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Highly dispersed Au nanoparticles supported on Ni–Al mixed metal oxides (Au/NiAl-MMO) were prepared by a facile method, which is significantly efficient for the aerobic oxidation of ethyl lactate using authentic air as the oxidant, achieving 72.6% ethyl lactate conversion and 88.3% selectivity to ethyl pyruvate at 240 °C in a continuous fixed-bed reactor. The catalyst retained its catalytic performance during a long-term stability test. Characterization and experimental studies on the kinetic dependence sequence of the reactants and elementary reaction steps confirmed that the Au/NiAl-MMO catalyst followed the Mars–van Krevelen mechanism, with the activation of O2 as the elementary step. The quasi in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra demonstrated that the active sites in the Au/NiAl-MMO catalyst were Au nanoparticles. This work may provide a novel technique for developing more efficient supported metal catalysts for the aerobic oxidation of ethyl lactate using authentic air as the oxidant. Highly dispersed Au nanoparticle catalyst was facilely prepared for the efficient catalytic oxidation of ethyl lactate with authentic air. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To study the roles of sequence alterations in the optineurin (OPTN) gene-coding region in normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) among Chinese patients. Methods. Genomic DNA was extracted from 190 NTG patients and 201 control subjects. The thirteen exons of OPTN were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and analyzed by direct sequencing. Detected sequence changes were compared between NTG patients and control subjects. Results. Seven sequence changes in OPTN were identified in both NTG patients and control subjects. Among them, c.464G>A (T34 T), c.509C>T (T49T), c.806G>A (V148V), and c.959T>C (P199P) were synonymous codon changes, whilst c.655T>A (M98K), c.1996G>A (R545Q), and c.1582T>C (I407T) were missense changes. Two previously reported heterozygous mutations, c.458G>A (E50K) in exon 4 and c.691_692insAG in exon 6, were not found in this study. Out of these seven OPTN sequence variants, c.464G>A (T34T) was significantly associated with NTG in both the allelic and genotypic association analyses (allelic association: p=0.0001, OR=2.20, 95% CI: 1.46-3.31; genotypic association: p=0.0001), whereas the association of other variants with NTG did not reach statistical significance (p>0.05). Variants c.1582 T>C (I407T) and c.806G>A (V148V) were identified in one and two NTG patients, respectively, but not in the control subjects. Conclusions. This study confirmed the association of the OPTN T34T variant with NTG, suggesting that OPTN is a susceptibility gene for NTG in Chinese. Moreover, a variant with amino acid change (I407T) was identified in NTG but not in controls. Further studies are warranted to assess whether this variant is a causative mutation for NTG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The direct dehydrogenation of ethyl lactate (EL) to produce ethyl pyruvate (EP) over non-precious heterogeneous catalysts is highly desirable, but challenging. Herein, we report a highly efficient silica-supported copper catalyst prepared via a hydrolysis-precipitation method (Cu/SiO 2 -HP) for the dehydrogenation of ethyl lactate, which exhibited an 85.4 % EL conversion with 91.1 % selectivity toward EP at 320 °C. XAFS, in situ XPS, and CO-adsorption FT-IR spectra revealed that the Cu/SiO 2 -HP catalyst had abundant Cu0/Cu+ interfaces. In situ FT-IR spectra, kinetic studies, and theoretical calculations also demonstrated that the Cu0/Cu+ interfaces synergistically activate the O−H and C−H bonds in the adsorbed EL for direct dehydrogenation into EP. The H/D kinetic isotope effect for model reaction confirmed that C−H bond activation is the key step in the dehydrogenation reaction. This study offers a new approach toward the selective conversion of EL into EP, which is of great significance for biomass conversion. [Display omitted] • Cu/SiO 2 with rich Cu0/Cu+ interface was made via hydrolysis-precipitation method. • Cu/SiO 2 is efficient for direct dehydrogenation of ethyl lactate to ethyl pyruvate. • Direct dehydrogenation path renders a selectivity > 90 % by reducing over-oxidation. • The Cu0/Cu+ interface synergistically activate O−H and C−H bonds in the reactant. • Kinetic studies and DFT calculation prove that C−H bond activation is the key step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene supported transition metal oxides (TMOs) nanocomposites have been recognized as an advisable strategy to develop the advanced electrodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIB) recently, yet the long-term cyclic stability could not be well maintained mainly due to the severe structural collapse and continuous exfoliation of active TMOs from graphene support. Herein, we successfully designed a novel sandwich-type hybrid nanostructure of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) enwrapped MnO nanooctahedra like a blanket (MnO@rGO NO) via a facile solution reflux and a post-annealing. The XRD patterns and FESEM images confirm that octahedral Mn 3 O 4 precursor embedded among GO interlayers could be easily reduced into conformal MnO nanocrystal whilst the full reduction of GO into rGO during the subsequent calcination at 700 °C in N 2 . When used as a promising anode for LIBs, the sandwiched MnO@rGO NO manifests excellent lithium storage capability with high reversible discharge capacity, long-term cyclic stability and superb rate performance, mainly benefiting from the robust structure and good conductivity enhanced by rGO matrix. Even undergoing 600 cycles at the current densities of 400 and 800 mA g −1 , the hybrid sandwiched MnO@rGO NO anodes could still deliver stable discharge capacities of 838 and 687 mAh g −1 , respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrathin CoMn2O4 nanosheets supported on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) are successfully synthesized through a simple co-precipitation method with a post-annealing treatment. With the assistance of citrate, the free-standing CoMn2O4 ultrathin nanosheets can form porous overlays on both sides of the rGO sheets. Such a novel hybrid nanostructure can effectively promote charge transport and accommodate volume variation upon prolonged charge/discharge cycling. When evaluated as a promising electrode for supercapacitors in a 6 M KOH solution electrolyte, the hybrid nanocomposites demonstrate highly enhanced capacitance and excellent cycling stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nb-modified anatase-supported Pt nanoparticles were synthesized for the efficient conversion of cellulose to light bioalcohols. Characterization confirmed the presence of SMSIs in the catalysts, offering adjacent hydrogenation sites, Brønsted and Lewis acid sites. Treating the catalysts in humid air enhanced the acidic concentration, accelerating the key step during the reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly purified CaO 2 derived from waste oyster shells was prepared for realizing "Turning waste to wealth" in high value reutilization of waste shells and "Treating pollution with waste" in efficient degradation of pollutants. [Display omitted] • CaO 2 was prepared derived from waste oyster shells with high purity. • CaO 2 derived from waste oyster shells showed a highly catalytic ability in the degradation of organic pollutions in the presence of Fe2+. • The high purity of CaO 2 can facilitate the release of H 2 O 2 and promote the generation of more active species. • ⋅OH, ⋅O 2 – and 1O 2 played key roles in the Fenton-like catalytic process. • "Turning waste to wealth" and "Treating pollution with waste" were "One Stone Two Birds" realized. In recent years, CaO 2 has been frequently used as a substitute for H 2 O 2 to address the limitations of H 2 O 2. However, commercially available CaO 2 are facing the shortcomings of low purity and limited preparation conditions. Oyster shells can provide superior and abundant biomass calcium element with low cost for developing CaO 2. In this work, highly purified CaO 2 functional biomaterials were prepared via a facile approach derived from waste oyster shells, which were applied in a Fenton-like system to remove organic pollutants. Experimental results indicated that the oyster shells-derived CaO 2 with 100% purity exhibited a greatly enhanced catalytic performance compared with other CaO 2 materials in Fenton-like catalytic degradation of organic pollutants, which can be completely removed within 60 s. The high purity of CaO 2 would facilitate the release of H 2 O 2 during the Fenton-like catalytic reaction and promote the generation of more active species to oxidize pollutants. Besides, the abundant trace metal elements originated from oyster shells can further motivate the Fenton-like reaction and accelerate the degradation of pollutants, endowing oyster shells-derived CaO 2 an excellent catalytic activity. Furthermore, the Fenton-like catalytic mechanism was proposed on basis of tests of radicals trapping and electron spin resonance, validating the vital roles of ⋅OH, ⋅O 2 – and 1O 2 generated throughout the reaction process. This work not only provides a novel and low-cost approach to exploit CaO 2 with highly efficient catalytic ability, but also realizes the effective resource utilization of waste shells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A great number of dysregulated noncoding RNAs are correlated with drug resistance of pancreatic cancer. • Noncoding RNAs have an important regulatory role in the mechanism of pancreatic cancer drug resistance. • Noncoding RNAs can be served as prognostic markers and novel therapeutic targets in pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth-leading cause of cancer-related deaths and is expected to be the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Europe and the United States by 2030. The high fatality rate of pancreatic cancer is ascribed to untimely diagnosis, early metastasis and limited responses to both chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Although gemcitabine, 5-fluorouracil and some other drugs can profoundly improve patient prognosis, most pancreatic cancer patients eventually develop drug resistance, leading to poor clinical outcomes. The underlying mechanisms of pancreatic cancer drug resistance are complicated and inconclusive. Interestingly, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that different noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), play a crucial role in pancreatic cancer resistance to chemotherapy reagents. In this paper, we systematically summarize the molecular mechanism underlying the influence of ncRNAs on the generation and development of drug resistance in pancreatic cancer and discuss the potential role of ncRNAs as prognostic markers and new therapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, Spartina alterniflora as an invasive species has seriously threatened the native coastal ecosystem of China. There is a lack of effective management and utilization methods towards Spartina alterniflora at present. To realize the ecological remediation and resource utilization of Spartina alterniflora , the functional biochar (BC) materials were successfully prepared using Spartina alterniflora as the substrates via the high temperature calcination method, which were utilized for efficient removal of antibiotics. The biochar was further activated by ZnCl 2 (ZnBC) and optimized under different calcination temperatures and ZnCl 2 dosages to improve the adsorption ability. Among these biochar materials, the ZnCl 2 -activated biochar obtained under the mass ratio of Spartina alterniflora to ZnCl 2 of 1:5 and calcination temperature of 600 °C (ZnBC-600) exhibited the strongest adsorption performance towards sulfadiazine (SDZ) and ciprofloxacin (CIP), which can be attributed to the larger specific surface area, richer pore structure and more abundant surface oxygen-containing functional groups. Additionally, the adsorption kinetics and isotherms demonstrated that the adsorption of both SDZ and CIP onto ZnBC-600 (1:5) followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Freundlich model. At the same time, the performances of Spartina alterniflora biochar derived from different biomass were compared under the condition of activation with ZnCl 2 , presenting the superior performance of ZnCl 2 activated Spartina alterniflora biochar. Moreover, the adsorption mechanism of ZnBC-600 (1:5) was proposed, illustrating the crucial roles of effects of electrostatic attraction, pore filling, oxygen-containing groups complexation, π-π stacking and hydrogen bonding in the adsorption of antibiotics. Above all, this study not only provides a feasible strategy for the preparation of functional biochar derived from Spartina alterniflora for removing organic pollutants, but also opens up a new pathway for resource utilization of Spartina alterniflora. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Proteus is one of the most common human and animal pathogens. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and CRISPR-associated proteins (CRISPR/Cas) are inheritable genetic elements found in a variety of archaea and bacteria in the evolution, providing immune function against foreign invasion. To analyze the characteristics and functions of the CRISPR/Cas system in Proteus genomes, as well as the internal and external factors affecting the system. CRISPR loci were identified and divided into groups based on the repeat sequence in 96 Proteus strains by identification. Compared the RNA secondary structure and minimum free energy of CRISPR loci through bioinformatics, the evolution of cas genes, and the effects of related elements were also discussed. 85 CRISPR loci were identified and divided into six groups based on the sequence of repeats, and the more stable the secondary structure of RNA, the smaller the minimum free energy, the fewer base mutations in the repeat, the more stable the CRISPR and the more complete the evolution of the system. In addition, Cas1 gene can be a symbol to distinguish species to some extent. Of all the influencing factors, CRISPR/Cas had the greatest impact on plasmids. This study examined the diversity of CRISPR/Cas system in Proteus and found statistically significant positive/negative correlations between variety factors (the RNA stability, free energy, etc.) and the CRISPR locus, which played a vital role in regulating the CRISPR/Cas system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteosarcoma is the most frequent bone malignancy in children and adolescents. Despite advances of surgery and chemotherapy in osteosarcoma over the past decades, overall survival rates of osteosarcoma have reached a plateau. The development of multi-drug resistance (MDR) has become the main obstacle in improving chemotherapeutic effects in osteosarcoma treatment. Therefore, understanding detailed mechanisms of chemoresistance and developing novel therapeutic targets to overcome chemoresistance are crucial to improve the prognosis of osteosarcoma patients. Accumulating evidence has proved that multiple noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) play pivotal roles in osteosarcoma progression. Notably, a great number of ncRNAs are abnormally expressed and can regulate chemosensitivity through various mechanisms in osteosarcoma. In this review, we systematically summarize the roles of ncRNAs as well as the molecular mechanisms in modulating drug resistance of osteosarcoma and discuss the potential roles of ncRNAs as biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets for osteosarcoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries gain great popularity due to its high theoretical energy density, low cost, and natural abundance of sulfur active elements, whereas, "shuttle effect" of soluble polysulfide seriously deteriorates their electrochemical performance, hindering their practical applications. Herein, we demonstrate a strategy that graft poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) on the surface of polypropylene (PP) separator to improve the electrochemical performance of Li-S batteries by impeding the “shuttle effect” of polysulfide. The PP grafted with PAA (PP- g -PAA) separator allows Li + migration while rejects polysulfide anions by electrostatic repulsion. Consequently, this permselective separator restrains the polysulfide anions on the cathode side. In addition, the total reaction process of preparing PP- g -PAA separator is facile and low cost. Owing to the strong structure stability between PP and grafted PAA, a uniform and consistent blocking of the polysulfide shuttle during the charge-discharge process could be realized. An ultra-low decay value of 0.074% per cycle for the first 600 cycles is realized in this work. The electrochemical properties are significantly improved compared to the cell with PP separator. Such a permselective separator can be used in various electrodes and working conditions, which is promising for the construction of high performance batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalytic conversion of glycerol to 1,2-propanediol is an important issue for sustainable production of fine chemicals and biodiesel. Here it is found that pure silica Beta zeolite supported copper species via hydrothermal treatment (Cu/Si-Beta-HT) are highly efficient for hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1,2-propanediol, achieving 96.0% conversion and more than 99.9% selectivity after reaction at 240 °C for 3 h. TEM images and N 2 O titration experiments confirm the high dispersion of Cu nanoparticles in the catalyst. In addition, pyridine-adsorption FT-IR spectra and NH 3 -TPD profiles suggest the presence of copper species as Lewis acidic sites in the catalyst. The hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1,2-propanediol mainly includes the dehydration of glycerol to acetol and hydrogenation of acetol into 1,2-propanediol, which are catalyzed by copper cations and Cu nanoparticles, respectively. In situ FT-IR spectra and kinetic studies suggest that the dehydration rate is slower than the hydrogenation rate, and the dehydration is a key step for the hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1,2-propanediol. [Display omitted] • Cu nanoparticles with rich copper cation on pure silica Beta zeolite were prepared. • The copper cation sites are resulted from Cu–O–Si–O (cupric silicate) species. • This catalyst is highly active for hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1,2-propanediol. • Kinetic studies confirm that the glycerol dehydration is a key step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hierarchical hybrid nanostructure of mesoporous ZnFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles anchored on reduced graphene oxide (ZnFe 2 O 4 NPs/rGO) has been successfully developed in this research via a fast low-temperature refluxing method and a subsequent-annealing treatment in N 2 . The unique mesoporous network structures of ZnFe 2 O 4 NPs supported by flexible rGO sheets offer sufficient electrode-electrolyte contact, shorten Li + ions diffusion distance, and thus greatly facilitate the electrochemical reactions via accommodating the volume change efficiently during cycling. Meanwhile, the conductive rGO matrix in the hybrid composite also ensures rapid electron transport to avoid the serve pulverization. Just based on such beneficial synergistic effect, the well-designed hierarchical hybrid ZnFe 2 O 4 NPs/rGO composites present excellent lithium storage performance with high reversible discharge capacity, long-term cycle stability and superb high-rate capability when used as an anode for LIBs. A stable discharge capacity of as high as about 1106.7 mAh g −1 is well maintained even after 400 cycles at the current density of 200 mA g −1 . We think this facile strategy could be further extended to the fabrication of other graphene-based electrodes for advanced energy applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbonaceous hybrid nanocomposites with a porous flaky structure hold great promise as high-performance electrodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs); yet large-scale synthesis is still a challenge. In this work, we successfully develop a novel carbon hybrid structure of carbon-coated ZnFe2O4 nanoflakes (ZnFe2O4@C NFs) through a fast ethylene glycol (EG)-mediated metal alkoxide method, refluxing at 200 °C in EG and a post-calcination at 500 °C in a N2 atmosphere. The organic components in the pre-synthesized ZnFe-alkoxide precursor (ZnFe2(OCH2CH2O)4) can be transferred into an amorphous carbon layer easily surrounding the crystalline ZnFe2O4 subunits during the annealing process. The flaky morphologies of the as-prepared ZnFe2O4@C hybrids are highly dependent on the refluxing temperature. Upon increasing the refluxing temperature from 140 °C to 200 °C, the sphere-like morphology of the ZnFe2O4@C composites gradually evolves into microflowers and separate nanoflakes. When used as an anode for LIBs, the hybrid ZnFe2O4@C NFs present excellent electrochemical performance with high discharge capacity, long-term cyclic stability and superior high-rate capability. Even after 1000 cycles at 0.5 A g−1, the hybrid ZnFe2O4@C NFs still deliver a stable reversible discharge capacity of 778.6 mA h g−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Polyimide fibers introducing ion transport channels in PEO solid electrolyte. • Composite electrolyte shows enhanced Li+ conductivity and tensile strength. • Electrolyte/electrode interface steadied by high performance electrolyte. • Lithium dendrites were inhibited owing to stable electrolyte/electrode interface. • All-solid-state battery with PI fiber complex electrolyte delivers long cycling life. The widespread deployment of lithium metal battery is limited by inhomogeneous electrodeposition of lithium metal (the growth of lithium dendrite), leading to pulverization, "dead" lithium and the unrestricted volume expansion of lithium metal anode. Owing to the high elastic modulus, thermal stability and electrochemical stability of polyimide, we design a novel composite solid polymer electrolyte blending with polyimide fibers framework paper. Polyimide fibers scaffold improves elastic modulus and tensile strength of composite electrolyte film. Effective ion transport network layers in electrolyte system are formed by adding polyimide fibers due to strong interaction between electron-withdrawing atoms and groups in the lithium salt for accelerating the dissociation of the lithium salt. Thus, polyimide composite electrolyte shows higher Li+ transfer number (∼2 times) than pure polyethylene oxide electrolyte, which is beneficial to regulate Li deposition for lithium dendrites inhibition. The electrochemical window of polyimide composite electrolyte is widened to 4.87 V after introducing stable physicochemical fibers framework, leading to high compatibility and stability with lithium metal anode. Therefore, the Li symmetrical battery with polyimide fibers framework composite electrolyte delivers low overpotential and long cycling life at different current densities. And the all-solid-state Li/LiFePO 4 battery using this composite electrolyte reveals long cycling life (418 cycles), high Coulomb efficiency (99.97%), high capacity retention of 89.5% at 0.3 C, and good rate performance at 60 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the synthesis of a tantalum phosphate catalyst with abundant strong acid sites, which is very active for the catalytic conversion of acetone into mesitylene. Characterizations, kinetic studies, and theoretical results show a relationship between the acidic sites and catalytic performance in this reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkynes generally serve as C2 synthons in transition‐metal‐catalyzed C−H annulations, herein, exploiting electron‐deficient alkynes as unconventional C1 synthons, the chemo‐ and regiospecific synthesis of functionalized 1H‐imidazo[1,5‐a]indol‐3(2H)‐ones via a redox‐neutral rhodium(III)‐catalyzed [4+1] annulation of N‐carbamoyl indoles has been achieved. This process is characterized by high chemo‐ and regioselectivity, broad substrate scope, good tolerance of functional groups, moderate to high yields and mild redox‐neutral conditions, thus affording a robust approach to access valuable 1H‐imidazo[1,5‐a]indol‐3(2H)‐ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pressure drop spectra of droplet break-up flow passing through a constriction in a microchannel are analyzed to understand the flow behaviors. • Pressure drop analysis method is exhibited to study the rules of droplet break-up. • The pressure drop fluctuation is found in accord with the capillary pressure evlution. • Fourier transform analysis is employed to analyze the droplet break-up behaviors. • Energy analysis is carried out based on the pressure drop spectra. Locally constrictive microchannels are effective components to implement droplet break-up in microfluidic processes. We herein report an experimental study of droplet break-up flow based on pressure drop analysis. The time varying pressure drops were recorded by a self-assembled experimental platform with measurement accuracy of 1 Pa, and the variations of those pressure drops were in accord with the fluctuations of capillary pressure. Fourier transform was then employed to analyze the droplet break-up behaviors and confirm the numbers of daughter droplets instead of traditional microscopic imaging method. With the guidance of the pressure drop analysis, the effects of crucial factors such as surfactant concentration, fluid flow rate, and fluid viscosity on droplet break-up were investigated. The additional hydrostatic energy cost for droplet stretching and deformation in the constriction was finally discussed in contrast to the increase of interfacial energy, which were both confirmed on the level of 10−8 J/droplet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase engineering of nanomaterials (PEN) is critically important for the preparation of nanomaterials with new phases, which are key for the investigation of phase‐dependent physicochemical properties and applications. This essay presents the state‐of‐the‐art development of PEN for the unique properties of nanomaterials with unconventional phases and their applications in energy storage and conversion and catalytic reactions. Finally, personal perspectives on the challenges and future opportunities of PEN in various applications are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CoMoP x -based electrocatalysts are promising for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) but suffer from high overpotential and poor stability at large current density. Herein, we propose CoMoP@NF in lower valence states by thorough phosphorization which improves the adhesion of the catalysts on substrate and facilitates the Volmer step. The CoMoP@NF can reach 39 mV at 10 mA cm−2, 119 mV at 100 mA cm−2, and a low Tafel slope of 73.3 mV per decade. The decline of i -t test in 10 h at ~370 mA cm−2 is only 1 mA cm−2. Theoretical calculations confirm the rational design of CoMoP whose Δ G H ∗ is as low as 0.15 and −0.01 eV corresponding to (013) and (211) facets, respectively. Electrons transfer from Co to Mo results in middle d band center of CoMoP that promotes H adsorption and desorption. This concept could provide valuable insights into the design of other catalysts for HER and beyond. Image 1 • A near-zero hydrogen adsorption free energy of CoMoP is realized. • Electrons transfer results in middle d band center of CoMoP. • CoMoP in lower valence states enhances the stability and catalytic activity. • Excellent stability at a high current density of 370 mA cm−2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring highly efficient non-Pt oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts is an inevitable trend in the progress of various sustainable energy storage and conversion technologies. Herein, we prepare three kinds of hierarchical porous carbons, derived from hypercrosslinked polyaniline (HCP-An), polypyrrole (HCP-Py) and polymethylbenzene (HCP-MB) through a facile Friedel-Crafts reaction, among which NPC-An-900 exhibits outstanding ORR catalytic performance combining high surface area, good conductivity and high nitrogen-doped content. The hypercrosslinked polyaniline ensures micro-/mesoporous skeleton and prevents collapse during the pyrolysis process for NPC-An-900 with a high surface area of 2938.31 m 2  g −1 and hierarchical micro-/mesoporous structure (1–8 nm). High nitrogen-doping content of NCP-An-900 is up to 7.02 at.% with pyridinic N as the main nitrogen doped type of 48.5% of the total nitrogen content. NPC-An-900 manifests an onset potential of 0.96 V (vs. RHE) with a high limiting current density of −5.31 mA cm −2 (superior to the commercial Pt/C of −5.20 mA cm −2 ) and excellent stability with current retention of 96.2% over 7.5 h. Furthermore, the extraordinary tolerance against methanol corrosion would also indicate its potential practical applications. This simple and universal synthesis strategy can be widely applied in the preparation of other porous heteroatom-doped carbons derived functional polymers towards energy storage and conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NiO nanosheets were anchored at honeycomb amorphous porous carbon with ultrahigh surface area derived from activated wheat husk to obtain NiO@PC (porous carbon). The ultrahigh surface area of PC (634.4 m 2 g −1 ) promoted the attachment of NiO nanosheets, and this hierarchical nanostructure (NiO@PC) was beneficial for facilitating electron and electrolyte ion transport and accelerating the reversible redox reaction, which successfully demonstrated its high energy storage properties as supercapacitor. The NiO@PC composite exhibited brilliant capacitance of 500 F g −1 at 10 A g −1 after 8000 cycles. Moreover, as symmetric supercapacitor, NiO@PC exhibited high specific capacitance of 76 mF cm −2 at 1 mA cm −2 . The excellent electrochemistry performance of NiO@PC brings the possibility of using biomass waste as electrode materials for energy storage. This process is facile and environmental friendly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Levodopa (L-dopa) is the key component in Parkinson’s disease (PD) treatment. Recently, we demonstrated that β-asarone improves the motor behavior of rats with unilateral striatal 6-hydroxydopamine lesion. Striatal level of dopamine (DA) and L-dopa increased after β-asarone and L-dopa co-administered treatment in healthy rat. Since its effects and mechanisms on PD rats are still unclear, we investigated whether coadministration could help treat PD rats. Here, PD rats were randomly divided into seven groups (n = 10/group): an untreated group, a Madopar-treated group, a L-dopa-treated group, a β-asarone-treated group, and groups receiving low, medium or high doses of β-asarone respectively plus the same dose of L-dopa. The sham-operated group rats were injected with saline. Treatments were administered to the rats twice per day continuously for 30 days. The behavioral tests were assessed. Neurotransmitters, dopa decarboxylase (DDC), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) and dopamine transporter (DAT) levels were detected. The pathological characteristics of liver and kidney and ultrastructure of dopaminergic neurons were observed. The behavior of PD rats improved significantly after co-administered treatment compared with the untreated group. In addition, our results also showed that co-administered treatment increased L-dopa, DA, DOPAC, HVA and 5-HT levels, enhanced the MAO-B, COMT, TH and DAT levels, reduced creatinine level, decreased the amount of lysosome and mitochondria and showed no liver and kidney toxicity. These findings suggest that co-administered treatment could elevate striatal levels of L-dopa and DA and improve the behavioral abilities in PD rats by regulating the DDC, TH, MAO-B, COMT and DAT levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inactive myocyte enhancer factor 2D (MEF2D) and alpha-synuclein (α-syn) aggregation will cause neuronal death. MEF2D or α-syn degradation is also associated with macroautophagy, chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) and heat-shock protein 70 (HSP70). We found that β-asarone had positive effects on treating 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced rats, but mechanisms of β-asarone affecting on MEF2D and α-syn via regulating the HSP70/MAPK/MEF2D/Beclin-1 pathway remain unclear. Unilateral 6-OHDA injection into the medial forebrain bundle was used to create PD rats, which were divided into four groups and administered for 30 days: 6-OHDA model group, MEF2D inhibitor-treated group (SB203580, 0.5 mg/kg, i.p.), MEF2D activator-treated group (LiCl, 100 mg/kg, i.p.), β-asarone-treated group (15 mg/kg, p.o.). Expressions of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), α-syn, heat-shock cognate protein 70 (HSC70), lysosome-associated membrane protein type 2a (LAMP-2A), MEF2D, HSP70, Beclin-1, light chain 3 B (LC3B) and p62 in the mesencephalon were measured after 30-day administration. α-syn, Beclin-1 and LC3 B levels were higher in the 6-OHDA model group, while TH, MEF2D, HSC70, LAMP-2A, p62 levels were lower compared to the sham-operated group. Our results also showed thatβ-asarone treatment reduced protein and mRNA levels of α-syn, Beclin-1 and LC3B, but increased HSP70, TH, MEF2D, HSC70, LAMP-2A and p62 levels compared to the 6-OHDA model group. Additionally, certain correlations among α-syn, TH, Beclin-1, LC3B, p62, HSP70, LAMP-2A and MEF2D were also discovered in this study. These findings suggested that β-asarone treatment could increase MEF2D and TH as well as reduce α-syn to protect against 6-OHDA induced damage in PD rat mesencephalon via modulating the HSP70/MAPK/MEF2D/Beclin-1 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Levodopa (L-dopa) is widely considered as one of the most effective drug constituents in the treatment of Parkinson's disease ( PD), but the blood-brain barrier ( BBB) permeability of L-dopa is <5%, which causes low efficacy. Neuroprotective effects of β-asarone on 6-hydroxydopamine (6- OHDA)-induced PD rats were demonstrated by our previous studies. Co-administration of β-asarone and L-dopa has not been explored until being investigated on PD rats in this study. PD rats were divided into four groups: untreated, L-dopa-treated, β-asarone-treated and co-administered-treated groups. All of the treatments were administered to the rats twice per day for 30 days. The L-dopa, dopamine ( DA), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid ( DOPAC) and homovanillic acid ( HVA), S100 β and neuron-specific enolase ( NSE) levels were subsequently determined. The P-glycoprotein (P-gp), zonula occludens-1 ( ZO-1), claudin-5, occludin and actin expression was also assessed in cortex. Changes in BBB ultrastructure were observed using transmission electron microscopy. Our results showed that the co-administered treatment increased levels of L-dopa, DA, DOPAC and HVA in striatum, and S100 β in plasma, but down-regulated NSE, P-gp, ZO-1, occludin, actin and claudin-5 in cortex. Crevices were observed between capillary endothelial cells at intercellular tight junction of the striatum in co-administered-treated group, while the endothelial cells in untreated group were tightly jointing each other. In addition, the correlations of L-dopa or DA and P-gp or tight junction proteins respectively were significantly negative in co-administered- and β-asarone-treated groups. These findings suggest that co-administered treatment may enhance the L-dopa BBB permeability and attenuate brain injury, which may be beneficial to PD treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • TBP and [BMMIm][NTf 2 ] act as the mixed solvent of organic-ionogels. • TBP reduces the viscosity of the solution and enhances ionic conductivity. • Organic-ionogels are hydrophobic and flame retardant. • Organic-ionogels exhibit high stress sensitivity and apply in flexible touch screens. Very different from electronic conductors, ionic conductors usually possess some unique functions such as stretchability, transparency and ionic conductivity, thus exhibiting a great promise in the flexible wearable electronic devices. Herein, we develop a novel stretchable transparent organic-ionogel (OIG-TBP-50) via a rapid photo-curing process, in which we select the mixture of tributyl phosphate (TBP) and 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amine ([BMMIm][NTf 2 ]) as fireproof and conductive solvent, respectively. Just benefiting from the good synergistic effect of TBP and [BMMIm][NTf 2 ], our-designed OIGs demonstrate excellent hydrophobicity and flame resistance as well as perfect stretchability (757%), high transparency (93%) in visible region, good environmental stability, wide temperature tolerance range (from −55 °C to 180 °C) and high ionic conductivity (1.73 × 10-3 S cm−1 at room temperature). In addition, our stretchable transparent OIGs even could light LED lamps under an alternating current field when directly used as the flexible conductive substrate. Further applying such OIGs as ionic conductor to assemble flexible sensor and touch screen, both of them could transport rapid signal response under slight touch stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spartina alterniflora is an invasive plant from coastal wetlands, and its use in applications has garnered much interest. In this study, a composite photocatalyst (ZnO@BC) was synthesized by preparing zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles with S. alterniflora extracts, S. alterniflora, and one-step carbonization, which was characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS), photoluminescence (PL) and N2 adsorption–desorption isotherm. The degradation capacity and mechanism of malachite green (MG) using ZnO@BC were analyzed under visible irradiation, and the degradation products of malachite green were detected by LC–MS. The results show that ZnO@BC has a larger surface area (83.2 m2/g) and various reactive groups, which enhance its photocatalytic efficiency, with the presence of oxygen vacancy further improving the photocatalytic activity. The total removal rate of malachite green (400 mg/L) using ZnO@BC is up to 98.38%. From the LC–MS analysis, it could be concluded that malachite green is degraded by demethylation, deamination, conjugate structure and benzene ring structure destruction. This study provides a novel idea for the high-value utilization of S. alterniflora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potassium-ions batteries (KIBs) are regarded as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) owing to their affordable cost, abundance and high working voltage. Transition metal sulfides (TMSs) are considered to be attractive anode materials for KIBs, but the practical development is hampered by their inferior conductivity and large volume expansion upon potassiation/depotassiation process. Herein, we report a dual-amorphous confined structure composing of amorphous CoS 1.4 ultrathin nanosheets confined in amorphous N-doped carbon nanobox (a-CoS NS/NCB) as an anode material for KIBs. The isotropic nature of amorphous CoS 1.4 ultrathin nanosheets (about four atomic layers in thickness) can effectively accommodate volume strain as well as decrease the resistance of the carrier to phase transition due to their high level of disorder. Besides, the amorphous N-doped carbon nanobox has the advantages of enhancing electronic conductivity, avoiding the direct contact of active material and electrolyte and restraining the excessive growth of solid electrolyte interphase film. As a result, the a-CoS NS/NCB anode delivers a capacity of 235.3 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 after 800 cycles. While the results prove the new anode is a promising candidate for KIBs, it also opens the door for broader application of amorphous composite in metal-ions batteries. [Display omitted] • Amorphous CoS 1.4 nanosheets confined in amorphous carbon nanobox are designed. • Short ions transmission path and volume expansion buffering ability are obtained. • The isotropic nature decreases the resistance of the carrier to phase transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viral respiratory diseases such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) always pose a severe threat to people. First identified in late December 2019, a novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV; SARS-CoV-2) has affected many provinces in China and multiple countries worldwide. The viral outbreak has aroused panic and a public-health emergency around the world, and the number of infections continues to rise. However, the causes and consequences of the pneumonia remain unknown. To effectively implement epidemic prevention, early identification and diagnosis are critical to disease control. Here we scrutinise a series of available studies by global scientists on the clinical manifestations, detection methods and treatment options for the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and also propose potential strategies for preventing the infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rational design and development of non-precious metal-based electrocatalysts for bifunctional oxygen reduction/evolution reactions (ORR/OER) are essential to realize the dischargeable Zinc-air batteries (ZABs). Herein, for the first time we synthesize CoFe-alloy nanoparticles enveloped by N, P co-doped carbon nanotubes (NPMC/CoFe), through a simple route by pyrolyzing dicyandiamide complex in the presence of phytic acid. The obtained electrocatalysts possess excellent ORR (a half wave potential of 0.896 V in 0.1 M KOH) and OER (η 10 mA cm-2 = 310 mV in 1 M KOH) performance, respectively. The liquid-state ZABs based on the NPMC/CoFe air-cathode demonstrates a high peak power density of 146.34 mW cm−2 and excellent durability. Specifically, flexible and button-like ZABs with impressive performances are both realized, which could power light-emitting diodes. This work offers an attractive approach to develop the nonprecious metal-based ORR/OER catalysts, and modulators for the design of performance oriented electrocatalysts for wider electrochemical energy applications. • NPMC/CoFe synthesized by pyrolyzing dicyandiamide-phytic acid complex. • The NPMC/CoFe exhibit ORR with E 1/2 of 0.896 V and OER with η 10 mA cm-2 of 310 mV. • The liquid ZABs showed a high peak power density of 146.34 mW cm−2. • The flexible and button-like rechargeable ZABs show the impressive performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The poly(ionic liquid)-PEO solid electrolyte was prepared by copolymerization. • Poly(ionic liquid) interpenetrating network was formed in electrolyte film. • Electrolyte membrane shows high thermal stability and ionic conductivity. • All solid polymer-Li metal battery exhibits good electrochemical performance. Solid-state polymer electrolyte with high ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability is desirable for lithium metal batteries. A poly(ionic liquid)-polyethylene oxide semi-interpenetrating polymer network composite solid electrolyte for safe lithium metal batteries is designed to satisfy the demand of ionic conductivity, safety and electrochemical stability. This composite solid electrolyte is fabricated via polymerizing 1-vinyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (ionic liquid monomer) in polyethylene oxide matrix by one-step method. Differential scanning calorimetry results reveal that the crystallinity of composite solid electrolyte reduce to 15.5% comparing with polyethylene oxide solid electrolyte owing to the confinement of poly(ionic liquid) interpenetrating network. The semi-interpenetrating polymer network structure simultaneously endow the composite solid electrolyte with high ionic conductivity (6.12 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 55 °C) and wide electrochemical window (5.44 V vs. Li/Li+) and thermal decomposition temperature (280 °C). In order to verify the favorable electrochemical performance of composite solid electrolyte, we assemble the cells with LiFePO 4 /Li using the electrolyte. The reversible capacity of LiFePO 4 is 147 mAh g−1 with high Coulombic efficiency (up to 99%) at the 0.2 C rate and 55 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]