Search

BaZrSi3O9:Eu2+, Sm3+ (Em:525 nm) is prepared. The role played by the trivalent co‐doping ion Sm3+ in the afterglow and the type of trap are clarified. BaZrSi3O9:Eu2+, Sm3+ is found to produce Sm2+ during the excitation by X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES), etc., and it is thus proved that Sm3+ exists as an electron trap in the afterglow process. In the field of persistent phosphors activated by Eu2+ and Re3+ such as Sm3+ or Dy3+ having been widely utilized as emergency guide lights, clock faces, etc. for > 25 years, for the first time it is successfully observed that after excitation Re2+ is formed, transferring its electron to 5d band of Eu2+, returning to Re3+ by itself, where the decrease in Sm2+ coincides with the increase in Sm3+, and the two decay time τ1 and τ2 of PL (5D0→7F0) of Sm2+ coincides with the two evolution time of PL (5d→4f) of Eu2+. The behavior of electron transfer from Sm2+ to Eu2+ as a key of afterglow is detected. The detailed afterglow mechanism is proposed by analysis of thermoluminescence and defect reaction, which is very important for the in‐depth investigation of the long afterglow material and the further improvement of the mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ras‐association domain family 1A (RASSF1A) is one of the most methylated genes in lung cancer (LC). We investigate whether the high DNA methylation level of RASSF1A can relieve the resistance of RASSF1A to LC by inhibiting RASSF1A's transcription factor binding to RASSF1A. RASSF1A expression in tissues and cells was tested utilizing quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), and Western blot. RASSF1A expression and RASSF1A methylation level in LC cells exposed to 5‐Aza‐dc were assessed by qRT‐PCR and quantitative methylation‐specific PCR. The association between CTCF and RASSF1A was assessed using hTFtarget, ChIP, and luciferase reporter gene analysis. The effects of 5‐Aza‐dc, CTCF, and RASSF1A on cell biological behaviors and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐related markers were assessed by cell function experiments and Western blot. Moreover, we constructed the xenograft tumor and pulmonary nodule metastasis models, and assessed tumor volume and weight. RASSF1A expression and pulmonary nodule metastasis were tested utilizing qRT‐PCR, Western blot, and H&E staining. RASSF1A was under‐expressed in LC tissues and cells. 5‐Aza‐dc enhanced RASSF1A level and weakened RASSF1A methylation level in LC cells. RASSF1A silencing neutralized 5‐Aza‐dc‐mediated repressing effects on LC cell biological function and EMT. The loss of CTCF binding to RASSF1A in LC cells was associated with DNA methylation. The effect of 5‐Aza‐dc on RASSF1A level, LC cell malignant behaviors, and EMT‐related factors were strengthened by CTCF upregulation. RASSF1A overexpression suppressed LC tumor growth and pulmonary nodule metastasis in vivo. DNA methylation blocked the modulation of RASSF1A expression by CTCF and relieved the resistance of RASSF1A to LC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past decade, chemical‐fuel‐driven processes have been integrated with synthetic self‐assembled systems, in which both the formation and properties can be carefully controlled. This strategy can drive systems far away from equilibrium, tailor the lifetime window of transient self‐assembled systems, thus holding promise for future smart, adaptive, self‐regulated, and life‐like systems. By judging whether the building blocks or transient self‐assembled systems participate in the fuel‐to‐waste conversion, the reported systems can be divided into two classes: dissipative self‐assembly and self‐assembly under dissipative conditions. Among these systems, the utilization of macromolecular building blocks to design non‐equilibrium self‐assemblied systems is becoming common. Macromolecular systems capable of dissipating energy with a programmed time domain have found widespread application, and have therefore been an active field of scientific inquiry. This Minireview aims to highlight the recent progress and opportunities of chemical‐fuel‐driven assembly in macromolecules. We envision that chemical‐fuel‐driven approach will play an increasingly important role in polymer science in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family stability is considered the cornerstone of children's happiness and health. The purpose of the study is to examine the relationship between family stability and the positive development of orphans in kinship care in China. Based on cross‐sectional data related to orphans from LZ City, Sichuan Province, in 2020, the study conducted multiple linear regression model to analyse the relationship between family stability and other family variables and the positive development of orphans in kinship care. The results indicate that family stability is significantly related to the positive development of orphans. Orphans raised in families with married guardians and stable income tend to develop better. Further analysis, grouped by sex and age, revealed that boys are more prone to behaviour problems, while girls are more susceptible to family stability. The growth of younger orphans is associated with family economic stability, while older orphans are more influenced by the guardian's marriage. These findings provide evidence for differences in orphan development from the perspective of family stability. The evidence suggests that policymakers and stakeholders need to pay closer attention to the overall situation of kinship care families. It also provides useful enlightenment for the formulation of precise assistance policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Blue light-emitting polyfluorenes, PPF-FSOs and PPF-SOFs were synthesized via introducing spiro[fluorene-9,9′-thioxanthene- S,S-dioxide] isomers (2,7-diyl and 2′,7′-diyl) (FSO/SOF) into the poly[9,9-bis(4-(2-ethylhexyloxy) phenyl)fluorene-2,7-diyl] (PPF) backbone, respectively. With the increasing contents of FSO and SOF moieties, the absorption and PL spectra of PPF-FSOs show slight red shift, while that of PPF-SOFs exhibit blue shift, respectively. The HOMO and LUMO levels reduce gradually with increasing SOF unit in PPF-SOFs. The polymers emit blue light peaked around 430-445 nm and show an excellent spectral stability with the variation in current densities. The distinctly narrowing EL spectra were observed with the incorporation of isomers in the polymers. The full width at half maximum reduced by 15 nm for PPF-SOFs, resulting in a blue shift with the CIE coordinates from (0.16, 0.11) to (0.16, 0.08). With a device configuration of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/EML/CsF/Al, a maximum luminance efficiency (LEmax) of 2.00 cd A−1, a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) of 3.76% with the CIE coordinates of (0.16, 0.08) for PPF-SOF15 and a LEmax of 1.68 cd A−1, a EQEmax of 2.38% with CIE (0.16, 0.12) for PPF-FSO10 were obtained, respectively. The result reveals that spiro[fluorene-9,9′-thioxanthene- S,S-dioxide] isomers are promising blocks for deep-blue light-emitting polymers. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 2332-2341 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterization of autochthonously produced calcite particles, along with the associated heteronuclei, and evaluation of their effects on light scattering, are advanced for lacustrine waters. This is supported by (1) direct measurement of minerogenic particle populations from 12 northeastern U.S. lakes with scanning electron microscopy interfaced with automated image and X-ray analyses (SAX), and (2) application of the previously tested SAX−Mie-theory approach to resolve the contributions of calcite vs. allochthonous minerogenic particles to particulate scattering and backscattering coefficients ( bp and bbp), and (3) comparison with organic contributions estimated through empirical bio-optics models. Intervals of substantial contributions of calcite to bp and bbp, described as 'whiting events,' are demonstrated for these study lakes. Organic particles, apparently from two size ranges, likely corresponding to pico- and nanocyanobacteria, are found to serve as the primary heteronuclei for the calcite precipitation. The coating of these particles with calcite within the upper waters of the study lakes remained thin. The calculated relative increases in bbp were substantially more than for bp because of the greater effect of the higher refractive index (i.e., n) of calcite for the former. Differences in n values for calcite reported in the literature are a source of noteworthy uncertainty in associated bbp estimates. Nine years of spring−fall monitoring in Cayuga Lake, New York, documented major interannual variations in the whiting events with respect to timing, magnitude of the scattering signatures, and the sizes of heteronuclei. Whiting events can have major effects on commonly monitored optical features, including Secchi depth and remote sensing reflectance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of high-quality 3D polymeric photonic crystal (PC) films featuring fascinating tunable optical properties in a facile and time-efficient way remains a major concern. Herein, the rapid assembly of highly crystallized brilliant flexible 3D polymeric PC films and their application for multiresponsive colorimetric sensing are demonstrated. Monochromatic PC films with remarkably distinct structural color, narrow half-band width (27 nm), and broad tunability of band-gaps (from blue to red) are generated within seconds from highly concentrated and charged colloids (51 vol%, −57.6 mV) embedded in poly( N-isopropylacrylamide) matrix. A repulsion-induced precipitation assembly is found to be responsible for the ultrafast formation of close-packed PC colloidal arrays. Besides, the resultant PC films exhibit ultrasensitive and fast response to external stimuli, revealed by interesting droplet diffusion experiments. Thus these PC films can serve as efficient colorimetric sensing materials to visually determine diverse species including trace ionic strength (2.9 ppm), minor surfactant (1 × 10−3 m), alcohol, and pH variation (1.0-13.9). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The particulate scattering and backscattering coefficients ( bp and bbp) were partitioned into the additive contributions of minerogenic ( bm and bb,m) and organic ( bo and bb,o) components for nearshore and pelagic areas of Cayuga Lake, New York, over a 7 month period in 2013. The analysis was based on paired measurements of (1) bulk bp and bbp, (2) light-scattering properties of mineral particles, with an individual particle analysis (IPA) technique, and (3) concentrations of chlorophyll a ([Chl]) and particulate organic carbon (POC), as two indices to quantify organic particle scattering. bm and bb,m were estimated through Mie theory calculations with IPA results as inputs. bo and bb,o were estimated with both system-specific and oceanic bio-optical models parameterized on [Chl] or POC. POC performed better than [Chl] as the index for both bo and bb,o. The averages of the ratios ( bm + bo) : bp and ( bb,m + bb,o) : bbp at 660 nm, were 1.02 and 1.03, respectively; the average relative errors were 18.2% and 15.6%. Multiple empirical bio-optical models developed for Case 1 oceanic waters (for bo and bb,o estimates) approached the closure performance of the system-specific relationships. In addition to systematically accounting for more bbp than bp, terrigenous minerogenic particles made greater contributions to both bp and bbp in the nearshore area proximate to tributary inputs than in pelagic waters. A strong positive dependency of the backscattering ratio ( bbp : bp) on the bm : bp ratio was observed for both nearshore and pelagic areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the spin orientation of the neutron scattered by light-irradiated graphene and calculate the average value of spin z-component of the neutron in terms of a generating functional technique. Our calculation results indicate that there is a remarkable neutron polarization effect when a neutron penetrates graphene irradiated by a circularly polarized light. We analyse the dynamical source of generating this effect from the aspect of photon-mediated interaction between the neutron spin and valley pseudospin. By comparing with the polarization induced by a magnetic field, we find that this polarization may be equivalent to the one led by a magnetic field of several hundred Teslas if the photon frequency is in the X-ray frequency range. This provides an approach of polarizing neutrons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil contamination of antimicrobials has become an increasing concern because of the potential risks to the soil microbial ecosystem and human health. The present study investigated sorption and desorption behaviors of oxytetracycline (OTC) and ofloxacin (OFL) in 3 typical soils (A, B, and C), and evaluated the antibacterial activity of soil -adsorbed compounds to a pure sensitive strain Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. The results showed different sorption and desorption behaviors of OTC and OFL in the 3 soils, behaviors that were mainly influenced by soil organic matter content and cation exchange capacity (CEC) as well as pH value. In addition, complexation and cation-exchange reactions were shown to be the main sorption mechanisms. Strong adsorption was found in soil B (with a high organic matter content) and in soil C (with high CEC), whereas enhanced desorption was observed in soil A (with low organic matter content). The results also demonstrated that soil-bound antimicrobials retained antibacterial activity toward E. coli. Opposite patterns of antibacterial activity were found for the 2 antimicrobials in the 3 soils: A > B > C for OFL; and C > B > A for OTC. This finding suggests that soil -bound antimicrobials could still exert selective pressure on soil bacteria although less effectively in comparison with the dissolved forms. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:776-783. © 2014 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating solar energy into rechargeable battery systems represents a significant advancement towards sustainable energy storage solutions. Herein, we propose a win‐win solution to reduce the shuttle effect of polysulfide and improve the photocorrosion stability of CdS, thereby enhancing the energy conversion efficiency of rGO/CdS‐based photorechargeable integrated lithium‐sulfur batteries (PRLSBs). Experimental results show that CdS can effectively anchor polysulfide under sunlight irradiation for 20 minutes. Under a high current density (1 C), the discharge‐specific capacity of the PRLSBs increased to 971.30 mAh g−1, which is 113.3 % enhancement compared to that of under dark condition (857.49 mAh g−1). Remarkably, without an electrical power supply, the PRLSBs can maintain a 21 hours discharge process following merely 1.5 hours of light irradiation, achieving a breakthrough solar‐to‐electrical energy conversion efficiency of up to 5.04 %. Ex situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and in situ Raman analysis corroborate the effectiveness of this complementary weakness approach in bolstering redox kinetics and curtailing polysulfide dissolution in PRLSBs. This work showcases a feasible strategy to develop PRLSBs with potential dual‐functional metal sulfide photoelectrodes, which will be of great interest in future‐oriented off‐grid photocell systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating solar energy into rechargeable battery systems represents a significant advancement towards sustainable energy storage solutions. Herein, we propose a win‐win solution to reduce the shuttle effect of polysulfide and improve the photocorrosion stability of CdS, thereby enhancing the energy conversion efficiency of rGO/CdS‐based photorechargeable integrated lithium‐sulfur batteries (PRLSBs). Experimental results show that CdS can effectively anchor polysulfide under sunlight irradiation for 20 minutes. Under a high current density (1 C), the discharge‐specific capacity of the PRLSBs increased to 971.30 mAh g−1, which is 113.3 % enhancement compared to that of under dark condition (857.49 mAh g−1). Remarkably, without an electrical power supply, the PRLSBs can maintain a 21 hours discharge process following merely 1.5 hours of light irradiation, achieving a breakthrough solar‐to‐electrical energy conversion efficiency of up to 5.04 %. Ex situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and in situ Raman analysis corroborate the effectiveness of this complementary weakness approach in bolstering redox kinetics and curtailing polysulfide dissolution in PRLSBs. This work showcases a feasible strategy to develop PRLSBs with potential dual‐functional metal sulfide photoelectrodes, which will be of great interest in future‐oriented off‐grid photocell systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving long‐lived room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) in nonconventional luminophores devoid of any conjugated units is fascinating but remains formidably challenging due to their low intersystem crossing efficiency and strong nonradiative decay. Herein, a stepwise rigidification strategy is developed to suppress the nonradiative decay and fully exploit the clusterization‐triggered RTP performance of cellulose. Specifically, the crystallinity is enhanced, and hydrogen bonding is reconstructed by a directed oxidation‐reduction reaction to afford a more rigid environment of cellulose; then, the reconstructed cellulose is further cross‐linked by boric acid to activate double confinement architecture. In return, the phosphorescence lifetime of the target cellulose increases almost one order of magnitude, and the phosphorescence quantum yield increases more than 27 folds. Moreover, the afterglow of the RTP cellulose can be regulated from blue to green by changing excitation wavelength, which is useful for advanced information encryption and anti‐counterfeiting. The stepwise rigidification strategy is also applicable for preparing other nature polysaccharides‐based long‐lived RTP materials, such as chitosan and sodium alginate. Nature polysaccharides are completely biodegradable; thus, this work paves the way for the development of eco‐friendly and practical color‐variable RTP materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It was reported for the first time that carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as metal-free catalyst exhibited an excellent activity in the selective oxidation of ethylbenzene (EB) to acetophenone (AcPO) in the liquid-phase with oxygen as the oxidant. The reasonable mechanism responsible for the liquid-phase oxidation of EB on CNTs was proposed. The results demonstrated that the CNTs played an important role in the decomposition of 1-phenylethyl hydroperoxide (PEHP) and contributed to the production of AcPO, owing to π-π interactions between the radical species and peroxides and the graphene sheets of the CNTs. Surface carboxylic groups of the CNTs were unfavorable to EB oxidation. Adsorption energies of the radical species and peroxides on pristine and modified CNTs with carboxylic groups were calculated by DFT. These theoretical calculations were well consistent with the experimental results, and also supported the presented mechanistic pathway of EB oxidation on CNTs. This study not only presents a facile and effective alternative to cobalt-based catalysts for the selective oxidation of EB to AcPO but also gives new insight into the effect of surface structures on carbon-catalyzed reactions, and further pushes forward the research on carbon catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the coherent polarization of excitons in strained graphene ribbons using a bosonization scheme. Within linear elastic theory and a tight-binding approach, we observe that strain can generate a marked influence on the coherent polarization of excitons and even effectively enhance polarization of excitons on certain conditions. We find that the polarization direction of the positive-wavevector excitons is opposite to that of the negative-wavevector excitons under high strain. We explain the micromechanism of generating these phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the effect of the impurity on the excitonic polarization in single-walled zigzag carbon nanotubes under a laser field. The time evolutions of both the excitonic polarization and its fluctuation are calculated by introducing a bosonization scheme for the low energy excitation of interacting electron-hole system. Our calculations show that under certain conditions the excitons enter into the coherent states that the polarization fluctuation is equal to the one of the vacuum states, and the existence of the impurity can effectively enhance the coherent polarization of excitons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The infective juveniles (IJs) of Steinernema carpocapsae‘All’ were osmotically stressed by a mixture of ionic (fortified artificial seawater) and non-ionic (3.2 mol/L glycerol) solutions to establish a method for osmotic storage of entomopathogenic nematodes. Seven combinations (termed solution A to G) with different proportions of these two solutions were tested, with sterile extra pure water (sepH2O, termed solution H) as a control. The mortality of the IJs at a concentration of 5 × 105 IJ/mL in the solutions A to G, and H were 13.2%, 16.2%, 16.7%, 13.5%, 25.2%, 31.6%, 44.6%, and 1.0%, respectively, after 21 days storage at 25°C. Most of the IJs shrunk and stopped motility after 6–9 hours incubation at 25°C in solutions A to D. Based on the results, solutions A to D and H were chosen to further test the osmotic survival of the IJs at different IJ concentrations (5 × 105, 2.5 × 105, 2 000 IJ/mL) and incubation temperature (30°C, 25°C, 10°C). The resulting IJs were exposed to a high temperature assay (45°C for 4 h, HTA). Osmotically stressed IJs showed improved heat tolerance. The mortality of the IJs increased with the increasing concentrations of the test IJs and the storage temperatures after exposing to the HTA. More than 88.4%, 62.3% or 2.4% of the treated IJs died at the above three IJ concentrations, respectively. At the three IJ concentrations (2 000 IJs/mL, 2.5 × 105 IJs/mL or 5 × 105 IJs/mL), the highest mortality was recorded in solution D (11.6%, 85.9% or 98.0%, respectively), and the lowest mortality in solution B (2. 4%, 62.3% or 86.6%, respectively). No untreated IJs survived after the heat treatment. During 42 days storage at 10°C, the IJs mortality in the solutions A to D and H were 7.19%, 5.97%, 4.41%, 4.34%, and 4.34% respectively, and showed no significant differences. In conclusion, osmotic treatment of the IJs of S. carpocapsae‘All’ in a mixture of ionic and non-ionic solutions enhances the heat tolerance. The mortality of the IJs after HTA increased with the increasing concentrations of the test IJs and the storage temperatures after exposure to the HTA. The result is promising for the osmotic storage of the entomopathogenic nematodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individual particle analysis (IPA) by scanning electron microscopy663 interfaced with automated image and X-ray analyses was used to characterize inorganic particles in five reservoirs and four tributaries located within the Catskill and Delaware systems of the New York City water supply. Individual particle analysis provides combined elemental and morphologic characterizations. Results are presented in terms of particle projected area per unit volume (PAV), consistent with optical impacts, and partitioned into seven generic particle types according to composition. Minerals of terrigenous origins, particularly clay minerals, dominated the inorganic particle populations of all the study systems except one downstream reservoir. Higher PAV levels were observed in the Catskill system. Particle dynamics represented by PAV were driven primarily by runoff, while the reservoirs were also greatly influenced by the timing of sediment resuspension promoted by drawdown of the surface and fall mixing. The benefit of the serial configuration of the reservoirs in decreasing inorganic particles with progression downstream towards the city is demonstrated. The patterns in PAV levels among the study systems generally tracked those of more common metrics of impacts of suspensoids, including mass concentrations of suspended solids, turbidity, and Secchi disc transparency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal Artery Sympathetic Denervation (RDN) can lower blood pressure. Different ablation catheters (single electrode, multi‐electrode) have different scopes of ablation (renal artery main stem and branches). Few studies have compared the advantages and disadvantages of different ablation catheters and different procedures in terms of antihypertensive efficacy. To compare the efficacy and safety of 3D reconstruction radiofrequency ablation (3DRA) and basket multi‐electrode radiofrequency ablation (BMRA) in Renal Artery Sympathetic Denervation. Fifty‐three patients with Refractory hypertension (RHT) were divided into BMRA, (n = 28) and 3DRA(n = 25). BMRA group used a stereobasket multi‐electrode ablation catheter with a controlled ablation temperature of 60°C and an ablation time of 120 s per site. 3DRA group used a NavStar pressure‐monitored perfusion monopolar ablation catheter with a controlled ablation temperature of 40°C, an ablation time of 40 s per site, and an ablation energy of 12 W. Baseline and RDN parameters and complications were compared in both groups. Home and 24 h ambulatory blood pressure, type of anti‐hypertensive medication taken, and serum creatinine were followed up at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after the RDN. There were no differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. (23.14 ± 2.00)months of follow‐up in the BMRA group resulted in a total of (25.86 ± 8.61) loci ablation. (19.28 ± 7.40)months of follow‐up in the 3DRA group resulted in a total of (21.04 ± 6.47)loci ablation. Home SBP was significantly lower in both groups at 1 month after RDN treatment compared to baseline(H‐SBP/mmHg: BMRA 149.9 ± 10.59 vs. baseline 168.36 ± 12.76; 3DRA 152.6 ± 14.91 vs. 164.89 ± 12.96, both p <.05). The proportion of people with 24 h ambulatory SBP attainment was significantly higher in both groups and was maintained for 24 months. At each follow‐up time point, there were no differences in home and 24‐h flow SBP, DBP, or Scr between the two groups. There were two cases of severe renal artery complications from implanted vascular stents and one case of femoral artery pseudoaneurysm in the 3DRA group. At follow‐up, 1 (1.9%) patient in the 3DRA group died of unexplained death and 1 (1.9%) patient developed heart failure, and 1 (1.9%) patient in the BMRA group died of unexplained death. Basket multi‐electrode radiofrequency ablation and 3D reconstruction radiofrequency ablation of the renal artery applied to RDN have comparable efficacy in reducing systolic blood pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The responsivity and specific detectivity are critical figures of merits for organic photodetectors; however, it remains challenging to simultaneously enhance two such parameters, since enhancing external quantum efficiency corresponding to responsivities will inevitably increase leakage current and noises, resulting in decreased specific detectivity. To address such a trade‐off, an effective anode interfacial layer of 7,7,8,8‐tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) doped copper thiocyanate (CuSCN) is developed herein, which can enhance shunt resistance, increase depletion width, enhance hole extraction efficiency, as well as reduce trap density of states of organic photodetectors. The organic photodetectors based on doped CuSCN present a very low dark current density of 4.4 × 10−11 A cm−2 and an impressively high specific detectivity of 1.1 × 1014 Jones. As evidenced by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy measurements, the energy levels of the doped CuSCN:TCNQ film are deepened, associated with the occurrence of dopant bonding and charge transfer. In addition, it is found that increasing the delay time can suppress the hysteresis effects of current density–voltage characteristics of organic photodetectors and make the minimum dark current density obtainable at 0 V. These findings demonstrate the great potential of using molecular doping to adjust the anode interfacial layer for developing high‐performance organic photodetectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minimizing energy loss in organic solar cells (OSCS) is critical for attaining high photovoltaic performance. Among the parameters that correlated to photovoltaic performance, the energy offsets between donor–acceptor pairs play a vital role in photoelectric conversion processes. For so far reported a large number of non‐fullerene acceptors (NFAs), only Y6 and its derivatives can achieve external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) over 80% with negligible energy offsets when combined with polymeric donors. Thus, understanding the relationship between energy offsets and energy losses in representative NFAs is the key to further enhancing the efficiency of OSCs. In this study, a series of wide‐bandgap polymer donors based on pyrrolo[3,4‐f]benzotriazole‐5,7(6H)‐dione (TzBI) and benzo[1,2‐c:4,5‐c′] dithiophene‐4,8‐dione building blocks are combined with representative NFAs, including ITIC and Y6, to gain deep insights into their photovoltaic performances and related energy losses. Outstanding EQEs (≈70%) and suppressed non‐radiative recombination are achieved at negligible energy offsets. Moreover, it is noted that a prolonged exciton lifetime of acceptor is not essential to obtain high EQEs in OSCs with negligible energy offsets. Eventually, ITIC derivatives with high electroluminescence efficiencies and near‐infrared absorptions have the potential to be assembled to obtain high‐efficiency OSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existence of natural van der Waals gaps in layered materials allows them to be easily intercalated with varying guest species, offering an appealing strategy to optimize their physicochemical properties and application performance. Herein, we report the activation of layered MoO3 nanobelts via aqueous intercalation as an efficient biodegradable nanozyme for tumor‐specific photo‐enhanced catalytic therapy. The long MoO3 nanobelts are grinded and then intercalated with Na+ and H2O to obtain the short Na+/H2O co‐intercalated MoO3−x (NH−MoO3−x) nanobelts. In contrast to the inert MoO3 nanobelts, the NH−MoO3−x nanobelts exhibit excellent enzyme‐mimicking catalytic activity for generation of reactive oxygen species, which can be further enhanced by the photothermal effect under a 1064 nm laser irradiation. Thus, after bovine serum albumin modification, the NH−MoO3−x nanobelts can efficiently kill cancer cells in vitro and eliminate tumors in vivo facilitating with 1064 nm laser irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existence of natural van der Waals gaps in layered materials allows them to be easily intercalated with varying guest species, offering an appealing strategy to optimize their physicochemical properties and application performance. Herein, we report the activation of layered MoO3 nanobelts via aqueous intercalation as an efficient biodegradable nanozyme for tumor‐specific photo‐enhanced catalytic therapy. The long MoO3 nanobelts are grinded and then intercalated with Na+ and H2O to obtain the short Na+/H2O co‐intercalated MoO3−x (NH−MoO3−x) nanobelts. In contrast to the inert MoO3 nanobelts, the NH−MoO3−x nanobelts exhibit excellent enzyme‐mimicking catalytic activity for generation of reactive oxygen species, which can be further enhanced by the photothermal effect under a 1064 nm laser irradiation. Thus, after bovine serum albumin modification, the NH−MoO3−x nanobelts can efficiently kill cancer cells in vitro and eliminate tumors in vivo facilitating with 1064 nm laser irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MXene, a new class of 2D layered materials, is considered a candidate for the reverse electrodialysis (RED) film because the laminated MXene nanochannels with charged functional groups provide an excellent ionic selectivity and conductivity. However, the MXene‐based ion‐exchange films suffer from weak mechanical properties and instability in water due to the poor binding force between the nanosheets, which limits their RED performance. Here, inspired by natural nacre structure, a class of cation‐MXene/cation holocellulose nanofibers (C‐MXene/C‐HNF) composite film with high performance for harvesting nanofluidic osmotic is developed. C‐HNF acts as interlocking agent to connect the MXene nanosheets by hydrogen bonding, resulting a mechanically robust and water stable film. The introduction of C‐HNF not only increases the interlayer interaction force, but also enhances the ion transport flux. When the content of C‐HNF is 20%, the tensile stress, fracture strain, and toughness of the composite film reach up to 127.75 ± 1.61 MPa, 3.50 ± 0.1%, and 2.95 ± 0.52 MJ m−3, respectively. Additionally, the composite film can produce an impressive output power density of up to 1.09 W m−2 under a 50‐fold salinity gradient (0.01/0.5 m NaCl), and only decreases by 4.58% after 50 days, demonstrating good stability and durability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advances in genomic biology and the increasing availability of genomic resources allow developing hundreds of nuclear protein‐coding (NPC) markers, which can be used in phylogenetic research. However, for low taxonomic levels, it may be more practical to select a handful of suitable molecular loci for phylogenetic inference. Unfortunately, the presence of degenerate primers of NPC markers can be a major impediment, as the amplification success rate is low and they tend to amplify nontargeted regions. In this study, we optimized five NPC fragments widely used in beetle phylogenetics (i.e., two parts of carbamoyl‐phosphate synthetase: CADXM and CADMC, Topoisomerase, Wingless and Pepck) by reducing the degenerate site of primers and the length of target genes slightly. These five NPC fragments and 6 other molecular loci were amplified to test the monophyly of the coccinellid genus Sasajiscymnus Vandenberg. The analysis of our molecular data set clearly supported the genus Sasajiscymnus may be monophyletic but confirmation with an extended sampling is required. A fossil‐calibrated chronogram was generated by BEAST, indicating an origin of the genus at the end of the Cretaceous (77.87 Myr). Furthermore, a phylogenetic informativeness profile was generated to compare the phylogenetic properties of each gene more explicitly. The results showed that COI provides the strongest phylogenetic signal among all the genes, but Pepck, Topoisomerase, CADXM and CADMC are also relatively informative. Our results provide insight into the evolution of the genus Sasajiscymnus, and also enrich the molecular data resources for further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selective hydrogenation of biomass 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2, 5‐dimethylfuran (DMF) which is a suitable candidate for liquid fuel has been widely concerned. Developing efficient and economic catalysts for the hydrogenation of HMF to DMF under mild conditions is a crucial issue. Here series monometallic Cu‐based catalysts were synthesized from controlled thermolysis of Cu‐BTC metal‐organic frameworks and characterized by TG, N2 adsorption‐desorption, XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, and H2‐TPR techniques. The CuOx@C catalyst with Cu2O/Cu composites enwrapped in porous carbon matrix derived from Cu‐BTC by two steps thermolysis treatment shows high hydrogenation activity with 100% conversion of HMF and 92% selectivity of DMF at 180 °C under 3 MPa H2 pressure. The oxidation treatment following up the thermolysis of Cu‐BTC under inert atmosphere increases the content of Cu+ in the catalyst and improves the activity of the catalyst, which is mainly owe to the synergetic effect between Cu+ and Cu0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The uptake of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) ions from wastewater is of great significance for environmental remediation and resource utilization. In this study, a self‐designed instrument equipped with an oxidized mesoporous carbon monolith (o‐MCM) as an electro‐adsorbent is developed. o‐MCM with a super hydrophilic surface displayed a high specific surface area (up to 686.5 m2 g−1). With the assistance of an electric field (0.5 V), the removal capacity of Cr(VI) ions is as high as 126.6 mg g−1, much higher than that without an electric field (49.5 mg g−1). During this process, no reduction reaction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) ions is observed. After adsorption, the reverse electrode with 10 V is used to efficiently desorb the ions on the carbon surface. Meanwhile, the in situ regeneration of carbon adsorbents can be obtained even after ten recycles. On this basis, the enrichment of Cr(VI) ions in a special solution is achieved with the assistance of an electric field. This work lays a foundation for the uptake of heavy metal ions from wastewater with the assistance of the electric field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanofluidic membranes consisting of 2D materials and polymers are considered promising candidates for harvesting osmotic energy from river estuaries owing to their unique ion channels. However, micron‐scale polymer chains agglomerate in the nanochannels, resulting in steric hindrance and affection ion transport. Herein, a nanofluidic membrane is designed from MXene and xylan nanoparticles that are derived from paper‐mill waste. The demonstrated membrane reinforced by paper‐mill waste has the characteristics of green, low‐cost, and outstanding performance in mechanical properties and surface‐charge‐governed ionic transport. The MXene/carboxmethyl xylan (CMX) membrane demonstrates a high surface charge (ζ‐potential of −44.3 mV) and 12 times higher strength (284.96 MPa) than the pristine MXene membrane. The resulting membrane shows intriguing features of high surface charge, high ion selectivity, and reduced steric hindrance, enabling it high osmotic energy generation performance. A potential of the nanofluidic membrane is ≈109 mV, the corresponding current of up to 2.73 µA, and the output power density of 14.52 mW m−2 are obtained under a 1000‐fold salt concentration gradient. As the electrolyte pH increases, the power density reaches 56.54 mW m−2. This works demonstrate that CMX nanoparticles can effectively enhance the properties of the nanofluidic membrane and provide a promising strategy to design high‐performance nanofluidic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanomaterials with photothermal combined chemodynamic therapy (PTT‐CDT) have attracted the attention of researchers owing to their excellent synergistic therapeutic effects on tumors. Thus, the preparation of multifunctional materials with higher photothermal conversion efficiency and catalytic activity can achieve better synergistic therapeutic effects for melanoma. In this study, a Cu–Zn bimetallic single‐atom (Cu/PMCS) is constructed with augmented photothermal effect and catalytic activity due to the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect. Density functional theory calculations confirmed that the enhanced photothermal effect of Cu/PMCS is due to the appearance of a new d‐orbital transition with strong spin‐orbit coupling and the induced LSPR. Additionally, Cu/PMCS exhibited increased catalytic activity in the Fenton‐like reaction and glutathione depletion capacity, further enhanced by increased temperature and LSPR. Consequently, Cu/PMCS induced better synergistic anti‐melanoma effects via PTT‐CDT than PMCS in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, compared with PMCS, Cu/PMCS killed bacteria more quickly and effectively, thus facilitating wound healing owing to the enhanced photothermal effect and slow release of Cu2+. Cu/PMCS promoted cell migration and angiogenesis and upregulated the expression of related genes to accelerate wound healing. Cu/PMCS has potential applications in treating melanoma and repairing wounds with its antitumor, antibacterial, and wound‐healing properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This retrospective study compared cardiovascular (CV) outcomes between initial β‐blocker (BB) + calcium channel blocker (CCB) dual therapy ("B + C") and other initial dual therapies in Chinese newly diagnosed hypertensive patients. In this study, all patients in a regional electronic database with newly diagnosed hypertension from January 01, 2012 to December 31, 2016 who received any initial optimal dual therapy recommended by the Chinese hypertension guideline were included. 1:2 propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance baseline characteristics between patients receiving B + C and patients receiving other initial dual therapies ("Others"). The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) that occurred from January 01, 2012 to December 31, 2017, consisting of non‐fatal stroke, non‐fatal myocardial infarction (MI), non‐fatal chronic heart failure (CHF), and all‐cause death. Cox proportional hazard models were used to compare these CV outcomes in the 2 matched cohorts. After the PSM, 6227 patients receiving B + C and 12 454 patients receiving Others were included. Compared to patients receiving Others, patients receiving B + C had a significantly lower risk of MACE (hazard ratio [HR] 0.85; 95% confidential interval [CI] 0.78–0.92; p <.001), non‐fatal stroke (HR 0.89; 95% CI 0.81–0.98; p =.018) and non‐fatal CHF (HR 0.74; 95% CI 0.63–0.86; p <.0001). Additionally, differences in risks of non‐fatal MI and all‐cause death between the 2 treatment cohorts were not statistically significant. In conclusion, BB + CCB initial dual therapy was associated with a lower risk of MACE, stroke, and CHF than other optimal initial dual therapies recommended by the Chinese hypertension guideline in Chinese newly diagnosed hypertensive patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of N bonding and its applications in energy storage, new possible structures in addition to the known crystalline forms CaN2, Ca2N, and Ca3N2 are identified via a swarm intelligence structure search in theoretical exploration of the CaNx phase diagram. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cocatalyst engineering with non‐noble metal nanomaterials can play a vital role in low‐cost, sustainable, and large‐scale photocatalytic hydrogen production. This research adopts slow carburization and simultaneous hydrocarbon reduction to synthesize carbon‐encapsulated Mo/Mo2C heterostructure nanoparticles, namely Mo/Mo2C@C cocatalyst. Experimental and theoretical investigations indicate that the Mo/Mo2C@C cocatalysts have a nearly ideal hydrogen‐adsorption free energy (ΔGH*), which results in the accelerated HER kinetics. As such, the cocatalysts are immobilized onto organic polymer semiconductor g‐C3N4 and inorganic semiconductor CdS, resulting in Mo/Mo2C@C/g‐C3N4 and Mo/Mo2C@C/CdS catalysts, respectively. In photocatalytic hydrogen evolution application under visible light, the Mo/Mo2C@C with g‐C3N4 and CdS can form the Schottky junctions via appropriate band alignment, greatly suppressing the recombination of photoinduced electron‐hole pairs. The surface carbon layer as the conducting scaffolds and Mo metal facilitates electron transfer and electron‐hole separation, favoring structural stability and offering more reaction sites and interfaces as electron mediators. As a result, these catalysts exhibit high H2 production rates of 2.7 mmol h−1 g−1 in basic solution and 98.2 mmol h−1 g−1 in acidic solution, respectively, which is significantly higher than that of the bench‐mark Pt‐containing catalyst. The proposed cocatalyst engineering approach is promising in developing efficient non‐noble metal cocatalysts for rapid hydrogen production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds: We aimed to test whether the prediction of presurgical metabolic syndrome for postsurgical survival outcomes of gastric cancer hinges upon cigarette smoking status. Methods: This study is a part of the ongoing Fujian prospective investigation of cancer (FIESTA) study. Patients with gastric cancer received radical resection of primary gastric cancer between January 2000 and December 2010, with the latest follow‐up ended in December 2015. The 1:1 propensity score matching analysis was adopted to balance confounders between smokers and never‐smokers. Effect‐size estimates are expressed as hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Model performance was evaluated using the Hosmer and Lemeshow test and 10‐fold cross‐validated area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Statistical analyses were completed with SAS software (v9.4). Results: Total 2779 patients with gastric cancer were analyzed, including 2223 smokers and 556 never‐smokers. Median follow‐up time was 45.6 months. Cigarette smoking was not associated with postsurgical survival differences. Presurgical metabolic syndrome complication was significantly associated with increased gastric cancer‐specific mortality in smokers (HR [95% CI]: 2.73 [1.53–4.89], p < 0.001), but not in never‐smokers. Relative excess risk due to interaction was estimated to be 2.43 (95% CI: 0.40–4.45). After constructing a risk assessment score, one unit increment was associated with 10% reduced risk of gastric cancer‐specific mortality (HR [95% CI]: 0.90 [0.88–0.91], p < 0.001), with 10‐fold cross‐validated AUROC being 0.82 (95% CI: 0.74–0.92). Conclusions: Our findings showed that the prediction of presurgical metabolic syndrome for gastric cancer‐specific mortality was more evident in smokers. Practically, this study provides evidence base for future personalized prediction and helped risk‐stratify gastric cancer patients who might experience serious postsurgical consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conductive hydrogels have shown great promise in the field of sustainable power sources due to their unique features of sufficient flexibility, durability, and functional diversification. However, time‐ and energy‐consuming polymerization process and poor adaptability in extreme environments severely impede their practical application in such an emerging field. Herein, a facile and universal self‐catalytic system (AL‐Cu2+) based on alkali lignin (AL) macromolecule has been designed to rapidly fabricate conductive and transparent organohydrogels in alkaline water–ethylene glycol (EG) binary solvent, which displays extreme environment applicability (‒40 to 60 °C), eligible stretchability (≈800% elongation), and robust self‐adhesion (≈31.4 kPa). Interestingly, the introduced EG accelerates the polymerization, endows extreme freezing/drying resistance, and improves self‐adhesion for the organohydrogels. The organohydrogel (water/EG = 2/3) that combines the above merits inspires the construction of triboelectric nanogenerator (O‐TENG) for mechanical energy harvesting and converting regardless of low‐ or high‐temperature environments. The generated electricity by the O‐TENG can be used directly or stored to drive commercial electronics and installed on human joints for movement monitoring. This work sheds light on designing environment‐resistant flexible TENGs based on multifunctional soft materials with fast gelation strategy, provoking more attention to sustainable high‐value utilization of lignin for advanced applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existence of Li3B2, Li2B, Li4B, and Li6B that might be experimentally synthesizable over a wide range of pressures is predicted by an unbiased structure search method based on particle-swarm optimization algorithms in combination with DFT calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Octalones (V) are obtained by a Diels-Alder reaction of cyclohexenone (I) with dienes (II) followed by a silica-mediated isomerization of octalones (III) and a subsequent Saegusa oxidation of silylenol (IV). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of suspended minerogenic particles in light scattering in eastern Lake Superior and Keweenaw Bay (11 sites) during July of 2006 was evaluated with an individual particle analysis technique (scanning electron microscopy interfaced with automated image and X-ray analyses, SAX), along with bulk measurements of particulate scattering and backscattering coefficients (bp and bbp) and chlorophyll a concentration ([Chl]). SAX measurements provided information on light-scattering attributes of minerogenic particles, including chemical composition and particle size distribution (PSD). The data were used in Mie theory calculations for estimations of minerogenic scattering and backscattering coefficients (bm and bb,m). The bay had higher concentrations of minerogenic particles and higher values of bm, bb,m, bbp, and the backscattering ratio (bbp : bp) than the pelagic sites. Minerogenic scattering was primarily attributable to clay mineral particles in the size range of 1-10 mm. The PSDs deviated from the (Junge) pattern of monotonic increase of particle numbers with decreasing particle size. The estimates of bm and bb,m combined with those of organic particulate components, as represented by empirical Case 1 bio-optical models, showed reasonably good closure with bp and bbp, supporting the credibility of the SAX-Mie approach. Variations in the bbp : bp ratio are strongly related to spatial differences in the relative contributions of phytoplankton vs. minerogenic particles to scattering, with higher values observed where the minerogenic component is more important. SAX can advance the understanding of optical variability by establishing the contributions of well-defined minerogenic constituents that strongly influence optical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerobic oxidation of hydrocarbons yielding corresponding oxygenated products is one of the most important chemical processes. In current work, carbon nanotubes supported encapsulated cobalt nanoparticles with carbon layers (Co@C/CNTs) were synthesized and utilized as catalysts in the oxidation of ethylbenzene (EB) in the liquid phase, exhibiting high catalytic performance. The synergistic effect between Co@C and CNTs played the vital role on facilitating the decomposition of peroxides to enhance the overall activity. The inadequate covered Co@C on CNTs surface were considered as catalytic sites. Density functional theory revealed that the exist of Co nanoparticles could improve the interaction between the catalyst and intermediate free radicals, which were significant for EB oxidation. Last but not least, the electron transfer on carbon surface was enhanced by the incorporation of Co@C nanoparticles, which greatly improved the catalytic performance on EB oxidation. This study provides a new insight into the Co‐based catalysts in the aerobic oxidation of hydrocarbons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have excellent catalytic activity in liquid phase reaction, especially in aerobic oxidation of cumene. In previous work, the conversion of cumene was 41.8% and the selectivity of cumene hydroperoxide was 71.5%, which was catalyzed by CNTs. But a small amount of impurity Zn2+ totally blocked up the aerobic oxidation of cumene that catalyzed by CNTs, which is an unexpected discovery. By analyzing the catalytic mechanism of CNTs, the inhibition effect of Zn2+ is locked on the abstraction of H atom from cumene. The inhibition of Zn2+ is confirmed in two effects by density functional theory calculations. First, due to the strongly coordination of active oxygen species (ROS) by Zn2+, the energy barrier of initial reaction increases to 1.90 eV, which is nearly 4 times higher than that of the only ROS promoted‐process. Second, the interaction of Zn2+ and RO· or ROO· to inhibits the chain propagation reaction of free radicals. This work precisely demonstrates that the inhibition effect of Zn2+ on initial reaction of cumene. The most significant thing is that the effect of metallic heteroatoms is not negligible in organic oxidation reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rational design and construction of cost‐effective nickel‐based phosphide or sulfide (photo)electrocatalysts for hydrogen production from water splitting has sparked a huge investigation surge in recent years. Whereas, nickel phosphides (NixPy) possess more than ten stoichiometric compositions with different crystalline. Constructing NixPy with well crystalline and revealing their intrinsic catalytic mechanism at atomic/molecular levels remains a great challenge. Herein, an easy‐to‐follow phase‐controllable phosphating strategy is first proposed to prepare well crystalline NixPy (Ni3P and Ni12P5) modified CdS@Ni3S2 heterojunction electrocatalysts. It is found that Ni3P modified CdS@Ni3S2 (CdS@Ni3S2/Ni3P) exhibits remarkable stability and bifunctional electrocatalytic activities in both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Density functional theory results suggest that P–Ni sites and P sites in CdS@Ni3S2/Ni3P, respectively, serve as OER and HER active sites during electrocatalytic water splitting processes. Moreover, benefiting from the advantageous photocatalyst@electrocatalyst core@shell structure, CdS@Ni3S2/Ni3P delivers an advantaged photoassisted electrocatalytic water splitting property. The champion electrical to hydrogen and solar to hydrogen energy conversion efficiencies of CdS@Ni3S2/Ni3P, respectively, reach 93.35% and 4.65%. This work will provide a general guidance for synergistically using solar energy and electric energy for large‐scale H2 production from water splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existence of natural van der Waals gaps in layered materials allows them to be easily intercalated with varying guest species, offering an appealing strategy to optimize their physicochemical properties and application performance. Herein, we report the activation of layered MoO3 nanobelts via aqueous intercalation as an efficient biodegradable nanozyme for tumor‐specific photo‐enhanced catalytic therapy. The long MoO3 nanobelts are grinded and then intercalated with Na+ and H2O to obtain the short Na+/H2O co‐intercalated MoO3−x (NH−MoO3−x) nanobelts. In contrast to the inert MoO3 nanobelts, the NH−MoO3−x nanobelts exhibit excellent enzyme‐mimicking catalytic activity for generation of reactive oxygen species, which can be further enhanced by the photothermal effect under a 1064 nm laser irradiation. Thus, after bovine serum albumin modification, the NH−MoO3−x nanobelts can efficiently kill cancer cells in vitro and eliminate tumors in vivo facilitating with 1064 nm laser irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel cellulose- click-chitosan polymer was prepared successfully in three steps: (1) propargyl cellulose with degrees of substitution (DS) from 0.25 to 1.24 was synthesized by etherification of bamboo Phyllostachys bambusoide cellulose with propargyl chloride in DMA/LiCl in the presence of NaH. The regioselectivity of propargylation on anhydrous glucose unit determined by GC-MS was in the order of 2 >> 6 > 3; (2) the functional azide groups were introduced onto the chitosan chains by reacting chitosan with 4-azidobenzoic acid in [Amim]Cl/DMF and the DS ranged from 0.02 to 0.46; (3) thus, the cellulose- click-chitosan polymer was obtained via click reaction, that is, the Cu(I)-catalyzed Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction, between the terminal alkyne groups of cellulose and the azide groups on the chitosan backbone at room temperature. The successful binding of cellulose and chitosan was confirmed and characterized by FTIR and CP/MAS 13C NMR spectroscopy. TGA analyses indicated that the cellulose- click-chitosan polymer had a higher thermal stability than that of cellulose and chitosan as well as cellulose-chitosan complex. More interestingly, some hollow tubes with near millimeter length were also observed by SEM. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The selective oxidation of aromatics to synthesize valued‐added products is of great significance for chemical industry. Molecule oxygen as oxidant is the priority for this process, however, low efficiency was usually obtained. In this work, a new strategy for aromatics oxidation using O2 and Tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as dual oxidants without catalyst was proposed. Typical radical process was observed when Toluene was used as the substrate. As high as 47.1 % conversion and 87.6 % selectivity of benzol acid were obtained, while a negligible or low activity were observed under O2 or TBHP oxidative systems. Detailed investigation shows that the distribution of products was almost the same between TBHP+N2 and TBHP+O2 processes, in which the very close active energies were obtained (46.0 and 46.3 kJ/mol). These results indicated that TBHP+N2 or TBHP+O2 involved reactions underwent the same reaction process. The mechanism study demonstrated that the decomposition of TBHP could produce abundance of t‐BuO. and.OH radicals, which significantly enhanced the αH abstraction from toluene and formed alkyl radicals. The alkyl radicals then react with O2 to produce peroxides, which started the radical propagation cycle. The overall rate would be enhanced subsequently. Furthermore, an extension application of other aromatic substrates was investigated and displayed a great promising future to produce aromatic products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Factors that diminish the effectiveness of phosphorus inputs from a municipal wastewater treatment facility (Metro) in contributing to phosphorus levels and its availability to support algae growth in a culturally eutrophic urban lake (Onondaga Lake, NY) were characterized and quantified. These factors included the bioavailability and settling characteristics of particulate phosphorus from this effluent, the dominant form (70%) of phosphorus in this input, and the plunging of the discharge to stratified layers in the lake. Supporting studies included: (1) chemical and morphometric characterization of the phosphorus-enriched particles of this effluent, compared to particle populations of the tributaries and lake, with an individual particle analysis technique; (2) conduct of algal bioavailability assays of the particulate phosphorus of the effluent; (3) conduct of multiple size class settling velocity measurements on effluent particles; and (4) determinations of the propensity of the discharge to plunge, and documentation of plunging through three-dimensional monitoring of a tracer adjoining the outfall. All of these diminishing effects were found to be operative for the Metro effluent in Onondaga Lake and will be integrated into a forthcoming phosphorus "total maximum daily load" analysis for the lake, through appropriate representation in a supporting mechanistic water quality model. The particulate phosphorus in the effluent was associated entirely with Fe-rich particles formed in the phosphorus treatment process. These particles did not contribute to concentrations in pelagic portions of the lake, due to local deposition associated with their large size. Moreover, this particulate phosphorus was found to be nearly entirely unavailable to support algae growth. While substantial differences are to be expected for various inputs, the effective loading concept and the approaches adopted here to assess the diminishing factors are broadly applicable. Water Environ. Res., 84, 254 (2012). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rare earth doped down‐conversion (DC) materials, due to their unique spectral conversion characteristics, are promising candidates for narrow band solar‐blind ultraviolet (UV) light detection devices. Herein, an enhanced capture device for broadband solar‐blind UV light is constructed by combining an ordinary semiconductor with a DC spectrum converter, the essence of which is to introduce the appropriate alkali‐metal ions (Li+, Na+, and K+) into DC layer. Europium‐doped organic–inorganic composite films are used as spectral converters because of their excellent DC characteristic, which can convert broadband solar‐blind UV incident illumination into visible light suitable for capture by light dependent resistor (LDR). Interestingly, the spectral conversion efficiency is positively correlated with the capture ability of broadband solar‐blind UV photons. The introduction of alkali‐metal ions in the DC layer enhances the photon detection efficiency with an increase rate of around 200%, which is attributed to alkali‐metal ions changing the local crystal field symmetry around the Eu3+ emitter and distorting the matrix crystal of Y2O3, thus increasing the probability of intra‐4f electron transition. These results signify that the present rare‐earth doped DC luminescent materials are promising building blocks for assembly of high‐performance broadband solar‐blind UV detector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Voriconazole is the mainstay for the treatment of invasive fungal infections in patients who underwent a kidney transplant. Variant CYP2C19 alleles, hepatic function, and concomitant medications are directly involved in the metabolism of voriconazole. However, the drug is also associated with numerous adverse events. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of adverse events using binary logistic regression and to measure its trough concentration using multiple linear modeling. We conducted a prospective analysis of 93 kidney recipients cotreated with voriconazole and recorded 213 trough concentrations of it. Predictors of the adverse events were voriconazole trough concentration with the odds ratios (OR) of 2.614 (P = 0.016), cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19), and hemoglobin (OR 0.181, P = 0.005). The predictive power of these three factors was 91.30%. We also found that CYP2C19 phenotypes, hemoglobin, platelet count, and concomitant use of ilaprazole had quantitative relationships with voriconazole trough concentration. The fit coefficient of this regression equation was R2 = 0.336, demonstrating that the model explained 33.60% of interindividual variability in the disposition of voriconazole. In conclusion, predictors of adverse events are CYP2C19 phenotypes, hemoglobin, and voriconazole trough concentration. Determinants of the voriconazole trough concentration were CYP2C19 phenotypes, platelet count, hemoglobin, concomitant use of ilaprazole. If we consider these factors during voriconazole use, we are likely to maximize the treatment effect and minimize adverse events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selective aerobic oxidation of hydrocarbons undergoes a free‐radical chain reaction to yield corresponding value‐added products is the significant process in the chemical industry. Nanocarbons with heteroatoms doping as free‐metal catalysts have been proved to be excellent alternatives in various fields of reactions. In this work, nitrogen doped carbon nanotubes (NCNTs) were applied for the aerobic oxidation of ethylbenzene (EB) in the liquid‐phase. The catalytic performance was unexpectedly suppressed, even lower than the control experiment, which is totally different from earlier publications. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that N doping would inhibit the abstraction of α‐H from EB molecule and end the radical propagation, thus suppressing the overall activity. Addition of TBHP would be helpful for the α‐H abstraction and forming alkyl radicals, which start the Franck‐Rabinowitch cage reaction and promote radical propagation in the presence of carbon catalysts. Herein, a higher catalytic efficiency with 46 % EB conversion and 72 % AcPO selectivity were obtained over NCNTs with O2 and TBHP as dual‐oxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non‐Newtonian fluids are ubiquitous in daily life and industrial applications. Herein, we report an intelligent fluidic system integrating two distinct non‐Newtonian rheological properties mediated by an autocatalytic enzyme reaction. Associative polyelectrolytes bearing a small amount of ionic and alkyl groups are engineered: by carefully balancing the charge density and the hydrophobic effect, the polymer solutions demonstrate a unique shear thickening property at low pH while shear thinning at high pH. The urea‐urease clock reaction is utilized to program a feedback‐induced pH change, leading to a strong upturn of the nonlinear viscoelastic properties. As long as the chemical fuel is supplied, two distinct non‐Newtonian states can be achieved with a tunable lifetime span. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate how the physical energy‐driven nonequilibrium properties can be manipulated by a chemical‐fueled process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non‐Newtonian fluids are ubiquitous in daily life and industrial applications. Herein, we report an intelligent fluidic system integrating two distinct non‐Newtonian rheological properties mediated by an autocatalytic enzyme reaction. Associative polyelectrolytes bearing a small amount of ionic and alkyl groups are engineered: by carefully balancing the charge density and the hydrophobic effect, the polymer solutions demonstrate a unique shear thickening property at low pH while shear thinning at high pH. The urea‐urease clock reaction is utilized to program a feedback‐induced pH change, leading to a strong upturn of the nonlinear viscoelastic properties. As long as the chemical fuel is supplied, two distinct non‐Newtonian states can be achieved with a tunable lifetime span. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate how the physical energy‐driven nonequilibrium properties can be manipulated by a chemical‐fueled process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This retrospective study compared the efficacy and side effect profile between postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy in stage II or stage III thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (TESCC) patients who underwent curative (R0) esophagectomy. Methods: A total of 272 TESCC patients who underwent radical esophagectomy from 2007 to 2016 were included in this retrospective analysis. All cases were pathologically confirmed with stage II or III disease and 148 patients received postoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT), while the remaining 124 patients received postoperative radiotherapy (RT) alone. Results: In CRT and RT groups, the three‐year overall survival rates were 51.3 versus 31.5% (P < 0.01) and the median overall survival (OS) was 39 months (95% CI, 31.6 to 46.3 months) and 30 months (95% CI, 21.0 to 38.9 months), respectively (P = 0.213). Three‐year disease‐free survival rates (DFS) were 30.5% versus 15.9% (P = 0.008), while the median DFS times were 26 months (95% CI, 17.7 to 34.3 months) and 19 months (95% CI, 16.4 to 21.6 months), respectively (P = 0.156). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed AJCC (American Joint Committee on Cancer seventh edition) stage and N stage were independent prognostic factors for overall survival, while the N stage was an independent prognostic factor for disease‐free survival. Conclusions: Postoperative chemoradiotherapy led to one‐ and three‐year overall survival benefits along with an obvious increase in treatment side effects for stage II to III TESCC patients, with no further improvement in five‐year survival. However, the chemoradiotherapy benefits mainly favor stage III,number of resected lymph nodes less than 15, younger (less than 60 years old) and smoking patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]