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Background. Psoriasis, a systemic disorder mediated by the immune system, can appear on the skin, joints, or both. Individuals with cutaneous psoriasis (PsC) have an elevated risk of developing psoriatic arthritis (PsA) during their lifetime. Despite this known association, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying this progression remain unclear. Methods. We performed high-dimensional, in-depth immunophenotyping of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in patients with PsA and psoriasis vulgaris (PsV) by mass cytometry. Blood samples were collected before and after therapy for a longitudinal study. Then three sets of comparisons were made here: active PsA vs. active PsV, untreated PsV vs. treated PsV, and untreated PsA vs. treated PsA. Results. Marked differences were observed in multiple lymphocyte subsets of PsA related to PsV, with expansion of CD4+ T cells, CD16− NK cells, and B cells. Notably, two critical markers, CD28 and CD127, specifically differentiated PsA from PsV. The expression levels of CD28 and CD127 on both Naïve T cells (TN) and central memory CD4+ T cells (TCM) were considerably higher in PsA than PsV. Meanwhile, after treatment, patients with PsV had higher levels of CD28hi CD127hi CD4+ TCM cells, CD28hi CD127hi CD4+ TN cells, and CD16− NK cells. Conclusion. In the circulation of PsA patients, the TN and CD4+ TCM are characterized with more abundant CD28 and CD127, which effectively distinguished PsA from PsV. This may indicate that individuals undergoing PsV could be stratified at high risk of developing PsA based on the circulating levels of CD28 and CD127 on specific cell subsets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Progress in better understanding and modeling Earth surface systems requires an ongoing integration of data and numerical models. Advances are currently hampered by technical barriers that inhibit finding, accessing, and executing modeling software with related datasets. We propose a design framework for Data Components, which are software packages that provide access to particular research datasets or types of data. Because they use a standard interface based on the Basic Model Interface (BMI), Data Components can function as plug-and-play components within modeling frameworks to facilitate seamless data–model integration. To illustrate the design and potential applications of Data Components and their advantages, we present several case studies in Earth surface processes analysis and modeling. The results demonstrate that the Data Component design provides a consistent and efficient way to access heterogeneous datasets from multiple sources and to seamlessly integrate them with various models. This design supports the creation of open data–model integration workflows that can be discovered, accessed, and reproduced through online data sharing platforms, which promotes data reuse and improves research transparency and reproducibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment is conducted to investigate the effect of surface arc plasma actuators (SAPAs) on the transition of a laminar boundary layer on a flat plate in Ma = 3 flow. Schlieren snapshots and the root mean square (RMS) of the image intensity and pressure measurements are analyzed to determine the SAPAs' control performance. Four SAPAs in an array are placed in a spanwise direction to generate perturbations within the laminar boundary layer. The results indicate that a change from laminar to turbulent flow is achieved using SAPAs with a high repetition rate. The SAPAs introduce many thermal disturbance into the boundary layer which involves a lot turbulent structures. As a turbulent flow is formed downstream of the actuators, the RMS of the schlieren intensity (Irms) and the pressure fluctuations (Prms) increase. According to the RMS pressure measurements, the actuators with an actuation frequency of 10 kHz result in a 25% increase in the distance where the transition occurs. The formation of thermal gas bubbles causes trailing vortices associated with a strong shear effect downstream of the actuators. These streamwise vortices interact with the laminar boundary layer first, suggesting significant vortical activity in the boundary layer, whose thickness increases because the width of the Irms is increasing in spanwise direction. Amplification and breakdown of these disturbances eventually lead to the laminar-turbulent transition of the boundary layer. In addition, two higher actuation frequency modes are compared to determine the frequency effect on the laminar-turbulent transition. The Irms results indicate that the transition location moves upstream as the actuation frequency increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid metal halide perovskites with structural diversity and solution processability have been widely investigated for many application scenarios. Recently, fluorine substitution has been developed as an effective path to constructing high-performance molecular phase transition materials. However, reports on the structural dimension engineering and high-temperature phase transition properties of hybrid perovskites by fluorine substitution are rare. Herein, (R-3-FPD)PbBr3 (R-3-FPD = R-3-fluoropiperidinium) and (3,3-DFPD)2PbBr4 (3,3-DFPD = 3,3-difluoropiperidinium) were successfully prepared by H/F substitution of two-dimensional (2D) layered (PD)2PbBr4 (PD = piperidinium) as the parent, which exhibits no observed phase transition behavior. Monofluoride substituted (R-3-FPD)PbBr3 shows a dimensionally reduced one-dimensional (1D) perovskite structure because of the introduction of a chiral organic motif and exhibits high-temperature solid–solid phase transition at 410 K. After further difluoride substitution, (3,3-DFPD)2PbBr4 reverts to the 2D layered perovskite stacking and exhibits phase transition at around 363 K. Besides, they both demonstrate prominent dielectric switching in cycles at around the phase transition point (Tc). Particularly, stable second-order nonlinear optical switching has been observed in (R-3-FPD)PbBr3. This finding provides important inspiration for designing phase transition materials with great application prospects in switch devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptographium qinlingensis is a pathogenic fungus of Pinus armandii that is epidemic in the Qinling Mountains. However, an effective gene interference strategy is needed to characterize the pathogenic genes in this fungus on a functional level. Using the RNA silencing vector pSilent-1 as a template, we established an RNA interference genetic transformation system mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens GV3101, which is suitable for the gene study for Leptographium qinlingensis by homologous recombination and strain interference system screening. The LqFlbA gene was silenced using the RNA interference approach described above, and the resulting transformants displayed various levels of silencing with a gene silencing effectiveness ranging from 41.8% to 91.4%. The LqFlbA-RNAi mutant displayed altered colony morphology, sluggish mycelium growth, and diminished pathogenicity toward the host P. armandii in comparison to the wild type. The results indicate that this method provides a useful reverse genetic system for studying the gene function of L. qinlingensis, and that LqFlbA plays a crucial role in the growth, development, and pathogenicity of L. qinlingensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is primarily recognized as a respiratory pathogen that causes community-acquired pneumonia, which can lead to acute upper and lower airway inflammation and extrapulmonary syndrome. Refractory pneumonia caused by MP can cause severe complications and even be life-threatening, particularly in infants and the elderly. It is well-known that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) represented by miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs have been manifested to be widely involved in the regulation of gene expression. Growing evidence indicates that these ncRNAs have distinct differentiated expression in MP infection and affect multiple biological processes, playing an indispensable role in the initiation and promotion of MP infection. However, the epigenetic mechanisms involved in the development of MP infection remain unclear. This article reviews the mechanisms by which miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs mediate MP infection, such as inflammatory responses, apoptosis and pulmonary fibrosis. Focusing on miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs associated with MP infection could provide new insights into this disease’s early diagnosis and therapeutic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Progress in better understanding and modeling Earth surface systems requires an ongoing integration of data and numerical models. Advances are currently hampered by technical barriers that inhibit finding, accessing, and executing modeling software with related datasets. We propose a design framework for 'Data Components': software packages that provide access to particular research datasets or types of data. Because they use a standard interface based on the Basic Model Interface (BMI), Data Components can function as plug-and-play components within modeling frameworks to facilitate seamless data-model integration. To illustrate the design and potential applications of Data Components and their advantages, we present several case studies in Earth surface processes analysis and modeling. The results demonstrate that the Data Component design provides a consistent and efficient way to access heterogeneous datasets from multiple sources, and to seamlessly integrate them with various models. This design supports the creation of open data-model integration workflows that can be discovered, accessed, and reproduced through online data sharing platforms, which promotes data reuse and improves research transparency and reproducibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface arc plasma actuator array is used to control the shock wave/boundary-layer interaction in a Ma = 2 flow. Two types of interaction are examined. The flow topology of Surface arc plasma actuator array operating at high-frequency is firstly visualized via particle laser scattering (PLS) technique. The results show that two typical flow structures are observed in the discharging process: the thermal gas bubble and the trailing vortices. The high-frame low-exposure schlieren results for flow visualization indicate a significant separation inhibition in both experiments due to an improvement in the mixture upstream of the interaction region and promoting more turbulent structure into the boundary layer. In the baseline, the separation shock oscillates in a low-frequency mode. When plasma actuation is turned on, the spectra change dramatically when compared to the baseline condition without control. There is an apparent frequency shift for separation shock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The FeCoS2/rGO was synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal method, which has the advantages of environmental friendliness and low cost. Dense and homogeneous FeCoS2 nanodots are dispersed in the reduced graphene oxide flakes, which is beneficial to improve catalytic activity. Compared with FeS2/rGO, FeCoS2/rGO exhibits much higher initial discharge capacity and much better capacity retention ratio. The lower activation energy and the relatively narrow peak shape and small reduction/oxidation peak spacing show that FeCoS2/rGO have better catalytic activity than FeS2/rGO. It can be also confirmed by first-principles calculation that the adsorption energy of the Fe site (− 1.8334 eV) and the Co site (− 1.7539 eV) on the FeCoS2 surface is better than that of FeS2. So, the synergistic reaction of Fe and Co will adjust microregional electron density and change binding energy to polysulfides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Root pruning can impact the physiological functions of various plants, which influence phytoremediation. A series of root pruning treatments with different combinations of direction (two-side pruning and four-side pruning) and intensity (10, 25, and 33% pruning) were performed on Celosia argentea L. All two-side pruning treatments, regardless of intensity, decreased the dry biomass of the C. argentea roots at the end of the experiment relative to that of the control. However, the two-side-10% and two-side-25% pruning treatments stimulated the growth rate of the plant leaves significantly by 58.6 and 41.4%, respectively, relative to that of the control, and even offset the weight loss of the plant roots. Contrastingly, the two-side-33% pruning treatment reduced the biomass yield of leaves by 24.1%. For the four-side pruning treatments, the low intensity increased the dry weight of both the plant roots and leaves, while both decreased under high-intensity root pruning. The dry weight, Cd content, pigment level, and photosynthetic efficiency in the four-side-10% treatment were higher than those in the other treatments during the experiment. This study indicates that root pruning with a suitable combination of direction and intensity can positively influence the Cd removal ability of C. argentea. Our study suggests that a suitable root pruning pattern can significantly increase the phytoremediation effect of Celosia argentea L. Compared with chemical and biological regulation including plant hormone application, chemical reagent spraying, and endophytes inoculation which might introduce unpredictable risks into the ecological system, root pruning can be considered as an environmentally friendly physical trigger to modulate physiological features and to induce advantages in plants. This finding can be extrapolated into the real-world easily since root pruning is an established, convenient, and feasible method. We believe readers would be interested in this method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing the rapid, specific, and sensitive tumor marker NDKA biosensor has become an urgent need in the field of early diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) with the advantages of high sensitivity, high resolution as well as providing sample fingerprint, enables rapid and sensitive detection of tumor markers. However, many SERS biosensors rely on boosting the quantity of Raman reporter molecules on individual nanoparticle surfaces, which can result in nanoparticle agglomeration, diminishing the stability and sensitivity of NDKA detection. Here, we proposed an immune-like sandwich multiple hotspots SERS biosensor for highly sensitive and stable analysis of NDKA in serum based on molecularly imprinted polymers and NDKA antibody. The SERS biosensor employs an array of gold nanoparticles, which are coated with a biocompatible polydopamine molecularly imprinted polymer as a substrate to specifically capture NDKA. Then the biosensor detects NDKA through Raman signals as a result of the specific binding of NDKA to the SERS nanotag affixed to the capture substrate along with the formation of multiple hotspots. This SERS biosensor not only avoids the aggregation of nanoparticles but also presents a solution to the obstacles encountered in immune strategies for certain proteins lacking multiple antibody or aptamer binding sites. Furthermore, the practical application of the SERS biosensor is validated by the detection of NDKA in serum with the lower limit of detection (LOD) of 0.25 pg/mL, meanwhile can detect NDKA of 10 ng/mL in mixed proteins solution, illustrating high sensitivity and specificity. This immune-like sandwich multiple hotspots biosensor makes it quite useful for the early detection of CRC and also provides new ideas for cancer biomarker sensing strategy in the future. Working principle of the immune-like sandwich multiple hotspots SERS biosensor. [Display omitted] • An immune-like sandwich multiple hotspots SERS biosensor based on MIP was prepared to detect CRC marker NDKA. • The biosensor can detect trace amounts of NDKA in serum, with a detection limit as low as 0.25 pg/mL. • The biosensor has excellent specificity and is effective against interference from other proteins in the serum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monotonous and repetitive tasks cause vigilance, or sustained attention decrement, which possibly leads to irreparable accident consequences in the aerospace and nuclear industry. Buffering the decrement of vigilance in visual search tasks is essential for cognitive enhancement and ergonomic research. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied to the left frontal eye field (FEF) to improve the performance of the sustained visual search. Twenty-seven healthy participants received anodal and sham tDCS of 2 mA for 28.8 min and completed a visual search task lasting for approximately 40 min without any break. For the online effect, results showed that the d′ hit rate and accuracy under anodal tDCS were significantly higher than those under sham conditions during 0–19.2 min time intervals. For the after-effect, compared with sham, anodal tDCS caused significantly higher d′ in the 10 min after completing the tDCS. Our findings suggest that anodal tDCS over the left FEF could effectively mitigate the decline of visual vigilance performance by buffering cognitive resource depletion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precise and effective manipulation of protein functions still faces tremendous challenges. Herein we report a programmable peptide molecule, consisted of targeting and self‐assembly modules, that enables specific and highly efficient assembly governed by targeting receptor proteins. Upon binding to the cell membrane receptor, peptide conformation is somewhat stabilized along with decreased self‐assembly activation energy, promoting peptide‐protein complex oligomerization. We first design a GNNQQNY‐RGD peptide (G7‐RGD) to recognize integrin αVβ3 receptor for proof‐of‐concept study. In the presence of αVβ3 protein, the critical assembly concentration of free G7‐RGD decreases from 525 to 33 μM and the resultant G7‐RGD cluster drives integrin receptor oligomerization. Finally, a bispecific assembling peptide antiCD3‐G7‐RGD is rationally designed for cancer immunotherapy, which validates CD3 oligomerization and concomitant T cell activation, leading to T cell‐mediated cancer cell cytolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precise and effective manipulation of protein functions still faces tremendous challenges. Herein we report a programmable peptide molecule, consisted of targeting and self‐assembly modules, that enables specific and highly efficient assembly governed by targeting receptor proteins. Upon binding to the cell membrane receptor, peptide conformation is somewhat stabilized along with decreased self‐assembly activation energy, promoting peptide‐protein complex oligomerization. We first design a GNNQQNY‐RGD peptide (G7‐RGD) to recognize integrin αVβ3 receptor for proof‐of‐concept study. In the presence of αVβ3 protein, the critical assembly concentration of free G7‐RGD decreases from 525 to 33 μM and the resultant G7‐RGD cluster drives integrin receptor oligomerization. Finally, a bispecific assembling peptide antiCD3‐G7‐RGD is rationally designed for cancer immunotherapy, which validates CD3 oligomerization and concomitant T cell activation, leading to T cell‐mediated cancer cell cytolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impaired fatty acid oxidation (FAO) is a metabolic hallmark of renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) under diabetic conditions. Disturbed FAO may promote cellular oxidative stress and insufficient energy production, leading to ferroptosis subsequently. Canagliflozin, an effective anti-hyperglycemic drug, may exert potential reno-protective effects by upregulating FAO and inhibiting ferroptosis in RTECs. However, the mechanisms involved remain unclear. The present study is aimed to characterize the detailed mechanisms underlying the impact of canagliflozin on FAO and ferroptosis. Type 2 diabetic db/db mice were administrated daily by gavage with canagliflozin (20 mg/kg/day, 40 mg/kg/day) or positive control drug pioglitazone (10 mg/kg/day) for 12 weeks. The results showed canagliflozin effectively improved renal function and structure, reduced lipid droplet accumulation, enhanced FAO with increased ATP contents and CPT1A expression, a rate-limiting enzyme of FAO, and relieved ferroptosis in diabetic mice. Moreover, overexpression of FOXA1, a transcription factor related with lipid metabolism, was observed to upregulate the level of CPT1A, and further alleviated ferroptosis in high glucose cultured HK-2 cells. Whereas FOXA1 knockdown had the opposite effect. Mechanistically, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and dual-luciferase reporter gene assay results demonstrated that FOXA1 transcriptionally promoted the expression of CPT1A through a sis-inducible element located in the promoter region of the protein. In conclusion, these data suggest that canagliflozin improves FAO and attenuates ferroptosis of RTECs via FOXA1-CPT1A axis in diabetic kidney disease. [Display omitted] • Canagliflozin can ease lipid metabolism disorders and renal dysfunction in diabetic mice. • Canagliflozin can promote fatty acid oxidation and relieve ferroptosis in HK-2 cells cultured with high glucose. • The protective effect of canagliflozin in diabetic kidney disease may be achieved through FOXA1-CPT1A axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Three typical activities of eight sucrose phosphorylases (SPase) were compared. • Fructose remarkably inhibits the glycosylation of l -ascorbic acid by SPase. • Whole-cell transformation is effective for the glycosylation of l -ascorbic acid. • Sucrose feeding strategy increased molar conversion rate of l -ascorbic acid. l -ascorbic acid 2- O - α - d -glucoside (AA-2G), a highly stabilized vitamin C derivative, has been widely applied in cosmetics, foods, and pharmaceuticals. Sucrose phosphorylase (SPase) was recently reported to be effective for producing AA-2G. In this study, SPase from Bifidobacterium breve (BbrSPase) was identified as a new AA-glycosylating tool with high activity and good thermostability. The optimal conditions for AA glycosylation are pH 5.5 and 55 °C. The K m and k c a t when sucrose was applied as a glycosyl donor were 2.72 ± 0.49 mM and 9.70 ± 0.10 s−1, respectively. The transglycosylation activity was seriously inhibited by fructose, which caused a sharp decline in the glycosylation rate but did not necessarily stop the yield of AA-2G due to the high affinity to sucrose. Therefore, to attenuate the inhibition of fructose, a new sucrose batch-feeding strategy was developed for the effective production of AA-2G. The maximum titer was 185 g/L within 72 h. The molar conversion rate of l -AA reached 50.2 %, which is the highest conversion rate to our knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large temperature gradient resulted from rapid heat dissipation and a long process period in the hot deformation of aluminum alloy causes complex microstructure evolutions. Accurate constitutive models describing the evolution of the microstructures over a wide temperature range are acquired. Thus, a physically-based continuous dynamic recrystallization constitutive model combined with grain fragmentation and subgrain rotation was established in this investigation. Uniaxial hot compression tests for aluminum alloy 2219 were conducted at temperatures of 250 °C–450 °C and the evolution of microstructures were analyzed via metallographic technique. Then internal state variables were proposed to describe the migration of grain boundary, dislocation density, average grain boundary misorientation, and subgrain/grain size. The net torque on the grain is introduced to precisely describe the progressive subgrain rotation mechanism. Moreover, geometrically necessary dislocations are considered to reasonably simulate the rise in flow stress associated with grain fragmentation. The results show that continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDRX) and dynamic recovery are the main softening mechanisms. The CDRX mechanism is gradually changed from grain fragmentation to subgrain rotation due to the increase in temperature. The new constitutive model may precisely predict the flow stresses, subgrain/grain size, and average misorientation in the wide temperature range. Comparing with the existing continuous dynamic recrystallization model which only considers subgrain rotation, the overestimate of the grain size in the low-temperature range is avoided in the new constitutive model. Furthermore, the contributions of the grain fragmentation to the increase in strain hardening can reasonably be covered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green funds play pivotal roles in driving corporate sustainable development. Utilizing data from Chinese publicly listed companies from 2010 to 2021, we examine the impact of green funds on corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance and the underlying mechanisms. The research findings claim that green funds positively affect corporate ESG performance. Mechanism analysis systematically demonstrates that green funds contribute to elevated corporate ESG performance by alleviating financial constraints, enhancing managerial efficiency, and fostering green innovation. Heterogeneity analysis further underscores that the effect of green funds is particularly potent in companies with high external attention. Furthermore, green funds also play significant roles in production capabilities and economic value. This research enriches the micro-level evidence on the development of green funds and furnishes substantial implications for sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly uniform and monodisperse silica-encapsulated Au@Ag multilayered core-shell nanorods (~ 80 nm in length) has been prepared with excellent electrocatalytic properties. Using the Au@Ag@SiO2 nanoassemblies to substantially enhance the sensitivity and the sol-gel molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) with imprinted cavities to present special molecular recognition sites, a novel electrochemical sensing platform was rationally designed, fabricated, and tested for efficient theobromine (THB) quantification. The formation of final Au@Ag@SiO2@MIP was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The performance of the Au@Ag@SiO2@MIP modified electrode was evaluated by differential pulse voltammetry with the changes in peak current of hexacyanoferrate redox probe measured at a working potential of 0.2 V (vs. saturated calomel electrode) as determination signal. Under optimal conditions, the quantitation of THB was attained in a broad linear range from 10 nM to 100 μM with a detection limit of 8.0 nM. The selectivity of Au@Ag@SiO2@MIP was examined according to its recognition to THB and the interferents. Finally, the sensing platform was successfully applied to extract and determine THB from food, biological, and environmental samples with acceptable recoveries (92.20–107.1%) and relative standard deviation < 4%. The propsed sensor provides a robust means for monitoring alkaloids in complex matrices and a promising opportunity to develop sensitive and selective electrode materials with good reusability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Noninvasive brain stimulation methods, including high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) and theta burst stimulation (TBS) have emerged as novel tools to modulate and explore brain function. However, the relative efficacy of these newer stimulation approaches for modulating cognitive functioning remains unclear. This study investigated the cognitive effects of HD-tDCS, intermittent TBS (iTBS) and prolonged continuous TBS (ProcTBS) and explored the potential of these approaches for modulating hypothesized functions of the left posterior parietal cortex (PPC). Methods: Twenty-two healthy volunteers attended four experimental sessions in a cross-over experimental design. In each session, participants either received HD-tDCS, iTBS, ProcTBS or sham, and completed cognitive tasks, including a divided attention task, a working memory maintenance task and an attention task (emotional Stroop test). Results: The results showed that compared to sham, HD-tDCS, iTBS and ProcTBS caused significantly faster response times on the emotional Stroop task. The effect size (Cohen's d) was d =.32 for iTBS (p <.001),.21 for ProcTBS (p =.01) and.15 for HD-tDCS (p =.044). However, for the performance on the divided attention and working memory maintenance tasks, no significant effect of stimulation was found. Conclusions: The results suggest that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation techniques, including TBS, may have greater efficacy for modulating cognition compared with HD-tDCS, and extend existing knowledge about specific functions of the left PPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One hundred known species belong to the genus Lindera (Lauraceae) and rich in chemical structure types. The branch leaves of Lindera fragrans Oliv. show the special curative effect of treating gastroenteritis and gastric ulcer. There are not comparatively detailed reports carried on studying the chemical composition and bioactivity of L.fragrans. Objective: This paper reports the chemical investigation and biological evaluation of the L.fragrans. Materials and Methods: The petroleum ether and ethyl acetate soluble part of L.fragrans was isolated using chromatographic methods, and the structures of these compounds were identified by comparison of their spectroscopic data with those reported in the literature. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide method was used to determine the antitumor activity of the isolated compounds. Results: Twelve compounds were isolated from the leaves of L.fragrans and classified as six alkaloids (1–6), three flavonoids (7–9), two aromatics (10 and 11), and one anthraquinone (12). The study of antitumor activity showed that compounds 3–5 had weak antitumor activities with the half maximal inhibitory values ranging from 71.97 to 94.69 μM. Conclusion: All of these compounds were isolated from this plant for the first time and compounds 3–6, 8, and 9 were first reported from the genus Lindera. Compounds 3–5 exhibited weak antitumor activities. The chemical investigation of the leaves of Lindera fragrans resulted in the isolation of 12 compounds including six alkaloids (1–6), three flavonoids (7–9), two aromatics (10 and 11), one anthraquinone (12). The isolated compounds 3–9 were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against melanoma, glioma, and hepatoma cells by MTT method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sluggish conversion kinetics of polysulfides and its unprevented dissolution will lead to loss of active sulfur and act as the biggest obstacle for the widespread use of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. However, it is a great challenge to simultaneously response to the above-mentioned multiple requirements by the adoption of single catalyst. Herein, by incorporating the merits of strong adsorption and high electron conductivity of Ni 3 S 2 with good catalytic of MoS 2 , a self-supported heterojunction MoS 2 -Ni 3 S 2 catalyst has been developed with uniform rod-like morphology, which can provide larger specific surface area, better compensation of electrons, more effective catalysis, and faster solid phase transformation compare to its single component catalyst. Theoretical calculations and mechanism analyses suggest that the heterojunctions exhibit a synergistic process of "adsorption-diffusion-conversion" for polysulfides (LiPSs) and effectively facilitate the liquid-solid phase conversion(Li 2 S 6 →Li 2 S 2 /Li 2 S). Integrating the merits of Ni 3 S 2 and MoS 2 , MoS 2 -Ni 3 S 2 heterojunctions catalytic cathode deliver a good cycling stability with 70 % capacity retention after 150 cycles at 0.2 C with a high sulfur loading of 5.0 mg cm−2. Therefore, this work proposed a feasible catalyst design of bi-metal sulfides heterostructure which can simultaneously meet multiple kinetics requirements of Li-S system. • Designing a self-supported heterojunction MoS 2 -Ni 3 S 2 catalyst to achieve efficient catalysis in Li-S battery. • Investigating the "adsorption-diffusion-conversion " synergistic catalytic effect. • Enhancing the liquid-solid phase conversion(Li 2 S 6 →Li 2 S 2 /Li 2 S) in Li-S batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2- O - α - D -glucopyranosyl- L -ascorbic acid (AA-2G), a stable glucoside derivative of L -ascorbic acid (L -AA), can be one-step synthesized by sucrose phosphorylase (SPase). In this study, we attempted to produce extracellular SPase in Bacillus subtilis WB800 for the food-grade production of AA-2G. The results showed that the secretion of SPases did not require signal peptide. Promoter and its compatibility to target SPase gene were proved to be the key factors for high-level secretion. The strong promoter P 43 and synthetic SPase gene derived from Bifidobacterium longum (BloSPase) were selected due to generate a relatively high extracellular activity (0.94 U/mL) for L -AA glycosylation. A highly active dual-promoter system P sigH -100-P 43 was further constructed, which produced the highest extracellular and intracellular activity were 5.53 U/mL and 6.85 U/mL in fed-batch fermentation, respectively. Up to 113.58 g/L of AA-2G could be achieved by the supernatant of fermentation broth and a higher yield of 146.42 g/L was obtained by whole-cells biotransformation. Therefore, the optimal dual-promoter system in B. subtilis is suitable for the food-grade scale-up production of AA-2G. • Sucrose phosphorylases (SP) are secreted by non-classical mode in Bacillus subtilis. • Compatibility of promoter and gene sequence limits extracellular production of SP. • The optimal dual-promoter structure P sigH -100-P 43 was constructed. • Up to 113 g/L of L -ascorbic acid glucoside was obtained by the extracellular SP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • MnO x is added into Ni-SDC as the anode for SOFCs fed with methanol. • The addition of MnO x decreases the anodic polarization resistance. • The single cell exhibits a maximum power density of 722 mW cm−2 at 700 °C. • The redox cycle of the Mn species facilitates the oxidation of the deposited carbon. Abstract Ni-MnO x -Ce 0.8 Sm 0.2 O 1.9 (SDC) composites are synthesized and investigated as anode materials of solid oxide fuel cells fed with methanol. The lowest anodic polarization resistance is obtained when the molar ratio of Mn to Ni is 0.05:0.95. The high catalytic activity is attributed to the transfer of electrons from Ni to Mn and the increase of the content of the lattice oxygen in the anode. The single cell with that anode and SDC-carbonate composite electrolyte exhibits a maximum power density of 722 mW cm−2 at 700 °C. Mn also increases the resistance to carbon deposition of the anode due to the high lattice oxygen content and the redox cycle of the Mn species. The stability of the single cell is enhanced with the increase of the content of Mn in the anode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Ni 1-x Zn x O-Ce 0.8 Sm 0.2 O 1.9 is studied as an anode material for solid oxide fuel cells with hydrogen and methanol as fuels. After reduction, Zn is incorporated into the lattice of Ni when x is less than 0.5, while NiZn alloy accompanied with ZnO is formed when x reaches 0.8. The electrochemical oxidation process of H 2 on the anode is investigated with a symmetric cell under various H 2 partial pressures. The addition of Zn increases the electron cloud density of Ni and thus weakens the adsorbing strength of H on Ni, accelerating the surface diffusion of H species, which is the rate determining step when the content of Zn is lower than 0.5. ZnO in the reduced Ni 0·2 Zn 0·8 O- Ce 0.8 Sm 0.2 O 1.9 anode facilitates H spillover, resulting in the variation of the rate determining step and the highest activity of the anode. The cell with Ni 0·2 Zn 0·8 O- Ce 0.8 Sm 0.2 O 1.9 anode shows the highest performance with both H 2 and methanol fuels at 700 °C. ZnO also improves coking resistance of NiO-Ce 0.8 Sm 0.2 O 1.9 anode. Highlights • Ni 1-x Zn x O-SDC is studied as an anode for SOFC fed with H 2 and methanol. • ZnO accelerates surface diffusion of active species on NiO-SDC anode. • P max of 720 and 834 mW cm−2 are achieved at 700 °C with H 2 and methanol fuels. • ZnO improves coking resistance of NiO-SDC anode in methanol atmosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Ce 0.8 Sm 0.2 O 1.9 powder is impregnated with LaNi 0.9 Co 0.1 O 3 as an anode of SOFCs. • LaNi 0.9 Co 0.1 O 3 forms Ni-Co nanoparticles after reduction. • The oxide supporter suppresses the sintering of the metallic nanoparticles. • The LNC-SDC anode shows a higher catalytic activity than conventional Ni-SDC anodes. • The cell fed with methanol shows a maximum power density of 872 mW cm−2 at 700 °C. Abstract Ce 0.8 Sm 0.2 O 1.9 (SDC) powder is impregnated with LaNi 0.9 Co 0.1 O 3 (LNC) to form a composite anode for solid oxide fuel cells with methanol as fuel. Nanoparticles of Ni-Co alloy are derived from LNC after reduction. The composite anode shows a sufficient electrical conductivity when the weight ratio of Ni to SDC reaches 0.1, which is much lower than the amount of Ni required in conventional Ni-SDC anodes. The aggregation of Ni-Co nanoparticles in the reduced anode is suppressed by the oxide supporter, resulting in an improved catalytic activity. The single cell with LNC-SDC composite anode and SDC-carbonate composite electrolyte exhibits a maximum power density of 872 mW cm−2 at 700 °C with gasified methanol as the fuel, much higher than that of the cell with a NiCo-SDC anode under the same condition. The amount of carbon deposited on the anode in methanol atmosphere decreases with the decline of the LNC content. The cells with LNC-SDC composite anodes exhibit stable performances during a 500-minute discharge period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Morphology–dependent electrocatalytic activity of Cu 2 O polyhedrons towards phenols. • Signal enhancement of graphene oxide reinforced octahedral Cu 2 O crystals. • An electrochemical sensor for simultaneous detection of 4–AP, 4–CP, and 4–NP. • Successful application of the sensor to detect the phenols in industrial wastewater. Abstract A series of Cu 2 O crystals with well–controlled cubic (C–Cu 2 O), star–shaped (S–Cu 2 O), and octahedral (O–Cu 2 O) structures were prepared by facile wet chemical method to explore the morphology–dependent electrocatalytic efficiency. When tested for the sensing of 4−aminophenol (4–AP), 4−chlorophenol (4–CP), and 4−nitrophenol (4–NP), it was found that the O–Cu 2 O exhibited the best current signals, which were mainly because of its more exposed {111} facets and higher surface area. Further, O–Cu 2 O crystals were homogeneously dispersed on graphene oxide (GO) surface to achieve a hierarchical reinforcement structure. The electrode modified by O–Cu 2 O@GO showed high electrocatalytic activity toward the oxidation of 4–AP, 4–CP, and 4–NP, and could realize the selective detection of phenolic compounds in ternary electrolyte solutions and industrial wastewater. This work is beneficial to morphology tailoring and provides novel way to improve the electrochemical property of oxide–based catalysts as the promising applications in electrochemical sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the Ag@Cu particles with yolk–shell nanostructure was prepared by facile solvothermal method, which was modified on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) to fabricate electrochemical sensor for the convenient and fast determination of p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA). The surface morphology and electrochemical properties of the as-prepared Ag@Cu nanocomposite modified electrode were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, chronocoulometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Further, the electrochemical sensing of PABA was performed on the Ag@Cu/GCE using cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry techniques, showing high catalytic activity. Under the optimal conditions, the sensor exhibited a wide linear range, high sensitivity, and low detection limit of 0.315 μmol/L for PABA. The developed sensor was also successfully applied for PABA detection in anesthetic and cosmetics with satisfactory results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we report a three-dimensional (3D) network molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) on electrode surface to achieve an efficient and specific detection of theophylline in foodstuffs, using theophylline as the template molecule, mesoporous silica nanospheres (MSNs) as the signal transducer to shuttle electrons, and both phenyltriethoxysilane and pyrrole as functional monomers. The electron microscope images reveal the presence of well-distributed hierarchically MSNs with a pomegranate-like morphology, topped with MIP uniform layer. Electrochemical characterizations were carried out to monitor the properties of the resulting sensing platform based on the MIP/gate effect employing hexacyanoferrate molecules as the electrochemical probe. The data show that due to the high conductivity and electron transfer ability of the prepared theophylline-imprinted membrane, this method exhibits excellent sensitivity and binding affinity with a linear dynamic concentration range in excess of six orders of magnitude and low detection limit (0.66 nM), meeting the requirements of theophylline trace analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Novel carbendazim sensing platform with wide linear range and low detection limit. • Deep investigation on the signal enhancement and oxidation mechanism. • Practical application in ground water, soil and cucumber samples with good accuracy. Abstract Graphene nanosheets (GS) with approximately 10–15 layers was prepared via ultrasonic exfoliation of graphite powder in N -methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), and confirmed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). X–ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) and Raman spectra were employed to get further insights into the structural characteristics of exfoliated GS. On the surface of the GS modified glassy carbon electrode (GS/GCE), oxidation signals corresponding to carbendazim, a widely used pesticide, were greatly improved due to the higher accumulation ability, as determined by chronocoulometry. The oxidation mechanism of carbendazim was studied using a rotating disk electrode, and two electrons were transferred. Depending on the signal amplification of GS, a highly sensitive analytical platform for carbendazim was constructed. The linear range was from 1.0 to 300.0 μg L−1 (0.005–1.57 μM), and the detection limit was 0.15 μg L−1 (0.78 nM). Finally, this newly developed sensor was used to detect carbendazim in ground water, soil, and cucumber samples with satisfactory accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This work reported the simple and direct detection of 3,3′,5,5′‑tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) by a polydopamine imprinted electrochemical sensor. The imprinted film was directly prepared by electropolymerization of dopamine on a glassy carbon electrode in the presence of template molecule, and then characterized using electrochemical probe of potassium ferricyanide, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. It was found that the obtained sensing film greatly enhanced the oxidation signals of TBBPA due to strong accumulation ability. The influences of electropolymerization conditions (e.g. template concentration, scan cycles and scan rates), accumulation time and pH value were studied. The developed sensing platform exhibited good reproducibility, excellent sensitivity and selectivity, offering a low detection limit (0.27 nM) and a linear range from 1 to 50 nM. It was applied for TBBPA detection in plastic e-waste samples, and the results were consistent with those obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a facile solution approach was developed for the synthesis of a series of core–shell structured Ag@Cu 2 O nanocrystals of various shapes including triangles, spheres, and cubes with well–defined stable heterojunctions. The electrooxidation of dopamine (DA), uric acid (UA), guanine (G), and adenine (A) using these hybrids revealed morphology–dependent sensing properties, with activities and accumulation ability following the order, triangular Ag@Cu 2 O > spherical Ag@Cu 2 O > cubic Ag@Cu 2 O. Further, we constructed a novel graphene oxide (GO) nanosheet–reinforced triangular Ag@Cu 2 O ternary hetero–nanostructure. Such a hybrid with a three–dimensional interconnected hierarchical architecture is suitable for catalysis, since it not only leads to improved interfacial electron transfer, but also readily exposes the highly catalytic Ag@Cu 2 O to the reactants. Therefore, more enhanced electrochemical activities were observed for the oxidation of DA, UA, G, and A. This study provides an efficient way to synthesize morphology–controlled Ag@Cu 2 O heterogeneous catalysts for the fabrication of potential biosensors, and also opens up attractive avenues in the design of multifunctional ternary noble metal–semiconductor–carbon hybrids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is generally accepted that inflammation plays a key role in anxiety and depression induced by diabetes. However, the underlying mechanism and effective treatment method of these diabetes-associated behavior disorders remain to be determined. In the present study, we attempted to illuminate the implication of zeaxanthin in anxiety, depression and neuroinflammation caused by hyperglycemia, and further elaborate the relevant mechanism under these neuropsychiatric disorders. In the current work, diabetic rats were induced by high glucose and fat diet followed by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozocin, and zeaxanthin was orally administration every day (From 6th to 19th week). Diabetes-associated anxiety and depression were assessed using open field test (OFT) and Forced swimming test (FST) respectively. Moreover, the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in hippocampus were tested using ELISA and WB. Data showed that long-term zeaxanthin treatment improve diabetic symptoms and alleviate anxiety and depression in diabetic rats. Furthermore, excessive production of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α could be reduced with zeaxanthin treatment. In conclusion, we suggested that zeaxanthin can ameliorate diabetes-associated anxiety and depression, inhibit inflammation in diabetic rats. Our results could provide a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of abnormal behavior induced by hyperglycemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An array of 16 surface arc plasma actuators (SAPAs) is employed to control the shock wave boundary layer interaction (SWBLI) at a 26° compression ramp in a Mach 2.0 flow. A new electrical circuit is used to actuate all 16 SAPAs. The electrical measurement reveals significant augmentation in peak current (200 A) and an energy deposition of 1.05 J, which are the nominal characteristics of the setup. The SAPA array is later applied for SWBLI control. The actuator array is placed upstream of the SWBLI and operates at four different frequencies, namely, 500 Hz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz, and 5 kHz. In the wind tunnel experiment, high-speed schlieren at 25 000 frames per second is used for flow visualization. The shock wave system is modified significantly by the controlling gas blobs (CGBs) or controlling gas bulbs (CGBUs) generated by SAPAs. The foot portion of the separation shock wave disappears, and the oblique shock wave bifurcates when the CGBs pass through the interaction region. The shock weakening effect is further verified through the rms of the schlieren intensity of the same phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The arc discharge plasma actuator (ADPA) has wide application prospects in high‐speed flow control because of its local heating effect and strong disturbance. In this paper, the influence of ambient pressure, which ranges from 3 to 20 kPa, on the performance of a two‐electrode ADPA is investigated by a schlieren system. The duration of the arc heated region, as well as its area, is extracted by image processing. As the ambient pressure increases, different flow field evolutions occur. The duration of the ADPA heated region increases with the ambient pressure. The maximum duration reaches 1185.3 µs at 20 kPa. The velocity of the discharge‐induced blast shock wave first decreases gradually and then remains at 345 m/s for all air pressures. The blast shock wave has a higher velocity at lower pressures when it is freshly produced. A maximum blast shock wave velocity of 582 m/s is observed at the pressure of 7 kPa. The arc heated region is not sensitive to ambient pressure, but the deposited energy from the arc increases when the pressure increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ni 1-x Co x O-Ce 0.8 Sm 0.2 O 1.9 (SDC) composite is investigated as an anode material for solid oxide fuel cells with methanol as fuel. The interaction between NiO and SDC phases is enhanced by Co. Besides, Co reduces the particle size and improves the dispersion of Ni 1-x Co x O by inhibiting the grain growth of NiO, which results in larger three-phase boundary in the anode layer. The Ni 0.9 Co 0.1 -SDC anode shows the lowest polarization resistance. A maximum power density of 675 mW cm −2 is achieved by a single cell with Ni 0.9 Co 0.1 -SDC anode and SDC-carbonate composite electrolyte at 700 °C. Co also increases the resistance to carbon deposition of the anode and decreases the graphitization degree of deposited carbon with methanol as fuel. The cell with the Ni 0.9 Co 0.1 -SDC anode exhibits a stable performance during a 500-min discharge period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work is focused on a typical core-shell-structured SiO@TiO-based imprinted polymer composite, employed as a molecular recognition and sensing interface in the construction of an innovative electrochemical sensor. Herein, the methacrylic acid and a bronchodilator drug, theophylline, were used as functional monomer and template, respectively. The SiO@TiO served as a potential signal transducer to shuttle electrons between the binding sites and the electrode. Such modification induced an electrocatalytic effect and thereby greatly improved the electrode kinetics. The analytical features of the developed theophylline sensor have been accessed, and the results have indicated that an increase of differential pulse voltammetric current as compared to the corresponding traditional imprinted polymer modified electrode. Moreover, the sensor has showed high sensitivity, wider linear range (0.01-40 μM), lower detection limit (1.2 nM), and satisfactory long-term stability, which was validated with the complex matrices of tea, human blood serum, and urine, without any matrix effect and cross-reactivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene oxide−wrapped hierarchical hollow structured SnO 2 spheres were fabricated by hydrothermal strategy and applied to the sensitive electrochemical sensing of phenolic compounds. The as−prepared new nanocomposite modified electrode characterized by morphology, X−ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance, and electroactive surface area suggested its efficiency for the individual and simultaneous sensing of 4−aminophenol (4−AP) and 4−chlorophenol (4−CP), exhibiting as the remarkable increase in peak currents compared with SnO 2 or graphene oxide modified electrodes. After optimization of electrochemical parameters, the detection limits of 2.2 nM for 4−AP and 3.1 nM for 4−CP were obtained using differential pulse voltammetric method. Finally, the application of the modified electrode in real water samples was evaluated, indicating that it could be used as an excellent platform for the detection of phenolic pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study presents a new approach for rapid and ultrasensitive detection of maltol using a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with graphene oxide-wrapped tin oxide@carbon nanospheres (SnO 2 @C@GO). The morphological and components properties of SnO 2 @C@GO nanocomposites were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. SnO 2 @C@GO nanocomposite on a GCE had a synergetic effect on the electrochemical oxidation of maltol by means of square wave voltammetry. Under the optimum conditions, anodic peak current response of maltol was linear with its concentration in the range of 80 nM–10 μM, and a detection limit of 12 nM was achieved for maltol. The experiment results presented that the method showed good selectivity, sensitivity, reproducibility, and long-term stability, as well as excellent potential for use as an ideal inexpensive voltammetric method applicable for complex food matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hierarchical triple-shelled porous hollow zinc oxide spheres (ZnO TPHS) were conveniently synthesized via a hard template method. And the ZnO TPHS were then wrapped into graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets though electrostatic attraction after being amino-functionalized. The composition of ZnO TPHS@GO hybrid was determined using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopic analysis, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectra. The morphology of ZnO TPHS@GO hybrid was comprised of ZnO nanoparticles and ultrathin GO nanosheets that were characterized with scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The porous hollow structure and intimate contact between ZnO TPHS and GO interfaces provided a large surface area and high electron transfer activity for synthetic antioxidants in an acidic electrolyte. Based on this, a novel electrochemical sensor for the simultaneous determination of tert -butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) has been constructed using ZnO TPHS@GO as sensing material. Under optimal conditions, the developed sensor exhibited excellent electrochemical responses in the co-detection of TBHQ and BHA, with limits of detection of 0.137 and 0.0488 μM (S/N = 3), respectively. Besides, the selectivity, reproducibility and application in edible vegetable oil samples were also investigated. This study proposed a novel method of fabrication of metal oxide-decorated GO-based materials for the fabrication of sensitive electrochemical sensors that met the needs of food safety control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Behavioral and neurological studies have revealed that emotions influence moral cognition. Although moral stimuli are emotionally charged, the time course of interactions between emotions and moral judgments remains unknown. In the present study, we investigated the temporal dynamics of the interaction between emotional processes and moral cognition. The results revealed that when making moral judgments, the time course of the event-related potential (ERP) waveform was significantly different between high emotional arousal and low emotional arousal contexts. Different stages of processing were distinguished, showing distinctive interactions between emotional processes and moral reasoning. The precise time course of moral intuition and moral reasoning sheds new light on theoretical models of moral psychology. Specifically, the N1 component (interpreted as representing moral intuition) did not appear to be influenced by emotional arousal. However, the N2 component and late positive potential were strongly affected by emotional arousal; the slow wave was influenced by both emotional arousal and morality, suggesting distinct moral processing at different emotional arousal levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • ZnFe-LDH loaded on MBC was prepared by co-precipitation method. • The composite exhibited outstanding adsorption capacity for OTC at 426.61 mg/g. • Multiple physical and chemical mechanisms were involved in OTC adsorption. • Plant invasion control and pollutants removal was accomplished simultaneously. Antibiotic contamination in water has been an increasing global concern, and how to effectively remove antibiotics (e.g., oxytetracycline [OTC] hydrochloride) from wastewater becomes imperative. In this study, the biochar derived from an invasive plant (Mikania micrantha Kunth) was synthesized with Zn/Fe- layered double hydroxide (LDH) by co-precipitation method (ZnFe-LDH/MBC) to remove OTC from water. ZnFe-LDH/MBC posed the highest OTC removal performance of 426.61 mg/g. ZnFe-LDH/MBC exhibited stability and efficiency in OTC adsorption at different pH levels and under interfering conditions with co-existing ions, as well as outstanding regeneration capabilities during adsorption–desorption cycles. Furthermore, the removal of OTC by ZnFe-LDH/MBC was mediated by several processes including pore filling, hydrogen bonding force, electrostatic interaction, π-π interaction, as well as complexation. Consequently, ZnFe-LDH/MBC has excellent potential for the purification of OTC pollutants that is low-cost, efficient, and environmentally friendly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prosocial helping behavior is a highly valued social practice across societies, but the willingness to help others varies among persons. In our opinion, that willingness should be associated with the sensitivity to helping outcome at the individual level – that is, increasing as a function of positive outcome sensitivity but decreasing as a function of negative outcome sensitivity. To examine this possibility, we asked participants to make helping decisions in a series of hypothetical scenarios, which provided outcome feedback (positive/negative) of those decisions. Event-related potential (ERP) response to helping outcome was recorded, such that the feedback-related negativity (FRN) and P300 were supposed to reflect the sensitivity to negative outcome and positive outcome, respectively. After the formal task, participants were asked if they would like to donate money to a charity. Consistent with our hypothesis, we found that compared to those who were not willing to donate, the participants who donated money (22 of 41 individuals) showed a smaller FRN but a larger P300. Among these participants, the amount of donation was negatively correlated with FRN response to negative outcome, but positively correlated with P300 response to positive outcome. These findings support the importance of helping outcome sensitivity to prosocial behavior. • Individual difference in the willingness to help is an unsolved issue. • That willingness should be associated with the sensitivity to helping outcome. • We asked participants to decide whether to donate after a hypothetical helping task. • Participants who donated showed a smaller FRN but a larger P300 elicited by helping outcome. • Donation amount was negatively correlated with FRN but positively correlated with P300. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A selective and sensitive electrochemical sensor has been prepared for the determination of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) in complex matrices. It was fabricated by thoroughly mixing multiwall carbon nanotube@SnS (MWNT@SnS) with molecularly imprinted chitosan (CHIT), and then covering on the surface of glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The core/shell-structured MWNT@SnS dramatically improved the sensitivity of the developed sensor through providing increased binding and preconcentration onto the modified GCE, while CHIT imprinted with BAP served as the selective recognition sites. Several experimental parameters such as pH, amount of modifier, extraction time, and incubation time were optimized. Under the optimal conditions, selective detection of BAP in a linear concentration range of 0.1 nM-10 mM was performed with the detection limit of 50 pM (3 S/ S). The relative standard deviation of repeatability and reproducibility of the sensor was 1.14 and 2.42 %, respectively. Furthermore, the sensor was successfully applied to the determination of BAP in vegetable and fruit samples, indicating the molecularly imprinted polymer-based electrochemical sensing platform might provide a rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective strategy for BAP determination and related food safety analysis. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A template-activated strategy was developed to construct core/shell structured carbon sphere@silver composite based on one-pot hydrothermal treatment. The CS@Ag possessed a uniform three-dimensional interconnected microstructure with an enlarged surface area and catalytic activity, which was further mechanically protected by graphene oxide (GO) nanolayers to fabricate intriguing configuration, which was beneficial for efficiently preventing the aggregation and oxidation of AgNPs and improving the electrical conductivity through intimate contact. By immobilizing this special material on electrode surface, the CS@Ag@GO was further used for sensitive determination of chlorinated phenols including 2-chlorophenol, 4-chlorophenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol. The tailored structure, fast electron transfer ability and facile preparation of CS@Ag@GO made it a promising electrode material for practical applications in phenols sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We reported an electrochemical sensor with specificity toward maltol with rapid response and high sensitivity, using graphene oxide (GO)-wrapped amino-functionalized carbon sphere (ACS) hybrids as the conductive channel. The results indicated that a well-organized structure was successfully prepared, based on specific electrostatic attractions between the ACS and the GO nanosheets. Next, a sensitive and selective electrochemical sensor was successfully constructed for the direct detection of maltol by casting a GO-ACS film onto the surface of a glassy carbon electrode. The oxidative peak current increased linearly with the concentration of maltol in the range of 0.1 µM∼0.8 mM using differential pulse voltammetry, and the detection limit was 24 nM with S/N=3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we report a facile route to synthesize yolk–shell structured copper oxide@silica oxide (CuO@SiO 2 ) spheres and their application to construct an electrochemical Formoterol fumarate (FF) sensor. The CuO@SiO 2 was characterized by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Further, FF was electrocatalytically oxidized at the CuO@SiO 2 film modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE), which led to a sensitive determination of FF. The oxidation current of FF was linear with concentration in the range of 0.030–10 μM and the detection limit was found to be 5.0 nM (S/N = 3). The observed analytical parameters such as wide linear range, low detection limit and short response time were superior to previously reported FF sensors. Finally, it was demonstrated that the proposed sensor could be used for the selective determination of FF present in swine feed and tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work designed a simple, sensitive, low-cost, and disposable electrochemical platform for the detection of antibiotic rifampicin (RIF) by using a hollow manganese oxide@mesoporous silica oxide (Mn3O4@SiO2) core-shell nanohybrid as sensitive material. The Mn3O4@SiO2 core-shell nanohybrid, prepared by a facile polyacrylic acid soft templating method, was applied to modify a homemade carbon paste microelectrode, which provided a feasible pathway for electron transfer of RIF due to the low density, large surface area, excellent loading capacity, high permeability, and abundant amount of active sites. The electrocatalytic behavior was further used for sensitive detection of RIF by square wave voltammetry. Under optimal conditions, the calibration curve was linear in the range from 30 nmol/L to 3.0 μmol/L. The electrochemical method showed good stability, reproducibility, and selectivity. It could effectively be applied to the determination of RIF in human serum and urine samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple coupled synthesis and encapsulation route was developed to fabricate monodisperse, uniform Ag@C@Ag core–shell structured nanocomposites with excellent electrochemical and catalytic properties, in which Ag nanoparticles were first encapsulated in a carbonaceous shell through the catalyzed dehydration of glucose under hydrothermal conditions, and then the surface-activated Ag@C spheres were subsequently used to accumulate [Ag(NH3)2]+ or Ag+ ions through electrostatic attraction to anchor the Ag coating. The as-prepared nanocomposites were demonstrated to have a great potential for the simultaneous multiplexed detection of thymol and phenol, and exhibited high sensitivity and good reproducibility. In addition, the practical analytical application of the sensing platform was assessed by the determination of thymol and phenol in real honey samples, and satisfactory results were achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a facile strategy for preparing Ag nanoparticles with a carbon shell by hydrothermal method, and the effect of Ag source concentration on the resultant stability and sphere sizes was investigated. The field emission scanning electron microscopy and field emission transmission electron microscopy show that the sphere sizes range from 130 nm to 2 μm with the gradual increase of Ag core and carbon shell simultaneously, energy dispersive spectrometry confirms the composition of core-shell-structured Ag@carbon, the face-centered cubic Ag phase is presented by X-ray diffraction analysis, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy indicates that the conductivity of Ag@carbon changes with its sizes. Thereafter, a series of different sized Ag@carbon catalysts are used for the electrochemical sensing of bisphenol A (BPA). The results show that Ag@carbon sphere with a diameter of about 220 nm is a very effective and stable sensing material for the determination of BPA, which shows good prospects for sensor application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]