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This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of competency-oriented clinical laboratory teaching combined with case-based learning (CBL) and improve the examination of students' competence of laboratory medicine. A total of 107 medical laboratory medicine interns at the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from June 2017 to July 2019 volunteered to participate in the study and were randomly assigned into a control group with training of the traditional teacher-centered method, and an experimental group under a CBL teaching program. Student basic theory tests and skill assessment were designed to evaluate what the students gained from their internship when they completed their studies at the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University. Compared to students in the control group taught with the teacher-centered method, those in the CBL teaching program had significantly higher theory test scores and skill assessment scores on average. Competencies with particularly significant improvement included identification and processing of instrument alarm information, analysis of test results, identification and solution of the problem, as well as identification and reporting of the critical value and clinical communication. The competency-oriented teaching method combined with CBL is an effective method for improving students' professional knowledge, increasing language expression, and enhancing interpersonal relationship and teamwork, which is worthy of being promoted in laboratory medicine teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Microscopy has been recognized as the "gold‐standard" cellular analysis of serous cavity effusion. However, this method is time‐consuming, labor‐intensive, and requires accomplished skills. Here, we investigated the efficiency of hematology analyzer in screening malignant cells in serous cavity effusion. Methods: A total of 991 serous cavity effusion samples and 370 validation specimens collected from different departments were sent to the clinical laboratory for routine cell count using the automated hematology body fluid (BF) mode and exfoliative cytology simultaneously. High‐fluorescent cells (HFCs) were measured as the relative count (HF%) and absolute count (HF#) by BF mode. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was combined with scattergram rules to screen malignant cells. Results: HF# and HF% in malignant samples (subgroup) were significantly higher than those in benign samples, and the HF# and HF% levels were different between ascites and pleural effusion (PE). The area under the curve values were also different between ascites and PE. Positive of malignant cells was very high when the ascites or PE sample touching Rule 1 positive and either Rule 2 negative or positive. The cutoff levels of HF# were 5.5 HFC/μL on the basis of Rules 1 and 2 negative, whereas 83.5 HFC/μL on the basis of Rule 1 negative but Rule 2 positive in ascites. By contrast, the cutoff levels of HF% were 0.55 HFC/100 WBC on the basis of Rules 1 and 2 negative, whereas 4.95 HFC/100 WBC on the basis of Rule 1 negative but Rule 2 positive in PE. Conclusions: Serous cavity effusion will be increasingly analyzed using the automated hematology analyzer BF mode in the future because of its rapidness and convenience. The combined application of HFC with scattergram rules is a feasible and useful approach to screen malignant cells in serous cavity effusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver fibrosis is a chronic disease without effective treatment in the clinic. Gene editing systems such as the well-known CRISPR/Cas9 have shown great potential in the biomedical field. However, the delivery of the ribonucleoprotein is challenging due to the unstable RNA probe and the requirement for the entrance to the nucleus. Recently, a structure-guided endonuclease (SGN) has been reported as an effective gene-editing system composed of a nuclease and stable DNA probes, which can regulate the protein expression by targeting specific mRNA outside the nucleus. Here, we conjugated the SGN to a nanomicelle as the delivery system. In the resulting material, the chance of the collision between the endonuclease and the probe was raised due to the confinement of the two components within the 40-nm nanomicelle, thus the mRNA can be cleaved immediately after being captured by the probe, resulting in a space-induced nucleotide identification-cleavage acceleration effect. The delivery system was used to treat liver fibrosis via the co-delivery of SGN and a drug rosiglitazone to the hepatic stellate cells, which separately downregulated the expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease-1 and inactivated the hepatic stellate cells. The system successfully reversed the liver fibrosis in mice through the bidirectional regulatory that simultaneously promoted the degradation and inhibited the production of the collagen, demonstrating the great potency of the SGN system as gene medicine. [Display omitted] A safe and efficacious non-viral delivery system is prepared to co-deliver the ribonucleoprotein of the structure-guided endonuclease and the drug rosiglitazone to the activated hepatic stellate cells. The nanomedicine simultaneously improved the degradation and inhibited the production of collagen. The liver fibrosis in mice was successfully reversed through the bidirectional regulatory chemogene therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of ceria modified CuO/γ-Al 2 O 3 (CuO-CeO 2 /γ-Al 2 O 3 ) catalysts were prepared via stepwise impregnation (CuCeAl-SI) and co-impregnation (CuCeAl-CI) method and tested in the model reaction of NO reduction by CO. It was found that the influence of impregnation modes on the catalytic properties of CuCeAl samples mainly lies on the control of ceria particle sizes and modulation of the distribution of various copper species. In both impregnation modes, ceria was mainly spread on γ-Al 2 O 3 as small particles while copper species were highly dispersed. A quantitative estimation of copper species was tentatively provided via a combined surface acid leaching experiment and H 2 -TPR characterization for the first time. The results showed that for CuCeAl-CI catalyst, about 55% and 25% copper species were dispersed on γ-Al 2 O 3 and nanosized ceria, respectively, while about 20% was migrated into ceria lattice during the calcination process. In contrast, in CuCeAl-SI sample, the corresponding values changed to about 25%, 70% and 5%, respectively. The synergistic effect between copper species and ceria can promote the improvement of catalytic performance, which results in higher activity of CuCeAl-SI than that of CuCeAl-CI catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this report, the oligosaccharides of hyaluronan (oHA)-histidine-menthone 1,2-glycerol ketal (MGK) (oHM) carried pH-sensitive MGK as hydrophobic moieties and oHA as the target of the CD44 receptor. The oHM could self-assemble, with a diameter of 65 nm. The cellular uptake, indicated by the fluorescent signals, was higher at 4 h. Theex vivoimaging indicated that micelles have a longer blood circulation, beyond 5 h. The fluorescence intensity of the micelles in the liver and spleen was much higher from 5 to 24 h. The CD44 receptor-targeting, indicated by the fluorescence signals of A549 and MDA-MB-231 group, were higher than those of the HepG2 and the control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To apply model-informed drug development (MIDD) approach to support the decision making in drug development and accelerate the clinical development of janagliflozin, an orally selective SGLT2 inhibitor. Method: We previously developed a mechanistic pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model of janagliflozin based on preclinical data to optimize dose design in the first-in-human (FIH) study. In the current study, we used clinical PK/PD data of the FIH study to validate the model and then simulate the PK/PD profiles of multiple ascending dosing (MAD) study in healthy subjects. Besides, we developed a population PK/PD model of janagliflozin to predict steady-state urinary glucose excretion (UGE [UGE,ss]) in healthy subjects in the Phase 1 stage. This model was subsequently used to simulate the UGE, ss in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) based on a unified PD target (ΔUGEc) across healthy subjects and patients with T2DM. This unified PD target was estimated from our previous work of model-based meta-analysis (MBMA) for the same class of drugs. The model-simulated UGE,ss in patients with T2DM was validated by data from the clinical Phase 1e study. Finally, at the end of the Phase 1 study, we simulated the 24-week hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level in patients with T2DM of janagliflozin based on the quantitative UGE/FPG/HbA1c relationship informed by our previous MBMA study for the same class of drugs. Results: The pharmacologically active dose (PAD) levels of multiple ascending dosing (MAD) study were estimated to be 25, 50,100 mg once daily (QD) for 14 days based on the effective PD target of approximately 50 g daily UGE in healthy subjects. Besides, our previous MBMA analysis for the same class of drugs has provided a unified effective PD target of ΔUGEc approximately 0.5–0.6 g/(mg/dL) in both healthy subjects and patients with T2DM. In this study, the model-simulated steady-state ΔUGEc (ΔUGEc,ss) of janagliflozin in patients with T2DM were 0.52, 0.61 and 0.66 g/(mg/dL) for 25, 50, 100 mg QD dose levels. Finally, we estimated that HbA1c at 24 weeks would decrease 0.78 and 0.93 from baseline for the 25 and 50 mg QD dose groups. Conclusions: The application of MIDD strategy adequately supported the decision making at each stage of janagliflozin development process. A waiver of Phase 2 study was successfully approved for janagliflozin based on these model-informed results and suggestions. This MIDD strategy of janagliflozin could be further utilized to support the clinical development of other SGLT2 inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] CuO-CeO2/SBA-15 catalysts were prepared by a novel solid state impregnation method. [•] Both copper species and ceria can be well dispersed. [•] In comparison with wet impregnation, the solid state impregnation derived catalyst owns increased interfacial CuO-CeO2 entities and enhanced interfacial interactions. [•] CuO-CeO2/SBA-15 catalyst from solid state impregnation shows enhanced CO-PROX activity and good tolerance to CO2 and H2O. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

TGFβ signaling plays an important role in orchestrating a favorable microenvironment for tumor cell growth and promoting epithelial–mesenchymal transition. As a conventional nonsteroidal anti-inflammation drugs, tolfenamic acid (TA) has been previously reported to exhibit anti-cancer activity. Herein, we investigated the effect of TA on TGFβ-mediated pro-metastatic activity and the underlying mechanisms in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). As a result, TA suppresses TGFβ-induced migration and glycolysis in HCC cells, which is accompanied with reduced Smad phosphorylation and subsequent nuclear transcription activity. Mechanistically, TA promotes lipid raft-caveolar internalization pathway of TGFβ receptor, therefore leading to its rapid turnover. Consistently, TA inhibits constitutively active TGFβ type I receptor induced Smad phosphorylation and EMT markers, whereas ectopic expression of TGFβ type II receptor could partially rescue TGFβ-mediated Smad2 phosphorylation and downstream genes expression in the presence of TA. Furthermore, TA inhibited HCC cells invasion in nude mice, associated with the alteration of characteristics related with EMT and glycolysis of cancer cells. Our study suggests TA could activate lipid raft pathway and modulate TGFβ mediated metastasis, implicating the potential application of TA as a modulator of tumor microenvironment in HCC. Unlabelled Image • Tolfenamic acid mainly suppresses metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. • Tolfenamic acid promotes TGFβ receptor degradation. • Tolfenamic acid activates lipid raft-caveolar pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of mesoporous alumina (MA) doped with acidic (Ti, W) or alkaline earth (Ba, Mg) elements were prepared. They were used as the supports for Pd catalysts. These catalysts were characterized by N2 sorption, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy of CO adsorption and temperature-programmed reduction. Complete oxidation of toluene on these catalysts was tested in a fixed-bed micro-reactor. The results of in situ IR of CO adsorption indicated that the doping of basic element was beneficial for the dispersion of PdO particles, while the doping of acid element suppressed the dispersion of PdO particles. The binding energy of Pd in Pd/Ba-MA shifted to high energy, indicating that the interaction between PdO and support was enhanced. The results of H2-TPR showed that the reducibility of PdO doped with alkaline element was stronger than those of catalysts doped with acidic element. The doping of basic elements promoted the dispersion of PdO particles, changed the electronic state of Pd and enhanced the reducibility of PdO, which led to its high activity. The catalysts doped with the basic elements had higher activities than those doped with acidic elements, among which the Pd/Ba-MA catalyst had the highest activity among all catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Janagliflozin is a novel sodium–glucose cotransport-2 inhibitor. Despite its remarkable effect in glycemic control, no systematic research has evaluated the effect of renal impairment (RI) on its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Methods: Here, patients with T2DM (n = 30) were divided into normal renal function (eGFR ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73 m2), mild RI (eGFR between 60 and 89 mL/min/1.73 m2), moderate RI-I (eGFR between 45 and 59 mL/min/1.73 m2), and moderate RI-II (eGFR between 30 and 44 mL/min/1.73 m2) groups. They were administered 50 mg janagliflozin orally, and plasma and urine samples were collected for the determination of janagliflozin concentration. Results: Following oral administration, janagliflozin was rapidly absorbed, with the time to Cmax of 2–6 h for janagliflozin and 3–6 h for its metabolite XZP-5185. Plasma exposure levels were similar for janagliflozin in T2DM patients with or without RI but decreased for the metabolite XZP-5185 in T2DM patients with eGFR between 45 and 89 mL/min/1.73 m2. Janagliflozin significantly promoted the excretion of urinary glucose, even in patients with reduced eGFR. Janagliflozin was well tolerated in patients with T2DM with or without RI, and no serious adverse events (SAEs) occurred during this trial. Conclusions: The exposure levels of janagliflozin in T2DM patients were slightly increased with worsening of RI (i.e., 11% increase in the AUC in patients with moderate RI compared with the normal renal function group). Despite worsening of renal function, janagliflozin exerted a significant pharmacologic effect and was well tolerated, even in patients with moderate RI, implying a promising role in the treatment of patients with in T2DM. Registration: China Drug Trial register (http://www.chinadrugtrials.org.cn/I) identifier no.: CTR20192721. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of janagliflozin, a selective renal sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitor, as monotherapy in drug‐naive Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Materials and methods: This Phase 3 trial included a 24‐week, multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled period, followed by a 28‐week extension period. A total of 432 patients with glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels ≥7.0% (53 mmol/mol) and ≤10.5% (91 mmol/mol) were randomized (1:1:1) to receive once‐daily placebo, 25 mg or 50 mg janagliflozin. After 24 weeks, patients on placebo were switched and re‐randomized (1:1) to 25 mg or 50 mg janagliflozin, whereas patients on janagliflozin maintained the initial therapy. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in HbA1c after 24 weeks. Results: At Week 24, the placebo‐adjusted least squares mean changes in HbA1c were −0.80% (95% confidence interval [CI] −0.98% to −0.62%)/−8.7 mmol/mol (95% CI −10.7 mmol/mol to −6.8 mmol/mol) and −0.88% (95% CI −1.06% to −0.70%)/−9.6 mmol/mol (95% CI −11.6 mmol/mol to −7.7 mmol/mol), respectively (P < 0.001 for both). A higher proportion of patients achieved HbA1c <7.0% (53 mmol/mol) with janagliflozin 25 mg and janagliflozin 50 mg compared with placebo (47.2%, 49.3%, and 23.5%, respectively). Both janagliflozin doses significantly decreased fasting plasma glucose, 2‐hour postprandial glucose, body weight and systolic blood pressure, as well as increased high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and insulin sensitivity compared with placebo (P < 0.05 for all). The trends in improvement of these variables were sustained during the 28‐week extension period. Overall incidences of adverse events were 67.8%, 71.5% and 60.7% with janagliflozin 25 mg, janagliflozin 50 mg and placebo, respectively. The incidence of urinary tract infections and genital fungal infections was low. No severe hypoglycaemia or ketoacidosis occurred. Conclusions: Janagliflozin 25 mg and 50 mg monotherapy once‐daily effectively improved glycaemic control, reduced body weight and blood pressure, improved HDL cholesterol and insulin sensitivity, and was generally well tolerated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel MnO x -CeO 2 nanosphere catalyst with assembled structure from tiny particles was prepared and tested towards low-temperature NH 3 -SCR. A superior deNO x performance compared to that obtained over the catalyst composed of MnO x supported on CeO 2 was obtained. A good resistance to high space velocity and SO 2 present in the feed and an excellent stability (no deactivation was observed during 100-h of testing at 150 °C) were obtained. The characterization results suggested that the higher specific surface area, better redox behavior and larger concentration of surface active oxygen species were responsible for the above mentioned excellent performance. The results of the present study suggest that control of catalyst morphology can be an effective strategy to upgrade low-temperature NH 3 -SCR performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of janagliflozin in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) inadequately controlled with metformin monotherapy. Materials and methods: This multicentre phase 3 trial included a 24‐week, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled period, followed by a 28‐week extension period. Patients (N = 421) with HbA1c of 7.0% or higher and 10.5% or less were randomized (1:1:1) to receive once‐daily placebo, janagliflozin 25 or 50 mg. After the 24‐week treatment period, patients on placebo were re‐randomized (1:1) to janagliflozin 25 or 50 mg for the additional 28‐week treatment, whereas patients on janagliflozin maintained the same therapy. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline in HbA1c to week 24. Results: At week 24, the placebo‐adjusted least squares mean changes of HbA1c were –0.58% and –0.58% with janagliflozin 25 and 50 mg, respectively (P <.0001 for both). The proportion of patients achieving HbA1c less than 7.0% was higher with janagliflozin 25 and 50 mg compared with placebo (41.8%, 41.7% and 28.0%, respectively). Both janagliflozin doses provided significant reductions in fasting plasma glucose, 2‐hour postprandial glucose, body weight and systolic blood pressure, and improvements in high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and insulin sensitivity compared with placebo (P <.05 for all). The trends in improvement of these variables were retained during the 28‐week extension period. No severe hypoglycaemia occurred throughout the whole 52‐week treatment. Conclusions: Janagliflozin 25 or 50 mg once‐daily added to metformin therapy significantly improved glycaemic control, reduced body weight and systolic blood pressure, improved high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and insulin sensitivity, and was generally well‐tolerated by Chinese T2D patients who had poor glycaemic control with metformin monotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of efficient method for preparation of well-performed catalyst is an attractive topic in heterogeneous catalysis. Conventional route to obtaining mixed oxide catalysts is based on wet chemical methods. In the present study, a novel solid state method was proposed to fabricate NiO-CeO 2 catalyst by directly mixing metal precursors (nickel nitrate hydrate and cerium nitrate hydrate) and the subsequent calcination, omitting the common drying procedure in wet preparations. The preparation process was tracked by thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA) and obtained catalyst was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N 2 physisorption, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, H 2 temperature programmed reduction (H 2 -TPR) and tested in the model reaction of NO reduction by CO. Results showed that simultaneous decomposition of the mixed nitrates was occurred, suggesting cooperative interaction between the precursors. Moreover, in comparison with wet impregnation method, the catalyst from solid state preparation displayed not only improved textual properties (larger surface area and enriched porous structure), but also enhanced interfacial interactions between nickel and ceria, which promoted the bulk doping, surface dispersion of nickel species and the reduction of surface oxygen species. As a result, the catalytic performance in NO + CO reaction was significantly upgraded. Based on the preliminary results of this study, it is supposed the solid state preparation may open a convenient and versatile pathway to fabricate mixed oxide catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have prepared a new type of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) with orange fluorescence and high fluorescence quantum yield through a rapid hydrothermal approach. The CQDs were effective for sensitive and selective sensing of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in complex water samples. To prepare the CQDs, 4-(diethylamino) salicylaldehyde and phosphoric acid were heated at 200 °C for 1 h. This produced orange emitting CQDs with a fluorescence quantum yield of up to 47.1%. The synergetic effect of strong acid and high temperature accelerated the hydrothermal reaction. In addition, PFOS and PFOA can quench the fluorescence of the CQDs through an electron transfer mechanism. Fluorescence quenching by PFOS and PFOA was linear over a range of 0.05–1.0 μM and 0.1–1.5 μM, respectively, with corresponding limits of detection of 5 nM and 10 nM. The high chemical stability, stable fluorescence, and selective PFOS/PFOA response of the CQDs make them effective for PFOS/PFOA sensing in complex water samples. Thus, this simple and selective fluorescence quenching assay has great application potential in environmental monitoring and assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, to develop a multifunctional targeting nano-carrier drug delivery system for cancer therapy, the novel pH-sensitive ketal based oligosaccharides of hyaluronan (oHA) conjugates were synthesized by chemical conjugation of hydrophobic menthone 1,2-glycerol ketal (MGK) to the backbone of oHA with the histidine as the linker of proton sponge effect. The multifunctional oHA conjugates, oHA-histidine-MGK (oHM) carried the pH-sensitive MGK as hydrophobic moieties and oHA as the target of CD44 receptor. The oHM could self-assemble to nano-sized spherical shape with the average diameters of 128.6 nm at pH 7.4 PBS conditions. The oHM nanoparticles (oHMN) could release encapsulated curcumin (Cur) with 82.6% at pH 5.0 compared with 49.3% at pH 7.4. The results of cytotoxicity assay indicated that encapsulated Cur in oHMN (Cur-oHMN) were stable and have less toxicity compared to Cur suspension. The anti-tumor efficacyin vivosuggested that Cur-oHMN suppressed tumor growth most efficiently. These results present the promising potential of oHMN as a stable and effective nano-sized pH-sensitive drug delivery system for cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Manganese oxide-based catalysts exhibit excellent low-temperature denitration efficiency, making them potential candidates for application. Herein, the relationship between reaction stability and phase structure for MnO 2 , Mn 2 O 3 and Mn 3 O 4 was disclosed. The NO conversion for Mn 2 O 3 drastically reduced after 120 h reaction, while minor decline was detected for MnO 2 and Mn 3 O 4. Based on dedicate qualitative and quantitative analyses on the deposits over catalyst surface, deactivation trigged by ammonium nitrate (AN) deposition was confirmed. Different from penta-coordinated Mn4+ on MnO 2 (110) and tri-coordinated Mn2+, penta-coordinated Mn4+ on Mn 3 O 4 (101), the unique tetra-coordinated Mn3+ on Mn 2 O 3 (200) could stabilize the nitrates and make it difficult to be removed via decomposition or reaction and accumulate continuously, which resulted in the significant deactivation. This research could not only unveil the poisoning mechanism of MnO x based catalysts, but also provide new insights into the relationship between the catalytic stability and surface Mn-O microstructure. [Display omitted] • The relationship between reaction stability and MnO x phase structure was disclosed. • The texture property and Mn valence had finite effect on reaction stability. • The ammonium nitrates (AN) deposition could induce deactivation of catalysts. • A model was proposed to describe the stability of nitrates in AN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modifying CeO 2 with acid sites is a common strategy for designing efficient catalysts for the selective catalytic reduction of NO x by NH 3 (NH 3 -SCR of NO x). However, the effect of acid metal oxide modification on the SO 2 resistance of CeO 2 has not been well revealed. In this work, it was found that the SO 2 resistance of CeO 2 modified with several acid metal oxides (i.e. , MoO 3 , WO 3 and Nb 2 O 5), followed an order of Mo/CeO 2 ≥ W/CeO 2 > Nb/CeO 2. Further systematic characterizations revealed that Mo-OH and W-OH on CeO 2 as Brønsted acid sites could better inhibit the SO 2 adsorption and the sulfation of active sites than highly dispersed NbO x mainly as Lewis acid sites because NH 4 + coordinated to Brønsted acid sites could help trap SO 2 to form ammonium sulfates rather than metal sulfates. The findings in this work provided important guidance for the design of efficient catalysts with superior SO 2 resistance performance. [Display omitted] • CeO 2 modified with varying acid metal oxides showed different resistance to SO 2. • Highly dispersed MoO 3 or WO 3 could better shield CeO 2 from SO 2 poisoning than Nb 2 O 5. • Mo and W sites as Brønsted acid sites could better inhibit the SO 2 adsorption on CeO 2. • SO 2 could interact with both highly dispersed Nb 2 O 5 and CeO 2 on Nb/CeO 2. • A strategy for designing efficient catalysts with superior resistance to SO 2 was provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of WO 3 species on to FeTiO x catalysts led to the formation of Fe(3+n)+-O-W(6−n)+ and Ti(4+n)+-O-W(6−n)+ structures, increasing the ratio of chemical adsorbed oxygen, surface W-OH species, which were beneficial to the NH 3 -SCR reaction. [Display omitted] • The catalytic activity of FeTiO x was improved after the loading of WO 3 species. • The amount and strength of Brønsted acid sites was enhanced. • Fe(3+n)+-O-W(6−n)+ raised the count of chemical adsorbed oxygen, surface W-OH species. A series of WO 3 modified iron-titanate mixed metal oxides catalysts (the molar ratio of Fe/Ti = 4:1) were synthesized by conventional impregnation method and tested for selective catalytic reduction of NO x by NH 3. The addition of WO 3 species could enhance the catalytic performance of FeTiO x and 6 W/FeTiO x showed optimal activity with above 80 % NO conversion under a wide operating temperature window of 200–400 °C. It also exhibited excellent stability in the presence of H 2 O and SO 2 at 250 °C, even as low as 225 °C, which provided a suitable deNO x candidate for stationary sources. The characterization methods including XRD, BET, XPS, H 2 -TPR, NH 3 -TPD, NO-TPD and in situ DRIFTs were used to investigate the structure and surface properties of catalysts and their influence on the catalytic activity. The results demonstrated that the impregnation of WO 3 species led to the strong electronic inductive effects between Fe3+and W6+, Ti4+ and W6+ in the forms of Fe(3+n)+-O-W(6−n)+ and Ti(4+n)+-O-W(6−n)+ structures, increasing the ratio of chemical adsorbed oxygen species, surface OH-, which were stimulative to low-temperature NH 3 -SCR reaction. The increased amount of surface Brønsted acid sites mainly came from W-OH species. Besides, the reaction pathway over 6 W/FeTiO x mainly followed Eley-Rideal mechanism at 225 °C through the reaction between gaseous NO and adsorbed NH 3 species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Novel effect of strong acid-redox interface hinders NH 3 -SCR activity is reported. • Three Ce 2 (SO 4) 3 -CeO 2 catalysts with distinct interfaces are constructed. • NO adsorption and oxygen vacancy formation are limited after Ce 2 (SO 4) 3 addition. • Weak interface promotes NO activation and the formation of active nitrites. The occurrence of NH 3 -SCR (selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH 3) reaction on catalyst surface typically requires acid and redox sites. However, the role of acid-redox interaction on NH 3 -SCR performance is still obscure due to complex acidities and entangled acid-redox sites. Herein, three types of model Ce 2 (SO 4) 3 -CeO 2 catalysts with distinct interfaces are constructed to reveal the effect of acid-redox interaction on NH 3 -SCR performance. That is, SO 4 2-/CeO 2 -VS (vapor sulfation of ceria) with strong acid-redox interfacial contact, SO 4 2-/CeO 2 -WI (wet impregnation), and SO 4 2-/CeO 2 -SG (solid grinding) with limited interfaces. It is found the redox property is significantly disturbed as a result of the electron-withdrawing effect from the sulfate. Theoretical result unravels that the introduction of Ce 2 (SO 4) 3 retards the oxygen vacancy formation over CeO 2. Due to restricted interfaces in SO 4 2-/CeO 2 -SG, the negative influence from acid sites is greatly alleviated. Further mechanism study discloses the weakened acid-redox interaction actually changes the nature of surface NO x species, resulting in the generation of reactive species (*O-N-O* and cis -N 2 O 2 2-) and the promotion of surface reaction via Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H) mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constructing appropriate cocatalysts to modify semiconductors is significant for improving photocatalytic H 2 production and stability. Transition metal phosphides (TMPs) with low-cost and high efficiency have been considered as one of the most promising non-noble-metal cocatalysts. Herein, a novel multiphase phosphide nanosheet, Fe 2 P/Ni 3 P cocatalyst, was target designed and in-situ incorporated with Cu 2 O nanocubes via a phosphorization method for photocatalytic H2 evolution under visible light irradiation. The optimal Cu 2 O/Fe 2 P/Ni 3 P sample provided 10-folds higher photocatalytic activity of H2 evolution rate (108.68 μmol g−1 h−1) than that of single Cu 2 O (18.6 μmol g−1 h−1), which could be ascribed to fast charge transfer from the Cu 2 O to multiphase phosphide Fe 2 P/Ni 3 P cocatalyst and efficient separation of the light-induced charge carriers. Moreover, the Fe 2 P/Ni 3 P cocatalyst also improved the photo-corrosion of Cu 2 O caused by the disproportionation reaction, leading the Cu 2 O/Fe 2 P/Ni 3 P hybrid possessed robust stability. Additionally, this work guarantees useful insights in employing novel TMPs-based cocatalysts to construct visible-light-responsive photocatalysts, which manifests promising applications in the dwindling supply of energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The influence of surface configuration over FeCe/Al catalysts was studied. • The existence states and content for each coordinated FeO x species was determined. • Clustered FeO x was identified as the main active species for CO oxidation. The surface configuration of a catalyst, including the present state, coordination environment and related content of the active and additive species, has dominant effect on its physicochemical properties and catalytic performance. Herein, two types of FeCe/Al catalysts with different surface configurations, FeCe/Al-CI (co-impregnation) and FeCe/Al-SI (stepwise impregnation) were synthesized by adjusting the preparation conditions. Both catalysts together with the reference sample Fe/Al and Ce/Al were characterized by means of XRD, BET, TEM, EPR, UV–vis, Mössbauer spectra, H 2 -TPR and XPS. The results showed that (1) in both impregnation modes, ceria presented as small particles, while the iron species existed in two forms: the isolate state (tetrahedral coordination), cluster state (octahedral coordination); (2) iron species in different existence state can be characterized qualitatively or quantitatively via EPR, UV–vis and Mössbauer spectra, and the contents of FeO x clusters follows: FeCe/Al-SI < FeCe/Al-CI < Fe/Al. (3) With the help of HNO 3 leaching operation, FeO x clusters were identified as the main active species for CO oxidation. Although Fe/Al sample contained the highest concentration of active cluster FeO x species, the deficiency of Fe-O-Ce structures led to the lowest number of surface oxygen, Ce3+ and Fe2+ species, which resulted in poor CO oxidation activity for Fe/Al catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Exosomes participate in cellular communications by transmitting active molecules, including long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and are regarded as suitable candidates for disease diagnosis. This study aimed to identify gastric cancer (GC)-specific exosomal lncRNA and investigate the potential diagnostic value of plasma exosomal lncRNA in GC. Patients and Methods: Exosomes from the culture media (CM) of four GC cells (GCCs) and human gastric epithelial cells were isolated. Exosomal RNA was extracted, and lncRNA microarray assay was performed to identify GC-specific exosomal lncRNAs. The expression levels of the candidate exosomal lncRNAs were validated in 120 subjects via quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under curve were used to estimate the diagnostic capacity. We investigated the potential relationship between plasma exosomal lncRNA expression and the clinicopathological parameters of GC. Results: A total of 199 exosomal lncRNAs were expressed at considerable higher levels in GCCs than those in normal controls, among which the top 10 upregulated lncRNAs were selected for further validation in cell, CM, and plasma. qRT-PCR revealed that lnc-SLC2A12-10:1 was remarkably upregulated in exosomes derived from patients with GC and GCCs. The area under the ROC curve was 0.776, which was higher than the diagnostic accuracies of CEA, CA 19– 9, and CA72– 4. The expression level of exosomal lnc-SLC2A12-10:1 was also significantly correlated with tumor size, TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, and degree of differentiation. The postoperative expression levels of exosomal lnc-SLC2A12-10:1 were lower compared with those of preoperative levels. Conclusion: Our study suggested that exosomal lnc-SLC2A12-10:1 may be a potential noninvasive biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis monitoring of GC. Further large-scale studies are necessary to validate its performance in GC progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Exosome-shuttled bioactive long non-coding RNA, as novel non-invasive biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, has received increasing attention. Here, we aimed to investigate the expression of serum exosomal long non-coding RNA pcsk2-2:1 (Exo-Lnc RNApcsk2-2:1) in patients of gastric cancer and evaluate its diagnostic value as a marker. Patients and methods: Exosomes were isolated from serum sample of gastric cancer using HiPure Exosomekits and identified via transmission electron microscopy, Western blotting, and nanoparticle tracking analysis. The total exosomal RNA was extracted and reverse transcribed to cDNA. The expression of Exo-Lnc RNA PCSK2-2:1 was detected in serum exosomes of 29 healthy people and 63 gastric cancer patients by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR), and the relationship between the expression level of Exo-Lnc RNA PCSK2-2:1 and clinicopathological parameters of patients was analyzed. Finally, a receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the clinical value of Exo-Lnc RNA PCSK2-2:1 as an auxiliary diagnostic marker for gastric cancer. Results: Transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle size analysis, and Western blotting showed successful separation of serum exosomes. qRT-PCR results revealed that compared with the healthy control, Lnc RNA PCSK2-2:1 expression level in serum exosomes of gastric cancer patients was significantly downregulated (p=0.006). Moreover, the expression level of Exo-Lnc RNA PCSK2-2:1 was correlated with tumor size (p=0.0441), tumor stage (p=0.0061), and venous invasion (p=0.0367). The area under the curve of Exo-Lnc RNA PCSK2-2:1 was 0.896. At the optimal cut-off value, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 84% and 86.5%, respectively. Conclusion: Our data indicate that Exo-Lnc RNA PCSK2-2:1 may perform a vital role in the progression of gastric cancer and can be used as a potential marker for the diagnosis of gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cu 2 O-decorated CeO 2 was prepared for the photocatalytic CO 2 reduction. • Cu 2 O modified Lewis acid/base and surface oxygen defect content of CeO 2. • More medium basic sites on Cu 2 O/CeO 2 improved CO 2 adsorption/activation. • The synergistic effect of Cu 2 O/CeO 2 on photocatalytic mechanism was proposed. Ceria (CeO 2) with abundant oxygen defects, surface alkalinity, low cost effectiveness and admirable redox ability could be used in the photoreduction of CO 2. However, little attention has been paid to the interaction of reactant CO 2 molecules on CeO 2 –based photocatalysts. In this work, Cu 2 O nanoparticles were applied to the modification of the properties of Lewis acid/base, surface oxygen defect content and visible light adsorption of CeO 2 , and the adsorption/activation abilities of CO 2 reactant on Cu 2 O/CeO 2 and CeO 2 photocatalysts were investigated in comparison. The photocatalytic performance showed that Cu 2 O/CeO 2 had better activity than CeO 2. And the loading of Cu 2 O resulted in more oxygen defects and Ce3+ species, which was helpful for available visible light adsorption and higher charge-separation efficiency. Furthermore, CO 2 -TPD, CO 2 -adsorption DRIFTS and in-situ ESR results demonstrated that the synergistic effects of Cu 2 O/CeO 2 were beneficial for more generated carboxylate and CO 2 − radicals, instead of carbonate species which promoted CO 2 reduction to CO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • The addition of TiO 2 improves the physicochemical property of Mn/CZ-NR catalyst. • Catalytic activity of Mn/CZ-NR catalyst is obviously enhanced by TiO 2 modification. • TiO 2 modification can inhibit the generation of N 2 O over Mn/CZ-NR catalyst. • Mn-Ti/CZ-NR catalyst exhibits excellent H 2 O + SO 2 tolerance in NH 3 -SCR reaction. Abstract In the present work, we chose MnO x /CeO 2 -ZrO 2 nanorod (i.e. , Mn/CZ-NR) as a benchmark catalyst, and used TiO 2 as a modifier with the purpose of inhibiting the formation of N 2 O (by-product) as well as further enhancing the catalytic activity and H 2 O + SO 2 tolerance of Mn/CZ-NR catalyst. These samples were characterized by TEM, HRTEM, XRD, Raman, H 2 -TPR, XPS, NH 3 -TPD, and in situ DRIFTS. De NO x performance and H 2 O + SO 2 tolerance of these samples were evaluated by low-temperature NH 3 -SCR reaction. The obtained results show that the TiO 2 modified catalyst (i.e. , Mn-Ti/CZ-NR) exhibits higher catalytic activity than Mn/CZ-NR catalyst due to larger amount of oxygen vacancy accompanied with more Ce3+, higher ratios of Mn4+ and surface adsorbed oxygen species, as well as the improvement of surface acidity. Furthermore, TiO 2 modification effectively inhibits the non-selective oxidation of NH 3 to N 2 O through appropriately weakening the redox property of Mn/CZ-NR catalyst, which is beneficial to the enhancement of N 2 selectivity. Finally, Mn-Ti/CZ-NR catalyst exhibits excellent H 2 O + SO 2 tolerance, which indicates that it has the potential to be used for practical low-temperature de NO x application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the optimal subharmonics selection for atmospheric turbulence phase screen simulation with a given precision using the fast Fourier transform-based subharmonic method. A criterion appropriate for the Kolmogorov model, the von Karman model and the modified von Karman model – called the structure function increment ratio – is defined to determine the optimal subharmonics. Moreover, the integrated power ratio criterion is improved, an expression is presented to calculate the optimal subharmonics to add, and the scope of application is wider than in the past. More accurate optimal subharmonics can be achieved by using either the improved criterion or the structure function increment ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CeO 2 and its derivatives are potential photocatalysts due to their superior redox ability, abundant oxygen defects and cost effectiveness. However, little attention has been paid to the crystal-plane-dependent interactions in CeO 2 -based nanocomposites for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. In this work, CeO 2 /g-C 3 N 4 were synthesized with tunable CeO 2 crystal planes ({110}, {100}, and {111}). Photoelectrochemical, XPS, Raman, ESR results suggested that the electron-separation efficiency, oxygen defects and Ce 3+ /Ce 4+ reversibility pairs were greatly dependent on the crystal-faceted CeO 2 and g-C 3 N 4 interaction, and the photocatalytic performances of hydrogen evolution under visible light irradiation were in the order: CeO 2 {110}/g-C 3 N 4 >CeO 2 {100}/g-C 3 N 4 >CeO 2 {111}/g-C 3 N 4 >g-C 3 N 4 . Furthermore, the FT-IR, XPS and density functional theory (DFT) calculations shown that the different properties of CeO 2 /g-C 3 N 4 were resulted from the built-in electric field at the interface, and more intensive electronic interaction was found on CeO 2 {110}/g-C 3 N 4 , leading to the efficient separation and transfer of photo-generated electrons under light illumination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Enrichments of emerging pollutants and drugs from various samples with complex matrices make it urgent and challenging to develop novel SPME coatings, and the flourishing materials with high enrichment capabilities provide good opportunities for it. This review summarizes the used materials for the fabrication of SPME coatings in the past five years, including carbon, polymer, metal organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), ionic liquids (ILs), metal/metal oxide nanoparticles and silica. To obtain SPME coatings with excellent physical performance, anti-interference ability and high enrichment capability, suitable coating methods and supports are selected according to the properties of coating materials. In addition, the factors of coating materials and analytes influencing the enrichment effect are summarized and illustrated preliminarily, benefiting for further design of advanced coating materials with enhanced performance. Highlights • A variety of new materials employed as novel fiber coatings have been summarized. • The coating methods have been reviewed according to the property of selected material. • The enrichment mechanisms of coating materials have been illustrated preliminarily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding how H 2 O affects SO 2 tolerance of SCR catalysts at different working temperatures is of great importance. Herein, we reported that H 2 O addition at ultra-low temperature of 100 °C induced a significant promotion on SO 2 tolerance of MnO x -CeO 2 catalysts. Sole SO 2 led to serious activity loss from 100% to 20%, while H 2 O coexistence alleviated the deactivation and an admirable activity of 60% was reserved. Combining experimental characterizations with DFT calculation, we demonstrated that H 2 O promoted hydroxyl formed on defect sites, which promoted more sulfite formation and retarded sulfates with strong electron-withdrawing capacity disturbing active Mn sites. In comparison with sulfates, sulfites exhibited less interference in adsorbed species, ensuring the occurrence of Eley-Rideal and Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanisms. The present study discloses the unique temperature-dependent effect of H 2 O on SO 2 tolerance, which is expected to deepen our understanding on the role of H 2 O in modulating surface species and catalytic behaviors of SCR catalysts. [Display omitted] • Unusual temperature-dependent H 2 O promotion effect on SO 2 tolerance of SCR catalysts was reported. • The addition of H 2 O greatly alleviated the SO 2 poisoning of MnO x -CeO 2 catalysts at ultra-low temperature of 100 °C. • Hydroxyl group derived from H 2 O disassociation restricted the electron interaction between sulfur species and Mn sites, protecting active Mn via more sulfites forming. • Sulfites showed less interference on surface active adsorbed species and ensured the occurrence of both L-H and E-R mechanism over MnCe-SO 2 +H 2 O catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, CeO 2 nanocubes hybridized g-C 3 N 4 composites had been facilely synthesized to investigate the interfacial effects on photocatalytic water splitting. The c-CeO 2 /g-C 3 N 4 composites exhibited the superior photocatalytic hydrogen evolution under visible light irradiation. The optimal c-CeO 2 loading content was 5 wt%, with the H 2 evolution of 4300 μmol g −1 for 5 h illumination, higher than that of pristine CeO 2 , g-C 3 N 4 and irregular CeO 2 nanoparticles/g-C 3 N 4 . Moreover, UV–vis DRS, PL spectra and photoelectrochemical measurements demonstrated that 5 wt% c-CeO 2 /g-C 3 N 4 composite possessed more visible light adsorption and faster charge transfer, which was attributed to the stronger interfacial effects through the presence of the hydrogen bond and p-π hybrid between c-CeO 2 {100} and g-C 3 N 4 , revealed by the FT-IR and XPS results. The work suggested that engineering the structures of the CeO 2 and g-C 3 N 4 interface could be an effective strategy to obtain excellent photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A smart hybrid microenvironment-mediated dual pH/redox-responsive polymeric nanoparticles combined with inorganic calcium phosphate (CaP) was fabricated, which we term as armored nano-chrysalis inspired by butterfly pupa. The nano-chrysalis has an inner core composed of specially designed oligosaccharides of hyaluronan (oHA) targeting CD44 receptor. The inner core has two functions, i.e., the dual pH/redox responsive polymeric conjugate and the fluorescent curcumin-prodrug function. The prepared nano-chrysalis possessed a smaller size (102.5 ± 4.6 nm) than the unarmored nano-chrysalis (122.5 ± 6.6 nm). Interestingly, while the nano-chrysalis were stable under pH 7.4, when incubated under the tumor acidic conditions (pH 6.5) the outer CaP armor would dissolve in a pH-dependent, sustained manner. Moreover, nano-chrysalis was demonstrated to present the most effective antitumor efficacy than other formulations. This study provides a promising smart nano-carrier platform to enhance the stability, decrease the side effects, and improve the therapeutic efficacy of anticancer drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel hybrid strategy is employed to design catalysts with superior K resistance. • The main reason for CeMn deactivation is cut-off of L-H mechanism resulting from the formation of stable nitrates. • The addition of ZSM-5 can re-activate the inert nitrates. • Alkali metals poisoned catalysts can be regenerated by ZSM-5 hybridization. The application of cerium-manganese oxides (CeMn) in controlling exhaust gas from biomass combustion is greatly inhibited due to poor resistance to alkali metals. Herein, we report a smart strategy to circumvent the K poisoning problem of CeMn by physically coupling with ZSM-5, which exhibited almost no activity loss even under a high loading of 2 wt % K 2 O. Results showed that in contrast to the conventionally believed disturbance of redox property and reduction of acid sites, the dominant effect from K loading on the deactivation of CeMn catalysts lies on the formation of chemically inert nitrates, which significantly restrains the reaction cycle via Langmuir-Hinshelwood route. With ZSM-5 hybridization, the stable nitrates over CeMn can be facilely activated and consumed by NH 4 + species introduced by ZSM-5, thus transforming poisoning sites into active sites and ensuring superior catalytic performance. The study presenting here not only provides an efficient strategy for fabricating NH 3 -SCR catalysts with superior K resistance but also sheds new light on the deactivation mechanism of K over CeMn catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, Cu 2 O–reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composites were synthesized with tunable Cu 2 O crystal facets ({1 1 1}, {1 1 0} and {1 0 0} facets). The degradation performance of methylene blue under visible light was ranked: o-Cu 2 O{1 1 1}–rGO > d-Cu 2 O{1 1 0}–rGO > c-Cu 2 O{1 0 0}–rGO. UV–vis diffuse reflectance and photoluminescence spectra showed that o-Cu 2 O–rGO exhibited the enhanced visible-light absorption and the faster charge-transfer rate. Furthermore, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman characterizations showed that o-Cu 2 O–rGO was beneficial for the stabilization of Cu + species and the formation of oxygen defects. With the help of in-situ electron spin resonance (ESR), more superoxide radicals were detected over o-Cu 2 O–rGO, which promoted organic pollutants degradation. The above results confirmed that the catalytic behaviors of three Cu 2 O–rGO composites were related to the electronic structures and interfacial connections. The o-Cu 2 O{1 1 1}–rGO displayed the superior performance, for the highly-active coordinated unsaturated Cu and the intensive interfacial connection, which was beneficial for the rapid the photo-generated electron transfer and the formed active superoxide species. This study showed that engineering the interfacial structures could provide a scientific basis for the design of efficient photo-catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schematic illustration of RhB photocatalytic reaction mechanism over the rutile-TiO 2 /g-C 3 N 4 photocatalyst. [Display omitted] • The rutile-TiO 2 /g-C 3 N 4 photocatalyst is constructed by a simple solid grinding method. • The optimized rutile-TiO 2 /g-C 3 N 4 photocatalyst has more excellent photocatalytic performance than the pure rutile-TiO 2 and g-C 3 N 4. • The direct Z-scheme heterojunction mechanism is proposed over the rutile-TiO 2 /g-C 3 N 4 photocatalyst. Constructing a direct Z-scheme heterojunction is an effective method to improve the catalytic performance of photocatalyst. Here, the direct Z-scheme heterojunction rutile-TiO 2 /g-C 3 N 4 photocatalyst was constructed by a simple solid grinding method. This method can not only avoid the weak activity of rutile-TiO 2 in high synthesized temperature condition, but also precisely control the amount of g-C 3 N 4. The evaluation of photodegradation reaction suggests that the rutile-TiO 2 /g-C 3 N 4 photocatalyst exhibits higher photodegradation efficiency than the pure rutile-TiO 2 and the pure g-C 3 N 4 under simulated sunlight irradiation, and the optimal photocatalytic performance is achieved when the mass ratio of rutile-TiO 2 to g-C 3 N 4 is 2:5. The experimental results prove that a direct Z-scheme heterojunction is formed over the rutile-TiO 2 /g-C 3 N 4 photocatalyst, which promotes the effective electron-hole separation and the higher redox potential over the rutile-TiO 2 /g-C 3 N 4 photocatalyst. This work provides an attractive strategy to construct the direct Z-scheme photocatalyst consisted of rutile-TiO 2 and g-C 3 N 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The Pt x Ir alloy nanoparticles were fabricated via ethylene glycol reduction method. • The Pt 2.5 Ir/CeO 2 catalysts shows an excellent activity for toluene combustion. • The Pt 2.5 Ir/CeO 2 has abundant oxygen vacancies and the best reducibility. • The interaction between Pt and Ir is helpful for the best activity of Pt 2.5 Ir/CeO 2. • The possible reaction pathway over Pt 2.5 Ir/CeO 2 is studied by the in-situ DRIFTS. Herein, bimetallic Pt-Ir alloy nanoparticles (NPs) were successfully fabricated by ethylene glycol reduction of H 2 PtCl 6 ·6H 2 O and IrCl 3 through a microwave-assisted method. The Pt-Ir alloy NPs were deposited on CeO 2 catalysts for toluene combustion. The Pt 2.5 Ir/CeO 2 sample exhibited better catalytic activity at low reaction temperature, compared with monometallic catalysts. The excellent low-temperature catalytic activity was resulted from the interaction between Pt and Ir, richer adsorbed oxygen species and low-temperature reducibility. Furthermore, the in-situ DRIFTS was used to investigate the possible reaction pathway of Pt 2.5 Ir/CeO 2. It showed that the broken of benzene ring on Pt 2.5 Ir/CeO 2 can be accomplished at lower temperature, resulting in enhancing the deep oxidation of toluene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Active-site-rich 0D Co 3 O 4 /1D TiO 2 p–n heterojunction was designed and synthesized. • In-situ-generated porous outer walls formed over the surface of TiO 2 can increase the interfacial area. • Porous outer-wall, 0D/1D characteristic and p–n heterojunction account for high H 2 -production. The hydrogen evolution activity of photocatalysts could be optimized by improving charge separation, light absorption capacity, and surface-active site number. In an attempt to engineer these critical factors in semiconductor photocatalytic processes, herein, we construct an active-site-rich 0D/1D Co 3 O 4 /TiO 2 p-n heterojunction by growing p-type Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles onto the surface of n-type TiO 2 porous fibers. The in situ -generated porous outer walls formed over the surface of TiO 2 fibers can increase the accessible active sites and enhance the light capture capacity. The optimal 0D/1D Co 3 O 4 /TiO 2 heterojunction exhibits the excellent H 2 evolving rate of 3.46 mmol g−1h−1 and considerably higher stability than its counterparts, including TiO 2 fibers, 2D/1D and 3D/1D Co 3 O 4 /TiO 2 hybrids. The main reason for this eminent photocatalytic performance was due to the synergistic effect of the porous outer-walls of the TiO 2 nanofibers, favourable intimate interface between Co 3 O 4 and TiO 2 , built-in electric field induded by p–n heterojunction and the cocatalytic effect of Co 3 O 4 , which can create more active sites and lead to rapid charge carrier migration. This study provides an important guideline for designing surface-engineered heterostructures in photocatalytic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Research progress on ABS poisoning NH 3 -SCR catalysts are comprehensively reviewed for the first time. • General characterization methods for ABS on catalysts are collected. • Reported strategies for controlling ABS formation and decomposition are presented. • Future effort on addressing the problem of ABS poisoning is prospected. The urgent need for the treatment of flue gas from non-electric industries has stimulated great interest in developing NH 3 -SCR (selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH 3) catalysts that can work stably at low temperatures (< 300 °C). However, the performance of low-temperature NH 3 -SCR catalysts is expected to be largely hindered by surface accumulation of ammonium bisulfate (ABS), which inclines to induce significant deactivation of NH 3 -SCR catalysts due to active sites blocking. As such, how to solve the problem of ABS poisoning becomes a timely research topic. Herein, we focus on the recent progress on controlling ABS deposition/decomposition during the NH 3 -SCR process for sustainable denitration. The review starts with a brief introduction on physicochemical properties of ABS, then the common methods used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of ABS on catalyst surface are introduced. Afterwards, recent developed strategies on restraining ABS formation and accelerating ABS decomposition are reviewed. Lastly, some suggestions for the future study of ABS poisoning are prospected. We hope that this review can provide helpful guidance for designing NH 3 -SCR catalysts with great tolerance to ABS poisoning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) method for the identification and quantification of chlormequat (CQ) and mepiquat (MQ) in source waters with high sensitivity and specificity was established using WCX cartridges (150mg/6mL) for pre-concentration of the samples and using the CAPCELL PAK CR 1:4 (2.0mm×150mm 5μm, SCX:C18=1:4) column containing strong cationic exchange resins and C18 for separation. The method could solve the problem for pre-concentrating ionic compounds from water samples and avoid the MS instrument fouling problem accompanied with the use of ion-pair reagents. After the optimization of analytical conditions, quantification was achieved in the positive electrospray ionization mode using selected ion monitoring. The samples were analyzed with multi-channel mode with quantification performed at 30V cone voltage to ascertain the sensitivity and qualitative analysis performed at 60V cone voltage simultaneously. The method detection limits (MDLs) of CQ and MQ in source water were determined to be 14 and 22ngL−1. Finally, the method was used to quantify CQ and MQ in several source waters, which gave a level ranging from below the quantitation limit to 28ngL−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Endothelial cells in growing tumors express activated Akt, which when modeled by transgenic endothelial expression of myrAkt1 was sufficient to recapitulate the abnormal structural and functional features of tumor blood vessels in nontumor tissues. Sustained endothelial Akt activation caused increased blood vessel size and generalized edema from chronic vascular permeability, while acute permeability in response to VEGF-A was unaffected. These changes were reversible, demonstrating an ongoing requirement for Akt signaling for the maintenance of these phenotypes. Furthermore, rapamycin inhibited endothelial Akt signaling, vascular changes from myrAkt1, tumor growth, and tumor vascular permeability. Akt signaling in the tumor vascular stroma was sensitive to rapamycin, suggesting that rapamycin may affect tumor growth in part by acting as a vascular Akt inhibitor. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Thin-layered titania confined in SBA-15 was successfully synthesized by grafting strategy. • The amorphous thin-layered titania exhibited much enhanced surface acidity and regulated electronic state. • Activity of Fe supported titania catalyst were greatly improved, and H 2 O surprisingly promoted the catalyst activity. • The catalyst revealed promising SO 2 resistance, SO 2 was confirmed to have negligible influence on reactants adsorption. TiO 2 is a famous support for selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH 3 (NH 3 -SCR). Engineering the morphology and structure of TiO 2 is effective to modulate the interaction with surface dispersed component, providing further opportunity to improve catalytic performance. In this study, we rationally construct thin-layered titania confined in mesoporous silica via a surface grafting strategy. It exhibits high specific surface area with amorphous structure along mesopore channel, and much more Brønsted acid sites are generated than bulk TiO 2 due to defect induced oxygen-related species. After iron oxide loading, both the denitration activity and H 2 O/SO 2 tolerance are greatly promoted as compared to conventional Fe/TiO 2. Further characterizations reveal the obtained catalyst displays uniform iron oxide dispersion and intense Fe-Ti interaction, resulting in superior redox behavior and increased acidity. Notably, it is found the introduction of H 2 O exhibits a promotional effect on NO conversion efficiency, which can be ascribed to enhancement of NH 3 adsorption capability. Besides, SO 2 has negligible disturbance on NO/NH 3 adsorption, leading to superior sulfur tolerance. The result of present study demonstrates vital role of surface structure engineering of TiO 2 for sustainable denitration, which opens up a new avenue for designing well-performed and stable NH 3 -SCR catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The competitive adsorption between SO 2 and NO x is the main reason for the decrease of activity in low temperature. • The formation and consumption of ABS reach a dynamic equilibrium, making the negative effect on the SCR activity limited. • The accumulation of ferric sulfate species enhances the surface acidity and promotes E-R pathway, further facilitating the activity. • The higher the temperature, the more SO 4 2− accumulated, and the rapider climbing rate of the catalytic activity. SO 2 poisoning of NH 3 -SCR catalysts at low temperature (< 300 °C) is still an austere challenge. In this work, γ-Fe 2 O 3 was taken as a model catalyst and the effect of reaction temperature on the catalytic activity in the presence of SO 2 were fully revealed. SO 2 introduction has no negative effect on the activity at 300 °C, which gradually improves with the extension of time. While for 225−275 °C, the activity decreases firstly and then increases slowly. The formatted sulfate species inhibits the adsorption of NO x , cuts off L-H reaction pathway and leads to the initial decline. While the deposited ammonium bisulfate (ABS) can be consumed continuously by NO + O 2 , implying the formation and consumption of ABS have reached a dynamic equilibrium. Moreover, the formation of ferric sulfate species results in the enhancement of surface acidity, which leads to the promotion of the E-R reaction pathway and further facilitates the increase of activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monolithic Mn-Fe-Ce-Al-O catalyst with honeycomb cordierite ceramic as a carrier was reported for the first time for low temperature deNOx application. In the reaction of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO with NH3, a NO conversion of above 80% at 100 °C was obtained. Notably, the catalyst also showed excellent resistance against SO2 and H2O. About 60% NO conversion was maintained after successive operation in the mixed stream of SO2 and H2O for 168 h. The Brunner−Emmet−Teller (BET) measurement, SEM, EDS, thermogravimetric analysis (TG), FT-IR, and XPS results of the used catalysts indicated that certain amounts of ammonium sulfate was formed on the surface of the catalyst. XPS results revealed that partial of Fe2+ was oxidized to Fe3+ during the reaction process, and Fe2+ species have strong redox ability, which can explain the decrease in activity after reaction. In addition, SO2 and H2O induced a transformation of Ce from Ce4+ to Ce3+ on the surface of the catalyst, which increased the amount of chemisorbed oxygen. Owing to these factors, the addition of Ce and Fe species contributes to excellent resistance of the catalyst to SO2 and H2O. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The dual effects of ABS on NH 3 -SCR performance of Fe 2 O 3 -WO 3 /MCM-41 is observed and illustrated for the first time. • The formation of surface metal sulfates sustainably promotes the catalytic performance. • Nearly 90% of sulfates in ABS are immobilized after NH 4 + consumption. • Both the acidity and redox properties of catalyst are greatly improved after metal sulfates formation. Ammonium bisulfate (ABS) has long been considered as a main poisoning material in the selective catalytic reduction by NH 3 (NH 3 -SCR) due to the inevitable coverage of sticky ABS on catalytic active sites in sulfur-containing atmospheres, which severely hinders the achievement of stable and highly active NH 3 -SCR catalysts. In the present study, we report a novel observation of the dual effects of ABS on the NH 3 -SCR reaction. That is, ABS inhibits the NH 3 -SCR performance of Fe 2 O 3 -WO 3 /MCM-41 catalyst at low temperatures (50–200 °C) but shows apparent and sustainable reaction promotion when the temperature surpasses 250 °C. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and NO probing adsorption confirmed that when ABS is deposited on the catalyst surface, a partial interaction between ABS and the Fe 2 O 3 -WO 3 component occurs, resulting in blocking of the active sites and an obvious loss of catalytic activity. With increasing reaction temperature, the ammonium in ABS can be facilely consumed by NO/O 2 , thus inducing the disintegration of poisoning species. The sulfate group transforms into metal sulfate and survives at high temperatures. Importantly, owing to the strong inductive effect of sulfate species, both the acidity and redox properties of the catalyst are greatly improved, which contributes to the enhanced activity. The results of the present study expand our knowledge of the role of ABS in the NH 3 -SCR reaction and will be useful for designing high-performing NH 3 -SCR catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]