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Aiming at the problem that the current ABS control algorithm cann't make full use of the ground braking force to complete the braking when the complex road surface is in emergency braking, the ABS sliding mode variable structure control method based on road surface identification is proposed. Combined with the in-wheel motor of in-wheel motor electric vehicle, a coordinated control method of motor hydraulic composite is designed. Based on the fuzzy logic control method, the road adhesion coefficient is estimated to realize the identification of typical roads and dynamically obtain the optimal slip rate of different roads. The ABS sliding mode variable structure controller is designed with the optimal slip ratio and the actual slip ratio as input, and the saturation function is used to replace the sign function in the traditional sliding mode variable structure control to weaken the ' chattering ' phenomenon in the sliding mode variable structure control, and then the ABS controller is designed. Taking the experimental prototype vehicle driven by four-wheel hub motor as the research object, an eight-degree-of-freedom dynamic simulation model of the whole vehicle is established. Compared with the traditional PID controller, the braking time is shortened by 0.2 s and the braking distance is shortened by 2.3 m, which shows the feasibility of the designed controller. Through the simulation braking experiment of the docking road, the adaptability and real-time performance of the ABS sliding mode controller are verified, and the importance of the road adhesion coefficient identification to the ABS controller is verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vehicle active safety system is the hotspot of current research and development, and the road adhesion coefficient is one of the essential parameters in the development of automobile active safety system, which plays a pivotal role in automobile safety. To improve the real-time performance and accuracy of the road adhesion coefficient, this paper proposes different control methods and compares and analyzes them. To accurately estimate the road adhesion coefficient in real-time, an eight-degree-of-freedom vehicle model was adopted in this paper. According to the tire torque and wheel speed, the adhesion coefficient was estimated based on the second-order nonlinear extended state observer. The experimental data, such as slip rate, using the improved tire model, is based on the recursive least squares method with forgetting factor and fuzzy logic algorithm real-time of tire-road friction coefficient estimation. The results show that the observer can effectively observe utilisation adhesion coefficient, and both control algorithms can estimate the road adhesion coefficient in real-time, effectively and quickly. On different roads, the use of the recursive least squares algorithm resulted in higher estimation accuracy, better robustness, and better control effect than using a fuzzy logic algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatty acyl-CoA reductases (FARs) catalyze the synthesis of fatty alcohols from corresponding fatty acid precursors in organisms. However, the function of FARs in insect fecundity and embryogenesis remains largely unclear. Here, a total of 22 putative FAR proteins were identified in the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens , a hemipteran insect pest of rice, and most of them were highly expressed in embryonic stages. Among them, NlFAR10 was specifically and highly expressed in the later embryogenesis, but was promiscuously expressed in tissues of adults. The heterologously expressed NlFAR10 was able to produce the intermediate fatty acid alcohols from the corresponding acyl-CoA precursors. When NlFAR10 was silenced through RNAi in vivo, the embryogenesis was obviously inhibited, resulting in low hatching rates. Moreover, the metabolome analyses indicated that loss of NlFAR10 affected lipid metabolism and purine metabolism during embryogenesis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a FAR member affecting insect embryogenesis, thus providing a new target for future pest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to reduce the saturation degree of magnetic flux density at the pole shoe on the right side of the pole in a generator and reduce the pole‐to‐pole leakage, an asymmetric pole shoe structure is proposed in this paper. The influence of the asymmetric pole shoe structure on the generator performance is analyzed. First, a bulb tubular turbine generator with a single unit capacity of 24 MW is taken as an example. The two‐dimensional electromagnetic field model of the generator is established based on finite element analysis software, and the correctness of the model is verified through comparative analyses of the experimental results and simulation data. Second, the magnetic flux density distributions of poles under different pole shoe structure parameters are analyzed, and their distribution characteristics are also discussed. Finally, by studying the generator air gap flux density, average torque, torque ripple, eddy current loss, and core loss when the pole shoe structure is different, the variations of the above parameters along with the increase of the pole shoe depth are obtained. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to screen all types of RNAs involved in the development of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). RNA-sequencing data of PTC and normal samples were used for screening differentially expressed (DE) microRNAs (DE-miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (DE-lncRNAs) and genes (DEGs). Subsequently, lncRNA-miRNA, miRNA-gene (that is, miRNA-mRNA) and gene-gene interaction pairs were extracted and used to construct regulatory networks. Feature genes in the miRNA-mRNA network were identified by topological analysis and recursive feature elimination analysis. A support vector machine (SVM) classifier was built using 15 feature genes, and its classification effect was validated using two microarray data sets that were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. In addition, Gene Ontology function and Kyoto Encyclopedia Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were conducted for genes identified in the ceRNA network. A total of 506 samples, including 447 tumor samples and 59 normal samples, were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA); 16 DE-lncRNAs, 917 DEGs and 30 DE-miRNAs were screened. The miRNA-mRNA regulatory network comprised 353 nodes and 577 interactions. From these data, 15 feature genes with high predictive precision (>95%) were extracted from the network and were used to form an SVM classifier with an accuracy of 96.05% (486/506) for PTC samples downloaded from TCGA, and accuracies of 96.81 and 98.46% for GEO downloaded data sets. The ceRNA regulatory network comprised 596 lines (or interactions) and 365 nodes. Genes in the ceRNA network were significantly enriched in ‘neuron development’, ‘differentiation’, ‘neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction’, ‘metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450’, ‘drug metabolism’ and ‘cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction’ pathways. Hox transcript antisense RNA, miRNA-206 and kallikrein-related peptidase 10 were nodes in the ceRNA regulatory network of the selected feature gene, and they may serve import roles in the development of PTC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ghrelin, an endoggenous for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor, has been shown to participate in the regulation of energy homeostasis and pituitary hormone secretion. Obestatin, encoded by the same gene as ghrelin, is described as a physiological opponent of ghrelin. Ghrelin and obestatin are altered in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is characterized by insulin resistance and pituitary hormone secretion disorder. The aim of this study was to evaluate ghrelin/obestatin imbalance in relation to insulin resistance and pituitary hormone in adolescence with PCOS. This restrospective case–control study included 33 adolescence with PCOS and 38 control adolescence. Ghrelin and obestatin concentrations in serum were determined by RIA, and the serum fasting glucose and Insulin were determined by the glucose oxidase color method and INS-EASIA. The serum LH and FSH were measured by highly specific hemiluminescence immunoassays. We found that the serum ghrelin levels and ghrelin/obestatin ratio were significant lower in PCOS group than in control group, and the serum obestatin levels were significant higher in PCOS group than in control group. The ghrelin/obestatin ratios were negatively correlation with LH/FSH ratio and insulin resistant index in PCOS group. The findings of this study suggest that ghrelin/obestatin imbalance may play a role in pathogenesis of adolescent PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Scientific interest in graphene as a catalyst and as a catalyst support in heterogeneous catalytic reactions has grown dramatically over the past several years. The present critical review summarizes the multiple roles of graphene in heterogeneous catalysis and highlights the influence of defects, heteroatom-containing functionalities, and graphene's two-dimensional structure on catalytic performance. We first discuss the role and advantages of graphene as a catalyst support, with emphasis on its interactions with the catalytic phases and the influence of mass transfer processes. We then clarify the origin of the intrinsic catalytic activity of graphene in heterogeneous catalytic reactions. Finally we suggest challenges and potential practical applications for graphene in industrial processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A microwave-assisted green and facileroute has been developedto disperse sub-6-nm Au–Ag alloy bimetallic nanoparticles onthe surface of partially reduced graphene oxide (PRGO). The propertiesof the resulting materials were characterized by high-resolution transmissionelectron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, EDX line scanning,UV–vis spectroscopy, ICP spectrometry, and X-ray photoelectronspectroscopy. The reduction reaction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) was investigatedto evaluate the catalytic performance of AuAg–graphene hybrids,and it was found that this unique catalytic system exhibits excellentactivity for this reaction. It is hoped that this fast route can beextended to prepare other preferred bimetallic nanoparticle structureswith PRGO supports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the roles of nuclea factor - kappa B (NF - ?B) ad forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) during liver injury in rats with severe acute pancreatitis ( SAP) ad the effects of Forsythia suspensa on their expression. Methods Eighty male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into sham operation (SO) group, SAP group, ad intervention group. The intervention group was further divided into high - dose, middle -dose, ad low - dose Forsythia suspensa subgroups ad positive control (PDTC) subgroup. A rat model was induced by injecting sodium tauro-cholate into the bile - pacreatic duct. The rats in SO and SAP groups were sacrificed at 3, 6, ad 12 h after operation, ad those in intervention group were sacrificed at 12 h after operation. The serum levels of amylase (Amy), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), ad tumor necrosis factor (TNF)a were measured. The endotoxin content in plasma was determined using a limulus reagent. The percentage of Treg cells among peripheral blood lymphocytes was measured by flow cytometry. The pathological examination ad scoring of the liver ad pancreas were performed. The mRNA expression levels of NF - ?B ad Foxp3 in liver tissue were measured by RT - PCR. One - way aalysis of vaiance was used for compaison among groups ; multiple compaison was performed by LSD test; the indices were subjected to linea correlation aalysis. Results Compared with those in the SO group, all the indices in the SAP group increased over time ad reached the peak levels at 12 h after operation. Compaed with the rats in SAP group that were sacrificed at 12 h after operation, the intervention group ( mortality = 0 ) had significatly decreased mRNA expression of NF - ?B ad Foxp3 in liver tissue (? <0.01 ). The NF - ?B mRNA level was positively correlated with the percentage of Treg cells (r - 0. 738, ? < 0.01). As the dose of Forsythia suspensa ros, Amy, ALT, and TNFa levels decreased significatly, ad the inflammation of liver ad pacreas was significantly alleviated. There were no significant diferences between the high - dose Forsythia suspensa subgroup ad PDTC subgroup ( ? > 0. 05 ). Conclusion Activation of NF - ?B contributes to the liver injury in rats with SAP. Forsythia suspensa can significatly reduce the activation of NF - ?B ad the mRNA expression of NF - ?B and Foxp3 in liver tissue, thus alleviating the liver injury in rats with SAP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cervical squamous carcinoma is a highly invasive tumour that has a great capacity to metastasise. Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN or CD147), a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily, is a widely distributed cell surface glycoprotein. It is highly expressed on malignant tumour cell surfaces, including human cervical squamous carcinoma. It also plays a critical role in the invasive and metastatic activity of malignant cells by stimulating the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). The anti-invasive effect of small interfering RNA (siRNA) against CD147 on human cervical squamous carcinoma cells and its possible pathways has been investigated. The downregulation of CD147 by transfection with siRNA resulted in MMP-9 expression and decreased activity in the cervical squamous carcinoma cell line SiHa. In vitro analysis showed that the invasive capacity of SiHa cells decreased. Thus CD147 inhibition and subsequent MMP-9 deletion may have anti-tumour effects by inhibiting the invasiveness of human cervical squamous carcinoma cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Magnetically separable γ-Fe2O3/TiO2 nanotubes catalyst was successfully prepared by the confined reaction of liquid Fe(CO)5 in/around TiO2 nanotubes. The hybrids were systematically characterized and showed strong absorptions in the visible region. Under simulated sunlight and the same experimental conditions, 91% of methyl orange (MO) can be degraded by the hybrids, whereas only 49%, 59% and 81% of the MO can be degraded in the presence of anatase TiO2 powder, commercial P25, and TiO2 nanotubes. Importantly, the γ-Fe2O3/TiO2 nanotubes catalyst can be recycled by external magnetic field for repeated use without obvious loss of its photocatalytic efficiency. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Graphene was successfully modified with gold nanoparticles in a facile route by reducing chloroauric acid in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate, which is used as both a surfactant and reducing agent. The gold nanoparticles–graphene hybrids were characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and energy X-ray spectroscopy. We demonstrate for the first time that the gold nanoparticles–graphene hybrids can act as efficient catalysts for the Suzuki reaction in water under aerobic conditions. The catalytic activity of gold nanoparticles–graphene hybrids was influenced by the size of the gold nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: HPLC and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry were used to show that ∼30% of the DNS present in wastewater was reduced to 4-amino-4′-nitrostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid and 4,4′-diaminostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid during multiple-effect evaporation. A novel recovery method, which combines acidification and subsequent reduction, recovered of ∼90% of the DNS that is lost during evaporation and, thereby, increased the yield of 4,4′-diaminostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid by 5%. In addition, many of the organic compounds present in the wastewater were removed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This research is aimed at improving the understanding of the reduction of 4,4′-dinitrostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (DNS) by zero-valent iron for the manufacture of 4,4′-diaminostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (DSD). The formation of 5-amino-2-formylbenzene sulfonic acid (ABAS) during the process indicates that oxidation with the cleavage of Cbond does occur besides the principle nitro-group reduction processes. The kinetics of the reduction of DNS and the formation of DSD are pseudo-first order. Typical k obs and for the reduction of DNS and formation of DSD are 0.10898±0.01841min−1 and 0.07167±0.00213min−1, respectively (with 20g/L, 60–80mesh and the BET surface area of 0.815m2 g−1 zero-valent iron, at 40rpm mixing rate, 24°C, neutral unbuffered conditions). Surface-area normalized rate constant (k SA) for the reduction of DNS is 0.4012Lm2 h−1. The effects of Fe0 concentration, rate of mixing and temperature on the k SA were investigated, and the results indicate that the rates of reaction were controlled by mass transfer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

5-Amino-2-formylbenzene sulfonic acid (ABAS) as a by-product during reduction of 4,4′-dinitrostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (DNS) by Zero-Valent Iron has been detected. Experiments show that the pH and temperature are the most important factors controlling the formation of ABAS. In addition, diluted solution of DNS (<0.001mol/L) favors the formation of ABAS other than 4,4′-diaminostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (DSD). Competitive oxidative reactions in dark with the cleavage of Cbond by Fe(OH)2+ between DNS and DSD may occur during the reduction process. In addition, we provide mechanistic explanations for the pH, temperature and initial concentration dependences of ABAS formation. Optimized conditions with pH being 5.5 and rapid cooling following incubation have been applied to yield DSD with purity of more than 99.0%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Magnetic γ-Fe2O3-MWCNTs hybrids possess a wide range of potential applications. This paper reports a novel and efficient method to fabricate the magnetic γ-Fe2O3-MWCNTs hybrids, via the vacuum thermolysis of Fe(CO)5 confined in/around MWCNTs and subsequent controlled oxidation. It was found that γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles with controllable sizes could be uniformly nucleated on both the inner and outer surfaces of MWCNTs. The mean sizes of the γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles here can be varied from 6 to 15nm by simply modify the experimental process, rendering the hybrids tunable magnetic properties from ferromagnetism to superparamagnetism. It was demonstrated that this method could be used to obtain various metals/oxides-MWCNTs hybrids by simply substituting the metal carbonyl precursors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Magnetic multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composites were obtained by decoration of metal oxide nanoparticles on or in carbon nanotubes. The method involved the dispersion of the carbon nanotubes in iron pentacarbonyl Fe(CO)5 followed by vacuum thermolysis and subsequent oxidation. The magnetic iron oxide particle deposition was always homogeneous and could be controlled selectively on the outer, inner, or both surfaces of MWCNTs by using different MWCNTs. Since the hollow channels remained intact, these MWCNT based composites could find special applications in cellular delivery systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs), recognized for their safety and environmental friendliness, hold significant promise for large‐scale energy storage. However, the rapid capacity degradation resulting from the dissolution of active cathode materials hampers the advancement of AZIBs. Here, Ru0.2V2O5∙0.41H2O (RuVO) is synthesized with remarkable capacity retention (98.2% over 5000 cycles at 10 A g−1). The pre‐intercalation of Ru3+ enhances the stability of both intrinsic and cycling structures, elevating the Gibbs free energy and suppressing V‐dissolution thermodynamically. Additionally, Ru3+ intercalation modulates the potential energy surface of Zn2+ migration, leading to the dominance of Zn2+ in the insertion/extraction mechanism, thereby kinetically impeding the dissolution reaction. This study elucidates the dissolution thermodynamics and kinetics of V‐based cathodes through a combination of experiments, mechanism analyses, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Core-shell CoSe 2-x @N C with abundant vacancies was applied to activate PMS for the first time. • The introduction of Se vacancies greatly enhanced the redox speed of Co3+/Co2+. • Sulfate Radical (SO 4 •−) played dominant roles in CBZ degradation. • CoSe 2-x @N C 500/PMS system displayed superior activity and excellent stability. Herein, a new heterogeneous CoSe 2-x @N C material with abundant selenium vacancies is synthesized via an in-situ carbonization-selenization process from cobaltic metal organic framework (Co-MOF). The obtained CoSe 2-x @N C has a unique electronic structure and rich active sites, which can activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to degrade carbamazepine (CBZ) with superior catalytic performance and stability. The quenching experiments and EPR test show that SO 4 •− is the dominant reactive oxidation species (ROSs) for CBZ degradation. Significantly, systemic electrochemical tests and theoretical calculations illustrated that the dominant role of SO 4 •− is attributed to the existence of abundant selenium vacancies in CoSe 2-x @N C, which can adjust the density of electron cloud of the Co atoms in CoSe 2-x @N C to improve the PMS adsorption and promoting the conversion of transition metallic redox pairs (Co3+/Co2+). This work provides a facile way to improve the activity and stability of CoSe 2 by defect engineering in the PMS based advanced oxidation process (AOPs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal sulfides (TMS) exhibit significant promise as non‐noble‐metal electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline environments, notwithstanding their susceptibility to long‐term instability due to the gradual leaching of surface‐reconstructed sulfate ions (SO42−). In this study, a sulfate ion‐assisted strategy is proposed to stabilize the surface‐reconstructed SO42− of FeNiS2. The findings reveal that SO42− experiences considerable loss in KOH due to the infinite concentration gradient of SO42− on the surface. Conversely, in K2SO4/KOH, this strategy mitigates rapid leaching and preserves the predominant surface‐reconstructed SO42−, thereby enhancing stability in both accelerated degradation (5000 cycles) and long‐term (≥120 h) tests, with ≈95% current density retained. Furthermore, the optimal concentration of SO42− proves to be crucial, as supported by both experimental and theoretical results. This approach offers insights into bolstering the long‐term OER stability of TMS and similar compounds, thereby advancing the prospects for widespread application in electrocatalytic water splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N‐coordinated Ni sites (NiNx) are effective catalysts for the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to CO. In most researches, modulating the coordination environment of Ni atoms is focused on to improve electrochemical CO2 reduction (ECR) performance. However, the influence of the carbon substrate's structure on the intrinsic activity of NiNx is seldom investigated. The highly curved surface of carbon nanotubes (CNT) may provide a unique curvature effect on NiNx. It is found that the Ni residues in CNT can be atomized to form NiNx sites on the surface of CNT (Ni‐N/CNT@covalent triazine framework [CTF]) through high‐temperature pyrolysis, using a soluble CTF nanosheet as N precursor. The π‐conjugated and ultrathin 2D structure of CTF enables closer interfacial contact between CTF and CNT, which avoids the formation of a thick carbon layer to maximize the curvature effect. Theoretical data reveal that the NiN3 configuration may act as a highly active ECR site, and the curvature effect from CNT can further tune the electronic structure of NiN3, thus improving the ECR kinetics. The Ni‐N/CNT@CTF‐based flow‐cell electrolyzer exhibits a jCO of 201 mA cm−2 at −0.9 V with a high FECO of 98%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A series of Fe0 based carbon materials are synthesized via sample calcination method. • Changing the mass ratio of melamine and MIL-88A can tune the coating layers of Fe0 particles. • Compared to Fe/Fe 3 N@NC, Fe/Fe 3 C@NC exhibits better performance and stability to activate PMS for CBZ degradation. • The better conductivity of Fe 3 C is beneficial for the electron transfer from Fe0 to the Fe 3 C layer. • The dominated ROSs on Fe/Fe 3 C@NC and Fe/Fe 3 N@NC are different. In this study, a series of Fe-based materials are facilely synthesized using MIL-88A and melamine as precursors. Changing the mass ratio of melamine and MIL-88A could tune the coating layers of generated zero-valent iron (Fe0) particles from Fe 3 C to Fe 3 N facilely. Compared to Fe/Fe 3 N@NC sample, Fe/Fe 3 C@NC exhibits better catalytic activity and stability to degrade carbamazepine (CBZ) with peroxymonosulfate (PMS) as oxidant. Free radical quenching tests, open-circuit potential (OCP) test and electron paramagnetic resonance spectra (EPR) prove that hydroxyl radicals (OH) and superoxide radical (O 2 −) are dominant reactive oxygen species (ROSs) with Fe/Fe 3 C@NC sample. For Fe/Fe 3 N@NC sample, the main ROSs are changed into sulfate radicals (SO 4 −) and high valent iron-oxo (Fe (IV)=O) species. In addition, the better conductivity of Fe 3 C is beneficial for the electron transfer from Fe0 to the Fe 3 C, thus could keep the activity of the surface sites and obtain better stability. DFT calculation reveals the better adsorption and activation ability of Fe 3 C than Fe 3 N. Moreover, PMS can also be adsorbed on the Fe sites of Fe 3 N with shorter Fe O bonds and longer S O bonds than on Fe 3 C, the Fe (IV)=O is thus present in the Fe/Fe 3 N@NC/PMS system. This study provides a novel strategy for the development of highly active Fe-based materials for Fenton-like reactions and thus could promote their real application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of efficient, durable and inexpensive materials as alternatives to precious-metal-based catalyst towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is extremely desirable but challenging. Herein, a facile hydrogel-bridged pyrolysis strategy was presented to construct N-doped graphene embedded with Fe 2 N nanoparticles (NPs) as an efficient ORR catalyst. By virtue of the synergistic contribution of enhanced mass transfer derived from graphene hydrogel network and intrinsic catalytic activity of well-dispersed Fe 2 N NPs, the as-prepared Fe 2 N/NC-1 exhibits exceptional activity and durability for ORR with an onset potential of 1.06 V and a half-wave potential of 0.90 V vs RHE in 0.1 M KOH, which outperforms the state-of-the-art Pt/C catalyst. Moreover, the carbon-shell structure around the Fe 2 N NPs can be clearly identified, which could benefit the long-term durability, and significantly preserve the catalytic activity and selectivity in acidic media. This work provides an effective method and insightful exploration for the design of non-precious-metal carbon-based electrocatalysts and their application in efficient energy conversion. [Display omitted] • The Fe 2 N/NC-1 catalyst was synthesized using hydrogel-bridged pyrolysis strategy. • Carbon-cladded Fe 2 N nanoparticles formed by pyrolysis are uniformly dispersed. • The Fe 2 N/NC-1 exhibits splendid ORR activity excelling commercial Pt/C catalyst. • Uniformly dispersed Fe 2 N nanoparticles lead to enhanced kinetics and selectivity. • Carbon-shell structure preserves ORR activity and selectivity in acidic media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs (MiRNAs) derived from parasites, and even from plants, have been detected in body fluids and are known to modulate host genes. In this study, we aimed to investigate if the schistosome miRNAs are involved in the occurrence and progression of hepatic fibrosis during Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum) infection. The presence of miRNAs from S. japonicum (sja-miRNAs) in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) was detected by RNA sequencing. sja-miRNAs were screened by transfecting HSCs with sja-miRNA mimics. The role of sja-miR-2162 in hepatic fibrosis was evaluated by either elevating its expression in naïve mice or by inhibiting its activity in infected mice, through administration of recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 8 vectors expressing sja-miR-2162 or miRNA sponges, respectively. We identified a miRNA of S. japonicum , sja-miR-2162, that was consistently present in the HSCs of infected mice. Transfection of sja-miR-2162 mimics led to activation of HSC cells in vitro , characterized by elevation of collagens and α-SMA. The rAAV8-mediated delivery of sja-miR-2162 to naïve mice induced hepatic fibrosis, while sustained inhibition of sja-miR-2162 in infected mice attenuated hepatic fibrosis. The transforming growth factor beta receptor III (TGFBR3), a negative regulator of TGF-β signaling, was a direct target of sja-miR-2162 in HSCs. This study demonstrated that pathogen-derived miRNAs directly promote hepatic fibrogenesis in a cross-species manner, and their efficient and sustained inhibition might present a promising therapeutic intervention for infectious diseases. A schistosome-specific microRNA, sja-miR-2162, is consistently present in the hepatic stellate cells of mice infected with S. japonicum , where it promotes hepatic fibrosis in the host through cross-species regulation of host fibrosis-related genes. The efficient and sustained inhibition of pathogen-derived micRNAs may represent a novel therapeutic intervention for infectious diseases. • Sja-miR-2162, a schistosome miRNA, is present in hepatic stellate cells of mice infected with S. japonicum. • Sja-miR-2162 upregulates collagens and α-SMA production by targeting the host Tgfbr3 gene. • rAAV8-mediated delivery of sja-miR-2162 to naive mice promotes hepatic fibrosis. • Inhibition of sja-miR-2162 in the infected mice attenuated hepatic fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engineered carbonaceous materials are promising metal-free catalysts for heterogeneously catalytic oxidation. In this study, hierarchically nitrogen-doped porous carbons are prepared via a one-pot pyrolysis process. The hierarchically porous carbons have a large surface area up to 1641 m2 g−1 with a high nitrogen content of 8.63 at.%. The carbons manifested much high catalytic activity in phenol degradation by activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) via a non-radical pathway, evidenced by radical screening test, electrochemical measurement and Raman spectra. NZC-S0.5 exhibits outstanding catalytic performance with a turnover frequency (TOF) of 26.0 min−1. A very high rate constant of 1.3 min−1 and a small activation energy of 25.1 kJ/mol are achieved. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations illustrate that the most reactive catalytic sites are the N-doped vacancies, confirming the synergetic enhancement by the simultaneously induced heteroatom and structural defects (edges and vacancies). This work enables new insights into heteroatom, structural defects and non-radical pathway in metal-free catalytic PMS activation. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strong Interface Coupling Boosting Hierarchical Bismuth Embedded Carbon Hybrid for High-Performance Capacitive Deionization. [Display omitted] Capacitive deionization (CDI) is regarded as a promising desalination technology owing to its low cost and environmental friendliness. However, the lack of high-performance electrode materials remains a challenge in CDI. Herein, the hierarchical bismuth-embedded carbon (Bi@C) hybrid with strong interface coupling was prepared through facile solvothermal and annealing strategy. The hierarchical structure with strong interface coupling between the bismuth and carbon matrix afforded abundant active sites for chloridion (Cl−) capture, improved electrons/ions transfer and the stability of the Bi@C hybrid. As a result of these advantages, the Bi@C hybrid showed a high salt adsorption capacity (75.3 mg/g under 1.2 V), salt adsorption rate and good stability, making it a promising electrode material for CDI. Furthermore, the desalination mechanism of the Bi@C hybrid was elucidated through various characterizations. Therefore, this work provides valuable insights for the design of high-performance bismuth-based electrode materials for CDI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The simultaneous optimization of sluggish reaction kinetics and mass transfer in bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts for air cathodes remains a great challenge. This study utilizes CoAl‐layered double hydroxide as a metal precursor to fabricate a bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst, denoted as CoAlOXD‐Thin. This electrocatalyst features a specific core–shell structure of Co species, which grows on an aerophilic and conductive substrate composed of Al2O3 and carbon. It is successfully demonstrated that the thickness of Co@Co3O4 core–shell structure can be easily controlled by selecting different precursors and the combination of Co core and Co3O4 shell optimizes the adsorption strength of intermediates, leading to enhanced catalytic performance. Additionally, the Al species plays a dual role. It not only facilitates the mass transfer of oxygen species but also hinders the 2e− pathway of oxygen reduction reaction, leading to improved selectivity. Notably, the Zn–air batteries utilizing CoAlOXD‐Thin demonstrate an impressive peak power density of 216.2 mW cm−2, a high specific capacity of 800.8 mAh gZn−1, and excellent cycling stability and reversibility, surpassing those of the Pt/C + RuO2 catalyst. This study presents a novel approach to enhance air cathode performance by optimizing reaction kinetics and mass transfer through precursor design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • MnO x are selectively loaded on (110) or (040) facets of monoclinic BiVO 4 by a photo-deposition method. • Light irradiation plays important roles to activate PMS on MnO x /BiVO 4. • The roles of MnO x on different facets are verified for enhancing the BPA degradation. • The dominated ROSs on MnO x (110)/BiVO 4 and MnO x (040)/BiVO 4 are different. Compared with traditional Fenton reaction, peroxymonosulfate based advanced oxidation processes (PMS-AOPs) are more effective to remove the organic pollutants in wastewater in a wider pH range. Herein, selective loading of MnO x on monoclinic BiVO 4 (110) or (040) facets were achieved by photo-deposition method with addition of different Mn precursors and electron/hole trapping agents. MnO x has good chemical catalysis activity for PMS activation, which can also enhance photogenerated charge separation, thus leading to enhanced activities than naked BiVO 4. The BPA degradation reaction rate constants of MnO x (040)/BiVO 4 and MnO x (110)/BiVO 4 system are 0.245 min−1 and 0.116 min−1, which are 6.45 and 3.05 times larger than that of naked BiVO 4 , respectively. The roles of MnO x on different facets are different, which will promote OER process on (110) facets and utilize the dissolved O 2 to produce O 2 •− and 1O 2 more effectively on (040) facets. 1O 2 is the dominated reactive oxidation species of MnO x (040)/BiVO 4 , while SO 4 •− and •OH play more important roles on MnO x (110)/BiVO 4 , which are proved by quenching experiments and chemical probe identifications, thus mechanism in MnO x /BiVO 4 -PMS-light system is proposed. The good degradation performance of MnO x (110)/BiVO 4 and MnO x (040)/BiVO 4 and mechanism theory may promote the application of photocatalysis in PMS based wastewater remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] In this study, free-standing Co 3 O 4 -CuO/CF electrodes are synthesized via an electrodeposition-annealing process and then protected by dip-coated carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The obtained Co 3 O 4 -CuO@CNTs/CF is employed as cathode to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the degradation of Bisphenol A (BPA) in an electrochemical system. The electrochemical assistant (EA) plays a critical role to accelerate metal redox by donating electrons sustainably, and the fast regeneration of Co2+/Cu+ could be achieved to promote chemical-catalysis for PMS activation, which is proved via the pre-electroreduction treatment. The rate constant of Co 3 O 4 -CuO@CNTs/CF/PMS system with EA is ∼ 4.4 times compared to the system without EA. It also exhibits an excellent stability, which could still remove over 90% of BPA after eight cycles in 45 min. In addition, the coating of CNTs could decrease leaching of metals effectively. According to quenching tests and electron spin-resonance spectroscopy (ESR), the presence of EA could enhance the radical route by producing more SO 4 •− and •OH greatly, which is also proved by much faster degradation of carbamazepine (CBZ) and atrazine (ATZ) than that without EA. This work reveals activation mechanism of PMS in the electrochemical system, and provides an effective strategy to achieve the fast metal redox cycle for effective and long-term pollutant degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal Co-based materials such as layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are recognized as the pre-catalysts that will undergo the electrochemical reconstruction under oxygen evolution reaction (OER) conditions, in which the formed high-valent Co4+ can offer high intrinsic activity. However, the controllable formation of highly active Co4+ species still remains challenging. Herein, we show that the leaching of Al3+ after OER activation successfully induces the high-valent Co4+ formed on CoFeAl LDH (CFA 0.8 -LDH/NF–200CV), which is confirmed by a series of physical characterization and electrochemical measurements. The reconstructed electrocatalyst CFA 0.8 -LDH/NF–200CV presents excellent OER performance with an overpotential of 222 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a small Tafel slope of 25.4 mV dec−1. This work may enlighten the surface reconstruction and activity promotion with leachable cations to induce high-valent metal active sites of other electrocatalysts. [Display omitted] • A cation leaching strategy is developed to regulate the reconstruction of CoFeAl LDH. • The high-valent Co4+ with higher intrinsic activity serves as the active site. • CFA 0.8 -LDH/NF–200CV shows outstanding electrocatalytic performance towards OER. • Structural evolution of CFA 0.8 -LDH/NF during OER is confirmed by in situ Raman spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

d-NHVO nanoribbons with abundant oxygen vacancies have excellent electrochemical performance. [Display omitted] Vanadium-based oxides have gained widespread attention as promising cathode materials for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) due to their abundant valences, high theoretical capacity and low cost. However, the intrinsic sluggish kinetics and unsatisfactory conductivity have severely hampered their further development. Herein, a facile and effective defect engineering strategy was developed at room temperature to prepare the defective (NH 4) 2 V 10 O 25 ·8H 2 O (d-NHVO) nanoribbon with plenty of oxygen vacancies. Owing to the introduction of oxygen vacancies, the d-NHVO nanoribbon possessed more active sites, excellent electronic conductivity and fast ion diffusion kinetics. Benefiting from these advantages, the d-NHVO nanoribbon as an aqueous zinc-ion battery cathode material exhibited superior specific capacity (512 mAh g−1 at 0.3 A g−1), excellent rate capability and long-term cycle performance. Simultaneously, the storage mechanism of the d-NHVO nanoribbon was clarified via comprehensive characterizations. Furthermore, the pouch battery based on the d-NHVO nanoribbon was fabricated and presented eminent flexibility and feasibility. This work provides a novel thought for simple and efficient development of high- performance vanadium-based oxides cathode materials for AZIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of low-cost, highly active, and rationally designed catalysts is the research trend in electrolytic water reduction. Herein, uniformly dispersed ultra-fine Pt NPs with an average grain diameter of 1.84 nm (DA-Pt (1 : 1)) were effectively loaded onto C3N4 molded and dopamine hydrochloride-modified crinkly nanosheet structures. The plicated structure contributes to the exposure of more surface edge sites, enhancement of metal loading regions, and accessible active sites. The regulation of electronic structure in Pt NPs by O via Pt–O also improves the intrinsic activity of Pt active sites. Additionally, the rich pore structure facilitates mass transfer for HER. As a result, the obtained material is capable of exhibiting effective HER activity in an acidic environment, as well as high-mass activity and long-term stability. DA-Pt (1 : 1) showed comparable current densities to commercial 20 wt% Pt/C (14 and 91 mV) of 10 and 100 mA cm−2 at overpotentials of 17 and 93 mV, respectively. Furthermore, the mass activity of DA-Pt (1 : 1) reached 5526 A gPt−1 at an overpotential of 100 mV, which is four times greater than that of commercial Pt/C (1400 A gPt−1). The research approach presented here is instructive for the development of highly active, low-cost, uniformly dispersed ultrafine Pt NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Electrochemical manufacture of H 2 O 2 through the two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e– ORR), providing prospects of the distributed production of H 2 O 2 in remote regions, is considered a promising alternative to the energy-intensive anthraquinone oxidation process. In this study, one glucose-derived oxygen-enriched porous carbon material (labeled as HGC 500) is developed through a porogen-free strategy integrating structural and active site modification. The superhydrophilic surface and porous structure together promote the mass transfer of reactants and accessibility of active sites in the aqueous reaction, while the abundant C O species (e.g., aldehyde groups) are taken for the main active site to facilitate the 2e– ORR catalytic process. Benefiting from the above merits, the obtained HGC 500 possesses superior performance with a selectivity of 92 % and mass activity of 43.6 A g cat –1 at 0.65 V (vs. RHE). Besides, the HGC 500 can operate steadily for 12 h with the accumulation of H 2 O 2 reaching up to 4090±71 ppm and a Faradic efficiency of 95 %. The H 2 O 2 generated from the electrocatalytic process in 3 h can degrade a variety of organic pollutants (10 ppm) in 4–20 min, displaying the potential in practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperinsulinemia is a critical risk factor for the pathogenesis of insulin resistance (IR) in metabolic tissues, including the liver. Ethanolamine phosphate phospholyase (ETNPPL), a newly discovered metabolic enzyme that converts phosphoethanolamine (PEA) to ammonia, inorganic phosphate, and acetaldehyde, is abundantly expressed in liver tissue. Whether it plays a role in the regulation of hyperinsulinemia‐induced IR in hepatocytes remains elusive. Here, we established an in vitro hyperinsulinemia‐induced IR model in the HepG2 human liver cancer cell line and primary mouse hepatocyte via a high dose of insulin treatment. Next, we overexpressed ETNPPL by using lentivirus‐mediated ectopic to investigate the effects of ETNPPL per se on IR without insulin stimulation. To explore the underlying mechanism of ETNPPL mediating hyperinsulinemia‐induced IR in HepG2, we performed genome‐wide transcriptional analysis using RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) to identify the downstream target gene of ETNPPL. The results showed that ETNPPL expression levels in both mRNA and protein were significantly upregulated in hyperinsulinemia‐induced IR in HepG2 and primary mouse hepatocytes. Upon silencing ETNPPL, hyperinsulinemia‐induced IR was ameliorated. Under normal conditions without IR in hepatocytes, overexpressing ETNPPL promotes IR, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and AKT inactivation. Transcriptome analysis revealed that salt‐inducible kinase 1 (SIK1) is markedly downregulated in the ETNPPL knockdown HepG2 cells. Moreover, disrupting SIK1 prevents ETNPPL‐induced ROS accumulation, damage to the PI3K/AKT pathway and IR. Our study reveals that ETNPPL mediates hyperinsulinemia‐induced IR through the SIK1/ROS‐mediated inactivation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in hepatocyte cells. Targeting ETNPPL may present a potential strategy for hyperinsulinemia‐associated metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Review: 141 refs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new composite material consisting of 0D MoS 2 nanodots and 3D MoS 2 nano-flowers grown on porous reduced graphene oxide (P-rGO) was synthesized via a two-step process. The P-rGO with a surface area of 759 m 2 g −1 was obtained by CO 2 activation of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) at 800 °C. MoS 2 was then grown on the P-rGO under hydrothermal conditions. Compared to the nonactivated rGO, P-rGO has functional pores for deposition of MoS 2 nanodots and less charge transfer resistance, which can provide more active sites for hydrogen generation, thus leading to the improved activity of (0D/3D) MoS 2 /P-rGO in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The overpotential of (0D/3D) MoS 2 /P-rGO was only ∼150 mV vs. RHE, and the corresponding Tafel slope was ∼56 mV Dec −1 , which is comparable to most of the present MoS 2 /Graphene HER catalysts. The (0D/3D) MoS 2 /P-rGO exhibits as an efficient noble metal free HER catalyst, and has great potential for the electrochemical hydrogen production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive free fatty acids (FFAs) accumulation is a leading risk factor for the pathogenesis of insulin resistance (IR) in metabolic tissues, including the liver. Ethanolamine-phosphate phospho-lyase (ETNPPL), a newly identified metabolic enzyme, catalyzes phosphoethanolamine (PEA) to ammonia, inorganic phosphate, and acetaldehyde and is highly expressed in hepatic tissue. Whether it plays a role in regulating FFA-induced IR in hepatocytes has yet to be understood. In this study, we established an in vitro palmitic acid (PA)-induced IR model in human HepG2 cells and mouse AML12 cells with chronic treatment of PA. Next, we overexpressed ETNPPL by using lentivirus-mediated ectopic to investigate the effects of ETNPPL per se on IR without PA stimulation. We show that ETNPPL expression is significantly elevated in PA-induced IR and that silencing ETNPPL ameliorates this IR in hepatocytes. Inversely, overexpressing ETNPPL under normal conditions without PA promotes IR, reactive oxygen species generation, and ARG2 activation in both HepG2 and AML12 cells. Moreover, ETNPPL depletion markedly down-regulates ARG2 expression in hepatocytes. Besides, silencing ARG2 prevents ETNPPL-induced ROS accumulation and inhibition of autophagic flux and IR in hepatocytes. Finally, we found that phytopharmaceutical disruption of ETNPPL by quercetin ameliorates PA-induced IR in hepatocytes. Our study discloses that ETNPPL inhibiting autophagic flux mediates insulin resistance triggered by PA in hepatocytes via ARG2/ROS signaling cascade. Our findings provide novel insights into elucidating the pathogenesis of obesity-associated hepatic IR, suggesting that targeting ETNPPL might represent a potential approach for T2DM therapy. [Display omitted] • ETNPPL is aberrantly upregulated in PA-induced insulin resistance in hepatocytes. • ETNPPL impairing hepatic autophagy via the ARG2-ROS signaling axis contributes to PA-induced hepatic insulin resistance. • Quercetin disrupting ETNPPL ameliorates PA-induced IR in hepatocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers studying heterogeneous catalysis are intrigued by single-atom catalysts (SACs) due to their ultrahigh atomic utilization. However, only a few reports on SAC-catalyzed classical organic transformations are available. In this work, atomically dispersed Pd sites are confined to a ZrO2 hybridized N-doped carbon skeleton with a smart design. UiO-66-NH2 is used to anchor Pd atoms by the coordination of the donor atoms including lone pairs of electrons and metal atoms. Subsequently, the in situ introduction of ZrO2 doping is achieved using pyrolysis, which helps improve the catalytic performance by modulating the electronic state. The Pd@ZrO2/N–C catalyst obtained from the unique design exhibits a high yield (99%) in eco-friendly media with an extremely low noble metal dosage (0.03 mol% Pd) for the Suzuki reaction. Moreover, Pd@ZrO2/N–C remains highly active after being reused several times and possesses versatility in a variety of substrates. This strategy offers a feasible alternative to designing SACs with atomically dispersed noble metals for heterogeneous reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, atomically dispersed Ni–N 3 –C materials are facilely synthesized by the pyrolysis of Ni-doped ZIF-8. Each single Ni atom is proved to be bonded with three N atoms to form Ni–N 3 sites by X-ray absorption spectroscopy. During the pyrolysis at high temperature, the increasing of relative contents and blue-shift binding energy of pyrrolic N can be observed, indicating the Ni might be bonded with pyrrolic N. Moreover, the formation energy (E f) of NiN 3 -pyrrolic structure is smaller than that of NiN 3 -pyridinic calculated by density functional theory (DFT), thus confirming the dominated bonding structure of NiN 3 -pyrrolic further. The optimum material can achieve an ultra-high CO Faradaic efficiency of 99.37% at −0.75 V vs. RHE with a turnover frequency (TOF) of 3498 h−1 and a high CO partial current density of 80 mA cm−2 at −1.15 V vs. RHE, which is among the best Ni catalysts. Based on DFT results, the NiN 3 -pyrrolic sites can facilitate both the formation of COOH* intermediate and desorption of CO, which can also suppress the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) simultaneously, thus resulting in high catalytic activity and selectivity from CO 2 to CO. Electroreduction from CO 2 to CO with high activity and selectivity are achieved on the single-atom Ni–N–C catalyst due to the dominated Ni coordination structure by three pyrrolic N atoms. [Display omitted] • Single Ni atom catalysts were synthesized with Ni-doped ZIF-8 as precursor. • NiN 3 -pyrrolic coordination structure was identified as the dominated active sites. • Ultra-high activity and selectivity for CO 2 reduction towards CO was achieved. • NiN 3 -pyrrolic sites can promote the formation of *COOH intermediate by DFT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a vital half-reaction in several electrochemical energy conversion devices. Herein, we report a hierarchical NiMoO4/NiFe LDH pre-catalyst that enables complete reconstruction and fine structural inheritance, while exhibiting a low overpotential of 188 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in 1.0 M KOH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] In this work, we found that the presence of non-active ZnO crystals greatly accelerated the degradation of Bisphenol A (BPA) by 3.7 folds in the peroxymonosulfate (PMS, HSO 5 −)/Co 3 O 4 system. Our mechanistic study revealed that the ZnO particles would create negative electric microfields around them, which are closely related with the zeta potentials (ζ) of ZnO and affected by solution pH. According to COMSOL simulation, the electrostatic repulsion between ZnO and PMS would drive HSO 5 − toward active Co 3 O 4 surface, leading to the concentration increasing of HSO 5 − around active Co 3 O 4 particles, which will then improve the degradation performance. The particle size of ZnO will also affect the promoting effect greatly by COMSOL simulation. Therefore, this study for the first time reveals synergy of electric microfields for enhanced heterogeneous Fenton-like reactions, providing a low-cost and effective strategy for enhanced persulfate catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few-layered Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene with abundant −O terminations and low oxidation degree is synthesized through a green etching method at near-ambient temperature. [Display omitted] MXene has drawn considerable attention in energy storage due to particular physicochemical properties. At present, among most near-ambient temperature preparation methods, water is usually served as the main solvent. However, MXene is usually subjected to fast structural degradation on account of water molecules attacking in aqueous solution. Herein, we report a novel water-free etching strategy for synthesizing few-layered Ti 3 C 2 T x MXenes in deep eutectic solvents at near-ambient temperature. Benefitting from the absence of water and macromolecular structure of deep eutectic solvents, the as-synthesized few-layered Ti 3 C 2 T x (DES-Ti 3 C 2 T x) MXene presents abundant −O terminations and low oxidation degree. As a consequence, the DES-Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene displays excellent specific capacitance of 320 F/g at 2 mV/s. Impressively, the DES-Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene exhibits splendid long-term stability that 97% specific capacitance retention can be acquired over 50 000 cycles at high current density of 50 A/g. Therefore, this study offers a new thought for preparing high performance MXene-based materials by water-free etching method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient approach was developed to deposit trimetallic nanoparticles (Au-Pd-Fe 3 O 4 ) with diameter of about 10 nm on graphene. The composites were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results indicate that the nanoparticles are homogeneously dispersed on the surface of graphene. As compared with the bimetallic counterparts (Pd-Fe 3 O 4 /rGO, Au-Fe 3 O 4 /rGO), Au-Pd-Fe 3 O 4 /rGO retains highest enzyme mimicking activity. The as-obtained composites becomes efficient and recyclable catalyst for liquid-phase reaction owing to their stability and magnetic separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Na 5 V 12 O 32 (NVO) is a potential cathode for aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs). However, it suffers severe capacity decay due to the dissolution of the active material. The structural design may be an effective solution to the problem. Herein, we construct a typical two-dimensional hierarchical structure of Na 5 V 12 O 32 @graphene (NVO@G) via a facile molten salt method. The capacity fading problem is solved by the in-situ conversion of NVO@G to a more stable hierarchical system during cycling. The in-situ formed zinc pyrovanadate (Zn 3 V 2 O 7 (OH) 2 ·2H 2 O, ZVO) nanosheets on the surface of graphene exhibits excellent zinc-ion storage stability. The presence of graphene induces the growth of NVO nanobelts to construct the typical two-dimensional hierarchical structure. Additionally, the in-situ conversion makes the formed ZVO nanosheets contact with graphene better. Benefitting from the hierarchical nanostructure and in-situ phase conversion, the NVO@G electrode shows excellent long-term stability (96.4% retention after 340 cycles at 0.3 A g−1, 85.7% retention after 4400 cycles at 5 A g−1) and high zinc ion storage capacity (220 mAh g−1 at 0.3 A g−1), which is superior to those of most electrode materials previously reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium borohydride (NaBH 4) has been proposed to be a realizable hydrogen supplier for proton-exchange membrane fuel cell. Cobalt boride (CoB) is one of the most promising non-precious metal-based catalysts toward NaBH 4 hydrolysis. In this work, we develop a facile method to synthesize defects-rich TiO 2 supported CoB nanoparticles (CoB/TiO 2- x). In this CoB/TiO 2- x , an electronic metal-support interaction is induced by transferring electrons from the defective TiO 2 to CoB to form electron-rich CoB particles, facilitating the hydrolysis of NaBH 4. The as-synthesized CoB/TiO 2- x catalyst shows a good catalytic performance with hydrogen generation rate of 3070 mL min−1 g Co −1 and activation energy of 57.03 kJ mol−1. • A one-step and facial method was developed to prepare defect-rich TiO 2 supported CoB for NaBH 4 hydrolysis. • TiO 2 with in-situ evolved defects offers more effective anchoring sites to disperse CoB nanoparticles. • Electronic interaction between defected-TiO 2 and CoB was unveiled to enhance the catalytic activity. • Detailed kinetics study was performed for the NaBH 4 hydrolysis catalyzed by CoB/TiO 2- x. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Identification, characterization and osmotic stress responsive expression of growth-regulating factor genes in grape. The growth and fruit production of grape vine are severely affected by adverse environmental conditions. Growth-regulating factors (GRFs) play a vital role in the regulation of plant growth, reproduction and stress tolerance. However, their biological functions in fruit vine crops are still largely unknown. In the present study, a total number of nine VvGRFs were identified in the grape genome. Phylogenetic and collinear relationship analysis revealed that they formed seven subfamilies, and have gone through three segmental duplication events. All VvGRFs were predicted to be nucleic localized and contained both the conserved QLQ and WRC domains at their N-terminals, one of the typical structural features of GRF proteins. Quantitative real-time PCR analyses demonstrated that all VvGRFs, with a predominant expression of VvGRF7, were constitutively expressed in roots, leaves and stems of grape plants, and showed responsive expression to osmotic stress. Further growth phenotypic analysis demonstrated that ectopic expression of VvGRF7 promoted the growth and sensitivity of transgenic Arabidopsis plants to osmotic stress. Our findings provide important information for the future study of VvGRF gene functions, and potential gene resources for the genetic breeding of new fruit vine varieties with improved fruit yield and stress tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Aqueous zinc-ions batteries with low cost, reliable safety, high theoretical specific capacity and eco-friendliness have captured conspicuous attention in large-scale energy storage. However, the developed cathodes often suffer from low electrical conductivity and sluggish Zn2+ diffusion kinetics, which severely hampers the development of aqueous zinc-ions batteries. Herein, we successfully prepare Mg/PANI/V 2 O 5 •nH 2 O (MPVO) nanosheets through conducting polymers (polyaniline) and metal ions (Mg2+) co-intercalated strategy and systematically explore its electrochemical performance as cathode materials for aqueous zinc-ion batteries. Benefitting from the synergistic effect of polyaniline and Mg2+ co-intercalated, the MPVO exhibits larger interlayer spacing and higher electrical conductivity than the single guest intercalation, which significantly enhances the electrochemical kinetics. As a consequence, the MPVO cathodes deliver superior specific capacity, rate capability and long-term cycling performance. Moreover, multiple characterizations and theoretical calculations are executed to expound the relevant mechanism. Therefore, this work provides a novel thought for the design of high-performance cathode materials for aqueous ZIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]