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The energy density of Lithium‐ion batteries (LiBs) fails to keep pace with the growing demand for long‐driving range EVs. Developing novel anode materials with high specific capacities is one of the most effective ways to increase the energy density of LiBs. Herein, a series of Cu and Co binary‐transition metal glycerolates (labeled as CuxCoy/G) were prepared as the anodes for LiBs. It was observed that CuxCoy/G exhibited a distinctive yolk‐shell architecture, which significantly differed from the solid spherical structure of Cu/G and Co/G counterparts. X‐ray powder diffraction and Scanning electron microscope studies suggested that Cu element existed as Cu2+1O in CuxCoy/G, and the Co element was in the form of amorphous glycerolates. Electrochemical studies showed that Cu0.4Co1/G delivered a high capacity over 1000 mAh g−1at the first discharge, and it exhibited the most stable cycling performance over 200 cycles. Mechanism study suggested both Cu and Co elements contributed to lithium storage capacities in CuxCoy/G at the initial discharging process. Experimental results revealed that Co exhibited reversible capacity while Cu element was reduced to metallic Cu which contributed to the electronic conductivity, rendering Cu0.4Co1/G exhibited a better long‐term cycling stability than Co/G. This work explored a new type of anode material with high specific capacity for LiBs, paving the way to high energy density LiBs. Novel anode materials with high specific capacities are important for increasing the energy density of Lithium‐ion batteries (LiBs). In this work, Cu/Co binary‐transition metal glycerates were demonstrated as anode materials for LiBs. The optimized Cu/Co glycerate demonstrated a high lithium storage capacity and stable cycling stability, which contributed to the yolk‐shell structure buffing the volume change, and the formation of metallic state Cu increasing the electronic conductivity.

To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of renin–angiotensin system inhibitors (RASIs) and angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors in preventing the recurrence of atrial fibrillation after atrial fibrillation ablation, we have written this meta-analysis. We systematically searched randomized controlled trials or cohort studies on RASIs and angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor-sacubitril/valsartan (SV) in preventing the recurrence of atrial fibrillation. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted the data, and assessed the risk of bias in the included studies. Afterward, the meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. This meta-analysis results showed that the recurrence rate of atrial fibrillation after ablation in subjects using RASIs was lower than that in subjects not using them [relative risk = 0.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.72–0.99), P= 0.03]; the recurrence rate in subjects using SV was lower than that in subjects using RASIs [RR= 0.50, 95% CI (0.37–0.68), P< 0.00001]. These results show that both the use of RASIs and SV can prevent the recurrence of after atrial fibrillation ablation, among which the use of SV is more effective.

Conductive nanomaterial/flexible polymer composite foams are of great interest in the field of flexible and wearable piezoresistive pressure sensors. However, the existing composite foam sensors are faced with stability issues from conductive nanomaterials, which tends to decrease their long-term durability. Herein, we developed a solvent evaporation-induced self-assembly strategy, which could significantly improve the stability of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on a silicone rubber foam skeleton. The process for self-assembly of MWCNTs was straightforward. Aqueous MWCNT dispersion droplets were first hierarchically enclosed in silicone rubber via water-in-oil (W/O) Pickering high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs). Then, the high pressure generated by fast evaporation of the solvent from the droplets could break the thinnest pore walls to form interconnected pores. As a result, very dense and firm MWCNT layers were self-assembled on the pore wall surface. Due to the excellent stability of MWCNTs and tetramodal interconnected porosity, our MWCNTs/silicone rubber composite foam showed the following “super” properties: low density of 0.26 g/mL, high porosity of 76%, and excellent mechanical strength (the maximum stress loss of 8.3% at 80% strain after 100 compression cycles). In addition, excellent piezoresistive performance, including superior discernibility for different amplitudes of compressive strain (up to 80%), rapid response time (150 ms), and high sensitivity (gauge factor of 1.44), was demonstrated for such foams, together with prominent durability (39,000 compression cycles at 60% strain in air) and excellent stability of resistance response in water and organic solvents (5000 compression cycles at 30% strain in water and ethanol). Regarding its application, a wearable piezoresistive sensor, which was assembled from the as-prepared conductive silicone rubber composite foam, could capture various movements from tiptoeing and finger bending to small deformations resulting from human pulse.

Electrochemical conversion of NO3−to NH3viathe nitrate reduction reaction (NO3−RR) is a promising approach for ammonia production and storage of “green hydrogen”. Co3O4has shown satisfactory Faradaic efficiency toward NH3(FENH3)and stability, making it a potential electrocatalyst for the NO3−-to-NH3conversion. However, the high overpotential required for triggering the NO3−RR on Co3O4limits its conversion efficiency. In this study, we synthesized Cu-doped Co3O4porous hollow nanospheres (Cu−Co3O4PHNSs) for NO3−RR. Cu-doping effectively reduced the required overpotential and improved the NH3yield rate on the Co3O4matrix without reducing FENH3and stability. Both experimental and theoretical analyses demonstrated that Cu-doping up-shifted the highest occupied state (HOS) of Co3O4, narrowed the energy barrier between the HOS of Co3O4and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital of NO3−, and thus reduced the overpotential required for triggering the electron transfer from Co3O4to NO3−, thereby endowing the as-prepared Cu−Co3O4PHNSs with outstanding electrocatalytic activity and durability for the NO3−-to-NH3conversion. This study provides a novel theoretical perspective on the regulation of electrochemical performance.

Background:Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is one of the main causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide and its incidence is rising. Barrett’s esophagus (BE) can develop low- and high-grade dysplasia which can progress to EAC overtime. The golden standard to detect dysplastic BE (DBE) or EAC is surveillance with high-definition white-light endoscopy (HD-WLE) and random biopsies according to the Seattle protocol. However, this method is time-consuming and associated with a remarkable miss rate. Therefore, there is great need for the development of novel reliable techniques to optimize surveillance strategies and improve detection rates. Summary:Optical chromoendoscopy (OC) techniques like narrow-band imaging have shown improved detection of DBE and EAC compared to HD-WLE and random biopsies. Most recent OC techniques, including the iSCAN optical enhancement system and linked color imaging, showed improved characterization of DBE and EAC retrospectively. Fluorescence molecular endoscopy (FME) presented promising results to highlight DBE and EAC. Moreover, with the establishment of well-performing delineation computer-aided detection (CAD) algorithms and the first real-time CAD system for EAC, we expect clinical application of CAD in the near future. Key Messages:Despite impressive progress made in the development of advanced endoscopic techniques, combined HD-WLE/OC followed by random biopsies remains the golden standard for BE surveillance. Surveillance depends on appropriate mucosal cleansing, sufficient inspection time, and competence of the performing gastroenterologist to improve detection of EAC. In addition, to facilitate the clinical implementation of advanced endoscopic techniques, multicenter prospective clinical studies are demanded for OC and FME. Meanwhile, further optimization of CAD algorithms, the education of gastroenterologists, and analysis of the interaction between the clinician and the computer should be performed.

Montmorillonite (MMT) coated with roughened noble metal nanoparticles are novel hybrid nanocomposite with a wide range of applications including agriculture, materials science and biomedical engineering. Herein, we developed a hybrid nanocomposite (MMT/AgNPs) based on MMT coated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which can be used as a cost-effective and efficient surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate for the detection of pesticides in fruits and vegetables. MMT itself is negatively charged and can be assembled with positively charged AgNPs through electrostatic interactions. Moreover, MMT has a layered 2D structure that possesses a large surface area, which can load a large number of AgNPs to form more SERS hotspots for the ultrasensitive measurement. SERS performance of the MMT/AgNPs nanocomposite was tested by 5,5′-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) and the substrate can obtain the strongest SERS enhancement effect with the volume ratio of MMT/AgNPs of 1 : 10. These substrates were applied in the measurement of thiram in apples and spinach samples by SERS. Detection limits of pesticide molecules of 5.0 × 10−8M and 1.0 × 10−7M in apples and spinach, respectively, were obtained. Most importantly, MMT nanosheets are a robust platform that allowed AgNPs to be evenly and thoroughly distributed and stabilized over the substrate, improving the repeatability and stability of SERS detection. These results reveal that the MMT/AgNPs nanocomposites are suitable substrates for the real-world SERS analysis of pesticide and other contaminants in complex food matrices.

Hydrogels have excellent biocompatibility, transparency, stretchability, and ionic conductivity, but their fabrication through photopolymerization-based 3D printing is limited due to the low solubility of hydrophobic photoinitiators and lack of efficient hydrophilic photoinitiators. Herein, a type of microemulsion is synthesized and the common hydrophobic photoinitiator can be adopted and finally, a series of transparent hydrogels with high strength (up to 22.9 MPa), elasticity (up to 583%), and ionic conductivity (up to 9.64 S m–1) are fabricated through digital light processing 3D printing technology. Objects with complex structures and a high printing resolution are printed. Hydrogels with both high strength and high ionic conductivity are obtained through chemical crosslinking and ion coordination effect. Dual-material 3D printing is applied to package the hydrogel with elastomers. Due to the high sensitivity and reliability under both stretching and compressive deformation, the hydrogel sensors are applied to monitor various human motions. In addition, the hydrogel exhibits solvent-induced dehydration and excellent water-activated shape memory properties, which are greatly beneficial for its storage and applications in the biomedical field.

Microplastic pollution is widespread in the natural environment, and its enrichment, inherent adsorbability, and toxicity are key concerns in society. However, few studies of the effects of microplastic toxicity on the reproduction of fish have been reported. In this study, we investigated the effects of exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of polystyrene microplastics (PS) and cadmium (Cd) alone and in combination for 28 days on the gonad development and reproduction of rare minnow (Gobiocypris rarus). Decreased condition factor, number of spawning events, number of eggs per spawning, and average hatching rate were detected in fish in the treatment groups. These changes were likely due to long-term oxidative stress and inflammation, which inhibited the development of gonads and further affected the reproduction function of rare minnow. The effects of treatment on oxidative stress, inflammation, and expression of genes related to gonad development differed between female and male fish in the treatment groups. PS alone exposure resulted in a significant reduction in the number of eggs per spawning and average hatching rate, but these effects were not observed in the Cd and PS + Cd groups. These results provide new insights into the ecotoxicological effects of microplastics in the natural environment.

The reactivity of platelets, which play a key role in the pathogenesis of atherothrombosis, is tightly regulated. The integral membrane protein tetherin/bone marrow stromal antigen-2 (BST-2) regulates membrane organization, altering both lipid and protein distribution within the plasma membrane. Because membrane microdomains have an established role in platelet receptor biology, we sought to characterize the physiological relevance of tetherin/BST-2 in those cells. To characterize the potential importance of tetherin/BST-2 to platelet function, we used tetherin/BST-2−/− murine platelets. In the mice, we found enhanced function and signaling downstream of a subset of membrane microdomain–expressing receptors, including the P2Y12, TP thromboxane, thrombin, and GPVI receptors. Preliminary studies in humans have revealed that treatment with interferon-α (IFN-α), which upregulates platelet tetherin/BST-2 expression, also reduces adenosine diphosphate–stimulated platelet receptor function and reactivity. A more comprehensive understanding of how tetherin/BST-2 negatively regulates receptor function was provided in cell line experiments, where we focused on the therapeutically relevant P2Y12 receptor (P2Y12R). Tetherin/BST-2 expression reduced both P2Y12R activation and trafficking, which was accompanied by reduced receptor lateral mobility specifically within membrane microdomains. In fluorescence lifetime imaging-Förster resonance energy transfer (FLIM-FRET)–based experiments, agonist stimulation reduced basal association between P2Y12R and tetherin/BST-2. Notably, the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor of tetherin/BST-2 was required for both receptor interaction and observed functional effects. In summary, we established, for the first time, a fundamental role of the ubiquitously expressed protein tetherin/BST-2 in negatively regulating membrane microdomain–expressed platelet receptor function.

The reactivity of platelets, which play a key role in the pathogenesis of atherothrombosis, is tightly regulated. The integral membrane protein tetherin/bone marrow stromal antigen-2 (BST-2) regulates membrane organization, altering both lipid and protein distribution within the plasma membrane. Because membrane microdomains have an established role in platelet receptor biology, we sought to characterize the physiological relevance of tetherin/BST-2 in those cells. To characterize the potential importance of tetherin/BST-2 to platelet function, we used tetherin/BST-2−/−murine platelets. In the mice, we found enhanced function and signaling downstream of a subset of membrane microdomain–expressing receptors, including the P2Y12, TP thromboxane, thrombin, and GPVI receptors. Preliminary studies in humans have revealed that treatment with interferon-α (IFN-α), which upregulates platelet tetherin/BST-2 expression, also reduces adenosine diphosphate–stimulated platelet receptor function and reactivity. A more comprehensive understanding of how tetherin/BST-2 negatively regulates receptor function was provided in cell line experiments, where we focused on the therapeutically relevant P2Y12receptor (P2Y12R). Tetherin/BST-2 expression reduced both P2Y12R activation and trafficking, which was accompanied by reduced receptor lateral mobility specifically within membrane microdomains. In fluorescence lifetime imaging-Förster resonance energy transfer (FLIM-FRET)–based experiments, agonist stimulation reduced basal association between P2Y12R and tetherin/BST-2. Notably, the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor of tetherin/BST-2 was required for both receptor interaction and observed functional effects. In summary, we established, for the first time, a fundamental role of the ubiquitously expressed protein tetherin/BST-2 in negatively regulating membrane microdomain–expressed platelet receptor function.

The emerging photovoltaic technology, namely perovskite photovoltaics, follows a style to the blooming flower with superficial prosperity described by the ancient poet Yuxi Liu. Metal-halide perovskite has become one of the most promising photovoltaic materials for thin-film solar-cell applications, mainly due to its exellent visible light capture capability, large diffusion coefficients and long diffusion lengths of charge carriers (both electrons and holes). The reported power conversion efficiency of laboratory produced perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has exceeded 25%. However, this value was only achieved for devices of less than 0.1 cm2dimensions, and decreases significantly with the increase in area (for example, down to 11.6% for a device area of ∼800 cm2, showing the issues with the scalability). In PSCs, the electron transport layer (ETL) has to perform two essential functions, which are related: (i) to collect and transfer charges after the injection of electrons from the perovskite light harvester; and (ii) to block the backflow of holes, thus realizing effective charge separation and suppressing charge carrier recombination. However, there are several critical issues associated with the ETLs which limit the further development of the PSCs. For example, the experimentally obtained open-circuit voltages in PSCs are typically much lower compared to the theoretical voltage limit with their optical bandgaps between 1.59 and 1.63 eV. This is mainly attributed to inefficient charge transport in the PSCs due to inhomogeneous charge accumulation and serious interfacial recombination at the interfaces between the ETL and the perovskite active layer. We scan recent developments of ETLs in PSCs, and discuss design methodologies, mechanisms, processing and characterization of new types of ETLs. High power conversion efficiency with large open-circuit voltages/photo-currents could be achieved through designing materials and microstructures for high-quality ETLs with a high electron mobility, high electrical conductivity and pinhole-free film morphology. It is crucial to balance the charge diffusion processes in the respective charge collective layers of PSCs as the interfaces between the ETLs and perovskites along with their interfacial structures play key roles in achieving new solid-state mesoscopic solar cells optimized open circuit voltages and output photocurrents.

Perovskite solar cells have been demonstrated as promising low-cost and highly efficient next-generation solar cells. Enhancing VOCby minimization the interfacial recombination kinetics can further improve device performance. In this work, we for the first time reported on surface passivation of perovskite layers with chemical modified graphene oxides, which act as efficient interlayer to reduce interfacial recombination and enhance hole extraction as well. Our modeling points out that the passivation effect mainly comes from the interaction between functional group (4-fluorophenyl) and under-coordinated Pb ions. The resulting perovskite solar cells achieved high efficient power conversion efficiency of 18.75% with enhanced high open circuit VOCof 1.11 V. Ultrafast spectroscopy, photovoltage/photocurrent transient decay, and electronic impedance spectroscopy characterizations reveal the effective passivation effect and the energy loss mechanism. This work sheds light on the importance of interfacial engineering on the surface of perovskite layers and provides possible ways to improve device efficiency.

•Novel donor-acceptor-donor small molecular hole transport materials were reported.•Devices using the novel material achieve a power conversion efficiency of 14.21%.•Novel material show advantages in hole mobility and conductivity over spiro-OMeTAD.

A series of photosensitive resins suitable for the production of silicone elastomers through digital light processing 3D printing are reported. Based on thiol–ene click reaction between a branched mercaptan-functionalized polysiloxane and different-molecular-weight vinyl-terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane), silicone elastomers with tunable hardness and mechanical properties are obtained. Printed elastomeric objects show high printing resolution and excellent mechanical properties. The break elongation of the silicone elastomers can get up to 1400%, which is much higher than the reported UV-cured elastomers and is even higher than the most stretchable thermocuring silicone elastomers. The superstretchable silicone elastomers are then applied to fabricate stretchable electronics with carbon nanotubes-doped hydrogel. The printable and processable silicone elastomers have great potential applications in various fields, including soft robotics, flexible actuators, and medical implants.

Three novel diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) based small organic molecules were synthesized as hole transporting materials for perovskite solar cells. The effects of different donors and π bridges on the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) were discussed. The efficiency of TPADPP-1, TPADPP-2, PTZDPP-2 was 5.10%, 9.85% and 8.16% respectively. Compared to TPADPP-2, the voltage of PTZDPP-2 was higher. Because the electron-donating ability of phenothiazine based donor was larger than that of triphenylamine based donor, the HOMO level of PTZDPP-2 was lower than that of TPADPP-2. The results indicated that the diketopyrrolopyrrole based D-π-A-π-D type small organic molecule might be a promising hole transporting material in the perovskite solar cells.

Nowadays hole-transporting materials based on conductive small organic molecules and polymers have become the hottest topic in high-performance perovskite solar cells. Currently, the perovskite solar cells have reached certified power conversion efficiency of 22.1%. 2,2′,7,7′-tetrakis(N,N-di-p-methoxyphenylamine)-9,9′-spirobifluorene and poly-triarylamine are the two widely used hole-transporting materials in highly efficient perovskite solar cells. It is highly desirable to seek other low-cost and efficient hole-transporting material for highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells. This review summarizes recent progress of typical small molecules, conductive polymer hole-transporting materials used for efficient perovskite solar cells. Particularly, we focus on those hole transporting material based on triphenylamine units.

Herein we propose a new equivalent circuit including double heterojunctions in series to simulate the current–voltage characteristic of P–I–N planar structure perovskite solar cells. This new method can theoretically solve the dilemma of the parameter diode ideal factor being larger than 2 from an ideal single heterojunction equivalent circuit, which usually is in the range from 1 to 2. The diode ideal factor reflects PN junction quality, which influences the recombination at electron transport layer/perovskite and perovskite/hole transport layer interface. Based on the double PN junction equivalent circuit, we can also simulate the dark current–voltage curve for analyzing recombination current (Shockley–Read–Hall recombination) and diffusion current (including direct recombination), and thus carrier recombination and transportation characteristics. This new model offers an efficacious and simple method to investigate interfaces condition, film quality of perovskite absorbing layer and performance of transport layer, helping us further improve the device efficiency and analyze the working mechanism.

Diluted magnetic semiconductor (DMS) quantum dots have been researched extensively due to their potential applications in next-generation spin-based devices. Herein, the cubic In2S3:Dy3+DMS quantum dots (3–5 nm) with different doping concentrations were synthesized via a gas–liquid phase chemical deposition method. The effect of Dy3+content on the photoluminescence (PL) and ferromagnetism was investigated. The PL emission spectra exhibit a blue-shift compared with those reported previously due to the increased quantum size confinement and enhanced intensity attributed to the Dy3+doping. The distinct and stronger room-temperature ferromagnetism is observed from vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) measurement. The coexistence of ferromagnetic (FM) and antiferromagnetic (AFM) phases and antiferromagnetic interation plays a dominant position after a certain doping concentration value can be further confirmed according to the zero field cooling/field cooling (ZFC/FC) curves. As revealed in the magnetic origin study from first-principles calculations, the ferromagnetism obtained arises not only from the Dy atoms but also from the In vacancies. In addition, we also proposed a spontaneous mechanism based on the bound magnetic polaron theory to explain the change of saturation magnetizations along with Dy3+doping concentration. This work provides experimental and theoretical guidance for designing and synthesizing unique spintronic materials, which can promote development of spintronic applications.

Four-dimensional printing, a new process to fabricate active materials through three-dimensional (3D) printing developed by MIT’s Self-Assembly Lab in 2014, has attracted more and more research and development interests recently. In this paper, a type of epoxy-acrylate hybrid photopolymer was synthesized and applied to fabricate shape memory polymers through a stereolithography 3D printing technique. The glass-to-rubbery modulus ratio of the printed sample determined by dynamic mechanical analysis is as high as 600, indicating that it may possess good shape memory properties. Fold-deploy and shape memory cycle tests were applied to evaluate its shape memory performance. The shape fixity ratio and the shape recovery ratio in ten cycles of fold-deploy tests are about 99 and 100%, respectively. The shape recovery process takes less than 20 s, indicating its rapid shape recovery rate. The shape fixity ratio and shape recovery ratio during 18 consecutive shape memory cycles are 97.44 ± 0.08 and 100.02 ± 0.05%, respectively, showing that the printed sample has high shape fixity ratio, shape recovery ratio, and excellent cycling stability. A tensile test at 62 °C demonstrates that the printed samples combine a relatively large break strain of 38% with a large recovery stress of 4.7 MPa. Besides, mechanical and thermal stability tests prove that the printed sample has good thermal stability and mechanical properties, including high strength and good toughness.

The high levels of bile acids are a critical factor in hepatorenal syndrome. Organic solute transporter α/β (Ostα/β) participate in bile acids reabsorption in the kidney. Fucoidan has the great potential in protecting against liver and kidney injury. However, whether Ostα/β increase bile acids reabsorption in bile duct ligature (BDL)-induced hepatorenal syndrome and the blockade of fucoidan are still not clear. Male mice that received BDL were given to fucoidan (at 12.5, 25 and 50 ​mg/kg) through intraperitoneal injection once daily for three weeks. The serum, liver and kidney samples of these experimental mice were collected to carry out biochemical, pathological and Western blot analysis. In this study, fucoidan significantly lowered serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), decreased serum levels of uric acid, creatinine and uric nitrogen, restored the deregulation of the renal urate transporter 1 (URAT1), organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1), and organic cation/carnitine transporter 1/2 (OCTN1/2), consistence with alleviation BDL-induced liver and kidney dysfunction, inflammation and fibrosis in mice. Furthermore, fucoidan significantly hampered Ostα/β and reduced bile acids reabsorption in BDL-induced mice, protected against AML12 and HK-2 ​cells injury in vitro. These results demonstrate that fucoidan alleviates BDL-induced hepatorenal syndrome through inhibition Ostα/β to reduce bile acids reabsorption in mice. Therefore, suppression of Ostα/β by fucoidan may be a novel strategy for attenuating hepatorenal syndrome.

Let Aand Bbe finite-dimensional algebras over a field kof finite global dimension. Using some results of Gorsky in “Semi-derived Hall algebras and tilting invariance of Bridgeland-Hall algebras”, we prove that if Aand Bare derived equivalent, then the corresponding m-periodic derived categories are triangulated equivalent.

By using the Hilbert–Huang transform, a novel method is proposed to perform the task of particle sizing and axial locating directly from in-line digital holograms rather than reconstructing the optical field. The intensity distribution of the particle hologram is decomposed into intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) by the empirical mode decomposition. From the Hilbert spectrum of these IMFs, the axial location of the particle can be calculated by fitting the spectrum to a straight line, and the particle size can be derived from the singularities of the spectrum. Our method does not need to predefine any basis function; thus the whole process is fast and efficient. The validity and accuracy of the method are demonstrated by the numerical simulations and experiments. It is expected that this method can be used in on-line particle sizing and 3D tracking.

In this paper, a CuS/graphene nanocomposite modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was successfully constructed and used for determination of esculetin. The electrochemical behavior of esculetin was studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The results indicated that the synergistic effect between CuS nanoparticles (NPs) and graphene enhanced the electrochemical response of esculetin. Under optimal conditions, the DPV peak current increased linearly with the esculetin concentration in the range from 1.0 × 10−7to 1.0 × 10−4mol L−1, and the detection limit (S/N= 3) was 5.8 × 10−8mol L−1. Furthermore, a good selectivity with high sensitivity was obtained for the determination of esculetin in real samples.

Acid and acidic urea‐induced unfolding of hemoglobin (Hb) was investigated using protein‐film‐based electrochemical method. The conformational transition of Hb was monitored through the change of direct electrochemical response of Hb. The heme groups in Hb detached from their native binding sites after pH<4.0. Spectral experiments fully supported the results. Furthermore, the catalytic ability of Hb was enhanced 15 times under the optimal unfolded conditions of pH 2.0 PBS containing 3.0 mol L−1urea. The method contributes to understand the relationship between function and conformation of Hb, and provides possibility of manipulating protein function by controlling its conformation.

Morphological structures of epoxy resin toughened by a fluorinated polyimide were observed by SEM. Three layers formed spontaneously parallel to the film surface in the range of polyimide weight fraction w= 0.14–0.20, when the samples were cured at 130 °C. The two outer layers consisted mostly of the epoxy‐rich phase. The middle layer consisted of bicontinuous domains of polyimide‐ and epoxy‐rich phases with a characteristic domain size much smaller than the outer layer thickness. At w= 0.10–0.13, aggregates of polyimide‐rich particles formed. Observation of the morphological development at w= 0.15 suggested that polyimide‐rich domains were distributed over the whole sample in the early period.

Short-range semiochemicals convey individual-specific information, which is important for final successful courtship and copulation. In this study, an electroantennography (EAG) instrument was used to determine the legs of male Bactrocera dorsalisthat might participate in the perception of 4-allyl-2,6-dimethoxyphenol (4-DMP), a female-biased cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) component. By performing comparative RNA-seq analysis, nine differentially expressed OBPs between 4-DMP-stimulated (M4-DMP) and unstimulated (M) male flies were screened out. Among the four downregulated OBPs, BdorOBP2 exhibited the strongest binding to 4-DMP than BdorOBP4, BdorOBP19a, and BdorOBP56h. Functional analyses confirmed that the reduction in transcript abundance of BdorOBP2 led to a significant decrease in behavioral responses of male flies to 4-DMP. In silicosimulation revealed dramatic changes in the key residues and conformation between the two complexes, implying that BdorOBP2 might activate different receptors after binding to 4-DMP or methyl eugenol (ME). The results of this study suggest that BdorOBP2 mediates behavioral responses to 4-DMP and could be a promising molecular target for strategies of pest control.

No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Gene mutations play an important role in the pathogenesis of von Willebrand disease (VWD), resulting in the qualitative defect or quantitative deficit of von Willebrand factor (VWF). VWF propeptide is composed of D1 and D2 domain, which acts as a covalent oxidoreductase in the multimerization. In addition, the propeptide is necessary for the transport from endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to Golgi-apparatus, basal secretion and regulated secretion of VWF. However, the mechanisms of the mutation in D1 domain impairing VWF multimerization and causing low VWF levels in patients remain unknown. Herein we identified four mutations in the D1 domain from VWD patients, and assessed the effect of these mutations on the function of propeptide.

No elevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Antagonists of platelet integrin alphaIIbbeta3are potent anti-thrombotics due to critical roles of integrins in thrombosis. However, integrins are also important in hemostasis, and thus integrin antagonists have potentially life-threatening bleeding side effect. It would be ideal if we can develop integrin antagonists without bleeding side effect. Integrins transmit signals bidirectionally. Intracellular signals activate integrin alphaIIbbeta3, leading to talin-dependent integrin ligation, which is required for platelet adhesion and initial hemostatic thrombus formation. Integrin ligation in turn mediates Galpha13/Src-dependent outside-in signaling that stabilizes and amplify thrombi, which is crucial for occlusive arterial thrombosis. Here we show that talin and Galpha13bind to mutually exclusive but distinct sites in integrin beta3, and their bindings are dynamically regulated during integrin signaling. The first talin binding wave mediates inside-out signaling and also “ligand-induced integrin activation”, but is not required for early phase outside-in signaling. Integrin ligation induces talin dissociation and Galpha13binding, which selectively mediates early phase outside-in signaling. The second talin binding wave is associated with late phase outside-in signaling and clot retraction. Based on these findings, we have designed a selective inhibitor of Galpha13-integrin interaction, which specifically abolished outside-in signaling without affecting inside-out signaling and integrin ligation. Strikingly, this inhibitor potently inhibits occlusive thrombosis in vivo, but has no effect on tail bleeding time, in contrast to the current integrin antagonists. Thus, we have discovered a mechanism for switching the direction of integrin signaling and a new anti-thrombotic that does not cause bleeding.