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• An intelligent inverse method is proposed, where MMA works with FEM and binary reconstruction. • The size of chip-integrated logic gates (OR, XOR, NOR, AND and NAND) are 2 μm × 2 μm. • The bandwidth of logic gates are nearly ten times more than the other reported conventional gates. The Si-based chip-integrated OR, XOR, NOR, AND and NAND all-optical logic gates (AO-LGs) with footprints of 2 μm × 2 μm are inversely designed based on an intelligent method, which combines the method of moving asymptotes (MMA) with the finite element method (FEM). In this method, the substrate is divided into many small units, and the refractive index of each unit will be perturbed according to design expectation. Therefore, the optimized refractive index will be gradient, which divorces from fabrication. Binary reconstruction is the process of changing the gradient media into binary media, by filtering out the gradient virtual media, smoothing the boundaries, and refilling Si or air on the substrate to form a new structure. Numerical simulations demonstrate that all the AO-LGs designed by this method work effectively. The contrast ratio (CR) of OR/XOR gate ranges from 23.50 dB to 25.50 dB, NOR gate ranges from 6.33 dB to 7.91 dB, AND gate ranges from 4.44 dB to 6.13 dB, and NAND gate ranges from 8.85 dB to 10.07 dB. And these designed AO-LGs achieve nearly ten times more broad bandwidth than the other reported conventional gates without suffering other performances too much. The OR/XOR, and NOR gate functions well in a broad band range from 800 nm to 1600 nm, and from 850 nm to 1350 nm. AND gate functions well from 1000 nm to 1240 nm and from 1310 nm to 1400 nm. NAND gate functions well from 1360 nm to 1530 nm. It is expected that such a robust method can serve extensive applications in designing photonic devices, and the compact logic gates may contribute to broad applications of future optical computing and signal processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Licorice was widely used in food and herbal medicine. In its extract industry, a substantial amount of licorice protein was produced and discarded as waste. Herein, we extracted Licorice Protein Isolate (LPI) and explored its potential as a curcumin nanocarrier. Using a pH-driven method, we fabricated LPI-curcumin nanoparticles with diameters ranging from 129.30 ± 3.21 nm to 75.03 ± 1.19 nm, depending on the LPI/curcumin molar ratio. The formation of LPI-curcumin nanoparticles was primarily driven by hydrophobic interactions, with curcumin entrapped in LPI being in an amorphous form. These nanoparticles significantly enhanced curcumin properties in terms of solubility, photochemical stability, and stability under varying pH, storage, and physiological conditions. Moreover, the loaded curcumin exhibited a 2.58-fold increase in cellular antioxidant activity on RAW 264.7 cells and a 1.86-fold increase in antitumor activity against HepG2 cells compared to its free form. These findings suggested that LPI could potentially serve as a promising novel delivery material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Licorice was widely used in food and herbal medicine. In its extract industry, a substantial amount of licorice protein was produced and discarded as waste. Herein, we extracted Licorice Protein Isolate (LPI) and explored its potential as a curcumin nanocarrier. Using a pH-driven method, we fabricated LPI-curcumin nanoparticles with diameters ranging from 129.30 ± 3.21 nm to 75.03 ± 1.19 nm, depending on the LPI/curcumin molar ratio. The formation of LPI-curcumin nanoparticles was primarily driven by hydrophobic interactions, with curcumin entrapped in LPI being in an amorphous form. These nanoparticles significantly enhanced curcumin properties in terms of solubility, photochemical stability, and stability under varying pH, storage, and physiological conditions. Moreover, the loaded curcumin exhibited a 2.58-fold increase in cellular antioxidant activity on RAW 264.7 cells and a 1.86-fold increase in antitumor activity against HepG2 cells compared to its free form. These findings suggested that LPI could potentially serve as a promising novel delivery material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dielectric elastomers (DEs) have a great potential in applications as smart materials such as artificial muscles and flexible robotics, due to their advantages of large deformation, good flexibility and fast actuation response. However, the excellent electro-actuation performance of DE materials is always achieved under high electric fields, which limits their widespread application. Herein, the synthesized acrylate-based copolymer E 8 G 2 (the molar ratio between 2-ethylhexyl acrylate and glycidyl methacrylate is 8:2) was incorporated into the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix by solution mixing and compression molding to prepared a series of bi-network DE composites. The design of the all-organic bi-network structure not only regulates the dielectric-flexibility of E 8 G 2 /PDMS composites synchronously but also relieves the problem of plasticizer exudation. The E 8 G 2 /PDMS composites achieved a remarkable electro-actuated strain of 43.86 % at 50 V/μm, which is improved by 431.08 % compared with pure PDMS (6.95 %). Consequently, this study provides a promising approach for the preparation of advanced DE composites with outstanding electro-actuated performance in low-field driving applications. [Display omitted] • The dielectric elastomer with all-organic bi-network structures were prepared. • The electro-actuated strain of DE composite reaches 43.86 % at low-field of 50 V/μm. • The synergistic regulation on ε r and Y leads to the improved electro-actuation. • The long-standing issue of plasticizer-exudation from DE composites is relieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existing quality monitoring method of dynamic compaction construction is costly and inefficient, and the measurement results for the falling distance of the hammer and the number of tamping times may even become completely ineffective in abnormal situations during the construction process, such as empty hook rise and early release hammer. Therefore, this paper proposes an effective measurement method based on time series model. Simulate the regular periodic motion state transformation in strong ramming construction by motion state discrimination model, combined with the prediction interval of running time estimation model to assist state discrimination, realizes real-time monitoring of anomalies as well as effective measurement of important construction parameters such as the tamping times and the falling distance of the hammer. Experimental results demonstrate that the method achieves accuracy of 100% under normal tamping conditions, and accuracy of no less than 95% even in tamping conditions involving abnormal behavior. • Constructed DCC state discrimination model based on bi-objective parallel features. • Proposed a method measuring tamping times using combined temporal-spatial features. • Established a model for estimating the duration of states based on prior data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • "Extra conjugation" method is developed for NIR TADF OLEDs with high radiance. • Intramolecular hydrogen bonds extend molecular conjugation for accurate modulation. • A high radiance of 95,894 m W Sr−1 m−2 with 744 nm peaked EL emission is realized. • Force and medicine induced SpO 2 variations are detected by 740 nm NIR TADF OLED. Real-time in-home monitoring oxygen saturation (SpO 2) is of great significance for early diagnosis and treatment of severe COVID-19, however, which should be based on multi-wavelength technology and complicated equipment. Herein, as a proof of concept, 740 nm is chosen as singlet light source for single-wavelength SpO 2 detection, since absorbance differences between oxyhemoglobin (HbO 2) and other interferences are the most rational. To controllably optimize excited-state characteristics of a near-infrared (NIR) thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters, an "extra conjugation" method is demonstrated by C NQP-TPA , whose 2,3-dicyanoquinoxaline phenanthroline (CNQP) acceptor forms strong intramolecular hydrogen bonds with two phenyls of triphenylamine (TPA) donors, which not only reduce excited-state relaxation-induced energy lose, but also provide more space for accurate modulation of intermolecular charge transfer (CT) interactions. As consequence, at the suitable doping concentration, CNQP-TPA endowed its device with a high radiance reaching ∼105 mW Sr−1 m−2 and desired electroluminescence peak at 744 nm. This device is further used as light source to detect SpO 2 variation under single-wavelength mode. These results indicate the potential of NIR TADF materials and devices for in-home SpO 2 monitoring and pre-diagnosis and prevention of severe COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypericin is widely utilized for its precise antidepressant properties, but its exact antidepressant mechanism remains unclear. Gap junctions, which were predominantly expressed in astrocytes in the central nervous system, are concerned with the pathogenesis of depression. However, the role of hypericin in gap junctional dysfunction in depression has rarely been investigated. Here, we found that gap junctions were ultra-structurally broadened in the chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) rat model of depression, while hypericin repaired the dysfunction of gap junctions. Suppression of gap junctions by bilateral injection of carbenoxolone (CBX) in the prefrontal cortex of rats significantly inhibited the restoration of gap junctional dysfunction in depression by hypericin. Meanwhile, hypericin failed to show antidepressant benefits. Furthermore, in corticosterone (CORT)-stimulated primary astrocytes derived from neonatal rats, hypericin dramatically reversed the phosphorylation of connexin 43 (Cx43), normalizing the expression of Cx43 and thereby ameliorating gap junctional dysfunction. Comparatively, CBX inhibited the remission of hypericin on gap junctional intercellular communication function. Gap junctional function might be a novel therapeutic target for hypericin in the treatment of depression and provide potential novel insights into the antidepressant mechanism of other herbal ingredients. [Display omitted] • Hypericin has therapeutic efficacy in treating depression. • Hypericin repaired the dysfunction of gap junctions in depression. • Hypericin interacts with Cx43-gap junction channel by molecular docking. • Hypericin relieves depression by improving Cx43-based gap junctional function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Si–Ge alloys are a new type of semiconductor material that are of great significance for the development of microelectronic technology, especially in the photoelectricity industry and for thermoelectric conversion in high temperature applications (>700 K). In the present work, a novel Ge allotrope in the C 2/ c phase with band gap of 1.102 eV was firstly proposed, which is suitable for the absorption of sunlight. C 2/ c -Ge are mechanically, dynamically and thermodynamically stable. A series of Si 24- x Ge x alloys (x = 0, 8, 16, 24) in the C 2/ c phase with band gaps of 1.10–1.50 eV are predicted by ab initio calculations at ambient conditions. The Si 24- x Ge x alloys (x = 0, 8, 16, 24) in C 2/ c phase have better absorption ability than that of the Si in diamond, hP12 and oC12 phases. The Si 24- x Ge x alloys in the C 2/ c phase have the strong absorption in the visible, which have a great impact on the new-generation photovoltaic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In order to solve the low accuracy of the classic spectral matching algorithms in matching the spectral data of different pigment materials in the homochromatic similar system, this paper proposed a spectral matching algorithm based on adaptive threshold levenshtein distance. The levenshtein distance was researched to improve the matching accuracy by using its characteristics of to be sensitive to the spectral reflectance difference. At the same time, by adaptively setting the judgment condition of levenshtein distance, the error of this algorithm in matching the spectral data of the same pigment material under different conditions is reduced. And the identification accuracy of different pigment materials in the homochromatic similar system is improved. The experimental results show that compared with the traditional spectral matching algorithm, the matching accuracy of the adaptive levenshtein distance algorithm is higher, and the identification result for the pigment is better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor qualities of ZnMgO thin films are likely to be obtained at higher Mg content, which can decrease the performance of ZnMgO-based devices. This study focuses on improving the qualities of ZnMgO thin films to increase the performance of CdTe solar cell. It is found that the rapid thermal annealing (RTA) treatment increases the crystallinity, eliminates defects and improves the conductivity of ZnMgO thin films. These are helpful to suppress the recombination caused by bulk and interface defects as well as to reduce the cell's series resistance. The Fermi level moves close to conduction band and both the conduction and valence band energy shift lower relative to band energy of CdSSeTe film after RTA, which could not only increase the built-in voltage but also enhance the electron transport and block the hole recombination. As a result, the efficiency of CdTe solar cells is enhanced when using the RTA-treated ZnMgO, with maxium power conversion efficiency reaching values of 15.7%, which are much higher than those of the cells with the as-grown ZnMgO (11.6%). RTA is proved to be one of the excellent methods to control the properties of ZnMgO for improving the performance of CdTe solar cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A comprehensive theoretical study of photophysical behaviors of 1,2-DHPs and 1,4-DHPs was carried out using the DFT and TDDFT methods. • The UV–Vis absorption and fluorescence emission spectra of a series of different substituent 1,2-DHPs and 1,4-DHPs were obtained. • The substituents at different positions on the 1,2-DHPs and 1,4-DHPs scaffolds play a different role in controlling the excitation energy and other photophysical properties. In this article, the photophysical properties of DHPs, including 1,2-DHPs and 1,4-DHPs, were studied experimentally and theoretically. Their structural differences bring about different photophysical properties, and also lead to different photochemical properties. Specifically, a series of different substituted 1,2-DHPs and 1,4-DHPs were synthesized to measure their UV–Vis absorption and fluorescence emission spectra in diluted solutions and theoretical calculations were performed at the density functional theory (DFT) level. To describe the reactivities of the DHPs, time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) was used to optimize their ground- and excited-state structures, and their electronic excitation energies were calculated at the B3LYP-D3/def2-TZVP level. Frontier molecular orbitals and electron-hole distribution analyses were used to illustrate the electron transition types. The differences between the ground- and excited-state structures of the different DHPs were characterized by carrying out a root-mean-square-deviation (RMSD) analysis. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The photophysical properties of heterocyclic analogs of 1,4-cyclohexadiene were studied by theoretical calculation and experiment. • Their photophysical and photochemical properties were found to be related to the incorporation of different heteroatoms on the 1,4-cyclohexadiene ring. • The photophysical properties of heterocyclic analogs of 1,4-cyclohexadiene are meaningful for explaining their photochemical reactivity. The photophysical and photochemical properties of a series of heterocyclic analogs of 1,4-cyclohexadiene were studied by theoretical calculation and experiment. With the incorporation of different heteroatoms, the analogs presented distinct photophysical and photochemical properties from 1,4-cyclohexadiene. Their ultraviolet–visible absorption spectra were measured and found to be related to the heteroatoms on the 1,4-cyclohexadiene ring. Calculation of the geometrical and electronic structures of the ground-states revealed that incorporation of the heteroatom affected the photophysical properties of the molecule. The de-excitation processes and electron transition modes were discussed according to the calculated values of the spin–orbit coupling matrix and the electron-hole distributions of the excited states. The reactive sites and geometrical structures showed that incorporation of a heteroatom into 1,4-cyclohexadiene changed the spin density distribution and thus influenced the photochemical properties. These findings are meaningful in explaining the photo-reactivities of these molecules, and provide foundations for further experimental/theoretical investigations and pharmacological applications based on established structure–property correlations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the intermolecular [2+2] cycloaddition of 1,2-dihydropyridines was achieved for the first time by visible light-catalyzed. A series of novel and complex cyclobutane derivatives, the dimers of diethyl 1,2-diaryl-1,2-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate, were synthesized efficiently with visible light catalysts under the irradiation of blue LED lamps. The density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory were used to elucidate the detailed reaction processes, such as the reaction mechanism and the stereoselectivity of cycloaddition products. [Display omitted] • The intermolecular [2 + 2] cycloaddition of 1,2-dihydropyridines was achieved for the first time by visible light-catalyzed. • A series of novel and complex cyclobutane derivatives, the dimers of diethyl 1,2-diaryl-1,2-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate, were synthesized efficiently with visible light catalysts under the irradiation of blue LED lamps. • The DFT and TDDFT theoretical calculations were carried out to reveal the reaction mechanism and the stereoselectivity of cycloaddition products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of multiple-input multiple-output wireless optical communication systems that adopt Q-ary pulse position modulation over spatial correlated log-normal fading channel is analyzed in terms of its un-coded bit error rate and ergodic channel capacity. The analysis is based on the Wilkinson’s method which approximates the distribution of a sum of correlated log-normal random variables to a log-normal random variable. The analytical and simulation results corroborate the increment of correlation coefficients among sub-channels lead to system performance degradation. Moreover, the receiver diversity has better performance in resistance of spatial correlation caused channel fading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • "Asymmetric D-A-wA" strategy is demonstrated for high-efficiency red TADF emitters. • Diphenylphosphine oxide as the second acceptor markedly improves TADF properties. • Strong red emission peaked at 645 nm with a high PLQY of 94.7 % is realized. • The maxima of 19360 cd m−2 for luminance and 11.4 % for EQE at 632 nm are achieved. A feasible strategy of asymmetric donor–acceptor-second acceptor (D-A-A) structure is proposed for improving the photoluminecense (PL) and electroluminescence (EL) performance of red thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters. As a concept, four newly TADF emitters are designed and synthesized, D-A-A structure o TPAPO-DTPZ and p TPAPO-DTPZ and D-A-D type o DTPA-DTPZ and p DTPA-DTPZ, by using triphenylamine (TPA), dithieno[2,3- a :3′,2′- c ]phenazine (DTPZ) and diphenylphosphine oxide (DPPO) groups as the donor, acceptor and second acceptor, respectively. It is demonstrated that abound intra- and inter-molecular C H···O hydrogen bonds are forming between TPA donor and DPPO acceptor for the asymmetric compounds, which effectively promote the intra- and inter-molecular charge transfer. Moreover, the steric hindrance of DPPO group availably suppresses the concentration quenching. As a consequence, the asymmetric D-A-A structured o TPAPO-DTPZ and p TPAPO-DTPZ exhibit relatively higher PL quantum yields and lower nonradiation rates, and thus better EL performance. In particular, device based on p TPAPO-DTPZ achieves the maximum luminance of 19360 cd m−2 and external quantum efficiency of 11.4 % at 632 nm, which are 2.3 and 1.5 times the values of p DTPA-DTPZ based device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ag 2 O/Ag 2 CO 3 /multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNTs) composite photocatalysts were prepared by calcination of the obtained precipitate. The structures and morphology of as-prepared composite photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The Ag 2 O/Ag 2 CO 3 /MWNTs composite photocatalysts exhibit higher degradation rate of ciprofloxacin (CIP) than the pure Ag 2 CO 3 , Ag 2 O/Ag 2 CO 3 and Ag 2 CO 3 /MWNTs under visible light irradiation. The amount of loaded Ag 2 CO 3 onto MWNTs and calcined time for Ag 2 CO 3 /MWNTs were systematically investigated, and the optimal amount of loaded Ag 2 CO 3 and calcined time of Ag 2 CO 3 /MWNTs are 150 wt% and 10 min, respectively. The highest photocatalytic degradation rate of CIP could reach 76% under optimal conditions. The active species trapping experiments were also analyzed, the results show that the holes are main contributor for the degradation processes of CIP, furthermore the electrons, O 2 − and OH are also crucially influenced the photocatalytic degradation processes of CIP. The possible photocatalytic processes of CIP with Ag 2 O/Ag 2 CO 3 /MWNTs composite photocatalyst are also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ag/Ag 3 PO 4 /active carbon (AC) composite photocatalysts were successfully synthesized using the simple deposition and photoinduced methods. The structures, morphology and photocatalytic properties of as-prepared photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The Ag/Ag 3 PO 4 /AC composite photocatalysts exhibited a conspicuously improved photocatalytic performance for tetracycline (TC) degradation. The optimal conditions of loaded dosage and photoinduced time were investigated, and the results showed that the photoinduced time played an important role in prepared processes, and also that for the loaded dosage of Ag 3 PO 4 . The DRS analysis showed that the composite photocatalysts exhibited strong absorption ability in the visible light range. The radicals trap experiments demonstrated that there were multiple active species during the degrading process of TC. The possible mechanism of improved photocatalytic activity of Ag–Ag 3 PO 4 /AC composite was also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Near-infrared TADF emission from phenanthroline based molecule is demonstrated. • NIR emission and radiation efficiency are balanced in CNPP-TPA. • Strong NIR emission peaked at 701 nm with PLQY of 96.5% is realized. • A maximum EQE (8.69%) of vacuum-evaporated device peaked at 684 nm is achieved. • A maximum EQE (2.02%) of spin-coated device peaked at 700 nm is achieved. Efficient thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters are of practical significance for realizing high-performance organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), which remains the great challenge for near-infrared (NIR) emitters because of their narrow bandgap worsened non-radiative transition. Herein, a NIR TADF molecule (CNPP-TPA) is reported, composed of 2,3-dicyanopyrazino phenanthroline (CNPP) as acceptor and triphenylamine as donor. The strong electron-withdrawing effect of CNPP and intramolecular hydrogen bond endow CNPP-TPA with efficient NIR photoluminescence emission peaked at 701 nm with a high photoluminescence quantum yield of 96.5%, owing to rapid singlet radiation and effective reverse intersystem crossing. Vacuum -evaporated and spin-coated organic light-emitting diodes exhibit the NIR emissions respectively peaked at 684 nm and 700 nm, corresponding to Commission International de L'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.68, 0.31) and (0.69, 0.30), respectively. Significantly, these two devices achieved the state-of-the-art external quantum efficiencies of 8.69% and 2.02%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ), as one photocatalyst which possess the suitable band gap, is better for modified TiO 2 and enhanced photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants. In this work, the g-C 3 N 4 /TiO 2 were successfully prepared via directly calcined the mixture of melamine and P25. The as-prepared g-C 3 N 4 /TiO 2 photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and high resolution electron microscopy (HRTEM), Raman and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The photocatalytic performances of g-C 3 N 4 /TiO 2 composites were investigated by degradation of ciprofloxacin. The results showed that the g-C 3 N 4 and P25 were successfully composited, and the bond of C–N was well formed, the calcined temperature for as-prepared photocatalysts and the ratio of melamine and P25 were important to the degradation rate of ciprofloxacin. When the mixture of melamine and P25 with 1:2, and calcined temperature at 600 °C, the degradation rate of ciprofloxacin could reach 95% in 60 min. The enhanced photocatalytic performances could be mainly attributed to the suitable band gap structure with heterojunction of CN-P25. Finally, the possible transferred processes of photoelectrons and photoholes were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tea infusion is a colloidal system. As a first attempt to systematically characterize tea micro-nanoparticles, the effect of pH on colloidal properties of Lapsang souchong black tea infusion was investigated in this study. At the native pH 5 of black tea infusion, micro/nanoparticles were revealed by Cryo-TEM (Cryo-transmission electron microscopy) to be of a structure consisting of dominantly spherical polyphenol oxidase (PPO)-polyphenols complexes and surrounding linear polysaccharide chains with an average hydrodynamic diameter (D h) of 128 nm and ζ-potential of −23.7 mV. It is the first time to demonstrate the black tea micelle consists of spherical and fibrous nanostructures, possibly responding to protein and polysaccharides. Increasing pH resulted in a decrease in polyphenols content and the disassembling of the micro/nanostructure. On the other hand, the decrease of pH through their respective isoelectric points led to the formation of PPO-polyphenols complexes, polysaccharide aggregation, and further aggregations among different molecules and their complexes and a drastic increase in the precipitation when pH was lower than pH 5. The predominant effect of pH on colloidal properties of black tea infusion reveals an electrostatic nature of intramolecular and intermolecular interactions among PPO, polysaccharides and polyphenols. Those results provide new clues to a practical and effective quality control of black tea products as well as an insight into health benefits of black tea. • The black tea contains negatively charged NPs (Dh = 128 nm) at its native pH of 5. • Increasing pH induced the disassembly of the micro/nanostructure. • pH < 5, formation of complexes and precipitates was promoted. • Electrostatic interaction primarily defines the nanostructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, a fuzzy self-adaptive digital audio watermarking method based on a time-spread echo hiding algorithm is proposed. Echo spreading is performed in the impulse response domain using PN sequences to achieve good robustness of echo hiding and high secrecy of spread spectrum. Fuzzy theory is employed in the embedding process to control the power of the watermark. Since fuzzy set theory is capable of performing complex nonlinear mappings between input and output spaces, it can effectively estimate the strength of a frame for each subband and ensure that the embedded watermark in the original audio is self-adaptive. A listening test and simulation results show that the algorithm is robust for common digital audio processing methods as attacks and that the quality of the audio is retained. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Synthesis 2,3-dihydropyrroles by the photochemical ring contraction. • The chiralities of 2,3-dihydropyrroles and 1,4-dihydropyridines have stereoconvergence. • Readily available starting materials, metal-free and easy to handle procedures. Strategies by introducing chiral auxiliaries into the photoreactive substrate 1,4-dihydropyridines, an interesting diastereoselectivity of 2,3-dihydropyrroles in the process of photochemical ring contraction was observed. The diastereoselectivity of (2 R ,3 R) and (2 S ,3 S)-2,3-dihydropyrroles was related to the phenyl group and the chirality of C-4 in 1,4-dihydropyridines and similar to that of 1,4-dihydropyridines. The yields and diastereomeric excess of all obtained products supporting the experimental data were compared and discussed in theoretical calculations. A concise theoretical study was used to explain the diastereoselectivity observed in the photochemical ring contraction of 1,4-dihydropyridines to 2,3-dihydropyrroles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This study analyzed the spatiotemporal influence of drivers to vegetation variation. • Identify the effects of vegetation variation on different soil erosion types. • We provide a driver-pattern-effect connection of vegetation variation. Vegetation is at the nexus of water, soil, and the atmosphere, making it a significant indicator of climatic variability and shifts in human activity. The spatial attribution analysis of vegetation changes may help us to identify and estimate the relationship between variation in vegetation and different erosion types, and their correspondence may be in the antecedents and consequences of vegetation dynamics. Here, based on time series datasets for the Bashang Plateau and northern North China's mountainous region from 1998 to 2015, we used trend analysis, partial correlation analysis, and univariate linear regression to investigate the sustainability of vegetation variations and to determine the driving mechanisms of climatic and anthropogenic factors in vegetation dynamics at the regional scale. Further, we applied correlation analysis and models (i.e., USLE and RWEQ) to detect the spatial heterogeneity of soil erosion dynamics and the effects of vegetation coverage variation on the dynamics of water erosion, wind erosion, and wind-water erosion. Our results revealed a significant increasing trend in Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the improved area accounted for more than 80% of the study area. The response of vegetation variation to climatic factors displayed a high correlation with precipitation for a 1-month lag in the semi-humid area, especially in forestland, and with temperature for a 0-month lag in the semi-arid area, particularly in farmland. These results suggest human activity has had a greater effect on vegetation variations than climatic factors during 2011–2015, and that human activity was the dominant factor controlling vegetation changes in terms of the spatial distribution of major drivers; notably, the implementation of the vegetation restoration projects affected the spatiotemporal patterns of vegetation cover. During 1998–2015, the increased vegetation coverage played a dominant role in reducing water erosion of the forestland, and it had a vital impact on lessening wind erosion in open land and sparsely vegetated areas, while the increased fractional vegetation coverage (FVC) may have been a contributing factor to aggravated soil erosion in the wind-water erosion zone of grassland and forestland. Hence, the importance of the implementation of revegetation projects on soil erosion reduction should not be underestimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Four types of ZIF-8 polyhedral carbons were successfully synthesized. • ZIF-8/C-R2 exhibited high reversible capacity and excellent rate capability compared to other three ZIF-8/C polyhedrons. • Vertices and edges provide more lithium-ion storage sites. • ZIF-8/C-R2 with more vertices and edges has structural advantages to accelerate the transport of lithium-ions. Polyhedral carbons from zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) have been studied as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, because their topological feature enabled ideal research objects. However, the similarities and differences of lithium-ion storage behavior between ZIFs polyhedral carbons have not been systematically studied. Here we synthesized four kinds of ZIF-8 polyhedral carbons, including cubes (ZIF-8/C-C), small rhombicuboctahedrons (ZIF-8/C-R1), large rhombicuboctahedrons (ZIF-8/C-R2) and dodecahedrons (ZIF-8/C-D), and well-studied their storage behavior. The as-made ZIF-8/C-R2 with 24 vertexes and 48 edges exhibited superior electrochemical performance (657 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1) compared to other ZIF-8/C polyhedrons with less vertexes and edges. In situ TEM was employed to observe the lithiation process of various ZIF-8/C polyhedrons, showing that the solid electrolyte interface films were initiated to form at the vertex sites followed by the edges, which indicates that it is reasonable to design advanced polyhedral electrode materials with abundant vertexes and edges by applying Euler's formula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal comfort evaluations in the built environment are essential to occupant's satisfaction and also building energy consumption. Traditionally, thermal comfort has been assessed by Fanger's PMV model that was developed based on extensive laboratory tests. However, it's been found that PMV predictions are not good in field studies, especially in buildings with natural ventilation. In this paper, machine learning (ML) algorithms were used to predicted occupants' thermal comfort votes (TCV) and thermal sensation votes (TSV), using 5512 sets of thermal comfort data collected in naturally ventilated residential buildings in fourteen cities in China. Environmental parameters, personal parameters, climatic types, and adaptive control measures were considered and used as input parameters for the ML model. It was found that environmental parameters (both outdoors and indoors), personal parameters (metabolic rate and clothing insulation), and climatic types all significant affect both TCV and TSV, while adaptive control measures only affect TSV but not TCV. Comparing with established models (PMV, ePMV and aPMV), the ML models had smaller errors in predicting TSV and TCV. Based on these results, we suggest that the ML, especially ANNs model was reliable in predicting occupants' TCV and TSV in naturally ventilated residential buildings, and performed better than traditional thermal balance based models. Moreover, using the new model, we found that acceptable temperature ranges in naturally ventilated buildings were far wider than the ASHRAE adaptive comfort zone, suggesting that appropriate models should be established based on local data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this manuscript, is addressed the computational prediction of five new allotropes based on the Squaroglitter structure (t P8 carbon). DFT calculations of t P12, t P16, t P24, o P12 and o P18 allotropes attest their nanotube and cage type. It is determined that they display dynamical and mechanical stability. Regarding the mechanical stability, the calculated values of the shear modulo and Young's moduli of tP167 and oP12 structures are greater than value depicted by the Squaroglitter. Although in general the studied structures, have a smaller mechanical anisotropy in their Young's modulus when compared against the parent structure. In addition, the tP16 structure has a direct band gap of circa 1.61 eV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The g-C 3 N 4 /7Ag/m-CeO 2 composite photocatalyst was successfully synthesized. • The introduction of g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets alleviated the photocorrosion of Ag. • The g-C 3 N 4 /7Ag/m-CeO 2 exhibits higher activity for CO 2 photoconversion. In this work, the ordered mesoporous CeO 2 (m-CeO 2) was successfully fabricated via the nanocasting pathway, through using SBA-15 as a hard template. Besides, g-C 3 N 4 /Ag/m-CeO 2 composite was successfully constructed by calcination method. Meanwhile, the obtained samples were investigated by series of test techniques. The XRD, SEM and TEM results show that the m-CeO 2 and Ag/m-CeO 2 with the ordered mesoporous trait. Besides, the EPR, Raman and XPS results suggest that the oxygen vacancies (O v) and Ce3+ and Ce4+ are in g-C 3 N 4 /Ag/m-CeO 2. In addition, the ordered mesostructure is favorable for the CO 2 molecular movement and adsorption/desorption reaction. The g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets, a promising material possessing suitable conductor band, large specific area, non-toxicity, and outstanding chemical stability, is a candidate semiconductor for CO 2 conversion. The introduction of g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets to Ag/m-CeO 2 overcomes the photocorrosion of Ag nanoparticles and Ag facilitate the transfer of photogenerated electrons. The photocatalytic activity results show that when the loading of Ag is 7 wt%, the g-C 3 N 4 /7Ag/m-CeO 2 composite exhibits the superiority activity for CO 2 photoconversion to CO (13.94 μmol/g) and CH 4 (7.39 μmol/g) under UV-irradiation in 10 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• MgZnO:F films with high Mg content were synthesized by RF magnetron co-sputtering. • Structural, electrical and optical properties of the films were investigated. • F occupied O sites, decreased the resistivity without reducing optical loss. • Low resistivity and high carrier concentration were simultaneously realized. Fluorine-doped Mg 0.21 Zn 0.79 O (MZO:F) thin films were successfully deposited on glass substrates at room temperature by radio frequency (RF) magnetron co-sputtering method with Mg 0.21 Zn 0.79 O, MgF 2 , and ZnF 2 targets. Low resistivity (1.26 × 10-1 Ω⋅cm), high Hall mobility (3.55 cm2/Vs) and high carrier concentration (1.39 × 1019 cm−3) were simultaneously realized in the annealed MZO:F film. The effects of doping concentration and annealing temperature on the structural, morphological, electronic, electrical and optical properties of MZO:F films were systematically investigated in this study. XRD and XPS analysis confirmed that F atoms have entered into crystal lattices of MZO and acted as donors when they occupied O sites in the hexagonal lattice. Moreover, it was observed that both doping concentration and annealing temperature greatly affected the crystallinity, grain size, growth orientation and surface morphology of the MZO:F thin films. In addition, the optical gap changed dramatically with the F content and annealing temperature, which could be attribute to the Burstein-Moss effect accompanied by the effects of fluctuating potential arising from the randomly situated impurities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Titanium dioxide (TiO 2) modified g-C 3 N 4 for composite photocatalysts were fabricated by using ball-milling and calcination. The physicochemical properties of as-obtained photocatalysts were characterized by XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, UV–vis DRS, PL and Photocurrents. The results show that the heterostructure successfully formed between TiO 2 and C 3 N 4 , and the heterostructure could effectively enhance the separation rate of the photogenerated electrons and holes. Also the positions of conduction band (CB) and valence band (VB) changed with improving the amount of TiO 2 in the as-prepared photocatalysts. The photocatalytic activities of as-prepared photocatalysts were investigated by photoreduction of CO 2 , the results exhibit that the composite photocatalysts clearly improve the photoreduction of CO 2 to CH 4 and CO. The highest yields of CH 4 and CO are of 72.2 and 56.2 μmol g−1 at an optimized modified amounts of TiO 2 under 4 h irradiation of 8 W UV lamp, respectively. The strategy of TiO 2 modified C 3 N 4 could successfully obtain effective photocatalyst for CO 2 conversion. Image 1056065 • TiO 2 modified g-C 3 N 4 composite photocatalysts were fabricated by using ball-milling method and calcination. • The positions of conduction band (CB) and valence band (VB) changed with improving the amount of TiO 2 in the composite photocatalysts. • The composite photocatalysts clearly improve the photoreduction of CO 2 to CH 4 and CO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depression is a refractory psychiatric disorder closely associated with dysfunction of the gap junctions (GJs) between astrocytes as well as neuroinflammation. Higenamine (Hig) is a potent cardiotonic ingredient in Fuzi (i.e., Aconitum carmichaeli Debx.) with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which has a significant protective effect on damaged nerve cells and has great potential for the treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases. Rats were stimulated by chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) for 28 days while given Hig (5, 10, 20 mg/kg) and then analyzed behaviorally by the open field test, sucrose preference test, and forced swimming test. Changes in astrocyte GJs function and morphology were observed by dye transfer and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. Expression and phosphorylation of connexin 43 (Cx43) were analyzed by Western blot. Also, considering the close relationship between depression and neuroinflammation, we determined the inflammatory response in serum with ELISA kits and analyzed the expression of inflammation-related proteins with Western blot. Hig ameliorated CUS-induced depression-like behavior in rats. Hig administration improved gap junctional dysfunction in astrocytes, reduced gap junctional gaps and elevated the expression of Cx43 and decreased the phosphorylation of Cx43. Meanwhile, Hig administration was also able to attenuate the inflammatory response that occurs after CUS in rats. For the role of Cx43 in depression, we did not validate it more deeply in animal models with knockout Cx43. In addition, GJs dysfunction might be associated with the inflammatory response seen in depression, but this needs to be further investigated. Hig ameliorates depression and exerts its antidepressant effect possibly by improving the dysfunctional GJs between astrocytes and the inflammatory response. [Display omitted] • Hig ameliorates CUS-induced depression-like behavior in rats. • Hig increases Cx43 expression and inhibits Cx43 phosphorylation in depressed rats. • Hig plays an antidepressant role by improving the gap junction function between astrocytes. • Hig was able to reduce the inflammatory response seen in depressed rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioactives can impact food function either by their dosage or by their forms of dispersion, though the latter remains mostly neglected. Here we report the incidental nanoparticles (iNPs) carrying hepatoprotective bioactives identified in freshwater clam (Corbicula fluminea Muller) soup, which is a folk remedy for liver conditions in East Asia. The soup was fractionated into two iNPs containing fractions with high yield (95.8%) in 35 min by gel chromatography. With hydrodynamic diameter (D h) range from 40 nm to 149 nm, iNPs were mainly constituted by carbohydrates and proteins. Notably, the majority of bioactives, e.g. taurine (63.2%), ornithine (68.1%) and phytosterols (60.0%), was determined to be carried by the iNPs. It suggested a possible mechanism of elevated delivery and absorption of bioactives, explaining why the clam soup can work at the bioactive concentrations way lower than the individual compound. These iNPs have great potential to be developed into a functional food with most potent nutraceutical effects. Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Catalase-induced vigorous superoxide production in fish oil nano-emulsion. • The resulting superoxide caused fatal oxidative damages in murine macrophage. • The fish oil induced cell death can be inhibited by a catalase-specific inhibitor. • The cell death involves ferroptosis but not apoptosis. • A hidden health risk of the fish oil nano-emulsion was discovered. Fish oil is increasingly utilised in the form of nano-emulsion as a nutrient and function fortifier. The nano-emulsions exceptionally high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids and electron donors at the oil/water interface provide an ideal site of the redox reaction. Here we report that a vigorous superoxide production in the fish oil nano-emulsion was catalysed by mammalian catalase in acellular and cellular systems. The resulting superoxide increased cytosolic reactive oxygen species (ROS) and membrane lipid peroxidation of murine macrophage, which eventually causes fatal oxidative damages. Cell death, was significantly inhibited by a catalase-specific inhibitor 3-Amino-1,2,4-triazole (3-AT), was via ferroptosis and not apoptosis. The ferroptosis was independent of free iron or glutathione peroxidase suppression. Our findings discovered a hidden health risk of the widely acclaimed fish oil emulsion, suggesting a novel cellular damage mechanism caused by dietary unsaturated fats on the alimentary tract mucosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, thermo-responsive PNIPAM@AgBr/CSs composite photocatalysts were successfully fabricated by grafting method. The thermo-responsive composite photocatalysts were further characterized by SEM, EDS, XRD, FT-IR, DRS and PL, the results demonstrated that the surface of CSs was successfully loaded with AgBr and further grafted with PNIPAM, and the grafted PNIPAM not only obtained the thermo-responsive performance, but also synergistically enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity toward degradation of tetracycline (TC) antibiotics. The influenced factors of photocatalytic degradation were also investigated, the results showed that the dosage of PNIPAM and the reacted temperature were obviously affected the degradation rate of TC. Lastly, the photocatalytic degradation mechanism of as-obtained thermo-sensitive photocatalyst was also discussed in detail. This work might offer a way to obtain the intelligently composite materials for switchable photocatalytic processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co-MOF-74 materials were synthesized at different temperatures using solvothermal method. The effect of the synthetic temperature on the structure and low temperature NH 3 -SCR catalytic performance of Co-MOF-74 was systematically investigated. Co-MOF-74 synthesized at 100 °C has flower-like morphology, while hexagonal prism structures could be obtained at other temperatures. Co-MOF-74 with flower-like morphology has a larger specific surface area and pore volume compared with the hexagonal prism ones. The highest catalytic activity was obtained at 200 °C under the optimal synthesis temperature, which was attributed to the combination of special morphology, the highest specific surface area and Co content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemokines and their corresponding receptors play crucial roles in orchestrating inflammatory and immune responses, particularly in the context of pathological conditions disrupting the internal environment. Among these receptors, CCR5 has garnered considerable attention due to its significant involvement in the inflammatory cascade, serving as a pivotal mediator of neuroinflammation and other inflammatory pathways associated with various diseases. However, a notable gap persists in comprehending the intricate mechanisms governing the interplay between CCR5 and its ligands across diverse and intricate inflammatory pathologies. Further exploration is warranted, especially concerning the inflammatory cascade instigated by immune cell infiltration and the precise binding sites within signaling pathways. This study aims to illuminate the regulatory axes modulating signaling pathways in inflammatory cells by providing a comprehensive overview of the pathogenic processes associated with CCR5 and its ligands across various disorders. The primary focus lies on investigating the pathomechanisms associated with CCR5 in disorders related to neuroinflammation, alongside the potential impact of aging on these processes and therapeutic interventions. The discourse culminates in addressing current challenges and envisaging potential future applications, advocating for innovative research endeavors to advance our comprehension of this realm. [Display omitted] • To summarize the mechanism of aging involved in ccr5 signaling pathway transduction. • To summarize the neurologic mechanism of aging and CCR5-mediated inflammation. • To summarize the mechanism of aging and CCR5's involvement in other diseases. • Explore the potential targets of CCR5 in different organs. • To explore the progress of drug research on CCR5 as a single or combined target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agricultural green revolution spectacularly enhanced crop yield through modification of gibberellin (GA) signaling. However, in cotton, the GA signaling cascades remain elusive, limiting our potential to cultivate new cotton varieties and improve yield and quality. Here, we identified that GA prominently stimulated fiber elongation through the degradation of DELLA protein GhSLR1, thereby disabling GhSLR1's physical interaction with two transcription factors, GhZFP8 and GhBLH1. Subsequently, the resultant free GhBLH1 binds to GhKCS12 promoter and activates its expression to enhance VLCFAs biosynthesis. With a similar mechanism, the free GhZFP8 binds to GhSDCP1 promoter and activates its expression. As a result, GhSDCP1 upregulates the expression of GhPIF3 gene associated with plant cell elongation. Ultimately, the two parallel signaling cascades synergistically promote cotton fiber elongation. Our findings outline the mechanistic framework that translates the GA signal into fiber cell elongation, thereby offering a roadmap to improve cotton fiber quality and yield. [Display omitted] • Gibberellins promotes fiber cell elongation by degrading GhSLR1 • GhSLR1 interacts with two transcription factors, GhZFP8 and GhBLH1 • GhBLH1 activates the transcription of GhKCS12 and enhances VLCFA biosynthesis • GhZFP8 activates the expression of GhPIF3 by upregulating GhSDCP1 in cotton He et al. identified two signaling cascades, GhSLR1-GhZFP8- GhSDCP1 - GhPIF3 and GhSLR1-GhBLH1- GhKCS12 , which translate the gibberellins signal to regulate cotton fiber cell elongation. This finding can be potentially used in the field to improve cotton fiber quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing S-scheme heterojunctions is an effective method to improve the charge localization on the surface of photocatalysts. Their effective charge transport routes can be enhanced with the help of interfacial noble metal nanoparticles. Herein, an Ag/CuO@ZnIn 2 S 4 plasma S-scheme heterojunction with heterogeneous interfacial covalent bonds was successfully designed. The 15% Ag/CuO@ZnIn 2 S 4 has promising photocatalytic performance and stability with the highest CO and CH 4 yields of 6.9 and 54.4 µmol g−1 h−1 and CH 4 selectivity of 92.8%. It is evidenced that the photogenerated charge can be efficiently separated and transported due to the influence of both the S-scheme electron migration mode and the Cu-S covalent bond. The process is further accelerated by using precious metals as cocatalysts, which can then selectively convert CO 2 into CH 4. This research is expected to provide helpful information for engineering S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts and investigating their charge transfer kinetics. [Display omitted] • Design of a S-scheme heterojunction to promote the separation of carriers. • Built the Cu-S bonds to accelerate the transfer of charges. • Utilizing the LSPR effect to generate hot electrons and enhance light absorption. • The Ag/CuO@ZnIn 2 S 4 photocatalysts can selectively reduce CO 2 to CH 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Co–CeO 2 was used to activate the PMS for degrading PET plastics. • The degradation rate reached 91.61 % in 6 h after adding 1 mL H 2 O 2 and 5 mM PMS. • Several factors, such as pH and anions, were considered. • SO 4 − played a crucial role in the degradation, compared to OH, O 2 −, and 1O 2. • The possible mechanism of photocatalysis/PMS degradation of PET was proposed. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, widely used for packaging owing to its excellent properties, has become a major contributor to plastic waste, for which satisfactory recycling and upgrading treatment technologies are lacking. In this study, Co-doped CeO 2 was used as a photocatalyst to degrade PET plastics in water, and PET degradation was measured according to the weight loss rate. Peroxymonosulfate (PMS) addition to the photocatalytic system enabled the degradation of 53.82 ± 4.48 % of PET plastics, highlighting the excellent PET plastic degradation capability of the photocatalytic PMS system. The study investigated the effects of the catalyst-to-plastic ratio, PMS concentration, initial pH, inorganic anions, humic acid concentration, and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) addition on the catalytic oxidation system. Contrast experiments revealed that H 2 O 2 addition to the photocatalysis/PMS oxidation system further improved the PET plastic degradation efficiency (91.61 ± 1.50 %). Liquid product analysis, electron paramagnetic resonance, and free radical quenching experiments confirmed that SO 4 − played the most significant role in PET degradation. Finally, a possible mechanism for the degradation of PET plastics in water using the photocatalysis/PMS oxidation system was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wide-light absorption performance and efficient carrier separation ability are the necessary conditions for excellent photocatalytic materials. In this research, g-C 3 N 4 QDs (CN QDs) and Au nano-particles (NPs) co-modified CeO 2 /Fe 3 O 4 micro-flowers (MFs) photocatalyst (CACeF) has been prepared. CO 2 photoreduction experiments showed that the composite had obviously enhanced photoreduction activity and photocatalytic stability. The yields of CO and CH 4 over it as catalyst in 4 h is about 5 and 8 times greater than that of pure CeO 2. Photoelectrochemical tests showed that the heterojunction between CN QDs and Au NPs can greatly improve the carrier separation ability and the light-utilization efficiency of photocatalysts. Besides, the excellent electronic transmission performance of Au NPs provided a specific channel for the electron transmission, and the strong local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of Au NPs resulted in a lot of hot-electrons can directly take part in the CO 2 photoreduction. The synergistic effect between CN QDs and Au NPs can further enhance the photocatalytic activity of the photocatalyst. Fe 3 O 4 QDs can ensure the effective recovery and reuse of the composite without affecting the photocatalytic performance of composite. Finally, a potential photoreduction mechanism of CN QDs and Au NPs co-modified CeO 2 /Fe 3 O 4 MFs photocatalyst were discussed in total. [Display omitted] • g-C3N4 QDs/Au NPs/CeO2/Fe3O4 has been prepared for the CO2 photoreduction. • Light-absorption performance of photocatalyst has been greatly enhanced. • Au efficiently speeds up the electrons' generation efficiency in semiconductors. • Synergistic effect of CN QDs/Au NPs enhanced the photoreduction performance. • Fe3O4 QDs can ensure the recovery without affecting the photocatalytic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Fe2+/Fe3+@POPD/TiO2/fly-ash cenospheres photocatalysts has been successfully prepared by ions imprinting technology. The as-prepared ions imprinting photocatalysts have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV–Vis DRS) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). The photocatalytic activity of the ions imprinting photocatalysts was studied by the degradation of ciprofloxacin antibiotics water under visible light irradiation (tungsten halogen lamp). The results showed that the iron ions imprinting photocatalysts could effectively promote the mutual transformation between Fe2+ and Fe3+, increased the separation rate of photoelectrons and holes in the cycling system, and improved the photocatalytic activity of degradation on the ciprofloxacin antibiotics solution. The photodegradation rate could reach 80% in 60min under visible light irradiation. According to our experimental results, the mechanisms of preparation and photodegradation process of ions imprinting photocatalysts were also proposed, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Spherical mesoporous MnO x nanoparticles were prepared by the thermolysis of a Mn-MOF-74 template. The morphologies of the MnO x nanoparticles were inherited from the Mn-MOF-74 template and the crystal structures of the MnO x particles could be regulated by changing the thermolysis conditions. These porous MnO x nanoparticles were tested as low-temperature selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalysts and they exhibited high activities. The sample prepared at 700 °C under a N 2 atmosphere had the largest specific surface area (89.1 m 2 /g) and the highest deNO x activity (98% NO conversion) with a N 2 selectivity of almost 100%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• NiGa-LDHis firstly synthesized by simple hydrothermal method. • Ni 2 P and NiGa 2 O 4 are grown in situ on the NiGa-LDH by selectivephosphating. • DFT calculations confirm positive effect of phosphating on the conductivity of NiGa-LDH. • The Ni 2 P/NiGa 2 O 4 -1.2/NiGa-LDH/NF//Co 3 O 4 -C(72Wh kg-1) can light multiple LEDs in parallel. Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) materials are ideal electrode materials for supercapacitors (SCs) due to their high capacitance, large surface area and fast redox reaction. However, the limited reaction site of LDHs is one of the main obstacles to increasing the capacitance of SCs. Here, NiGa-LDH grown on nickel foam (NF) by one-step hydrothermal method is derived into Ni 2 P/NiGa 2 O 4 /NiGa-LDH/NF by partial phosphating method induced by NaH 2 PO 2. Ni 0.5 Ga 0.5 -LDH/NF has good electrochemical performance, and the capacitance can reach 295 mAh g−1 (2124F g−1) when the current density is 1 A g−1. Significantly, Ni 2 P/NiGa 2 O 4 /NiGa-LDH/NF well preserves the layered structure of LDHs, inherits the low transfer impedance of interlayer ions, and can greatly reduce the thickness of the nanosheets, exposing more active sites and speeding up the electron transfer speed. According to the first principle calculation, Ni 2 P and NiGa 2 O 4 formed by phosphating helps to increase the free electron ratio in Ni 2 P/NiGa 2 O 4 /NiGa-LDH/NF, thus improving the charge transfer behavior in electrochemical reactions. The material can provide an ultra-high electrochemical capacity of 454.7 mAh g−1 (3274F g−1) at 1 A g−1. In addition, a hybrid supercapacitors (HSCs) is prepared by coupling the Co 3 O 4 -C as negative electrode with the high capacitance Ni 2 P/NiGa 2 O 4 /NiGa-LDH/NF as positive electrode. Ni 2 P/NiGa 2 O 4 /NiGa-LDH/NF // Co 3 O 4 -C HSCs provides the energy density of 72 Wh kg−1 at the power density of 800 W kg−1 with excellent long-term stability up to 8000 cycles, and is expected to be used in next-generation energy storage systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The ternary metal NiCoGa-LDHs is firstly synthesized by simple hydrothermal method. • The morphology, crystal structure stability and capacitance of NiCoGa-LDHs are systematically studied. • The Ni 1 Co 3 Ga 1 -LDHs@CC electrode exhibits excellent capacitance of 2012.5 F g-1 at 1 A g-1. • The asymmetric supercapacitor (84.22 Wh kg-1) can light multiple LEDs in parallel. Ternary metal layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have been widely used in supercapacitors (SCs) due to their polyvalent state and high electrochemical activity. In this study, Ga (III) doped NiCo layered double hydroxides (NiCoGa-LDHs) electrode material is prepared on carbon cloth (CC) by simple one-step hydrothermal method for the first time. The effects of Ga3+ with different molar ratios on the structure, morphology, crystallinity, ion transport mechanics and electrochemical properties of ternary LDHs electrode materials are systematically investigated. At Ga3+ = 1.0, the as-synthesized Ni 1 Co 3 Ga 1 -LDHs@CC exhibits a special electrochemical capacitance of 2012.5 F g-1 at 1 A g-1 with 57.7% capacitance retention observed at 5.0 A g-1. The synthesis and evaluation of the two bimetallic NiCo-LDHs and NiGa-LDHs are similar in order to demonstrate the performance improvement of gallium heterovalent substitution. And heterovalent substitution of gallium for cobalt ion and nickel ion is proved indirectly. An Asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs) device is assembled with Ni 1 Co 3 Ga 1 -LDHs@CC as anode and mesoporous carbon (MPC) as cathode, providing a high energy density of 84.22 Wh kg-1 at a power density of 800.1 W kg-1, with excellent cyclic stability. This study provides a new way to improve the electrochemical performance and stability of ternary metal LDHs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The dual-plasma enhanced g-C 3 N 4 /Pd/MoO 3-x heterojunction was fabricated for high-selectivity photocatalytic CO 2 reduction. • The g-C 3 N 4 /Pd/MoO 3-x composites revealed excellent near-infrared absorption ability. • The carrier separation efficiency was effectively improved under the synergistic effect of MoO 3-x and Pd nanosheets. • The g-C 3 N 4 /Pd/MoO 3-x S-scheme heterojunction displayed high photocatalytic performance and CO selectivity. • The S-scheme charge transfer mechanism was proposed based on UPS and ESR results. The localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect has shown significant progress in enhancing the efficiency of light absorption and separating photogenerated carriers. Herein, the dual-plasma enhanced 2D/2D/2D g-C 3 N 4 /Pd/MoO 3-x (CPM) S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts were synthesized using the method of hydrothermal and electrostatic self-assembly for high-selectivity photocatalytic reduction of CO 2 to produce CO. The dual LSPR effect of MoO 3-x and ultrathin Pd nanosheets synergistically broadened the optical response range of the CPM composites and successfully improved the photocatalytic activity and near-infrared (NIR) performance. The optimized CPM-30 photocatalysts exhibited CO yields of 18.55 μmol g−1 with a selectivity of 96.3%. In addition, the CO yield reached 3.92 μmol g−1 after 4 h of NIR light photoirradiation. The electron spin resonance (ESR) and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) tests showed that the S-scheme heterojunctions were constructed by coupling g-C 3 N 4 /Pd nanosheets and MoO 3-x. This work will provide a reference for improving product selectivity through the design of two-dimensional composites and the utilization of plasma materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• SnS 2 atomic layer with Pt 3 Co nanoclusters have been successfully prepared. • Nanoclusters can enrich electrons, reduce barriers, and promote proton transport. • The photoelectric properties of catalysts is significantly enhanced. • The CO 2 photoreduction efficiency of the SnS 2 /Pt 3 Co catalyst is markedly improved. Poor capability of charge-holes separation and slower surface CO 2 reaction kinetics hinder photocatalytic performance. Here, SnS 2 atomic layer with Pt 3 Co alloy nanoclusters have been successfully prepared. Nanoclusters could be used as highly catalytic active sites, which not only facilitates the carrier separation and transport kinetics, but enriches electrons lowered the reaction barrier. As expected, the CO evolution rate of the champion SnS 2 /Pt 3 Co catalyst was 13.6 times higher than that of the original SnS 2 catalyst under white light irradiation. In-situ DRIFTS identifies key intermediate in the photoreduction process. In-situ XPS and DFT calculation further verifies the electron transport direction and charge density distribution at the SnS 2 /Pt 3 Co interface. Our work uncovers the role of nanoclusters in carrier separation and transport as well as proton transport, opening new chances for obtaining efficient photoreduction CO 2 property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2D/2D heterojunction photocatalyst of CdIn 2 S 4 on nitrogen doped reduced graphene (N-rGO) was fabricated by in situ hydrothermal method. It is noticeable that the flower-like CdIn 2 S 4 photocatalyst composed of film is controlled by the temperature of synthesis process. When CdIn 2 S 4 photocatalyst load on N-rGO, irregular film N-rGO functions as support to disperse the CdIn 2 S 4 , forming the 2D/2D interfacial structure, which is confirmed by SEM, TEM and HRTEM. When the mass fraction of N-rGO is 10%, the binary composite photocatalyst could photodegrade 80% 50 mg/L 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP). That is because the heterojunction formed between CdIn 2 S 4 and N-rGO promotes the electron transfer, especially the interfacial contact region. What's more, the N-rGO can efficiently accumulate the 2,4-DCP molecules because of its unique structure, bettering the contact rate between 2,4-DCP and the whole photocatalyst. The possible mechanism of photodegrading 2,4-DCP was discussed and investigated. This work highlights the synergistic effect, especially the harmony between charge transfer and active sites to benefit the photocatalytic performance. A schematic of possible photocatalytic mechanism. Image 1 • 2D/2D CdIn 2 S 4 /N-rGO interfacial heterojunction photocatalyst was obtained by in situ hydrothermal method. • The as-prepared 2D/2D CdIn 2 S 4 /N-rGO materials exhibited extensively enhanced photocatalytic activity for the degradation of 2,4-DCP under visible light irradiation. • The possible process about irregular and looser CdIn 2 S 4 nanosheets formed was given. • Intimate 2D interfacial heterojunction gives more channels to transfer photogenerated carries and N-rGO supplies active sites, bettering photocatalytic performance. A possible mechanism of 2D/2D CdIn 2 S 4 /N-rGO photocatalyst for the enhancement of visible light performance was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interfacial regulation strategy between semiconductors can effectively promote the separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers and enhance photocatalytic activity under the synergistic effect. Herein, AgInS 2 QDs-MoS 2 /GO (AIS-MS/GO) composites were prepared by interfacial coupling of AgInS 2 QDs (AIS), hierarchical MoS 2 and ultrathin GO. Ultrathin GO successfully solved the agglomeration problem of AIS and hierarchical MoS 2. Moreover, the photogenerated carriers were effectively separated and transferred under the synergistic effect of the AIS-MS heterojunction and ultrathin GO, thus promoting tetracycline (TC) degradation and CO 2 reduction performance. The degradation rate of tetracycline (TC) reached 96.5 %, and the yields of CO and CH 4 in the CO 2 reduction products reached 52.6 and 28.5 μmol g–1, respectively, when using the optimized photocatalyst. In-situ FTIR analysis indicated that TC is gradually degraded by small molecules on the composite surface, and has excellent dissociation ability of water molecules during the CO 2 reduction process. This work provides a new vision for the rational design of heterojunction-based photocatalysts using the interfacial regulation strategy for enhancing interfacial charge separation and photocatalytic performance. [Display omitted] • AIS-MS/GO composites were prepared via the interfacial regulation strategy. • The photogenerated carriers were effectively separated and transferred under synergistic and interfacial effects. • The aggregation problem of AIS and hierarchical MoS 2 was effectively solved. • AIS-MS/GO composites achieve a 96.5 % TC degradation rate and 35.1 % selectivity for CH 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Supercapacitor is a new energy storage device between traditional capacitor and rechargeable battery. Not only has the characteristics of fast charging and discharging of capacitor, but also has the characteristics of energy storage of battery. The electrochemical tests indicate that the electrode in view of porous Ni 2 P 2 O 7 nanowires (NWs) has a specific capacitance of 772.5 Fg-1 at current density 1 Ag-1. Furthermore, porous Ni 2 P 2 O 7 NWs have been successfully applied to construct all-solid hybrid supercapacitors. Carbon nanotubes (CNT) and easily treated nickel pyrophosphate (Ni 2 P 2 O 7) are considered as electrode materials for supercapacitors under alkaline conditions. The equipment has a high energy density of 6.25 mWh cm−2 and good cycle stability of 94% capacitance retention after 3000 cycles, which identifies that porous Ni 2 P 2 O 7 nanowires are promising supercapacitor active materials. Highlights • A novel intercalated porous Ni 2 P 2 O 7 nanowires was prepared by simple chemical precipitation method. • The intercalated porous Ni 2 P 2 O 7 nanowires as new electrode materials exhibited great electrochemical properties. • Ni 2 P 2 O 7 //CNT ASC device is a promising material for fiber supercapacitors and electronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The effect of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), vital organic matters and nutrient elements in the natural environment, on the behavior and toxicology of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and ions remains ambiguous. In this study, the role of EPS on the toxicity of AgNPs and dissolved silver ions (from AgNO 3) to a green algae Chlorella vulgaris was investigated. After the removal of EPS, algae accumulated more silver, about 7.41- and 1.25-fold of those in the algae with EPS for AgNPs and AgNO 3 treatments, respectively. The large amount of accumulated silver was bound to the algal cell surface for AgNPs treatment and was internalized in the algae for AgNO 3 treatment, irrespective of the presence of EPS in algae. After exposure to AgNPs, the ruffles in the surfaces of algal cells were filled by AgNPs, and almost invisible. FTIR showed that for both AgNPs and AgNO 3 , the aldehyde groups on the cell surface were oxidized to carboxyl groups by silver ions, irrespective of the presence of EPS in algal cells, indicating that silver ions were released from the oxidization of AgNPs and reacted with algal cells. The content of chlorophyll showed that AgNPs depressed algal growth more remarkably than did AgNO 3 , independent of the presence of EPS in algae, suggesting that AgNPs had greater toxic effects on algae than did silver ions. The findings suggest that the barrier effect of EPS gave nanoparticles an extraordinary edge over ions, but EPS had no discerning effect on the interaction of algal cells with the silver ions released from AgNPs and AgNO 3 , and also on the effect of AgNPs and AgNO 3 on algal growth. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • EPS display extraordinary barrier effect on silver nanoparticles over ions. • EPS have little influence on the distribution of silver nanoparticles and ions. • EPS have limited effect on the interaction of silver ions with algal cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]