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Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) are recognized as promising cathode materials for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) due to their facile synthesis, low‐cost, high capacity, and environmental friendliness. However, high water content (>10 wt%) in the framework and unsatisfactory structural stability of PBAs are still the bottlenecks for industrial applications. Herein, interstitial K‐doping is employed to minimize the interstitial water and enhance the structural stability of Na2‐xFeMn[Fe(CN)6] (FeMnPBA), thereby boosting the sodium storage performance. The 3% K‐doping (K‐FeMnPBA3) demonstrates a much‐reduced water content of 6.9%, accompanied by a notably enhanced capacity of 139.1 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 and a remarkable capacity retention of 77.1% after 700 cycles. Furthermore, the K‐FeMnPBA3/hard carbon (HC) pouch cell achieves a stable cyclability with 82.6% capacity retention after 600 cycles. This research offers valuable insights into low‐water PBAs for practical applications in SIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent malignancy worldwide, with increasing incidence and mortality rates. Although treatment options have improved, CRC remains a leading cause of death due to metastasis. Early intervention can significantly improve patient outcomes, making it crucial to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying CRC metastasis. In this study, we performed bioinformatics analysis to identify potential genes associated with CRC metastasis. Methods: We downloaded and integrated gene expression datasets (GSE89393, GSE100243, and GSE144259) from GEO database. Differential expression analysis was conducted, followed by Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. The hub gene SERPINA3 was selected for further in vitro functional studies. Additionally, the role of miR-137-3p/miR-296-5p/ Serpin family A member 3 (SERPINA3) in CRC cell function was investigated using in vitro assays. Results: Analysis of the gene expression datasets revealed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with CRC metastasis. GO analysis showed enrichment in biological processes such as blood coagulation regulation and wound healing. Cellular component analysis highlighted extracellular matrix components and secretory granules. Molecular function analysis identified activities such as serine-type endopeptidase inhibition and lipoprotein receptor binding. KEGG analysis revealed involvement in pathways related to complement and coagulation cascades, cholesterol metabolism, and immune responses. The common DEGs among the datasets were further investigated. We identified SERPINA3 as a hub gene associated with CRC metastasis. SERPINA3 exerted enhanced effects on migration, proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and inhibitory effects on caspase-3/-9 activities in HT29 and SW620 cells. MiR-137-3p overexpression increased activities of caspase-3/-9, decreased migration and proliferation, and also repressed EMT in HT29 cells, which were obviously attenuated by SERPINA3 enforced overexpression. Consistently, SERPINA3 enforced overexpression also largely reversed miR-296-5p mimics-induced increased in activities of caspase-3/-9, decrease in migration, proliferation and EMT in HT29 cells. Conclusion: Through bioinformatics analysis, we identified potential genes associated with CRC metastasis. The functional studies focusing on SERPINA3/miR-137-3p/miR-296-5p further consolidated its role in regulating CRC progression. Our findings provide insights into novel mechanisms underlying CRC metastasis and might contribute to the development of effective treatment strategies. However, the role of SERPINA3/miR-137-3p/miR-296-5p signaling in CRC still requires further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The determination of the absolute configuration of chiral molecular entities by means of X‐ray crystallography is overall of central importance in stereochemistry. However, the growth of enantiopure single crystals often represents an unsurmountable and frustrating hurdle. Quasi‐racemic crystals of biomacromolecules, for which the absolute configuration is predetermined by the chiral monomers, allowed the X‐ray crystallographic analysis of systems that are difficult to crystallize as pure enantiomers, with aims other than the determination of the absolute structure. Taking advantage of the greater propensity of quasi‐racemic mixtures to co‐crystallize compared to growing enantiomerically pure crystals of a single compound, we herein describe the use of X‐ray crystallography of quasi‐racemates for the absolute configuration determination. We expect that this approach is particularly useful to establish the sense of selectivity in the development of stereoselective methods by simplified crystallizations, while confirming the consistent selectivity with a second molecular structure within the same measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MADS domain transcription factors play roles throughout the whole lifecycle of plants from seeding to flowering and fruit-bearing. However, systematic research into MADS-box genes of the economically important vegetable crop pepper (Capsicum spp.) is still lacking. We identified 174, 207, and 72 MADS-box genes from the genomes of C. annuum, C. baccatum, and C. chinense, respectively. These 453 MADS-box genes were divided into type I (Mα, Mβ, Mγ) and type II (MIKC* and MIKCC) based on their phylogenetic relationships. Collinearity analysis identified 144 paralogous genes and 195 orthologous genes in the three Capsicum species, and 70, 114, and 10 MADS-box genes specific to C. annuum, C. baccatum, and C. chinense, respectively. Comparative genomic analysis highlighted functional differentiation among homologous MADS-box genes during pepper evolution. Tissue expression analysis revealed three main expression patterns: highly expressed in roots, stems, leaves, and flowers (CaMADS93/CbMADS35/CcMADS58); only expressed in roots; and specifically expressed in flowers (CaMADS26/CbMADS31/CcMADS11). Protein interaction network analysis showed that type II CaMADS mainly interacted with proteins related to flowering pathway and flower organ development. This study provides the basis for an in-depth study of the evolutionary features and biological functions of pepper MADS-box genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the process of promoting school aesthetic education, some schools have some problems, such as insufficient construction of campus aesthetic education environment, lack of aesthetic thinking in various disciplines, and so on. In view of these problems, combined with the concept of the flipped classroom and the characteristics of artificial intelligence task-driven teaching, taking PHP, HTML + CSS + JS, and other development technologies as the main development technologies, and relying on the flipped classroom teaching mode of network learning space, this paper constructs an artificial intelligence core course website as a teaching platform for graduate teaching and undergraduate extended learning. The platform seeks the optimal solution of multiple combination optimization based on a genetic algorithm effectively improves the teaching quality of artificial intelligence courses and students' learning efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. This study aims to investigate the potential biomarkers of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and IBD with damp-heat syndrome (IBD-DH) by metabolomics. Methods. Plasma and urine samples were collected from 15 healthy controls and 30 IBD patients, including 15 IBD-DH and 15 IBD with spleen deficiency syndrome (IBD-SD), which was coded as SF8G and SF70 according to the International Classification of Diseases Eleventh Revision (ICD-11) issued by World Health Organization. Pseudotargeted metabolomics method was used based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry and triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry. Results. Under the condition of false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05, variable importance projection (VIP) > 1.0, and fold change (FC) > 1.5 or < 2/3, we found 57 plasma differential metabolites and 20 urinary differential metabolites in IBD. Then, with area under the curve (AUC) ≥ 0.85 and FC ≥ 2 or ≤ 0.3, 11 potential biomarkers were identified, such as acylcarnitine (ACar 20:4, ACar 18:1, and ACar 20:3), 3-indoleacetic acid, hippuric acid, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, which is related to intestinal microbiota and immune response. However, less obvious differences were observed in IBD-DH when compared with IBD-SD. Under the condition of FDR < 0.2, VIP >1.0, and FC > 1.5 or < 2/3, we identified 16 plasma differential metabolites. In urine samples, IBD-DH and IBD-SD had the same metabolite pattern. With AUC ≥ 0.80, 7 differential plasma metabolites, mainly glycerophospholipids, were identified in IBD-DH. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis indicated that metabolic pathways, such as citrate cycle and amino acids metabolism, were mainly responsible for the distinction between IBD and healthy controls, whereas glycerophospholipid metabolism perturbation was not only a manifestation of IBD but also an important pathway to distinguish two subtypes defined by traditional medicine, IBD-DH and IBD-SD. Conclusion. In this study, we found that several metabolites of aromatic acids and lipid derivatives could act as potential biomarkers to discriminate IBD from healthy controls. Glycerophospholipids metabolites might be used to differentiate IBD-DH from IBD-SD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quinone methides are fundamental intermediates for a wide range of reactions in which catalyst stereocontrol is often achieved by hydrogen bonding. Herein, we describe the feasibility of an intramolecular Friedel–Crafts 6π electrocyclization through ortho‐quinone methide iminiums stereocontrolled by a contact ion pair. A disulfonimide catalyst activates racemic trichloroacetimidate substrates and imparts stereocontrol in the cyclization step, providing a new avenue for selective ortho‐quinone methide iminium functionalization. A highly stereospecific oxidation readily transforms the enantioenriched acridanes into rotationally restricted acridiniums. Upon ion exchange, the method selectively affords atropisomeric acridinium tetrafluoroborate salts in high yields and an enantioenrichment of up to 93 : 7 e.r. We envision that ion‐pairing catalysis over ortho‐quinone methide iminiums enables the selective synthesis of a diversity of heterocycles and aniline derivatives with distinct stereogenic units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quinone methides are fundamental intermediates for a wide range of reactions in which catalyst stereocontrol is often achieved by hydrogen bonding. Herein, we describe the feasibility of an intramolecular Friedel–Crafts 6π electrocyclization through ortho‐quinone methide iminiums stereocontrolled by a contact ion pair. A disulfonimide catalyst activates racemic trichloroacetimidate substrates and imparts stereocontrol in the cyclization step, providing a new avenue for selective ortho‐quinone methide iminium functionalization. A highly stereospecific oxidation readily transforms the enantioenriched acridanes into rotationally restricted acridiniums. Upon ion exchange, the method selectively affords atropisomeric acridinium tetrafluoroborate salts in high yields and an enantioenrichment of up to 93 : 7 e.r. We envision that ion‐pairing catalysis over ortho‐quinone methide iminiums enables the selective synthesis of a diversity of heterocycles and aniline derivatives with distinct stereogenic units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A genome-wide comprehensive analysis of PEBP genes from four pepper species characterized 37 PEBP genes. • Collinearity relationships within species and inter species suggested evolutionary expansion. • Six CaFT and four CaTFL1 genes exhibited specific and complex tissue expression profiles. • Six CaFT proteins were all located in the cytoplasm and nuclei of cells. • CaFT s, like the florigen genes, have conserved functions in regulating flowering time and plant architecture. Phosphatidyl ethanolamine-binding protein (PEBP) plays an important role in the regulation of flowering time and architecture in plants. Here, 37 PEBP genes from four species of pepper (Capsicum spp.) were identified and characterized as FT -like (17), TFL1 -like (14), and MFT -like (6). Overall, 46 pairs of orthologous gene pairs were identified among the four species, and one CaFT gene corresponded to multiple collinear genes, suggesting evolutionary expansion involving the FT gene. Pepper PEBP genes were subjected to purification selection during evolution, mainly through whole-genome and segmental duplication. CaMFT was the most highly expressed gene in fruits, but six CaFT and four CaTFL1 genes exhibited specific and complex tissue expression profiles. All six CaFT proteins were localized in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Ectopic expression of CaFT5 and CaFT6 in Nicotiana benthamiana resulted in transgenic tobacco exhibiting not only obvious early flowering but also significantly increased numbers of leaves and branches and decreased leaf size. The results revealed that CaFT s, like the florigen genes, have conserved functions in regulating flowering time and plant architecture, playing multiple roles in pepper development. This study lays an important foundation for further exploring the molecular functions of Capsicum spp. genes and developing strategies for the genetic improvement of pepper. [Display omitted] (A) Phylogenetic tree of PEBP proteins in C. annuum, C. baccatum, C. chinense , and C. pubescens ; (B) Interspecific collinearity analysis of the PEBP gene pairs in four Capsicum spp.; (C) 3D structure and subcellular localization of CaFT5 and CaFT6 proteins; (D) Comparison of leaf sizes at the same position on WT and transgenic 35S:CaFT5 - GFP and 35S:CaFT6 - GFP tobacco plants. (E) Comparison of leaf and branch numbers between WT and transgenic tobacco plants grown for 12 weeks. These results revealed that ectopic overexpression of CaFT5 and CaFT6 genes in tobacco not only promoted early blossoming but also played important roles in regulating branch number and leaf morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All-solid-state rechargeable Zn-air battery is deemed to be a promising class of power source for its attractive operational safety and mechanical flexibility. To achieve high performance of Zn-air battery, the density of active sites on the ORR/OER bifunctional electrocatalyst and the maximized access to them are of great importance. In this study, a nitrogen, sulfur and ferric co-doped three-dimensional bifunctional catalyst (FeN x /N,S–C) is developed via a facile and eco-friendly molten salt assisted synthesis. The homogeneously dispersed FeN x species, the surrounding S dopants and the 3D hierarchical architecture synergistically endow FeN x /N,S–C with dense active sites with high accessibility, abundant open pores/channels and efficient mass transfer. Compared with the commercial Pt/C–RuO 2 catalyst, the application of FeN x /N,S–C in all-solid-state rechargeable Zn-air batteries results in enhanced ORR/OER activities, lower charge-discharge voltage gaps and improved 52 h cycling durability, implying its good feasibility in practical application. The all-solid-state FeN x /N,S–C based battery shows no performance decay during charge-discharge cycles when its sodium polyacrylate hydrogel electrolyte is compressed up to 67% strain or stretched up to 400% length, implying the feasibility of the present FeN x /N,S–C catalyst in the usage of stable and flexible electronics. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combined use of gold as transition metal catalyst and N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) as organic catalyst in the same solution for relay catalytic reactions was disclosed. The ynamide substrate was activated by gold catalyst to form unsaturated ketimine intermediate that subsequently reacted with the enals (via azolium enolate intermediate generated with NHC) effectively to form bicyclic lactam products with excellent diastereo‐ and enantio‐selectivities. The gold and NHC coordination and dissociation can be dynamic and tunable events, and thus allow the co‐existence of both active metal and carbene organic catalysts in appreciable concentrations, for the dual catalytic reaction to proceed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combined use of gold as transition metal catalyst and N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) as organic catalyst in the same solution for relay catalytic reactions was disclosed. The ynamide substrate was activated by gold catalyst to form unsaturated ketimine intermediate that subsequently reacted with the enals (via azolium enolate intermediate generated with NHC) effectively to form bicyclic lactam products with excellent diastereo‐ and enantio‐selectivities. The gold and NHC coordination and dissociation can be dynamic and tunable events, and thus allow the co‐existence of both active metal and carbene organic catalysts in appreciable concentrations, for the dual catalytic reaction to proceed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 3DOM structure shows the slow light effect for improving light harvesting efficiency. • Sr component in 3DOM SrTiO 3 enhances CO 2 adsorption and activation properties. • Supported Pt NPs promote the separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers. • Pt n /3DOM-SrTiO 3 catalysts show high activity and selectivity for CO 2 reduction to CH 4. • Surface enrichment of photogenerated electrons and activated CO 2 are rate-determining steps. Herein, we prepared the multifunctional photocatalysts of Pt nanoparticles (NPs)-decorated 3D ordered macroporous (3DOM) perovskite-type SrTiO 3 (Pt n /3DOM-SrTiO 3). The slow light effect of 3DOM photocatalysts improves the absorption of incident light. Surface alkaline-earth-metal Sr component enhances the adsorption and activation for CO 2. Supported Pt NPs can trap and gather excited photoelectrons derived from SrTiO 3 , and Pt-SrTiO 3 heterojunction improves the separation of photogenerated carriers. Pt n /3DOM-SrTiO 3 photocatalysts exhibited high-efficient photocatalytic performance for CO 2 reduction to CH 4 product. Among the catalysts, Pt 2 /3DOM-SrTiO 3 catalyst shows the highest catalytic activity and selectivity, i.e., its formation rate of CH 4 (26.7 μmol g−1 h−1) is 20-fold that of commercial P25, and its selectivity to CH 4 product is 86.7%. The catalytic mechanism for selective CO 2 photoreduction to CH 4 is proposed: the adsorption property for CO 2 and surface enrichment of photoelectrons are two rate-determining steps to improve selectively photocatalytic reduction of CO 2 to CH 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Metal organic framework (MOF), as an emerging type of porous materials, has attracted great interest in numerous fields. In this study, combining the advantages of MOF derived carbon and reduce graphite oxide (rGO), two types of MOF derived carbon modified reduced graphite oxide (ZIF-8C@rGO) were developed. When applied as electrode modifier in an electrochemical determination of hydroquinone (HQ) and catechol (CC), the obtained ZIF-8C@rGO exhibits remarkably improved selectivity and sensitivity than the ZIF-8C counterpart, attributable to the synergistic effect of the self-templated ZIF-8C anchors and the graphitized rGO substrate. Electrochemical results show that the ZIF-8C@rGO based sensor exhibits a wide linear range of 0.5 to 70 μM for both HQ and CC, with low detection limits of 0.073 μM for HQ and 0.076 μM for CC, respectively. A trial of monitoring HQ and CC in real water sample demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed ZIF-8C@rGO based sensor. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • ZIF-8 derived carbon modified rGO was developed via a facile approach. • ZIF-8 derived carbon modified rGO was used in electrocatalytic analysis. • Synergistic effect of ZIF-8C and rGO result in a good performance in HQ and CC sensing • ZIF-8C@rGO-0.02 based sensor is promising for real water samples analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A carbene and sulfinate co‐catalyzed intermolecular Rauhut–Currier reaction between enals and nitrovinyl indoles is disclosed. The carbene catalyst activates the enal and the sulfinate co‐catalyst activates the nitrovinyl indole. Both activation processes are realized via the formation of covalent bonds between the catalysts and substrates to generate catalyst‐bound intermediates. The dual catalytic reaction affords azepino[1,2‐a]indole products with excellent stereoselectivity. Our study demonstrates the unique involvement of sulfinate as an effective nucleophilic catalyst in activating electron‐deficient alkenes for asymmetric reactions. This dual catalytic approach should also encourage future explorations of both sulfinate and carbene catalysts for new reactions. It takes two: A carbene and sulfinate co‐catalyzed intermolecular Rauhut–Currier reaction provides an efficient method to access azepino[1,2‐a]indoles with excellent stereoselectivity. The sulfinate was found to be a unique and effective nucleophilic catalyst in activating nitrovinyl indoles for the Rauhut–Currier reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A carbene and sulfinate co‐catalyzed intermolecular Rauhut–Currier reaction between enals and nitrovinyl indoles is disclosed. The carbene catalyst activates the enal and the sulfinate co‐catalyst activates the nitrovinyl indole. Both activation processes are realized via the formation of covalent bonds between the catalysts and substrates to generate catalyst‐bound intermediates. The dual catalytic reaction affords azepino[1,2‐a]indole products with excellent stereoselectivity. Our study demonstrates the unique involvement of sulfinate as an effective nucleophilic catalyst in activating electron‐deficient alkenes for asymmetric reactions. This dual catalytic approach should also encourage future explorations of both sulfinate and carbene catalysts for new reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photocatalytic reduction of CO 2 with H 2 O to chemical energy-rich molecules (CH 4 and CO) is significant to solve energy crisis. Herein, we have successfully fabricated the novel photocatalyst of bimetallic Pt-Ru alloy nanoparticles (NPs) selectively deposited on the {101} facet of TiO 2 nanocrystal via the photon-assisted gas bubbling-membrane reduction (P-GBMR) method. The photogenerated electrons and holes are enriched on the coexposed {101}-39% and {001}-61% facets of anatase TiO 2 nanocrystal, respectively. Noble metal (Pt, Ru and PtRu) NPs deposited on the TiO 2 -{101} facet can further improve the separation efficiency of photogenerated electron-hole pairs via the vectorial electron transfer of TiO 2 →PtRu. Pt/TiO 2 catalytst with enriched surface photogenerated electrons shows the relative high formation rate of CH 4 (22.9 μmol g −1  h −1 ) and H 2 (52.8 μmol g −1  h −1 ), while Ru/TiO 2 catalyst with strong adsorption/activation capability for CO 2 prefers to improve the selectivity to CO product (65.1%). The possible mechanism for CO 2 reduction is proposed and discussed: The formation of H-containing intermediate and the adsorption/activation property for CO 2 are two important determining steps for improving photocatalytic CO 2 reduction with H 2 O to CH 4 product. PtRu/TiO 2 catalyst with the synergic effect of Pt and Ru components exhibits the best catalytic performance for CO 2 reduction with H 2 O to CH 4 product under simulated solar irradiation, i.e., its formation rate of CH 4 (38.7 μmol g −1  h −1 ) is about 29-fold of commercial P25, its selectivity to CH 4 product is 93.7% and its apparent quantum efficiency for CO 2 conversion is 0.98%. It expected to be a new heuristic on the development of high efficient photocatalysts for application to light-chemical energy conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease mediated by anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies and dependent on CD4 positive T lymphocytes (CD4+T) cells. MicroRNA (miRNA) is an endogenous small single-stranded non-coding RNA that involved in post-transcriptional regulation and plays an important role in differentiation and function of CD4+T cells. Increasing evidences have shown that changes of miRNAs happened in MG patients, which may participate in the occurrence and development of MG by regulating CD4+T cells, and miRNA may be a potential therapeutic target for MG. In this paper, relationship between miRNA and MG was reviewed in order to provide new ideas for further research on the pathogenesis and clinical diagnosis and treatment of MG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional geographic information systems (3D GIS) attempt to understand and express the real world from the perspective of 3D space. Currently, 3D GIS perspective carriers are mainly 2D and not 3D, which influences how 3D information is expressed and further affects the user cognition and understanding of 3D information. Using mixed reality as a carrier of 3D GIS is promising and may overcome problems when using 2D perspective carriers in 3D GIS. The objective of this paper is to propose an architecture and method to leverage the Microsoft HoloLens in 3D geographic information (Holo3DGIS). The architecture is designed according to three processes for developing holographic 3D GIS; the three processes are the creation of a 3D asset, the development of a Holo3DGIS application, and the compiler deployment of the Holo3DGIS application. Basic geographic data of Philadelphia were used to test the proposed methods and Holo3DGIS. The experimental results showed that the Holo3DGIS can leverage 3D geographic information with the Microsoft HoloLens. By changing the traditional 3D geographic information carrier from a 2D computer screen perspective to mixed reality glasses using the HoloLens 3D holographic perspective, it changed the traditional vision, body sense, and interaction modes, which enables GIS users to experience real 3D GIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of delivering sinomenine hydrochloride (SH) transdermally using composite dissolving microneedles (DM) which integrated with liquid crystals (H 2 ). The fabricated SH-loaded composite DM was evaluated for their appearance, mechanical strength, irritation, and efficiency of transdermal delivery of SH. Results depicted that optimized SH-loaded composite DM had sufficient mechanical strength to pierce into rat skin. The in vitro permeability study in rat skin was successfully performed using Franz diffusion cell which showed that the cumulative permeation of SH in the composite DM were significantly increased compared with H 2 group ( p <0.05), and the penetration rate of SH in the composite DM kept constant during 48 h compared with DM group. The study of in vivo pharmacokinetics effects showed that the transdermal absorption of SH was enhanced and sustained by the SH-loaded composite DM compared with SH-loaded H 2 and SH-loaded DM. The skin irritation study in rats indicated that there were no irritation for normal skin, and the slight irritation for impaired skin recovered 24 h later. In conclusion, the novel composite DM may be a promising transdermal drug delivery system owing to its physical enhancing permeation function, drug reservoir effect, and biocompatibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A carbene-catalyzed cascade reaction is developed for the synthesis of multi-substituted indane derivatives. The reaction involves two sequential Michael-addition steps, of which the first step is enabled by an NHC-mediated radical process. This work demonstrates the synthetic potentials of NHC-mediated single-electron-transfer processes for efficient reactions and rapid synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A diastereo- and enantioselective formal [3+2] cycloaddition of N-tosylaziridines and aldehydes catalyzed by a Ni(ii)-bisoxazoline complex has been accomplished. The 1,3-oxazolidine products are obtained with high diastereoselectivity, good yields (up to 99%) and high ee values (up to 96% ee). The challenging long distant stereocenter control is achieved by a chirality transfer approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A carbene-catalyzed intermolecular C−N bond formation, which initiates a highly selective cascade reaction for the synthesis of pyrrolidine fused β-lactones, is disclosed. The nitrogen-containing bicyclic β-lactone products are obtained with good yields and excellent stereoselectivities. Synthetic transformations of the reaction products into useful functional molecules, such as amino catalysts, can be efficiently realized under mild reaction conditions. Mechanistically, this study provides insights into modulating the reactivities of heteroatoms, such as nitrogen atoms, in challenging carbene-catalyzed asymmetric carbon-heteroatom bond-forming reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A carbene-catalyzed intermolecular C−N bond formation, which initiates a highly selective cascade reaction for the synthesis of pyrrolidine fused β-lactones, is disclosed. The nitrogen-containing bicyclic β-lactone products are obtained with good yields and excellent stereoselectivities. Synthetic transformations of the reaction products into useful functional molecules, such as amino catalysts, can be efficiently realized under mild reaction conditions. Mechanistically, this study provides insights into modulating the reactivities of heteroatoms, such as nitrogen atoms, in challenging carbene-catalyzed asymmetric carbon-heteroatom bond-forming reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple and inexpensive polyhalides (CCl4 and C2Cl6) have been found to be effective and versatile oxidants in removing electrons from Breslow intermediates under N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalysis. This oxidative reaction involves multiple single-electron-transfer (SET) processes and several radical intermediates. The α, β, and γ-carbon atoms of aldehydes and enals could be readily functionalized. Given the low cost of the oxidants and the broad applicability of the reactions, this study is expected to greatly enhance the feasibility of oxidative NHC catalysis for large-scale applications. Also this new SET radical process with polyhalides as single-electron oxidants will open a new avenue in the development of NHC-catalyzed radical reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple and inexpensive polyhalides (CCl4 and C2Cl6) have been found to be effective and versatile oxidants in removing electrons from Breslow intermediates under N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalysis. This oxidative reaction involves multiple single-electron-transfer (SET) processes and several radical intermediates. The α, β, and γ-carbon atoms of aldehydes and enals could be readily functionalized. Given the low cost of the oxidants and the broad applicability of the reactions, this study is expected to greatly enhance the feasibility of oxidative NHC catalysis for large-scale applications. Also this new SET radical process with polyhalides as single-electron oxidants will open a new avenue in the development of NHC-catalyzed radical reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new reversible colorimetric and fluorescent chemosensor MMIP based on a simple Schiff base has been successfully synthesized. MMIP exhibited high selectivity and sensitivity towards Ag, Cu and Hg ions with a short response time in DMSO/HO (1/1, v/v) solution among various metal ions, and the results could be monitored directly by naked eyes. The binding stoichiometry between MMIP and Ag/Hg/Cu has been determined to be 1:2 by Job's plot and FT-IR analysis. MMIP could effectively detect Ag, Cu and Hg over a wide pH range of 3-10. The good linear correlations were obtained in the concentration ranges of 0-20 μM for Ag, Cu and Hg. Thus sensor MMIP could be potentially used for the quantification of Ag, Cu and Hg in aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We theoretically predict self-imaging induced by multi-mode interference in multi-walled carbon nanotube arrays at visible wavelengths. To obtain propagation constants of guided modes and positions of self-imaging, the dispersion relation based on a dielectric function of frequency of the designed multi-walled carbon nanotube arrays is analyzed. The field distribution of self-imaging is performed by utilizing finite element modeling of wave propagation. The results show that single image and two-fold image are reproduced alternatively in constant intervals along the propagation direction. And the constant intervals or Talbot distances increase with the radius of carbon nanotube. Numerical simulation results agree well with theoretical expectations. The self-imaging effect in multi-walled carbon nanotube arrays may have potential applications at visible wavelengths in the integrated circuits or multi-walled carbon nanotube based imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An enantioselective β-carbon amination for enals is disclosed. The nitrogen atom from a protected hydrazine with suitable electronic properties readily behaves as a nucleophile. Addition of the nitrogen nucleophile to a catalytically generated N-heterocyclic-carbene-bound α,β-unsaturated acyl azolium intermediate constructs a new carbon-nitrogen bond asymmetrically. The pyrazolidinone products from our catalytic reactions are common scaffolds in bioactive molecules, and can be easily transformed into useful compounds such as β3-amino-acid derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An enantioselective β-carbon amination for enals is disclosed. The nitrogen atom from a protected hydrazine with suitable electronic properties readily behaves as a nucleophile. Addition of the nitrogen nucleophile to a catalytically generated N-heterocyclic-carbene-bound α,β-unsaturated acyl azolium intermediate constructs a new carbon-nitrogen bond asymmetrically. The pyrazolidinone products from our catalytic reactions are common scaffolds in bioactive molecules, and can be easily transformed into useful compounds such as β3-amino-acid derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrated a novel, facile, high-yield, and efficient one-pot approach for the synthesis of symmetrically disubstituted ureas from isocyanates in the presence of trimethylsilanol. This novel protocol boasts the use of inexpensive reagents, operational simplicity, excellent yields of products, environmentally friendly conditions, and easy workup. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of the synthesis of symmetrically disubstituted ureas from isocyanates in the presence of trimethylsilanol in one pot. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A novel urea-derived fluorescent sensor MDSU for Fe 3+ was designed and synthesized. Its sensing behavior to metal ions was investigated by absorption and fluorescence spectra. In DMSO/H 2 O (1:1, v/v) solution, sensor MDSU showed a highly selective and sensitive recognition to Fe 3+ over other competitive metal ions. This sensor formed a 1:1 complex with Fe 3+ and displayed fluorescence quenching. Moreover, sensor MDSU can rapidly detect Fe 3+ in real time with a lower detection limit of 1.816 × 10 −7 M. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fluorescent sensor based on phenylamine-oligothiophene derivative 3TEA was reported. This sensor showed highly selective and sensitive detection of Hg 2+ ion in THF/H 2 O (7/3, v/v) solution through fluorescence quenching. The detection was unaffected by other competitive metal ions. The detection limit was found to be as low as 3.952×10 −7 M estimated by the titration method. The recognition process is reversible and confirmed by EDTA experiment. The turn-off fluorescence behavior of mercury interaction with 3TEA has been found to be so fast that it can be used for its qualitative as well as quantitative estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A phenylamine-oligothiophene-based fluorescent sensor 2TBEA was reported. This sensor exhibited highly selective, sensitive and rapid detection of Hg 2 + ion in THF/H 2 O (7/3, v/v) solution through fluorescence quenching. The detection was unaffected by the coexistence of other competitive metal cations including Na + , K + , Ag + , Ca 2 + , Fe 3 + , Al 3 + , Co 2 + , Cu 2 + , Ni 2 + , Zn 2 + , Pb 2 + , Cd 2 + , Fe 2 + and Cr 3 + . A1:1 binding ratio for 2TBEA — Hg 2 + was demonstrated by Job's plot and mole-ratio curves. The coordination process was chemically reversible with EDTA. The detection limit was evaluated to be as low as 6.164 × 10 − 8 M. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A phenylamine-oligothiophene-based fluorescent chemosensor I3TEA was reported. This sensor exhibited highly selective and fast detection of Hg ion in MeCN/HO (8/2, v/v) solution through fluorescence quenching. The detection was unaffected by the other competitive metal cations. The low detection limit was found to be 5.92 × 10 M. In addition, the recognition process is reversible and confirmed by EDTA experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fast-responsive fluorescent phenylamine-oligothiophene sensor 3TDDA was reported. This sensor exhibited highly selective and sensitive detection of Hg 2 + ion in aqueous solution (THF/CH 3 CN/H 2 O, 45/50/5, v/v) through fluorescence quenching. The detection was not affected by the coexistence of other competitive metal ions such as Na + , K + , Ag + , Ca 2 + , Fe 3 + , Al 3 + , Co 2 + , Ni 2 + , Zn 2 + , Pb 2 + , Cd 2 + , Fe 2 + and Cr 3 + . A stoichiometric ratio (1:1) of the sensor and Hg 2 + was determined by a Job's plot and mole-ratio curves. The binding of sensor 3TDDA and Hg 2 + was also chemically reversible with EDTA. The detection limit was calculated as low as 4.392 × 10 − 7 M. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel urea-based “turn-on” fluorescent sensor 1,3-bis(4-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)phenyl)urea (TBSU) has been synthesized and its sensing properties are explored. This sensor exhibited highly selective and sensitive detection of Fe 3+ and F − ions in aqueous DMSO solution (DMSO/H 2 O, 95/5, v/v) with a significant fluorescence and absorption enhancement. The 1:1 stoichiometric structure between TBSU and Fe 3+ was adequately supported by Job-plot evaluation, optical titration and FT-IR analysis. The recognition process of the chemosensor TBSU for Fe 3+ is chemically reversible on the addition of CN − anion. The Fe 3+ /F − detection was not affected by the coexistence of other competitive ions. In addition, the detection limit was found to be as low as 5.87 × 10 −8 M for Fe 3+ and 4.84 × 10 −8 M for F − , respectively. Thus, TBSU could be a highly promising fluorescent sensor for the direct determination of Fe 3+ /F − ions in aqueous DMSO medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A kind of polarization beam splitter with triangular lattice of multi-walled carbon nanotube arrays is designed and simulated. In the employed structure transverse-electric (TE) light is confined in the line defect with photonic band gap effect, while transverse-magnetic (TM) light is guided through it with extremely low diffraction. The performance of the designed polarization beam splitter is evaluated by utilizing optical properties of multi-walled carbon nanotubes, finite element modeling of wave propagation and transmission through periodic arrays. Simulation results indicate that the designed polarization beam splitter has low loss and less cross talk, and thereby may have practical applications in the integrated optical field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of catalytic synthetic approaches towards molecular complexity from simple materials continues to be an ultimate goal in synthetic chemistry. Over the past decades, N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) organocatalysis has been extensively investigated to provide opportunities for a vast number of novel chemical transformations. Various activation modes and reactive intermediates enabled by NHC small‐molecule catalysts, such as Breslow intermediates, (homo)enolates, acyl azoliums and their derived unsaturated azoliums exhibit great potential in the construction of complicated skeletons. This personal account will summarize our group's recent work in the exploration of new activation modes of NHC catalysis towards molecular complexity with a focus on the development and applications of NHC to achieve diversity and enantioselectivity in the preparation of functional molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2011, a wilt disease has been detected on carnation ( Dianthus caryophyllus L.) cultivar ' Light Pink Barbara' in Kunming, Yunnan, China. A Fusarium sp. was consistently recovered from pieces of symptomatic tissues on Petri dishes containing potato dextrose agar ( PDA). On the basis of morphological characteristics and molecular identification by DNA sequencing of ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (r DNA ITS) and partial translation elongation factor-1α ( TEF) gene region, following their phylogenetic trees construction, the putative causal agent was identified as Fusarium proliferatum ( Matsushima) Nirenberg, and its pathogenicity was finally confirmed by Koch's postulates. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a wilt disease caused by F. proliferatum on carnation in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An approach to highly functionalized donor-acceptor aziridines by the aziridination of N-tosylimines and 2-bromomalonates in the presence of sodium hydride under mild conditions has been developed. The high-yielding reaction has a relatively broad scope and can be easily scaled up to the gram level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common human malignancy with high mortality and dismal prognosis. A growing number of novel targets underlying HCC pathophysiology have been detected using microarray high throughput screening platforms. This study carried out bioinformatics analysis to explore underlying biomarkers in HCC and assessed the potential action of the miR-193b-3p/CDK1 signaling pathway in HCC progression. A total of 241 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened from GSE33294, GSE104310, and GSE144269. Functional analysis results implicated that DEGs are significantly associated with "cell cycle," "cell division," and "proliferation." The protein–protein interaction network analysis extracted ten hub genes from common DEGs. Ten hub genes were significantly overexpression in HCC tissues. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis revealed that 10 hub genes were linked with a poorer prognosis in HCC patients. Functional assays showed that CDK1 knockdown repressed HCC cell proliferation and migration. Luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-193b-3p could target CDK1 3′ untranslated region, and miR-193b-3p negatively modulated CDK1. Enforced CDK1 expression attenuated miR-193b-3p-modulated suppressive actions on HCC cell proliferation and migration. To summarize, we performed a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis and identified 10 hub genes linked to the prognosis in HCC patients. Functional analysis revealed that CDK1, negatively regulated by miR-193b-3p, may act as an oncogene to promote HCC cell proliferation and migration and may predict poor prognosis of HCC patients. However, the role of CDK1/miR-193b-3p may still require further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient Y(OTf)3-catalyzed generation of azomethine ylides from donor-acceptor aziridines and their [3+2] cycloaddition with imines was developed. The method provides facile access to multisubstituted imidazolidines, which have been extensively used in organic synthesis. Furthermore, a three-component reaction on a gram scale and an asymmetric variation were also developed in this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By using ethylenediamine (En) as a complexing agent, the impact of various Zn2+ coordinated configurations on Zn anode reversibility was systematically studied. With the predominant configurations of [Zn(En)]2+ and [Zn(En)2]2+ in the electrolyte, both symmetric Zn/Zn cells and Zn/NiHCF full cells exhibit significantly improved cycling stability compared to the counterparts with pure ZnSO4 electrolyte. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The control of noncarbon stereogenic centers is of profound importance owing to their enormous interest in bioactive compounds and chiral catalyst or ligand design for enantioselective synthesis. Despite various elegant approaches have been achieved for construction of S‐, P‐, Si‐ and B‐stereocenters over the past decades, the catalyst‐controlled strategies to govern the formation of N‐stereogenic compounds have garnered less attention. Here, we disclose the first organocatalytic approach for efficient access to a wide range of nitrogen‐stereogenic compounds through a desymmetrization approach. Intriguingly, the pro‐chiral remote diols, which are previously not well addressed with enantiocontrol, are well differentiated by potent chiral carbene‐bound acyl azolium intermediates. Preliminary studies shed insights on the critical importance of the ionic hydrogen bond (IHB) formed between the dimer aggregate of diols to afford the chiral N‐oxide products that feature a tetrahedral nitrogen as the sole stereogenic element with good yields and excellent enantioselectivities. Notably, the chiral N‐oxide products could offer an attractive strategy for chiral ligand design and discovery of potential antibacterial agrochemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SiC-based materials have been hot research topic in the field of high-temperature electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption materials. SiC–Al 2 O 3 composite EMW absorption materials were prepared via casting process using carbon nanofibers/calcium aluminate cement (CNFs@CAC) as the binder. Effects of CNFs@CAC content on EMW absorption properties of SiC–Al 2 O 3 composites were investigated. Results show that the effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of SiC–Al 2 O 3 composites first increases and then decreases with the increase in CNFs@CAC content. SiC–Al 2 O 3 composites with 10 wt% CNFs@CAC (denoted as F10) have excellent EMW absorption properties in X-band (8.2–12.4 GHz), with minimum reflection loss (RL) of −66.12 dB at a thickness of 2.1 mm and a wide EAB of 3.27 GHz. This is attributed to synergistic effects of the network of SiC nanowires generated with CNFs as templates during sintering process and irregular porosity of the structure, which results in SiC–Al 2 O 3 composites having good impedance matching and multiple EMW attenuation mechanisms. In addition, sample F10 exhibits exceptional mechanical properties and oxidation resistance, as indicated by its flexural strength of 25.6 MPa. After oxidation at temperatures in the range of 800 °C-1000 °C for 8 h, EAB of sample F10 is in the range of 3.15–3.30 GHz. Above results indicate that SiC–Al 2 O 3 composites are promising EMW absorption materials for use in harsh environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Co-N x -C@MWCNTs with 3D braided structure is derived from bimetal ZIF with MWCNTs. • Highly porous Co-N x -C@MWCNTs possesses abundant active sites of Co-N x. • Co-N x -C@MWCNTs based sensor shows excellent sensitivity and selectivity for Pb(II) • Co-N x -C@MWCNTs based sensor shows feasibility in real water analyses. The first trial for electrochemical determination of Pb(II) with a bimetal organic framework derived composite, denoted as Co-N x -C@MWCNTs, is demonstrated in this work. The Co-N x -C@MWCNTs with three dimensionally braided structure was fabricated on the basis of zinc/cobalt co-centered bimetal zeolite imidazole framework (BMZIF-67) and interlaced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Contributable to the presence of zinc/cobalt co-centers and the nitrogen-containing ligands, the homogenous dispersion of metallic cobalt and the formation of Co-N x moieties which were widely known as active sites in electrocatalysts were fulfilled. The integration of MWCNTs resulted in enhanced conductivity and extra porosity, which were also crucial for electrochemical sensing. Therefore, Co-N x -C@MWCNTs based electrochemical sensor exhibits good reliability for Pb(II) detection, with a low detection limit of 0.7 μg L−1 over a wide linear range of 2–60 μg L−1. This design may shed lights on the fabrication of bimetal organic frameworks based electrochemical sensors in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel, mild, robust catalyst Y(OTf)3for C–C bond heterolysis of N-tosyl aziridines was developed and the resulting metallo-azomethine ylides may readily undergo [3+2] dipolar cycloaddition with an electron-rich olefin viaa stepwise reaction pathway with high regio- and diastereoselectivity leading to substituted pyrrolidines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel catalytic exo/endoselectivity-controllable tandem heterocyclization/formal [4+3] cycloaddition was developed, which provides rapid, efficient and stereoselective access to highly fused polyheterocycles from readily available 2-(1-alkynyl)-2-alken-1-ones and 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran under mild conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we developed an efficient anode catalyst for alcohol biofuel cell by integrating multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) into an isoreticular metal organic framework derived porous carbon. The derived porous carbon (PC) intercalated by MWCNTs (PC/MWCNTs) serviced as the anode component in catalyzing the electrooxidation of reduced β-Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), enabling catalysis to ethanol electrooxidation by alcohol dehydrogenase with NAD+ as both free coenzyme and electron transfer mediators (onset potential, 0.14 V vs. SCE, pH 8.0). Hierarchy of PC/MWCNTs with micro-, meso-, and macropores provides improved immobilization of electroactive enzymes, aids the facile transportations of electrolyte and increases the conductivity and specific surface areas of anode and results in a much higher catalytic current density for NADH (1.17 mA cm−2 for 10 mM NADH, pH 9.0) and alcohol bioanode (maximum steady-state current density, 0.25 ± 0.03 mA cm−2, pH 8.0) than its singular component analogues (PC and MWCNTs). The high Michaelis-Menten constant (166 ± 16.8 mM) favorites the detection of ethanol at high concentrations. The linear range of ethanol is 10–300 mM, with the sensitivity and detection limit as 24 nA mM−1 and 3 mM. The study applies porous carbon nanomaterials as both electrocatalysts for coenzyme and scaffolds for enzymes, benefiting to feasible constructions of bioelectrodes with notable current densities. Image 1 • Novel hierarchical porous carbon hybrids were designed by pyrolyzing metal organic frameworks in situ formed on CNTs. • The hybrids play role in both electrocatalysts for NADH oxidation and optimal scaffolds for alcohol dehydrogenase. • Maximum steady-state catalytic current density with 0.25 ± 0.03 mA·cm–2 was obtained for composed alcohol bioanode. • The research is important to fabricate efficient enzymatic biofuel cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]