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Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries have attracted significant attention in the realm of electronic energy storage and conversion owing to their remarkable theoretical energy density and cost‐effectiveness. However, Li–S batteries continue to face significant challenges, primarily the severe polysulfides shuttle effect and sluggish sulfur redox kinetics, which are inherent obstacles to their practical application. Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), known for their porous structure, high adsorption capacity, structural flexibility, and easy synthesis, have emerged as ideal materials for separator modification. Efficient polysulfides interception/conversion ability and rapid lithium‐ion conduction enabled by MOFs modified layers are demonstrated in Li–S batteries. In this perspective, the objective is to present an overview of recent advancements in utilizing pristine MOF materials as modification layers for separators in Li–S batteries. The mechanisms behind the enhanced electrochemical performance resulting from each design strategy are explained. The viewpoints and crucial challenges requiring resolution are also concluded for pristine MOFs separator in Li–S batteries. Moreover, some promising materials and concepts based on MOFs are proposed to enhance electrochemical performance and investigate polysulfides adsorption/conversion mechanisms. These efforts are expected to contribute to the future advancement of MOFs in advanced Li–S batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elaborately designed multifunctional electrocatalysts capable of promoting Li+ and CO2 transport are essential for upgrading the cycling stability and rate capability of Li‐CO2 batteries. Hydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) with open channels and easily functionalized surfaces hold great potential for applications in efficient cathodes of Li‐CO2 batteries. Herein, a robust HOFS (HOF‐FJU‐1) is introduced for the first time as a co‐catalyst in the cathode material of Li‐CO2 batteries. HOF‐FJU‐1 with cyano groups located periodically in the pore can induce homogeneous deposition of discharge products and accommodate volumetric expansion of discharge products during cycling. Besides, HOF‐FJU‐1 enables effective interaction between Ru0 nanoparticles and cyano groups, thus forming efficient and uniform catalytic sites for CRR/CER. Moreover, HOF‐FJU‐1 with regularly arranged open channels are beneficial for CO2 and Li+ transport, enabling rapid redox kinetic conversion of CO2. Therefore, the HOF‐based Li‐CO2 batteries are capable of stable operation at 400 mA g−1 for 1800 h and maintain a low overpotential of 1.96 V even at high current densities up to 5 A g−1. This work provides valuable guidance for developing multifunctional HOF‐based catalysts to upgrade the longevity and rate capability of Li‐CO2 batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elaborately designed multifunctional electrocatalysts capable of promoting Li+ and CO2 transport are essential for upgrading the cycling stability and rate capability of Li‐CO2 batteries. Hydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) with open channels and easily functionalized surfaces hold great potential for applications in efficient cathodes of Li‐CO2 batteries. Herein, a robust HOFS (HOF‐FJU‐1) is introduced for the first time as a co‐catalyst in the cathode material of Li‐CO2 batteries. HOF‐FJU‐1 with cyano groups located periodically in the pore can induce homogeneous deposition of discharge products and accommodate volumetric expansion of discharge products during cycling. Besides, HOF‐FJU‐1 enables effective interaction between Ru0 nanoparticles and cyano groups, thus forming efficient and uniform catalytic sites for CRR/CER. Moreover, HOF‐FJU‐1 with regularly arranged open channels are beneficial for CO2 and Li+ transport, enabling rapid redox kinetic conversion of CO2. Therefore, the HOF‐based Li‐CO2 batteries are capable of stable operation at 400 mA g−1 for 1800 h and maintain a low overpotential of 1.96 V even at high current densities up to 5 A g−1. This work provides valuable guidance for developing multifunctional HOF‐based catalysts to upgrade the longevity and rate capability of Li‐CO2 batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: This review systematically analyzes the effect of the electrolyte-to-sulfur ratios on battery energy density and the challenges for sulfur reduction reactions under lean electrolyte conditions. The strengths and limitations of different transition metal compounds are systematically presented and discussed from a fundamental perspective. Three promising strategies for sulfur hosts that act as anchors and catalysts are proposed to boost lean electrolyte Li–S battery performance. Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries have received widespread attention, and lean electrolyte Li–S batteries have attracted additional interest because of their higher energy densities. This review systematically analyzes the effect of the electrolyte-to-sulfur (E/S) ratios on battery energy density and the challenges for sulfur reduction reactions (SRR) under lean electrolyte conditions. Accordingly, we review the use of various polar transition metal sulfur hosts as corresponding solutions to facilitate SRR kinetics at low E/S ratios (< 10 µL mg−1), and the strengths and limitations of different transition metal compounds are presented and discussed from a fundamental perspective. Subsequently, three promising strategies for sulfur hosts that act as anchors and catalysts are proposed to boost lean electrolyte Li–S battery performance. Finally, an outlook is provided to guide future research on high energy density Li–S batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High sulfur loading is the key to achieve high energy density promised by Li–S batteries. However, serious problems such as poor rate performance and cycle stability are exposed during the scaling up of the sulfur loading. Systematic modification of both the cathode and separator has the potential to address these issues by enhancing the adsorption and catalytic conversion of polysulfides. Herein, sulfur‐deficient metallic 1T‐MoS2 nanoflowers decorated graphene (FM@G) is proposed to be systematically modified on both cathode and separator. The as‐developed cell exhibits superior cyclability with a capacity retention of 71.7% over 500 cycles. Importantly, steady cyclability and high volumetric capacity of 1360 mAh cm−3 with a high sulfur loading of 5.1 mg cm−2 are also attained even at high current density of 4.27 mA cm−2. The electrochemical performance is comparable to or even superior to the state‐of‐the‐art carbon‐based sulfur batteries. This work provides valuable guidance for the implementation of high‐energy‐density Li–S batteries furnished with high sulfur loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Some studies have confirmed that miRNA-140 exhibits a suppressive role in gastric cancer, Wilms' tumor. However, the function of miRNA-140 in colorectal cancer has not been completely elucidated. The present study aims to verify TRAF6 as the targeted gene by miRNA-140 which was investigated in colorectal cancer tissues and cells, and its effects on the biological characteristics of colorectal cancer cells were determined, in order to provide an experimental and theoretical basis for the application of TRAF6 in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Methods: qPCR analyzed miRNA-140 expression levels in colorectal cancer tissues, normal colorectal cancer tissues and colorectal cells including SW480 and HCT116 cancer cells and FHC normal colorectal epithetical cells. A serial biological experiment analyzed miRNA-140 effects on cell proliferation, migration and invasion capacities in SW480 and HCT116 cells. miRNA targeting gene prediction and a dual luciferase assay were used to analyze miRNA-140-targeted TRAF6. qPCR and Western blot analyzed miRNA-140 effects on the mRNA and protein expression of TRAF6. Western blot analyzed miRNA-140 effects on NF-κB/c-jun signaling pathways. Animal studies were performed to investigate the effects of miRNA-140 on colorectal cancer implantation tumor growth. Immunohistochemistry analyzed TRAF6 expression in animal experimentation tumors. Results: miRNA-140 expression is lower in colorectal cancer tissues and colorectal cancer cells. Over-expression of miRNA-140 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion capacities of colorectal cancer cells. miRNA-140 targeted the TRAF6 mRNA 3ʹUTR area and decreased TRAF6 protein expression. miRNA-140 suppressed p-NF-κB/p-c-jun proteins expression. miRNA-140 inhibited colorectal cancer implantation tumor growth in the mice model. Conclusion: miRNA-140 targeting TRAF6 affects the progression and growth of colorectal cancer, the mechanism could be miRNA-140 decreasing the TRAF6 expression effects on the NF-κB/c-jun signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries have attracted considerable attentions in electronic energy storage and conversion because of their high theoretical energy density and cost effectiveness. The rapid capacity degradation, mainly caused by the notorious shuttle effect of polysulfides (PSs), remains a great challenge preventing practical application. Porous organic polymers (POPs) are one type of promising carbon materials to confine PSs within the cathode region. Here, the research progress on POPs and POPs‐derived carbon materials in Li–S batteries is summarized, and the importance of pore surface chemistry in uniform distribution of sulfur and effective trapping of PSs is highlighted. POPs serve as promising sulfur host materials, interlayers, and separators in Li–S batteries. Their significance and innovation, especially new synthetic methods for promoting sulfur content, reversible capacity, Coulombic efficiency and cycling stability, have been demonstrated. The perspectives and critical challenges that need to be addressed for POPs‐based Li–S batteries are also discussed. Some attractive electrode materials and concepts based on POPs have been proposed to improve energy density and electrochemical performance, which are anticipated to shed some light on future development of POPs in advanced Li–S batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Driven by increasing demand for high‐energy‐density batteries for consumer electronics and electric vehicles, substantial progress is achieved in the development of long‐life lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. Less attention is given to Li–S batteries with high volume energy density, which is crucial for applications in compact space. Here, a series of elastic sandwich‐structured cathode materials consisting of alternating VS2‐attached reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets and active sulfur layers are reported. Due to the high polarity and conductivity of VS2, a small amount of VS2 can suppress the shuttle effect of polysulfides and improve the redox kinetics of sulfur species in the whole sulfur layer. Sandwich‐structured rGO–VS2/S composites exhibit significantly improved electrochemical performance, with high discharge capacities, low polarization, and excellent cycling stability compared with their bare rGO/S counterparts. Impressively, the tap density of rGO–VS2/S with 89 wt% sulfur loading is 1.84 g cm−3, which is almost three times higher than that of rGO/S with the same sulfur content (0.63 g cm−3), and the volumetric specific capacity of the whole cell is as high as 1182.1 mA h cm−3, comparable with the state‐of‐the‐art reported for energy storage devices, demonstrating the potential for application of these composites in long‐life and high‐energy‐density Li–S batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rational design of sulfur host materials with high electrical conductivity and strong polysulfides (PS) confinement is indispensable for high-performance lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. This study presents one type of new polymer material based on main-chain imidazolium-based ionic polymer (ImIP) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs); the polymer composites can serve as a precursor of CNT/NPC-300, in which close coverage and seamless junction of CNTs by N-doped porous carbon (NPC) form a 3D conductive network. CNT/NPC-300 inherits and strengthens the advantages of both high electrical conductivity from CNTs and strong PS entrapping ability from NPC. Benefiting from the improved attributes, the CNT/NPC-300-57S electrode shows much higher reversible capacity, rate capability, and cycling stability than NPC-57S and CNTs-56S. The initial discharge capacity of 1065 mA h g−1 is achieved at 0.5 C with the capacity retention of 817 mA h g−1 over 300 cycles. Importantly, when counter bromide anion in the composite of CNTs and ImIP is metathesized to bis(trifluoromethane sulfonimide), heteroatom sulfur is cooperatively incorporated into the carbon hosts, and the surface area is increased with the promotion of micropore formation, thus further improving electrochemical performance. This provides a new method for optimizing porous properties and dopant components of the cathode materials in Li-S batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: China's deer population is rich in resources and species; how to improve the health status of the deer population and reduce the occurrence of intestinal diseases is a necessary direction for current research. In this study, Enterococcus faecalis was used as the research object to explore the effect of lactic acid bacteria on deer growth performance and intestinal health and to further investigate the role played by lactic acid bacteria on the intestinal health status of deer. The results of this study showed that the addition of Enterococcus faecalis to the feed promoted weight gain, improved immune function, altered the structure of the intestinal flora of fallow deer, especially increasing the abundance of Firmicutes phylum, and increased the abundance of the Ruminococcaceae and Lacertococcaceae at the same phylum as that of Enterococcus faecalis. Furthermore, metabolomic analyses also revealed that Enterococcus faecalis supplementation increased the metabolism of lipids, carbohydrates and phospholipids by the intestinal microbiota. In conclusion, this study revealed the beneficial effects of lactic acid bacteria on growth traits, immunity and intestinal health of deer and provided a scientific basis for the further development of deer-specific probiotic products to promote intestinal health and reduce intestinal diseases in deer species in the future. Intestinal diseases are one of the diseases that affect the growth and immunity of deer. Currently, more lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are available as feed additives to improve the intestinal ecological balance of ruminants in production practices. In this study, Enterococcus faecalis was supplemented in the feed of fallow deer for 170 d, and body weights, blood indices and immune levels of fallow deer were counted at 35, 65 and 170 d. The effects of Enterococcus faecalis on the intestinal microbiota and the metabolism of fallow deer were analysed using 16S rDNA and UPLC-MS/MS methods. The results showed that the addition of Enterococcus faecalis to the diet improved body weight and immune function and increased the aggregation of gut microbiota in fallow deer. The addition of Enterococcus faecalis altered the community structure of intestinal microorganisms in fallow deer and increased the number of beneficial bacteria. In addition, combined with metabolomics analysis, it was found that supplementation with Enterococcus faecalis significantly altered the metabolites of fallow deer, mainly regulating lipid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism and phospholipid metabolism. In conclusion, this study presents, for the first time, evidence that the LAB strain Enterococcus faecalis can be used as a potential probiotic for deer and points to a new direction for the treatment of intestinal disorders in the deer family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon material, catalysis, high sulfur content, lithium-sulfur batteries, shuttle effects Lithium-Sulfur Batteries: Metallic MoS2 Nanoflowers Decorated Graphene Nanosheet Catalytically Boosts the Volumetric Capacity and Cycle Life of Lithium-Sulfur Batteries (Adv. Keywords: carbon material; catalysis; high sulfur content; lithium-sulfur batteries; shuttle effects EN carbon material catalysis high sulfur content lithium-sulfur batteries shuttle effects 1 1 1 03/27/21 20210325 NES 210325 In article number 2003718 Zhibin Cheng, Zhangjing Zhang and co-workers systematically modify lithium-sulfur batteries through coating metallic MoS SB 2 sb nanoflower-decorated graphene (FM@G) on both a commercial polypropylene separator and a sulfur cathode. [Extracted from the article]

Semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) are important pollutants in indoor environments. Quantification of gaseous SVOC concentrations is essential to assess the pollution levels. Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) is considered to be an attractive sampling technique with merits, including simplicity of use, rapid sampling, and solvent free. However, the applications of SPME for sampling gaseous SVOCs are often limited by the fluctuating velocity of indoor air (leading to an unstable sampling rate) and the uncertainties associated with the traditional calibration of SPME. Therefore, we established an SPME-based active sampler to ensure the stable sampling of SVOCs in fluctuating air and developed a two-step calibration method based on the sampling principle of SPME. The presented method and a traditional method (sorbent tubes packed with Tenax TA) were simultaneously used to measure SVOC concentrations in an airstream generated in experiments. Three typical indoor SVOCs, diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP), tris (1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCPP), and benzyl butyl phthalate (BBzP) were chosen as the analytes. Mean concentrations measured by SPME agreed well with the sorbent tubes (relative deviations <12%), supporting the feasibility of the presented method. Further studies are expected to facilitate the application of the presented method (especially the problem associated with the sampling-tube loss of low volatile SVOCs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TRAF6 is an intracellular signal adapter molecule plays a significant role in tumor development. However, the specific mechanism causes and promotes of colorectal cancer keep largely unknown. Therefore, we sought to investigate the roles and the molecular mechanisms of TRAF6 in regulation colorectal cancer. The immunohistochemistry analyzed the expression of TRAF6 in colorectal cancer samples and analyzed the effects of expression of TRAF6 on the prognosis in colorectal cancer. The roles of TRAF6 in regulating colorectal cancer cell proliferation, colony formation, cell migration, cell wound healing and cell invasion were evaluated in vitro. Animal studies were performed to investigate the effects of TRAF6 on tumor growth. mRNA abundance of key genes was analyzed via qPCR. Protein level of TRAF6 and NF-κB/AP-1 signaling pathways was examined by Western blot. Luciferase reporter and Immunofluorescence assays were used to identify the activities NF-κB/AP-1 signaling pathways. TRAF6 high expression in colorectal cancer tissues. And colorectal cancer patients with high expression of TRAF6 had a poor survival rate. TRAF6 knockdown can inhibit proliferation, migration, and invasion of colorectal cancer cells in vitro and in vivo experiments. TRAF6 activates the TRAF6-NF-κB/AP-1 signaling pathway by entering the nucleus, causing biobehavioral changes in colorectal cancer cells. TRAF6 plays a vital role in the progression of colorectal cancer. What's more, research elucidating the biological mechanisms of TRAF6 can treated as potential therapeutic target for colorectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) batteries are considered to be one of the promising next‐generation energy storage systems. Considerable progress has been achieved in sulfur composite cathodes, but high cycling stability and discharging capacity at the expense of volumetric capacity have offset their advantages. Herein, a functional separator is presented by coating cobalt‐embedded nitrogen‐doped porous carbon nanosheets and graphene on one surface of a commercial polypropylene separator. The coating layer not only suppresses the polysulfide shuttle effect through chemical affinity, but also functions as an electrocatalyst to propel catalytic conversion of intercepted polysulfides. The slurry‐bladed carbon nanotubes/sulfur cathode with 90 wt% sulfur deliver high reversible capacity of 1103 mA h g−1 and volumetric capacity of 1062 mA h cm−3 at 0.2 C, and the freestanding carbon nanofibers/sulfur cathode provides a high discharging capacity of 1190 mA h g−1 and volumetric capacity of 1136 mA h cm−3 at high sulfur content of 78 wt% and sulfur loading of 10.5 mg cm−2. The electrochemical performance is comparable with or even superior to those in the state‐of‐the‐art carbon‐based sulfur cathodes. The separator reported in this work holds great promise for the development of high‐energy‐density Li‐S batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A heteroatom‐doped carbon material for high‐performance lithium–sulfur batteries is reported in article number 1703936 by Xiaoju Li, Ruihu Wang, and co‐workers. The integration of main‐chain imidazolium‐based ionic polymer and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) yields porous materials. They can serve as an effective sulfur host, and both the electrical conductivity from CNTs and polysulfide entrapping ability from the heteroatom‐doped carbons are inherited and strengthened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clostridium perfringens is a highly versatile pathogen of humans and animals. Rapid and sensitive detection methods for C. perfringens are urgently needed for the timely implementation of control. In this study, to provide novel promising methods for the detection of C. perfringens, two rapid, sensitive, and instrument-free C. perfringens detection methods based on recombinase-aided amplification (RAA) assay and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated protein 12a (CRISPR/Cas12a) system were developed depending on fluorescence signal (RAA-CRISPR/Cas12a-FL) and lateral flow strip (RAA-CRISPR/Cas12a-LFS), respectively. The limit of detection of the RAA-CRISPR/Cas12a-FL and RAA-CRISPR/Cas12a-LFS methods is 2 copies and 20 copies of C. perfringens genomic DNA per reaction, respectively, and the whole process can be completed in 1 hr. Moreover, these two methods show no cross-reactivity with nontarget bacteria, which were used as a negative control to evaluate the specificity of two developed methods in the detection of C. perfringens and have 100% consistent with real-time polymerase chain reaction tests for 12 clinical samples collected from 2 Chinese Milu at Beijing Milu Ecological Research Center and 6 spiked samples from human blood and stool. Overall, the constructed C. perfringens detection methods, RAA-CRISPR/Cas12a-FL and RAA-CRISPR/Cas12a-LFS, have great potential as a novel detection scheme for the early diagnosis of C. perfringens infection in humans and animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Defect passivation using aryl ammonium salts have been proved as a feasible way to promote the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the design criterion is still no clear. Herein, a series of diammonium iodides were used as passivators on the perovskite surface. We find that in situation of diammonium salts, carrier transport ability is more important than their pKa values. And passivator molecules with high polarity would lead to improved carrier transport and then mitigated nonradiative recombination in PSCs due to the enhanced induced electric field and high carrier mobility. As a result, cell 3 (passivator with a pKa of 3.69 and high polarity) show superior PCE (21.59%) and stability than the control PSCs, but other devices with low polarity passivators show worse transport and poorer performance, despite their higher pKa (cell 4 and 5) or better energy level (cell 1). This work proposes a way to design passivators with enhanced carrier transport properties for PSCs. [Display omitted] • Three design criterions of passivators was compared to find the priority. • In diammonium salts situation, carrier transport is more important than pKa. • Passivator with high polarity was found to be beneficial to carrier transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acinetobacter baumannii is a highly antibiotic-resistant pathogen causing nosocomial severe life-threatening infections, especially in critically ill patients. Capsular polysaccharide is a major virulence factor of A. baumannii both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, 220 isolates were collected in the hospital. The prevalent capsular types of A. baumannii were determined using polymerase chain reaction, and the clinical characteristics of infections were analyzed. The virulence of these strains was determined by serum-killing resistance, biofilm formation, and Galleria mellonella survival assays. Twenty-eight isolates (12.7%) carried KL2, and 22 isolates (10%) carried the types KL10, KL14, KL22, and KL52. Compared with non-KL2 (KL10, KL14, KL22, and KL52) isolates, KL2 isolates had significantly higher resistance to all antimicrobials except tigecycline, cefoperazone–sulbactam, or colistin. Seventy-five percent of KL2 A. baumannii and 72.7% of non-KL2 were highly virulent using a G. mellonella model. Biofilm formation was significantly different between the KL2 and non-KL2 groups. The biofilm production of non-KL2 A. baumannii was significantly stronger than that of KL2 A. baumannii. These findings highlight the role of KL2 as a powerful factor for drug resistance and virulence of A. baumannii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this review article related to HOFs membranes, the recent progress, including strategies of materials preparations, building block, classification, and applications is summarized and highlighted. [Display omitted] • Material preparation strategies and building blocks are summarized. • The applications of HOF membranes are thoroughly discussed. • Knowledge gaps and research needs concerning HOF membranes are proposed. • It can guide further developments in the field of HOF membrane materials. Hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) are intricately constructed with organic components, utilizing flexible intermolecular interactions such as H-bonding, π–π stacking, and electrostatic forces. This unique supramolecular assembly endows HOFs with exceptional properties, including a programmable pore structure and functional sites, crystallinity, self-healing capacity, and solution processability. Consequently, these attributes make HOFs exceptionally well-suited for next-generation functional membrane materials. Given the rapid development of HOF membranes production strategies, their vast application potential has been widely recognized in diverse fields, encompassing gas adsorption/separation, proton conduction, antibacterial activity, sensing, uranium extraction, CO 2 photoreduction, anticounterfeiting, blood oxygenation, resistive memory device, and electrochromism. A recent review on HOFs membrane separation by Banglin Chen et al. appeared in Chem. Soc. Rev. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in HOF-based membranes, including innovative strategies in materials preparation, building block selection, and classification methods. Moreover, our aim here is to provide a broader perspective by covering all applications of HOF membranes, including electronic devices, photocatalytic performance and intelligent luminescent materials, etc. We also delve into the current challenges and future prospects in this rapidly evolving field, exploring the opportunities and potentialities that lie ahead. A particular emphasis is placed on the pressing need to enhance film quality and performance, aiming to provide a broader perspective on the potential of HOFs in the development of novel functional membrane materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Active samplers are widely used in the quantification of gaseous semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs). A sampling tube is often assembled upstream of the sampler, especially in the active samplers used for separating the particle-phase and gas-phase SVOCs and in the newly-designed active sampler based on solid-phase microextraction (SPME). However, gaseous SVOCs can be easily adsorbed by the sampling tube, which may induce significant errors to the quantitative results. Taking the SPME-based active sampler as an example, a mass-transfer model was developed to characterize the sampling-tube loss of gaseous SVOCs. Experiments involving six SVOCs were conducted. The model predictions (with a best-fit surface/air partition coefficient of SVOCs) were found to be consistent with the measurements. Both model predictions and experimental data indicated that the measured concentrations were significantly lower than the actual concentration (around 60% lower) due to the sampling-tube loss. The duration of sampling-tube loss (τ e , minutes to days) varied with the volatility of SVOCs (vapor pressure, V p), i.e., log τ e linearly increased as increasing log V p. The relationship could be helpful for determining the sampling strategies to eliminate (reduce) the effects of sampling-tube loss according to the volatility of SVOCs. The above conclusions may be also applicable for other active samplers of gaseous SVOCs. However, further studies are required to quantify the effects of sampling-tube loss for other active samplers due to the difference in the size and shape of the sampling tube between them and the SPME-based active sampler. The corresponding mass-transfer model and experimental procedure may require adjustment as appropriate. [Display omitted] • SVOCs can be easily adsorbed by the sampling tube of SPME-based active sampler. • Sampling-tube loss may induce great errors to the quantification of SVOCs in air. • A mass-transfer model was proposed to characterize the sampling-tube loss of SVOCs. • Duration of sampling-tube loss increases as the volatility of SVOCs decreases. • Strategies to reduce the effects of sampling-tube loss were proposed and evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess whether protective measures could reduce the health risks of air pollution in mice living in the chambers situated at a suburban site in Beijing. The living chambers of mice were divided into four groups: male mice with and without the high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter (male group A and group B), as well as female mice with and without the HEPA filter (female group A and group B). The experiment was carried out from 1 December 2017 to 31 May 2018. Parameters of respiratory function during periods of clean air and air pollution were determined for all groups to evaluate the role of the indoor air filter (i.e., HEPA) in protection against respiratory health risks in mice. Significant differences in minute volumes were observed in male and female groups with versus without the HEPA. Additionally, respiratory health parameters including respiratory rate, duration of breaking, expiratory time, and relaxation time exhibited differences in female groups with HEPA versus without HEPA. Levels of inflammatory factors in the lungs were measured for all groups after 6months of exposure. Greater mean levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were found in the male groups without HEPA than in those with HEPA. Higher average concentrations of IL-6, T-AOC, SOD, GSH-Px, LDH, TNF-α, and TGF-β1 were found in the female group without HEPA than those without HEPA. Our study has proved the effective protection provided by indoor air filters (i.e., HEPA filters) in reducing respiratory health risks associated with PM2.5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the most prevalent microsporidian species that can cause significant intestinal diseases in both humans and animals worldwide. This study investigated the overall E. bieneusi prevalence of 21.9% (47/215) in captive and free-ranging deer species in Beijing, China. Thirteen E. bieneusi genotypes including six known and seven novel genotypes were identified. These resources will provide the insights to understand the veterinary and public health and the transmission dynamics between animal environments and human ones. Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the most prevalent microsporidian species that can cause zoonotic diseases in humans and animals. Despite receiving increasing attention in relation to domestic animals, there has been limited information on the infection burden of E. bieneusi in cervids. Altogether, 215 fecal samples collected from four deer species in Beijing, China were examined by nested- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)targeting the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. The overall prevalence of E. bieneusi in deer was 21.9% (47/215), with 30.0% (24/80) in Pere David's deer, 27.3% (15/55) in fallow deer, 12.5% (5/40) in sika deer, and 7.5% (3/40) in Chinese water deer. Thirteen E. bieneusi genotypes were identified, including six known (HLJD-V, MWC_d1, BEB6, CGC2, JLD-XV, and HND-I) and seven novel genotypes (BJED-I to BJED-V, BJFD, and BJCWD). A phylogenetic analysis showed that 38.3% of the isolates belonged to zoonotic Group 1. In addition, E. bieneusi infection was first detected in fallow deer and Chinese water deer, which could act as potential zoonotic reservoirs. Our findings suggest that E. bieneusi circulates in deer and might be of importance to public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ag nanoclusters have received increasing attention due to their atomically precise and diverse structures and intriguing optical properties. Nevertheless, the inherent instability of Ag nanoclusters has seriously hindered their practical application. In this work, for the first time, Ag clusters are collaboratively protected by hydrophobic Ti‐oxo clusters and alkyne ligands. Initially, a pyramidal Ag5 cluster terminated with tBuC≡C− and CH3CN was inserted into the cavity of a Ti8‐oxo nanoring to form Ag5@Ti8. To overcome the instability of acetonitrile‐terminated silver site, such two Ag5@Ti8 clusters could sandwich an Ag4 unit to form Ag14‐nanorod@Ti16‐oxo‐nanoring (Ag14@Ti16), which is peripherally protected by fluorophenyl groups and alkyne caps. This threefold protected (hydrophobic fluorinated organic layer, Ti‐O shell, and terminal alkyne ligands) Ag14@Ti16 exhibits superhydrophobicity and excellent ambient stability, endowing it with solid‐state optical limiting characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ag nanoclusters have received increasing attention due to their atomically precise and diverse structures and intriguing optical properties. Nevertheless, the inherent instability of Ag nanoclusters has seriously hindered their practical application. In this work, for the first time, Ag clusters are collaboratively protected by hydrophobic Ti‐oxo clusters and alkyne ligands. Initially, a pyramidal Ag5 cluster terminated with tBuC≡C− and CH3CN was inserted into the cavity of a Ti8‐oxo nanoring to form Ag5@Ti8. To overcome the instability of acetonitrile‐terminated silver site, such two Ag5@Ti8 clusters could sandwich an Ag4 unit to form Ag14‐nanorod@Ti16‐oxo‐nanoring (Ag14@Ti16), which is peripherally protected by fluorophenyl groups and alkyne caps. This threefold protected (hydrophobic fluorinated organic layer, Ti‐O shell, and terminal alkyne ligands) Ag14@Ti16 exhibits superhydrophobicity and excellent ambient stability, endowing it with solid‐state optical limiting characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present two-dimensional scanning Multi-AXis Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (MAX-DOAS) observations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and formaldehyde (HCHO) in Munich. Vertical columns and vertical distribution profiles of aerosol extinction coefficient, NO2 and HCHO are retrieved from the 2D MAX-DOAS observations. The measured surface aerosol extinction coefficients and NO2 mixing ratios derived from the retrieved profiles are compared to in situ monitoring data, and the surface NO2 mixing ratios show a good agreement with in situ monitoring data with a Pearson correlation coefficient (R) of 0.91. The aerosol optical depths (AODs) show good agreement as well (R=0.80) when compared to sun photometer measurements. Tropospheric vertical column densities (VCDs) of NO2 and HCHO derived from the MAX-DOAS measurements are also used to validate Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) and TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) satellite observations. Monthly averaged data show a good correlation; however, satellite observations are on average 30 % lower than the MAX-DOAS measurements. Furthermore, the MAX-DOAS observations are used to investigate the spatiotemporal characteristic of NO2 and HCHO in Munich. Analysis of the relations between aerosol, NO2 and HCHO shows higher aerosol-to-HCHO ratios in winter, which reflects a longer atmospheric lifetime of secondary aerosol and HCHO during winter. The analysis also suggests that secondary aerosol formation is the major source of these aerosols in Munich. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TROPOMI (the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument), on board the Sentinel-5 Precursor (S5P) satellite, has been monitoring the Earth's atmosphere since October 2017 with an unprecedented horizontal resolution (initially 7 km 2×3.5 km 2 , upgraded to 5.5 km 2×3.5 km 2 in August 2019). Monitoring air quality is one of the main objectives of TROPOMI; it obtains measurements of important pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde (HCHO). In this paper we assess the quality of the latest HCHO TROPOMI products versions 1.1.(5-7), using ground-based solar-absorption FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared) measurements of HCHO from 25 stations around the world, including high-, mid-, and low-latitude sites. Most of these stations are part of the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC), and they provide a wide range of observation conditions, from very clean remote sites to those with high HCHO levels from anthropogenic or biogenic emissions. The ground-based HCHO retrieval settings have been optimized and harmonized at all the stations, ensuring a consistent validation among the sites. In this validation work, we first assess the accuracy of TROPOMI HCHO tropospheric columns using the median of the relative differences between TROPOMI and FTIR ground-based data (BIAS). The pre-launch accuracy requirements of TROPOMI HCHO are 40 %–80 %. We observe that these requirements are well reached, with the BIAS found below 80 % at all the sites and below 40 % at 20 of the 25 sites. The provided TROPOMI systematic uncertainties are well in agreement with the observed biases at most of the stations except for the highest-HCHO-level site, where it is found to be underestimated. We find that while the BIAS has no latitudinal dependence, it is dependent on the HCHO concentration levels: an overestimation (+26±5 %) of TROPOMI is observed for very low HCHO levels (<2.5×1015 molec. cm -2), while an underestimation (-30.8%±1.4 %) is found for high HCHO levels (>8.0×1015 molec. cm -2). This demonstrates the great value of such a harmonized network covering a wide range of concentration levels, the sites with high HCHO concentrations being crucial for the determination of the satellite bias in the regions of emissions and the clean sites allowing a small TROPOMI offset to be determined. The wide range of sampled HCHO levels within the network allows the robust determination of the significant constant and proportional TROPOMI HCHO biases (TROPOMI =+1.10±0.05 ×1015+0.64±0.03 × FTIR; in molecules per square centimetre). Second, the precision of TROPOMI HCHO data is estimated by the median absolute deviation (MAD) of the relative differences between TROPOMI and FTIR ground-based data. The clean sites are especially useful for minimizing a possible additional collocation error. The precision requirement of 1.2×1016 molec. cm -2 for a single pixel is reached at most of the clean sites, where it is found that the TROPOMI precision can even be 2 times better (0.5– 0.8×1015 molec. cm -2 for a single pixel). However, we find that the provided TROPOMI random uncertainties may be underestimated by a factor of 1.6 (for clean sites) to 2.3 (for high HCHO levels). The correlation is very good between TROPOMI and FTIR data (R=0.88 for 3 h mean coincidences; R=0.91 for monthly means coincidences). Using about 17 months of data (from May 2018 to September 2019), we show that the TROPOMI seasonal variability is in very good agreement at all of the FTIR sites. The FTIR network demonstrates the very good quality of the TROPOMI HCHO products, which is well within the pre-launch requirements for both accuracy and precision. This paper makes suggestions for the refinement of the TROPOMI random uncertainty budget and TROPOMI quality assurance values for a better filtering of the remaining outliers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the effects of standardized ileal digestible (SID) valine : lysine ratio on the performance, milk composition and plasma indices of lactating sows, 32 Large White × Landrace sows (219.78 ± 7.15 kg body weight; parity 1.82 ± 0.62) were allotted to one of four dietary treatments with eight sows per treatment based on parity, back fat thickness and body weight. The sows were fed corn-soybean meal-based diets containing 63, 83, 103 or 123% SID valine : lysine from day 107 of gestation until day 28 of lactation. The average daily feed intake of sows and daily weight gain of piglets increased linearly ( P < 0.05) while back fat loss decreased linearly ( P < 0.05) as the SID valine : lysine ratio increased. All of the analyzed amino acids in sow colostrum and valine concentrations of sow and piglet plasma increased linearly ( P < 0.05) with the increasing SID valine : lysine ratio. In conclusion, 88 and 113% dietary SID valine : lysine ratios were optimal to achieve minimum back fat loss and maximum piglet growth rate using a linear-break point model which exceeds the requirement of 85% that is estimated by the National Research Council (2012). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In this phase I study, single-agent chemotherapy was conducted in patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) using nedaplatin (NDP) and concomitant radiotherapy. The study sought to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), recommended dose (RD) and the clinical efficacy of this treatment in locoregionally advanced NPC patients.Experimental Design: Twenty patients were enrolled. The eligibility criteria included local advanced NPC (stage III or IVa) without any previous treatment and an expected survival of ≥ 3 months. The regimen consisted of 1.8-2.0 Gy daily radiation for 5 days a week and NDP with dose escalation of 70-100 mg/m(2) on day 1. The cycles were repeated every 21 days (day 1, day 22 and day 43) until the completion of chemoradiation. Dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) included: grade 4 anemia; grade 4 neutropenia lasting for ≥ 5 days; grades 3 and 4 febrile neutropenia; grade 4 thrombocytopenia; grades 3-4 non-hematological toxicity (with the exception of alopecia, nausea) and any of the grade 5 responses.Results: Ninety-five percent of the assessed patients experienced a treatment response. The median time to progression among all patients was 41.9 months. Two-year overall survival was 95%, while the progression-free survival was 85%. DLT included febrile neutropenia of grade 3. The RD of NDP was 90 mg/m(2) during cycles 1-3.Conclusion: NDP combined with radiotherapy and administered every 21 days for three cycles was active in patients with locoregionally advanced NPC. The regimen resulted in mild adverse effects and good patient compliance. Based on the findings from the study, the RD of NDP for phase II trial was found to be 90 mg/m(2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaria importation and local vector susceptibility to imported Plasmodium vivax infection are a continuing risk along the China-Myanmar border. Malaria transmission has been prevented in 3 border villages in Tengchong County, Yunnan Province, China, by use of active fever surveillance, integrated vector control measures, and intensified surveillance and response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With amine-containing counterions in its pore, dense oxygen sites on the skeleton and the anionic porous framework, a metal organic framework, ZnL, demonstrates its feasibility as multifunctional surface treatment materials on defects passivation, improving perovskite crystallization and blocking water/metal electrode intrusion. As a result, perovskite solar cell with enhanced stability during 3000 h is obtained. [Display omitted] • Defect passivation and water/metal intrusion restrain are achieved by MOF treatment. • Amine-including cation, dense O site and anionic porous skeleton give MOF versatility. • The passivation effect of MOF is revealed by theoretical and experimental studies. • Perovskite solar cell with enhanced stability during 3000 h is obtained. Molecular design of multifunctional surface treatment materials that modulate the perovskite performance through simultaneous improvements in several factors is imperative for enhancing the stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, with amine-containing counterions in its pore, dense oxygen sites on the skeleton and the anionic porous framework, a metal-organic framework, ZnL, demonstrates its feasibility as multifunctional surface treatment materials on defects passivation, improving perovskite crystallization and blocking water/metal electrode intrusion. Extensive theoretical calculations and experimental studies confirm the passivation ability of ZnL that amine-containing cations could effectively passivate negatively charged defects and the anionic framework with dense oxygen sites forms strong interaction with perovskite, anchoring the atoms of perovskite. As a result, ZnL-incorporated PSC device shows improved efficiency from 19.75% to 21.15% with enhanced stability during 3000 h. This work provides important insight into the design guidance of prospective multifunctional surface treatment reagents toward the higher performance of PSCs or other optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Investigate the influence of halogen part on perovskite defect passivation. • Detailed compared the passivation behaviors of single- and mixed- halogenated amine. • Each halogen ion has its own merits from different aspects. • Mixing halogenated amine exhibits excellent defect passivation ability. Defects passivation using organic halogenated amines as interlayer in perovskite solar cells attracts attentions in the few years. Herein, we focus on the barely studied halogen part of the organic halogenated amines layer, and systemically investigate the influence of halogen part on the perovskite defect passivation. Based on detailed comparison of the differences and advantages of IpAF, IpACl or IpABr as perovskite defect passivators, mixed-halogenated isopentylamines (IpAX, IpA = isopentylamine; X= F, Cl, Br mixture) are used as passivation layer on MAPbI 3 surface to make full use of the advantages of each halogen. As expected, IpAX exhibits superiority as defect passivator over the any single-halogenated isopentylamine, and device based on IpAX achieves a best performance of 20.64% with greatly improved stability in 1000 h. These results highlight the importance of halogen part in organic halogenated amines on the passivation of defects for improvement of the efficiency and durability of solar cells. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rapid diagnostic test (RDT) is becoming an alternative way of establishing quickly the diagnosis of malaria infections, by detecting specific malaria antigens in suspected patients' blood between the China-Myanmar endemic borders areas, towards achieving the National Malaria Elimination programme by 2020. The objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of CareStartTM Malaria Pf/Pan RDT kit for the diagnosis of malaria infections in suspected patients. Blood examination by microscopy was taken as gold standard to evaluate CareStartTM kit's sensitivity, specificity and predictive value and corrected with PCR assay. Results: Overall 126 of 241 (52.28%) malaria cases were detected by microscopy compared to 115 of 241(47.72%) CareStartTM kit and 128 of 241 (53.11%) PCR corrected assay. CareStartTM kit's sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of malaria were 89.68% and 98.26% respectively, compared to standard microscopy, whereas the sensitivity and specificity for falciparum malaria were 88.52% and 98.26%, and for vivax malaria: 90.77% and 100%. The CareStartTM positive predictive values were 98.26% (93.88-99.52%, 95% CI) compared to 100% (96.77-100%, 95% CI) for PCR-corrected, and the negative predictive values of 89.68% (83.15-93.87%, 95% CI) were the same in microscopy as PCR-corrected. The diagnostic accuracy of CareStartTM kit versus microscopy and PCR were 93.78% (89.99-96.19%, 95% CI) and 94.61% (90.99-96.82%, 95% CI) respectively. The likelihood of diagnostic of malaria positive was almost similar between microscopy and CareStartTM kit, with an entropy reduction of 60.0% compared to a weak likelihood of misdiagnosis of 0.10 (0.09-0.12, 95% CI), with an entropy reduction of 36.01%. Conclusion: The accuracy of CareStartTM kit is comparable to gold standard microscopy in these areas, it is easy to perform and suitable for cross-border diagnosis and monitoring of local or imported malaria patterns by any local health staff in endemic remotes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: “A–B” type photosensitive compounds including two-photon chromophore and benzophenone moiety have been designed, synthesized and characterized. The UV–vis absorption and fluorescence emission of the compounds have been extensively studied in various solvents. The results show that the absorption of “A–B” type compounds displays obvious double absorption bands, one of which at short-wavelength is related to the benzophenone moiety, the other at long-wavelength is mainly contributed by chromophore. The emission of “A–B” type compounds at 500–700nm shows an “unexpected” blue-shift comparing with that of the sole chromophore. The photosensitive compounds with amino group display strong emission in apolar solvents and have a low fluorescence quantum yields in polar solvents. In contrast, the compounds without amino group exhibit strong fluorescence emission in polar solvents, and low fluorescence quantum yields in apolar solvents. The fluorescence quantum yields of “A–B” type compounds are higher than those of the sole chromophore. The discoveries suggest that charge redistribution induced by the introduction of benzophenone moiety plays a key role on the absorption and emission spectroscopy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hollow nanostructures are one of promising sulfur host materials for lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries, but the ineffective contact among discrete particles usually generates overall poor electrical conductivity and low volumetric energy density. A new interfused hollow nitrogen‐doped carbon (HNPC) material, derived from imidazolium‐based ionic polymer (ImIP)‐encapsulated zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8), is reported. A novel method for ZIF‐8 disassembly induced by the decomposition of the ImIP shell is proposed. The unique structural superiority gives the resultant electrodes remarkable cycling stability, high rate capability, and large volumetric energy density. A stable reversible discharge capacity over 562 mA h g−1 at 2 C is achieved after prolonged cycling for 800 cycles and the average capacity decay per cycle is as low as 0.035%. The electrochemical performance achieved greatly surpasses that of ZIF‐8‐derived carbon matrices and conventional nitrogen‐doped carbon materials. This proposed methodology opens a new avenue for the design of hollow‐structured carbon nanoarchitectures with target functionalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]