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Since there are several limitations in cancer treatment for traditional chemotherapy, such as side effects, poor prognosis and drug resistance, developing new combined therapy is urgently needed. In this work, a biocompatible, simple and tumor microenvironment-responsive nanotheranostics (PCN-Oxpt/PEG) was built to favor the chemotherapy/ferroptosis/immunomodulation synergism in cancer. This nanotheranostics is constructed by modifying oxaliplatin prodrug and PEG on Fe(III) − porphyrin metal-organic frameworks (PCN(Fe) MOFs). After intravenous injection, the cloak of PEG leads to long circulation, and the Fe(III)-porphyrin MOFs enables dual-model guidance with fluorescence (FL) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Inside the tumor, the intracellular H 2 O 2 would be transferred into hydroxyl radicals (•OH) by iron ions released from MOFs, which could trigger the lethal ferroptosis to cancer cells. Meanwhile, oxaliplatin(II) transformed from the loaded oxaliplatin prodrug would result in the chemotherapy, as well as immunogenic cell death (ICD), and the prodrug strategy could also avoid the occurring of liver damage by the direct administration of oxaliplatin(II). It was noticed that the ferroptosis effect was enhanced by triple-assistance during the combined therapy, as followed: (1) glutathione (GSH) would be consumed in the process of oxaliplatin(II) generation from oxaliplatin prodrug; (2) the increased CD8+ T cells induced by ICD were able to produce interferon-γ (IFN-γ), which could inhibit the transport of cystine by tumor cells, and impair the activation of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4); (3) the amount of H 2 O 2 could be increased by the internalized oxaliplatin and thus further promote the Fenton reaction and ferroptosis. Both in vivo and in vitro results revealed that tumor growing was significantly inhibited by PCN-Oxpt/PEG, taken together, the concomitant of oxaliplatin-mediated chemotherapy and ICD with triple-enhanced ferroptosis offer great prospect in the clinical treatment of cancer. [Display omitted] • A novel nanoplatform (PCN-Oxpt/PEG) was designed for eliminating tumor with combined therapy. • The designed nanoplatform enables dual-model imaging (FL and MRI) to guide antitumor therapy. • Immunosuppressive tumor micro-environment could be remodeled by PCN-Oxpt/PEG, which would enhance ferroptosis efficiently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intumescent fire-retardants (IFR) are widely applied in fire protection coatings of steel and wooden structures. The addition of inorganic fillers, such as layered ionic clays, can improve the fireproof performance of IFR coatings. However, a fundamental insight of how these filler materials synergistically interact with the IFR materials remains elusive. In this study, we address this fundamental knowledge gap by systematically investigating the synergy between the IFR fire protection coatings and the CaAlCO 3 -layer double hydroxide (LDH) or montmorillonite (MMT) fillers, which render substantially longer fire resistance (>20 min), reduced specific extinction area (by 54.7 and 44.1 m2 kg−2, respectively), and reduced heat release (by 0.9 and 0.7 MJ m−2, respectively). Combining experimental results and density functional theory calculations, we show for the first time that the superior fireproof performance of the MMT-IFR fire coating originates from the chemical modifications of the char layer by Si-doping. The chemical stabilisation of the silicon- and nitrogen-doped graphene (Si–N-G) structures improves the oxidation resistance of the char layer. Additionally, the formation of the Si–N-G structures with limited lattice deformation stabilised the porous morphology of the char layer, thereby promoting its heat-shielding performance. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the perovskite fluorescent nanocrystals (CsPbBr 3) were successfully synthesized and wrapped with SiO 2 shell, utilized for the assembly of solid-state detection strip capable of conveniently and specifically detection of aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1). The SiO 2 coating aimed to enhance the stability of CsPbBr 3 nanocrystals. The resulting CsPbBr 3 @SiO 2 material exhibited remarkable fluorescence properties, and further self-assembled onto solid-state plate, generating AFB 1 -specific quenched fluorescence at a specific wavelength of 515 nm. When combined with the capture of AFB 1 by magnetic nanoparticles conjugated with aptamers (MNPs-Apt), it was achieved the good separation and specific detection of AFB 1 toxin in food matrices. The constructed fluorescent solid-state detection strip based on CsPbBr 3 @SiO 2 exhibited good response to AFB 1 toxin within a linear range of 0.1–100 ng mL−1 and an impressive detection limit as low as 0.053 ng mL−1. This presents a new strategy for the rapid screening and convenient detection of highly toxic AFB 1. • Fluorescent CsPbBr 3 nanocrystals coated with SiO 2 to improve the stability. • Self-assembly CsPbBr 3 @SiO 2 -based fluorescent solid-state strip for detecting AFB 1. • Remarkable linear response and sensitivity to AFB 1 with portable solid-state strip. • Good recovery and precision for magnetic aptasensing detection of AFB 1 in foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A method of human key-point coordinate representation based on probability distribution perception. • Addressing issues :key-point representation quantization error, algorithm inconsistency. • This method gives a high level of precision in the experiment. Existing human pose estimation methods have some problems, such as key-point representation quantization error, algorithm inconsistency, and easy-to-introduce unequal quantization error. Addressing these issues, this paper proposes a method of human key-point coordinate representation based on probability distribution perception on a depth convolution neural network. In this method, the perceived probability of the key-point coordinate distribution is extracted by a convolutional neural network, and the cross entropy is formed with the prediction probability distribution as the loss function. Under the constraint of minimizing the Kullback-Leibler (KL) distance between the prediction and the ground truth, the convolution neural network is optimized, and the coordinates of the heat map are finally located. The experimental results show that compared with the traditional method based on a heat map, the proposed method can accelerate the reasoning speed of the model in the COCO training set, and at the same time, it can improve the map by 1.7 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • An IFR containing acid, carbon, and gas sources was prepared by in-situ calcination. • HRR, EHC, THR, and TOC of fabric with IFR were less than those without IFR. • Carbonization process and fireproof mechanism of IFR on fabric were studied. A novel macromolecular carbon-nitrogen-phosphorous (C-N-P) intumescent flame retardant (IFR) containing acid, carbon, and gas sources was prepared by calcining polyphosphate (APP), pentaerythritol (PER), and melamine (MEL) through the direct heating method. The carbonization and expansion behaviors of IFR were investigated by testing the products of IFR, using nuclear magnetic resonance, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope, and scanning electron microscopy, at 360 °C, 450 °C, and 600 °C. Conjugated double bonds polymerized the nitrogenous polyaromatic structures as polyphosphate decomposed into phosphoric acid and diphosphate. Noncombustible gases released by MEL increased the internal pressure of the viscoelastic materials to make it expand. At temperatures below 450 °C, MEL promotes the formation of nitrogenous polyaromatic structures in the material, thereby optimizing the IFR char layer structure. The heat release rate, effective heat combustion, total heat release, and total oxygen consume of the IFR coated fabric were less than those of an uncoated fabric by 18%, 5%, 16%, and 13%, respectively, reducing the risk of fire hazard. The foam char formed during the burning of an IFR coated fabric controls the fabric's oxidation process and prevents its shrinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a multi-functional nanoplatform (PDA-DTC/Cu–MnO2) was established, which has been employed for MR imaging-guided multi-therapy (CDT, PTT and chemotherapy) for cancer treatment. The in vitro and in vivo results confirmed that the biocompatible nanoplatform could significantly induce tumor cell death and inhibit tumor growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a common psychosocial sequela among cancer survivors, but data on patients with multiple myeloma are scarce. This study calculated the prevalence of FCR and identified family and social factors that predict FCR in the study population. Methods: We recruited 127 myeloma patients and their partners to participate in a cross‐sectional survey from a regional tertiary cancer centre in China. The questionnaires included items on demographic characteristics and from the fear of disease progression simplified scale, family hardiness index and Social Support Scale. Univariate and multivariate regression was used to identify predictors of FCR. Results: Of the participants, 56.4% patients reported high‐level FCR, which was similar to the partner‐reported proportion. The partners' FCR was positively associated with the patients' FCR, while family hardiness and social support were statistically significant, negative predictors. Conclusions: Interventions to mitigate partners' FCR and improve family hardiness and social support may help with the psychological adjustment and well‐being of myeloma patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite drug delivery nanoplatforms receiving extensive attention, development of a simple, effective, and multifunctional theranostics nanoplatform still remains a challenge. Herein, a versatile nanoplatform based on a zirconium framework (UiO‐66‐N3) was synthesized, which demonstrated a combined photodynamic therapy (PDT), photothermal therapy (PTT), and chemotherapy (CT) for cancer treatment. A RuII polypyridyl alkyne complex (Ra) as a photosensitizer was modified into a nanoplatform by click reactions for the first time. When exposed to suitable light irradiation, the as‐prepared multifunctional nanoplatform (UiO‐Ra‐DOX‐CuS) not only demonstrated efficient 1O2 generation, but also exhibited excellent photothermal conversion ability. In particular, the nanotherapeutic agent presented a dual‐stimuli response; either acidic environment or NIR laser irradiation would trigger the drug release. The synergetic efficacy of UiO‐Ra‐DOX‐CuS combined PDT, PTT, and CT, which was evaluated by cell experiments. Moreover, the design could promote the development of RuII polypyridyl alkyne complexes based multifunctional nanoparticles and multimodal cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the Pt nanozyme modified mesoporous polydopamine in situ, a multi-functional nanoplatform was established, which could overcome tumour hypoxia by catalyzing overexpressed H2O2 in tumour cells to enhance photodynamic therapy. In vivo results confirmed that the tumour growth was inhibited efficiently by synergetic therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The addition of MgAlCO 3 -LDHs to the IFR coating effectively reduced the TSP and SPR from the cone calorimetry. • Thermal decomposition of MgAlCO3-LDHs could promote and catalyze esterification between APP and PER. • The C-N-P-MgAl coating could improve the thermal insulation performance of the char layer. MgAlCO 3 -layered double hydroxides (MgAlCO 3 -LDHs) were introduced in a waterborne intumescent fire retardant (IFR) with nano-coating containing ammonium polyphosphate (APP), pentaerythritol (PER), and melamine (MEL). The effects of MgAlCO 3 -LDHs were evaluated based on thermogravimetry (TG), differential thermal analysis (DTA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analyses (FT-IR), X-ray power spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fire performance test, and cone calorimetry. The 1.8 wt% of MgAlCO 3 -LDHs added to the IFR coating promoted the expansion of the char layer to improve its thermal insulation performance during the fire performance test. The results characterized by TG, DTA, XPS, and FT-IR revealed that MgAlCO 3 -LDHs enhanced the residual weight, the thermal stability and the oxidation resistance of the IFR coating. There was statistical evidence that the heat-shielding performance was reinforced by adding an appropriate amount of MgAlCO 3 -LDHs to the IFR coating to form uniform and compact foams in the char layer by using the digital image to process SEM images. The cone calorimetry revealed that a 46% reduction in total smoke production (or total smoke release) and a 25% decrease in the smoke production ratio were achieved in the coating with added MgAlCO 3 -LDHs compared with that without. It can be concluded that the addition of MgAlCO 3 -LDHs to IFR coating actively interacts with APP, PER, and MEL, thus improving the fire retardant properties of the coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a type of nanomaterials with enzyme-mimetic catalytic properties, nanozymes have attracted wide concern in biological detection. H 2 O 2 was the characteristic product of diverse biological reactions, and the quantitative analysis for H 2 O 2 was an important way to detect disease biomarkers, such as acetylcholine, cholesterol, uric acid and glucose. Therefore, there is of great significance for developing a simple and sensitive nanozyme to detect H 2 O 2 and disease biomarkers by combining with corresponding enzyme. In this work, Fe-TCPP MOFs were successfully prepared by the coordination between iron ions and porphyrin ligands (TCPP). In addition, the peroxidase (POD) activity of Fe-TCPP was proved, in detail, Fe-TCPP could catalyze H 2 O 2 to produce ·OH. Herein, glucose oxidase (GOx) was chosen as the model to build cascade reaction by combining Fe-TCPP to detect glucose. The results indicated glucose could be detected by this cascade system selectively and sensitively, and the limit of detection of glucose was achieved to 0.12 μM. Furthermore, a portable hydrogel (Fe-TCPP@GEL) was further established, which encapsulated Fe-TCPP MOFs, GOx and TMB in one system. This functional hydrogel could be applied for colorimetric detection of glucose by coupling with a smartphone easily. Nanozyme of Fe-TCPP and corresponding hydrogel were constructed, and they were further developed to detect glucose. [Display omitted] • A simple and efficient nanozyme for the detection of glucose is reported. • A universal hydrogel system containing both natural enzymes and nanozymes is developed. • Fe-TCPP@GEL could carry out the quantitative analysis of glucose by coupling with a smartphone easily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A water-based fire resistive nano-coating was prepared via adding CaAlCO 3 -layered double hydroxides (CaAlCO 3 -LDHs) as an inorganic filler to intumescent fire retardant coating. The influence of CaAlCO 3 -LDHs on the coatings properties was investigated by thermogravimetry (TG), differential thermal analysis (DTA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cone calorimeter (CONE) and fire performance test. The results showed that CaAlCO 3 -LDHs could improve the quality of the residual char layer, increase the degree of the cross-linking and the carbon accumulation, and enhance the oxidation resistance of the char layer. The addition of 5 mass% CaAlCO 3 -LDHs to the coating could reduce the fire hazards of the coating itself, lower the rate of flame propagation and thermal degradation, and improve the char structure and fire resistance of the coating, which was attributed to the synergistic effect of CaAlCO 3 -LDHs and the intumescent fire retardant (APP/PER/MEL). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swarm intelligence optimization algorithm has been proved to perform well in the field of parameter optimization. In order to further improve the performance of intelligent optimization algorithm, this paper proposes an improved and adaptive tunicate swarm algorithm (IMATSA) based on tunicate swarm algorithm (TSA). IMATSA improves TSA in the following four aspects: population diversity, local search convergence speed, jumping out of local optimal position, and balancing global and local search. Firstly, IMATSA adopts Tent map and quadratic interpolation to initialize population and enhance the diversity. Secondly, IMATSA uses Golden-Sine algorithm to accelerate the convergence of local search. Thirdly, in the process of global development, IMATSA adopts Levy flight and the improved Gauss disturbance method to adaptively improves and coordinates the ability of global development and local search. Then, this paper verifies the performance of IMATSA based on 14 benchmark functions experiment, ablation experiment, parameter optimization experiments of Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Gradient Boosting Decision Tree (GBDT), Wilcoxon signed rank test and image multi-threshold segmentation experiment with the performance metrics are convergence speed, convergence value, significance level P-value, Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) and Standard Deviation (STD). Experimental results show that IMATSA performs better in three kinds of benchmark functions; each component of IMATSA has a positive effect on the performance; IMATSA performs better in parameter optimization experiments of SVM experiment and GBDT; there is significant difference between IMATSA and other algorithms by Wilcoxon signed rank test; in image segmentation, the performance is directly proportional to the number of thresholds, and compared with other algorithms, IMATSA has better comprehensive performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chiral recognition of DNA molecules is important because much evidence has indicated that transformations of chirality and diverse conformations of DNA are involved in a series of key biological events. Among these, enrichment of G-quadruplexes (GQs) in the genome, and the exploration of their multiple structures, has aroused great interest. Herein, we compared nearly 100 different sequences with 3′-tail sequences of variable length or different linkers or diverse loops and mutative ionic concentrations. All sequences were capable of forming stable GQs, with fluorescence signal enhancement upon binding with Δ- and Λ- [Ru(bpy)2(dppz-idzo)]2+ (Δ/Λ-1). Our results show that multiple factors, including the 3′-tail length, linkers, loop length and ionic concentration, regulate the enantioselectivity of GQs. Furthermore, molecular docking simulations revealed that chiral recognition of GQs depends on the binding site. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic study regarding the regulation of multi-factors for GQ selectivity of chiral Ru-complexes. These results will serve as a useful reference for enantioselective recognition of genomic GQs and may facilitate the development of chiral anticancer agents for targeting GQs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cyanation of aldimines, generated in situ from N-benzyloxycarbonylamino- and N-tosylamino-benzyl phenylsulfones, to the corresponding N-protected α-aminobenzyl nitriles has been achieved by eco-friendly Strecker reactions using potassium hexacyanoferrate(II) as a cyanide source, benzoyl chloride as a promoter, and potassium hydroxide as a base. The protocol has the advantages of using a nontoxic, nonvolatile and inexpensive cyanating agent, employing a simple work-up procedure and producing high yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A triphenylphosphine-mediated synthetic method for (Z)-diisopropyl-2-(cyano (aryl)methylene)hydrazine-1,1-dicarboxylates via one-pot three-component reactions using potassium hexacyanoferrate(II) as a cyanide source was described. This protocol has advantages of no use of strong toxic cyanating agents, high yield, and simple work-up procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: An efficient method for the synthesis of α-aminonitriles via one-pot three-component condensation of ketones, amines and potassium hexacyanoferrate(II) using benzoyl chloride as a promoter and PEG-400 as a reaction medium was described. This protocol has the features of use of eco-friendly cyanide source, green reaction medium, high yield, and simple work-up procedure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Leonard and Pellikaan developed the qth power algorithm to compute module bases for the integral closure of the polynomial ring in a class of function fields. In this paper, their algorithm is adapted to efficiently obtain an -basis for a class of Riemann–Roch spaces without having to compute the entire integral closure. This reformulation allows one to determine the complexity of the algorithm. Further, we obtain a simple characterization of the integral closure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A unit cell-based design support system (UCBDSS) for composite structural design is introduced. A unit cell is defined as the smallest representative volumetric element to carry the information of composite constituent materials, heterogeneous structures, homogenized mechanical properties, and appropriate manufacturing processes. The database of various composite unit cells is organized to form a unit cell library (UCL). The UCBDSS can intelligently use the information from the UCL to simplify and automate the composite design process, to increase the design efficiency, and to facilitate the tailored composite structure design. The framework of the UCBDSS, its modules, the development of the UCL, the blackboard architecture for design control, and the UCBDSS working environment for Internet-based design are presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aiming at the problem that the cement production process is inherently affected by uncertainty, time delay, and strong coupling among variables, this paper proposed a novel soft sensor of free calcium oxide in a cement clinker. The model utilizes a dual-parallel integrated structure with an optimized integration of one-dimensional convolutional neural networks, long and short-term memory networks, graphical neural networks, and extreme gradient boosting. The proposed model can mitigate the risks associated with overfitting while incorporating the strengths of each individual model and excels in extracting both local and global features as well as temporal and spatial characteristics from the original time series data, ensuring its stability. The experimental results demonstrate that this dual-parallel integrated model exhibits superior robustness, predictive accuracy, and generalization capabilities when compared to single models or enhancements made to other deep learning algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of effective methods for quantificationally characterizing the thermal resistance of the intumescent char layer of fired fire-retardant coating is of interest in many academic researches and industrial applications. In this work, a novel approach is proposed to calculate the thermal resistance of the intumescent char layer produced after the ultra-thin fire-retardant coating exposed to fire. A correlation was established based on the relative thermal resistance of the char layer to that of steel plate and the surface temperature at the back of the coated steel plate under steady-state heat transfer. The thermal resistance of the steel plate was obtained about 0.009 K·m2·W−1 by calculating the heat flux based on the radiation heat exchange involving three-surface enclosure model (flame, steel, and wall). The thermal resistances of the char layers without and with the layered double hydroxide (LDH) were 0.011 K·m2·W−1 and 0.013 K·m2·W−1, respectively. The results show that the external roughness and internal honeycomb structure can increase both the conductivity and the convective thermal resistances of the char layer to protect the steel structures. The porosity of the char layer is between 0.15 and 0.18, and its thermal conductivity is between 0.4 and 0.8 W·m−1·K−1 in the process of fire. Unlabelled Image • A novel method is proposed to calculate thermal resistance of intumescent char layer. • Thermal resistance is used to evaluate heat-shielding performance of char layer. • LDH improves external roughness and internal honeycomb structure of char layer. • Porosity of char layers is obtained to be 0.15–0.18 via SEM images processing. • Thermal conductivity of char layers is 0.4–0.8 W·m−1·K−1 in the process fire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the accuracy and performance of traditional image threshold segmentation algorithm, this paper proposes a multithreshold segmentation method named improved Harris hawk optimization (IMHHO). Firstly, IMHHO adopts Tent map and elite opposition-based learning to initialize population and enhance the diversity. Secondly, IMHHO uses quadratic interpolation to generate new individuals and enhance the local search ability. Finally, IMHHO adopts improved Gaussian disturbance method to disturb optimal solution, which coordinates the local and global search ability. Then, the performance of IMHHO is tested based on 14 benchmark functions. In image segmentation, different algorithms are tested to compare the comprehensive performance based on Otsu and Renyi entropy. Experiments show that IMHHO performs better in the three kinds of benchmark functions; the segmentation effect is directly proportional to the number of thresholds; compared with other algorithms, IMHHO has better comprehensive performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Addition of MgAlCO 3 -LDHs and CaAlCO 3 -LDHs improved thermal insulation of IFR coating. • Metal ions from LDHs were chelated with carbon materials to form 3D reticular char. • LDHs can delay oxidation and improve degradation performance of char layers. MgAlCO 3 -layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and CaAlCO 3 -LDHs were respectively added as a synergistic agent to intumescent fire retardant (IFR) coatings. The 2.4 wt% of MgAlCO 3 -LDHs and the 6.7 wt% of CaAlCO 3 -LDHs were found to possess the best thermal insulation according to the fire performance tests. Further characterization by a cone calorimeter shows that the MgAlCO 3 -LDHs are superior to decreasing the specific extinction area of IFR coating, and the CaAlCO 3 -LDHs are advantageous in some other properties such as heat release rate, effective heat combustion and total heat release. Moreover, the X-ray diffraction (XRD) results infer that the flame retardant of char layer is primarily dependent on the amorphous structure formed after exposure to fire, the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements of O 1s , C 1s , P 2p and N 1s reveal that the LDHs fillers suppress the oxidation of the IFR coating, and the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) tests demonstrate that the LDHs protect the bridge frame structures. It is concluded that the LDHs can prevent the degradation and improve the thermal insulation of IFR coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper propose an algorithm for the multiple silicon steel coils multiperiod two-dimensional lengthwise cutting stock problem (m2DLCSP), so as to minimize the total cost of materials and production. Design/methodology/approach: The authors propose a sequential leftovers utilization correction (SLUC) algorithm for the m2DLCSP. The algorithm primarily considers three optimization strategies. First, it considers usable leftovers to simplify the cutting process and improve material utilization. The total quantity and types of leftovers should be limited in order to avoid leftover overstock. Second, it uses a splice method of items to improve the generated cutting plan. Third, it takes into account operational restrictions in the cutting operations. Operational restrictions include imposing maximum and minimum lengths on the cutting patterns, and the limitation of cutting knives at the slitting machines. Findings: Several sets of benchmark with real-world and randomly generated instances are provided to evaluate the algorithm. Compared with literature algorithm and current procedure applied in enterprises, the computational results indicate that proposed algorithm can effectively reduce the total cost, and the computation time is reasonable for practical use. Social implications: This algorithm can effectively reduce the total cost. Originality/value: The proposed method can effectively applied to solve the m2DLCSP and improve the economic efficiency of enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An analysis method for SEM images of intumescent fire retardant char layers is proposed. • Foams in an intumescent fire retardant char layer are characterized quantificationally. • Appropriate addition of CaAlCO 3 -LDHs makes the char layer compact and uniform. • Unsatisfactory result image after color transformation is returned to object segmentation. A new characterization method is proposed to investigate the microscopic morphology of intumescent fire retardant (IFR) char layer observed under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The method consists of object segmentation extracting the object, color transformation improving the recognition of subtle details, and statistical analysis obtaining the features (area, average, and standard deviation) of the object in the SEM images. There is a descending trend in the standard deviation of the foams with the increase of CaAlCO 3 -LDHs (layered double hydroxides) added to the coatings. Specifically, the number of the foams in the IFR coating with 5 wt% of CaAlCO 3 -LDHs addition is increased from 102 (that of the char layer without CaAlCO 3 -LDHs) to 123. Meanwhile, the standard deviation of the foams in the char layer is decreased from 6383.6 to 4304.5, demonstrating that an appropriate addition of CaAlCO 3 -LDHs can improve the foam quality of the IFR coating by making it more compact and uniform, and enhance the thermal insulation of the char layer covered on the substrate surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Robust antifogging films have significant potential for a wide range of applications on the surfaces of transparent materials. Nevertheless, currently either their preparation methods are complex or their mechanical properties such as hardness, wear, scrub and water resistance are yet to be improved before they can be applied in practical applications. In this work, we have developed a facile room temperature approach to fabricating free-standing films of excellent antifogging properties and mechanical robustness. Glutaraldehyde (GA) was used to cross-link polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and ultraviolet (UV) light was applied to initiate polymerization of poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA), leading to robust interpenetrating networks (IPN). The films also had excellent mechanical properties with pencil hardness up to 8H, Taber wear-resistance up to 10,000 cycles, and sponge scrub resistance up to 300 cycles. The tensile strength and tearing strength of films reached as high as 100 MPa and 700 kN/m, respectively, much higher than those of free-standing films reported so far. This approach may hold great potential for broad application on various substrates, particularly those with low glass transition temperatures (e.g., transparent plastic films). It may expand the possibilities for future applications of free-standing antifogging films for screens, optical lenses and so on. [Display omitted] • A facile approach to fabricating free-standing films of excellent antifogging properties and mechanical robustness. • Pencil hardness up to 8H, Taber wear-resistance up to 10,000 cycles, and sponge scrub resistance up to 300 cycles. • The tensile strength and tearing strength of films reached as high as 100 MPa and 700 kN/m, respectively. • The current work is the first report of freestanding interpenetrating films with excellent mechanical robustness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid rice, as one of the most successful crops exploiting heterosis, has greatly contributed to global food security. Due to its high‐yield potential, approximately half of the rice‐growing area in China is planted with hybrid rice varieties. However, the extreme vulnerability of hybrid rice to various diseases and poor grain quality pose great challenges to rice breeders. Here, we report the development of five new restorer lines pyramiding the broad‐spectrum blast resistance gene Pigm and low/intermediate amylose content‐associated gene Wxb by marker‐assisted and phenotypic selection. All these new restorer lines showed enhanced blast resistance in the disease nursery compared with the original restorer lines and had low‐to‐intermediate apparent amylose contents, ranging from 11.3% to 14.2%. Genetic background analysis based on next‐generation sequencing indicated that the proportion of Gumei 4 (donor of Pigm) genome in the five new restorer lines ranged from 9.89% to 21.69%. Eight of their derived hybrid combinations, which exhibited better grain quality and higher levels of blast resistance, have been certificated for commercial release in different ecological regions of China. Among them, Jing‐Liang‐You 3189, Yue‐Liang‐You 3189, Jing‐Liang‐You 1074 and Long‐Liang‐You 3188 meet the national standards for superior‐quality rice in China. These results confirmed the success of developing elite restorer lines through marker‐assisted and phenotypic selection, and these new restorer lines have great potential in developing more elite hybrid rice combinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To overcome the acquired resistance and the significant side-effects of the reported drugs, four new ruthenium(II) complexes with alkynyl (Ru1, Ru2, Ru3, Ru4) were designed and synthesized. Ru1, Ru2, Ru3 and Ru4 were characterized by ESI-MS, 1H NMR, 1H–1H COSY NMR and elemental analysis. Compared with Ru2, Ru3, Ru4 and cisplatin, the anti-tumor experiments in vitro and vivo confirmed that Ru1 could most effectively inhibit tumor growth. In the experiments of safety evaluation in vivo, Ru1 could avoid any detectable side-effects compared with cisplatin. DNA binding experiments and cell cycle experiments showed that Ru1 exhibited the strongest DNA binding ability and interfered with the cell cycle by inserting DNA to inhibit tumor growth. The study demonstrated that Ru1 had the potential to be an exciting new drug candidate for glioblastoma treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite its great potential in cancer therapy, phototherapy, including photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT), often cause metastasis of tumors. Immunotherapy has revolutionized the cancer treatment owing to the capability of activating immune system to eliminate tumors. However, the integration of phototherapy and immunotherapy in a single nanoagent for cancer therapy is still a challenging task. Here, we fabricated (Cu9S5@mSiO2-PpIX@MnO2@CpG (CSPM@CpG)) as a synergistic therapeutic model for phototherapy enhanced immunotherapy. The intracellular uptake of cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) promoted the infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in tumor tissue, further stimulating the production of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and remarkably elevating the immune response level. Excellent anti-tumor effects have been achieved by synergistic PTT/PDT/immunotherapy. The metastasis of tumors was effectively inhibited by the immune response of CpG. Thus, our proposed work provides a strategy to combine phototherapy with immunotherapy to enhance the therapeutic efficiency and further inhibit metastasis of tumors. CpG oligonucleotides can stimulate an anticancer immune response. Zhou et al. now develop nanoparticles that can deliver CpG, which promotes cancer cell death after photothermal and photodynamic therapy in vitro and in vivo, concomitant with an immunological response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A smartphone-assisted fluorescence-colorimetric immunosensing platform was proposed. • NH 2 -UiO-66@PtNPs was exploited to construct a fluorescence-colorimetric signal probe. • The multi-mode immunosensing microarray showed satisfactory results of AMD detection. • The efficient, visual and portable method showed great potential in food analysis. Amantadine (AMD) is an antiviral drug used to treat animal-based infectious diseases such as avian influenza. However, its illegal use in animal-derived food industries endangers human health. Therefore, an efficient, portable, and visual sensor to detect AMD in food is crucial for ensuring food safety. A multifunctional nanocomposite NH 2 -UiO-66@PtNPs was exploited to design a smartphone-assisted fluorescence-colorimetric immunosensing microarray for multidimensional detection of AMD in animal-derived foods. Platinum nanoparticles (NPs) were immobilized on a Zr-based metal–organic framework (NH 2 -UiO-66). Pt NPs exhibited peroxidase-like activity, whereas NH 2 -UiO-66 stabilized Pt NPs and improved the colorimetric signal of the sensor. Moreover, the fluorescence ligand NH 2 -BDC in NH 2 -UiO-66 was released via alkaline hydrolysis, amplifying the fluorescence signal and improving detection sensitivity. The smartphone-assisted color recognition system accurately identified the color changes of the microarray. The immunocompetitive reaction of AMD and the antibody (Ab) in the microarray NH 2 -UiO-66@PtNPs@Ab 2 allowed the quantitative and visual detection of AMD in a wide concentration range (0.1–1000 ng/mL) with high sensitivity [limit of detection = 0.0022 ng/mL (fluorescence), 0.069 ng/mL (colorimetric), and 0.68 ng/mL (smartphone)]. This detection strategy was verified in AMD-spiked food samples with satisfactory recoveries (82.0–103.0%) and stability (RSD: ≤7.1%, n = 3), showing its great potential for visual screening and portable detection of other food contaminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduced protocol has the advantages of using a nontoxic, nonvolatile and inexpensive cyanating agent, employing a simple work-up procedure and producing high yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The therapeutic application of chemodynamic therapy (CDT) is severely limited by the insufficient intracellular H 2 O 2 and acidity in tumor. Herein, an acid-sensitive nanoplatform (ZIF67-ICG/TAM@GOx) to promote H 2 O 2 and acidity enhancement through intracellular cyclic amplification for enhanced CDT is rationally designed. Notably, the acidic conditions of the tumor microenvironment (TME) can turn on the switch of the nanoplatform, setting free the loaded tamoxifen (TAM) and indocyanine green (ICG). The mitochondrial respiration inhibitor TAM and the superoxide dismutase-mimicking ZIF67 synergistically lead to an increase in the content of O 2 and H 2 O 2 , accelerating the depletion of β- d -glucose by GOx to generate gluconate and H 2 O 2. The gluconate in turn boosts the acidity to facilitate the collapse of nanoparticles, further significantly promoting the accumulation of intracellular H 2 O 2 through a positive circulation. Consequently, the amplificated endogenous H 2 O 2 is catalyzed by Co2+ to liberate hydroxyl radicals (•OH). Besides, ICG-mediated photothermal therapy (PTT) and GOx-induced starvation therapy along with CDT realize the synergistic cancer treatment. Importantly, in vitro and in vivo experiments verified that the nanoplatform performed superior specificity and excellent therapeutic responses. The smart nanoplatform overcomes H 2 O 2 and acidity deficiency simultaneously for intensive CDT, providing new prospects for the development of biocompatible cancer synergistic therapy strategies. In the tumor microenvironment, the released TAM, GOx and ZIF67 synergistically lead to a positive circulation for self-amplified CDT, cooperating with PTT and starvation to realize the synergistic cancer treatment. [Display omitted] • An acidic sensitive nanoplatform (ZIF67-ICG/TAM@GOx) is constructed for specific tumor therapy. • The combination of TAM, ZIF67 and GOx enabled positive circulation to accumulate H 2 O 2 and acidity for boosting CDT. • The disruption of H 2 O 2 homeostasis made the approach of "expanding source and cost-saving" for the increase of H 2 O 2. • The self-amplified CDT along with PTT, GOx-induced starvation realized a novel synergistic cancer therapy strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benzoyl cyanide, generated in a prestep from K4[Fe(CN)6] and benzoyl chloride, is demonstrated to be an efficient reagent for the synthesis of the target compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Rice blast and bacterial blight represent two of major diseases having devastating impact on the yield of rice in most rice‐growing countries. Developments of resistant cultivars are the most economic and effective strategy to control these diseases. Here, we used CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated gene editing to rapidly install mutations in three known broad‐spectrum blast‐resistant genes, Bsr‐d1, Pi21 and ERF922, in an indica thermosensitive genic male sterile (TGMS) rice line Longke638S (LK638S). We obtained transgene‐free homozygous single or triple mutants in T1 generations. While all single and triple mutants showed increased resistance to rice blast compared with wild type, the erf922 mutants displayed the strongest blast resistance similar with triple mutants. Surprisingly, we found that Pi21 or ERF922 single mutants conferred enhanced resistance to most of tested bacterial blight. Both resistances in mutants were attribute to the up‐regulation of SA‐ and JA‐pathway associated genes. Moreover, phenotypic analysis of these single mutants in paddy fields revealed that there were no trade‐offs between resistances and main agricultural traits. Together, our study provides a rapid and effective way to generate rice varieties with resistance to both rice blast and bacterial blight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, nanostructured copper oxide of varied morphologies and high surface area were prepared by calcination of copper oxalate precursors, and were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis, and nitrogen adsorption–desorption measurements. The sphere-like CuO (specific surface area: 73 m2 g−1) functionalized QCM resonators were fabricated and explored for HCN sensing. The sensitivity (10 s HCN exposure) of sphere-like CuO functionalized QCM resonators reached as high as 6.53 Hz μg−1. The reproducibility and stability of sphere-like CuO functionalized QCM resonators was excellent, and the selectivity was very high with a converse response to examined common chemicals. The high surface area CuO functionalized QCM sensors may be applicable for HCN gas sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the current work, CuO nanoparticles were synthesized in a facile way, and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermogravimetry. Using these CuO nanoparticles, CuO functionalized QCM resonators were fabricated and explored for HCN sensing. The sensing properties were studied by a sensor characterization system coupled with a mass spectrometer. The sensor response to HCN (+347Hz) was found to be in an opposite direction as compared with other common volatile substances (ether: −1230Hz; water: −1815Hz; n-hexane: −2100Hz; benzene: −3410Hz; acetic acid: −4840Hz; ethanol: −6270Hz), offering excellent selectivity for HCN detection. In addition, the sensitivity (15.1Hz/μg) was very high, and the response (30s) and recovery (750s) were very fast. A sensing mechanism was proposed based on experimental results, in which a surface redox reaction occurs between CuO and Cu2O on the nanoparticle reversibly upon contact with HCN and air, respectively. The current results would provide an exciting alternative to fast, sensitive and selective detection of trace HCN, which would be of particular benefit in the area of public security and environmental applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Chemodynamic therapy (CDT), employing Fenton or Fenton-like catalysts to convert hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into toxic hydroxyl radicals (·OH) to kill cancer cells, holds great promise in tumor therapy due to its high selectivity. However, the therapeutic effect is significantly limited by insufficient intracellular H2O2 level in tumor cells. Fortunately, β-Lapachone (Lapa) that can exert H2O2-supplementing functionality under the catalysis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1) enzyme offers a new idea to solve this problem. However, extensive DNA damage caused by high levels of reactive oxygen species can trigger the "hyperactivation" of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), which results in the severe interruption of H2O2 supply and further the reduced efficacy of CDT. Herein, we report a self-amplified nanocatalytic system (ZIF67/Ola/Lapa) to co-deliver the PARP inhibitor Olaparib (Ola) and NQO1-bioactivatable drug Lapa for sustainable H2O2 production and augmented CDT ("1 + 1 + 1 > 3"). Results: The effective inhibition of PARP by Ola can synergize Lapa to enhance H2O2 formation due to the continuous NQO1 redox cycling. In turn, the high levels of H2O2 further react with Co2+ to produce the highly toxic ·OH by Fenton-like reaction, dramatically improving CDT. Both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate the excellent antitumor activity of ZIF67/Ola/Lapa in NQO1 overexpressed MDA-MB-231 tumor cells. Importantly, the nanocomposite presents minimal systemic toxicity in normal tissues due to the low NQO1 expression. Conclusions: This design of nanocatalytic system offers a new paradigm for combing PARP inhibitor, NQO1-bioactivatable drug and Fenton-reagents to obtain sustained H2O2 generation for tumor-specific self-amplified CDT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CO 2 capture and utilisation (CCU) is a promising strategy to effectively mitigate the adverse greenhouse effects caused by CO 2 emissions at an industrial scale. Through a process intensification strategy known as integrated CO 2 capture and utilisation (ICCU), CO 2 capture and catalytic CO 2 conversion can be achieved in a single process with the use of dual function materials (DFMs), which are both CO 2 sorbents and CO 2 conversion catalysts. Given the significantly different operating conditions of ICCU from conventional catalytic CO 2 hydrogenation, the catalytic mechanism of DFMs, especially during CO 2 hydrogenation, needs to be thoroughly investigated. In this study, the relationship between the nature of the Ni/carbonate interfaces and the performance of Ni-based DFMs over ICCU cycles is systematically investigated. A series of Ni/alkaline earth carbonate DFMs were synthesised with varying Ca:Mg ratios to simulate different metal-carbonate model interfaces. At 400 °C, CH 4 formation with nearly 100% CH 4 selectivity was achieved on Ni/CaCO 3 over 15 ICCU cycles. In general, Ni/CaCO 3 interfaces correspond to higher CO 2 conversion and higher CH 4 selectivity than Ni/MgCO 3 interfaces. Such trend may be attributed to the higher surface basicity of CaO and the higher thermal stability of CaCO 3. As a consequence, the hydrogenation of the Ni/CaCO 3 interface proceed via the formate pathway, in which carbonates are consecutively converted to surface formates, methoxyl, methyl species and eventually desorb as methane. This reaction model is applicable to the hydrogenation of both surface carbonate and bulk carbonates, although the former proceeds with much faster kinetics. On the weakly alkaline Ni/MgCO 3 interface, MgCO 3 preferentially decomposes to form gaseous CO 2 , which is subsequently hydrogenated via the reverse-water-gas-shift pathway, with CO as the key reaction intermediate. Interestingly, in situ infrared spectroscopy shows similar surface significant species during the direct hydrogenation of DFMs and during the conventional catalytic hydrogenation of molecular CO 2 , suggesting that the catalytic mechanisms during the two operating regimes are highly correlated. [Display omitted] • Novel Ni/carbonate dual function materials for CO 2 capture and hydrogenation. • Different hydrogenation behaviour and pathway on Ni/CaCO 3 and Ni/MgCO 3 interfaces. • Two reaction regimes proposed during hydrogenation of Ni/CaCO 3. • Suitable basic sites and metal-support interaction favours the hydrogenation. • Correlation between ICCU cycles and those of conventional CO 2 hydrogenation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice blast, caused by the fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae (M. oryzae), is one of the most destructive and widespread plant diseases in the world. Utilization of resistance genes in rice breeding is considered to be an effective and economical method to control this disease. To identify new sources of blast resistance, a set of 1160 introgression lines (ILs) containing chromosome segments of Chaling common wild rice (Oryza rufipogon Griff.) in the genetic background of an elite indica rice variety 93‐11 were developed and phenotyped in the blast nursery. Thirty‐three ILs displaying stable blast resistance in three consecutive years were obtained. Among them, one line, IL1043, was subsequently found to be resistant to all of the 28 M. oryzae isolates from different regions through artificial inoculation in greenhouse. By combining bulk segregant analysis coupled with next‐generation sequencing (BSA‐seq) and recessive class analysis (RCA), a major blast resistance gene in IL1043, designated Picl(t), was mapped on rice chromosome 6 flanked by the markers RM527 and Indel6 with an interval of approximately 925 kb, which covers the Pi2/9 locus. These results will facilitate fine mapping and cloning of Picl(t), and the linked markers will further provide a useful tool for rice blast resistance breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial antagonists and their bioactive metabolites provide one of the best alternatives to chemical pesticides to control crop disease for sustainable agriculture and global food security. The rice endophyte Streptomyces hygroscopicus OsiSh-2, with remarkable antagonistic activity towards the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae , was reported in our previous study. The present study deciphered the possible direct interaction mode of OsiSh-2 against M. oryzae. An in vitro antibiotic assay for OsiSh-2 culture filtrate revealed strong suppression of mycelial growth, conidial germination and appressorial formation of M. oryzae. Meanwhile, severe morphological and internal abnormalities in M. oryzae hyphae were observed under a scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. Foliar treatment of rice seedlings by OsiSh-2 culture filtrate in the greenhouse and in the field showed 23.5% and 28.3% disease reduction, respectively. Correspondingly, OsiSh-2 culture filtrate could induce disorganized chitin deposition in the cell wall and lowered ergosterol content in the cell membrane of M. oryzae. Additionally, cell wall integrity pathway activation, large cell electrolytes release, reactive oxygen species accumulation and tricarboxylic acid cycle-related enzyme activity changes were found in M. oryzae. All these results suggested that the direct antagonistic activity of OsiSh-2 against M. oryzae may be attributed to damaging the integrity of the cell wall and membrane and disrupting mitochondrial function in the pathogen. Unlabelled Image • Endophytic Streptomyces suppressed the rice blast disease efficiently in the field and in the greenhouse. • Endophytic Streptomyces inhibited M. oryzae growth, conidial germination and appressorial formation. • Endophytic Streptomyces damaged the integrity of M. oryzae cell wall and membrane. • Endophytic Streptomyces induced fungal ROS burst and affected mitochondrial dehydrogenase activities in M. oryzae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amyloid-β oligomers (AβO) have been identified as core biomarkers for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). For the first time, a "turn-on" unlabeled colorimetric aptasensor based on aptamer-polythymine (polyT)-polyadenine (polyA)-gold nanoparticles (pA-pT-apt@AuNPs) was developed for highly sensitive and specific detection of amyloid-β 1-40 oligomers (Aβ40-O). In this system, polyA sequence could preferentially anchor onto AuNPs surface as well as reduce the non-specific adsorption, and the aptamer could form upright conformation for the specific recognition of Aβ40-O. The aggregation of pA-pT-apt@AuNPs was induced by MgCl 2. However, the addition of Aβ40-O enabled the aptamer fold adaptively upon recognition and aptamer-Aβ40-O complex formed surrounding AuNPs, effectively stabilizing pA-pT-apt@AuNPs against salt-induced aggregation, therefore the color of pA-pT-apt@AuNPs solution still retained red. Based on this principle, the proposed aptasensor exhibited high sensitivity with the limit of detection of 3.03 nM and a linear detectable range from 10.00 nM to 100.0 nM. The superb sensitivity was achieved via the optimization of the length of polyA and polyT spacer. This pA-pT-apt@AuNPs based colorimetric aptasensor provides a rapid, cost-effective, highly sensitive detection method for Aβ40-O, which is valuable for the early diagnosis of AD. [Display omitted] • A pA-pT-apt@AuNPs-based colorimetric aptasensor was developed for Aβ40-O detection. • The proposed aptasensor avoided the non-specific adsorption on AuNPs surface. • The upright conformation of aptamers benefited the specific recognition of Aβ40-O. • Superb sensitivity was achieved with the limit of detection of 3.03 nM. • The aptasensor is simple, rapid (response time of 1.5 h) and cost-effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

G-series nerve agents, such as sarin, tabun, and soman, would cause tremendous harm in military and terrorist attacks, so it is necessary to develop a simple method for the rapid and efficient detection of these hazardous substances. We have developed a tunable acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-functionalized two-dimensional photonic crystal (2D PhC) for the detection of a real nerve agent, sarin. In accordance with the 2D PhC previously prepared by our group, the AChE-functionalized 2D PhC was optimized by adjustment of the amount of monomer in the hydrogel, which not only increased the sensitivity of the 2D PhC, with the detection limit decreasing by two orders of magnitude, but also ensured the structural color spanned the whole visible region in the detection range. A linear relationship between the logarithm of the sarin concentration and the particle spacing of the AChE-functionalized 2D PhC was observed from 7.1 × 10-17 to 7.1 × 10-4 mol/L. The AChE-functionalized 2D PhC also responded to mimics of G-series nerve agents, including dimethyl methylphosphonate, diisopropyl methylphosphonate, and isodipropyl methylphosphonate, to various degrees. The proposed 2D-PhC hydrogel has potential for low-cost, trace-level, and on-site monitoring of other G-series nerve agents. Graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We herein report a robust catalyst‐free cross‐coupling between ArI(OAc)2 and α‐stannyl nitriles, aided by TMSOTf. The transformation introduces a cyanoalkyl group to the ortho position of ArI(OAc)2 and simultaneously reduces the aryl iodine(III) to iodide, thus providing α‐(2‐iodoaryl) nitrile as the product. This transformation could be completed within 5 min at −78 °C and features superb functional‐group tolerance and efficient scalability. DFT calculations indicate that the formation of a ketenimine(aryl)iodonium intermediate and subsequent [3,3]‐sigmatropic rearrangement are involved as key steps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We herein report a robust catalyst‐free cross‐coupling between ArI(OAc)2 and α‐stannyl nitriles, aided by TMSOTf. The transformation introduces a cyanoalkyl group to the ortho position of ArI(OAc)2 and simultaneously reduces the aryl iodine(III) to iodide, thus providing α‐(2‐iodoaryl) nitrile as the product. This transformation could be completed within 5 min at −78 °C and features superb functional‐group tolerance and efficient scalability. DFT calculations indicate that the formation of a ketenimine(aryl)iodonium intermediate and subsequent [3,3]‐sigmatropic rearrangement are involved as key steps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Biocontrol is a promising strategy in the control of rice blast disease. In the present study, we isolated and characterized a novel antagonist to the pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae from rice endophytic actinomycetes. RESULTS Out of 482 endophytic actinomycetes isolated from rice blast infected and healthy rice, Streptomyces endus OsiSh-2 exhibited remarkable in vitro antagonistic activity. Scanning electron microscopy observations of M. oryzae treated by OsiSh-2 revealed significant morphological alterations in hyphae. In 2-year field tests, the spraying of OsiSh-2 spore solution (107 spores mL−1) is capable of reducing rice blast disease severity by 59.64%. In addition, a fermentation broth of OsiSh-2 and its cell-free filtrates could inhibit the growth of M. oryzae, suggesting the presence of active enzymes and secondary metabolites. OsiSh-2 tested positive for polyketide synthase-I and nonribosomal peptide synthetase genes and can produce cellulase, protease, gelatinase, siderophore, indole-3-acetic acid and 1-amino-cyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase. A preliminary separation indicated that the methanol extract of OsiSh-2 could suppress the growth of pathogens. The major active component was identified as nigericin. CONCLUSION Endophytic S. endus OsiSh-2 has potential as a biocontrol agent against rice blast in agriculture. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper oxide nanoparticles were prepared by the solvothermal method, and characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurements. The as-prepared CuO nanoparticles functionalized QCM resonators were fabricated and explored for HCN sensing under varied humidity conditions. When the humidity of air containing HCN is the same as that of environmental air, a characteristic positive frequency shift of CuO nanoparticles functionalized QCM resonator is always observed towards HCN because of a reversible surface redox reaction between CuO and HCN. The sensitivity of CuO nanoparticles functionalized QCM resonators increases with increase of relative humidity in the range of 9-51%. These results provide an important guidance for further developing HCN gas sensors towards practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A kind of typical metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) material, HKUST-1 was prepared by hydrothermal method and characterized by XRD and SEM. The results of characterizations manifested that HKUST-1 showed a regular octahedral crystal structure. The as-prepared HKUST-1 was modified by several kinds of organic base materials and the 2 adsorption behaviors of modified HKUST-1 materials were evaluated. The 2 adsorption capacities of different base modified HKUST-1 varied with the base intensity of modified organic base materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel biosensor is developed based on immobilization of proteins on nanoflake-like SnS2 modified glass carbon electrode (GCE). With glucose oxidase (GOD) as a model, direct electrochemistry of the GOD/nanoflake-like SnS2 is studied. The prepared SnS2 has large surface area and can offer favorable microenvironment for facilitating the electron transfer between protein and electrode surface. The properties of GOD/SnS2 are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and cyclic voltammetry (CV), respectively. The immobilized enzyme on nanoflake-like SnS2 retains its native structure and bioactivity and exhibits a surface-controlled, reversible two-proton and two-electron transfer reaction with the apparent electron transfer rate constant (k s) of 3.68s−1. The proposed biosensor shows fast amperometric response (8s) to glucose with a wide linear range from 2.5×10−5 M to 1.1×10−3 M, a low detection limit of 1.0×10−5 M at signal-to-noise of 3 and good sensitivity (7.6±0.5mAM−1 cm−2). The resulting biosensor has acceptable operational stability, good reproducibility and excellent selectivity and can be successfully applied in the reagentless glucose sensing at −0.45V. It should be worthwhile noting that it opens a new avenue for fabricating excellent electrochemical biosensor. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An energetic coordination compound [Cd(DAT)6](ClO4)2 has been synthesized by using 1,5-diaminotetrazole (DAT) as ligand and its structure has been characterized by applying X-ray single crystal diffraction, elemental analysis and FT-IR spectroscopy. The central cadmium(II) cation is coordinated by six N atoms from six DAT molecules to form a six-coordinated and distorted octahedral structure. Di-dimension layer structure was formed and the layers were linked together by the extensive intermolecular hydrogen bonds between DAT ligands and ClO4 − anions. Thermal decomposition mechanism of the title compound was predicted based on DSC, TG-DTG and FT-IR analyses results. The kinetic parameters of the first exothermic process of the title compound were studied by applying the Kissinger''s and Ozawa–Doyle''s methods. Sensitivity tests reveal that the title compound has sensitive nature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Two crystalline metal-organic frameworks, [Cd2(o-BTC)(H2O)2]n (1) and [Pb2(o-BTC)]n (2) (o-BTC = benzene-1,2,3,4-tetracarboxylic), were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by analytical, spectroscopic and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies, which reveal three-dimensional reticular structures via M2+ and carboxylate ligands. All carboxyl groups of o-BTC are deprotonated, in agreement with the IR data. The Cd2+ centers of 1 have one coordination environment, while Pb2+ centers of 2 have two coordination environments. Both 1 and 2 form 3D interpenetrated grid structures along the b and c axes, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]