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[Display omitted] Optimizing interfacial charge transfer in type-II heterostructures, is one promising solution to improve efficiency of the solar energy conversion in photodetectors and solar cells. Herein, the SnS/SnSe 2 /ITO and SnSe 2 /SnS/ITO heterostructures are prepared by two-step physical vapor epitaxial growth. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirms the SnS/SnSe 2 heterostructure belongs to type-II band-alignment. The SnS/SnSe 2 based photodetector shows higher photoresponsivity, which is approximately 2, 9, and 14 times larger than that of SnSe 2 /SnS, SnSe 2 , and SnS, respectively. The improvement of SnS/SnSe 2 in photoelectric response mainly comes from high light harvesting and efficient charge transportation than individual SnSe 2 and SnS, which is verified by UV–Vis absorption spectra. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, open circuit potentials, and Mott‐Schottky characterization results further confirm that the better photodetection performance of SnS/SnSe 2 /ITO than that of SnSe 2 /SnS/ITO heterostructure is from the appropriate energy level cascade facilitating electron transport. These results provide an effective way to further improve the performance of heterostructure-based optoelectronic devices by an appropriate interface design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential health risk caused by long-term exposure to heavy metals in household dust is not only depended on their total content, but also bioaccessibility. In this study, twenty-one dust samples were collected from residential buildings, schools, and laboratories in 14 provincial-capital/industrial cities of China, aiming to evaluate the total contents, fractionation, bioaccessibility and health risks of nine heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Mn, Zn, Fe, and Cu). Results showed that the highest levels of Cd, Cr, Ni and Zn were found in laboratory dust, As, Pb and Mn in school dust, and Fe and Cu in residential dust, indicating different source profiles of the heavy metals. The mean bioaccessibility of the heavy metals across all samples as evaluated using SBRC (Solubility Bioavailability Research Consortium), IVG (In Vitro Gastrointestinal), and PBET (Physiologically Based Extraction Test) assays was 58.4%, 32.4% and 17.2% in gastric phase (GP), and 24.9%, 21.9% and 9.39% in intestinal phase (IP), respectively. Cadmium had the highest content in the fractions of E1+C2 (43.7%), as determined by sequential extraction, and Pb, Mn, and Zn had a higher content in E1+C2+F3 (64.2%, 67.2%, 78.8%), resulting in a higher bioaccessibility of these heavy metals than others. Moreover, the bioaccessibility of most heavy metals was inversely related to dust pH (R = −0.18 in GP; −0.18 in IP; P < 0.01) and particle size, while a positive correlation was observed with total organic carbon (R = 0.40 in GP; 0.38 in IP; P < 0.01). The exposure risk calculated by the highest bioaccessibility was generally lower than that calculated by the total content. However, Pb in one school dust sample had an unacceptable carcinogenic risk (adult risk = 1.19 × 10−4; child risk = 1.08 × 10−4). This study suggests that bioaccessibility of heavy metals in household dust is likely related to geochemical fractions and physical/chemical properties. Further research is needed to explore the sources of bioaccessible heavy metals in household dust. [Display omitted] • Bioaccessibility of nine metals in 21 household dusts from 14 cities were studied. • Bioaccessibility showed a trend of SBRC > IVG > PBET. • Metal bioaccessibility was positively correlated with dust TOC and E1+C2 fractions. • Metal bioaccessibility was inversely related to dust pH and particle size. • Bioaccessibility-based health risks of heavy metal were assessed and more accurate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuberculosis remains a threat to public health. The only approved vaccine, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), is administered intradermally and provides limited protection, and its effect on innate immunity via the respiratory route has not been fully elucidated. A mouse model with genetically depleted TREM1 and seven-color flow cytometry staining were used to characterize the comprehensive immune response induced by respiratory BCG, through evaluating organ bacterial loads, lung histopathology, and lung immunohistochemistry. During respiratory BCG infection, the murine lungs displayed effective bacterial clearance. Notably, marked differences in neutrophils were observed between thymus and bone marrow cells, characterized by a significant increase in the expression of the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM1). Subsequently, upon depletion of TREM1, a reduction in pulmonary neutrophils was observed, which further exacerbated bacterial loads and resulted in worsened pathology following respiratory BCG infection. In summary, up-regulated expression of TREM1 in rapidly increasing circulating neutrophil by pulmonary BCG is required for an efficient host response to BCG infection, and suggests the important role of TREM1 in neutrophil-related pulmonary bacteria clearance and pathology. • Effective bacterial clearance in murine lungs following respiratory BCG infection. • Intranasal BCG induces circulating neutrophils that aid in clearing mycobacteria. • Heightened expression of TREM1 on systemic neutrophils from BMCs. • Worsened pathological changes and bacterial loads observed after TREM1 deletion. • TREM1 is essential for coordinating an efficient response during intranasal BCG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Photoelectrochemical (PEC)-type devices provide promising ways for harvesting solar energy and converting it to electric and chemical energy with a low-cost and simple manufacturing process. However, the high light absorption, fast carrier separation, and low carrier recombination are still great challenges in reaching high performance for PEC devices. As emergent two-dimensional (2D) materials, Sb 2 Se 3 and Sb 2 S 3 exhibit desirable photoelectric properties due to the narrow bandgap, large optical absorption, and high carrier mobility. Herein, Sb 2 S 3 /Sb 2 Se 3 heterojunction is synthesized by a two-step physical vapor deposition method. The type-II Sb 2 S 3 /Sb 2 Se 3 heterojunction displays excellent photoelectric properties such as a high photocurrent density (I ph ∼ 162 µA cm−2), a high photoresponsivity (R ph ∼ 3700 µA W−1), and a fast time response speed (rising time ∼ 2 ms and falling time ∼ 4.5 ms) even in harsh environment (H 2 SO 4 electrolyte). Especially, the Sb 2 S 3 /Sb 2 Se 3 shows an excellent self-powered photoresponse (I ph ∼ 40 µA cm−2, R ph ∼ 850 µA W−1). This increment is attributed to the improvement in light absorption, charge separation, and charge transfer efficiency. Taking these advantages, the Sb 2 S 3 /Sb 2 Se 3 heterojunction also exhibits higher PEC water splitting synergically, which is approximately 3 times larger than that of Sb 2 Se 3 and Sb 2 S 3. These results pave the way for high-performance PEC devices by integrating 2D narrow bandgap semiconductors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Photoelectrochemical (PEC)-type devices provide promising ways for harvesting solar energy and converting it to electric and chemical energy with a low-cost and simple manufacturing process. However, the high light absorption, fast carrier separation, and low carrier recombination are still great challenges in reaching high performance for PEC devices. As emergent two-dimensional (2D) materials, Sb 2 Se 3 and Sb 2 S 3 exhibit desirable photoelectric properties due to the narrow bandgap, large optical absorption, and high carrier mobility. Herein, Sb 2 S 3 /Sb 2 Se 3 heterojunction is synthesized by a two-step physical vapor deposition method. The type-II Sb 2 S 3 /Sb 2 Se 3 heterojunction displays excellent photoelectric properties such as a high photocurrent density (I ph ∼ 162 µA cm−2), a high photoresponsivity (R ph ∼ 3700 µA W−1), and a fast time response speed (rising time ∼ 2 ms and falling time ∼ 4.5 ms) even in harsh environment (H 2 SO 4 electrolyte). Especially, the Sb 2 S 3 /Sb 2 Se 3 shows an excellent self-powered photoresponse (I ph ∼ 40 µA cm−2, R ph ∼ 850 µA W−1). This increment is attributed to the improvement in light absorption, charge separation, and charge transfer efficiency. Taking these advantages, the Sb 2 S 3 /Sb 2 Se 3 heterojunction also exhibits higher PEC water splitting synergically, which is approximately 3 times larger than that of Sb 2 Se 3 and Sb 2 S 3. These results pave the way for high-performance PEC devices by integrating 2D narrow bandgap semiconductors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The small-size and efficient charge separation of MOFs catalysts are essential for improving photocatalytic performance. In this work, a series of small-size NH 2 -UiO-66 nanoparticle-modified Mo 2 C photocatalysts were successfully prepared by hydrothermal synthesis with in situ growing NH 2 -UiO-66 on the surface of Mo 2 C. The addition of Mo 2 C can not only obtain small-size NH 2 -UiO-66 nanoparticles, but also significantly increase the separation efficiency of photo-generated carriers and prolongs the carrier lifetime, thereby promoting the photoreduction of CO 2 in water vapor with excellent stability. The resulting 11-Mo 2 C/NH 2 -UiO-66 (11-MCNU) exhibits excellent catalytic activity for CO 2 reduction to CO product at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The yield of CO can reach 11 μmol g−1 in the absence of organic solvents, sacrifice agents and photosensitizers, which is much higher than that of the isolated NH 2 -UiO-66 and Mo 2 C. [Display omitted] • A series of small-size NH 2 -UiO-66 nanoparticle-modified Mo 2 C photocatalysts were successfully prepared by hydrothermal synthesis. • The resulting 11-Mo 2 C/NH 2 -UiO-66 (11-MCNU) exhibits excellent catalytic activity for CO 2 reduction to CO. • The yield of CO can reach 11 μ mol g−1 in the absence of organic solvents, sacrifice agents and photosensitizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The functional design of efficient and stable proton exchange membrane materials is an important research direction in the field of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). In this work, ammonia molecules were successfully encapsulated into the one-dimensional pores of MOF-74(Co) through fumigation with ammonia vapor. Alternating current (AC) impedance tests showed that the proton conductivity of NH 3 modified NH 3 @ MOF-74(Co) reaches an impressive value of 6.8 × 10−3 S/cm, being 10000 times that of the pristine MOF-74(Co) at 98% relative humidity (RH) and 50 °C. Various and abundant hydrogen bonds can improve the proton conduction of NH 3 modified compound. This strategy provides an efficient and convenient way to construct high proton conducting porous MOFs materials by attaching NH 3 molecules. [Display omitted] • Ammonia molecules were successfully encapsulated into the pores of MOF-74(Co) through fumigation with ammonia vapor. • The proton conductivity of NH 3 @ MOF-74(Co) reaches the maximum value of 6.8 × 10−3 S/cm, which is 10000 times that of the pristine MOF-74(Co) at same conditions. • This strategy provides an efficient and convenient way to construct high proton conducting porous MOFs materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Bacillus amyloliquefaciens HSSN09 with antagonistic effect on FON was isolated. • B. amyloliquefaciens HSSN09 could effectively control watermelon Fusarium wilt and promote the growth of watermelon seedlings. • Tacrolimus has a very obvious antifungal effect and can be used to control watermelon Fusarium wilt. • Tacrolimus was also able to stimulate the growth of watermelon seedlings. • Tacrolimus or its analogs may play a role as a pleiotropic factor in B. amyloliquefaciens HSSN09 biological control. Watermelon Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (FON) is one of the most devastating diseases in watermelon production. Biological control approaches are efficient and environmentally-friendly, thus have aroused broad interest. However, only a few biocontrol factors/molecules have been characterized due to varied genomes and diversified secreted secondary metabolites of biocontrol microorganisms. We report the screen and identification of a Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain HSSN09 with high antagonism to FON and watermelon growth promotion capacity. B. amyloliquefaciens HSSN09 and its secondary metabolites showed inhibition on FON mycelial growth, spore formation and spore germination. Metabolomes of the highly antagonistic strain B. amyloliquefaciens HSSN09, medium antagonistic strain B. amyloliquefaciens FGW53, weakly antagonistic strain B. subtilis JC03 and non-antagonistic strain B. cereus FGW109 were compared with LC-MS/MS. By antagonistic assay, tacrolimus was screened out among the 531 molecules that appeared in the sequencing results of HSSN09 metabolome but not in that of the non-antagonistic strain without significant inhibition on the growth of FON. Among the four tested Bacillus strains, tacrolimus analogue was only observed in the supernatant of HSSN09 by HPLC and MALDI-TOF-MS. We further confirmed the ability of tacrolimus to suppress FON and promote watermelon seedling growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, the postsynthetic ligand exchange process was adopted to construct a series of 1,4-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid (H 2 NDC) and 6-sulfonate-1,4-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid (H 3 SNDC) based Zr(IV)-MOFs (Zr-(NDC) x (SNDC) 1-x). This strategy anchored functional sulfonic acid groups in the pore of the MOFs. Among them, Zr-(NDC) 0.3 (SNDC) 0.7 exhibited outstanding proton conductivity of 3.18 ✕ 10−4 S cm−1 at 90 °C and 98% relative humidity (RH), which was approximately three orders of magnitude greater than that of pristine Zr-NDC. This work demonstrated a facile in situ ligand exchange approach for constructing functional group modified MOFs with high proton conductivity. [Display omitted] • A series of 1,4-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid (H 2 NDC) and 6-sulfonate-1,4-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid (H 3 SNDC) based Zr(IV)-MOFs were synthesized. • The functional sulfonic acid groups were anchored in the pore of the MOFs by ligand exchange approach. • Zr-(NDC) 0.3 (SNDC) 0.7 demonstrated remarkable proton conductivity of 3.18 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 90 °C and 98% relative humidity (RH). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Construction of heterojunction-based photocatalyst is a fascinating approach to improve the conversion efficiency of CO 2 photoreduction. Herein, we report a series of low-cost heterojunction catalysts (x% MSNM) assembled by 1T MoS 2 nanosheets and NH 2 -MIL-68 for photocatalytic CO 2 reduction conjugated with H 2 O oxidation under visible-light irradiation. Notably, 8% MSNM exhibits enhanced photocatalytic activity for the photoreduction of CO 2 to CH 4 in the absence of organic solvent, sacrificial agent and photosensitizer. The evolution rate of CH 4 can reach to 12.56 ​μmol ​g−1, higher than that of isolated MoS 2 and NH 2 -MIL-68. Systematic investigations demonstrate that the 1T MoS 2 fragments are uniformly dispersed on the NH 2 -MIL-68 surface during the assembly and crystallization process of NH 2 -MIL-68. Under light conditions, the NH 2 -MIL-68 crystals serve as light collectors to absorb visible light and generate electron-hole pairs, and the photo-excited electrons rapidly transferred to the surface of 1T MoS 2 , prolonging the lifetime of the photo-induced excitons. This work provides a new direction for the rational design of composite catalysts in artificial photosynthesis. [Display omitted] • The heterojunction-based 1T MoS 2 @NH 2 -MIL-68 (x% MSNM) photocatalysts have been prepared. • Notably, 8% MSNM exhibits enhanced photocatalytic CO 2 reduction activity. • The evolution rate of CH 4 can reach to 12.56 ​μmol ​g−1, higher than that of isolated MoS 2 and/or NH 2 -MIL-68. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neurovascular unit (NVU) plays a critical role in health and disease. In the current review, we discuss the critical role of a class of neural/glial antigen 2 (NG2)-expressing glial cells (NG2-glia) in regulating NVU after acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We first introduce the role of NG2-glia in the formation of NVU during development as well as aging-induced damage to NVU and accompanying NG2-glia change. We then discuss the reciprocal interactions between NG2-glia and the other component cells of NVU, emphasizing the factors that could influence NG2-glia. Damage to the NVU integrity is the pathological basis of edema and hemorrhagic transformation, the most dreaded complication after AIS. The role of NG2-glia in AIS-induced NVU damage and the effect of NG2-glia transplantation on AIS-induced NVU damage are summarized. We next discuss the role of NG2-glia and the effect of NG2-glia transplantation in oligodendrogenesis and white matter repair as well as angiogenesis which is associated with the outcome of the patients after AIS. Finally, we review the current strategies to promote NG2-glia proliferation and differentiation and propose to use the dental pulp stem cells (DPSC)-derived exosome as a promising strategy to reduce AIS-induced injury and promote repair through maintaining the integrity of NVU by regulating endogenous NG2-glia proliferation and differentiation. • NG2-glia's critical role in NVU formation during development and damage during aging. • Reciprocal interactions between NG2-glia and the other component cells of NVU. • The critical role of NG2-glia in protecting NVU and angiogenesis after AIS. • The critical role of NG2-glia in oligodendrogenesis and white matter repair after AIS. • Potential strategies to augment the effect of NG2-glia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) is one of the core materials which were widely used in the field of fuel cells (FCs). In recent years, the metal organic frameworks (MOFs) and polymer composite membranes as tunable proton-conducting materials have showed great potential in this field. Herein, a Cu(II)-based metal organic framework (Cu-MOF) with acid/base stability was introduced into poly(vinylpyrrolidone)/poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVP/PVDF, PP) to fabricate hybrid membranes(Cu-MOF@PP-X, where X is the % Cu-MOF content). The effects of Cu-MOF loading amounts on the conductive behavior of Cu-MOF@PP-X composites have been documented. It is worth noting that Cu-MOF@PP-50 exhibited the proton conductivity up to 4.36 ​× ​10−4 ​S ​cm−1 at 353 ​K and 98% relative humidity (RH). In addition, the value of proton conduction is about two orders of magnitude higher than that of the parent Cu-MOF (1.91 ​× ​10−6 ​S ​cm−1). This work contributes to driving further advances of MOF/polymer composites in proton-conducting apparatus. [Display omitted] • A Cu-MOF with acid/base stability was introduced into polymers (PVP/PVDF, PP) to fabricate hybrid membranes. • The effects of Cu-MOF loading amounts on the conductive behavior of Cu-MOF@PP-X composites have been documented. • Cu-MOF@PP-50 exhibited a super protonic conductivity up to 4.36 ​× ​10−4 ​S ​cm−1 at 353 ​K and 98% relative humidity (RH). • The value of proton conduction of Cu-MOF@PP-50 is about two orders of magnitude higher than that of the parent Cu-MOF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Imidacloprid is a neonicotinoid that targets sucking pests, such as aphids and the green leaf bug and has been widely applied in wheat fields to control wheat aphids in China. To investigate the involvement of miRNAs in imidacloprid resistance, we sequenced small RNA libraries of Sitobion miscanthi Fabricius, across two different treatments using Illumina short-read sequencing technology. As a result, 265 microRNAs (miRNAs), of which 242 were known and 23 were novel, were identified. Quantitative analysis of miRNA levels showed that 23 miRNAs were significantly up-regulated, and 54 miRNAs were significantly down-regulated in the nymphs of S. miscanthi treated with imidacloprid in comparison with those of the control. Modulation of the abundances of differentially expressed miRNAs, smi-miR-316, smi-miR-1000, and smi-miR-iab-4 by the addition of the corresponding antagomir/inhibitor to the artificial diet significantly changed the susceptibility of S. miscanthi to imidacloprid. Subsequently, the post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism was conducted, smi-miR-278 and smi-miR-316 were confirmed to be participated in the post-transcriptional regulation of nAChRα1A and CYP4CJ6, respectively. The results suggested that miRNAs differentially expressed in response to imidacloprid could play a critical regulatory role in the metabolism of S. miscanthi to imidacloprid. [Display omitted] • 77 differentially expressed miRNAs identified under imidacloprid exposure using Illumina short-read sequencing technology. • Modulation abundances of smi-miR-316, smi-miR-1000 and smi-miR-iab-4 significantly changed the susceptibility to imidacloprid. • CYP4CJ6 and nAChRα1A could be regulated by smi-miR-316 and smi-miR-278, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new 3D anionic metal-organic framework material, namely, [Me 2 NH 2 ] 2 [Cd 3 (L)]·2H 2 O (1 , H 4 L ​= ​2,5′-di(3′,5′-dicarboxylphenyl)pyridine) has been synthesized under solvothermal conditions and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, PXRD, thermogravimetric analysis and proton conduction investigation. In 1 , the adjacent Cd(II) ions are joined to form a trinuclear [Cd 3 (COO) 8 ] secondary building unit (SBU) by eight bridging carboxylate groups of L4− ligands. The trinuclear [Cd 3 (COO) 8 ] SBUs are connected by L4− ligands into a 3D (4,8)-connected framework with 1D channels. Most interestingly, due to the guest [Me 2 NH 2 ]+ cations, water molecules and carboxylates sites are lined the pore channels, 1 possesses a remarkable proton conductivity of 1.12 ​× ​10−1 ​S ​cm−1 ​at 60 ​°C and 98% RH, which is comparable to commercially available Nafion. The mechanism of proton conduction was also well discussed. A new 3D anionic metal-organic framework material, namely, [Me 2 NH 2 ] 2 [Cd 3 (L)]·2H 2 O (1 , H 4 L ​= ​2,5′-di(3′,5′-dicarboxylphenyl)pyridine) has been synthesized under solvothermal conditions and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, PXRD, thermogravimetric analysis and proton conduction investigation. Compound 1 exhibits a (4,8)-connected 3D network based on trinuclear [Cd 3 (COO) 8 ] cluster units with excellent water stability. It's worth noting that the value of proton conductivity of 1 reaches 1.12 ​× ​10−1 ​S ​cm−1 ​at 60 ​°C and 98% RH which is comparable to most of the dramatic proton conducting MOFs materials. The activation energy (E a) of 1 is 0.376 ​eV estimated by Arrhenius equation. [Display omitted] • A trinuclear Cd-based 3D (4,8)-connected anionic metal-organic framework were synthesized. • The [Me 2 NH 2 ]+ ​cations, H 2 O and host carboxylates could construct continuous proton-conducting pathways. • The MOF exhibited a remarkable proton conductivity of 1.12×10-1 ​S cm-1 ​at 60°C and 98% RH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]