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Achieving structure optimizing and component regulation simultaneously in the ZnIn2S4‐based photocatalytic system is an enormous challenge in improving its hydrogen evolution performance. 3D hollow‐structured photocatalysts have been intensively studied due to their obvious advantages in solar energy conversion reactions. The synthesis of 3D hollow‐structured ZnIn2S4, however, is limited by the lack of suitable template or synthesis methods, thereby restricting the wide application of ZnIn2S4 in the field of photocatalysis. Herein, Ce‐doped ZnIn2S4 photocatalysts with hollow nanocages are obtained via one‐step hydrothermal method with an ordered large‐pore tetrakaidecahedron cerium‐based metal–organic frameworks (Ce‐MOFs) as template and Ce ion source. The doping of Ce and the formation of ZnIn2S4 tetrakaidecahedron hollow nanocages with ultrathin nanosheet subunits are simultaneously induced by the Ce‐MOFs, making this groundbreaking work. The Ce‐doped ZnIn2S4 with a nonspherical 3D hollow nanostructure inherit the tetrakaidecahedron shape of the Ce‐MOF templates, and the shell is composed of ultrathin nanosheet subunits. Both theoretical and experimental results indicate that the doping of Ce and the formation of hollow nanocages increase light capture and the separation of photogenerated charge carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Hierarchical α -Fe 2 O 3 hollow microspheres are synthesized through a convenient and effective solvothermal method. The α -Fe 2 O 3 hollow microspheres have a mean diameter of 1 μm and they are composed of ultra-thin nanoflakes with an average thickness of only 5 nm. More importantly, the primary α -Fe 2 O 3 nanoflakes are preferentially enclosed by (241) high-index facet. When the α -Fe 2 O 3 hollow microspheres are served as anodes for lithium-ion batteries, their first discharge capacities is 1749.1 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, and the corresponding values are 914.0, 628.7, and 420.5 mAh g−1 at high current densities of 0.2, 0.5, and 1 A g−1, respectively. The improved electrochemical performance can be attributed to the synergistic effect of the hierarchical hollow microstructure, exposed high-index (241) facet, and thin primary nanoflakes. Additionally, the α -Fe 2 O 3 hollow microspheres have superparamagnetic properties due to the ultra-thin thickness of the primary α -Fe 2 O 3 nanoflakes. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • α -Fe 2 O 3 hollow microspheres assembly of ultra-thin nanoflakes are prepared. • α -Fe 2 O 3 nanoflakes are preferentially enclosed by (241) high-index facet. • α -Fe 2 O 3 hollow microspheres have good lithium storage properties. • α -Fe 2 O 3 hollow microspheres possess superparamagnetic property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Three new metal-organic frameworks, [Co2(L)2(ip)2·(H2O)4] (1), [Cu(L)(ip)·(H2O)2] (2), [Cd(µ-H2O)(L)(oip)·(H2O)3.5] (3) (ip = isophthalate, H2oip = 5-hydroxyl-isophthalate), built by acylamide-based ligand and multi-carboxylate ligand were synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. Complex 1 crystallizes in monoclinic space group P21, with a = 9.9171(3), b = 31.9531(10), c = 10.1780(3) Å, β = 118.8270(10)°. Complex 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group Cc, with a = 17.7490(3), b = 9.7363(2), c = 18.1202(3) Å, β = 115.0090(10)°. Complex 3 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c, with a = 9.7670(5), b = 30.3199(15), c = 10.3277(5) Å, β = 102.1680(10)°. All these compounds feature 2D 44 layers with two-fold interpenetration.Graphical Abstract: Herein we describe the crystal structures of [Co2(L)2(ip)2(H2O)2]·(H2O)2 (1), [Cu(L)(ip)·(H2O)2] (2), [Cd(µ-H2O)(L)(oip)·(H2O)3.5] (3) (ip = isophthalate, H2oip = 5-hydroxyl-isophthalate). All these compounds feature 2D 44 layers with two-fold interpenetration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multifunctional MWCNTs@CoFe 2 O 4 @mSiO 2 @NaYF 4 :Yb 3+ ,Er 3+ nanoparticles have been synthesized via a simple self-assembled process. The composites exhibited good magnetism properties, porous structure, and strong up-conversion fluorescence, which offered by ultraminiature CoFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles, mesoporous SiO 2 shell, and up-conversion nanoparticles, respectively. Such multifunctional nanocomposites can be utilized as drug delivery carrier. The doxorubicin hydrochloride loaded MWCNTs@CoFe 2 O 4 @mSiO 2 @NaYF 4 :Yb 3+ ,Er 3+ nanoplatforms showed excellent pH-responsive drug release character within 48 h. Additionally, MTT assay confirmed that the nanoparticles possess good biocompatibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic CoFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles were encapsulated with fibrous silica shells via a simple self-assembly process to fabricate a novel, bifunctional, nanocomposite of fibrous-structured silica-CoFe 2 O 4 . The nanocomposite not only exhibited fibrous spherical morphology, typical mesoporous structure, high specific surface area and narrow size distribution, but also excellent superparamagnetic features and good monodispersity. Further study demonstrated that doxorubicin hydrochloride could be easily loaded onto the CoFe 2 O 4 @FMS (fibrous morphology silica) nanoplatforms and released with pH stimuli. Additionally, MTT assay confirmed that CoFe 2 O 4 @FMS NPs have good biocompatibility. Therefore, a novel nanocarrier based on CoFe 2 O 4 @FMS is proposed, with potential application for targeted cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cobalt ferrite nanoparticles loaded on multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) magnetic hybrids have been demonstrated to be promising magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents and drug carriers. However, the hydrophobic, less biocompatible characteristics and low loading capacity for the drug hamper their wide biological applications. To solve the above problem, an alternative strategy is to coat the MWCNTs@CoFe2O4 nanoparticles with a mesoporous silica (mSiO2) shell. Herein, the reasonable fabrication process results in successful coating mSiO2 on the as-obtained MWCNTs@CoFe2O4 nanoparticles, forming well-defined core–shell-structured MWCNTs@CoFe2O4@mSiO2 nanocomposites. The as-synthesized mesoporous nanocarrier possesses a high surface area and large pore volume for the loading of the drug, and has a superparamagnetic feature for drug targeting. Moreover, the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded MWCNTs@CoFe2O4@mSiO2 nanoplatforms show an excellent pH-responsive drug release character within 48 h. Therefore, a novel nanocarrier based on MWCNTs@CoFe2O4@mSiO2 was proposed, and its potential application for targeted cancer therapy was highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, novel Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @LaVO 4 :Eu 3+ composites were successfully synthesized with a two-step method. Their structure and properties were analyzed and discussed. The as-synthesized nanocomposites displayed well-defined core-shell structures. The particle size of the composites is about 200 nm which consists of the magnetic core with about 180 nm in diameter and a silica shell with an average thickness of about 20 nm. Significantly, the composites exhibited a high saturation magnetization (29.40 emu g −1 ), excellent luminescence properties and high specific surface area (34.03 m 2 g –1 ), which endow the nanoparticles with great potential applications in drug targeting, bioseparation and diagnostic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceramic matrix composites, carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide matrix (C/SiC), have significant potential in aerospace applications due to their special properties like low density, high specific strength, superior wear resistance, high temperature resistance, and having excellent structural along with tribological properties. However, the application of these composites has been hindered seriously because of their poor machining characteristics. There are many issues in machining of such composites due to inhomogeneous, anisotropic, and varying thermal properties of these composites. In this research, a dynamic cutting force model for side milling of C/SiC composites based on rotary ultrasonic machining (RUM) was developed. The cutting force was evaluated under cylindrical coordinate system and decomposed it into three meta-forces (fiber cutting force and substance cutting force which further sub-divided into ploughing force and frictional force). The experiments were conducted in two groups to determine parameters k and C for cutting force model. The developed cutting force model then validated through further experiments. By comparison of the experimental and simulation data of the cutting force, it was found that the errors are below 10 % in most of the sets of parameters. The variation found is due to the heterogeneity and other material properties of C/SiC composites. The relationship of cutting force and process parameters like spindle speed, feed rate, and cutting width has been investigated. The cutting width was found as the main parameter to link the cutting forces and the processing parameters together. The novel cutting force dynamic model developed in this paper is robust, and it can be applied to predict the cutting force and optimization of the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Core-shell structured multifunctional nanoparticles, Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @GdVO 4 :Eu 3+ , have been prepared through a simple hydrothermal method. The obtained magnetic-fluorescent nanoparticles exhibit high saturation magnetization (17.33 emu g –1 ), excellent luminescence, and high specific surface area (19.04 m 2 g –1 ). N 2 adsorption-desorption and cytotoxicity experiments indicated that the asprepared material has large accessible pore volume (0.16 cm 3 g –1 ) and good biocompatibility, that suggest promising application in drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Mesa type InSb photodiodes were fabricated on epitaxial layer grown by MBE. [•] Thermal cleaning of InSb surface was carried out to remove the oxide of the substrate surface. [•] The parameters of photodiodes with small sensitive area are comparable to the parameters of better bulk InSb diodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Muscle regulatory factors (MRFs) play a major role in muscle growth and development. Thus, they are considered as candidate genes for meat production traits in pigs. These basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) and paired box transcription factors together with Bone morphogenetic proteins, regulate myogenesis: they initiate the formation of muscle fibers and regulate the transcription of muscle specific genes. The objective of this study was to investigate the mRNA abundance of transcription factor (TF) genes (MYOD, MYF5, MYOG, PAX3, PAX7, BMP2 and BMP4) in the adult skeletal muscle (longissimus dorsi) of divergent Duroc (high meat fat ratio) and Pietrain (low meat fat ratio) pig breeds. For this purpose, purebred Duroc and Pietrain animals (for each breed n = 5) were used for mRNA expression study. Highest gene expression was observed for MYOG, followed by BMP2. The lowest gene expression was observed for PAX3. Moreover, we statistically investigated differences in the expression profiles of these genes between the Duroc and Pietrain breeds. Among seven genes MYF5 and PAX3 showed different expression (P<0.01) between Duroc and Pietrain breeds. Duroc showed higher MYF5 and PAX3 mRNA abundance compared to the Pietrain breed. Although PAX3 gene was the lowest expressed, results suggest that Duroc breed may have more skeletal muscle regeneration potential compared to Pietrain breed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to measure mRNA expression of porcine MYF6 (myogenic factor 6, also known in the medical literature as herculin and myogenic regulatory factor 4, MRF4) and to perform association study with meat quality traits as well as to unravel the transcriptional regulation of this gene by expression QTL (eQTL) study. For this purpose, Duroc x Pietrain F2 resource population (DuPi; n = 313) were used for association and eQTL study. The mRNA levels in Longissimus dorsi muscle tissue of MYF6 gene were evaluated by using qRT-PCR to identify association between gene expression and meat quality traits as well as to analyse eQTL. The mRNA expression of MYF6 associated with conductivity24L (P<0.01) and pH24L (P<0.1). Expression of MYF6 gene was higher in animals with high pH and conductivity of muscle. Linkage analysis using GridQTL revealed 4 trans-regulated eQTL on four porcine autosomes. Significant eQTL [P<0.01, CW (chromosome-wide)] were found for MYF6 on SSC2. A suggestive eQTL (P<0.05, CW) was identified on SSC8. These results revealed that gene expression of MYF6 associated with the meat quality traits and this gene could be potential functional candidate gene for meat quality traits in pigs. However, the analysis of eQTL also suggested that additional genes encoding for transcription factors (TF) could be considered, via fine-mapping underlying the eQTL peaks, in order to understand interaction among these genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Au-loaded In2O3 nanofibers, with different Au concentrations from 0.1wt% to 0.4wt%, were successfully prepared by an electrospinning method and characterized via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that the fibers with diameters ranged from 80 to 100nm were made up of cubic In2O3. The nanofibers were deposited on a silicon substrate with micro hot-plate and signal electrodes to construct a micro gas sensor. The ethanol sensing properties of the sensors based on Au-loaded In2O3 nanofibers with different Au concentrations were investigated. It is found that the 0.2wt% Au-loaded In2O3 based sensors possessed the characterization of high response, fast response/recovery and low power consumption. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Among modern western pigs, Duroc (high meat fat ratio) and Pietrain (low meat fat ratio) breeds extensively utilized in commercial pork production differ extremely for their muscle phenotypes. The molecular mechanism, especially the epigenetic mechanism, underlying these breed-specific differences is poorly known. Myogenic factor 6 (MYF6) is the most abundantly expressed myogenic factor in adult muscle. Moreover, MYF6 tends to be expressed more highly in muscle tissue of the lean selection line and is supposed to be one promising candidate gene for growth- and meat quality-related traits in adult pigs. Six months old female Duroc and Pietrain pure breed pigs were used in this study. Protein and mRNA levels of MYF6 in loin eye muscle were determined by Western blotting and quantitative Real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR), respectively. The DNA methylation status of the MYF6 5′-regulatory region was determined by bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP). The global Histone 4 acetylation at lysines 5 (H4K5) and 8 (H4K8) were examined by Western blotting. Pietrain pigs exhibited significant higher expression of MYF6 and hypermethylated E2F1 binding element within MYF6 5′-regulatory region as compared with Duroc pigs. Significant elevation in DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) expression was observed in Pietrain pigs which are in agreement with hypermethylation of MYF6. Histone acetylation level at neither H4K5 nor H4K8 is significant between two breed pigs. Nevertheless, mRNA and protein expression of E2F1 were significantly elevated in the Pietrain breed. It is thus conceivable that the upregulation of MYF6 transcription in postnatal Pietrain pigs is not associated with cis-activation by epigenetic modification of MYF6 5′-regulatory region, but may be attributed to trans-activation through enriched expression of E2F1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: N-type Fe2O3 nanobelts and P-type LaFeO3 nanobelts were prepared by electrospinning. The structure and micro-morphology of the materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning of electron microscopy (SEM). The gas sensing properties of the materials were investigated. The results show that the optimum operating temperature of the gas sensors fabricated from Fe2O3 nanobelts is 285°C, whereas that from LaFeO3 nanobelts is 170°C. Under optimum operating temperatures at 500ppm ethanol, the response of the gas sensors based on these two materials is 4.9 and 8.9, respectively. The response of LaFeO3-based gas sensors behaves linearly with the ethanol concentration at 10–200ppm. Sensitivities to different gases were examined, and the results show that LaFeO3 nanobelts exhibit good selectivity to ethanol, making them promising candidates as practical detectors of ethanol. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Hollow ZnSnO3 microspheres were successfully prepared by hydrothermal method at 160°C for 12h. The prepared material was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and X-ray diffraction measurements (XRD). The average diameter of the hollow ZnSnO3 microspheres was in the range of 400–600nm. Compared with solid ZnSnO3 microspheres structure, the hollow ZnSnO3 microspheres showed better response (S) to butane. To 500ppm butane, the sensor response (S) of the hollow ZnSnO3 microspheres was 5.79 at the optimum operating temperature of 380°C, and the response and recovery time were 0.3s and 0.65s, respectively. The sensitivities of sensors based on this material were linear with the concentration of butane in the range of 100–1000ppm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A new co-crystallized complex [Me 2 NH 2 ] 6 [V IV 12 V V 6 O 42 ][VON(CH 2 CH 2 O) 3 ]·2H 2 O ( 1 ) based on mixed valence polyoxovanadate [V IV 12 V V 6 O 42 ] 6 − and a new mononuclear vanadium complex [VON(CH 2 CH 2 O) 3 ] ( 2 ) were synthesized by controlling conditions of solvothermal synthesis and characterized by single crystal XRD, IR, XPS and EA, respectively. The compound 1 presents interesting antiferromagnetic interaction in solid state and luminescent property in aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ribosomal RNA Processing 8 (RRP8) is a nucleolar Rossman fold-like methyltransferase that exhibits increased expression in many malignant tumours. However, the role of RRP8 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still uncertain. We explored the relationships between RRP8 and prognosis and immune infiltration, as well as the putative pathological function and mechanism of RRP8 in HCC. Methods: Analysis of RRP8 expression across cancers was performed by using multiple databases. Associations between RRP8 expression and clinicopathological factors were further examined. Gene enrichment analysis was used to identify various putative biological activities and regulatory networks of RRP8 in HCC. The relationship between RRP8 expression and immune infiltration was confirmed by single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were conducted to assess the impact of clinical variables on patient outcomes. Furthermore, a nomogram was constructed to estimate survival probability based on multivariate Cox regression analysis. Functional validation of RRP8 in HCC was performed with two different systems: doxycycline-inducible shRNA knockdown and CRISPR-Cas9 knockout. Results: RRP8 was markedly overexpressed in HCC clinical specimens compared to adjacent normal tissues. Further analysis demonstrated that RRP8 was directly connected to multiple clinical characteristics and strongly associated with various immune markers in HCC. Moreover, elevated RRP8 expression indicated an unfavourable prognosis. Our functional studies revealed that both knockdown and knockout of RRP8 dramatically attenuated liver cancer cells to proliferate and migrate. Knockout of RRP8 decreased the phosphorylation of MEK1/2 and β-catenin-(Y654) signalling pathway components; downregulated downstream signalling effectors, including Cyclin D1 and N-cadherin; and upregulated E-cadherin. Conclusions: RRP8 is strongly implicated in immune infiltration and could be a potential therapeutic target in HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In situ assembly of ZnIn 2 S 4 nanosheets on the surface of nickel-based Hofmann-type coordination polymer (Ni-Ni HCP) nanoplates and Mo-ion doping was first reported. The hydrogen production rate of the prepared Ni–Ni HCP/Mo–ZIS sample under visible-light irradiation was 10 times that of pure ZIS. [Display omitted] Solar energy-assisted hydrogen production technology is an essential tool for exploring hydrogen energy. To date, semiconductors have been used as the primary photocatalyst to generate hydrogen via photocatalytic water splitting. However, the high photogenerated electron–hole recombination rate of semiconductor photocatalysts results in a low hydrogen production rate. Herein, the synergistic effect of Mo-ion doping and the incorporation of Ni-based Hofmann-type coordination polymer (Ni–Ni HCP) on the photocatalytic performance of ZnIn 2 S 4 (ZIS) is investigated. The hydrogen production rate of the prepared in-situ Mo doped ZnIn 2 S 4 wrapped Ni-Ni HCP (Ni–Ni HCP/Mo–ZIS) sample under visible-light irradiation is 26.7 mmol g−1h−1, which is 10 times that of pure ZIS. Hydrogen production rate test, microscopic characterization, and density functional theory calculation confirm that the proposed dual modulation approach (combined ion doping and heterogeneous structure construction) could effectively increase the photocatalytic efficiency of ZIS. The stability of prepared samples is also examined by four-cycle photocatalytic hydrogen production tests. The proposed integrated method opens a new route for advancing renewable energy technology towards a sustainable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The co-crystallized compound (III), based on mixed valence polyoxovanadate [VIV12VV6O42] 6- and compound (IV) are solvothermally synthesized and characterized by single crystal XRD, IR, XPS, and magnetic and luminescence measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Template-free boric acid-mediated route synthesizes B 1.5 HCN. • Tremella-like hierarchical spheres assembled from interconnecting multilayer porous nanosheets. • B 1.5 HCN and CoPe via strengthened H-bonding interfacial connection. • B doping and CoPe modification can see the formations of narrower band-gap and electronic structure realignment. Semiconducting photocatalysts' electronic configuration significantly impacts their band gaps, charge carrier transport properties, and photocatalytic activities. Boron-doped tremella-like hierarchical CN and ultrathin Co phthalocyanine (CoPe) heterojunction (B 1.5 HCN-Co 0.5%) formation via strengthened H-bonding interfacial connection possess excellent photocatalytic activities in water where the small amounts of catalysts exhibit a high photocatalytic H 2 evolution activity with H 2 evolution rate of 17818.82 μmol h−1 g−1 under simulated sunlight and 5558.81 μmol h−1 g−1 under visible light (≥420 nm). According to detailed characterization, the unique tremella-like hierarchical structure with abundant mesopores shortens the charge diffusion length. At the same time, incorporating CoPe improves the charge transport properties of B 1.5 HCN achieving effective spatial separation, which is primarily responsible for the improved performance. Both a significant amount of experimental data and theoretical calculations demonstrated the critical role of boron-doped and CoPe in photocatalytic H 2 evolution. Heteroatom doping and heterojunction construction are essential in rationally regulating band structure to construct more efficient CN-based photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shortage of fossil energy has become a growing global concern. It is particularly important to make full use of the infinite solar energy resources, and transform them into sustainable and clean energy. The development of hydrogen energy has become a feasible solution to solve the energy shortage problem. The preparation of photocatalysts featuring efficient charge transfer channels and high hydrogen production activity provides a pathway for the development of hydrogen energy. In this paper, we report for the first time the direct assembly of 2D ZnIn 2 S 4 (ZIS) nanosheets on the surface of CoTiO 3 (CTO). The synthesized CoTiO 3 /ZnIn 2 S 4 (CTO/ZIS) photocatalyst features a direct Z-scheme charge transfer channel, which enhances the separation rate of photogenerated carriers, and accelerates the photocatalytic H 2 evolution (PHE) rate. Without the assistance of any co-catalyst, the PHE rate of prepared CoTiO 3 /ZnIn 2 S 4 was as high as 5.21 mmol g−1 h−1. Moreover, the H 2 evolution rate of CoTiO 3 /ZnIn 2 S 4 almost did not decrease significantly after four consecutive 4 h cycles. This investigation provides a valuable approach for the exploitation of novel and efficient Z-scheme photocatalysts in the application of solar energy to hydrogen energy conversion. Using the Z-scheme CoTiO 3 /ZnIn 2 S 4 photocatalyst, water is decomposed under visible light irradiation to produce large amounts of H 2. The conversion of solar energy to hydrogen energy is realized. [Display omitted] • This is the first report of in situ assembly of ZnIn 2 S 4 nanosheets on CoTiO 3 surface. • The as-prepared CoTiO 3 /ZnIn 2 S 4 showed a new Z-scheme heterojunction. • The CoTiO 3 /ZnIn 2 S 4 heterojunction displayed an improved photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A double function of Eu crystalline materials with luminescence and gas storage, namely [(CPPA)Eu·3H 2 O] n has been synthesized by solvothermal method based on multiple acid ligands, 4-((5-carboxypyridin-3-yl)oxy)phthalic acid (CPPA). Single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses reveal that complex is a two dimensional surface with tubular structure. The fluorescent test results show that the complexes have excellent fluorescence properties, and can emit bright red light under the irradiation of the ultraviolet lamp. The adsorption of nitrogen and carbon dioxide gas test results show that the complexes have a certain adsorption of nitrogen but carbon dioxide is not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new 12-connected topological open-framework copper borovanadate NNU-6 with a unique B/V ratio (20/12) and a –B3O7(OH)–Na(μ-OH)[B(OH)2]–B3O7(OH)– connection mode has been hydrothermally obtained and characterized. It not only features the first 3-D copper(ii) borovanadate which possesses the largest ratio of TM2+ and borovanadate anion, but also displays highly catalytic activities for the oxidation of benzyl-alkanes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new 3-D open-framework cadmium borovanadate NNU-5 with 6-connected topology was hydrothermally obtained and structurally characterized. It not only features new cadmium(ii) borovanadate which possesses an open-framework structure with unique plane-shaped channels, but also exhibits interesting absorption properties and high catalytic activities for the oxidation of cyclohexanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendritic cell (DC) subsets form a remarkable cellular network that regulate innate and adaptive immune responses. Although pigs are the most approximate model to humans, little is known about the regulation of monocyte-derived DCs (moDCs) and splenic DCs (SDCs) in the initiation of immune responses under inflammatory conditions. We investigated the activation and maturation of porcine moDC and SDC subpopulations following LPS stimulation. Porcine monocytes that would differentiate into moDCs were isolated. SDCs were isolated directly from the porcine spleen. Following LPS stimulation, phagocytosis activity, TLR4/MyD88-dependent gene expression, co-stimulatory molecule, and pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1β) and chemokine (IL-8) expressions were increased in both cell subsets. Furthermore, moDCs showed higher levels of gene and protein expression compared with SDCs. Interestingly, moDCs were found to be more responsive via the TLR4/TRAF-dependent signalling pathway of activation. Only SDCs expressed higher level of IL-12p40 gene and protein, whereas, IFN-γ gene and protein expression were likely to be unchanged after LPS stimulation in both cell subtypes. These data demonstrate that porcine moDCs display a greater ability to initiate innate immune responses, and could be used as a model to investigate immune responses against Ags. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Hollow ZnSnO3 nanocubes with peculiar cage- and skeleton-like architectures are successfully synthesized by a simple hydrothermal process at 180°C for 12h. These ZnSnO3 nanostructures exhibit almost uniform cubic structures with side length of 200–400nm. The gas sensor based on these ZnSnO3 nanostructures exhibits high response and quick response-recovery to ethanol and HCHO, which also shows superior sensitive performance compared with the results of sensor based on solid ZnSnO3 nanocubes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A novel CoMn 2 O 4 -ZnIn 2 S 4 (CMO-ZIS) hollow microcubes composite catalyst with p-n heterojunction was constructed. Surprisingly, the 10% CoMn 2 O 4 -ZnIn 2 S 4 (CMO-ZIS-10) exhibits a PHE rate of up to 11.04 mmol h−1 g−1, approximately 3.6 times higher than pure ZnIn 2 S 4. [Display omitted] • The as-prepared CoMn 2 O 4 -ZnIn 2 S 4 hollow structure can not only increase the absorption efficiency of sunlight, but also provide more active sites. • The novel p-n scheme heterojunction improve the photoinduced carriers separate and transfer. • The CoMn 2 O 4 -ZnIn 2 S 4 photocatalyst displayed an improved photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate, which is about 3.6 times that of pure ZIS. Semiconductor photocatalytic hydrogen evolution (PHE) is used to convert solar energy to hydrogen energy. Therefore, a low-cost, effective, and dependable photocatalyst could be a viable solution to environmental and energy crises. However, performing energy-conversion reactions by preparing photocatalysts with suitable photoabsorption and effective charge separation is challenging. Herein, a novel CoMn 2 O 4 -ZnIn 2 S 4 (CMO-ZIS) hollow microcube composite catalyst with a p-n heterojunction is constructed, in which ZnIn 2 S 4 nanosheets are grown in situ on the surfaces of CoMn 2 O 4 hollow microcubes. Surprisingly, 10% CoMn 2 O 4 -ZnIn 2 S 4 (CMO-ZIS-10) exhibits a PHE rate of up to 11.04 mmol h−1 g−1, which is approximately 3.6 times higher than that of pure ZnIn 2 S 4. In addition, to maintain the excellent visible light absorption efficiency of ZnIn 2 S 4 nanosheets, the close-contact heterogeneous interface of CMO-ZIS enables easy separation and transfer of the carriers. Furthermore, the hollow structure increases the absorption efficiency of sunlight and provides more active sites, thus increasing the reactivity of photocatalyst. In this paper, we report a workable approach for building heterojunction photocatalysts powered by water splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cyclometalated dinuclear platinum acetylide with a 9,9-dioctylfluorene spacer and two terminal triphenylamine groups has been successfully synthesized and characterized by 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR and MALDI-TOF MS. The active triphenylamine groups efficiently trigger the oxidative electropolymerization process to form a reddish-orange film on the working Pt and ITO electrodes by cyclic voltammetry. The compact film shows a polyaniline-like AC impedance behavior and an inverse dependence of AC impedance on its thickness. As a result of switching of the MLCT/ICT and dication absorption transitions between 0 and + 1.8 V, this metallopolymer film exhibits the near-IR electrochromism with significant optical contrast ratio (Δ T % = 78.3% at λ = 775 nm), comparative response time (3.8 s for the coloration step and 11.0 s for the bleaching step) and high anodic coloration efficiency ( CE = 208.3 C − 1 ·cm 2 ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel open-framework copper borovanadate, with a 6-connected topological net and 1D 8-membered ring channels, has been obtained for the first time. The compound not only exhibits a unique -B3O7(OH)-Cu-B(OH)3 linkage and features the largest ratio between TM2+(Cu2+) and the borovanadate anion, but also possesses enhanced catalytic performance, high recyclability, and stability during the oxidation of benzylic C−H bonds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary alveolar macrophages (AMs) are important in defense against bacterial lung inflammation. Cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14) is involved in recognizing bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) through MyD88-dependent and TRIF pathways of innate immunity. Sulforaphane (SFN) shows anti-inflammatory activity and suppresses DNA methylation. To identify CD14 epigenetic changes by SFN in the LPS-induced TRIF pathway, an AMs model was investigated in vitro. CD14 gene expression was induced by 5 µg/ml LPS at the time point of 12 h and suppressed by 5 µM SFN. After 12 h of LPS stimulation, gene expression was significantly up-regulated, including TRIF, TRAF6, NF-κB, TRAF3, IRF7, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IFN-β. LPS-induced TRAM, TRIF, RIPK1, TRAF3, TNF-α, IL-1β and IFN-β were suppressed by 5 µM SFN. Similarly, DNMT3a expression was increased by LPS but significantly down-regulated by 5 µM SFN. It showed positive correlation of CD14 gene body methylation with in LPS-stimulated AMs, and this methylation status was inhibited by SFN. This study suggests that SFN suppresses CD14 activation in bacterial inflammation through epigenetic regulation of CD14 gene body methylation associated with DNMT3a. The results provide insights into SFN-mediated epigenetic down-regulation of CD14 in LPS-induced TRIF pathway inflammation and may lead to new methods for controlling LPS-induced inflammation in pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceramic matrix composites of type C/SiC got paramount importance due to their special properties like high specific strength, high specific rigidity, high-temperature strength, and high wear resistance. Their applications are increasing rapidly for space, military, and aerospace industries. However, due to inhomogeneous, anisotropic and varying thermal properties of these composites, there are issues to achieve desired quality, high efficiency, and cost-effective processing in machining. In this regard, the cutting force is the most critical parameter which is required to be minimized for such composites to achieve better quality and minimum defects, especially in milling processes. In this research, brittle fracture approach was adopted and a cutting force model was developed from C/SiC composites for rotary ultrasonic face milling (RUFM) process. The experimental RUFM was carried out on C/SiC material and found that the cutting force decreased significantly with the increase of cutting speed, whereas the same was found increased with the increase of feed rate and cutting depth. By comparison of the experimental and simulation data of the cutting force, it was found that the errors are below than 10 % in most of the sets of parameters. The variation found is due to the heterogeneity and other complex properties of C/SiC composites. The developed cutting force model then further validated through another set of experiments, and the results were almost the same as before experiments. So, the cutting force model developed in this paper is robust and it can be applied to predict the cutting force and optimization of the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) T700 have got increasing demand in the aerospace industry due to their high specific strength, specific stiffness, and other unique properties. Due to their inhomogeneous, anisotropic, and thermal properties, it is challenging to achieve desired accuracy and to avoid from delamination, chip-off, cracking, and burning especially in the drilling process. The cutting force is the critical parameter which is required to minimize in order to drill a hole with better accuracy and minimize defects. In this research, the brittle fracture approach was adopted and a cutting force model was developed for CFRP-T700 based on the rotary ultrasonic drilling (RUD) process. The experimental RUD was carried out on CFRP-T700 material and found that the feed rate and spindle speed are two main parameters that affect the cutting force in RUD. The cutting force data obtained from the model and experimental setup were then analyzed and found that there is small variation even below 10 % (max value of variation is 8.5 % and the average value is 0.49 %) between simulated and measured values. So, the developed cutting force model was validated and found robust. Also, it was found that with four times increase of feed rate, there is also an increase of material removal rate (MRR) four times with the decrease in the cutting force. Moreover, this model will be much helpful to keep cutting force within limits through the optimal set of parameters as feed rate and spindle speed without extensive experimentation of such costly materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Hierarchical SnO2 microspheres were synthesized by a hydrothermal method at 140°C using stannic chloride hydrate and sodium hydroxide as starting materials. The individual hierarchical SnO2 microsphere ranged from 700 to 900nm in diameter. After these microspheres were heated at 600°C for 2h, the spheres were cross-linked into clusters by short SnO2 nanorods as revealed by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Most importantly, SnO2 hierarchical microsphere sensor exhibits excellent selectivity and fast response to ethanol. Response and recovery times were 0.6s and 11s when the sensor was exposed to 50ppm ethanol at an operating temperature of 300°C. Thus, hierarchical structures play a significant role in the field of gas sensing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Enantiomers of some new quinazoline derivatives bearing α-aminophosphonate moiety were separated under normal-phase conditions on two immobilized polysaccharide-based chiral stationary phases (Chiralpak IA and Chiralpak IC). The role of two chiral stationary phases (CSPs), polar modifier and column temperature on retention time and separation factor was studied. Apparent thermodynamic parameters were deduced from Van’t Hoff plots and plausible mechanism of chiral recognition has been discussed. The semi-preparative separation of some compounds was executed successfully in n-hexane/isopropyl alcohol (IPA) on the Chiralpak IA column. The preliminary bioassay showed that both the enantiomers of the investigated series of compounds possessed similar anti-tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) activities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: High preferential c-axis oriented ZnO nanorods aligned on SiO2/Si substrates with interdigital electrodes have been successfully fabricated through aqueous solution methods. The transparent ZnO buffer layer covered on both the conducting electrodes and the insulating SiO2 spacer regions acts as lattice-matched template for the assembly of c-axis oriented ZnO nanorod arrays, and the subsequent growth of ZnO nanorods has been completed via a low temperature hydrothermal process. Detailed structural characterizations reveal that the as-synthesized nanorods are single crystalline, with a hexagonal phase, and with growth along the [001] direction. The gas-sensing properties of ZnO nanorod thin films are studied. It is found that the ZnO nanorod thin film sensor exhibits excellent sensing properties towards acetone at 300°C with the response time shorter than 5s. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The large-scale flowerlike ZnO nanostructures, consisting of many aggregative nanorods with the diameter of about 60nm, were prepared by a simple and facile hydrothermal route. The toluene sensing properties of the pure ZnO and TiO2-doped ZnO nanostructures were tested at different operating temperatures from 160 to 390°C and toluene concentrations ranging from 1 to 3000ppm. The results indicate that the response of the ZnO nanostructures towards toluene was enhanced significantly by TiO2 doping, which was deposited onto the ZnO products by evaporation. It is found that the TiO2-doped ZnO sensor exhibits remarkably enhanced response of 17.1 at the optimal operating temperature of 290°C to 100ppm toluene, which has been improved up from 7.4 at 390°C from pure ZnO nanostructures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Pure and Sm2O3-doped SnO2 are prepared through a sol–gel method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The sensor based on 6wt% Sm2O3-doped SnO2 displays superior response at an operating temperature of 180°C, and the response magnitude to 1000ppm C2H2 can reach 63.8, which is 16.8 times larger than that of pure SnO2. This sensor also shows high sensitivity under various humidity conditions. These results make our product be a good candidate in fabricating C2H2 sensors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Polycomb-directed repression of gene expression is frequently misregulated in human diseases. A quantitative and target-specific cellular assay was utilized to discover the first potent positive allosteric modulator (PAM) peptidomimetic, UNC4976, of nucleic acid binding by CBX7, a chromodomain methyl-lysine reader of Polycomb repressive complex 1. The PAM activity of UNC4976 resulted in enhanced efficacy across three orthogonal cellular assays by simultaneously antagonizing H3K27me3-specific recruitment of CBX7 to target genes while increasing non-specific binding to DNA and RNA. PAM activity thereby reequilibrates PRC1 away from H3K27me3 target regions. Together, our discovery and characterization of UNC4976 not only revealed the most cellularly potent PRC1-specific chemical probe to date, but also uncovers a potential mechanism of Polycomb regulation with implications for non-histone lysine methylated interaction partners. • CBX7 mESC reporter line revealed UNC4976 as a more potent antagonist than UNC3866 • Unique mechanism of action for UNC4976 as a modulator of DNA/RNA binding to CBX7 • UNC4976 reduces CBX7/PRC1 CHIP peaks on chromatin with greater efficacy than UNC3866 • UNC4976 reactivates PRC1 target genes more effectively than UNC3866 in HEK293 cells Lamb et al. describe the discovery of UNC4976 as a cellularly efficacious inhibitor of CBX7. Despite similar potency, selectivity, and permeability to previously published probe UNC3866, UNC4976 possesses a unique mechanism of action as a positive allosteric modulator of nucleic acid binding to CBX7 that rationalizes its enhanced cellular activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Androgen receptor splice variant 7 (AR-V7) is crucial for prostate cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. We show that, independent of ligand, AR-V7 binds both androgen-responsive elements (AREs) and non-canonical sites distinct from full-length AR (AR-FL) targets. Consequently, AR-V7 not only recapitulates AR-FL's partial functions but also regulates an additional gene expression program uniquely via binding to gene promoters rather than ARE enhancers. AR-V7 binding and AR-V7-mediated activation at these unique targets do not require FOXA1 but rely on ZFX and BRD4. Knockdown of ZFX or select unique targets of AR-V7/ZFX, or BRD4 inhibition, suppresses growth of castration-resistant prostate cancer cells. We also define an AR-V7 direct target gene signature that correlates with AR-V7 expression in primary tumors, differentiates metastatic prostate cancer from normal, and predicts poor prognosis. Thus, AR-V7 has both ARE/FOXA1 canonical and ZFX-directed non-canonical regulatory functions in the evolution of anti-androgen therapeutic resistance, providing information to guide effective therapeutic strategies. Graphical Abstract Highlights • AR-V7 profiling in CRPC unveils non-canonical pathways uniquely targeted by AR-V7 • ZFX is a crucial partner of AR-V7 promoting non-canonical oncogenic roles of AR-V7 • Genes uniquely coregulated by AR-V7 and ZFX promote malignant growth of CRPC cells • Targeting the AR-V7 cofactors ZFX or BRD4 represents a new means for CRPC treatment By cistrome profiling of endogenous androgen receptor (AR) versus an AR splice variant, AR-V7, Cai et al. uncovered non-canonical pathways uniquely targeted by AR-V7 and ZFX, a previously unknown AR-V7 partner. Targeting cofactors (ZFX or BRD4) or non-canonical downstream pathways of AR-V7 provides potential therapeutic ways for treating prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]