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AlGaN-based deep-ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (DUV LEDs) have been identified as a prospective mercury-free UV source. However, the observation of severe electron overflow and low hole injection efficiency in the conventional DUV LED deteriorates the device performance, attributing to the downward band bending as a result of the strong polarization-induced electric fields between the last quantum barrier (LQB) and the electron blocking layer (EBL). In this study, a composition-graded AlGaN layer with linearly increasing of Al composition from 0.5 to 0.65 is proposed to act as the LQB, replacing the conventional flat LQB to reduce the effective barrier height for hole injection while improving the electron blocking ability. Hence, a considerable enhancement of the output power can be obtained. Moreover, further investigations show that the thickness of graded LQB determine the band bending in the LQB and thus significantly suppress the electron leakage, eventually leading to a boosted output power. The thorough investigation on the LQB could pave the way towards the realization of efficient DUV LEDs of the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ultrasound-assisted ionic liquid (IL) salting-out microextraction system was developed and applied for the extraction of quinolone antibiotics from urine. A precipitate was formed from the salt and IL, and it acted as the sorbent for the analytes. The precipitate containing the analyte was separated by filtration, redissolved, and the solution then was evaporated. The resulting extract was redissolved for high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis. Several parameters, including type and volume of IL, the type and amount of salts, sample pH, temperature and extraction time were optimized. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the limits of detection for fleroxacin and ciprofloxacin were 3.12 and 4.97 μg L−1, respectively. When the present method was applied to real urine sample analysis, the analyte recoveries ranged from 82.3 to 106.8%. This ultrasound-assisted IL salting-out microextraction system had the characteristics of high recoveries, shorter separation time and easy-to-perform collection procedure, which yielded the method to have potential for wide application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salting-out homogenous extraction followed by ionic liquid/ionic liquid dispersive liquid-liquid micro-extraction system was developed and applied to the extraction of sulfonamides in blood. High-performance liquid chromatography was applied to the determination of the analytes. The blood sample was centrifuged to obtain the serum. After the proteins in the serum were removed in the presence of acetonitrile, ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, ionic liquid 1-Hexyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate were added into the resulting solution. After the resulting mixture was ultrasonically shaken and centrifuged, the precipitate was separated. The acetonitrile was added in the precipitate and the analytes were extracted into the acetonitrile phase. The parameters affecting the extraction efficiency, such as volume of ionic liquid, amount of dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, volume of dispersant, extraction time and temperature were investigated. The limits of detection of sulfamethizole (STZ), sulfachlorpyridazine (SCP), sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and Sulfisoxazole (SSZ) were 4.78, 3.99, 5.21 and 3.77 μg L −1 , respectively. When the present method was applied to the analysis of real blood samples, the recoveries of analytes ranged from 90.0% to 113.0% and relative standard deviations were lower than 7.2%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionic liquid/anionic surfactant aqueous two-phase system was developed and applied for the extraction of Sudan I–IV. High-performance liquid chromatography was applied to the determination of the analytes. The aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) was formed in the present of C 4 [MIM]BF 4 , sodium dodecyl benzene sulphonate and (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 . The parameters affecting the extraction efficiency, such as volume of ionic liquid, amount of sodium dodecyl benzene sulphonate, ionic strength, pH value of system, extraction time and temperature were investigated. The limits of detection for Sudan I, II, III and IV were 5.45, 4.66, 3.68, 4.20 μg kg −1 , respectively. When the present method was applied to the analysis of candy samples, the recoveries of the analytes ranged from 82.3% to 112.1% and relative standard deviations were lower than 7.41%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cysteine (Cys) distribute widely in organisms as the crucial components of proteins, and play important roles in pathophysiological processes of human body. Low level of Cys might induce hepatic injury, edema and growth retardation, while superfluous level of Cys is found to be closely relevant to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. In this work, a novel near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe PFQ-C was developed for highly selective detection of Cys in living cells and mice by utilizing the cyclization removal reaction between acrylate group and Cys. The superior sensitivity (limit of detection, 0.036 μM), NIR emission (655 nm), large Stokes shift (135 nm) and low cytotoxicity of the probe highlight its broad potential for future clinical applications. The response mechanism of the probe towards Cys was clarified by spectroscopy, chromatography and theoretical calculation. In addition, results of fluorescence imaging of cells and mice revealed the good performance of the probe for monitoring the distributions and variations of Cys activity in vivo, which is very useful for the researches on diseases associated with Cys. [Display omitted] • A new probe PFQ-C with NIR emission and large Stokes shifts was synthesized. • Good water solubility and good specific recognition ability for Cys. • Cys in living cells and mice was detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionic liquid/anionic surfactant aqueous two-phase system was developed and applied for the extraction of sulfonamides in blood. High-performance liquid chromatography was applied to the determination of the analytes. The blood sample was centrifuged and added to sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), ionic liquid 1-Hexyl-3-MethylImidazolium Chloride([C 6 MIM] Cl), K 2 HPO 4 . After the resulting mixture was ultrasonically shaken and centrifuged, the aqueous two phase system was formed and analytes were extracted into the upper phase. The parameters affecting the extraction efficiency, such as volume of ionic liquid, amount of sodium dodecyl sulfate, ionic strength, pH value of system, extraction time and temperature were investigated. The limits of detection of Sulfamethyldiazine (SMZ), Sulfamethizole (STZ), sulfachlorpyridazine (SCP), sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and Sulfisoxazole (SSZ) were 3.29, 4.13, 3.74, 2.45 and 3.60 μg L − 1 , respectively. When the present method was applied to the analysis of real blood samples, the recoveries of analytes ranged from 85.5 to 110.9% and relative standard deviations were lower than 6.9%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the factors that regulate the functioning of our ecosystems in response to environmental changes can help to maintain the stable provisioning of ecosystem services to mankind. This is especially relevant given the increased variability of environmental conditions due to human activities. In particular, maintaining a stable production and plant biomass during the growing season (intra‐annual stability) despite pervasive and directional changes in temperature and precipitation through time can help to secure food supply to wild animals, livestock, and humans. Here, we conducted a 29‐year field observational study in a temperate grassland to explore how the intra‐annual stability of primary productivity is influenced by biotic and abiotic variables through time. We found that intra‐annual precipitation variability in the growing season indirectly influenced the community intra‐annual biomass stability by its negative effect on intra‐annual species asynchrony. While the intra‐annual temperature variability in the growing season indirectly altered community intra‐annual biomass stability through affecting the intra‐annual species richness. At the same time, although the intra‐annual biomass stability of the dominant species and the dominant functional group were insensitive to climate variability, they also promoted the stable community biomass to a certain extent. Our results indicate that ongoing intra‐annual climate variability affects community intra‐annual biomass stability in the temperate grassland, which has important theoretical significance for us to take active measures to deal with climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wide bandgap aluminum gallium nitride (AlGaN) semiconductor alloys have established themselves as the key materials for building ultraviolet (UV) optoelectronic and power electronic devices. However, further improvements to device performance are lagging, largely due to the difficulties in precisely controlling carrier behavior, both carrier generation and carrier transport, within AlGaN-based devices. Fortunately, it has been discovered that instead of using AlGaN layers with fixed Al compositions, by grading the Al composition along the growth direction, it is possible to (1) generate high-density electrons and holes via polarization-induced doping; (2) manipulate carrier transport behavior via energy band modulation, also known as 'band engineering'. Consequently, such compositionally graded AlGaN alloys have attracted extensive interest as promising building blocks for efficient AlGaN-based UV light emitters and power electronic devices. In this review, we focus on the unique physical properties of graded AlGaN alloys and highlight the key roles that such graded structures play in device exploration. Firstly, we elaborate on the underlying mechanisms of efficient carrier generation and transport manipulation enabled by graded AlGaN alloys. Thereafter, we comprehensively summarize and discuss the recent progress in UV light emitters and power electronic devices incorporating graded AlGaN structures. Finally, we outline the prospects associated with the implementation of graded AlGaN alloys in the pursuit of high-performance optoelectronic and power electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carboxylesterases in human body play pivotal roles for catalyzing the hydrolysis of endogenous and exogenous substances such as lipids, thioesters and amides. Carboxylesterase-2 (CES2) as a major isoform of carboxylesterases is highly expressed in human digestive tract, and usually serves as an important mediator for pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ester medications or ester prodrugs. Therefore, developing effective strategies to detect and track CES2 in cells or tissues is of great significance for understanding its physiological and pharmacological effects on various diseases and therapeutic outcomes. In this study, we synthesized a fluorescent probe (CHQ-E) with near-infrared (NIR) excitation and emission maxima based on dihydroxanthene fluorophore for highly selective and sensitive detection of CES2. This probe exhibited rapid response (3 min), excellent sensitivity (detection limit = 0.35 ng/mL) and high binding affinity (K m = 9.4 μM) towards CES2, as well as low cytotoxicity towards living biosamples. Significantly, the maximum fluorescence excitation and emission wavelengths led to excellent optical properties of this probe including less photodamage, few autofluorescence and superior tissue penetration depth (180 µm). Moreover, CHQ-E has been applied to monitoring CES2 activity in drug-induced liver injury and its remediation models. Results of fluorescence imaging in vivo indicate the broad potential of CHQ-E for clinical diagnosis and evaluation of pharmaceuticals. [Display omitted] • Probe for detecting CES2 with both excitation and emission maxima at NIR region. • High sensitivity (LOD = 0.35 ng/mL) and short response time (3 min) to CES2. • Great tissue penetration depth (180 µm) for bioanalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overgrazing has caused serious grassland soil deterioration and significant soil organic carbon (SOC) losses. Controlled grazing is recommended for restoring grassland and enhancing SOC stocks. Studies have suggested that, in particular, labile organic carbon (C) is a sensitive indicator for soil degradation and SOC recovery, but few studies of the effect of different grassland management practices have been published so far. Here, we investigate the effects of long‐term grazing exclusion and short‐term rotational grazing with different grazing intensities on labile SOC, including hot water extractable organic C (HWEC) and particulate organic C (POC), as well as potential N mineralization (Nmin) rate in soils (0–10 cm) of two grasslands in Xilinhot, Inner Mongolia. Treatments include long‐term (34 years) exclusion, medium‐term (21 years) exclusion and continuous grazing (ambient grazing) at one of the sites, and we investigate no grazing, light grazing, moderate grazing and high‐grazing intensity at the study site for rotational grazing. Our results show that grazing exclusion significantly enhances labile SOC stocks and potential Nmin rate compared to ambient grazing (e.g., POC stock at long‐ and medium‐term exclusion and ambient grazing are 5.71 ± 0.94 Mg C ha−1, 3.25 ± 0.30 Mg C ha−1 and 2.12 ± 0.38 Mg C ha−1, respectively). However, after two decades of exclusion, the potential for further C sequestration is limited. Five years of rotational grazing significantly enhances HWEC, but not POC and potential Nmin rate, when comparing the highest grazing intensity (1.88 sheep ha−1 yr−1) with grazing exclusion during the same period. We conclude that rotational grazing may be a viable alternative to exclusion, offering a more rational use of grassland without causing soil C loss. We also show that HWEC is a particularly sensitive labile SOC indicator and is tightly correlated to POC and potential Nmin rate. Highlights: We investigated effects of grazing exclusion and rotational grazing on labile soil organic carbon.Grazing exclusion increased labile SOC and the highest level appeared in medium‐term exclusion.Five years of high‐intensity rotational grazing increased HWEC with no significant effects on POC.Rotational grazing is a viable alternative to grazing exclusion management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we demonstrate an AlGaN-based deep-ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (DUV LEDs) structure with the incorporation of inverted-V-shaped quantum barriers (QBs). Intriguingly, the light output power (LOP) can be remarkably boosted by 157% in comparison with conventional structure with flat QBs, attributing to the successful enhancement of both electron-blocking capability and hole injection efficiency. More importantly, the device with inverted-V-shaped QBs can greatly accelerate the radiative recombination efficiency, alleviating the efficiency droop to only 3% while this number is as high at 47.1% in conventional DUV LED with flat QBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A green, efficient and easy sample pretreatment method of magnetic ionic liquid-based liquid-liquid microextraction (MIL-based LLME) combined with a sensitive, rapid and precise analytical method of ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-QqQ/MS2) was developed to simultaneously - determining of neurotransmitters (NTs) in biosamples. Two magnetic ionic liquids (MILs), [P 6,6,6,14 ] 3 [GdCl 6 ] and [P 6,6,6,14 ] 2 [CoCl 4 ] tested, and the latter was selected as the extraction solvent due to its advantages of visual recognition, paramagnetic behavior and higher extraction efficiency. Facile magnetic separation of MIL containing analytes from matrix was realized by applying external magnetic field without rather than centrifugation. Experimental parameters that would influence the extraction efficiency, including type and amount of MIL, extraction time, speed of the vortex process, salt concentration, and environmental pH, were optimized obtained. The proposed method was successfully applied to the simultaneous extraction and determination of 20 NTs in human cerebrospinal fluid and plasma samples. Excellent analytical performance indicates the broad potential of this method for clinical diagnosis and therapy of neurological diseases. [Display omitted] • Facile extraction of neurotransmitters using magnetic ionic liquid. • Simultaneous determination of 20 neurotransmitters by tandem mass spectrometry. • Human cerebrospinal fluid and plasma sample were tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Annuals are an important component part of plant communities in arid and semiarid grassland ecosystems. Although it is well known that precipitation has a significant impact on productivity and species richness of community or perennials, nevertheless, due to lack of measurements, especially long-term experiment data, there is little information on how quantity and patterns of precipitation affect similar attributes of annuals. This study addresses this knowledge gap by analyzing how quantity and temporal patterns of precipitation affect aboveground biomass, interannual variation aboveground biomass, relative aboveground biomass, and species richness of annuals using a 29-year dataset from a dry steppe site at the Inner Mongolia Grassland Ecosystem Research Station. Results showed that aboveground biomass and relative aboveground biomass of annuals increased with increasing precipitation. The coefficient of variation in aboveground biomass of annuals decreased significantly with increasing annual and growing-season precipitation. Species richness of annuals increased significantly with increasing annual precipitation and growing-season precipitation. Overall, this study highlights the importance of precipitation for aboveground biomass and species richness of annuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple extraction method based on acetonitrile-K 2 HPO 4 aqueous two-phase system was developed for separation and enrichment of five triazines in milk samples. Acetonitrile was used for extraction of analytes from milk sample and precipitation of milk protein. Deproteinization and extraction were achieved in one single step. Analytes were extracted into the upper phase of the aqueous two-phase system. The parameters affecting the extraction efficiency, such as the volume of acetonitrile, the type and amount of salts, pH value of sample and extraction time were investigated. The limits of detection of atraton, desmetryn, atrazine, terbumeton and terbuthylazine were 2.1, 2.6, 2.3, 2.8 and 2.5 μg/L, respectively. When the present method was applied to the analysis of real milk samples, the recoveries of analytes ranged from 86.3 to 120.6% and relative standard deviations were lower than 7.9%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An ionic liquid-anionic surfactant based aqueous two-phase extraction was developed and applied for the extraction of tetracycline, oxytetracycline and chloramphenicol in honey. The honey sample was mixed with Na2EDTA aqueous solution. The sodium dodecyl sulfate, ionic liquid 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide and sodium chloride were added in the mixture. After the resulting mixture was ultrasonically shaken and centrifuged, the aqueous two phase system was formed and analytes were extracted into the upper phase. The parameters affecting the extraction efficiency, such as the volume of ionic liquid, the category and amount of salts, sample pH value, extraction time and temperature were investigated. The limits of detection of tetracycline, oxytetracycline and chloramphenicol were 5.8, 8.2 and 4.2μgkg−1, respectively. When the present method was applied to the analysis of real honey samples, the recoveries of analytes ranged from 85.5 to 110.9% and relative standard deviations were lower than 6.9%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ultrasound-assisted ionic liquid/ionic liquid-dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (UA-IL/IL-DLLME) high-performance liquid chromatography was developed and applied to the extraction, separation and determination of sulfonamides in infant formula milk powder samples. The hydrophobic IL and hydrophilic IL were used as extraction solvent and dispersion solvent, respectively. The extraction procedure was induced by the formation of cloudy solution, which was composed of fine drops of [C6MIM][PF6] dispersed entirely into sample solution with help of [C4MIM][BF4]. The purification of sample and concentration of target analytes were performed simultaneously. The introduction of ion-pairing agent (NH4PF6) was beneficial to the improvement of recoveries for IL phase and analytes. The experimental parameters of the UA-IL/IL-DLLME, including concentration of [C6MIM][PF6] and [C4MIM][BF4] in sample solution, ultrasound extraction time, pH value of sample solution and amount of ion-pairing agent (NH4PF6), were evaluated. The limits of detection for sulfamerazine, sulfamethizole, sulfachlorpyridazine, sulfamonomethoxine, sulfmethoxazole and sulfisoxazole were 2.94, 9.26, 16.7, 5.28, 3.35 and 6.66μgkg−1, respectively. When the present method was applied to the analysis of infant formula milk powder samples, the recoveries of the analytes ranged from 90.4% to 114.8% and relative standard deviations were lower than 7.5%. The proposed method was compared with the ionic liquid-homogeneous liquid–liquid microextraction, ionic liquid-ultrasound-assisted emulsification–microextraction and ionic liquid-temperature-controlled-DLLME. The results indicated that the proposed method is effective for the extraction of the sulfonamides in milk powder samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]