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• The deep learning radiomics model showed good performance in lymph node metastasis (LNM) prediction of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. • The genes correlated to selected deep learning features mainly enriched in catabolic processes and immune-related pathways in CRC patients. • The genes in the immune pathways significantly decreased from non-LNM to LNM in CRC patients. The preoperative lymph node (LN) status is important for the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, we established and validated a deep learning (DPL) model for predicting lymph node metastasis (LNM) in CRC. A total of 423 CRC patients were divided into cohort 1 (training set, n = 238, testing set, n = 101) and cohort 2 (validation set, n = 84). Among them, 84 patients' tumour tissues were collected for RNA sequencing. The DPL features were extracted from enhanced venous-phase computed tomography of CRC using an autoencoder. A DPL model was constructed with the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm. Carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 were incorporated into the DPL model to construct a combined model. The model performance was assessed by receiver operating characteristic curves, calibration curves and decision curves. The correlations between DPL features, which have been selected, and genes were analysed by Spearman' correlation, and the genes correlated with DPL features were used to transcriptomic analysis. The DPL model, integrated with 20 DPL features, showed a good discrimination performance in predicting the LNM, with areas under the curves (AUCs) of 0.79, 0.73 and 0.70 in the training set, testing set and validation set, respectively. The combined model had a better performance, with AUCs of 0.81, 0.77 and 0.73 in the three sets, respectively. Decision curve analysis confirmed the clinical application value of the DPL model and combined model. Furthermore, catabolic processes and immune-related pathways were identified and related with the selected DPL features. This study presented a DPL model and a combined model for LNM prediction. We explored the potential genomic phenotypes related with DPL features. In addition, the model could potentially be utilized to facilitate the individualized prediction of LNM in CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of high-performance anode material for sodium-ion batteries remains a challenge because of their low capacity, which limits their commercial application. Compared with carbon-based materials, metallic Sb and SnO-based anodes have received extensive attention because of their high theoretical specific capacity and safe working potential. The main problem faced is the serious volume expansion during charging and discharging, leading to irreversible loss of capacity and poor cycle life. In this paper, Sb/SnO@C composite material with adjustable ratio of Sb/SnO was prepared via electrospinning by encapsulating Sb and SnO particles in lantern-like carbon nanocages which connected through the nanofibers. The unique structure can not only effectively mitigate the volume changes during the cycle, but also provide multiple effective paths for ion and electron transport. The kinetic analysis is further performed with the assist of CV and EIS. The results show that the prepared composite can provide impressive Na+ ions storage and transport performance, and can still deliver a reversible charging capacity of 413mAhg−1 after 200 cycles at a current density of 50mAg−1, with a capacity retention ratio of 84%. This work provides a new strategy for the development of sodium ion batteries with high capacity and stable cycle performance. • Latern Sb/SnO@C composite was prepared by electrospining method. • The sodium ions storage mechanism for the fabricated composite was investigated. • The transfer kinetics of Na + ions in the composite was analyzed by the CV and EIS fitting results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wearable heaters have attracted growing attention for maintaining a relatively constant temperature of the human body in cold environments with near zero energy consumption. Herein, we developed a multifunctional laminated fabric with fascinating electro/solar-thermal conversion, thermal energy storage and thermal insulation properties. With cotton fabric as the substrate, MXene/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) conductive network was decorated on the upper layer, and carbon nanotube (CNT)/cellulose nanofiber (CNF)/paraffin (PA) aerogel phase change composites were assembled on the bottom layer. Attributed to the strong conductivity and light absorption of MXene and the light/thermal response of CNT and PA components, this wearable laminated fabric broke the limitation of intermittent solar photothermal heating, and integrated multiple heating modes to precisely heat the human body. Meanwhile, the low thermal conductivity of aerogel retarded heat loss. The laminated fabric can help people better adapt to a variety of complex and changeable environments such as cold winter, rainy days and nights. This study provides a promising and energy-efficient avenue for the development of all-day personal thermal management fabrics. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angiogenesis plays a key role in the progression and metastasis of melanoma, and the pro-angiogenic effect of macrophages is one major reason for the failure of current anti-angiogenic therapies. Here, a nano-immunotherapy combining ferumoxytol and poly(I:C) (ferumoxytol/poly(I:C)) has been developed to boost the anti-angiogenic activities of macrophages to inhibit melanoma. Our findings demonstrated that ferumoxytol/poly(I:C) was a highly efficacious anti-tumor therapy with limited toxicity. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments indicated that this combination was successful in impeding angiogenesis. Ferumoxytol/poly(I:C) was demonstrated to reduce the viability of endothelial cells, thus hindering tube formation. Particularly, ferumoxytol/poly(I:C) was able to polarize macrophages to the M1 phenotype and decrease the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, which in turn amplified the anti-angiogenic properties of ferumoxytol/poly(I:C). This combination of ferumoxytol/poly(I:C) nano-immunotherapy enriches the anti-angiogenic therapeutic nature of ferumoxytol and will shed new light on the treatment of melanoma. The combination of ferumoxytol/poly(I:C) has been demonstrated to be a successful nano-immunotherapy to improve the anti-angiogenic properties of melanoma. On one hand, the viability of endothelial cells impaired by ferumoxytol/poly(I:C) contributes to an anti-angiogenic effect. On the other hand, macrophages polarized by ferumoxytol/poly(I:C) further amplifies the anti-angiogenic effect. [Display omitted] • The pro-angiogenic action of macrophages poses a challenge to the treatment of melanoma. • Combinational nano-immunotherapy provides a promising immune-boosting and therapeutic function. • Ferumoxytol/poly(I:C) is effective in countering the pro-angiogenesis resistance of macrophages and inhibiting the melanoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Based on the molecular structure feature and bioadhesion phenomenon, dopamine was selected to prepare composite membranes. The amine and phenol groups in dopamine, and the catechol groups of polydopamine all could react with acyl chloride groups of trimesoyl chloride (TMC) forming a dense thin film onto porous PES ultrafiltration substrate. The interaction between the thin film and the substrate of the composite membrane was enhanced due to the bioadhesion of polydopamine. The dopamine/TMC composite membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and water contact angle measurement. The preparation parameters of dopamine/TMC composite membranes including pH value of water phase, reaction time, reaction temperature, and monomer concentrations were investigated, respectively. The separation performance of dopamine/TMC composite membranes was in the nanofiltration range. The composite membranes exhibited long-term structural stability in ethanol and chemical stability in sodium hypochlorite solution. Compared with the others in enhancing the structural stability, the bioadhesion method was simple and time-saving. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Alumina-supported silver catalysts (Ag/Al2O3) prepared using nordstrandite as a precursor exhibited excellent activity for the selective catalytic reduction of NO x by ethanol (ethanol-SCR). During the ethanol-SCR, the formation of NH3 was observed over all Ag/Al2O3 catalysts, the amount of which was related to silver loading, reaction temperature, and the concentration of ethanol used, even when water was excluded from the inlet gas. Transient activity testing and in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) analysis showed that the reaction between isocyanate species (–NCO) and water is the main pathway of NH3 formation. Addition of NH3 enhanced the NO x conversion for ethanol-SCR and the oxidation of ethanol over 3wt% Ag/Al2O3. DRIFTS analysis revealed for the first time that NH3 reacted with enolic species to form –NCO over Ag/Al2O3, thus resulting in a novel and cyclic reaction pathway for ethanol-SCR. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lacks effective treatment, and the patients rapidly develop the acquired resistance to sorafenib with less defined mechanisms. Here, we demonstrate that transcriptional factor myocyte enhancer factor 2D (MEF2D) overexpression is detected in sorafenib-resistant HCC specimens and HCC cell lines and predicts poor prognosis of sorafenib-treated HCC patients. Mechanistically, MEF2D in complex with histone deacetylase HDAC4 directly binds to the SPRY4 promoter regions and suppresses the transcriptional expression of SPRY4, which is a negative regulator of MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. Inhibition of HDAC4 with its clinically used inhibitor induces SPRY4 expression and inhibition of ERK activity, resulting in sensitization of HCC cells to sorafenib-induced apoptosis and greatly improved inhibition of liver tumor growth in mice with sorafenib treatment. These findings highlight the critical role of coupling HDAC4 with MEF2D in activation of ERK by suppressing SPRY4 and underscore the great potential to improve HCC treatment by combined administration of sorafenib with HDAC4 inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is still challenging to design effective g-C 3 N 4 photocatalysts with high separation efficiency of photo-generated charges and strong visible light absorption. Herein, a simple, template-free and "bottom-up" strategy has been developed to prepare 1D/2D g-C 3 N 4 isotype heterojunction composed of carbon-doped nanowires and ultra-thin nanosheets. The ethanediamine (EE) grafted on melamine ensures the growth of 1D g-C 3 N 4 nanowires with high carbon doping, and the ultra-thin g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets were produced through HCl-assisted hydrothermal strategy. The apparent grain boundary between 2D nanosheets and 1D carbon-doped nanowires manifested the formation of the isotype heterojunction. The built-in electric field provide strong driving force for photogenerated carriers separation. Meanwhile, the doping carbon in g-C 3 N 4 nanowires promotes visible light absorption. As a result, the photocatalytic H 2 evolution activity of 1D/2D g-C 3 N 4 isotype heterojunction is 8.2 time that of the pristine g-C 3 N 4 , and an excellent stability is also obtained. This work provides a promising strategy to construct isotype heterojunction with different morphologies for effective photocatalytic H 2 evolution. The application of 1D/2D g-C 3 N 4 isotype heterojunction as effective and stable photocatalysts for visible-light-driven H 2 production is reported. [Display omitted] • A simple, template-free and "bottom-up" strategy has been developed to prepare 1D/2D g-C 3 N 4 isotype heterojunction. • The ethanediamine grafted on melamine ensures the growth of 1D g-C 3 N 4 nanowires with carbon doping. • The photocatalytic H 2 evolution activity of 1D/2D g-C 3 N 4 isotype heterojunction is 8.2 time that of the pristine g-C 3 N 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the great potential of nano-alloying anodes to prominently increase the electrochemical performance in sodium ions batteries, the low-cost and mass-produced methods, as well as the optimization design of alloy-based composites are still needed. Herein, a simple but effective electrospinning method is used to fabricate Sb/P@C composite nanospheres with adjustable P, Sb ratio and uniform morphology. It is found that the amount of Sb inside the Sb/P@C composite and the porous structure can be readily modulated. It is worth noting that the improved electrochemical performance of the Sb/P@C anodes can be attributed to the synergistic effect of Na+ ions storage and superior charge transfer in the fabricated composite with reciprocally inlaid Sb/P and C that inhibiting the aggregation of nanospheres. Particularly, the mosaic distribution of Sb/P nanospheres in the carbon matrix not only accelerate the ions and electrons transfer but also serve as the buffer for alleviating the volumetric variation. Importantly, a high capacity of 350 mAh g −1 can be achieved even rising current density to 500 mA g −1, indicating great potential for high rate sodium ions anodes. The tactics of this work should be general to other alloy-type systems, such as Sn, Bi et al., which also suffer from severe volume expansion causing electrode performance degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gliomas is the most common type of intracranial primary malignant tumor and it accounts for ∼80% of primary malignant tumors of the central nervous system. At present, surgical resection with adjuvant radiotherapy and temozolomide adjuvant chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy are the only standard treatments for glioma. However, but overall survival of patients is only 15 months. Glioma is resistant to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and this malignant behavior leads to a high recurrence rate. Therefore, the use of therapeutics is usually ineffective. As a result, patients with glioma do not significantly benefit from standard treatment. There is therefore an urgent need to develop novel diagnostic approaches and, in particular, more effective treatment strategies. The application of gene expression microarrays provides a feasible and effective way to study gliomas. The present study therefore aimed to identify the key protein-coding genes of glioma using bioinformatics methods and thereby search, for novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the treatment of glioma. First, mRNA microarray datasets were selected and obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between gliomas and normal tissues. The DEGs were clarified using Gene Ontology (GO), the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network and statistical analysis. Subsequently, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR)and western blot were used to verify the results of the bioinformatics analysis. A total of 400 DEGs were identified in glioma and they were enriched in several cancer-related GO and KEGG pathways. In the PPI network, it was observed that G-protein signal regulatory protein 4 (RGS4), thymidine phosphorylase, collagen type VI alpha-1, Src homology 2 domain-containing transforming protein1(SHC1) and ring finger protein 135 exhibited a strong protein-protein interaction. Furthermore,. Subsequently, brain damaged tissues and glioma cell lines were selected for RT-qPCR and western blotting analysis. The results demonstrated that RGS4 was highly expressed in glioma cell lines. In conclusion, RGS4 may be a key protein-coding gene in glioma. RGS4 should therefore be studied further to verify its feasibility and effectiveness as a potential glioma biomarker and therapeutic target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferric Chelate Reductase 1 Like (FRRS1L) protein has been identified as an auxiliary regulatory protein for the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid receptor (AMPAR). FRRS1L is highly expressed in the cerebellum and other brain regions associated with the control of motor function. Loss of FRRS1L has been shown to lead to impaired synaptic transmission via AMPARs and to movement disorders. We found that deletion of the FRRS1L gene causes hyperactivity, reduced muscle strength, impaired coordination, and ataxia in mice. Deletion also impairs Purkinje cell dendritic spine formation and AMPAR expression in the cerebellum and damages the electrophysiological discharge rhythm of Purkinje cells. Cerebrospinal fluid examination and oleic acid (OA)-induced lipid accumulation monitoring in FRRS1L-knockdown SH-SY5Y cells indicated that FRRS1L deficiency could lead to aberrant metabolism of amino acids, glucose, and lipids. In summary, we found that the deletion of FRRS1L leads to impaired motor coordination and cerebellar ataxia in mice, which might be related to the reduced expression of AMPARs, metabolic deviations, and dysplastic functional defects in Purkinje cells. [Display omitted] • FRRS1L deficiency led to motor dysfunction. • The dendritic spines of cerebellar Purkinje cell decreased in FRRS1L -/- mice. • Loss of FRRS1L affected the spontaneous firing and synaptic transmission. • FRRS1L deficiency might lead to deviant metabolism in brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Recently, the focus on neuroinflammation is intensified as its complex pathophysiological role has emerged in multiple central nervous system(CNS) disorders. Chotosan (CTS), known as a traditional herbal formula, is often utilized to treat relevant nervous system diseases in China. It was demonstrated effectively to alleviate cognitive deficit associated with aging, diabetes, hypoperfusion and cerebral ischemia. However, the effects of CTS on Aβ 1–42 -induced cognitive dysfunction remain unclear. Here, we further investigated the effects of chotosan on memory performance, neuroinflammation and apoptotic responses. Materials and methods The learning and memory ability is evaluated by Morris water maze (MWM) task and Y-maze test following intrahippocampal infusion of aggregated Aβ 1–42 . The expression level of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4), NF-κB p65, Bcl-2 and Bax was examined by Western blot. TLR-4 level is also assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted to determine the generation of inflammatory mediators. The caspase-3 activity is analyzed by commercial kits. Results The repeated treatment with CTS (750 mg/kg or 375 mg/kg per day) for 3 weeks significantly restored Aβ 1–42 -induced memory impairment in mice. Meanwhile, this treatment also remarkably reduced TLR-4 and NF-κB p65 expression accompanying with the diminished release of proinflammatory cytokines including TNF-α and IL-1β in hippocampus. The neuronal apoptosis is also inhibited as evidenced by increase in Bcl-2/Bax ratio and decrease in pro-apoptotic protein caspase-3 activity compared to that of the model mice. Conclusions Our results show for the first time that chotosan can ameliorate Aβ 1–2 -induced memory dysfunction via inhibiting neuroinflammation and apoptosis at least partially mediated by TLR-4/NF-κB signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cellulose nanocrystals/fluorinated polyacrylate latexes were successfully produced. • The latexes were prepared based on Pickering emulsion polymerization. • Pickering polymerization was conducted using the modified CNCs as sole stabilizers. • The water-oil repellent, mechanical, thermal stability of latex film were studied. Cellulose nanocrystals-armored fluorinated polyacrylate latex particles with the core-shell spherical shape were prepared by a facile and efficient strategy based on Pickering emulsion polymerization using the modified cellulose nanocrystals, poly(2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate)- g -cellulose nanocrystal- g -poly(2,2,3,4,4,4-hexafluorobutyl acrylate) (PDMAEMA- g -CNC- g -PHFBA) as a sole Pickering stabilizer. The TEM result indicated that PDMAEMA- g -CNC- g -PHFBA effectively anchored on the outside of latex particles and improved the performance of emulsions, demonstrating the important role of the PDMAEMA- g -CNC- g -PHFBA in the Pickering stabilization process. The influences of the type of Pickering stabilizers and the PDMAEMA- g -CNC- g -PHFBA amount on the emulsion polymerization were investigated. The size of latex particles could be adjusted by PDMAEMA- g -CNC- g - PHFBA amount. XPS result showed that the fluorine-containing groups tended to enrich at the air-film interface of latex film during the heat process, leading to the decrease of surface free energy. The water-oil repellent and mechanical properties of the film could be improved as the content of PDMAEMA- g -CNC- g -PHFBA increased. In addition, thermal analysis showed an enhancement of the thermal properties of latex film upon increasing the PDMAEMA- g -CNC- g -PHFBA content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chotosan (CTS) is a traditional Kampo prescription used to treat chronic headache and hypertension. Recent clinical studies demonstrated that CTS has ameliorative effects on dementia. This study aims to identify the anti-Alzheimer components in CTS. β-amyloid (Aβ) is considered to play a central role in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease. CTS-E, a fraction of CTS, showed significant protective effects on Aβ-induced neurotoxicity. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used for the qualitative analysis of it. Among the identified constituents, neuroprotective effects against Aβ 25-35 -induced neurotoxicity of 10 major compounds were tested by MTT assay. Their inhibitory action on Aβ 1-42 self-induced aggregation was measured by Thioflavin T-binding assay. The results showed that caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, 1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid and 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid had significant neuroprotective effects on Aβ 25-35 -induced neurotoxicity. Besides these phenolic acids, nobiletin and hesperidin could also inhibit Aβ 1-42 self-induced aggregation. In conclusion, the neuroprotective fraction, CTS-E, could protect PC12 cells from Aβ-induced neurotoxicity. Anti-oxidative effects may at least partly mediate the neuroprotective effects of it. Phenolic acids from Chrysanthemi Flos and flavonoids from Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium might be the effective constituents in CTS-E. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a green approach to prepare both porous and dense antifouling membranes was developed through solvent-free bulk polymerization of the casting solution containing 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and pre-dispersed silica nanoparticles in two glass sheets under pressure. Porous polyHEMA membranes were prepared via removing the silica nanoparticles embedded in the polymer matrix. Dense poly(HEMA/MAA)/SiO 2 membranes were fabricated by adding methacrylic acid (MAA) as co-monomer without removing the silica nanoparticles. Membrane thickness could be conveniently controlled by varying the distance between the two slide glasses. Field emission scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and water contact angle measurement were employed to characterize the morphology and surface chemical composition of the resultant membranes. The porous polyHEMA membranes exhibited high efficiency in purification of bovine serum albumin (BSA) from BSA/yeast solution while the dense poly(HEMA/MAA)/SiO 2 membranes exhibited high rejection of orange GII. Both porous membranes and dense membranes exhibited strong hydrophilicity as a result of hydrophilic monomer HEMA, leading to good antifouling properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel positively charged composite nanofiltration membranes were facilely prepared by polydopamine (PDA) deposition followed by poly(ethylene imine) (PEI) grafting on polyethersulfone (PES) substrates. Scanning election microscope (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), zeta potential measurement and water contact angle measurement were employed to characterize the surface chemical composition and morphology of the resultant membranes. The rejection of salts was increased but the pure water flux was decreased with the increase of PDA deposition time, PEI concentration, PEI reaction temperature and time. The salts rejection followed the sequence: MgCl 2 >CaCl 2 >MgSO 4 >Na 2 SO 4 , confirming that the membranes were positively charged. The rejection of MgCl 2 could reach 73.7%, whereas the rejection of CaCl 2 was 57.1%. Moreover, the membranes exhibited a superior rejection of up to 96.5% for cationic dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyvinyl formal (PVF) blend ultrafiltration membranes were fabricated by non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) method with different casting solution composition. The PVC/PVF membranes were characterized and evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), water contact angle measurement and performance measurement. The results showed that PVF played the role of pore formation agent during the NIPS process, and both of porosity and the mean pore size of the membranes were increased with the increased dosage of PVF. Simultaneously, PVF was enriched to membrane surface via spontaneous surface segregation and the membrane surface hydrophilicity was greatly elevated, which implied the remarkably enhanced antifouling property. The robust residence of PVF on the membrane surface was confirmed by a long-term test of incubating membranes in deionized water, which revealed the stable antifouling property of PVC/PVF membranes. Therefore, PVF could be explored as a potential versatile modifier for fabricating high performance ultrafiltration membranes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A new kind of fluorinated polyamine was successfully synthesized and grafted onto the polyamide membrane surface to fabricate an antifouling nanofiltration membrane with low surface free energy. The surface composition of the fluorinated polyamide nanofiltration membrane was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The membrane cross-section morphology was observed by a field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The presence of perfluoroalkyl groups on the membrane surface significantly lowered the surface free energy from 60.0 to 44.4mJ/m2. The filtration experiment results indicated that the surface fluorination did not lower the separation performance of the polyamide nanofiltration membrane significantly. The antifouling experiment results demonstrated that the fluorinated polyamide nanofiltration membranes exhibited superior antifouling property, that is, high flux recovery ratio (~98.5%) and low total flux decline ratio (~11%) during protein aqueous solution and humic acid aqueous solution filtration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the present study, an in situ approach to pH and temperature responsive membranes is developed. The membrane matrix is formed through bulk polymerization and crosslinking of liquid monomer 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) while the membrane pores are formed by the templating of inorganic particles. The functional monomers methacrylic acid (MAA) and N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) are incorporated into membrane casting solution in order to confer membranes with pH and temperature responsive properties. The poly(HEMA/MAA) membranes exhibit a reversible pH-dependent water flux, while the poly(HEMA/NIPAAm) membranes exhibit a reversible temperature-dependent water flux. The flux of the poly(HEMA/MAA) membrane increased by 70% when pH was decreased from 10.0 to 2.0, while the flux poly(HEMA/NIPAAm) membrane increased by 150% when temperature was increased from 20 to 45 °C. The protein adsorption and antifouling performance of the poly(HEMA/MAA) and poly(HEMA/NIPAAm) membranes also exhibit pH and temperature responsive properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A Ce1−x La x O y solid solution (CL) is prepared by a co-precipitation method using urea as a precipitant, with varying urea/metal molar ratio (N). The supported rhodium catalysts are then prepared by an impregnation method for use in hydrogen production from oxidative steam reforming (OSR) of ethanol. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectra results confirm the formation of CL, and the crystal structures of these catalysts are not very sensitive to the urea/metal molar ratios (N = 5–15). However, the surface area and reducibility of the Rh/CL-N catalysts decrease monotonically with increasing N. During the OSR process, a similar tendency is also observed for ethanol conversion and hydrogen selectivity. Among the catalysts tested, Rh/CL-5 shows the best catalytic performance, achieving >97% ethanol conversion at 300 °C with H2 yield rate of 210 μmol g-cat−1 s−1. At 450 °C, its hydrogen selectivity reaches 117%, with no observable change after 72 h aging. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]