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Monoamine oxidase type B inhibitors act in Parkinson's disease (PD) via potentiation of dopamine, but may also have neuroprotective effects by reducing oxidative damage. Oxidative damage is also a feature of environmental toxins, including pesticides, that are an established risk factor for PD. Another risk factor is low circulating uric acid (UA), which may relate to UA being the major endogenous antioxidant in the human body. We have undertaken a study of 192 initial admissions for PD in a general hospital neurology department in a partly rural region of Southern China to determine if there is an increased rate of PD in agricultural workers who have a high risk of exposure to pesticides, and how it may relate to deficits in UA. We found a disproportionately high number of agricultural workers admitted with PD (66.7% vs. 54.3% of all neurology admissions) and that PD subjects have a substantial reduction in UA. This is further reduced in agricultural workers and thus may contribute to the increased vulnerability of this group to PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exposure to environmental neurotoxins associated with agricultural work, such as pesticides, may be a risk factor for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's (PD) diseases. There is strong evidence that such exposure is associated with the development of PD; for AD the current evidence is equivocal. Several mechanisms are proposed to mediate this environmental toxicity, one of which is oxidative stress. Uric acid (UA) is an endogenous antioxidant, low levels of which are also implicated in neurodegenerative disease. Objective: This study aimed to determine whether agricultural work was a risk factor for AD in a population in which its association with PD was established, and whether UA was also associated with AD in this cohort. Methods: Hospital records of subjects meeting criteria for AD (n = 128) or vascular dementia (VaD) (n = 178) after hospital admission for symptoms of dementia were studied. History of agricultural work and plasma UA were recorded and their relationship to diagnosis determined. Results: In contrast to previous findings in this population in which agricultural work was strongly associated with PD, a history of agricultural work was not over-represented in hospital admission for AD versus VaD. AD was associated with a reduced level of circulating UA compared with VaD. Conclusion: Agricultural work as a likely proxy for exposure to pesticides appears not to be a risk factor for AD to the extent found in PD, perhaps reflecting their differences in neuronal pathology. Nevertheless, findings with UA suggests that oxidative stress may be an important factor in AD pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ab initio studies of ${\rm C}_{60}{\rm Cl}^+_5$ isomers clearly show the delicate change from sp3 carbon to sp2 carbon inside two five-membered rings of these structures, as analyzed by both geometry and electron delocalization of adjacent bonds next to both rings. Electronic origin of 2-${\rm C}_{60}{\rm Cl}^+_5$ with the highest energy among isomers is attributed to the relative increase in orbital energies, localized spatial feature due to lone pairs of chlorines, and π* characteristics for corresponding molecule orbitals. The steric effect not only favors fluorine over phenyl in substituting Cl connected with the 2-C, but also predominates configurations of double-substituted isomers. This work suggests that Cs-C60Cl6 can serve as one practical substituting template for synthesizing Cs-C60F6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the current paper, we successfully prepared lead sulfide (PbS) microcrystals with various shapes in a simple aqueous system using the hydrothermal synthesis route. Experimental results indicated that the change of the molar ratio of Pb2+/S2O3 2− could significantly influence the morphology of the product while keeping the other experimental conditions constant: with the decrease of the molar ratio of Pb2+/S2O3 2− from 1:1 to 1:4, the shape of the products varied from tri-prism, cube to magic-square structure. Changing the reaction temperature had big effect on the shape of the product: flower-shaped product was obtained at 80°C and cube-shaped products were produced at 120°C. When the reaction time varied, the shapes of the as-obtained PbS crystals also changed. At the same time, SEM observations showed that the counter-anions for Pb2+ could influence the shape of the product: Pb(NO3)2 being used as lead ion sources, most flower-shaped and few cubic PbS crystals were produced; while PbSO4 as lead ion source, the PbS cubes were obtained. An evolution process was described based on experimental facts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Neutral and anionic C60(CN)2 were investigated with electrospray ionization (ESI) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) mass spectrometry. It was observed that its anions underwent cyano- group and oxygen transfer, and dimerization processes in ESI conditions to form C60(CN)3H-, C60(CN)2(OH2)-, [C60(CN)3H]-2, [C60(CN)2(OH2)]-2 and [(C60)2(CN)2(OH)]-. Meanwhile, neutral C60(CN)2, for which no signal was observed in ESIMS, showed a base peak corresponding to C60(CN)2Cl- in APCIMS spectra with CHCl3 used as solvent, while only a molecular ion peak corresponding to C60(CN)-2 was observed for the toluene solution of neutral C60(CN)2 in the same conditions. Possible mechanisms for group transfer and dimerization were proposed based on these observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the formed interfacial Co–O–Cu bonds in Co-doped Cu(OH)2 (Co2–Cu(OH)2) sufficiently expose active sites and improve the reaction kinetics. As a result, the optimal Co2–Cu(OH)2 provides an amazing faradaic efficiency (91.6%), high selectivity (93.2%) and robust stability toward the NO3RR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To alleviate the global warming, it is necessary to transform carbon dioxide (CO2) into carbon monoxide (CO) through an expedient and resultful approach. In this work, a novel kind of Schiff base-cobalt ion complexes (CHE-Co) was constructed with 5-chorosalicylaldehyde, acetylglycine, acetic anhydride and CoCl3·6H2O as raw materials. It was discovered that CHE-Co exhibits outstanding photocatalytic activity to reduce CO2 to CO (selectivity: 91%) in an H2O/CH3CN solution (V:V = 1:4) under the irradiation of a LED-simulated solar lamp (λ > 400 nm, 90 mW cm–2). Under the optimized conditions, the yield of CO photo-catalytically reduced from CO2 can reach 15.92 μmol, with TON value of 1592 and TOF value of 159.2 h−1. The photo-catalytic mechanism of CHE-Co was proposed that CHE-Co with a positive Eonset can drive electrons shift from excited-state photosensitizer [Ru(phen)3]2+* to CHE-Co via a single-molecule rate control reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uric acid (UA) is a major contributor to naturally-occurring antioxidant activity and is thought to have protective effects against neurodegenerative processes. However, UA is also implicated as a risk factor in vascular, including cerebrovascular, disease. Its association with, and role in, dementia and its component diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD) remains unclear and inconsistently studied. Changes in blood lipids, particularly cholesterol measures, have also been implicated in dementias although the relationship or interactions with UA have been little studied.We have measured plasma UA and lipids taken from 187 subjects first attending a general hospital neurology department for symptoms associated with dementia, and from a series of 79 healthy control subjects. Diagnoses of AD and VaD were made following neuroimaging; laboratory measures were compared between dementia and control groups and between AD and VaD subgroups. No overall change in UA was seen in dementia, although a substantial and highly significant reduction was found in the AD patients. Reduced values in total cholesterol, HDL, and LDL were found in dementia, independent of statin treatment. Further investigation found a significant reduction of HDL only in the VaD group, while total cholesterol was significantly reduced in both AD and VaD subjects.These findings indicate that in our Chinese sample, UA deficits are specifically associated with AD, while deficits in HDL cholesterol found in dementia tend to be greater in VaD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As-synthesized Cu3PdN nanocrystals displayed high faradaic efficiency and selectivity for nitrate-to-ammonia conversion. The excellent performances can be attributed to the charge redistribution in Cu3PdN as a result of modulations of the electronic structures of Pd and Cu atoms, which altered the adsorption activation energy of the intermediates during the nitrate reduction reaction process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To verify the Brief Psychosomatic Symptom Scale (BPSS) among patients with psychosomatic-related disorders in general hospitals and determine the threshold of BPSS. The BPSS is a shortened 10-item version of the psychosomatic symptoms scale (PSSS). Data from 483 patients and 388 healthy controls were included for psychometric analyses. Internal consistency, construct validity, and factorial validity were verified. The threshold of BPSS in distinguishing psychosomatic patients from healthy controls were determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The ROC curve of the BPSS was compared with that of the PSSS and patient health questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15) by using Venkatraman's method with 2000 times Monte-Carlo simulations. The reliability of the BPSS was good with Cronbach's α of 0.831. BPSS was significantly correlated with PSSS (r = 0.886, P < 0.001), PHQ-15 (r = 0.752, P < 0.001), PHQ-9 (r = 0.757, P < 0.001) and GAD-7 (r = 0.715, P < 0.001), which indicated good construct validity. ROC analyses demonstrated that the AUC of the BPSS was comparable with that of PSSS. The gender-specific threshold of BPSS was determined as ≥8 in males and ≥ 9 in females. The BPSS is a brief and validated instrument for screening common psychosomatic symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BiOCl-(0 0 1) nanosheets were attached on the highly dispersed AgBr colloidal spheres to form AgBr/BiOCl-(0 0 1) composite by a simple one-pot method. The composite were characterized by SEM, TEM, DRS and PL spectroscopy. The results showed that AgBr/BiOCl-(0 0 1) exhibited an enhancement of photoabsorption in the full visible region, a lower recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes and a longer lifetime of charge carriers. AgBr/BiOCl-(0 0 1) afforded excellent photocatalytic performance toward methyl orange (MO) and Rhodamine B (RhB) degradation under an LED irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we report the encapsulation of Au25 nanoclusters in a Cu3(BTC)2 metal–organic framework (Au25@Cu-BTC), which can achieve CO2 photoreduction for selective CO production in a gas–solid reaction system at low-concentration CO2 atmospheres (even to 0.1%), with remarkably enhanced durability up to at least 48 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A newly Ir-mediated complex constructed by treating [Cp*IrCl 2 ] 2 with an azo-compound [sodium ( E )-4-((3-hydroxynaphthalen-2-yl)diazenyl)benzenesulfonate (HL)], was fully characterized by NMR, EA, TGA, IR and single crystal X-ray diffraction to reveal its molecular structure with mononuclear framework. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) was performed on detecting its electronic properties, affording potential application of catalyzing water oxidation to evolve oxygen. Moreover, the complex utilized as precatalyst of WOC was preformed under mild conditions, offering a high turnover frequency (TOF) which reached up to 4692.1 M −1 S −1 . Meanwhile, the mechanism of water-oxidation reaction was elaborated in detail in this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal‐organic cages (MOCs) are promising candidates for drug deliveries, catalysis, and host‐guest systems. In addition, their own finite cavities can control to the sizes and shapes of metal nanoparticles (MNPs), leading to promote their catalytic performance. Herein, we used half‐sandwich rhodium moieties with pyridyl ligands through coordination‐driven self‐assembly strategy and bridged‐unit (tpphz)‐mediated host‐guest complex formation in concert to produce a sufficient cavity with about 2.0 nm of size that facilitate to prepare controllably sizes and shapes of MNPs. Specifically, a metal‐organic cage 1, containing robust ligands (tpeb) and bridged units, has been successfully synthesized and fully characterized by several spectroscopic techniques. Its final structure was unambiguously confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (SCXRD). The pyridyl ligand units of 1 underwent noncovalent complexation with platinum nanoparticles to yield a Pt‐NPs@1 under UV‐visible irradiation of K2PtCl6. Moreover, UV and CV were carried out to determine the redox properties of 1 and Pt‐NPs@1, finding that Pt‐NPs@1 has a good redox property. Therefore, the supramolecular composites were used as catalysis for degradation of dye stuffs in aqueous solution, exhibiting good selectivity and activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The molecular design of a wide-bandgap polymer donor is critical to achieve high-performance organic photovoltaic devices. Herein, a new dibenzo-fused quinoxalineimide (BPQI) is successfully synthesized as an electron-deficient building block to construct donor–acceptor (D–A)-type polymers, namely P(BPQI-BDT) and P(BPQI-BDTT), using benzodithiophene and its derivative, which bears different side chains, as the copolymerization units. These two polymers are used as a donor, and the narrow bandgap (2,20-((2Z,20Z)-((12,13-bis(2-ethylhexyl)-3,9-diundecyl-12,13-dihydro-[1,2,5]thiadiazolo [3,4-e]thieno[2,″30′:4′,50]thieno[20,30:4,5]pyrrolo[3,2g]thieno[20,30:4,5]thieno[3,2-b]indole-2,10 diyl)bis(methanylylidene))bis(5,6-difluoro-3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indene-2,1-diylidene))dimalononitrile) Y6 is used as an acceptor to fabricate bulk heterojunction polymer solar cell devices. Y6, as a non-fullerene receptor (NFA), has excellent electrochemical and optical properties, as well as a high efficiency of over 18%. The device, based on P(BPQI-BDTT):Y6, showed power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 6.31% with a JSC of 17.09 mA cm−2, an open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 0.82 V, and an FF of 44.78%. This study demonstrates that dibenzo-fused quinoxalineimide is a promising building block for developing wide-bandgap polymer donors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fluorescence sensing of compound 1 toward NACs, anions and antibiotics make it a promising candidate for pollutant detection. [Display omitted] • We report a novel metal–organic framework 1 by reacting a new o -phenanthroline-based ligand with cadmium salts. • The fluorescence sensing experiments demonstrated compound 1 exhibits high selectivity and sensitivity for CrVI anions (CrO 4 2−/Cr 2 O 7 2−), nitrofuran antibiotics and nitro-aromatic compounds. Herein, a novel o -phenanthroline-based ligand involving two naphthalenecarboxylate groups was first synthesized, and successfully employed to fabricate a fluorescent metal–organic framework 1 under solvothermal conditions. According to the single-crystal X-ray analysis of compound 1 , the Cd(II) ions connected by organic ligands form a 2D layer structure with a unique metallacycle building unit, and adjacent 2D layers are further stacked into a 3D porous framework via numerous supramolecular interactions. Powder X-ray diffraction revealed that 1 exhibits exceptional stability in both water and common organic solvents. The fluorescence sensing experiments conducted with compound 1 toward anions and antibiotics, demonstrated its selective detection capabilities for CrVI anions (CrO 4 2−/Cr 2 O 7 2−) and nitrofuran antibiotics in aqueous solutions. Additionally, fluorescent 1 serves as an effective fluorescent probe for sensing nitro-aromatic compounds in dimethyl sulfoxide. Its robust anti-interference properties, recyclability, and resistance to water make compound 1 a promising candidate for pollutant detection in wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, Cr oxygenated species dispersed on Pt nanowire assemblies (PtCrOX NWs) were successfully prepared for the methanol oxidation reaction by a metal precursor dilution strategy. Notably, the PtCrOX NWs catalyst exhibits excellent performance for electrocatalytic methanol oxidation. Density functional theory results revealed that the doped Cr oxygenated species, which moderated the electronic structure of the Pt atoms, can significantly decrease the free energy of COOH* formation, thus leading to superior methanol oxidation performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Herein, a simple template-free method to the preparation of hexagonal carbon microtubes by pyrolysis of zinc tetrapyridylporphine (ZnTPyP) was reported. With cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide as the auxiliary agent, ZnTPyP molecules assemble into hexagonal microtubes. Corresponding ZnTPyP microtubes and microrods can be selectively fabricated by changing the concentration of tetrapyridylporphine (TPyP) and zinc ions. Through the pyrolysis of ZnTPyP precursors, remarkable carbon microtubes with hexagonal cross-section are prepared. The formation of carbon microtubes are evidenced by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Single-crystalline zinc oxide nanotubes were synthesized in large scale through a simple polymer-induced growth method. Morphology and structural characterizations reveal that the zinc oxide nanotubes are uniform with outer diameters of about 80nm, and in a hexagonal crystalline structure. Photoluminescence measurement shows a strong near-band ultraviolet emission at about 385nm. This synthesis route is easily controllable, well repeatable, mild, and feasible to apply for the fabrication of other oxides nanotubes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novel sisal-like ZnO nanostructures have been synthesized through a simple chemical vapor deposition (CVD) approach. The nanoleaves of the ZnO nanosisals are single-crystalline wurtzite structures and preferentially oriented in the <001> direction. PL measurement shows a strong UV emission at about 342 nm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Composites of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and layered LiMnO2 (LiMnO2@rGO) were successfully synthesized and demonstrated via a one-pot hydrothermal route at a temperature of 200 °C for 12 h. The obtained LiMnO2@rGO was characterized by x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra and Raman spectra. Electrochemical performance tests of LiMnO2@rGO and LiMnO2 cathodes exhibited that after graphene oxide was loaded, the discharge capacity and cycling performance were greatly improved, the maximum discharge capacity reached 185.6 mAh g−1 at the current density of 100 mA g−1 with retention capacity higher than 80% even after 100 cycles between 2 and 4.5 V vs. Li+/Li, which is much better than most previous reports (table S1). The principles of the corresponding phenomenon were fully explained by the low electron conductivity, high structural stability and lithium diffusion coefficient of LiMnO2@rGO, which was also proved by cyclic voltammetry testing, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and relevant equivalent circuit fitting. This work not only provides significant insights into the relationship between the structure and electrochemical performance of electrodes, but also shows the great potential of LiMnO2@rGO composite electrodes applied as the cathode materials of lithium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To develop and verify the Psychosomatic Symptom Scale (PSSS) among psychosomatic patients and the cut-off value of PSSS in distinguishing psychosomatic patients from health controls. The PSSS was drafted by an expert workgroup. 996 patients and 366 controls from 14 general hospitals in China were recruited to complete PSSS, Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15) and Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90). Student's t -test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Cronbach's α, Spearman's correlation, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to verify the PSSS. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were used to determine the cut-off value. Cronbach α of PSSS was 0.907. The PSSS was significantly correlated with SCL-90 somatization subscale (r = 0.682, P < 0.001) and PHQ-15 (r = 0.724, P < 0.001). CFA supported the theoretical two-factor structure of the PSSS, with comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.979, Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) = 0.977, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.039 (90% CI: 0.035–0.042), and standardized root mean residual (SRMR) = 0.054. As the sum score of PSSS was significantly higher in female, cut-off values were determined as 11 in females and 10 in males respectively. The PSSS is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring psychosomatic symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rational design and syntheses of the new tetranuclear macrocycles [Cp*Ir(L)]4(OTf)4 (1) and [Cp*Rh(L)]4(OTf)4 (2) were successfully achieved through the reaction of pyridyl-substituted ligand 3-(pyridin-3-ylazo)-naphthalen-2-ol (HL) with [Cp*M(μ-Cl)Cl]2 (M = Ir, Rh), which was preliminarily treated with AgOTf. The novel macrocycles 1 and 2 were structurally characterized by EA, IR and NMR to confirm their elementary components and frameworks. Further classification of their molecular structures via single crystal X-ray analysis has strongly proved their tetranuclear macrocyclic structures. The systematic investigation of the electronic properties of complex 1via cyclic voltammograms (CVs), clearly suggested that it had great potential application as a catalyst for water oxidation. Thus the use of complex 1 as a catalyst for water oxidation was performed in the presence of sacrificial chemical oxidation, and afforded a good efficiency of up to 2.47 min−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uric acid has neuroprotective properties in experimental and clinical studies of neurodegenerative disease. It is, however, associated with increased risk of stroke, yet, despite some inconsistent findings, increasing evidence suggests it may also be related to improved stroke outcomes. We have determined whether there is an effect of plasma uric acid on the short-term outcome of stroke patients in a general hospital setting using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). We also investigated the relationship of uric acid with other clinical correlates. Plasma uric acid was determined in 108 acute ischemic stroke patients and their mRS scores measured. Patients with a poor outcome (mRS > 2) had significantly lower uric acid than those with a better outcome; this remained after correcting for the effect of sex on uric acid concentrations. There was no significant association with other epidemiological factors or with cognitive function determined by Mini-Mental State Examination. An association between uric acid and the cerebral circulation was also found in which lower uric acid occurs with posterior artery involvement. These findings demonstrate in a naturalistic cohort of patients the association of uric acid with short-term disability following ischemic stroke. They also raise the question of whether uric acid may influence the regional brain involvement in stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Fe2+-induced oxygen vacancy strategy was developed to construct robust OER catalysts. • Ni/β-FeOOH-1/CC shows an ultralow overpotential of 192 mV at 10 mA·cm−2. • The high OER activity is attributed to the massive oxygen vacancies and Ni doping. • Ni/β-FeOOH-1/CC can drive overall water splitting by dry battery or GaAs solar cell. • Ni/β-FeOOH-1/CC can realize an industrial-scale current density of 300 mA·cm−2. Abundant oxygen-vacancy and heteroatomic doping have been demonstrated to be beneficial to obtain high electrocatalytic performance for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In present work, a simple cathodic electrodeposition (CED) method based on Fe(II)-induced oxygen deficiency-metal doping (FeIIIOD/MD) strategy was developed to prepare robust water oxidation electrocatalysts. By using Fe2+ ions as the iron precursors, a series of Ni-doped β-FeOOH (Ni/β-FeOOH- x) on the carbon cloth (Ni/β-FeOOH- x /CC, here, the × is the molar percent of Fe2+ in the total ferric salt; x = 0, 0.2, 0.5, 0.8 or 1) electrocatalysts with different oxygen vacancy content were prepared. Relevant characterizations indicated that the oxygen-vacancy ratio and electrocatalytic OER performances of Ni/β-FeOOH-1/CC electrocatalysts prepared by using Fe2+ ions as the iron precursor is significantly higher than that of Fe3+. Fascinatingly, the Ni/β-FeOOH-1/CC with massive oxygen vacancies shows an ultralow overpotential of 192 mV at the current density of 10 mA·cm−2. Furthermore, the Ni/β-FeOOH-1/CC catalyst can also be directly driven by a dry cell or solar cell. More importantly, the Ni/β-FeOOH-1/CC catalyst prepared by CED method based on this FeIIIOD/MD strategy can realize water oxidation at the industrial current density, and it shows a potential industrial application value in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The binuclear [η6-(cymene)Ru(L)]2(OTf)2 (TfO-=trifluoromethanesulfonate) and tetranuclear [η6- (cymene)Ru(L)]4(NO3)4 metallacycles were prepared by treating the pyridyl-substituted 8-hydroxyquinoline ligand (E)-2- [2-(pyridin-3-yl)vinyl]quinolin-8-ol (HL) with [(p-cymene)Ru(m- Cl)Cl]2 in the presence of AgOTf or AgNO3. The molecular structures of these complexes were confirmed by singlecrystal X-ray diffraction, which revealed that both complexes have macrocycle frameworks induced by the TfO- and NO3- counteranions, respectively. The electrochemical properties of the two metallacycles were investigated by cyclic voltammetry, which showed that they have great potential as catalysts for water oxidation. Good efficiency was obtained by utilizing the nitrate complex as a water oxidation catalyst in the presence of a CeIV salt as an oxidant at high pH values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports the self-assembly of three cadmium complexes 1–3 from one 2-substituted 8-hydroxyquinoline ligand (HL). The skeleton exhibits an unprecedented structural diversification and fabricates one mononuclear and two different tetranuclear Cd(ii) building units in response to the counteranions NO3−, OAc− and I−, respectively. The self-assembly behavior of the cadmium salts and the HL in MeOH was subsequently investigated using UV-vis spectroscopy. In the solid state, the supramolecular structures of 1–3 feature unique helical chains or a 3D network via non-covalent interactions, such as π…π stacking, C–H…π, hydrogen bonding and halogen-related interactions. As a result, the three Cd(ii) complexes exhibit disparate photophysical properties. This unique capability may provide a useful strategy to tune the optical properties of multinuclear materials, which could be exploited as important components for optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Based on two 2-substituted 8-hydroxyquinoline ligands containing NO2 and Cl, two complexes [Co(L2)2(pyridine)2] (1) and [Cu(L3)2] (2) were synthesized and characterized with single-crystal X-ray diffractions, powder X-ray diffractions (PXRD), thermal analyses (TGA) and elemental analyses (EA). In the solid state, the supramolecular structures of 1 and 2 feature two different two-folded helical chains, which were constructed by non-covalent interactions, such as π⋯π stacking, C H⋯π, C H⋯O, C Cl⋯π and Cl⋯Cl interactions. The present research holds great promise in the development of novel functional helical structure, and may contribute to the understanding of helical organized systems in biology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Four novel [60]fullerene pyrrolidines containing trifluoromethyl (CF3) group have been synthesized via 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction, which have been characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectroscopy, and 1H, 13C, 19F nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer (1H NMR, 13C NMR, 19F NMR). Their optical and electrochemical properties have been studied, and the results show that those fulleropyrrolidines containing CF3 group have good fluorescence and electrochemical properties. Compared with C60, they have negative shifts in varying degrees for half-wave potentials, and may have potential applications for photovoltaic conversion materials since their lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) levels are close to that of [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: FeNi alloy nanoparticles with controllable sizes were attached on the multiwalled carbon nanotubes by adjusting the atomic ratio of metal to carbon in the mixed solution of nitrate with Fe:Ni=1:1 (atomic ratio) via wet chemistry. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution TEM indicated that quasi-spherical FeNi alloy nanoparticles with sizes in the range 12–25nm are obtained. FeNi alloy composed of major face center cubic (fcc) and minor body center cubic (bcc) structures, which is proved by the X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). Magnetization measured by vibrating sample magnetometer demonstrated that both the coercive force and saturation magnetizations decrease as the size of the FeNi alloy nanoparticles decreased. The chemical method is promising for fabricating FeNi alloy nanoparticles attached on carbon nanotubes for magnetic storage and ultra high-density magnetic recording applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Double fold hexagonal dendrites (DFHD) of copper(I) sulfide with D6h point group symmetry were synthesized by an ammonia-assisted hydrothermal process. The growth direction of the branches in DFHD could be tuned by adjusting the concentration of reagents, such as Cu2+ and NH3. Studies show that the coordination effect between copper anion and ammonia ligands plays a crucial role in the formation of the final dendritic structure. The influences of the reaction temperature and time on the morphology of the product have been also discussed. A possible formation process of this novel DFHD has been proposed on the basis of experiments. Double fold hexagonal dendrites of Cu2S with high geometrical symmetry structure could be obtained via inorganic ions participated coordination chemistry method. The growth habit of the Cu2S dendrites could be modulated via this facile nonorganic reagent participating hydrothermal route. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Large-scale, high-purity and uniform BiVO4 nanoribbons have been synthesized by a facile hydrothermal route without surfactants. The as-prepared BiVO4 nanoribbons were up to hundreds of micrometers in length, 60–80nm in width, 15–20nm in thickness, and grew along the [010] direction. The photoresponse property of BiVO4 nanoribbons was measured under different wavelengths. Their photoswitch behavior was also demonstrated. Furthermore, the nanoribbons showed superior photocatalytic activities in the degradation of eosin Y under visible light irradiation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, cobalt phosphides (Co2P) nanocrystals with urchin-like structures have been successfully synthesized via a water–ethanol mixed-solvothermal route, employing white phosphorus (WP) and cobalt dichloride as starting reactants, sodium acetate as the pH adjustor, and sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) as the surfactant. The as-obtained product was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), (high resolution) transmission electron microscopy (TEM/HRTEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). It was found that sodium acetate played an important role in the formation of Co2P nanocrystals with urchin-like structures. Some factors influencing the morphology of the product, including the reaction temperature, time, amounts of WP and SDBS and so on, were investigated. The photocatalytic property of the product for the degradation of organic dyes was studied. A possible formation mechanism of urchin-like Co2P nanocrystals was suggested based on the experiment results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the present paper, flowerlike ZnO nanocrystals were successfully synthesized via a simple hydrothermal route in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), employing Zn(CH3COO)2 and KOH as the starting reactants. The phase and morphology of the product were characterized by means of powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and select area electron diffraction (SAED). The optical properties of the product were studied. Some factors influencing the morphology of the final product including reaction time, temperature and amounts of the surfactant were discussed. Researches showed that the flowerlike ZnO nanocrystals had a good photo-catalytic activity for degradation of safranine T under 254nm UV light irradiation. The electrochemical research of the product showed that flowerlike ZnO nanocrystals could promote electron transfers between catechol and the Au electrode. A possible formation mechanism was also suggested based on the results of the experiments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Fullerene (C60, C70) hollow spheres were fabricated by controlled oxidation of fullerene monoanions under solvothermal conditions. Scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope showed the uniform size and the hollow nature of the spheres. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrum and Raman spectroscopy proved that the hollow spheres are mainly composed of pristine fullerene. An Ostwald ripening mechanism is proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Barium carbonate crystals with higher-order superstructures have been successfully synthesized in a simple aqueous system containing a general polymer, polyacrylamide (PAM) at room temperature. BaCl2, NaHCO3 and NH3·H2O were used as the starting reagents. The X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis showed the product was the orthorhombic BaCO3. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations showed that higher-order superstructures were formed by the self-assembly of BaCO3 nanorods. Research showed that the morphology of the as-synthesized BaCO3 crystals could gradually evolve with the reaction time. Also, the morphology of BaCO3 crystals was affected by the initial concentrations of reactants: lower concentrations were used for the formation of dumbbell-shaped BaCO3 crystals. Based on the experimental results, a possible formation mechanism of BaCO3 superstructures was discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the present paper, we successfully prepared PbTe nanocrystals in a simple aqueous system via the hydrothermal route employing PbO, Te powders and N2H4·H2O as the starting reactants at 150°C for 14h. Some factors affecting the morphologies of the PbTe nanocrystals, such as the reaction temperature, time, the amount of NaOH, sorts of reductants and Pb2+ ion sources, were systematically investigated. Experimental results indicated that, under keeping the other experimental conditions constant: raising the reaction temperature, the shapes of the as-obtained PbTe hardly changed, while decreasing the temperature, some PbTe dendrites were obtained; the short reaction time availed to obtain cubes with a hole in the center of each face; more amounts of NaOH were favorable to the formation of regular PbTe nanocuboids. When NaBH4 was used as the reductant, a large amount of near spherical PbTe nanocrystals was produced; while NaH2PO2 was used, many PbTe crystals with hollow framework structures were obtained. When Pb(CH3COO)2 was used as the Pb2+ ion source, some dendrites made of many irregular particles were generated; while PbSO4 was employed, many PbTe nanocuboids were produced. A possible formation mechanism of PbTe nanocrystals was proposed based on the experimental results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: It was found that gold nanoparticles with different sizes could enhance the chemiluminescence (CL) of the luminol–NaIO4 system in alkaline solution. The most intensive CL signals were obtained with gold nanoparticles in diameter of 4nm and the CL intensity increased linearly with the concentration of gold nanoparticles. The studies of UV–vis spectra, CL spectra, effects of concentrations of luminol and periodate solution were carried out to explore the CL enhancement mechanism. Catechol, hydroquinone and resorcinol were found to inhibit the CL signals of the luminol–NaIO4 reaction catalyzed by gold nanoparticles, which made it applicable for the determination of these polyphenols. Under the selected experimental conditions, the detection limits (3σ) were in the range of 2.1×10−9 to 1.0×10−10 gml−1, the relative standard deviation (R.S.D., n =11) were in the range of 1.7–2.9%. The method has been successfully applied to the determination of catechol in tap water and synthesized samples with satisfactory results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper we reported the preparation of wrapped CuS nanowires via a simple hydrothermal reaction at 180 °C for 2 h, employing CuSO4·5H2O and thiourea as reactants in the absence of any structure-directing agent. SAED pattern showed that the wrapped CuS nanowires were polycrystalline, which was comprised of small nanoparticles. TEM observations showed that wrapped nanowires could grow and further transfer to hollow spheres with the prolonging of the reaction time from 2 h to 13. The UV–Vis spectra of CuS prepared at 180 °C for different times were studied. The possible transfer mechanism from wrapped nanowires to hollow spheres was suggested. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Silver metal nanowires were prepared with assembling Ag ions onto DNA template and reducing metal ions by a kind of electrochemical method. Silver metal nanowires were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The diameter of the nanowires is about 50nm and the length of the nanowires is about 6.0μm. The affection of experimental conditions on the formation of the silver nanowires was examined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Hollow carbon nanospheres were obtained at 200°C via a new reaction route, by using magnesium, hexachloroethane and aluminum trichloride as starting materials and benzene as solvent. The products were characterized with X-ray diffraction pattern, transmission electron microscope, high-resolution transmission electron microscope images and Raman spectrum. The reaction conditions are easy to be maintained and controlled. They may provide a new method to produce other carbonaceous materials. A possible mechanism of reaction was proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Fibre-like Mg(OH)2 nanoparticles were synthesized in aqueous solution at room temperature employing microwave irradiation as assistance, using common compounds magnesium nitrate and sodium hydroxide as reactants. The products with diameters in the range of 20–40 nm and lengths of 100–150 nm were characterized with X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The mechanism for the formation of fibre-like Mg(OH)2 nanoparticles is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Tl2E (E=S or Se) nanorods were synthesized via solvothermal route with the addition of KI. The products were characterized with X-ray powder diffraction patterns and transmission electron microscope images. Their optical properties were studied by UV–vis transmittance and photoluminescence spectrum. The band gap of direct forbidden transitions was found larger than that of bulk materials, because of the blue shift caused by nanometer-scale crystalline particles due to quantum confinement effects. A possible growth mechanism is proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hexagonal CdS nanotubes with external diameter of 25–125 nm and wall thickness of 10–15 nm were obtained through surfactant-free route. The reactions were completed under ultrasonic irradiation in aqueous solution at room temperature. The products were characterized with X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

CdS nanoparticles have been prepared and modified with mercaptoacetic acid. The functionalized nanoparticles are water-soluble and biocompatible. They could be used as a fluorescence probe in the determination of bovine serum albumin (BSA), which was proved to be a simple, rapid and specific method. In comparison with single organic fluorophores, these nanoparticle probes are brighter, more stable against photobleaching, and do not suffer from blinking. Under the optimum conditions, the response is linearly proportional to the concentration of BSA between 0.1 and 3.2 μg ml−1, and the limit of detection is 0.08 μg ml−1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This communication describes the first demonstration on the use of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Copper (II) benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate (Cu-BTC, BTC=1,3,5-tricarboxylate) was first synthesized and studied with respect to its electrocatalytic activity toward ORR. However, this kind of widely studied Cu(II)-based MOF was structurally unstable in aqueous media. We thus synthesized one kind of water-stable Cu(II)-based MOF, i.e., copper (II)-2,2′-bipyridine-benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate (Cu-bipy-BTC, bipy=2,2′-bipyridine) as an alternative to Cu-BTC for the ORR study. In a phosphate buffer (pH 6.0), the synthetic Cu-bipy-BTC shows a couple of well-defined redox peaks at ca. −0.15V. The presence of O2 into the buffer clearly increases the reduction peak current, while decreases the reversed oxidation peak current of the redox wave. This property, along with the positive shift of the potential for ORR at the MOF-modified electrode compared with that at the bare GC electrode, demonstrates the electrocatalytic activity of the Cu-bipy-BTC MOF towards ORR. Rotating ring-disk electrode voltammetry reveals that this kind of MOF can catalyze the ORR through an almost four-electron reduction pathway. This study essentially offers a new approach to development of non-platinum ORR catalysts based on MOF materials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A facile solvothermal strategy has been developed to prepare PbSO4-sheathed PbS microstructures with butterfly-like shapes using Pb(NO3)2 and thioacetamide as the starting materials. X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, and high resolution transmission electron microscopy characterization results indicate that the as-prepared product is composed of PbS/PbSO4 core/shell microstructures. Interior PbS microcrystal, with a layer of polycrystalline PbSO4 shell on its surface, grow along eight {111} crystalline directions. A possible reaction and growth mechanism of the butterfly-like PbSO4/PbS microstructures has been discussed. Optical property investigation shows that the PbSO4-sheathed PbS microstructures have an intense luminescence in cyan region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]