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Abstract: Objective: To investigate the effect of cardiomyocyte proliferation induced by human hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in pigs with chronic myocardial infarction (CMI). Methods: A steerable, deflectable 7F catheter incorporating a 27-guage needle was advanced percutaneously to the left ventricular myocardium of 18 pigs with CMI. Pigs were randomized (1:1:1) to receive adenoviral vector HGF (total dose, 1 × 1010 genome copies), which was administered as five injections into the infarcted myocardium (total, 1.0 mL), or saline, or Ad-null (control groups). Injections were guided by Ensite NavX left ventricular electroanatomical mapping. HGF and cyclin proteins were detected by western blot and immunoprecipitation analysis. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis determined proliferating cardiomyocytes. Myocardial perfusion and cardiac function were estimated by Gated-Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (G-SPECT). Results: Western blot analyses showed that HGF were predominantly expressed in the infarct core and border in the myocardium of the infarcted heart. G-SPECT analysis indicated that the HGF group had better cardiac function and myocardial perfusion four weeks after the injection of Ad-HGF than before the injection of Ad-HGF. After treatment there were more proliferating cardiomyocytes in the HGF group compared to either of the control groups. Furthermore, the HGF group myocardial samples expressed higher levels of p-Akt, cyclin A, cyclin E, cyclin D1, cdk2, cdk4 than those in the control groups. Conclusion: The over-expression of HGF activates pro-survival pathways, induces cardiomyocyte proliferation, and improves the perfusion and function of the porcine CMI heart. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Peanut agglutinin (PNA)-immobilized fluorescent nanospheres were designed as a novel imaging agent for colonoscopy. PNA is a targeting moiety that binds to β-d-galactosyl-(1–3)-N-acetyl-d-galactosamine, which is the terminal sugar of the Thomsen-Friedenreich antigen that is specifically expressed on the mucosal side of colorectal cancer cells. The in vivo performance of the imaging agent was evaluated using a human colorectal cancer orthotopic animal model. Human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines, HT-29, HCT-116, and LS174T, were implanted on the cecal serosa of immune-deficient mice. A loop of the tumor-bearing cecum was made, and the luminal side was treated with the imaging agent. Strong fluorescence was observed at several sites of the cecal mucosa, irrespective of cancer cell type. Microscopic histological evaluation of the cecal mucosa revealed that bright areas with fluorescence derived from the imaging agent and dark areas without the fluorescence well denoted the presence and absence, respectively, of the invasion of implanted cancer cells on the mucosal side. This good correlation showed that PNA-immobilized fluorescent nanospheres recognized millimeter-sized tumors on the cecal mucosa with high affinity and specificity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Several non-polar a-plane GaN films had been grown by hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) on different designed metal organic chemical deposition (MOCVD) GaN templates, which exhibited various ridge-like sidewall facets surface morphologies. The templates induced a lateral growth at the early stage of the HVPE growth, and resulted in a kind of maskless epitaxy lateral overgrown (ELO) process. It is found that the dislocation reduced differently along [1000] and [] directions in these HVPE a-plane GaN layers. In [0001] direction, the dislocation reduction resulted from the optimal surface roughness value of the template. In [] direction, the inclined facet might be a main factor for the dislocation reduction in HVPE-GaN films. The maskless ELO process had a significant influence on decreasing the dislocation density. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells (MQWs) blue and violet light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were stressed under the injection current density of 26.5A/cm2 for about 400h at room temperature. Degradation behaviors of blue and violet LEDs were compared. Two stages of degradation were identified in the blue and violet LEDs. At the initial stage, the violet LEDs degraded very fast, but the blue LEDs degraded relatively slow. At later stage, both blue and violet LEDs showed similar degradation rates. Analyses of the L–I and I–V characteristics revealed that the increase of effective nonradiative recombination centers in the active regions was responsible for both blue and violet LED degradations. Rapid degradation of violet LEDs at early stage resulted from dramatical increase of the effective nonradiative centers. More indium in the MQWs might be helpful for better reliability performance of blue LEDs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We studied the influence of the growth temperature and HCl flow rate on the morphological evolution of crack-free thick GaN films by using a home-made horizontal hydride vapor phase epitaxy on sapphire substrates. Optical difference microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and cathodoluminescence (CL) were carried out to reveal the surface property of the GaN epilayer. It was found that the higher growth temperature is a key factor to obtain mirror, colorless and flat GaN surface. However, this key effect of temperature was modulated by HCl flow rate (HCl>15sccm). The surface RMS roughness was reduced from 206 to 2.51nm for 10μm×10μm scan area when GaN was grown at 1070°C with HCl flow rate up to 30sccm. These samples also reduced their (0002) FWHM result from 1000 to 300arcsec and showed a strong near-band-edge peak in CL spectra. Results indicated that growth temperature influence growth velocities on different crystalline planes, which will lead to the different morphologies obtained. High growth temperature can improve the lateral growth rate of vertical {11−20} facets and reduce the vertical growth rate of top {0001} facet combined with higher HCl flow rate, which leads to completely coalescence of surface. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: High-quality thick GaN films without cracks were achieved by using a new nozzle structure in the reactor grown by the hydride vapor phase epitaxy on sapphire substrates. Optical contrast microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray double diffraction (XRD) and cathodoluminescence (CL) were carried out to reveal the surface, crystal and optical properties of the GaN epilayer. It was found that the nozzle structure in the reactor has a large effect on the growth rate, surface flat, crystal quality, and the uniformity of the growth. Compared with the old one, the new nozzle structure (denoted as multi-layers nozzle) can improve dramatically the properties of thick GaN. Mirror, colorless and flat GaN thick film was obtained and its (0002) FWHM results were reduced from 1000 to 300arcsec when the new nozzle was used. AFM result revealed a step flow growth mode for GaN layer with the new nozzle. Room-temperature CL spectra on the GaN films showed a strong near-band-edge peak for the new nozzle, but there is only weak emitting peak for the old nozzle. New nozzle structure can improve the uniform of flow field near the surface of substrates compared with the old one, which leads to the improvement of properties of GaN thick film by hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Peanut agglutinin (PNA)-immobilized polystyrene nanospheres with surface poly(N-vinylacetamide) (PNVA) chains encapsulating coumarin 6 were designed as a novel colonoscopic imaging agent. PNA was a targeting moiety that binds to β-d-galactosyl-(1-3)-N-acetyl-d-galactosamine, which is the terminal sugar of the Thomsen–Friedenreich antigen that is specifically expressed on the mucosal side of colorectal cancer cells. PNVA was immobilized with the aim of reducing nonspecific interactions between imaging agents and normal tissues. Coumarin 6 was encapsulated into nanosphere cores to provide endoscopically detectable fluorescence intensity. After incubation of imaging agents with human cells, the fluorescence intensity of imaging agent-bound cells was estimated quantitatively. The average fluorescence intensity of any type of colorectal cancer cell used in this study was higher than that of small intestinal epithelial cells that had not exposed the carbohydrate. The in vivo performance of imaging agents was subsequently evaluated using a human colorectal cancer orthotopic animal model. Imaging agent-derived strong fluorescence was observed at several sites of the large intestinal mucosa in the tumor-implanted nude mice after the luminal side of the colonic loop was contacted with imaging agents. In contrast, when mice that did not undergo tumor implantation were used, the fluorescence intensity on the mucosal surface was extremely low. Data indicated that imaging agents bound to colorectal cancer cells and the cancer cell-derived tumors with high affinity and specificity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Polytetrafluoroethylene/Aluminum (PTFE/Al) composite with high energy density and combustion reaction performance has received widespread attention in the field of propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics. In order to precisely control combustion reaction and energy output performance, gradient structured PTFE/Al composite (mass and diameter gradient) has been designed and constructed through 3D printing technology. PTFE/Al ink is prepared by acoustic resonance mixing to control rheological properties (viscosity and modulus) for 3D printing technology. The largest reaction heat (7749.95 J/g) and burning rate (~130 mm/s) are achieved for gradient lines with diameter of 2.42 mm and mass ratio of 60:40 (PTFE/Al). Moreover, the progressive change from steady combustion to deflagration containing three stages of pressure output is observed for gradient structured PTFE/Al cylinder. This work reveals that gradient structure could provide new strategy to tune energy output and combustion performances, which can promote the practical application of PTFE/Al reactive materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this letter, Raman spectra for a series of (Ga, Mn)N samples with different Mn concentration grown by MOCVD have been investigated. A new vibrational mode at 577 cm−1 obtained is assigned to the local vibrational mode (LVM) of Mn substituting the Ga site. Another mode at 667 cm−1 arises from vibrational mode of nitrogen vacancies-related defects. It is found that Mn doping increases the lattice disorder and other built-in defects such as the nitrogen vacancies. The room temperature ferromagnetism is not only dependent on the substitutional Mn content but also strongly related to these lattice disorder and negative defects in (Ga, Mn)N films. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Ga1− x Mn x N epitaxial films were grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) with tricarbonyl (methycyclopentadienyl) manganese ((MCP)2Mn) as dopant source. Magnetic measurements indicate that the films are n-type conductivity (x=0.01), ferromagnetic ordering with Curie temperature above room temperature. The magnetic moment per Mn atom decreases when the Mn concentration changes from 0.01 to 0.03. Magneto-transport properties were performed in the temperature range of 2–300K. The magneto-resistance (MR) changes from negative effect to positive effect with increasing temperature. The negative MR effect at low temperature is due to the reduction of the magnetic scattering of the Mn ions under the applied magnetic field. Furthermore, the zero-field-cooled (ZFC)/field-cooled (FC) and MR behavior at low temperature confirm that the ferromagnetism and paramagnetism coexist in Ga1− x Mn x N films. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The changes of optical output power and electrical property of InGaN/GaN violet light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with different indium compositions have been investigated, under injection current densities of 26.5 and 79.5A/cm2. When injection current density was 26.5A/cm2, output power of LEDs with low indium composition (2%) degraded more rapidly than the ones of 10% indium inside. At a large injection level of 79.5A/cm2, the difference in optical power degradation between LEDs of 10% and 2% indium composition became small. A discussion based on the results of current–voltage curves , L–I curves, as well as optical power degradation with stress time indicates that LEDs with 10% indium composition have better performance than LEDs with 2% indium composition. It is believed that the indium enhancement of radiative recombination helps preventing defect generation during electrical stress. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study, the etching characteristics of Al x Ga1 − x N/GaN superlattices with x=0.11 and 0.21 of Al and n-GaN with Cl2/SiCl4/Ar plasma using reactive ion etching (RIE) system were investigated. By varying gas ratio and rf power, it was found that SiCl4 is an effective getter to remove residual oxygen in the chamber and has a strong physical sputtering effect to remove the oxide layer during the etching, and a nearly nonselective smooth etching of Al x Ga1− x N/GaN SLs with the high etch rate of 220nm/min could be obtained. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Hall measurements were employed together to reveal the correlation between stoichiometry and electrical changes of n-GaN induced by plasma etching. Combining with N2O plasma post-etch treatments to restore etched surfaces, those results suggested that oxygen not only influences morphology of the Al-containing samples, but also electrical properties of n-GaN by changing the status of oxygen-related defects, which may play crucial roles in determining the nature of the damage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Polymer bonded explosives (PBXs) have weak strength and toughness, as well as they are prone to fracture under stress. To overcome these disadvantages, inspired by the strong adhesion of mussels and the hierarchical structure of nacre, we designed and fabricated novel PBX composites by coating three explosive crystals (2,6-diamino-3,5-dinitropyrazine-1-oxide, LLM-105; 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene, TATB; and 1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocane, HMX) with polydopamine (PDA), respectively. The results of mechanical analysis and in situ small angle neutron scattering measurements showed that these novel PBX composites exhibited higher strength, stronger toughness, and higher creep resistance, and higher microstructural thermal stability simultaneously, compared to PBXs without multiple bio-inspired designs. Contact angles measurements indicated that the interfacial interaction intensities between energetic crystals and polymer binder could be largely enhanced by PDA coating on energetic crystals. Theoretical calculations revealed that PDA-modified PBX-LLM-105 achieved the most increment in mechanical strength, which were well consistent with the experiments. An enhancement mechanism combining the van der Waals forces, π–π interaction, and hydrogen bonds, as well as surface roughness was proposed to account for the variety of mechanical properties and microstructural thermal stability of PDA-modified PBXs. The results revealed in this study are commonly significant to interfacial modification and performance enhancement of materials. [Display omitted] • Multiple bio-inspired designs were applied successfully to balance the strength and toughness ofPBXs. • The bio-inspired designs have significantly enhanced the mechanical strength, creep resistance, and thermal stability of PBXs. • The molecular structures and surface roughness of energetic materials have great effect on the interfacial interaction. • The inter-facial interaction enhancement mechanism of polydopamine on different explosive crystals were detailedly revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A phase manipulation of molybdenum disulfide strategy has been adopted for fast decomposition of AP and HMX with safety operation performance. • Li-ion assisted manipulation of MoS 2 made it into highly active 1T phase. • 1T-MoS 2 possessed enhanced active sites, electrical conductivity and porosity. • Intrinsic lamellar MoS 2 improved safety performances of AP and HMX. • Fast energy releasing of HMX and AP was gained using 1T-MoS 2 catalyst. Designing advanced component for synergistically achieving the safety performance and energy releasing of widely studied energetic materials (EMs) is of far-reaching significance in composite solid propellants. Herein, molybdenum disulfide with high-active 1T phase (1T-MoS 2) was engineered by a phase-manipulation strategy through chemical Li-intercalation from its original state (2H-MoS 2). The as-prepared 1T-MoS 2 was used for the improved safety and decomposition performances of two typical EMs (ammonium perchlorate: AP and 1,3,5,7-tetranittro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocane: HMX) in propellants. Lubricant 1T-MoS 2 endowed considerable advances in safety performance of EMs, with remarkably reduced the impact and friction sensitivity. Besides, fast energy-releasing performance with visibly lower activation energy was realized for AP@1T-MoS 2 and HMX@1T-MoS 2. In addition, large decomposition heats were simultaneously achieved. Computational studies disclosed this improvement could be attributed to the multi-coupling effect arising from the promoted electron transfer capability, strong affiliations of catalyst/burning products and the abundant actives sites of 1T-MoS 2 phase. Our results demonstrate substantial improvements in the synergistical design of safe and fast-decomposed AP and HMX complex for solid propellants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Mutations in the S100B coding region play little or no role in Chinese PD. [•] The first study of the S100B gene in a large cohort of Chinese PD patients. [•] The result will stimulate researches about pathogenic role of the S100B gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Confinement of thermally conductive fillers is crucial for polymer based composites to achieve highly efficient filler-filler contact and construct conductive pathways. In order to obtain superior thermal conductivity, a novel strategy was proposed to construct separated architectures in energetic composites by selective distribution of graphene nanoplates (GNPs) in confined and continuous spaces. The thermal conductivity of the 1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocane (HMX) @fluoropolymer (PF) @GNPs composites with incorporation of GNPs in separated architectures was markedly improved to 1.145 W/m K at a GNPs loading of 1.74 vol%, which was 197.2% higher than that of raw HMX@PF without GNPs. Theoretical simulation suggested that the enhanced thermal conductivity was mainly ascribed to the evidently reduced interfacial and contact thermal resistance. In addition, the characteristic impact energy (E BAM) was improved by 43% due to the good capability of heat dissipation, indicating improved safety performance for such energetic composites. This work provides a general and efficient strategy for the fabrication of high-performance energetic materials with high thermal conductivity, low sensitivity, and superior thermal shock resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypochlorite (ClO−) is associated with complex physiological activities in the living system. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a tool for visualizing ClO− at the cellular and subcellular levels. We herein presented a two-photon fluorescent probe MCL with dual response sites and ratiometric response to ClO−. The response sites of two oxathiolane rings endowed probe MCL with superior selectivity for ClO− over other analytes. The fast response and high sensitivity of MCL to ClO− were also well demonstrated. In addition, probe MCL was confirmed to possess accurate mitochondrial targeting ability through a co-localization study. The good two-photon sensing performance of MCL for exogenous and LPS-induced endogenous ClO− in living cells was validated by dual-color imaging. Moreover, we employed the probe to successfully monitor endogenous ClO− in H 2 S-stimulated cells by dual-channel mode for the first time. A two-photon fluorescent probe with dual response sites for ratiometric imaging of mitochondrial hypochlorite in living cells has been developed. Image 1 • A ratiometric two-photon fluorescent probe was designed for monitoring ClO−. • The probe showed ultrafast response and high selectivity for ClO− detection. • Dual-channel imaging of exogenous and endogenous ClO− in mitochondria was obtained. • The probe was used for dual-color imaging of H 2 S-induced ClO− in cells for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AlN layer was grown as interlayer between undoped GaN and Mg doped Al0.14Ga0.86N/GaN superlattices (SLs) epilayer to modulate the strain distribution between Al0.14Ga0.86N barrier and GaN well layers in SLs sample. Strain relaxation was observed in the SLs sample with AlN interlayer by x-ray diffraction reciprocal space mapping method. The measured hole concentration of SLs sample with AlN interlayer at room temperature was over 1.6×1018 cm-3 but that was only 6.6×1016 cm-3 obtained in SLs sample without AlN interlayer. Variable temperature Hall-effect measurement showed that the acceptor activation energy decreased from 150 to 70 meV after inserting the AlN layer, which indicated that the strain modulation of SLs induced by AlN interlayer was beneficial to the Mg acceptor activation and hole concentration enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polarization-resolved edge-emitting electroluminescence of InGaN/GaN multiple quantum well (MQW) light emitting diodes (LEDs) from 395 to 455 nm was measured. Polarization ratio decreased from 3.2 of near-ultraviolet LEDs (395 nm) to 1.9 of blue LEDs (455 nm). Based on TE mode dominant emissions in InGaN/GaN MQWs, compressive strain in well region favors TE mode, indium induced quantum-dot-like behavior leads to an increased TM component. As wavelength increased, indium enhanced quantum-dot-like behavior became obvious and E∥C electroluminescence signal increased thus lower polarization ratio. Electroluminescence spectrum shifts confirmed that quantum dotlike behaviors rather than strain might be dominant in modifying luminescence mode of InGaN/GaN MQWs from near ultraviolet to blue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superior potassium-ion and sodium-ion storage performance could be achieved using the NiS@C electrodes, where NiS were chemically combined with nitrogen-doped carbon via Ni–N bond. • NiS were encapsulated in nitrogen-doped carbon cages via the Ni–N chemical bond. • Highly conductive network and fast ionic diffusion channels were constructed. • Cycling stability could be attributable to the stronger affinity of N-doped carbon. Potassium-ion-battery (PIB) and sodium-ion-battery (SIB) have been considered as next-generation energy storage devices due to their low-cost and abundant resource. The main challenge lies in the lack of novel electrodes to accommodate the large-size K/Na-ions. Herein, a facile solvothermal method coupled with a polydopamine coating and post-annealing strategy is developed to synthesize unique box-like NiS@C. NiS particles are encapsulated in nitrogen-doped carbon cages via the Ni–N bond, presenting excellent sodium/potassium-ion storage performances. The coexistence of nitrogen doped carbon, as well as the chemical bond between NiS and carbon endows the composite with highly conductive network and fast ionic diffusion channels, exhibiting excellent rate capability. The superior cyclic stability can be attributable to the stronger affinity of N-doped carbon to NiS and discharge products, which has been further demonstrated through first-principles density functional theory (DFT) simulations. NiS@C delivers a high Na-ion-storage capacity of 632 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1 over 2000 cycles. A stable K-ion storage capacity of 171 mAh g−1 can be retained at 1 A g−1 after 300 cycles. These findings suggest box-like NiS@C is a promising anode candidate for alkali-ion batteries. Present synthetic approach could be extended to other functional electrode materials for energy-storage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weak interfacial interactions always restricted and weakened the properties of the composite materials and constituted a primary bottleneck. Herein, under the guidance of bioinspired engineering thought and inimitable structural features of hyperbranched polymers (HBPs), a series of designed multilevel core-shell 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB) particles by in-situ grafting HBPs on polydopamine (PDA) surface via "grafting-from" route was reported. Then, using water suspension granulation method, TATB based PBX composites were prepared by adding polymer binder solution dropwise into explosive suspension. The results displayed that a high efficiency mechanical enhancement of polymer bonded explosives (PBX) composites was achieved. After the incorporation of linear soft chains to regulate the outer shell of hyperbranched polyurethane (HBPU), the composites with multilevel core-shell-shell structure revealed the highest tensile and compressive strength at only 1.5 wt% polymer shell content. Based on morphology and structure characterization, contact angle measurement and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurement, a mechanical reinforcement mechanism was proposed. This approach provides a promising project for design and preparation of high performance polymer composites. • A series of multilevel core-shell interfacial structures were successfully realized on energetic particle surface. • High-efficiency mechanical enhancement was achieved relying on this structural design strategy. • A completely new recognition of the rough, hierarchical or fractal interfaces was firstly obtained by aid of SANS. • A ternary synergetic interface enhancement mechanism has been proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interfacial engineered energetic co-particles exhibited ultralow sensitivity and improved detonation performance, providing an effective strategy to balance the energy and safety of explosive • A new energetic-material format is promoted, named as "co-particles". • Uniform TATB coating on HMX acts as "armors" to resist external force. • Well-distributed TATB inside HMX alleviates the stimulation like a "lubricant". • Resultant HMX/TATB co-particles exhibit excellent safety performance. • Interfacial coupling endows co-particles with enhanced detonation performance. Interface regulating is considered as a promising approach for optimizing the energy and safety performance of energetic materials (EMs). Nevertheless, realizing effective promotion of safety performance meanwhile maintaining a high energy level is still a big challenge to energetic 1,3,5,7-tetranittro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocane (HMX). Herein, novel energetic composites proposed by introducing 2,4,6 trinitrobenzene-1,3,5-triamine (TATB) at the HMX interface (denoted as HMX/TATB co-particles, cp-HMX/TATB) have been achieved by a simple hydrothermal assembly. High HMX mass contents (90%) in co-particle ensure high energy levels. Experimental and molecular dynamics simulation suggested the coupling of nitro-group in HMX and amino-group in TATB is the main driving force for the strong interfacial contact along specific crystalline directions, endowing tightly interfacial contact and assembly with low porosity. Integrated cp-HMX/TATB demonstrated enhanced crystal density and fast decomposition kinetics. Moreover, resultant energetic cp-HMX/TATB deliver superior Bundesanstalt-für-Materialforschung (BAM) sensitivities (impact: 65 J, friction: 288 N) amongst reported HMX-based EMs and much improved detonation velocity and pressure of 9173.35 m s−1 and 39.65 GPa, respectively, indicating a combination of efficient desensitization and high energy level. Detailed understanding of the interface properties in high-energy explosives generated by the interfacial engineering sheds lights on the design of efficient energetic material system with high energy and favorable safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inspired by mussel adhesion, the self-polymerization of dopamine was adopted to coat 2,6-diamino-3,5-dinitropyrazine-1-oxide (LLM-105) crystals with different crystal characteristics. It has been demonstrated that the crystal quality and surface roughness played a crucial role in mechanical sensitivity and bioinspired interfacial reinforcement of LLM-105 based energetic composites. The high crystal quality brought benefits for the safety performances of polydopamine (PDA) modified LLM-105 crystals, with the drop height of 50% explosion probability (H 50) higher than 112.2 cm. After PDA coating for 6 h, the compressive and tensile strength of LLM-105 based polymer bonded explosives (PBXs) could be improved by 27%–52% and 47%–100%, respectively. The enhancing effect in mechanical properties was more pronounced for LLM-105 crystals with smooth surface, due to the physical "interlocking block" at the interface induced by the increase of surface roughness after PDA modification. The overall results indicated that PDA coating had great potential in improving the mechanical properties of different LLM-105 based PBXs while maintaining safety performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An Al-based MIC (EF@EMOF) was prepared via electrospinning combining with in situ growth technique. • Obtained MIC has significantly increased heat release and burning rate. • The etching reaction avoids the sintering and improves combustion efficiency. Combustion is a kind of reacting process involves fluid mechanics and chemical reactions at the same time. In the past decades, little attention has been paid to the improvement on the heat and mass transfer rate of EMs, especially for metastable intermixed composites (MICs). In this paper, an Al-based MIC (EF@EMOF) with modified chemical kinetics as well as improved heat and mass transfer rate was prepared by precisely designing the reaction process and introducing energetic metal organic frameworks (EMOF) with high specific surface area as the reactants. The overall reaction process includes the activation of n-Al by eliminating Al 2 O 3 , decomposition of EMOF producing metal oxide, followed by exothermic reactions between the activated n-Al with metal oxide and PVDF. Results show that obtained MIC has significantly increased heat release (3464 J g−1), burning rate (more than 5 times faster than that of mechanically mixed one), and improved combustion efficiency. Furthermore, it is found that the decomposition of EMOF as well as the etching reaction generates massive gas products on the interface layer which avoid the sintering and form lots of holes. Those holes, in return, provide new channels for the further reaction, thus significantly improving the energy output and chemical reaction kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MoSe 2 nanosheets with defective microstructure were designed and investigated as anode materials for superior Na-ion storage and hydrogen evolution in alkaline media, displaying long cycling stability at high rate and excellent electrocatalytic activity. • Remarkable rate capability and excellent cycling performance could be achieved. • Isolated crystallinities of defect-rich MoSe 2 shortened charge transport path. • Defect-rich microstructures facilitated ionic contact and transfer. • Enriched edge sites promoted the hydrogen evolution reaction in alkali solution. The development of MoSe 2 with largely exposed active sites have recently been studied as promising high-performance active materials for sodium ion batteries (SIBs) and hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) due to their excellent energy storage and conversion capabilities. In the present study, nanostructured MoSe 2 platelets with defective edge-sites (denoted as defect-rich, DR-MoSe 2) have been synthesized with a nonstoichiometric ratio of precursors. The resulting DR-MoSe 2 consists of highly defective ultrasmall MoSe 2 nanoplatelets, showing ample pore distribution and highly exposed active edge sites. When testified as SIBs anodes, it reveals enhanced sodium-ion storage capacity and improved rate capability based on a pseudocapacitive charge storage mechanism. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations disclosed that sodium-ions trend to adsorb on the edge sites with a high binding energy and then diffuse along the basal planes with a low transport energy barrier. A hybrid sodium-ion capacitor based on DR-MoSe 2 anode has further displayed a maximum energy density of 89 Wh kg−1 at a power output of 5436 W kg−1. In addition, the Tafel slope of 68 mV dec−1 for HER is also achieved in 1 M KOH. This work shed lights on design of two-dimensional materials through edge defect engineering for high-performance energy storage and catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An energetic MOF was firstly in-situ synthesized on the Al surfaces (n-Al@EMOFs). • n-Al@EMOFs is featured by multi-level energy releases. • The total heat release of n-Al@EMOFs is as highly as 4142 J g−1. Development of the high energy storage with controlled way of releases is always desirable but challenging. Herein, a novel design of energy-storage system based on aluminum has been demonstrated with improved energy content. This group of hybrid materials uses energetic metal–organic frameworks (EMOFs) as the precursors of the metal oxides as the oxidizers in conventional nanothermites. These metastable nanocomposites of energetic MOF-activated Al (n-Al@EMOFs) are able to undergo self-sustainable combustion with multi-level energy releases. The resulted n-Al@EMOFs show unique two-step exothermic processes with a total heat release of as highly as 4142 J g−1, which is much higher than that of conventional Al/CuO system. In addition, the strategy could also help to reduce the high susceptibility of n-Al to surface oxidation and lower the ignition temperature of the composites (301.5 °C). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium ion capacitors (SICs) can combine the merits of electrochemical capacitors and batteries. The present paper reports a dual-interface composite consisting of few-layer MoSe 2 vertically anchored on reduced graphene oxide followed by decoration with metallic MoO 2 nanoparticles (MoO 2 @MoSe 2 /rGO) as anode material for SICs. Enhanced sodium-ion diffusion and electron transfer could be attributable not only to the metallic MoO 2 and graphene, but also to the electronic coupling of MoO 2 and MoSe 2 at interface, which has been verified and corroborated with DFT simulations and EIS analyses. MoO 2 @MoSe 2 /rGO electrode delivers a high sodium-ion storage capacity of 394 mAh g−1 at 3.2 A g−1 and no obvious capacity degradation for over 5000 cycles at 5 A g−1. When paired with an activated carbon cathode, a SIC has been successfully fabricated, manifesting a high energy density of 51 W h kg−1 at 7920 W kg−1 as well as long cyclability (>97% of capacity retention at 10 A g−1 over 4500 cycles). The synergistical dual-interface modification strategy proposed here can pave a way to the rational design and fabrication of a broad array of composite electrodes for next-generation Na-ion batteries and capacitors in clean energy technologies. Image 1 • An interfacial coupling strategy has been promoted using MoO 2 and graphene. • MoO 2 and graphene facilitated electron transport in MoSe 2. • A sodium ion capacitor based on MoO 2 @MoSe 2 /graphene has been assembled. • Device in this paper achieved high energy density and excellent power output. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spontaneously self-organized growth of core-shell GaN/GaN:Mn micro-wires were obtained by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) without catalyst. The structure and magnetic properties of single core-shell GaN/GaN:Mn micro-wire were investigated. Mn atoms substituted for the Ga atoms without microprecipitates or clusters in the GaN:Mn shell layer. The magnetic hysteresis curve showed that the core-shell GaN/GaN:Mn micro-wires were ferromagnetic above room temperature. In addition, a single ferromagnetic domain was confirmed by magnetic force microscope (MFM) in the as-grown GaN:Mn shell layer without external magnetic field applied before, excluding secondary phases in GaN:Mn. • Spontaneously self-organized growth of core-shell GaN/GaN:Mn micro-wires were obtained by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) without catalyst. • Mn atoms substituted for the Ga atoms without microprecipitates or clusters in the GaN:Mn shell layer. • The magnetic hysteresis curve showed that the core-shell GaN/GaN:Mn micro-wires were ferromagnetic above room temperature. • A single ferromagnetic domain was confirmed by magnetic force microscope (MFM) in the as-grown GaN:Mn shell layer without external magnetic field applied before, excluding secondary phases in GaN:Mn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interfacial strength usually plays a key role for exhibiting great effects on mechanical performances. In this work, typical energetic crystal 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trintrobenzene (TATB) was firmly coated by the strong adhesion of polydopamine (PDA), then two HBPs with fatty and aromatic structure were grafted onto the surface of TATB, by using the hydroxyl groups of the PDA layer as secondary reaction platform. Four highly-loaded polymer based energetic composites (solid loading was 95%) were prepared with fluoropolymer binders as substrate. The results showed that the surface of grafted samples with 0.5 wt% HBP was more easily wetted by non-polar liquid. Improved storage modulus and creep resistance properties were exhibited in polymer bonded explosives (PBXs). The static mechanical properties of tensile and compressive strength were increased significantly by 26.5% and 19.8%, respectively, due to the strong interfacial reinforcement of HBPs. • Successfully grafting hyperbranched polyester to energetic crystal for the first time. • Mechanical properties of PBX effectively enhanced by hyperbranched polyester grafting. • Interfacial reinforcement strategy can be extended to other highly loaded composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase change latex (PCL) is a novel kind of phase change fluid with advantages both phase change emulsion (PCE) and latex. A series of oil/water PCLs were obtained by dissolving paraffin and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) in petroleum ether, followed by emulsifying in water. The effects of emulsifier type, emulsifier content, homogenization rate and paraffin content on stability, viscosity and particle size of PCL were systematically investigated. The results showed that paraffin/EPDM PCL was able to be stably stored when the content of emulsifier, a mixture of 1-dodecanesulphonic acid sodium salt (DAS) and sorbitan monooleate (Span-80), was 6 wt% and homogenization rate was 16000 r/min. Afterwords, the PCL with the paraffin mass fractions (paraffin to the sum of paraffin and EPDM) from 0 wt% to 100 wt% were prepared. When the paraffin content is 50 wt%, the PCL has the most excellent stability and suitable particle size and distribution. As the paraffin content increased, the viscosity of PCL generally decreased sharply, and the PCL enthalpy value increased gradually. PCL has great application potential in the field of thermal energy transmission in chemical pipelines and building homes. • Phase change latex (PCL) is a novel kind of phase change fluid with advantage of phase change emulsion and latex. • Paraffin/EPDM PCL was obtained by dissolving paraffin and EPDM in petroleum ether, and then emulsifying in water. • The prepared PCL owns excellent stability and low viscosity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ellis‐van Creveld syndrome (EVC), a very rare genetic skeletal dysplasia, is clinically characterized by a tetrad consisting of chondrodystrophy, polydactyly, ectodermal dysplasia, and cardiac anomalies. The aim of this study was to identify the genetic defect for EVC in a five‐generation consanguineous Han‐Chinese pedigree. Methods: A five‐generation, 12‐member Han‐Chinese pedigree was enrolled in this study. Exome sequencing was applied in the proband to screen potential genetic variant(s), and then Sanger sequencing was used to identify the variant in family members and 200 unrelated ethnicity‐matched controls. Results: A novel homozygous variant, c.2014C>T, p.(Q672*), in the EvC ciliary complex subunit 1 gene (EVC), was detected in the patient, which was cosegregated with the disease in the family and absent in the controls. Conclusion: The identified novel homozygous EVC variant, c.2014C>T, p.(Q672*), was responsible for EVC in this Han‐Chinese pedigree. The findings in this study extend the EVC mutation spectrum and may provide new insights into EVC causation and diagnosis with implications for genetic counseling and clinical management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous administration of compound danshen dripping pills (CDDP) showed good efficacy in relieving myocardial ischemia clinically. To probe the underlying mechanism, metabolic features were evaluated in a rat model of acute myocardial ischemia induced by isoproterenol (ISO) and administrated with CDDP using a metabolomics platform. Our data revealed that the ISO-induced animal model showed obvious myocardial injury, decreased energy production, and a marked change in metabolomic patterns in plasma and heart tissue. CDDP pretreatment increased energy production, ameliorated biochemical indices, modulated the changes and metabolomic pattern induced by ISO, especially in heart tissue. For the first time, we found that ISO induced myocardial ischemia was accomplished with a reduced fatty acids metabolism and an elevated glycolysis for energy supply upon the ischemic stress; while CDDP pretreatment prevented the tendency induced by ISO and enhanced a metabolic shift towards fatty acids metabolism that conventionally dominates energy supply to cardiac muscle cells. These data suggested that the underlying mechanism of CDDP involved regulating the dominant energy production mode and enhancing a metabolic shift toward fatty acids metabolism in ischemic heart. It was further indicated that CDDP had the potential to prevent myocardial ischemia in clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common chronic neuronal degeneration disorder with motor and nonmotor clinical features. The rs10788972 variant of the transcription elongation factor A (SII) N-terminal and central domain containing 2 ( TCEANC2 ) gene in the PARK10 region was recently identified to be strongly related to sporadic PD in the American population. To evaluate whether the same variant is associated with sporadic PD in Chinese Han population, we researched 513 sporadic PD patients and 512 normal controls of Chinese Han ethnicity in Mainland China. No significant difference in genotypic and allelic distributions between patients and control groups for either rs10788972 (for genotypic distribution, χ 2 = 0.412, p = 0.814, and for allelic distribution, χ 2 = 0.280, p = 0.597) or its neighbor marker rs12046178 (for genotypic distribution, χ 2 = 1.500, p = 0.472, and for allelic distribution, χ 2 = 1.339, p = 0.247) was found. Our data suggest that neither variant is related to sporadic PD in Chinese Han population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder of complex etiology. Mounting evidence indicates that genetic abnormalities play an important role in the pathogenesis of PD. To date, at least 20 genetic loci and 15 disease-causing genes for parkinsonism have been identified, as well as some susceptibility genes conferring risk to PD. More recently, mutations in the RAB39B gene (RAB39B, member RAS oncogene family) have been reported to cause X-linked intellectual disability and early-onset PD with α-synuclein pathology. To evaluate whether variants in the RAB39B gene are related to PD in Chinese Han population, we conducted genetic analysis of the RAB39B gene in 502 patients with PD from Mainland China. No pathogenic mutation or variant was identified in the coding region or exon-intron boundaries of the gene. Our results suggest that mutation(s) in the coding region of the RAB39B gene plays little or no role in the development of PD in Chinese population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]