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Ethnic enclave residence is associated with decreased risk for drinking and related problems, but less is known about the mechanisms that explain this association. Informed by theories of social control, we used a multilevel framework to examine whether negative attitudes toward drinking mediated associations between ethnic enclave residence (i.e., neighborhood linguistic isolation) and alcohol outcomes among Mexican American young adults (N = 628) in Southern California. Model 1 assessed mediation effects in the pathways from linguistic isolation to current drinking and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Model 2 adjusted for parental drinking attitudes and neighborhood alcohol availability. There were differential associations by gender in direct effects of linguistic isolation and negative drinking attitudes on both drinking and AUD. Among women only, linguistic isolation was related to greater abstinence and decreased AUD after accounting for social control proxies of parent attitudes and alcohol availability. Young adults' own drinking attitudes did not mediate relationships between linguistic isolation and alcohol outcomes. This study offers evidence on the importance of disaggregating Hispanic national groups by gender to uncover social mechanisms within ethnic enclave settings for tailored supports in reducing risk of drinking and alcohol‐related harms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current era of rapid development in the new energy vehicle industry, graphite (Gr) has gained significant attention as the primary anode material for commercial lithium‐ion batteries due to its exceptional reversibility in lithium‐ion insertion/extraction and abundant availability. In this study, a multifunctional ferroelectric Bi12TiO20@C (BIT@C) modified interlayer between Gr and polymer electrolyte (PE) is fabricated. This approach established a channel and homogeneous ion‐conducting network that facilitated lithium‐ion intercalation into Gr at the interface while suppressing erratic lithium precipitation, thereby stabilizing the structure of Gr. The uniform electric field generated by BIT intercalation enabled homogeneous intercalation/deintercalation of lithium ions, effectively preventing the structural collapse of the Gr anode. Assembled LIBs exhibited reduced polarization and enhanced electrochemical properties attributed to facile charge transfer at the interface. The results revealed that Gr│carbon‐BIT@C‐lithium bistrifluoromethane sulfonimide (LiTFSI)/silicon dioxide (SiO2)/poly allyl acetoacetate (PAAA)/poly(vinylidene fluoride‐hexafluoropropylene) (P(VDF‐HFP))/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)│LiFePO4 (LFP) batteries achieved an initial discharge specific capacity of 120.4 mAh g−1 with stable performance over 1200 cycles at 2 C and room temperature (RT), maintaining a Coulombic efficiency of 99.5% after 1200 cycles. The ferroelectric‐modified interface addressed challenges associated with ion transport at the electrode‐electrolyte interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Drinking patterns among young adult men and women in the United States have been understudied, especially among racial and ethnic groups such as Asian Americans and Hispanics. Because alcohol‐related racial and ethnic health disparities persist or increase in midlife, identifying peak ages of hazardous drinking could help to reduce disparities. Methods: We used the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health to examine: (1) past 12‐month heavy episodic drinking (HED) and total alcohol volume consumption among non‐Hispanic White (NHW), Black, Hispanic, and Asian men and women from ages 12 through 41, and (2) age‐varying associations of race and ethnicity with drinking. Hispanic and Asian ethnic groups were disaggregated by historical drinking patterns. Time‐varying effect models accounted for major demographic confounders. Results: NHW men and women experienced elevated drinking rates in their early 20s, with a second elevation in their 30s. Black men and women did not have elevated drinking until their 30s. Among Hispanic men and women, peak drinking periods varied by gender and subgroup drinking pattern. Peak HED and total consumption emerged in the early 30s for Asian men, while peak HED occurred in the early 20s for Asian women. Drinking at certain ages for some racial and ethnic minoritized men and women did not differ from that in their NHW counterparts. Conclusions: Age periods during which subgroups in the U.S. population experience elevated alcohol consumption vary by ethnicity and gender. Recognition of these group differences could enhance our understanding of intervention timing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium‐ion batteries play an integral role in various aspects of daily life, yet there is a pressing need to enhance their safety and cycling stability. In this study, we have successfully developed a highly secure and flexible solid‐state polymer electrolyte (SPE) through the in situ polymerization of allyl acetoacetate (AAA) monomers. This SPE constructed an efficient Li+ transport channel inside and effectively improved the solid‐solid interface contact of solid‐state batteries to reduce interfacial impedance. Furthermore, it exhibited excellent thermal stability, an ionic conductivity of 3.82×10−4 S cm−1 at room temperature (RT), and a Li+ transport number (tLi+) of 0.66. The numerous oxygen vacancies on layered inorganic SiO2 created an excellent environment for TFSI− immobilization. Free Li+ migrated rapidly at the C=O equivalence site with the poly(allyl acetoacetate) (PAAA) matrix. Consequently, when cycled at 0.5C and RT, it displayed an initial discharge specific capacity of 140.6 mAh g−1 with a discharge specific capacity retention rate of 70 % even after 500 cycles. Similarly, when cycled at a higher rate of 5C, it demonstrated an initial discharge specific capacity of 132.3 mAh g−1 while maintaining excellent cycling stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the authors first introduce a class of Orlicz-amalgam spaces, which defined on a probabilistic setting. Based on these Orlicz-amalgam spaces, the authors introduce a new kind of Hardy type spaces, namely martingale Hardy–Orlicz-amalgam spaces, which generalize the martingale Hardy-amalgam spaces very recently studied by Bansah and Sehba. Their characterizations via the atomic decompositions are also obtained. As applications of these characterizations, the authors construct the dual theorems in the new framework. Furthermore, the authors also present the boundedness of fractional integral operators I α on martingale Hardy–Orlicz-amalgam spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let 0 < q ≤ ∞ , b be a slowly varying function and Φ : [ 0 , ∞) ⟶ [ 0 , ∞) be an increasing function with Φ (0) = 0 and lim r → ∞ Φ (r) = ∞ . In this paper, we introduce a new class of function spaces L Φ , q , b which unify and generalize the Lorentz-Karamata spaces with Φ (t) = t p and the Orlicz-Lorentz spaces with b ≡ 1 . Based on the new spaces, we introduce five new Hardy spaces containing martingales, the so-called Orlicz-Lorentz-Karamata Hardy martingale spaces and then develop a theory of these martingale Hardy spaces. To be precise, we first investigate several properties of Orlicz-Lorentz-Karamata spaces and then present Doob's maximal inequalities by using Hardy's inequalities. The characterization of these Hardy martingale spaces are constructed via the atomic decompositions. As applications of the atomic decompositions, martingale inequalities and the relation of the different martingale Hardy spaces are presented. The dual theorems and a new John-Nirenberg type inequality for the new framework are also established. Moreover, we study the boundedness of fractional integral operators on Orlicz-Lorentz-Karamata Hardy martingale spaces. The results obtained here generalize the previous results for Lorentz-Karamata Hardy martingale spaces as well as for Orlicz-Lorentz Hardy martingales spaces. Especially, we remove the condition that b is non-decreasing as in [38-39] and the condition q Φ - 1 < 1 / q in [24], respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we develop the martingale theory in the framework of grand Lebesgue spaces for 0 < p ≤ 1 . Atomic decompositions for the grand martingale Hardy spaces are established. With the help of the atomic decompositions, the dual spaces of the grand martingale Hardy spaces are characterized and some martingale inequalities are deduced. Furthermore, when the stochastic basis is regular, the boundedness of the fractional integrals on grand martingale Hardy spaces is proved. The results obtained here unify and generalize the previous results of grand martingale Hardy spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We derive closed-form solutions to optimal stopping problems related to the pricing of perpetual American withdrawable standard and lookback put and call options in an extension of the Black-Merton-Scholes model with asymmetric information. It is assumed that the contracts are withdrawn by their writers at the last hitting times for the underlying risky asset price of its running maximum or minimum over the infinite time interval which are not stopping times with respect to the observable filtration. We show that the optimal exercise times are the first times at which the asset price process reaches some lower or upper stochastic boundaries depending on the current values of its running maximum or minimum. The proof is based on the reduction of the original necessarily two-dimensional optimal stopping problems to the associated free-boundary problems and their solutions by means of the smooth-fit and normal-reflection conditions. We prove that the optimal exercise boundaries are the maximal and minimal solutions of some first-order nonlinear ordinary differential equations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The clustering of Big Four contributors to morbidity and mortality-alcohol misuse, smoking, poor diet, and physical inactivity-may further elevate chronic health risk, but there is limited information about their specific combinations and associated health risks for racial/ethnic minority groups. We aimed to examine patterns of clustering in risk behaviors for White, Black, Hispanic, and Asian American adults and their associations with diabetes and hypertension. As these behaviors may be socioeconomically-patterned, we also examined associations between clustering and socioeconomic status (SES).Methods: Latent class analyses and multinomial and logistic regressions were conducted using a nationally-representative sample of United States (US) adults ages 40-70 (N = 35,322) from Waves 2 (2004-2005) and 3 (2012-2013) of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Obesity was used as a proxy for unhealthy diet. The outcomes were diabetes and hypertension.Results: A relatively-healthy-lifestyle class was found only among White adults. Common patterns of unhealthy clustering were found across groups with some variations: the obese-inactive class among White, Black, and Hispanic adults (and the inactive class among Asian adults); the obese-inactive-smoking class among White, Black, and Hispanic adults; the smoking-risky-drinking class among White and Hispanic adults; and the smoking-risky-drinking-inactive class among Black and Asian adults. Positive associations of unhealthier clustering (having a greater number of risk behaviors) with lower SES (i.e., family income and education) and with health conditions were more consistent for Whites than for other groups. For racial minority groups, lower education than income was more consistently associated with unhealthy clusters. The associations between unhealthier clustering and diabetes and hypertension were less clear for Blacks and Asians than for Whites, with no significant association observed for Hispanics.Conclusion: Concerted efforts to address clustered risk behaviors in most US adults, particularly in racial/ethnic minority groups given the high prevalence of unhealthy clustering, are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we introduce the generalized grand Morrey spaces in the framework of probability space setting in the spirit of the martingale theory and grand Morrey spaces. The Doob maximal inequalities on the generalized grand Morrey spaces are provided. Moreover, we present the boundedness of fractional integral operators for regular martingales in this new framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, carbon‐based quantum dots as luminophores and co‐reactants have aroused broad interest for their ability to function in electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensors due to their unique features, including excellent biocompatibility, low toxicity, and water solubility. In this mini review, the synthesis methods of carbon‐based quantum dots are firstly introduced. Then, the mechanism of carbon‐based quantum dots as luminophores and co‐reactants and their latest progress application in the detection of heavy metal ions are explored. Finally, the current challenges and potential future development directions of carbon‐based quantum dots in ECL sensing filed for heavy metal ions analysis are summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A label-free electrochemiluminescence sensor based on silica nanoparticles doped with a self-enhanced Ru(bpy) 3 2+-carbon nitride quantum dots luminophore was developed to detect Hg(II). [Display omitted] Herein, a label-free, self-enhanced electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensing strategy for divalent mercury (Hg(II)) detection was presented. First, a novel self-enhanced ECL luminophore was prepared by combining the ECL reagent tris(2, 2′-bipyridyl) dichlororuthenium(II) hexahydrate (Ru(bpy) 3 2+) and its co-reactant carbon nitride quantum dots (CNQDs) via electrostatic interactions. In contrast to traditional ECL systems where the emitter and its co-reactant underwent an intermolecular reaction, the self-enhanced ECL system exhibited a shortened electron-transfer distance and enhanced luminous efficiency because the electrons transferred from CNQDs to oxidized Ru(bpy) 3 2+ via an intramolecular pathway. Furthermore, the as-prepared self-enhanced ECL material was encapsulated in silica (SiO 2) nanoparticles to generate a Ru-QDs@SiO 2 luminophore. Based on the different affinity of Ru-QDs@SiO 2 nanoparticles for single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and Hg(II)-triggered double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), a label-free ECL biosensor for Hg(II) detection was developed as follows: in the absence of Hg(II), ssDNA was adsorbed on Ru-QDs@SiO 2 surface via hydrogen bond, electrostatic, and hydrophobic interaction. Thus, quenched ECL signal was observed. On the contrary, in the presence of Hg(II), stable dsDNA was formed and carried the ssDNA separating from Ru-QDs@SiO 2 surface, resulting in most of Ru-QDs@SiO 2 existing in their free state. Therefore, a recovered ECL intensity was obtained. On this basis, Hg(II) was measured by the proposed method in the range of 0.1 nM-10 μM, with a detection limit of 33 pM. Finally, Hg(II) spiked in water samples was measured to evaluate the practicality of the fabricated biosensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A comprehensive overview for composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs). • A theoretical modeling approach for examining molecular-scale interactions. • Elucidating the principal challenges in the development of Li-S batteries. • Inhibition of lithium dendrite growth and shuttling effect. • Optimization of electrode-interface contact for enhanced performance. Solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries (SSLSBs) offer superior cathode capacity and safety for the growing electronic equipment market. However, the low ionic conductivity and high interfacial impedance of single-phase solid electrolytes hinder their application. Composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs) enhance ionic conductivity and maintain single-phase electrolyte advantages, making them promising for SSLSBs. Herein, this review focuses on the application of CPEs in SSLSBs, with the goal of identifying discrepancies between current research advancements and practical demands, as well as providing a thorough explanation of the operational principles of SSLSBs constructed with CPEs and the mechanisms of lithium-ion transport. Methods for preparing various CPEs are also examined, including solution casting, electrospinning, in-situ polymerization, and their combinations, with the advantages and limitations of these methods in the production of CPEs for SSLSBs being highlighted. In addressing the challenges associated with SSLSBs, strategies for the suppression of lithium dendrites, the enhancement of interfacial contact with electrodes, and solutions to the shuttling effect caused by polysulfides are systematically described using different CPEs. Recent breakthroughs and achievements in understanding the interaction between CPEs and polysulfides at the molecular scale via calculation models are also discussed. More importantly, the potential of CPE systems and the design of efficient CPE structures for achieving room-temperature operable SSLSBs are presented. Finally, the development of CPEs and the challenges for their application in SSLSBs are summarized and prospected. These discussions and recommended strategies will provide more approaches for the commercial application of SSLSBs with excellent electrochemical performance in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensitive and selective determination of heavy metal ions is an important research. Analytical detection techniques that are based on nanomaterials have shown advantages of simplicity, sensitivity, and low cost. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are a newly emerging class of crystalline porous organic frameworks that are connected by organic monomers via covalent bonds. Currently, COFs nanocomposites have been extended to analytical sensing applications, especially the construction of sensors benefiting from their structural tailorability and diversity, large surface area, intrinsic stability, and tunable functionality. This review mainly summarizes the recent advances in COFs nanocomposites-based sensors for chemical detection of heavy metal ions. The unique advantages of COFs for chemical sensing are highlighted. Then, different types of chemical sensors for heavy metal ions based on fluorescence, colorimetry and electrochemistry are reviewed. Simultaneously, the analytical performances are summarized. Finally, a summary of the current achievements is given and further future research directions are outlined. • Highly efficient detection of heavy metal ions (HMIs) is crucial in various fields. • Analytical sensing methods based on nanomaterials are low-cost, simple, and efficient. • Advantages of COFs for analytical sensing methods are highlighted in detail. • COFs nanocomposites-based fluorescent, colorimetric and electrochemical sensors for HMIs are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let θ ≥ 0 and p · be a variable exponent, and we introduce a new class of function spaces L p · , θ in a probabilistic setting which unifies and generalizes the variable Lebesgue spaces with θ = 0 and grand Lebesgue spaces with p · ≡ p and θ = 1. Based on the new spaces, we introduce a kind of Hardy-type spaces, grand martingale Hardy spaces with variable exponents, via the martingale operators. The atomic decompositions and John-Nirenberg theorem shall be discussed in these new Hardy spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress-induced dopaminergic neuronal loss and apoptosis play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD), and as a vital antioxidant protein, thioredoxin (Trx) exerts neuroprotection against PD. In this study, we investigated the effect of Schisanhenol (Sal), an active component from a traditional Chinese herb Schisandra rubriflora (Franch.), on MPP+-induced apoptosis and its association with thioredoxin-1 (Trx1) in SH-SY5Y cells. The protein levels of Trx1 and apoptosis-related proteins were detected by Western blot, the expression of Trx1 mRNA by real time qPCR, and apoptosis was detected by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Pretreatment with Sal (1 µM, 10 µM, and 50 µM) dose-dependently ameliorated MPP+-induced neuronal injury, confirmed by the improvement of the viability and morphological changes. Sal decreased the apoptosis rate of cells, suppressed the production of DNA ladder and sub-G1 peak, inhibited the Caspase-3 activity and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins. Sal enhanced the expression of Trx1 both in the protein and mRNA levels. However, the Trx1 inhibitor PX-12 suppressed the protective effects of Sal. In addition, Sal inhibited NF-κB translocation and activation. These results suggest that Sal has a protective effect against MPP+-induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells via up-regulation of Trx1 expression and suppression of ASK1-P38-NF-κB pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerium dioxide nanocrystals embedded in porous carbon rod materials were used for sulfur storage and embedding. Polar cerium dioxide effectively adsorbed polysulfide and inhibited the shuttle effect. By calculating the diffusion coefficient of the lithium-ions, it was concluded that the porous carbon rod material with cerium oxide was beneficial for the rapid binding of lithium ions and sulfur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work obtained gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) via in situ polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in the environment of lithium bis(trifluoromethane sulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) and N-methyl-N-propylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethane sulfonyl)amide (Py13TFSI). The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and the differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) determined the non-isothermal decomposition of Py13TFSI/LiTFSI/PMMA polymer electrolyte for Li-ion battery. TGA, DSC, and the infrared graph analyzed thermodynamic properties, and the results showed the addition of Py13TFSI significantly improved the thermostability of electrolytes. Flynn-Wall-Ozawa (Ozawa), Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS), and Friedman methods applied for kinetics characteristics to activation energy (Ea) and pre-exponential factor (A). The Ea value from Ozawa and KAS methods was 208.478 kJ mol−1 and 207.423 kJ mol−1, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Alcohol policy effects on alcohol's harms due to others' drinking (AHTO) and contextual factors that may mediate such policy effects have been understudied. This study examines state binge drinking prevalence as a mediator of the relationship between state alcohol policy and socioeconomic environments and individual-level AHTO. Methods A nationally representative sample of US adults (N  = 32,401; 13,873 males, 18,528 females) from the 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2015 National Alcohol Surveys and the 2015 National Alcohol's Harm to Others Survey, administered in telephone interviews and based on random digit dialed sampling, were linked with state-level Alcohol Policy Scale (APS) scores, binge drinking prevalence and socioeconomic status (SES) data. Three 12-month AHTO measures were family/marriage difficulties, assault or vandalism and riding with drunk driver or having traffic accident. Three-level mediation analyses were conducted, controlling for gender, race, education, marital status, family problem-drinking history and state policing rate. Results The effects of the APS on reduced risks for assault/vandalism and drinking-driving harms were significantly mediated by reduced state binge drinking prevalence. The APS had no direct or indirect effect on family/marital trouble. State SES had significant indirect effects on increased risks for assault/vandalism and driving-related harm through increased state binge drinking prevalence and a direct effect on reduced family/marital problems. Conclusions A more stringent alcohol policy environment could reduce assault/vandalism and driving-related harm due to another drinker by lowering state binge drinking rates. Alcohol policies may not be effective in reducing family problems caused by another drinker more prevalent in low-SES states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hedgehog (HH) pathway regulates embryonic development of anterior tongue taste fungiform papilla (FP) and the posterior circumvallate (CVP) and foliate (FOP) taste papillae. HH signaling also mediates taste organ maintenance and regeneration in adults. However, there are knowledge gaps in HH pathway component expression during postnatal taste organ differentiation and maturation. Importantly, the HH transcriptional effectors GLI1, GLI2 and GLI3 have not been investigated in early postnatal stages; the HH receptors PTCH1, GAS1, CDON and HHIP, required to either drive HH pathway activation or antagonism, also remain unexplored. Using lacZ reporter mouse models, we mapped expression of the HH ligand SHH, HH receptors, and GLI transcription factors in FP, CVP and FOP in early and late postnatal and adult stages. In adults we also studied the soft palate, and the geniculate and trigeminal ganglia, which extend afferent fibers to the anterior tongue. Shh and Gas1 are the only components that were consistently expressed within taste buds of all three papillae and the soft palate. In the first postnatal week, we observed broad expression of HH signaling components in FP and adjacent, non-taste filiform (FILIF) papillae in epithelium or stroma and tongue muscles. Notably, we observed elimination of Gli1 in FILIF and Gas1 in muscles, and downregulation of Ptch1 in lingual epithelium and of Cdon, Gas1 and Hhip in stroma from late postnatal stages. Further, HH receptor expression patterns in CVP and FOP epithelium differed from anterior FP. Among all the components, only known positive regulators of HH signaling, SHH, Ptch1, Gli1 and Gli2, were expressed in the ganglia. Our studies emphasize differential regulation of HH signaling in distinct postnatal developmental periods and in anterior versus posterior taste organs, and lay the foundation for functional studies to understand the roles of numerous HH signaling components in postnatal tongue development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study the real interpolation theory for variable Lorentz–Karamata spaces as well as for the corresponding martingale Hardy spaces. As a consequence, the generalization of Doob’s maximal inequality will be proved. Moreover, the atomic decompositions of the variable martingale Hardy–Lorentz–Karamata spaces are also presented. The results obtained here are new even for martingale Hardy–Lorentz–Karamata spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel solid-state electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensor for 17β-estradiol detection based on an intermolecular hydrogen bonds-induced self-enhanced ECL composite (Ru(dcbpy) 3 2+-NCQDs) was constructed for the first time. • A hydrogen-bonds induced self-enhanced ECL composite was generated on GCE surface. • Superior ECL properties of Ru(dcbpy) 3 2+-NCQDs composite was obtained without signal amplifier. • Excellent analytical performances were acquired using 17β-estradiol as a target. Herein, an induced self-enhanced electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensor with superior ECL performances was simply fabricated by just dropping the ECL reagent (tris(4,4′-dicarboxylicacid-2,2′-bipyridyl) ruthenium (II) dichloride, Ru(dcbpy) 3 Cl 2) and coreactant (nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots, NCQDs) pair onto the surface of glassy carbon electrode. In this strategy, based on the carboxyl (–COOH) groups in Ru(dcbpy) 3 2+ and oxygen, nitrogen-containing groups on NCQDs surface, an intermolecular hydrogen bonds-induced self-enhanced ECL composite was generated in the solid contact layer for the first time. Since Ru(dcbpy) 3 2+ and NCQDs were co-existing in the same composite, the electron-transfer distance between them was shortened and the energy loss was decreased, thereby higher ECL efficiency was acquired. This working process greatly avoided the introduction of signal amplifier and simplified the experimental operation. On this basis, 17β-estradiol (E2) was selected as a target model to fabricate a self-enhanced ECL aptamer sensor for the investigation of its analytical performances. Resultantly, excellent detection properties of E2, including wider linear range of 1.0 × 10-14 − 1.0 × 10-6 mol L-1 and lower detection limit of 1.0 × 10-15 mol L-1 with superior selectivity, were successfully achieved. Finally, E2 spiked into milk powder was quantified to assess the practicability of this sensor. Prospectively, this strategy could be extensively applied for other analytes determination by adjusting the corresponding target aptamers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we are interested in studying the transition density function of the couple given by the first hitting time of a fixed threshold by a one-dimensional uniformly elliptic diffusion process and the associated stopped process. Our strategy relies on the parametrix technique applied to the related semigroup. It notably allows us to extend standard PDEs results on Green and Poisson functions, see e.g. Garroni and Menaldi [Green functions for second order parabolic integro-differential problems, volume 275 of Pitman Research Notes in Mathematics Series, Longman Scientific & Technical, Harlow; copublished in the United States with John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, 1992], by establishing the infinite expansion of the corresponding transition density for irregular coefficients, here bounded measurable drift coefficient and bounded η-Hölder-continuous diffusion coefficient. As a by-product, we establish some Gaussian upper estimates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we are interested in the strong well-posedness together with the numerical approximation of some one-dimensional stochastic differential equations with a non-linear drift, in the sense of McKean–Vlasov, driven by a spectrally-positive Lévy process and a Brownian motion. We provide criteria for the existence of strong solutions under non-Lipschitz conditions of Yamada–Watanabe type without non-degeneracy assumption following the approach developed by Li and Mytnik (2011). The strong convergence rate of the propagation of chaos for the associated particle system and of the corresponding Euler–Maruyama scheme are also investigated. In particular, the strong convergence rate of the Euler–Maruyama scheme exhibits an interplay between the regularity of the coefficients and the order of singularity of the Lévy measure around zero. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a positivity preserving implicit Euler–Maruyama scheme for a jump-extended Cox–Ingersoll–Ross (CIR) process where the jumps are governed by a compensated spectrally positive α -stable process for α ∈ (1 , 2) . Different to the existing positivity preserving numerical schemes for jump-extended CIR or constant elasticity variance process, the model considered here has infinite activity jumps. We calculate, in this specific model, the strong rate of convergence and give some numerical illustrations. Jump extended models of this type were initially studied in the context of branching processes and was recently introduced to the financial mathematics literature to model sovereign interest rates, power and energy markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A flower-shaped CuO-ZnO heterojunction was deposited on 2D ultrathin carbon. • CuO-ZnO heterojunctions in cathodes immobilized and catalyzed polysulfides. • The built-in electric field realized the rapid conversion of lithium polysulfides. • S/CuO-ZnO/UC cathode delivered a high initial capacity of 1228.8 mAh g−1 at 0.5C. • Heterojunctions in solid electrolytes as a charge homogenizer avoided dendrites. The polysulfide shuttle phenomenon and sluggish electrode kinetics impede the commercialization of Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. Heterogeneous structural materials possess adsorptive and catalytic properties. A flower-shaped CuO-ZnO heterojunction is deposited on 2D ultrathin carbon nanosheets (UC) as a capture center to immobilize and catalyze polysulfides. Polar p-type CuO immobilizes the polysulfides through polar-polar strong interaction. At the same time, n-type ZnO dots firmly anchor lithium ions and accelerate S 8 → Li 2 S 4 → Li 2 S, thus reducing the polarization of the electrode to ensure uniform Li nucleation and continuous smooth Li plating. The interfacial built-in electric field from ZnO to CuO of CuO-ZnO heterojunction achieves rapid conversing of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). CuO-ZnO heterojunction promotes the kinetics of LiPSs-redox and the interfacial charge transfer. The battery with the heterojunction has a good discharge capacity in the long-term cycle, with a discharge specific capacity of 1282.08 mAh g−1 for the first cycle and 200 mAh g−1 for the 800th cycle at 0.5C. On the other hand, introducing a heterogeneous interface to solid electrolyte provides a fast and dynamic lithium-ion transport channel. This study offers a new strategy to enhance the electrochemical performances of Li–S batteries by combining heterogeneous interfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of bifunctional signal probes based on a single component is highly desirable for sensitive and simple dual-mode detection of Pb2+. Here, novel gold nanocluster-confined covalent organic frameworks (AuNCs@COFs) were fabricated as a bisignal generator to enable electrochemiluminescence (ECL) and colorimetric dual-response sensing. AuNCs with both intrinsic ECL and peroxidase-like activity were confined into the ultrasmall pores of the COFs via an in situ growth method. On the one hand, the space-confinement effect of the COFs closed the ligand motion-induced nonradiative transition channels of the AuNCs. As a result, the AuNCs@COFs exhibited a 3.3-fold enhancement in anodic ECL efficiency compared to the solid-state aggregated AuNCs using triethylamine as the coreactant. On the other hand, due to the outstanding spatial dispersibility of the AuNCs in the structurally ordered COFs, a high density of active catalytic sites and accelerated electron transfer were obtained, leading to the promotion of the enzyme-like catalytic capacity of the composite. To validate its practical applicability, a Pb2+-triggered dual-response sensing system was proposed based on the aptamer-regulated ECL and peroxidase-like activity of the AuNCs@COFs. Sensitive determinations down to 7.9 pM for the ECL mode and 0.56 nM for the colorimetric mode were obtained. This work provides an approach for designing single element-based bifunctional signal probes for dual-mode detection of Pb2+. [Display omitted] • A single element-based bifunctional probe of AuNCs@COFs was prepared firstly. • The probe showed 3.3-fold ECL efficiency than AuNCs due to the confinement of COFs. • The peroxidase-like activity was promoted due to good distribution of AuNCs in COFs pores. • Based on the ECL and peroxidase performances, a dual-mode sensor for Pb2+ was fabricated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • C 3 H 6 /C 3 H 8 mixture could be efficient separated by a microporous MOF ELM-12 via kinetic effect. • ELM-12 exhibits faster C 3 H 6 adsorption over C 3 H 8 via diffusion controlled process with high kinetic C 3 H 6 /C 3 H 8 selectivity. • Large breakthrough time interval and fast regeneration process could be achieved in the breakthrough experiments. • Feasible scale-up production and highly stable structure under ambient condition make this MOF practically useful. Abstract Propylene (C 3 H 6)/propane (C 3 H 8) separation is one of the most challenging as well as most energy-intensive separation processes in the petrochemical industry. Herein we report a microporous metal–organic framework ELM-12 with appropriate channels where efficient separation of C 3 H 6 over C 3 H 8 is achieved via the kinetic separation effect. Time-dependent kinetic adsorption, density-functional theory calculation and breakthrough experiments collaboratively demonstrate that the considerable diffusivity difference between C 3 H 6 and C 3 H 8 accounts for the excellent separation performance of ELM-12. The high kinetic C 3 H 6 /C 3 H 8 separation factor (204 at 298 K), large breakthrough time interval, and easy regeneration process of this MOF, make it a promising adsorbent for this important separation task. Furthermore, this material is highly stable under ambient condition and its production can be easily scaled up, rendering it quite favorable for practical industrial application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Separation of propyne/propylene (C3H4/C3H6) is more difficult and challenging than that of acetylene/ethylene (C2H2/C2H4) because of their closer molecular sizes. A comprehensive screening of a series of metal–organic frameworks with broad types of structures, pore sizes, and functionalities was carried out. UTSA‐200 was identified as the best separating material for the removal of trace C3H4 from C3H4/C3H6 mixtures. Gas sorption isotherms reveal that UTSA‐200 exhibits by far the highest C3H4 adsorption capacity (95 cm3 cm−3 at 0.01 bar and 298 K) and record C3H4/C3H6 selectivity, which was mainly attributed to the suitable dynamic pore size to efficiently block the larger C3H6 molecule whilst the strong binding sites and pore flexibility capture smaller C3H4. This material thus provides record purification capacity for the removal of C3H4 from a 1:99 (or 0.1:99.9, v/v) C3H4/C3H6 mixture to produce 99.9999 % pure C3H6 with a productivity of 62.0 (or 142.8) mmol g−1. Record removal: A series of metal–organic frameworks with broad types of structures, pore sizes, and functionalities were used to identify UTSA‐200 as the best separating agent for removal of trace C3H4 from C3H4/C3H6 mixtures. The efficiency is mainly attributed to the optimally dynamic pore size to efficiently block the larger C3H6 whilst retaining strong binding sites to selectively take up C3H4, thus producing high‐purity C3H6 (99.9999 %). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Separation of propyne/propylene (C3H4/C3H6) is more difficult and challenging than that of acetylene/ethylene (C2H2/C2H4) because of their closer molecular sizes. A comprehensive screening of a series of metal–organic frameworks with broad types of structures, pore sizes, and functionalities was carried out. UTSA‐200 was identified as the best separating material for the removal of trace C3H4 from C3H4/C3H6 mixtures. Gas sorption isotherms reveal that UTSA‐200 exhibits by far the highest C3H4 adsorption capacity (95 cm3 cm−3 at 0.01 bar and 298 K) and record C3H4/C3H6 selectivity, which was mainly attributed to the suitable dynamic pore size to efficiently block the larger C3H6 molecule whilst the strong binding sites and pore flexibility capture smaller C3H4. This material thus provides record purification capacity for the removal of C3H4 from a 1:99 (or 0.1:99.9, v/v) C3H4/C3H6 mixture to produce 99.9999 % pure C3H6 with a productivity of 62.0 (or 142.8) mmol g−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The separation of ethane from its corresponding ethylene is an important, challenging, and energy-intensive process in the chemical industry. Here we report a microporous metal-organic framework, iron(III) peroxide 2,5-dioxido-1,4-benzenedicarboxylate [Fe2(O2)(dobdc) (dobdc4−: 2,5-dioxido-1,4-benzenedicarboxylate)], with iron (Fe)–peroxo sites for the preferential binding of ethane over ethylene and thus highly selective separation of C2H6/C2H4. Neutron powder diffraction studies and theoretical calculations demonstrate the key role of Fe-peroxo sites for the recognition of ethane. The high performance of Fe2(O2)(dobdc) for the ethane/ethylene separation has been validated by gas sorption isotherms, ideal adsorbed solution theory calculations, and simulated and experimental breakthrough curves. Through a fixed-bed column packed with this porous material, polymer-grade ethylene (99.99% pure) can be straightforwardly produced from ethane/ethylene mixtures during the first adsorption cycle, demonstrating the potential of Fe2(O2)(dobdc) for this important industrial separation with a low energy cost under ambient conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background and Aims: Alcohol's harms to others (AHTO) may cause substantial distress, particularly when harms are perpetrated by close others. One challenge to identifying causal impacts is that people harmed by drinkers differ in many ways from those not so harmed, so our aim was to assess mental health in relation to two serious types of AHTO, financial harm and assault by someone who had been drinking, using propensity score (PS) weighting to adjust for potentially confounding differences. Design: Cross‐sectional, nationally representative, random sample of adults. Setting: United States. Participants: Seventy‐six respondents reporting financial harm compared with 4625 with no past‐year AHTO; 192 respondents reporting assault compared with 4623 with no past‐year AHTO. Measurements: Predictors were reported exposure to financial problems due to someone's drinking and assault by someone who had been drinking. Mental health outcomes were quality of life, distress and positive affect. Confounders included family history of alcohol problems, child physical/sexual abuse, substance use/dependence, impacts of recent economic recession, racial/ethnic discrimination, poverty and other demographics. Results: In double‐robust PS weighted models for financial harm, there were associations with reduced quality of life (B = −0.28, P = 0.02) and increased distress [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 4.69, P < 0.001], and for assault by a partner or family member, there were associations with increased distress (aOR = 2.23, P = 0.09). For assault by a friend or stranger, none of the associations are statistically significant after PS weighting (all P > 0.10). Conclusions: Financial troubles due to someone else's drinking and assaults perpetrated by drinking intimates (spouses, other partners or family members) are associated with reduced mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is an efficient method for the diagnosis of heart disease. However, few contemporary studies have evaluated the prognostic value of three-dimensional (3D)-CTA for patients with acute coronary artery disease. The aim of the present study was to investigate the diagnostic value of 3D-CTA for patients with acute coronary artery disease. A total of 136 patients with suspected acute coronary artery disease were recruited and received conventional coronary angiography (CCA) and 3D-CTA. 3D-CTA was used to assess calcified plaques in the coronary arteries (CCTA), the ratio of calcified plaque volume to vessel circumference (RVTC) and diagnostic accuracy. The results revealed that 3D-CTA was a more effective diagnostic method for identifying calcified plaques in patients with acute coronary artery disease compared with CCA. 3D-CTA demonstrated a significantly better area under curve, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value compared with CCA (P<0.01). In the present study, 3D-CTA was used to successfully diagnose 86 patients with acute coronary artery disease, 34 with myocardial infarction and 16 with stable angina. 3D-CTA images clearly showed global noise levels and target-to-background ratios determined by manually delineated coronary plaque lesions compared with CCA. Furthermore, 3D-CTA was significantly better for discriminating ischemia compared with CCA (P<0.01). In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that 3D-CTA provides superior diagnostic performance compared with CCA alone in patients with acute coronary artery disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, a new electrochemical sensor using anodic stripping voltammetry from N-doped carbon quantum dots-graphene oxide hybrid (NCQDs-GO) for the simultaneous determination of cadmium ion (Cd 2+ ) and lead ion (Pb 2+ ) is developed. In the hybrid, both the NCQDs and GO have large electroactive surface areas and abundant oxygen-containing functional groups, which supply active sites for the efficient adsorption of heavy metal ions by electrostatic interaction to improve the sensor sensitivity. The NCQDs homogeneously distribute on the surface of GO and play an important role in re-oxidizing metals into ions for stripping analysis. Based on these excellent advantages, the electrochemical Cd 2+ and Pb 2+ sensor using a NCQDs-GO hybrid modified glassy carbon electrode (NCQDs-GO/GCE) exhibits superior analysis performance than those using just NCQDs on GCE (NCQDs/GCE) and just GO on GCE (GO/GCE), such as wide linear range (11.24–11241 μg/L for Cd 2+ and 20.72–10360 μg/L for Pb 2+ , respectively), low detection limit (7.45 μg/L for Cd 2+ and 1.17 μg/L for Pb 2+ , respectively), good reproducibility and selectivity. Moreover, satisfactory testing recoveries are obtained for the simultaneous detection of Cd 2+ and Pb 2+ in lake water and tap water, suggesting that NCQDs-GO hybrid is a promising material for the fabrication of electrochemical heavy metal ion sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene-based materials might serve as an ideal platform for the regulation and promotion of metalloprotein electron transfer (ET); however, the underpinning mechanism at the molecular level has not yet been fully revealed. The orientation of cytochrome c (Cyt c) on surfaces is vital for ET. In this work, the orientation of Cyt c on graphene and graphene oxide (GO) surfaces, as well as the dominant driving forces, the conformational change and the ET pathways were investigated by molecular dynamics simulations. The results show that Cyt c is adsorbed onto the GO surface mainly through lysine residues; whereas hydrophobic interaction contributes to the Cyt c adsorption on graphene surface. There is no significant conformational change of Cyt c upon adsorption. The heme plane of Cyt c tends to be horizontally oriented and far away from the graphene surface, which is not conducive to ET. On the GO surface, the heme plane is slightly deviated from the normal direction to the surface and the axial ligand Met80 is much closer to the surface, which facilitates the ET. These findings shed some light on the ET mechanism of Cyt c on graphene-based materials and provide guidance for the development of bionic electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A flexible metal–organic framework (MOF) [Mn(INA)2]·MeOH (1) (INA− = isonicotinate) has been solvothermally synthesized. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals that compound 1 features a 3D microporous framework containing one-dimensional channels. The activated phase 1a displays permanent porosity with a Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area of 236 m2 g−1. Gas sorption analyses reveal that 1a exhibits interesting gate-opening hydrocarbon sorption behavior with considerable C2 uptake capacities but a negligible amount for CH4 under ambient conditions. Selectivity calculation and breakthrough experiment comprehensively demonstrate that 1a has remarkably high selectivity towards C2 hydrocarbons over CH4 under ambient conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we firstly report a novel N-doped graphene quantum dots decorated N-doped carbon nanofibers (NGQDs@NCNFs) composite and its application to construct highly sensitive electrochemical sensor for nitrite determination. The NGQDs@NCNFs composite was prepared by combining electrospinning, carbonization and a facile route of one-step hydrothermal method. The as-prepared composite possessed free-standing film structure and high flexibility, which was favorable for electrode modification. NGQDs successfully grafted on the surface of NCNFs, thus avoiding the large aggregation and maintaining the large electroactive surface area of NGQDs. While the NCNFs acted as a novel support for NGQDs attachment and benefited fast electron transfer. The electrocatalytic performance of the NGQDs@NCNFs composite was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. It is revealed that the electrochemical nitrite sensor developed based on the novel NGQDs@NCNFs composite exhibited superior analysis performance to previously reported nitrite sensors, such as wide linear range (5–300 μM, R 2 = 0.999; 400–3000 μM, R 2 = 0.997), low detection limit (3 μM), excellent reproducibility and selectivity, and good testing recoveries for the detection of nitrite present in sausage, pickle, lake water and tap water. These results suggest that NGQDs@NCNFs composite could be a promising and convenient material for the fabrication of electrochemical sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate the Hermite-Hadamard type inequality for the class of some h-convex stochastic processes, which is an extension of the Hermite-Hadamard inequality given by Barráez et al. (Math. Æterna 5:571-581, 2015). We also provide the estimates of both sides of the Hermite-Hadamard type inequality for h-convex stochastic processes, where h is any non-negative function with $$h(t)+h(1-t)\le 1$$ for $$0\le t\le 1$$ . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional (2D) graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets show brilliant application potential in numerous fields. Herein, a membrane with artificial nanopores and self-supporting spacers was fabricated by assembly of 2D g-C3N4 nanosheets in a stack with elaborate structures. In water purification the g-C3N4 membrane shows a better separation performance than commercial membranes. The g-C3N4 membrane has a water permeance of 29 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 and a rejection rate of 87 % for 3 nm molecules with a membrane thickness of 160 nm. The artificial nanopores in the g-C3N4 nanosheets and the spacers between the partially exfoliated g-C3N4 nanosheets provide nanochannels for water transport while bigger molecules are retained. The self-supported nanochannels in the g-C3N4 membrane are very stable and rigid enough to resist environmental challenges, such as changes to pH and pressure conditions. Permeation experiments and molecular dynamics simulations indicate that a novel nanofluidics phenomenon takes place, whereby water transport through the g-C3N4 nanosheet membrane occurs with ultralow friction. The findings provide new understanding of fluidics in nanochannels and illuminate a fabrication method by which rigid nanochannels may be obtained for applications in complex or harsh environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional (2D) graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets show brilliant application potential in numerous fields. Herein, a membrane with artificial nanopores and self-supporting spacers was fabricated by assembly of 2D g-C3N4 nanosheets in a stack with elaborate structures. In water purification the g-C3N4 membrane shows a better separation performance than commercial membranes. The g-C3N4 membrane has a water permeance of 29 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 and a rejection rate of 87 % for 3 nm molecules with a membrane thickness of 160 nm. The artificial nanopores in the g-C3N4 nanosheets and the spacers between the partially exfoliated g-C3N4 nanosheets provide nanochannels for water transport while bigger molecules are retained. The self-supported nanochannels in the g-C3N4 membrane are very stable and rigid enough to resist environmental challenges, such as changes to pH and pressure conditions. Permeation experiments and molecular dynamics simulations indicate that a novel nanofluidics phenomenon takes place, whereby water transport through the g-C3N4 nanosheet membrane occurs with ultralow friction. The findings provide new understanding of fluidics in nanochannels and illuminate a fabrication method by which rigid nanochannels may be obtained for applications in complex or harsh environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, liquid-liquid equilibrium (LLE) data for the ternary systems, mesityl oxide + o -, m -, p -cresol + water, were determined at 333.2 K and 353.2 K under 101 kPa. The high distribution coefficient and selectivity calculated by the experimental tie-line data indicate excellent efficiency for mesityl oxide extracting cresols from aqueous solutions. The NRTL and UNIQUAC models were used to correlate the experimental LLE data, with root mean square deviations (RMSDs) below 2.1% and 1.5%, respectively. The COSMO-SAC model was also employed to calculate the LLE data, which agreed with the experimental results quite well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of diethylethyletherylmethanamine bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (DEEYTFSI) ionic liquid gel polymer electrolyte based polyurethane acrylate (PUA)/poly(methyl methacryltae) (PMMA) matrix with different contents of DEEYTFSI, PUA and LiTFSI were prepared via ultraviolet (UV) curing system. Electrochemical performances of the gel polymer were studied by electrochemical station and charge–discharge system. The gel polymer electrolyte with 19 wt.% DEEYTFSI obtained a maximum conductivity σ of 2.76 × 10 −4 S cm −1 and the transference number t Li+ of ∼0.22 at room temperature. 19 wt.% DEEYTFSI caused the easier transferring of lithium ions due to less apparent activation energy E a of 21.1 kJ mol −1 . The DEEYTFSI/LiTFSI/PUA/PMMA electrolyte had good compatibility with LiFePO 4 cathode. The DEEYTFSI/LiTFSI/PUA/PMMA electrolyte with the electrochemical window of 4.70 V was enough stability for being the electrolyte material of lithium battery. The Li/19 wt.% DEEYTFSI–LiTFSI–PUA–PMMA/LiFePO 4 coin-typed cell cycled at 0.1 C presented 95% efficiency on the 50th cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a series of UiO topology structures were synthesized by choosing the same metal-containing clusters with variable length and functional group/site organic linkers, which provided a systematic platform to explore the pore size and functionalization effects on the adsorption and separation of light hydrocarbons. Based on the adsorption and separation experiments, it can be concluded that alkane mixtures CH4/C2H6/C3H8 showed better separation results in the larger pore channels found in UiO-67, Zr-NDC and UiO-66. In addition, functionalization in the pores indicated that the C2H2/C2H4 mixtures can be separated using BUT-11 due to the strong interactions between the C2H2 molecules and the sulfone groups present in the material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multifunctional solid-state electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensing platform based on poly(ethylenimine) (PEI) capped N-doped carbon dots (NCDs@PEI) as novel co-reactant of Ru ( bpy ) 3 2 + nanosheets (RuNSs) was designed for the first time. In this route, RuNSs with large surface-to-volume ratio was used as luminophor, and NCDs@PEI, which was newly synthesized and modified in one step via a facile microwave-assisted method, was served as co-reactant. The as-prepared NCDs@PEI exhibited better catalytic effect to RuNSs than naked NCDs, due to the double enhancement contribution of NCDs and PEI to RuNSs. Simultaneously, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was further introduced to facilitate the electron transfer and amplify the ECL signal. The developed ECL sensor (NCDs@PEI-rGO/RuNSs/GCE) exhibited desired ECL emission, with about 69-fold enhancement of the ECL intensity in comparison with RuNSs/GCE. When used as ECL probe for dopamine detection, the prepared sensor showed high sensitivity in a wide linear range of 0.01–50 μM with the detection limit of 10 nM. Moreover, the sensing platform also suggested multifunctional application for detecting other compounds including bisphenol A, catechol and hydroquinone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The catalysts with excellent catalytic properties and low-cost are still highly desirable in many fields, such as fuel cells. In respect of this challenge, we have synthesized high-quality platinum nanoparticles loaded nitrogen-doped graphene (Pt/NG) by using formic acid as reduction agent and commercial-available nitrogen-doped graphene (N - graphene) as supporting materials. The morphology and component characterization demonstrate that high-loading Pt nanoparticles with a mean diameter of 2.5 nm were uniformly dispersed on nitrogen-doped graphene. The resulting Pt/NG exhibit higher catalytic activity toward methanol oxidation and hydrogen evolution reaction compared with commercial Pt/C or self-synthesized platinum nanoparticles-loaded graphene. The superior catalytic performance of Pt/NG are discussed, and ascribed to the well-dispersed Pt nanoparticles and abundant edge plane sites on N - graphene. The resultant Pt/NG with high catalytic properties and cost-effective may emerge as a promising high-performance catalyst for fuel cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N-methyl-N-propyl-piperidin-bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide/bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide lithium base/polymethyl methacrylate(PP 13 TFSI/LiTFSI/PMMA) gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) membrane was prepared by in situ polymerization. The physical and chemical properties were comprehensively discussed. The decomposition characteristics were emphasized by thermogravimetric (TG-DTG) method in the nitrogen atmosphere at the different heating rates of 5, 10, 15 and 20 °C min −1 , respectively. The activation energy was calculated with the iso-conversional methods of Ozawa and Kissinger, Friedman, respectively, and the Coats-Redfern methods were adopted to employ the detailed mechanism of the electrolyte membrane. The equation f ( α )=3/2[(1− α ) 1/3 −1] was quite an appropriate kinetic mechanisms to describe the thermal decomposition process with an activation energy ( E α ) of 184 kJ/mol and a pre-exponential factor ( A ) of 1.894×10 11 were obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we use the backward parametrix method in order to prove the existence and regularity of the the transition density associated to the solution process of a stable-like driven stochastic differential equation (SDE) with Hölder continuous coefficients. The method of proof uses the parametrix method on the Gaussian component of a subordinated Brownian motion. This analysis which can be generalized also provides a stochastic representation of the density which is potentially useful for other applications. Abbrevations:B: Brownian motion;V: α-stable-like subordinator independent ofB; μ: Lévy measure of the subordinatorV;m(·): positive concave increasing function;; δy(dx): Dirac measure with unit mass at; ψ: Lévy exponent ofZ;q(M, x): Gaussian density with covariance matrixMand; ϕ: a regular varying function;b: drift coefficient ofX; σ: coefficient of associated with the driving Lévy processZ≔BV; ζ: coefficient associated with the diffusion (ifXis a jump diffusion process);: generator of processX, solution of the stochastic differential equation (1);pt(x, y): density of the processX;: generator of the parametrix or frozen process;: density of the parametrix;k: Hölder exponential ofa≔ σσT;and: uniform upper and lower bounds for the eigenvalues ofa(·);k′: Hölder exponential ofe≔ ζζT; η and (ηi)i: auxiliary Bernoulliused to link the drift part and the jump part;and: auxiliary Bernoulliused to link the small and large jumps;: ordered jump times of an Poisson process;, wherew∈ (α, 1∧(α + λ)) and λ > 0;;;x+≔x∨0 for;;;Int(y,x) ≔ ∫t0…∫tn − 10dtn…dt1  K(tn, …,t1,t;x,y);;;;;;;; [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]