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Solar steam generation has been considered one of the most promising approaches for dealing with the energy and freshwater resource crises in recent years. However, achieving high efficiency in photo-thermal conversion remains a considerable challenge. Here, a series of hierarchical Ti3C2/MoS2 nanocomposites were designed for steam generation by a hydrothermal method. When the mass fraction of MoS2 reached 65 wt% (TM-3), the Ti3C2/MoS2 nanocomposite presented a strong broad-band light absorption of 92.4% from the UV to NIR region because of the accordion-like layered structure. The evaporation rate and solar-thermal conversion efficiency of the TM-3 with as-fabricated evaporator could reach 1.36 kg·m−2·h−1 and 87.2% under 1 kW/m2, due to the excellent light absorption ability of TM-3 and the low thermal energy loss (8.8%) of the evaporator. Meanwhile, TM-3 permits the evaporator to have remarkable cycle stability because of its hydrophobic properties. Moreover, TM-3 showed excellent seawater desalination and wastewater treatment abilities. Thus, the excellent light absorption ability, photo-thermal conversion efficiency, and stability of the overall system suggested that these nanocomposites show great potential applications in synergetic solar desalination and sewage treatment.

Hg2+ pollution poses a major threat to human health and the ecological environment, but there is still a lack of direct and sensitive Hg2+ detection technology. In this study, Cu/CuO/ZnO wires were prepared by alkaline oxidation and hydrothermal methods. Polypyrrole (PPy) was covered on the surface of the material by electrochemical polymerization. Using the principle of electrochemical signal response driven by p-n junction barrier, the material was used for the direct electrochemical detection of Hg2+ and was tested by differential pulse voltammetry. The composite has a good linear relationship in the Hg2+ concentration range of 200–1600 nmol/L, and has ultra-high sensitivity (1,010.82 μA∙L/(nmol∙cm2)) and ultra-low detection limit (2.1 pmol/L). The new sensing mode based on the interface barrier eliminates the interference of other ions. The recovery rate of Hg2+ in tap water, river water and sea water is 97.3%–105.0%, and the RSD is 1.8%–5.6%. This method using p-n junction barrier can be extended to the development and research of other sensors for detecting heavy metal ions.

Development and use of metamaterials have been gaining prominence in large part due to the possibility of creating platforms with "disruptive" and unique optical properties. However, to date, the majority of such systems produced using micro or nanotechnology are static and can only perform certain target functions. Next-generation multifunctional smart optical metamaterials are expected to have tunable elements with the possibility of controlling the optical properties in real time via variation in parameters such as pressure, mechanical stress, and voltage or through nonlinear optical effects. Here, we address this challenge by developing a thermally controlled optical switch, based on the self-assembly of poly( N-isopropylacrylamide)-functionalized gold nanoparticles on a planar macroscale gold substrate. We show that such meta-surfaces can be tuned to exhibit substantial changes in the optical properties in terms of both wavelength and intensity, through the temperature-controlled variation of the interparticle distance within the nanoparticle monolayer as well as its separation from the substrate. This change is based on temperature-induced auxetic expansion and contraction of the functional ligands. Such a system has potential for numerous applications, ranging from thermal sensors to regulated light harnessing.

Recently, photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensing based on light-induce electrochemical redox has emerged as a promising technique for trace heavy metal detection, due to its sensitivity and simplicity. However, the interfering species with similar redox potentials impose a challenge when such technique is to applied to complex detection scenarios such in seawater. In this work, by constructing a three-dimensional Ni/Co3O4/MnO2/chitosan (CS) heterostructure, we propose an alternative PEC method for detecting Cu2+. Instead of relying on redox, this method focuses on utilizing the change of the interfacial energy barriers. When light and the specifically absorbed Cu2+ interact with the heterojunctions, such two factors synergistically lower the energy barriers at the interface through electrostatic interaction, exponentially magnify the sensing signal of Cu2+ without involving redox, thus significantly improve both the sensitivity and specificity. The Ni/Co3O4/MnO2/CS sensor performs well in measuring real-life samples such as seawater, suggesting future applications of in-field detection of Cu2+ pollution.

Analytes with similar redox properties are normally difficult to distinguish through classic electrochemical methods. This becomes especially true for the on‐site detection in seawater where the high salinity and complex chemical components can impose severe interference. Hereby introducing numerous nanoscale heterojunctions in the Cu/CuO/reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/polypyrrole (PPy) and Cu/CuO/rGO/chitosan electrochemical sensors, tunable interfacial energy barriers to exponentially regulate the electrochemical signal can be constructed. Importantly, these energy barriers are independent to redox but closely related to the electrostatic interaction from absorbed charged analytes such as Hg2+ and Cu2+. Moreover, the similar sensing principle is also valid for the energy barriers in p‐n junctions as demonstrated in the Ni/NiO/ZnO/PPy sensor. The good anti‐interference properties and ultrahigh sensitivity of this sensing mode offers new opportunities in trace analyte detection in harsh environments such as seawater.

Solar steam generation has been considered one of the most promising approaches for dealing with the energy and freshwater resource crises in recent years. However, achieving high efficiency in photo-thermal conversion remains a considerable challenge. Here, a series of hierarchical Ti

The well-dispersed Co3O4 nanoparticles-decorated crumpled graphene microsphere (CGM) was successfully prepared by aerosol-assisted frying self-assembly and annealing process. It is found that the obtained Co3O4/CGM nanohybrid possessed enhanced intrinsic peroxidase-like activity and could catalytically oxidize 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine by H2O2 to produce a typical blue product. But the presence of ascorbic acid could induce the reduction of oxTMB to TMB, resulting in a significant blue color fading. Therefore, a simple, sensitive and selective colorimetric method to detect ascorbic acid was established with a good linear relationship (30-140μM) and a low detection limit of 0.19μM. Meanwhile, the selectivity, stability and repeatability were acceptable. It is also a facile route to fabricate nanoparticles/CGM as high-performance enzyme mimetic for colorimetric biosensing.

Numerous astrophysical observations strongly suggest the existence of Dark Matter, which provides a hint of dark sector physics. There could exist many dark candidates predicted by theories BSM, such as dark photons and invisible things, that communicate with the Standard Model sector. The masses and decay modes of these particles are expected to be accessible at the BESIII experiment which is the only currently running tau-charm factory with the largest threshold charm samples and some other unique datasets. We have recently performed searches of dark photons and invisible things in several decay modes. Besides, FCNC processes, BNV/LNV processes are also investigated. This talk will summarize the recent results at BESIII on these searches for new physics BSM.

A novel theory of employing interface potential barriers as a controllabe tuning factor for electrochemical detection is proposed. The 3D NiO/PANI/ZnO hierarchical heterostructure is fabricated by thermal oxidation, electropolymerization and electrodeposition. The 3D NiO/PANI/ZnO heterostructure is then chose as a model for electrochemical detection of dopamine, uric acid and ascorbic acid. The p-n and p-p junction interface potential barriers are employed as tuning factors to achieve high selectivity and sensitivity. Our results demonstrate the electrochemical response to different targets can be controllable enhanced or weakened by rational design of interface potential barriers. The potential barrier height Φp-n is an enhanced tuning factor, and Φp-p is a selective tuning factor. We afford a controllable adjustive approach to achieve desired selectivity and sensitivity.

We demonstrate an in situ grown method to fabricate ZnMn2O4 3D hierarchical architecture. The mesoporous micro-polyhedrons are self-supported by naturally grown arms to build an integrated 3D architecture on Au electrode. The synthesis mechanism is schematically illustrated. Employing the ZnMn2O4 3D hierarchical architecture as enzyme loading matrix can provide high active sites, favorable enzymes immobilization, second catalysis, integrated transporting channels and high stability. The enhanced biosensing performance to glucose was achieved by immobilizing GOx into this hierarchical architecture. This in situ grown strategy can avoid the damage caused by mixture, stack, squash and adhesion in fabricating the working electrode.

In this work, self-assembled multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) sponge constructed by ice-templating method synergizes the advantages of MWCNTs and organic polymers chitosan (CS) for biosensing applications. The principal MWCNTs of the sponge were used for contact catalysis and electron transfer. The meshy and continuous framework with good biocompatibility provided channels for biomolecular transport and attachment site for various enzymes. The self-assembled MWCNTs sponge showed multifunctional biosensing applications for non-enzymatic dopamine (DA) detection (sensitivity 1211.4 μA mM−1 cm−2), enzymatic glucose detection (73.89 μA mM−1 cm−1) and enzymatic choline chloride (CCh) detection (554.30 μA mM−1 cm−1).

By integrating thin-layer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and graphene through a hydrothermal process and an ultrasonic method, a label-free, amplification-free and ultrasensitive circulating tumor DNA electrochemical sensor was made. Compared with other methods, this preparation process was simpler and the electrochemical properties were enhanced. Using a differential pulse voltammetry test, this sensor can detect trace amounts of DNA in the range from 10−16 M to 10−13 M. Compared with other methods that are used to detect the same circulating tumor DNA, this sensor has an obvious advantage in sensitivity, cost and simplicity because it removes the need for labelling processes and amplifiers.

In this study, we developed a novel coelectrospinning technology to synthesize mesoporous grooved ZnFe 2 O 4 nanobelts. The nanobelts have mesoporous thin wall, grooved belt style structured transport channels and peroxidase mimetics performance. They were employed to immobilize glucose oxidase enzyme for glucose biosensor and exhibited improved performance. The widely distributed mesopores afforded scale-adaptive cells to hold enzymes molecules and maintain enzymatic activity. The grooved thin walls made enzymes have high exposure to reactants and caused high catalysis efficiency. The nanobelts themselves catalyzed the intermediate product of enzyme catalysis to enhance biosensing performance. The prepared biosensor exhibited high sensitivity (112.1 μA mM −1 cm −2 ), fast response ( K M ( app ) (0.75 mM) and well stability. Mesoporous grooved ZnFe 2 O 4 nanobelts are promising material for enzymes assembly and biosensing applications.

Sex-determining region of the Y chromosome (SRY) gene plays a crucial role in male sexual differentiation and development. Several mutations in the SRY gene have been reported in the high mobility group (HMG) box domain and can cause gonadal dysgenesis symptoms. In this study, we report that a novel missense mutation in the SRY gene, a G to A transition within the HMG box, causes the Ala66Thr amino acid substitution in a female patient presenting 46,XY karyotype with pure gonadal dysgenesis. The G to A base transition was not found in the SRY sequence after the screening of 100 normal males. Furthermore, Ala66Thr mutation drastically reduced the binding capacity of SRY to DNA sequences, whereas wild-type SRY protein showed the normal binding capacity to DNA sequences in vitro. We also found that the mutant SRY protein was partly localized in cytoplasm, whereas wild-type SRY protein was strictly localized in cell nucleus. In addition, we analyzed the three-dimensional structure of SRY protein by homology modeling methods. In conclusion, we identified a novel SRY mutation in a 46,XY female patient with pure gonadal dysgenesis, demonstrating the importance of the Ala66Thr mutation in DNA binding activity and nuclear transport.

When the in vitro research works of biosensing begin to mimic in vivo conditions, some certain three-dimensional (3D) structures of biosensors are needed to accommodate biomolecules, bacteria or even cells to resemble the in vivo 3D environment. To meet this end, a novel method of synthesizing CuO nanoflowers on the 3D graphene foam (GF) was first demonstrated. The 3DGF/CuO nanoflowers composite was used as a monolithic free-standing 3D biosensor for electrochemical detection of ascorbic acid (AA). The 3D conductive structure of the GF is favorable for current collection, mass transport and loading bioactive chemicals. And CuO nanoflowers further increase the active surface area and catalyze the redox of AA. Thus, all these features endows 3DGF/CuO composite with outstanding biosensing properties such as an ultrahigh sensitivity of 2.06 mA mM(-1) cm(-2) to AA at 3 s response time.

A KNbO 3 nanoneedles (KNs) based hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) biosensor was first proposed. Perovskite-type KNs can directly catalyze H 2 O 2 . The mechanism can be explained by Molecular Orbital Principles, with the formation of σ-bonding between the e g orbital of surface niobium ions and surface adsorbed oxygen-related intermediate species. Direct electron transfer between the Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and electrode surface was achieved. Co-catalyst system of both HRP and KNbO 3 was introduced to the oxidation of H 2 O 2 , thus the as-prepared biosensor exhibited high sensitivity (750 μA mM −1 cm −2 ) and ultrafast response (1–2 s) to H 2 O 2 . Therefore, KNs provide a promising material for enzymes assembly and sensing application.

Disorders of sex development (DSDs) are congenital conditions in which chromosomal, gonadal and sex is atypical. It is difficult to diagnose and manage patients with DSD in clinical practice, and the molecular etiology of DSD is still not completely understood. Here, we identified two novel pathogenic mutations from three unrelated Chinese patients with 46,XY complete gonadal dysgenesis (CGD) that is a clinical subgroup of DSD by whole exome sequencing. A novel mutation in the SRY gene (c.161delG) was identified in the first patient, and the second patient carried a novel missense mutation in the MAP3K1 gene (c.2117T>G). Bioinformatics analysis found that the deletion of SRY (c.161delG) led to a premature stop codon at amino acid 59 in the SRY protein, which resulted in lacking the DNA binding domain of SRY protein. Functional studies found that the missense mutation in the MAP3K1 gene (c.2117T>G) could interfere with the gene function through increasing the phosphorylation of the downstream targets of MAP3K1, ERK1/2 and p38, which resulted in reducing testis-determining factor SOX9 expression and increasing ovary-promoting factor β-catenin activity. According to the American college of medical genetics and genomics (ACMG) standards and guidelines, these mutations were categorized as "pathogenic" mutations. Thus, our findings provide two novel pathogenic mutations associated with 46,XY CGD that can improve the etiological diagnosis for 46,XY CGD. ABBREVIATIONS.

A porous 3 dimensional (D) ZnO framework was constructed by electrospinning. The framework was consisted of connected mesoporous nanofibers and used as excellent matrix to assemble horseradish peroxidase. A novel enzymatic biosensor based on the mesoporous ZnO nanofibers/chitosan inorganic–organic composite 3D spatial framework was prepared. The as-fabricated biosensor exhibited ultrahigh sensitivity (1910.1 μA cm−2 mM−1), fast response (

A novel method of fabricating a free probe type nanoscale biosensor is first demonstrated. A free probe type biosensor based on a single one-dimensional (1D) mesoporous ZnO/Chitosan inorganic-organic hybrid nanostructure is constructed. The as-prepared biosensor exhibited excellent biosensing performance and was stable in solution due to its inorganic-organic hybrid structure. The special mesoporous nanostructure with protuberances favors enzymes loading and enhances electrical communication efficiency. The feasibility of employing a single 1D nanostructure as a separate free nanoprobe for biosensing is demonstrated. This kind of free probe type biosensor will not only provides a new tool for micro-targets detection in microcell and enzymatic studies, but also has the potential to be inserted into single cell or other microorganism for biological studies.

Pure and Ni-doped ZnO nanofibers were synthesized using the electrospinning method. The morphology, crystal structure and optical properties of the nanofibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, respectively. It is found that Ni doping does not change the morphology and crystal structures of the nanofibers, and the ultraviolet emissions of ZnO nanofibers present red shift with increasing Ni doping concentration. C2H2 sensing properties of the sensors based on the nanofibers were investigated. The results show that the C2H2 sensing properties of ZnO nanofibers are effectively improved by Ni doping, and 5 at% Ni-doped ZnO nanofibers exhibit a maximum sensitivity to C2H2 gas.

Mg-doped ZnO nanofibers with different doping concentrations have been successfully synthesized by electrospinning method. The nanofibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. The results show that Mg doping has little influence on the diameter and surface morphology of ZnO nanofibers, and the nanofibers are crystalline and exhibit the hexagonal structure. The photoluminescence spectroscopy studies indicate that the ultraviolet emissions present blue shift with increasing Mg doping concentration.

This paper will discuss the design and construction of BESIII, which is designed to study physics in the tau-charm energy region utilizing the new high luminosity BEPCII double ring e+e- collider. The expected performance will be given based on Monte Carlo simulations and results of cosmic ray and beam tests. In BESIII, tracking and momentum measurements for charged particles are made by a cylindrical multilayer drift chamber in a 1 T superconducting solenoid. Charged particles are identified with a time-of-flight system based on plastic scintillators in conjunction with dE/dx (energy loss per unit pathlength) measurements in the drift chamber. Energies of electromagnetic showers are measured by a CsI(Tl) crystal calorimeter located inside the solenoid magnet. Muons are identified by arrays of resistive plate chambers in the steel magnetic flux return. The level 1 trigger system, Data Acquisition system and the event filter system based on networked computers will also be described., 57 pages, 75 figures

Objective: Turner syndrome (TS) is a chromosomal disorder in which patients have either a missing X chromosome (45,X), a structural aberration of sex chromosome, or mosaicism including mos 45,X/46,XY. We present a case of TS with unusual ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and ichthyosis vulgaris (IV) carrying a rare karyotype of 45,X[100]/46,X,idic(Yp)[12](pter-q11::q11-pter).Methods: A review of the literature was conducted to identify previous case reports pertaining to TS accompanied with AS and compare them with the current case.Results: The patient presented with positive human leukocyte antigen (HLA) B27, lowered estrogen, and elevated follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels. Ultrasound examination showed no uterus or ovaries. The patient carried a mosaic karyotype of 45,X[100]/46,X,idic(Yp)[25].ish(DXYS129+,DXYS153+ +,SRY++,DYZ3++,Yq12-) for metaphase peripheral blood lymphocytes and 45,X[100].ish(DYZ3-) for interphase buccal cells. Molecular genetic analysis revealed that the sex-determining region Y (SRY) gene was present in the patient's peripheral blood but negative in buccal cells.Conclusion: TS patients can develop autoimmune diseases such as AS. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) can provide more detailed karyotypical information than common cytogenetic methods.Abbreviations: AS ankylosing spondylitis FISH fluorescence in situ hybridization IV ichthyosis vulgaris SRY sex-determining region Y TS Turner syndrome

A new beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) derivative, 2-O-(2-hydroxybutyl)-beta-CD (HB-beta-CD), was successfully synthesized and used as chiral selector in capillary zone electrophoresis. Six chiral drugs, such as anisodamine, ketoconazole, propranolol, promethazine, adrenaline and chlorphenamine enantiomers, belonging to different classes of compounds of pharmaceutical interest were resolved. The chiral resolution (R(S)) was strongly influenced by the concentrations of the cyclodextrin derivative, the background electrolyte, and the pH of the background electrolyte. Under the conditions of 50 mmol/L tris-phosphate buffer at pH 2.5 containing 5 mmol/L 2-O-(2-hydroxybutyl)-beta-CD, the baseline separation of enantiomers, such as anisodamine (R(S) = 3.10), ketoconazole (R(S) = 3.01), propranolol (R(S) = 3.87), promethazine (R(S) = 3.63), adrenaline (R(S) = 3.42) and chlorphenamine (R(S) = 2.96), could be achieved.

We demonstrate a facile and scalable approach to fabricate and self-assemble the hierarchical hollow microspheres into self-supporting architecture by naturally grown branches. The supporting branches can afford integrated transport channels and significantly improve the kinetic performance and mechanical stability. Meanwhile, the supported hierarchical microspheres acting as functional cell can provide high active sites, multiple response and suitable environment for immobilizing biomolecules. Different enzymes are immobilized for biosensors. The experiments demonstrate that the effective assembly of hierarchical microspheres into large size ordered architecture by self-supporting branches can significantly enhance the biosensing performance.

A facial biotemplate-directed synthetic route for fabricating mesoporous multiwall ZnO nanotubes (ZnO-MMNTs) was proposed. Owing to the mesoporous multiwall based matrix, one dimensional (1D) tubes based channels and high isoelectric point (IEP), the prepared ZnO-MMNTs are wonderful platform to immobilize glucose oxidase (GOx) for glucose biosensing. Scale-adaptive cells are constructed to hold enzymes molecules, maintain enzymatic activity and keep stability. The prepared enzymatic electrode (chitosan/GOx/ZnO/Au) exhibits high sensitivity (47.2 μA mM(-1)cm(-2)), very fast response (

Background Intravenous and inhalation anesthesia are commonly used in the clinical setting. Recovery of cognitive function in elderly patients after surgery has received increased attention. In this study, the authors compared recovery of cognitive function in patients after different anesthesia techniques, and investigated which technique is safer. The authors also explored association between apolipoprotein E4 and postoperative cognitive dysfunction in patients undergoing general anesthesia. Methods A total of 2,000 patients were equally and randomly divided into intravenous and inhalation anesthesia groups. Total intravenous and inhalation anesthesia were used. Within 10 days after surgery, cognitive function was assessed daily using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Restriction fragment length polymorphism of apolipoprotein E gene was analyzed. The primary outcome was MMSE score, frequency distribution of apolipoprotein E alleles and genotypes. P < 0.01 was used as statistically significant. Results MMSE score in inhalation preoperative baseline group significantly decreased at day 3 after surgery compared with the preoperational and intravenous anesthesia group. The proportion of patients scoring less than 25 points was significantly greater in the inhalation anesthesia group than in the intravenous anesthesia group at 3 days after surgery. In the inhalation anesthesia group, the decrease in MMSE score was closely related with apolipoprotein E ε4 allele. In the intravenous anesthesia group, the decrease in MMSE score was not correlated with apolipoprotein E ε4 allele. Conclusions There was a strong association between the apolipoprotein E ε4 and postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients undergoing inhalation anesthetics.

BACKGROUND: A 7.0-magnitude earthquake hit Lushan County in China's Sichuan province on April 20, 2013, resulting in 196 deaths and 11,470 injured. This study was designed to analyze the characteristics of the injuries and the treatment of the seismic victims. METHODS: After the earthquake, an epidemiological survey of injured patients was conducted by the Health Department of Sichuan Province. Epidemiological survey tools included paper-and-pencil questionnaires and a data management system based on the Access Database. Questionnaires were completed based on the medical records of inpatients with earthquake-related injuries. Outpatients or non-seismic injured inpatients were excluded. A total of 2010 patients from 140 hospitals were included. RESULTS: The most common type of injuries involved bone fractures (58.3%). Children younger than 10 years of age suffered fewer fractures and chest injuries, but more skin and soft -tissue injuries. Patients older than 80 years were more likely to suffer hip and thigh fractures, pelvis fractures, and chest injuries, whereas adult patients suffered more ankle and foot fractures. A total of 207 cases of calcaneal fracture were due to high falling injuries related to extreme panic. The most common type of infection in hospitalized patients was pulmonary infections. A total of 70.5% patients had limb dysfunction, and 60.1% of this group received rehabilitation. Most patients received rehabilitation within 1 week, and the median duration of rehabilitation was 3 weeks. The cause of death of all seven hospitalized patients who died was severe traumatic brain injuries; five of this group died within 24 h after the earthquake. CONCLUSIONS: Injuries varied as a function of the age of the victim. As more injuries were indirectly caused by the Lushan earthquake, disaster education is urgently needed to avoid secondary injuries. Language: en