomechanics did not change significantly.

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the expression and role of microRNA-449a (miR-449a) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children, and further to explore the underlying mechanism. To study the role of miR-449a in IBD development, an in vitroinflammatory model of IBD was conducted by stimulating the normal intestinal epithelial cells Caco-2 with 2% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The results showed that the miR-449a level was significantly higher in children with IBD than that in children without IBD. Notch1 was a direct target gene of miR-449a. The increased levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, reduced cell viability and enhanced cell apoptosis in Caco-2 cells caused by DSS administration were significantly inhibited by miR-449a inhibition. Besides, DSS significantly decreased the level of Notch1, Hes-1, Hey-1 and Bcl-2, and increased Bax expression, and these changes were prevented by miR-449a inhibitor. Importantly, all the effects of miR-449a inhibitor on Caco-2 cells were eliminated by Notch1 gene silencing. In conclusion, the data of our study indicated that miR-449a was up-regulated in IBD in children, and miR-449a inhibitor could inhibit inflammatory response and cell apoptosis by targeting Notch1 in IBD in vitro. The miR-449a/Notch1 axis might be a novel target for IBD treatment.

The sustainable development of a hydrogen economy requires hydrogen production from water electrolysis at a low cost, but the limited production of active and robust electrocatalysts using materials that are abundant on earth has restrained development. This article reports a heterostructure of a Mo2N phase and metal Ni nanocrystals and its activities in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline electrolytes. Hydrogen is produced by the catalyst in alkaline electrolytes at a density of 10 mA cm–2at an overpotential of only 20 mV with a small Tafel slope of 39.9 mV dec–1, in which the catalyst exhibits a synergetic effect of compact Mo2N and Ni interfacial connections, producing localized hotspots that accelerate water dissociation and hydrogen desorption. This makes the catalyst one of the most effective Pt-free species. Experimental and DFT theoretical results show that the exceptional HER electrocatalytic activity produced by the Mo2N–Ni/NF heterogeneous structure is related to the unique highly unshielded structure and high intrinsic activity accompanied by a nearly thermoneutral H-adsorption energy.

Electrospinning combined with structural engineering to construct 0D@2D@1D hierarchical heterogeneous interfaces.A “mechanical response” model was constructed to explain the stress transfer mechanism of fibrous membranes with 2D@1D structures.The “One for All” fibrous membrane combines excellent flexibility, mechanical properties, waterproof, and electromagnetic protection.

Spinel structured Li4Ti5O12(LTO) spheres modified with carbon (Carbon/LTO composites) using Chinese yam (CY) as carbon source have been obtained by a hydrothermal method combining with a calcining at 700 °C in N2atmosphere. The influences of the additions of CY on the morphology, structure, carbon content and also the electrochemical properties of the resulted carbon/LTO composite spheres have been investigated in details. SEM and TEM investigations show that all the composites possess spherical morphology and consist of nanosized Li4Ti5O12crystals modified with carbon. With the increase of CY additions, the size of Li4Ti5O12primary crystals decrease gradually, and reach to a turn over point and then the crystal size turn to large ones when the CY content increased further. It has been demonstrated that carbon modification of Li4Ti5O12with Chinese yam as carbon source could efficiently improve the electrochemical performance of Li4Ti5O12. One of the composite sample named as C/LTO‐10 shows an ultrahigh initial specific capacity of about 211.9 mAh ⋅ g−1at a current density of 1 C. It shows excellent cycle performance and maintains a specific capacity of 184.5 mAh ⋅ g−1even after 300 cycles. A specific capacity of 123.5 mAh ⋅ g−1still could be delivered at a high current density of 30 C, exhibiting also superior rate capability. Composites of Li4Ti5O12modified with N doped carbon have been prepared with Chinese yam as carbon precursor by using a hydrothermal method and followed by a calcination process at 700 °C. The composites show an ultrahigh initial specific capacity of about 211.9 mAh.g−1at a current density of 1 C. Even after 300 cycles a specific capacity of 184.5 mAh ⋅ g−1still could be maintained. A specific capacity of 123.5 mAh ⋅ g−1were delivered at a high current density of 30 C, exhibiting also superior rate capability.

In previous studies, TUC40-, a new long noncoding RNA, was found to be overexpressed in human ventricular septal defect (VSD) embryonic heart samples. In this article, we carried out experiments on the P19 cell line to elucidate the effects of TUC40- overexpression on cardiomyocyte development relevant to VSD pathogenesis.

Dielectric/magnetic composites are considered as attractive candidates for high-performance electromagnetic wave absorption (EMA) materials. However, the agglomeration of magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) in the carbon matrix is an unavoidable problem. The homogeneous interfaces caused by magnetic agglomeration are often detrimental to the reinforcement of interfacial polarization. Herein, inspired by seed germination process, a high temperature derived carbon nanotube method was employed to prevent the agglomeration issue of magnetic NiCo alloy NPs. With the significant proliferation of heterogeneous interfaces due to the separation between NiCo alloy NPs, the interfacial polarization is significantly reinforced. Besides, the graphitized carbon obtained by high temperature carbonization is responsible for the conductive loss. As a consequence, the NiCo alloy@N doping carbon nanosheets (NiCo@NCS) composites illustrated a strong EM attenuation ability compared to the composites with magnetic NiCo alloy NPs agglomeration. Finally, the minimum reflection loss (RLmin) was −61.4 dB and widest absorption bandwidth (fmax) reached 4.72 GHz at 2.0 mm and 2.1 mm, respectively. This seed germination-inspired approach can be a significant and efficient reference to prevent the agglomeration of magnetic NPs in dielectric/magnetic composites.

Hydrogen is regarded as a future sustainable and clean energy carrier. Formic acid is a safe and sustainable hydrogen storage medium with many advantages, including high hydrogen content, nontoxicity, and low cost. In this work, a series of highly active catalysts for hydrogen production from formic acid are successfully synthesized by controllably depositing Pd onto Ag nanoplates with different Ag nanofacets, such as Ag{111}, Ag{100}, and the nanofacet on hexagonal close packing Ag crystal (Ag{hcp}). Then, the Pd–Ag nanoplate catalysts are supported on Vulcan XC-72 carbon black to prevent the aggregation of the catalysts. The research reveals that the high activity is attributed to the formation of Pd–Ag alloy nanofacets, such as Pd–Ag{111}, Pd–Ag{100}, and Pd–Ag{hcp}. The activity order of these Pd-decorated Ag nanofacets is Pd–Ag{hcp} > Pd–Ag{111} > Pd–Ag{100}. Particularly, the activity of Pd–Ag{hcp} is up to an extremely high value, i.e., TOF{hcp}= 19 000 ± 1630 h–1at 90 °C (lower limit value), which is more than 800 times higher than our previous quasi-spherical Pd–Ag alloy nanocatalyst. The initial activity of Pd–Ag{hcp} even reaches (3.13 ± 0.19) × 106h–1at 90 °C. This research not only presents highly active catalysts for hydrogen generation but also shows that the facet on the hcp Ag crystal can act as a potentially highly active catalyst.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.In recent years, there have been considerable research advances on the antileukemic mechanisms of the antidiabetic drug metformin. Our current studies have shown that metformin suppresses cell viability, induces apoptosis, and downregulates the mTORC1 signaling pathway both in the Ph+ALL cell line and primary blasts from Ph+ ALL patients, as well as the CML cell lines K562 (imatinib-sensitive) and K562R (imatinib-resistance). We have also shown that metformin activates the ERK pathway in Ph+ALL cells, SUP-B15, a side effect that can be overcome by U0126 (MEK1/2 inhibitor) or imatinib. Moreover, this activation of ERK signaling in SUP-B15 induces autophagy. Inhibition of the autophagic process by 3-MA, promoting the death of these cells, suggests that autophagy may be a cytoprotective factor in cell survival after metformin treatment. Finally, metformin is shown to potentiate the anticancer efficacy of imatinib in Ph+ALL and CML cells, resensitizing the CML imatinib-resistance cells to imatinib. Overall, our data suggest that metformin represents a promising and attractive agent for Ph+ALL or CML therapy.

The database of prospective zeolites (www.hypotheticalzeolites.net) has been screened in search of feasible zeolites. Previous criteria of zeolite feasibility have been reviewed, based on descriptors such as energy, density, average and distribution of ring sizes, and more importantly that of Li et al. (LID criteria) presented recently [Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2013, 52, 1673], based on Si–O, O⋯O, and Si⋯Si distances of SLC-minimised structures. In spite of the still large number of feasible zeolites according to this and other criteria, a number of researchers wonder why there are so many feasible and so few synthesised zeolites. Without answering this difficult question, a new criteria is proposed in this study based on the fact that T⋯T⋯T angles (T is tetrahedral atom) show specific ranges of values depending on the ring size to which they belong. Based on improved definitions to count and enumerate rings in zeolites, and with data from the IZA database, we introduce the TTT criteria, which we propose to use after the LID criteria, to further narrow the space of feasible zeolites.

Bicrystals are usually artificially designed to correlate the coincidence-site-lattice (CSL) configurations with the grain boundary property. Here, we report on CSL twist boundaries in bicrystalline α-Fe2O3nanoblades, possessing only three distinct Σ values of 7, 13, and 19. The existence of CSL boundaries with various Σ values in the two-dimensional (2D) α-Fe2O3nanoblades provides a good opportunity to investigate the effects of different grain boundaries on their physical properties. It is shown that the electrical resistivity of individual nanoblade decreases with increasing Σ values of the CSL boundaries. Such 2D nanoblades may have practical appeal because their 2D geometries facilitate integration into devices with realistic pathways to manufacturing.

Adding a certain amount of preformed SnO2 nano-particles in the thermal co-decomposition synthesis of Ru0.45Sn0.55O2 significantly improves its electrochemical properties. By optimizing the amount of the added SnO2, the total voltammetric charge for Ru0.45Sn0.55O2 prepared at 500degC has been increased by one fold. Improvement in true electrocatalytic activity of the oxide anode for oxygen evolution has been confirmed in sulfuric acid solutions. Electrochemical characterizations and microstructure analyses reveal that the added SnO2 retards/suppresses the spinodal decomposition of Ru0.45Sn0.55O2, which in turn results in an increased active surface area and volumetric percentage of the active phases of the oxide, and therefore, improves the electrochemical properties. This additive-induced retardation of spinodal decomposition can be interpreted from thermodynamics and kinetics of spinodal decomposition, providing a general approach to controlling the microstructures and properties of various complex oxides. Life time analyses showed that adding a small amount of SnO2 as the spinodal decomposition retarder does not degrade the predicted service life-time of the electrode.

Transition metal oxides are regarded as an economical and efficient catalytic alternate for catalytic oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions. The morphological decoration and the incorporation of extrinsic metals were demonstrated to be effective strategies for achieving noticeable catalytic improvement. In this work, a novel Co–Ce composite oxides catalyst was obtained by the pyrolysis of ZIF-67 template with the impregnation of certain cerium cations (denoted as ZIF-CoCe). Compared with the reference Co–Ce composite oxides by the sol-gel (denoted as SG-CoCe) and physical mixing (denoted as MIX-CoCe) methods, ZIF-CoCe delivers significantly higher catalytic activity for vinyl chloride oxidation, which are demonstrated to be closely related with its superior redox capacity, more abundance of surface active Co3+sites and adsorbed active oxygen species from oxygen vacancies. In addition, the unique cage-like morphological feature of the Co-based catalysts derived from ZIF-67 template plays a crucial function in kinetically facilitating the mass transfer of catalytic reaction and promoting the catalytic VC oxidation activity. With regard to in situdiffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTs) analysis, enol and carboxylic acid species are identified to be the key organic intermediates during catalytic vinyl chloride oxidation.

A great deal of work has been implemented to achieve perfect control of the composition and structure of porous nanomaterials, which can be utilized as a high-efficiency and low-thickness electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorber. Here, a novel and lightweight EMW absorbing material consisting of NiCo alloy and Cr oxide supported on porous carbon was prepared through thermal decomposition and partial reduction of hydroxide. The effect of the content of Cr(NO3)3•9H2O on electromagnetic properties was systematically studied. It was found that the NiCo2-0.5xCr2O3@C composites could achieve an excellent reflection loss (RL) of −52.71 dB at 1.6 mm and an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 5.28 GHz at 1.89 mm via introducing additional NiCo2–Cr2O3into the porous carbon composite. The results suggest that the synergistic effect between the appropriate proportions of Cr2O3, NiCo alloy and porous carbon optimizes the impedance matching and greatly improves the absorption performance. The enhanced EMW absorption performance of NiCo2-0.5xCr2O3@C confirms that this work provides a favorable strategy for other carbon-based absorbers.

Phosphorus (P) is a vital nutrient for sustaining natural water productivity. Both particulate and dissolved forms of organic and inorganic P are potentially important sources of bioavailable P for primary and secondary producers. A microcosm system to imitate the bacterial community in Plym river sediment and pore water is described and bacterial uptake rates for inorganic and organic phosphorus are presented in this paper. The aim of this study was to investigate the uptake of two organic phosphorus compounds (phytic acid and D-glucose-6-phosphate) by freshwater bacteria. The bioreactors comprise glass columns packed with two types of small glass beads on which bacterial biofilm can develop. The glass beads with different porosity were introduced to simulate River SPM. The selected P compounds spiked into the inflow of the microcosm, and measured the step change of P concentration in the outflow to investigate the behavior of bacterial uptake of nutrients. The results showed that organic phosphorus was converted into inorganic phosphorus but the conversion rate depended on the type of phosphorus species. One experiment suggested that phytic acid (refractory) could displace phosphate from the biofilm surface; the other experiment showed that D-glucose-6-phosphate (labile) could be hydrolysed and utilized easily by the bacteria. The results also suggested that bacteria might break down the C-P bonds to utilize the carbon. Further experiments should investigate the effect of varying the C:N:P ratio in the microcosm system to determine which nutrient limits bacteria uptake.

NiCo-LDHs successfully grow in situ on rod-like ZnO with unique structures.The interface of NiCo@C and rod-like ZnO result in interfacial polarization.The RLmin of NiCo@C/ZnO reaches − 60.97 dB with the EABmax of 6.08 GHz.The excellent performance comes from the effect of dielectric loss and magnetic loss.

Abstract: Little is known about habitat selection of the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), especially about the relationship between giant panda presence and bamboo and tree structures. We presented data on giant panda habitat use and selection in Foping Nature Reserve (NR), China. We used 1,066 radiotracking locations for 6 collared individuals to analyze giant panda habitat selection, and we used 110 plots to reveal the structure of giant panda habitat and its relationship with giant panda presence. We found that (1) giant pandas in Foping NR selected mostly 3 habitats: conifer forest, deciduous broadleaf forest, and Fargesiabamboo groves. (2) In winter, giant pandas selected deciduous broadleaf forest within elevations of 1,600 to 1,800 m with a south-facing slope of 10 to 20 degrees. In summer, giant pandas selected conifer forest within elevations of 2,400 to 2,600 m and a slope of 20 to 30 degrees. (3) Giant pandas selected the Bashaina fargesiibamboo area with short and dense culms in winter, while they selected the Fargesia qinlingensisbamboo area with a high coverage of tall and thick culms in summer. We concluded that giant pandas in Foping NR do select their preferred habitats. These findings may be used to guide the human activities in the reserve with consideration of giant panda habitat conditions.