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[Display omitted] • A novel symmetrically double-armed salamo type fluorescent sensor BMS was synthesized. • The high sensitivity and selectivity of BMS in the recognition of MnO 4 - were investigated. • The limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), and the binding constant (K a) were calculated. • The recognition mechanism of MnO 4 - by BMS has been postulated. • The energy gaps before and after recognition were analyzed by DFT calculation. The symmetrically double-armed salamo type fluorescent sensor BMS , incorporating benzimidazole units, was designed and synthesized. Showcasing remarkable specificity and responsiveness to MnO 4 - within a DMSO:H 2 O (V/V = 9:1, pH = 7.2) Tris-HCl buffer medium, it enabled dual-channel detection of MnO 4 - through fluorescent and colorimetric changes. Critical experimental parameters, including detection and quantification thresholds (LOD and LOQ) along with binding affinity constants (K a), were calculated using the Origin software. A rational interaction mechanism between BMS and MnO 4 - was deduced, based on fluorescence titration, Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS), Ultraviolet–Visible Spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Infrared Spectroscopy (IR), Stern-Volmer plots, and Density Functional Theory (DFT) computations. Additionally, the sensor BMS was applied to monitor MnO 4 - in real water samples. Advancing its practical utility, BMS was fabricated into test strips for the selective detecting of MnO 4 -. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Designed and tested a PLC-based 32-channel array waveguide grating. • Comparison of the edge filtering method and the relative intensity method. • Focusing on the interrogation method and the choice of the fitting function. The Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) is an optical fiber component that reflects or diffracts optical signals of specific wavelengths through periodic refractive index changes inside it. Currently, the use of arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) to interrogate such optical signals is a popular research topic at present. Using the planar lightwave circuit, we designed and fabricated a 32-channel AWG. The AWG has an insertion loss of less than 4 dB, a 3 dB bandwidth of about 1.76 nm, and a crosstalk of non-adjacent channels of less than −28 dB. Additionally, we integrated the AWG with a photodetector (PD) array and built a corresponding wavelength interrogation system, which was tested using three different interrogation methods. The test results indicate that when using the linear fitting, this AWG provides the best results using the dual-channel edge filtering method with an interrogation range of 1.6 nm and an interrogation accuracy of 18.9–20.1 pm. The interrogation accuracies of the relative intensity method are 9.4 pm and 3.7 pm when Gaussian and Lorentzian fittings are used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The non-metallic doped g-C 3 N 4 /MoS 2 (X/g-C 3 N 4 /MoS 2 , X = O, F, Si, P, S, and Cl) heterojunctions are designed by the First-principles. The electronic, optical properties, and the effect of the electric field on the band structure of the X/g-C 3 N 4 /MoS 2 heterojunctions are investigated. The O/g-C 3 N 4 /MoS 2 heterojunction is a semiconductor (1.340 eV, Type-II), and the F, Si, P, S, and Cl/g-C 3 N 4 /MoS 2 heterojunctions exhibit metallic properties. The built-in electric fields generated at the interface enhance the separation efficiency of the photo-generated electron hole pair. Further, the band structures are controllable by the electric field, especially, the band structure of the O/g-C 3 N 4 /MoS 2 heterojunction changes from semiconductor to metallic properties (0.4 V Å−1), while that of the S/g-C 3 N 4 /MoS 2 heterojunction changes from metallic to semiconductor properties (−0.4 V Å−1 and −0.2 V Å−1). In the meantime, the visible light absorption coefficient is enhanced, especially, the Si/g-C 3 N 4 /MoS 2 heterojunction has an absorption peak of 1.188 × 105 cm−1 at 625.8 nm. Furthermore, the O/g-C 3 N 4 /MoS 2 heterojunction can occur photocatalytic water decomposition under acidic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homogeneously Eu3+ doped LaOCl single crystals are firstly synthesized in a molten KCl-LiCl flux, and the well-shaped LaOCl:Eu3+ polyhedral micro-plates exhibit noticeable luminescent properties. The bulk LaOCl:Eu3+ micro-plate with a width of 1.03 μm and 1.37 μm in length shows a single crystal characteristic with the crystal face orientation of [00 1 ‾ ]. Both XRD patterns and EDS mapping indicate that the Eu3+ ions have been homogeneously doped into LaOCl lattice. LaOCl:Eu3+ nucleuses generated in molten KCl-LiCl flux at even 350 °C benefited to the decomposition of La(OH) 3 :Eu3+ precursor, and polyhedral LaOCl micro-plate is easily formed in molten KCl-LiCl salt due to the solid-ionic reaction and crystal growth. The luminescent properties of LaOCl:Eu3+ are firstly enhanced and then weakened with the increasing concentration of the doped Eu3+, 6% Eu3+ doped LaOCl:Eu3+ exhibits the best luminescent properties which can be used as a potential LED material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disease. Current treatment of mainstream medications has significant side effects. There is growing evidence that the refractoriness of asthma is closely related to common changes in the lung and intestine. The lungs and intestines, as sites of frequent gas exchange in the body, are widely populated with gas signaling molecules NO and CO, which constitute NO–CO metabolism and may be relevant to the pathogenesis of asthma in the lung and intestine. The Chinese herbal formula Tingli Dazao Xiefei Decoction (TD) is commonly used in clinical practice to treat asthma with good efficacy, but there are few systematic evaluations of the efficacy of asthma on NO–CO metabolism, and the mode of action of its improving effect on the lung and intestine is unclear. To investigate the effect of TD on the lung and intestine of asthmatic rats based on NO–CO metabolism. In vivo , we established a rat asthma model by intraperitoneal injection of sensitizing solution with OVA atomization, followed by intervention by gavage administration of TD. We simultaneously examined alterations in basal function, pathology, NO–CO metabolism, inflammation and immune cell homeostasis in the lungs and intestines of asthmatic rats, and detected changes in intestinal flora by macrogenome sequencing technology, with a view to multi-angle evaluation of the treatment effects of TD on asthmatic rats. In vitro , lung cells BEAS-2B and intestinal cells NCM-460 were used to establish a model of lung injury causing intestinal injury using LPS and co-culture chambers, and lung cells or intestinal cells TD-containing serum was administered to intervene. Changes in inflammatory, NO–CO metabolism-related, cell barrier-related and oxidative stress indicators were measured in lung cells and intestinal cells to evaluate TD on intestinal injury by way of amelioration and in-depth mechanism. In vivo , our results showed significant basal functional impairment in the lung and intestine of asthmatic rats, and an inflammatory response, immune cell imbalance and intestinal flora disturbance elicited by NO–CO metabolic disorders were observed (P < 0.05 or 0.01). The administration of TD was shown to deliver a multidimensional amelioration of the impairment induced by NO–CO metabolic disorders (P < 0.05 or 0.01). In vitro , the results showed that LPS-induced lung cells BEAS-2B injury could cause NO–CO metabolic disorder-induced inflammatory response, cell permeability damage and oxidative stress damage in intestinal cells NCM-460 (P < 0.01). The ameliorative effect on intestinal cells NCM-460 could only be exerted when TD-containing serum interfered with lung cells BEAS-2B (P < 0.01), suggesting that the intestinal ameliorative effect of TD may be exerted indirectly through the lung. TD can ameliorate NO–CO metabolism in the lung and thus achieve the indirectly amelioration of NO–CO metabolism in the intestine, ultimately achieving co-regulation of lung and intestinal inflammation, immune imbalance, cellular barrier damage, oxidative stress and intestinal bacterial disorders in asthma in vivo and in vitro. Targeting lung and intestinal NO–CO metabolic disorders in asthma may be a new therapeutic idea and strategy for asthma. Tingli Dazao Xiefei Decoction can ameliorate lung and intestinal inflammation, immune imbalance, cellular barrier damage, oxidative stress and intestinal bacterial disorders caused by asthma through addressing NO-CO metabolic disorders, and its ameliorating effect on intestinal damage is indirectly through the lung. This suggests that targeting lung and intestinal NO-CO metabolic disorders in asthma may be a new therapeutic idea and strategy for asthma. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Herein, a novel electrochemical ultrasensitive immunosensor was designed for detecting prostate-specific antigen (PSA) with three-dimensional (3D) PtCu hollow nanoframes (PtCu HNFs) as signal amplification. The highly opened PtCu HNFs were synthesized by a one-pot solvothermal method with cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) and trishydroxymethyl aminomethane (Tris) as co-structuring directors. The architectures enlarged the loading of prostate specific antibodies (Ab) and efficiently catalyzed hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) reaction, ultimately amplifying the signals. And polylysine was used to disperse PtCu HNFs, improve the biocompatibility and bind the Ab on the electrode surface. The fabricated immunosensor exhibited lower detection limit (0.003 ng mL–1, S / N = 3), and wider linear range (0.01–100.0 ng mL–1), along with the improved reproducibility, selectivity and stability for the assay of PSA. Thus, it is a desirable platform for PSA detection in clinical diagnosis and practical applications. Highlights • Uniform PtCu HNFs were synthesized by a simple solvothermal method. • Tris and CTAC acted as the co-structure-directing agents. • Polylysine can well disperse PtCu HNFs with increased biocompatibility. • PtCu HNFs was constructed for PSA immunosensor with excellent analytic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel iridium complex [(dfppy) 2 Ir(ttz), Ir complex] was synthesized via decarboxylic reaction of ancillary ligand with the iridium complex dimer containing dichloro-bridged bond, the decarboxylation-coordination reaction for the synthesis of Ir complex firstly is found. The single crystal structure, thermally stability, UV–vis absorption, photoluminescence, electrochemistry, and electroluminescent performances of the Ir complex were investigated. Blue and orange-red emissions can be observed for the Ir complex in dichloromethane and OLED with low emissive efficiencies, respectively. We explored the reason for the poor emissive performance. In addition, the luminescent mechanism of (dfppy) 2 Ir(ttz) was also studied through DFT/TD-DFT calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The relations between the kinematics of satellites and the properties of hosts and satellites themselves are investigated in this paper. Our sample of hosts and satellites is selected from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) data by adopting a self-adapted method developed by van den Bosch et al. Consistent with the previous studies, the average velocity dispersion increases with the mass of host galaxy, and is larger for red hosts than for blue hosts. We find that, on average, the velocity dispersion is independent of satellite mass around red hosts, however it increases with the satellite mass around blue hosts, and red satellites have a larger velocity dispersion than their blue counterparts. Our further investigations show that in the same halo, the velocity dispersion is independent of satellite mass, regardless of the host color. Interestingly, around red hosts, the red satellites tend to have a smaller velocity dispersion than the blue ones. It implies some interesting processes. In addition, we also find that if host galaxies only have red or blue (high mass or low mass) satellites, the system with red (high mass) satellites has a larger velocity dispersion than that with blue (low mass) satellites. It suggests that satellite properties are important for the measurement of dark halo mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SOI-based variable optical attenuators based on electro-absorption mechanism are demonstrated in this paper. Two different doping structures are adopted to realize the attenuation: a structure with a single lateral p-i-n diode and a structure with several lateral p-i-n diodes connected in series. The VOAs with lateral p-i-n diodes connected in series (series VOA) can greatly improve the device attenuation efficiency compared to VOAs with a single lateral p-i-n diode structure (single VOA), which is verified by the experimental results that the attenuation efficiency of the series VOA and the single VOA is 3.76 dB/mA and 0.189 dB/mA respectively. The corresponding power consumption at 20 dB attenuation is 202 mW (series VOA) and 424 mW (single VOA) respectively. The raise time is 34.5 ns (single VOA) and 45.5 ns (series VOA), and the fall time is 37 ns (single VOA) and 48.5 ns (series VOA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoceria was synthesized by treating cerium carbonate hydrate in a molten KOH-NaOH mixture at 200 °C. The nanoceria thus synthesized under a hydrogen atmosphere had a crystal size of 21.6 nm measured by XRD, consistent with the particle size of 23 nm measured by TEM. Raman spectra results indicated that the nanoceria produced under hydrogen had a downshift of 0.9 cm −1 from the sample synthesized in air. XPS spectra showed that the Ce 3+ fraction of the nanoceria synthesized in hydrogen was greater than that produced in air. The oxygen vacancies were formed by partial oxidization of the precursor in molten KOH-NaOH mixture. The UV–visible absorption properties of ceria synthesized under hydrogen showed a 34 nm red-shift compared with that synthesized in air. The nanoceria prepared in this work had a better catalytic property for CO oxidization than the commercial nanoceria. Results indicated that the increased Ce 3+ fraction or oxygen vacancies formed by this partial oxidization process extended the absorption edge of ceria resulting in a narrower band gap, and enhanced the catalytic activity of nanoceria. This method has proven to provide a simple and scalable method for the synthesis of high quality nanoceria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new approach to establish the circuit model of alternating current (AC) plasma anemometer is proposed. Firstly, experimental system is introduced to illustrate the experimental studies. Then all circuit models are built on basis of theoretical and experimental analysis, including the equivalent circuits of the positive column space and the sheath, the circuit models of AC plasma anemometer without airflow and under airflow, parameter matching of the equivalent circuit models without airflow and under airflow. Finally, the circuit models are verified by comparing the simulation currents with experimental currents. The final circuit model takes into account the whole framework of AC plasma anemometer containing the positive column space, the sheath and the diffusion region, which is proved feasible and reliable, and it can provide an effective tool for the future research of AC plasma anemometer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the efficient surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based DNA assay researching, signal amplification tactics were absolutely necessary. In this work, a sensitive SPR-DNA sensor was developed by employing in situ synthesis of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) templated by poly-T sequences DNA from terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated extension, and synergistically with nano-effect deposition as the mass relay. The objective of this strategy was manifold: firstly, t DNA hybridized with the optimal designed probes to active the TdT-mediated DNA extension onto the surface of SPR chip, resulted a long poly-T sequences ssDNA chain in ds DNA terminal onto surface of gold chip and characterized by SPR signal amplitudes. Secondly, copper ion (Cu 2+ ) adsorbed into the skeleton of poly-T sequences DNA, with the aid of ascorbic acid (VC) to achieve the Cu 2+ reduction, copper nanostructures (CuNPs) was synchronously generated onto the single nucleotide chain anchoring in ds DNA derivatives and the formation was featured by transmission electron micrographs (TEM) and electrochemistry. Lastly, ds DNA-complexed CuNPs (CuNPs@ ds DNA) triggered the final signal amplification via real-time conversion of the additive catechol violet (CV) into oligomer or chelation precipitation by CuNPs-tagged reporters. With the proposed setups, a precise and replicable DNA sensing platform for specific target oligo was obtained with a detection limit down to 3.21 femtomolar, demonstrating a beneficial overlapping exploitation of nanomaterials and biochemical reaction as unique SPR infrastructure. Such triple-amplification strategic setups, the possibility of various methods abutment and biocompatibility weight reactor was amassed and adapted to more biological detection field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • MOFs-derived Ni-Co alloy catalysts were used in NCH selective hydrogenation. • Ni-Co alloy effects facilitate CoO x reduction and increase the Co0 amounts. • Ethylenediamine favors the N -CHH formation and reduces the whole energy barriers. • Pyridinic-N favors intermediate N -CHH conversion to CHO. • Ni 1 Co 2 (1 1 1) crystal surface presents the lowest energy barrier of the α-H transfer. High-efficiency Ni-Co alloy encapsulated in N -doped carbon layer (Ni 1 Co 2 @NC-APTES) catalysts were prepared via simple Ni-Co-MOF pyrolyzation and applied in the selective hydrogenation of nitrocyclohexane (NCH) to cyclohexanone oxime (CHO). The results show that the alloy effects between Ni and Co can highly promote catalytic activity. The appropriate Ni addition can facilitate the reduction of CoO x and increase zero-valent Co (Co0) amounts. Moreover, pyridinic-N doping increases the Lewis basicity, which favors the intermediate cyclohexylhydroxylamine (N -CHH) conversion to CHO. Additionally, the in-situ DRIFT and density functional theory (DFT) calculations propose the mechanism for NCH hydrogenation in ethylenediamine (EDA) and the results show that the EDA changes the reaction path of NCH hydrogenation to CHO, prefers to form N -CHH, and significantly reduces the whole reaction energy barrier of NCH to CHO. Moreover, the Ni 1 Co 2 (1 1 1) crystal surface with the lowest d -band center and the strongest Ni-Co alloy effects presents the highest adsorption energies of H 2 and NCH, the lowest adsorption energies of H* and CHO, and the lowest energy barrier of the α -H transfer which is conducive to form the N -CHH. Under the optimum conditions, the Ni 1 Co 2 @NC-APTES gives 93.6% selectivity to CHO at 94.5% NCH conversion in EDA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly efficient surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based DNA assay was developed, by employing noncovalently functionalized graphene nanosheets as a substrate, and enzymatic catalysis-induced polymerization as mass relay. The objective of this strategy was manifold: first of all, to sensitize the overall SPR output by in situ optimized electrogeneration of graphene thin-film, which was characterized by atomic force microscopic topography; secondly, to regulate the self-assembly and orientation of biotinylated capture probes on nickel-chelated nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) scaffolds, that anchored onto graphene-supported pyrenyl derivatives; and lastly, to synergize the signal amplification via real-time conversion of the additive aniline into polyaniline precipitation by horseradish peroxidase-tagged reporters. With this setup, a precise and replicable DNA sensing platform for specific targets was achieved with a detection limit down to femtomolar, thus demonstrating a beneficial exploration and exploitation of two-dimensional nanomaterials as unique SPR infrastructure. The possibility of such ″bottom-up″ architecture mounted with ″top-down″ weight reactor would be most likely extensible and adaptable to protein determinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a series of Mo/γ-Al 2 O 3 catalysts have been prepared by using Mo species enwrapping with dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) as the novel precursors for the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of dibenzothiophene (DBT). The objective of this work is to get a deep insight into the effect of the Mo precursors on the size and morphology of the active phases and HDS activity. DTAB as the organic additive for the preparation of Mo precursors can dominate the nature of precursor solution and adjust the metal-support interaction so as to control the dispersion and morphology of the active phases. It is clearly shown that the addition of DTAB can effectively decrease the strong interaction between the Mo species and γ-Al 2 O 3 support and favor to tune the size and morphology of MoS 2 nanoparticles. The optimum molar ratio of DTAB/Mo is 3/5 and the corresponding catalyst shows the highest sulfidation degree with the most suitable stacking layer numbers and the shortest length of MoS 2 and thus exhibits the best HDS performance. Our work explores the important roles of organic additive to adjust the metal-support interaction and control the morphology of active phases and provides an effective precursor which can be used widely to prepare supported catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) is an urgent threat to human health. Major outer membrane proteins (OMPs) porin mutation is one important resistance mechanism of CRKP, and may also affect the inhibition activity of β-lactam and β-lactamase inhibitor combinations. The ertapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae strain 2018B120 with major porin mutations was isolated from a clinical patient. Genomic and time-series proteomic analyses were conducted to retrieve the ertapenem-challenged response of 2018B120. The abundance changing of proteins from PTS systems, ABC transporters, the autoinducer 2 (AI-2) quorum sensing system, and antioxidant systems can be observed. Overexpression of alternative porins was also noticed to balance major porins' defection. These findings added a detailed regulation network in bacterial resistance mechanisms and gave new insights into bypass adaptation mechanisms the porin deficient bacteria adopted under carbapenem antibiotics pressure. Outer membrane porins deficiency is an important mechanism of carbapenem resistance in K. pneumoniae. Comprehensive genomic and proteomic profiling of an ertapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae strain 2018B120 gives a detailed systematic regulation network in bacterial resistance mechanisms. Overexpression of alternative porins to balance major porins' defection was noticed, giving new insights into bypass adaptation mechanisms of porin deficient bacteria. [Display omitted] • The genomic analysis was conducted to explain the antibiotic resistance of Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strain 2018B120. • Multiple time series proteome analysis of K. pneumoniae strain 2018B120 reveals a detailed systematic regulation network in bacterial resistance mechanisms, providing new insights into bypass adaptation mechanisms of porin deficient bacteria. • Potential targets for intervention were identified through the characterization of porin proteins and pathway regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explore the QCD phase diagram by constructing a holographic QCD model using the Einstein-Maxwell-Scalar system. The chiral transition is investigated by adding a probe scalar and the confinement transition is studied by adding a probe string into the system. By interpreting the black hole phase transition in the bulk spacetime as the quarkyonic transition in the dual QCD theory and introducing the bypass mechanism for the deconfinement transition, we give an explanation why chiral symmetry breaking and deconfinement transition lines coincide with each other despite their different physical origins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Three new sesquiterpenoids, gingerterpenes B–D (1 – 3), two new diterpenoids, gingerterpenes E–F (4 – 5), and two known sesquiterpenoids (6 – 7) were isolated from Zingiberis Rhizoma. The structures of compounds (1 – 5) were determined by their 1D-NMR, 2D-NMR data and mass spectrometry. Their absolute configurations were determined by comparing their experimental and theoretically calculated ECD curve and quantum mechanical (QM) NMR approach. Compounds 2 – 7 were evaluated their cell viability, anti-apoptosis levels on human normal lung bronchial epithelial cells, which induced by lipopolysaccharide at 10 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pursuit of more specific and sensitive response is a perpetual goal for modern bioassays. This work proposed a novel label-free strategy about redox-related mass effect based on the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique for ultrasensitive determination of DNA. The protocol starts with the modification of SPR gilded disk with the capture DNA ( c DNA). After the conjugation of immobilized c DNA with the target DNA ( t DNA), the hybridization chain reaction was triggered by the introduction of mutual partial complementary primers to elongate the terminal into a nanoscale duplex. As it is reported that porphyrin could intercalate into the grooves of the double-stranded DNA ( ds DNA) scaffold, multiple positive-charged Fe III meso - tetra ( N -methyl-4-pyridyl) porphine (FeTMPyP) with symmetric structure were uptaken for in situ formation of porphyrin- ds DNA complex. Given FeTMPyP a highly efficient catalysis for the peroxide reduction, its presence as a biomimetic cofactor was validated via circular dichroism and UV–vis spectroscopy, demonstrating a tight binding as well as high catalytic activity and stability. Using 4-chloro-1-naphthol as a proton donor, the catalytic reduction of H 2 O 2 would oxidize it into insoluble benzo-4-chloro-hexadienone, which simultaneously deposited on the heterogeneous interface, leading to a significant amplification in both SPR response and topological height profile. The signal increment was proportional to the concentration of t DNA, thus an ultrasensitive SPR-based DNA assay was developed with a linear range over four orders of magnitudes and a sub -femtomolar detection limit of 0.73 fM. The developed methodology exemplifies a different way of thinking about mass-sensing modes, extending conventional SPR-based DNA analysis to relevant biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are an emerging class of targeted therapy against cancers. Thailandepsin A (TDP-A) is a recently discovered class I HDAC inhibitor with broad anti-proliferative activities. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the potential of TDP-A in the treatment of breast cancer. We demonstrated that TDP-A inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells at low nanomolar concentrations. TDP-A activated the intrinsic apoptotic pathway through increase of pro-apoptotic protein Bax, decrease of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, and cleavage of caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). TDP-A also induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, and promoted the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We have successfully encapsulated TDP-A into our recently developed disulfide cross-linked micelles (DCMs), improving its water solubility and targeted delivery. TDP-A loaded DCMs (TDP-A/DCMs) possess the characteristics of high loading capacity (>20%, w/w), optimal and monodisperse particle size (16 ± 4 nm), outstanding stability with redox stimuli-responsive disintegration, sustained drug release, and preferential uptake in breast tumors. In the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer xenograft model, TDP-A/DCMs were more efficacious than the FDA-approved FK228 at well-tolerated doses. Furthermore, TDP-A/DCMs exhibited synergistic anticancer effects when combined with the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (BTZ) loaded DCMs (BTZ/DCMs). Our results indicate that TDP-A nanoformulation alone or in combination with BTZ nanoformulation are efficacious against breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A series of mesoporous sieves with different pore diameters and structures have been controllably synthesized by adding variable amounts of swelling agent 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene in the preparation process for SBA-15. NiMo catalysts supported by mesoporous sieves are prepared by using the newly proposed Mo-based organic–inorganic hybrid nanocrystals as precursors to load Mo and subsequently using wetness impregnation to load Ni. The hydrodesulfurization (HDS) activity of these obtained catalysts is evaluated in a continuously flowing tubular fixed-bed microreactor using 1wt% dibenzothiophene (DBT) in heptane as a model compound. The results show that HDS ratio has gradually increased as the pore diameter of supports is enlarged from 7 to 11nm with the mesostructure keeping an ordered two-dimensional hexagonal symmetry. When the structure is in the intermediate stage of structural transition from ordered hexagonal mesostructure to mesocecullar structure, HDS ratio is decreased dramatically due to the disordered and collapsed structure to block the pore channels. After the mesocecullar structure with three-dimensional open pore channels is formed which is more convenient for the molecular diffusion, HDS ratio has increased again as a result. It is concluded that both the pore size and window size connecting the adjacent pores play an important role in the HDS activity but the window size is of more significant importance, which is the key point for the enhanced catalytic performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A variety of mesoporous silica nanomaterials with different morphologies and pore structures have been successfully synthesized by only adjusting a single parameter in an identical approach through a basic-catalyzed silica sol–gel process with tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (C14TAB) and sodium perfluorooctanoate (PFONa) as co-templates. By simply increasing the amount of PFONa, the porous structure changes from ordered hexagonal mesostructure with short cylindrical shape to helical mesostructure with straight rod-like morphology, then to hollow particles with porous wall, and finally to nanovesicles. More importantly, it is found that the structural transition occurs in the middle of helical rods where the strongest micelle tension strength exists and is considered to be the most unstable area of the particle. We propose that the surface free energy and hydrophilic/hydrophobic ratio are the driving forces to induce the morphological and structural transformation. Our research provides a facile preparation method to obtain various porous silicas which opens new opportunities for the exploration of versatile practical applications for novel porous materials in future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Adjust the thickness of the emissive layer of white LECs to reduce exciton quenching. [•] Recombination zone positions of white LECs are estimated by employing microcavity effect. [•] High external quantum efficiencies and power efficiencies reach ca. 11% and 20lm/W, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] High quality of the photonic band gap (PBG) films was obtained within 5min. [•] The PBG films were fabricated by the electrophoretic deposition (EPD) process. [•] Quality of the PBG film was affected by the applied voltage strategies. [•] High quality of the PBG films was fabricated by the step-wise decreasing voltage strategy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this work, the composites of LiBH4 and AlF3 were prepared and their hydrogen storage properties were investigated. The AlF3 addition to LiBH4 resulted in significant decreases in dehydrogenation temperature. All the xLiBH4 +AlF3 (x =1, 2, 3, 5) composites started to release hydrogen from about 100°C. The dehydrogenation of the composites was accomplished through several steps, depending on the molar ratio of LiBH4 to AlF3. A new phase Li3AlF6 was formed during the first dehydrogenation step, which further reacted with LiBH4. AlB2 was formed only at temperatures higher than 300°C. Li2B12H12 was detected as an intermediate. The dehydrogenation reactions have significantly reduced and thus favorable enthalpy changes. However, the reversibility of the composites needs to be improved. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A series of zinc titanate nanoparticles was successfully synthesized using a simple sol–gel technique. The composites were characterized by thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV–vis). The photocatalytic activity of samples was investigated by degradation of humic acid (HA) in water under xenon lamp. The sample calcined at 800°C was found to exhibit much higher photocatalytic activity than the other samples. The investigation of photocatalytic mechanism indicates that the holes (h+) and ls may be the major reactive species for the degradation of HA. Meanwhile, the processing parameters such as the light source and the dosage of catalysts play an important role in tuning the photocatalytic activity. The enhancement of photocatalytic activity for the zinc titanate nanoparticles calcined at 800°C may be attributed to the higher redox ability, coordination of Ti ions and smaller particle size. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A comparative study was performed on four LiBH4-based hydrogen storage composites 2LiBH4 + MgX2 and 6LiBH4 + CaX2 (X = H and F). The composites with fluorides and those with corresponding hydrides exhibited similar hydrogen storage properties. The dehydrogenation of 2LiBH4 + MgF2 demonstrated a strong dependence on the hydrogen back pressure, similar to that of 2LiBH4 + MgH2. The reversible hydrogen storage of 2LiBH4 + MgF2 was achieved under a back pressure of 5 bar at 450 °C. Dehydrogenation under lower H2 pressures resulted in the production of Mg and thus a partial reversibility. In contrast, both 6LiBH4 + CaH2 and 6LiBH4 + CaF2 revealed reversible hydrogen storage properties regardless of the hydrogen back pressure. The structural difference between MgB2 and CaB6 may account for the observed differences in hydrogen storage properties of the Mg- and Ca-containing LiBH4 reactive composites. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Solvation of methyl radicals in subcritical and supercritical water was investigated with the ab initio MD simulation to increase the understanding of the thermal cracking of hydrocarbons under the severe hydrothermal environments. The calculation results show that water clusters around the radical could be formed with the following prerequisites: the bulk density of water is close to liquid phase, and the state point of water on its phase diagram is far away from the critical point and from the vapor–liquid equilibrium boundary. The occurrence of water clusters superimposes a negative influence on the originally depressed diffusivity of the radical under the dense hydrothermal environments, and the interference from the immediately adjacent water molecules with the frontier orbitals of the radical results in randomly reduced activity of the radical. Regardless of whether there are water clusters around the radical or not, in subcritical and supercritical water the bimolecular reactions participating via hydrocarbon radicals should be partially suppressed by the reduced diffusivity and lower activity of the radical. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: WO x /ZrO2 catalyzed hydration of cyclohexene in sub-critical water was experimentally investigated. The migration of reaction zone into sub-critical water makes it possible to run the hydration in a single liquid phase, and the reaction is free from the limitation of liquid–liquid phase mass transfer to hydration kinetics. The severe hydrothermal environments favor the transformation of surface active sites on WO x –ZrO2 catalysts to Brønsted acid centers of stronger acidity, which are highly effective for the hydration of cyclohexene to the desired product cyclohexanol. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this work, hydrophilic property of Ru (0001) with and without H adatoms was theoretically studied to increase the understanding of the partial hydrogenation of benzene to cyclohexene over ruthenium catalysts. Density functional theory based calculations suggest that formation of hydrogen bonding among the adsorbed H2O molecules results in a weakened interaction between the water adlayer and Ru (0001), while the calculated heat of adsorption containing the contribution of hydrogen bonding is no longer suitable for evaluating the hydrophilic property of the metal surface. The presence of H adatoms exerts an electrostatic repulsion on the adsorbed H2O molecules; thereby the latter can be in the state of chemisorption or physisorption on the Ru metal depending on the number of immediately adjacent H adatoms and on the relative distance to the H adatoms. By tuning the coverage of H adatoms, the surface hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance of the Ru metal can be effectively adjusted, which provides an approach to improve the selectivity to cyclohexene in the partial hydrogenation of benzene. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this work, we have systematically studied the influences of reaction temperature, silica sources, and nature of surfactant templates on cooperatively self-assembled mesostructures. Both positively charged hydrocarbon (HC) surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and fluorocarbon (FC) surfactant FC-4 were used as the templates, and four silica sources tetramethyl orthosilicate (TMOS), tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), 1,2-bis (trimethoxysilyl) ethane (BTME) and 1,2-bis (triethoxysilyl) ethane (BTEE) were used as the precursors. When CTAB and FC-4 were applied as mixed templates and BTME or BTEE as the silica source, it was found that ordered mesostructure with a hollow morphology can be successfully obtained only at temperatures higher than the demixing temperature (T d) of two surfactants. When FC-4 was used as a single template, generally vesicular structures were obtained regardless of the silica sources. In the case of CTAB/FC-4 co-templates, the utilization of pure silica sources (TEOS and TMOS) gave rise to nano-particles with neither hollow morphology nor the ordered mesostructure. The above results can be understood by the interactions between the templates and the silica sources considering the hydrophobic sequences of surfactants (CTAB

Abstract: From the adsorption point of view, partial hydrogenation of benzene to cyclohexene over the metallic Zn modified Ru-based catalyst was experimentally and theoretically investigated. A decreased hydrogenation activity but increased selectivity to cyclohexene over the prepared Ru-Zn/ZrO2 catalyst was observed in the partial hydrogenation of benzene. Theoretical calculations suggest that the above phenomena are mainly resulted from the depression of the chemisorption of benzene and cyclohexene on the modified catalyst, especially for the latter. Undesired deep hydrogenation from cyclohexene to cyclohexane in the middle and late reaction stage therefore is effectively retarded, by which an improved cyclohexene yield is guaranteed. An optimal Zn content of 2.72wt.% in the Ru-based catalyst was proposed by both the experiment and calculation for the partial hydrogenation of benzene, and a cyclohexene yield up to 44% was obtained over Ru-Zn/ZrO2 catalyst. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The preparation, characterization and application of a three-layer magnetic nanoparticle composed of an Fe3O4 magnetic core, a Prussian Blue (PB) interlayer and a gold shell (it can be abbreviated as Au–PB–Fe3O4) for an ultrasensitive and reproducible electrochemical immunosensing fabrication were described for the first time in this work. With the employment of the Au–PB–Fe3O4 nanoparticle, a new signal amplification strategy was developed based on bienzyme (horseradish peroxidase and glucose oxidase) functionalized Au–PB–Fe3O4 nanoparticles for an electrochemical immunosensing fabrication by using Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and α-fetoprotein (AFP) as model systems, respectively. The experiment results show that the multilabeled Au–PB–Fe3O4 nanoparticles exhibit satisfying redox electrochemical activity and high enzyme catalysis activity, which predetermine their utility in high sensitivity antibody detection schemes. Furthermore, this immunosensor could be regenerated by simply using an external magnetic field which ensured a reproducible immunosensor with high sensitivity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this work, the hydrogenation of cyclohexene over Ru–Zn/Ru(0001) surface alloy was investigated by a DFT study so as to improve the understanding of the catalytic mechanism of the partial hydrogenation of benzene to cyclohexene over Ru–Zn alloy catalyst. Calculation results show that the presence of Zn atoms on the surface alloy results in not only a direct decrease in sites for the chemisorption of cyclohexene but also a depressed adsorption capability of the neighboring surface Ru sites. For an adsorbed cyclohexene molecule, whether the subsequent hydrogenation can be readily performed actually is determined by the relative position among the Zn atom, the H atom, and the adsorbed cyclohexene molecule. In most cases, the hydrogenation is forbidden because of the repulsion from Zn atoms to the nearby H atoms. Only in the specific situations in which the H atom participating in the reaction is not immediately close to the Zn atom, can the hydrogenation be accomplished with a relatively lower activation energy compared with the reactions on the Ru(0001) surface. From the perspectives of adsorption and reaction kinetics, Ru-based catalyst modified by metallic Zn is no longer suitable for the hydrogenation of cyclohexene, which is supposed to be crucial to the improvement of cyclohexene yield in the partial hydrogenation of benzene over Ru–Zn alloy catalyst. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Molecular dynamics simulation and Density Functional Theory were used to investigate the adsorption of two kinds of anti-scalant, ethane diphosphonic acid (EDPA) and polyether polyamino methylene phosphonate (PAPEMP), on the calcite (104) surface in order to increase the level of understanding of the anti-scaling mechanism in membrane processes for water desalination. Calculation results show that the performance of an anti-scalant is mainly determined by the negative electrostatic potential presented on the anti-scalant modified scale surface. A negative electrostatic potential on the scale surface can prevent not only the agglomeration of scale nuclei in the concentrate but also the precipitation of scale nuclei on the membrane surface. Phosphonate groups in 1,1-EDPA are bifunctional since they simultaneously satisfy the requirements for the electrostatic potential distribution and for the adsorption stability on the scale surface. As concerns PAPEMP, the above requirements are fulfilled respectively by different functional groups, i.e. ether groups and phosphonate groups. To simplify the role of functional groups in the anti-scaling mechanism means that the performance of an anti-scalant can be optimized by the combination of specific functional groups; furthermore, these functional groups can also be adjusted with respect to different scale surfaces. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An one-dimensional coordination polymer, {[Co(II)(OOCH)2(phen)(H2O)]·H2O} n (1) (phen=1,10-phenanthroline), has been synthesized by solvo-thermal reaction. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis shows that 1 is an one-dimensional formate-bridged (phen)Co(II) helical chain, which is crystallized in non-centrosymmetric Pna2(1) space group of orthorhombic crystal system. The temperature (2–300K) dependent magnetic susceptibility of 1 corresponds to a typical shape of ferrimagnetic system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: With the view of increasing the understanding to the anti-scaling mechanism in the membrane process, zeta potential on the anti-scalant (Calgon and PAA) modified sub-micro calcite surface was measured and was further characterized with a molecular simulation. Experimental results show that the original positively charged calcite in an aqueous solution is reversed to be negatively charged by introducing anti-scalants at a dosage of ppm level. On the basis of theoretical calculation, the observed reversal is resulted from the statistically predominant orientation of negative potential-determining groups in the adsorbed anti-scalant molecules, i.e. Pe:glyph name="dbnd" />O, stretching against the calcite surface. A negative zeta potential prevailing on the calcite surface can effectively prevent the calcite from precipitating on the membrane surface. In the presence of anti-scalants, zeta potential on the sub-micro calcite surface is a sensitive function of calcite content, anti-scalant concentration, salt concentration, and pH of the suspension. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) of activated sludge are a mixture of high molecular weight polymers secreted by microorganisms, which are mainly composed of proteins, polysaccharides and humic substances. It is widely accepted that EPS have a good adsorption ability for pollutants with different functional groups. However, recent studies showed the EPS had an inhibitory effect on pollutant sorption, which is contradictory to previous viewpoint. Therefore, in this study, three types of activated sludge with different EPS contents and compositions were used to investigate the role of EPS in an antibiotic-trimethoprim (TMP) sorption process at environmentally relevant concentration. The in situ experiments results showed the adsorption capacity of activated sludge for TMP were increased from 2.98, 5.37 and 28.33 μg/g VSS to 7.87, 12.93 and 150.24 μg/g VSS in nitrifying activated sludge, wastewater treatment plant activated sludge and anaerobic ammonia-oxidized activated sludge, respectively after EPS extracted. The adsorption process can be well described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Results of zeta potential, contact angles and infrared spectrum showed TMP replacing proteins embedded into the cell membrane enhancing the TMP adsorption capacity of activated sludge after EPS extraction. Our results demonstrated that less proteins in EPS of activated sludge is more beneficial for TMP adsorption removal. [Display omitted] • Three different activated sludge were used for TMP sorption experiment. • The adsorption capacity was increased significantly after EPS extraction. • The adsorption process can be described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. • The mechanism of TMP adsorption enhancement after EPS extraction was explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This work describes a two-step conjugate synthesis of a porous organometallic nanostructured materials composed of ferrocenemonocarboxylic (Fc–COOH) and 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA) and then a reagentless amperometric immunosensor prepared with positively charged gold nanoparticles (PGN) immobilized in this nanostructure conductive film is developed. This nanostructured material containing ferrocenyl (PTC–Fc) could easily form stable film on the electrode surface with efficient redox-activity and excellent conductivity. Furthermore, with the negatively charged surface, this film can be used as an interface to adsorbing the PGN, which was prepared in organic solvents at relatively high concentrations with improved monodispersity compared to those prepared in aqueous solution. The presence of PGN provided a congenial microenvironment for adsorbed biomolecules and decreased the electron-transfer impedance. Thus, with carcinoembryonic antibody (anti-CEA) as a model antibody, the proposed immunosensor showed rapid and highly sensitive amperometric response to carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) with acceptable preparation reproducibility and stability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: For the sake of improving the performance of Ru-based catalyst used in partial hydrogenation of benzene to cyclohexene, the effect of Zn2+/Zn layer on the adsorption and dissociation of H2 on Ru (0001) surface was investigated by applying density function theory (DFT) calculations. Calculation results show that the dissociation of H2 occurs only after its being chemisorbed horizontally at atop site. Because of the influence of Zn2+ on the electron delocalization between molecular orbit of H2 and valence orbits of atop Ru atom, a remarkable increase in the H2 dissociation barrier is noticed, which results in zones of sparse chemisorbed H around Zn2+. Adsorbed Zn2+ can be reduced by chemisorbed H, and the H2 dissociation kinetics varies little in the presence of Zn atoms at adjacent sites. Split zones of chemisorbed H are formed at a high coverage of Zn layer. The consecutive or synchronous hydrogenation of benzene is disturbed when benzene is adsorbed in zones of sparse chemisorbed H or split zones of chemisorbed H. It is therefore deducted that a high coverage layer of some transition metal atoms on catalyst surface should be helpful for maintaining the hydrogenation activity of the catalyst and improving the cyclohexene yield. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this work, the denitrogenation of hydrocarbons under supercritical water oxidation environment was investigated in a rotated bomb reactor at 623–723K and 25–35MPa over sulfided NiMo catalyst. Quinoline was used as a model nitrogen-containing compound. A high reduction of total nitrogen up to about 85% was obtained. The denitrogenation pathway is composed of two consecutive steps: in situ H2 generation and the hydrogenation of quinoline. The hydrogenation mechanism of quinoline varies with reaction temperature because of the participation of supercritical water in HDN step. The strong adsorption of quinoline and its hydrogenation intermediates on catalyst surface has an adverse influence on total nitrogen reduction rate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Catalytic desulfurization of a model sulfur-containing compound benzothiophene (BT) through partial oxidation in supercritical water (SCW) was investigated in a bomb reactor at 623–723K and 30–40MPa over sulfided CoMo/γ-Al2O3. Vacuum residuum was used to confirm the desulfurization rate and efficiency, and the desulfurization mechanism of vacuum residuum was determined by the pyrolysis temperature (T R) of the vacuum residuum (VR). For T > T R, obvious reduction of sulfides up to 67% was obtained. The thermodynamic equilibrium of in situ H2 generation was a controlling factor of the desulfurization pathway. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A ternary photocatalyst of LaOCl/CeO 2 -g-C 3 N 4 was designed and firstly synthesized by a facile KCl–LiCl molten salt method. The 60 %LaOCl/40 %CeO 2 -g-C 3 N 4 with a 6: 4 weight ratio of LaOCl to CeO 2 has an optimal degradation ratio (nearly 100%) for methylene blue (MB) with an impressive cyclic stability. Both of adsorption and photodegradation contribute to the high MB removal ratio, and kinetic study results show that the rate constant of photocatalytic degradation route is 0.0174 min−1, which is less than that of adsorption process (2.4406 min−1). The excellent adsorption performance of 60 %LaOCl/40 %CeO 2 -g-C 3 N 4 is attributed to its negative zeta potential (−35.40 mV) and larger average pore size. The photochemical characterizations suggest that the 60 %LaOCl/40 %CeO 2 -g-C 3 N 4 form a dual Z-scheme heterojunction, which enhances its separation efficiency of photogenerated e - / h + with an outstanding redox ability, and further promotes the photocatalytic activity. [Display omitted] • A ternary photocatalyst of 60 %LaOCl/40 %CeO 2 -g-C 3 N 4 was firstly synthesized by a KCl–LiCl molten salt mothed. • Negative zeta potential and suitable pore structure contribute to the superb adsorption ability of 60 %LaOCl/40 %CeO 2 -g-C 3 N 4. • 60 %LaOCl/40 %CeO 2 -g-C 3 N 4 shows a dual Z-scheme heterojunction which promotes its photocatalytic property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural, photo-electronic catalytic properties, and the biaxial strain modulation of band structure for the g-ZnO/PtSe 2 S-scheme heterojunction are studied by First-principles calculation. The stability for the heterojunction is verified by negative generation energy and ab-initio molecular dynamic simulation. The photo-generated carrier motion and band structure are in accordance with the S-scheme, and the electron mobility of up to 2023 cm2/Vs is obtained in the Zigzag direction. The absorption of visible light is improved, and an absorption peak of 2.893 × 105 cm−1 at 434.337 nm is observed. Due to a higher redox potential, photocatalytic water splitting can occur in the pH range of 0∼14, and a high solar to hydrogen (STH) efficiency of 30.7 % is obtained. The over-potential of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) (3.719 V) is lower than oxygen evolution reaction (4.128 V), which tends to proceed at the g-ZnO interface. When the strain ≥4 %, the bandgap alignment of the g-ZnO/PtSe 2 heterojunction changes from a staggered gap (Type-Ⅱ) to straddling gap (Type-Ⅰ). The g-ZnO/PtSe 2 heterojunction exhibits high electron mobility, high STH efficiency, strong absorption of visible light, strong HER ability, and a tunable band structure, expecting as a promising candidate material for catalytic water splitting. • High electron mobility of 2023 cm2/Vs is obtained in the Zigzag direction. • The water splitting occurs in the pH = 0–14 with a high STH efficiency of 30.7 %. • A low over-potential of HER and OER for electrocatalytic decomposition of water. • The bandgap alignment can be modulated from Type-Ⅱ to Type-Ⅰ by biaxial strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on theoretical calculations and experimental characterizations, the extraction of heavy oil components using subcritical water (Sub-CW) as an extraction solvent was studied in the temperature range of 250–325 °C. According to theoretical calculations, small-scale polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are preferentially dissolved in Sub-CW. Meanwhile, the dissolution of heavy oil molecules with large-scale aromatic structures and heterocyclic rings in Sub-CW is hindered. The increase in temperature reduces the hydrogen bonding force between water molecules and the van der Waals repulsion between Sub-CW and PAHs, promoting the dissolution of PAHs in Sub-CW. Extraction experiments applied in a semi-continuous device confirm that Sub-CW selectively extracts aromatic hydrocarbons from heavy oil. Increasing extraction temperature increases the yield of the extract. The aromatic hydrocarbon content in the extract at 325 °C reaches 80 wt%, which is 27 wt% higher than feedstock value. In addition, the asphaltene content in the extract is reduced from the feedstock value of 14 wt% to 2 wt%. • Sub-CW was used as a property-tunable solvent for extracting heavy oil components. • Sub-CW selectively extracts aromatic hydrocarbons from heavy oil. • The yield and composition of the extract are sensitive to extraction temperature. • Opposite distribution of HSP hinders dissolution of PAHs/hetero-PAHs in Sub-CW. • Destruction of hydrogen bonds promotes dissolution of PAHs/hetero-PAHs in Sub-CW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) are extra-galactic origin milli-second duration bright radio bursts. Theoretically, FRBs may produce optical counterparts with durations from milliseconds to hours. The FRB optical counterparts may be detectable in future large field telescopes, including the China Space Station Telescope (CSST), the 2.5-meter Wide Field Survey Telescope (WFST) lead by the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) and the Purple Mountain Observatory (PMO), and the Earth 2.0 (ET). The fast radio burst optical counterparts are grouped into millisecond time-scale optical counterparts, hourly time-scale optical counterparts, and optical afterglow for our study. The first two can be generated by the high-energy extension of the radio radiation of fast radio bursts and the inverse Compton scattering of high-energy electrons. The event rates highly depend on the optical-to-radio flux ratio η ν. For millisecond duration optical counterparts, the detection rate of WFST, CSST, and ET can reach hundreds per year in an ideal case. If η ν ∼ 10 − 3 , the corresponding annual detection rates of WFST and CSST are in the order of 1, and the annual detection rate of ET is 19.5. For the hourly timescale optical counterparts, ideally, the age of the supernova remnant is 5 years, η ν is about 10 − 6 , and the annual detection rates are above 100. The X-ray counterpart of FRB 200428 indicates that FRBs may produce relativistic outflow, which will interact with the interstellar medium to produce optical afterglows. Combined with the standard afterglow model, the detectability of optical afterglow is explored with a simulation of fast radio bursts following the redshift and energy distribution from the literature. With a total energy-radio energy ratio similar to FRB 200428, (ζ = 10 5), the estimated annual detection rates of CSST, WFST, and ET are 1.3, 1.0, and 67, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selective separation and recovery of Co(II)/Mn(II) from purified terephthalic acid (PTA) production wastewater is very important to reduce the Co(II)/Mn(II) catalysts consumption and control the pollutant discharge. This work employed zeolites NaA, NaX, and HZSM-5 with different pore sizes and Na(I) contents to selectively separate and recover Co(II)/Mn(II) from PTA wastewater and to understand the adsorption mechanism. It is found that only NaA can exclusively adsorb Co(II)/Mn(II) through ion-exchange without adsorbing any aromatic organic compound (AOC); oppositely, HZSM-5 shows the highest adsorption capacity for AOCs but almost no adsorption for Co(II)/Mn(II); and NaX exhibits moderate adsorption capacities for both Co(II)/Mn(II) and AOCs. Moreover, pH can significantly impact the adsorption of both Co(II)/Mn(II) and AOCs due to the competitive adsorption between H(I) and Co(II)/Mn(II) and the electrostatic repulsion between AOCs and zeolites. The adsorption kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamics were also investigated to lay a good basis for process development. Importantly, bench-scale experiments for simulating the industrial operation were carried out, and the results show that the adsorption capacity of the NaA particles for Co(II)/Mn(II) from the industrial PTA wastewater is 9.1/8.6 mg/g, respectively, without adsorbing any AOC. Therefore, an efficient strategy to selectively separate and recover Co(II)/Mn(II) from PTA wastewater was successfully developed. Unlabelled Image • NaA can selectively adsorb Co(II)/Mn(II) from PTA wastewater containing AOCs. • The selective separation is achieved via size exclusion and ion exchange. • The pH value of wastewater impacts the adsorption of Co(II)/Mn(II) and AOCs. • Co(II)/Mn(II) can be easily desorbed and recovered by using an acetic acid solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] α-mangostin (α-MG), a natural derivative of coumarin, exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-fibrotic effects. This study aimed to determine the effect of α-MG treatment in mediating the process of renal interstitial fibrosis. We found that α-MG could alleviate tubule-interstitial damage and decrease fibrotic (α-smooth muscle actin [α-SMA], fibronectin, and collagen I), and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) protein (N-cadherin, Snail, Slug, TGF-β1 and vimentin) expression in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mice with chronic kidney disease. α-MG significantly decreased motility as well as inhibited expression of fibrotic- and EMT-related proteins in TGF-β1-induced HK2 cells. To clarify the molecular mechanisms of α-MG in reducing renal interstitial fibrosis, we used a MEK inhibitor (U0126) or Smad inhibitor (SB431542) cotreatment with α-MG. This is the first study is to demonstrate the antifibrotic effects of α-MG by targeting the TGF-β1/ERK/Smad-mediated EMT signaling pathway, is even more effective against renal interstitial fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aptamer-based bioassay of biomarker has broad applications in clinical research and disease diagnosis. In this work, a label-free aptamer biosensor for ultrasensitive thrombin (TB) detection was constructed based on highly enhanced electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of functional palladium nanocones (Pd NCs) with tripropylamine (TPA) system. Herein, well-defined Pd NCs were initially functionalized by mercaptoethanol (MCH) as an ECL emitter and immobilized onto the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) initially grafted with amine-terminated polyamidoamine (PAMAM) via electro-oxidation reaction. Under optimal conditions, the ECL intensity of the Pd NCs/TPA system was about 2.5 times enhancement when compared to that of bare GCE. The ECL and cyclic voltammetry (CV) were synchronously employed to illustrate the enhanced ECL mechanism. By virtue of the linkage of the modified Pd NCs with specified TB aptamer (TBA) containing sulfydryl group, a label-free ECL detection platform was designed. After full coverage of the nonspecific sites with bovine serum albumin (BSA), an ECL biosensor for TB detection was constructed by taking the advantage of the steric hindrance effects, showing the wider linear range, lower detection limit of TB (even down to 6.76 fM), superb selectivity and stability. The current strategy provides a highly sensitive platform for detection of various biomolecules in bioanalysis. Image 1 • Pd NCs were efficiently functionalized with MCH as a superb ECL emitter. • PAMAM dramatically improved the electron-transfer rates and amplify the ECL intensity of the Pd NCs/TPA system. • A label-free aptamer biosensor was developed for ultrasensitive TB detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A novel sandwich-like immunosensor was efficiently fabricated for detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) with three dimensional sea-urchin-like PdAuCu nanocrystals (PdAuCu NCs)/ferrocene-grafted-polylysine (Fc-g-PLL) as the label of secondary antibodies (Ab 2) and Au nanoparticles (Au NPs) as the substrate material. Herein, PdAuCu NCs were directly synthesized with polyethylene oxide (PEO) as a growth-directing agent by a facile one-step aqueous method without any organic solvent. Meanwhile, Fc-g-PLL was obtained by covalent linkage of Fc with PLL via Schiff-base reaction. The well-dispersed PdAuCu NCs by Fc-g-PLL have the enlarged surface area, enhanced catalytic properties and superior biocompatibility to amplify the current signals. The resultant immunosensor shows linear relationship of the electrochemical responses with the CEA concentrations within a broader linear range (0.001–100.0 ng mL–1) and a lower detection limit (0.23 pg mL–1, S/N = 3). Furthermore, the immunosensor was explored for practical assay of CEA in human serum samples with accredited results. The novel immunoassay provides a feasible platform for early medical diagnosis. Graphical abstract fx1 Highlights • 3D sea-urchin-like PdAuCu NCs were synthesized by a one-step aqueous method. • Fc-g-PLL was firstly prepared as an electroactive probe. • PdAuCu NCs/Fc-g-PLL acted as an Ab 2 label to amplify the electrochemical signals. • The immunosensor for CEA displayed a broader linear range and a lower detection limit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]