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Background: Cotton fiber is a model system for studying plant cell development. At present, the functions of many transcription factors in cotton fiber development have been elucidated, however, the roles of auxin response factor (ARF) genes in cotton fiber development need be further explored. Results: Here, we identify auxin response factor (ARF) genes in three cotton species: the tetraploid upland cotton G. hirsutum, which has 73 ARF genes, and its putative extent parental diploids G. arboreum and G. raimondii, which have 36 and 35 ARFs, respectively. Ka and Ks analyses revealed that in G. hirsutum ARF genes have undergone asymmetric evolution in the two subgenomes. The cotton ARFs can be classified into four phylogenetic clades and are actively expressed in young tissues. We demonstrate that GhARF2b, a homolog of the Arabidopsis AtARF2, was preferentially expressed in developing ovules and fibers. Overexpression of GhARF2b by a fiber specific promoter inhibited fiber cell elongation but promoted initiation and, conversely, its downregulation by RNAi resulted in fewer but longer fiber. We show that GhARF2b directly interacts with GhHOX3 and represses the transcriptional activity of GhHOX3 on target genes. Conclusion: Our results uncover an important role of the ARF factor in modulating cotton fiber development at the early stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The survival and occurrence of chaos are much dependent on the intrinsic nonlinearity and parameters region for deterministic nonlinear systems, which are often represented by ordinary differential equations and maps. When nonlinear circuits are mapped into dimensional dynamical systems for further nonlinear analysis, the physical parameters of electric components, e.g. capacitor, inductor, resistance, memristor, can also be replaced by dynamical parameters for possible adjustment. Slight change for some bifurcation parameters can induce distinct mode transition and dynamics change in the chaotic systems only when the parameter is adjustable and controllable. In this paper, a thermistor is included into the chaotic Chua circuit and the temperature effect is considered by investigating the mode transition in oscillation and the dependence of Hamilton energy on parameters setting in thermistor. Furthermore, the temperature of thermistor is adjusted for finding possible synchronization between two chaotic Chua circuits connected by a thermistor. When the coupling channel via thermistor connection is activated, two identical Chua circuits (periodical or chaotic oscillation) can reach complete synchronization. In particular, two periodical Chua circuits can be coupled to present chaotic synchronization by taming parameters in thermistor of coupling channel. However, phase synchronization is reached while complete synchronization becomes difficult when the coupling channel is activated to coupling a periodical Chua circuit and a chaotic Chua circuit. It can give guidance for further control of firing behaviors in neural circuits when the thermistor can capture the heat effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A novel photoelectrochemical (PEC) aptasensor based on the g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets modified WO 3 film with inverse opal photonic crystals (IOPCs) structure was developed. Oxytetracycline (OTC) aptamer was immobilized on the surface of composites through π-π interaction between g-C 3 N 4 and DNA nucleotide. Benefiting from the great optical absorption ability and photo-generated charge separation capacity, the g-C 3 N 4 /WO 3 IOPCs aptasensor exhibited excellent PEC response performance in an electrolyte containing 0.1 M ascorbic Acid (AA). After the recognition and capture of OTC, the configuration change of OTC-aptamer restrained the oxidation of AA by the photogenerated hole on the valance band of g-C 3 N 4 , resulting in photocurrent change. The results showed that the PEC aptasensor possessed a linear detection range from 1 nM to 230 nM and a detection limit of 0.12 nM (≈59.58 ng L−1) for the detection of OTC in water. The satisfactory detection results in real sample further revealed the potential of WO 3 IOPCs and its heterostructure for PEC analytical applications, and provided a novel approach for design of PEC platform. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • The g-C 3 N 4 /WO 3 inverse opal photonic crystals (IOPCs) were designed as photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensing platform. • The g-C 3 N 4 /WO 3 IOPCs possessed great optical absorption and fast charge separation. • The g-C 3 N 4 /WO 3 IOPCs PEC aptasensors were used to detect the OTC concentration in water. • It exhibited good reproducibility, high selectivity and excellent sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flexible-transparent photosensitive films of cotton cellulose framework of carbon quantum dots (C QDs)/ZnO were prepared by electrospinning-hydrothermal method. The results demonstrated that these films exhibited obvious enhancement of photosensitivity and flexible stability. Further, this enhanced photoconductivity and flexible stability could be attributed to C QDs with unique up-converted photoluminescence and cotton cellulose with flexibility and physical-chemical stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Streptopertusacin A, a unique indolizinium alkaloid existing as a zwitterion, and six bafilomycins including two previously undescribed ones of 21,22-en-bafilomycin D and 21,22-en-9-hydroxybafilomycin D were isolated from a culture of the seaweed-derived Streptomyces sp. HZP-2216E. Structures of these isolated compounds were determined based on extensive NMR spectroscopic analyses, HRESIMS and MS-MS data. The stereochemical assignments were achieved by NOE information, chemical degradation, Marfey's method, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculation. Streptopertusacin A is the first example of this type of indolizinium alkaloid from microorganisms and showed moderate activity against the growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). 21,22-en-bafilomycin D and 21,22-en-9-hydroxybafilomycin D had potent activities in inhibiting the proliferation of glioma cells and the growth of MRSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes a single-machine-based integration model to meet the requirements of production scheduling and preventive maintenance in group production. To describe the production for identical/similar and different jobs, this integrated model considers the learning and forgetting effects. Based on machine degradation, the deterioration effect is also considered. Moreover, perfect maintenance and minimal repair are adopted in this integrated model. The multi-objective of minimizing total completion time and maintenance cost is taken to meet the dual requirements of delivery date and cost. Finally, a genetic algorithm is developed to solve this optimization model, and the computation results demonstrate that this integrated model is effective and reliable. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The hsp70 and hsp90 expression patterns and catalase (CAT) activity in the freshwater planaria Dugesia japonica exposed to cadmium (Cd) under laboratory conditions were investigated. Planaria were exposed to a range of Cd concentrations (0–150 μg Cd/L) for 24 h. The expression levels of hsp70 and hsp90 were determined by relative quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Within the overall dose range in the experiment, the expression level of hsp70 and the activity of CAT in D. japonica were altered significantly. Hsp70 was induced in D. japonica upon Cd exposure concentrations as low as 9.375 μg Cd/L. No significant effect on the expression level of hsp90 was observed. Our findings demonstrated that stress gene hsp70, but not hsp90, was responsive to Cd contamination in D. japonica. CAT activity was significantly induced at concentrations of 18.75, 37.5, and 75 μg Cd/L after 24-h exposure. We recommend that the use of hsp70 as a biomarker should be complemented by evidence of changes in other parameters, such as CAT activity, in D. japonica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of loading rates on concrete double- K fracture parameters were investigated using central-notched split tension cubes, both experimentally and analytically. Four loading rates varying from 10 −5 /s to 10 −2 /s was adopted. Results showed that, with the increase of loading rates, the initiation fracture toughness linearly increased while the unstable fracture toughness varied by a first increase and a followed constant trend. It was also confirmed that double- K fracture model may be further extended to wider dynamic loading rates, such as seismic dynamic excitation. Finally, the models describing the loading rate influences on double- K fracture toughness parameters were developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visible-light-active α-sulfur spheres with hierarchical nanostructures were fabricated by simple solution-phase synthesis with PVP as the template for enhanced photocatalytic ability. The α-sulfur hierarchical spheres with an ultrahigh specific surface area can controllable synthesized by changing the addition quantity of PVP. The obtained products are systematically studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–vis absorption spectroscopy (DRS), Fluorescence (FL) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). The photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared samples is evaluated by photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) aqueous solution under visible light illumination. The results indicate that the morphology, specific surface area, photo absorbance ability, the separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers and the reactant adsorption performance can be controlled by varying the addition quantity of PVP. When 200 mg PVP is added, α-sulfur hierarchical spheres with uniform particle size about 1 μm and ultrahigh specific surface area of 67.1 m 2 /g is obtained, and its photocatalytic activity reaches a maximum value, which can be attributed to the combined effects of photo absorbance ability, the separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers and the reactant adsorption performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Ammonia could be directly converted to N2 and nitrate by photoelectrocatalysis. [•] Photogenerated holes play a major role on ammonia oxidation. [•] Efficient aqueous ammonia removal was achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The planarians (Dugesia japonica) are distributed widely in China, Japan, Korea, and southern Siberia. In this study, the acute toxicity of copper on D. japonica was evaluated using mortality and the activity of the enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) as endpoints. Acute toxicity tests were conducted according to the American Society for Testing and Materials guidelines. The 24-, 48-, 72-, and 96-h median lethal concentration that killed 50% of individuals (LC50) were calculated as 8.70, 6.31, 4.48, and 4.23 mg Cu2+/L, respectively, based on measured copper concentrations. When compared with different phyla or classes of freshwater animals, the rank of D. japonica in species sensitivity was in the range of 25–26 for 96-h LC50. The antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT were determined in D. japonica exposed to two copper concentrations (50 and 100 μg Cu2+/L) with a short-term exposure (15 days). They all attained peak value and then reduced during the experimental period. The GPx activities were activated only for 100 μg/L treatments at days 3 and 6 and then renewed to the original level. Meanwhile, copper significantly increased the levels of ROS in D. japonica. Our study suggests that the adult D. japonica was less sensitive to copper than most other aquatic species. Copper may induce oxidative stress and interfere with the antioxidant defense system of the D. japonica, including SOD and CAT. GPx might be an insusceptible antioxidant enzyme in the metabolic detoxification processes in adult D. japonica. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Au@TiO/graphene (Gr) composite with visible-light response was fabricated. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope, and diffuse reflection spectroscopy, respectively. The results indicated that metallic Au nanoparticles with round shape and about 10 nm in size were loaded on TiO particles uniformly, and Au@TiO was grafted on Gr shaped in thin and big sheets. Photocatalytic degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) was conducted under the visible-light irradiation (>420 nm) in order to evaluate the activity of photocatalysts. The light absorption spectrum of TiO was extended to visible-light region by loading Au nanoparticles with plasmonic effect and 2,4-DCP could be degraded with Au@TiO and Au@TiO/Gr by photocatalysis under visible light. Compared to that with Au@TiO, the elimination rate of 2,4-DCP was increased with Au@TiO/Gr. This enhanced photocatalytic performance was attributed to the concentration effect due to the improved adsorption performance introduced by Gr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the stability of the traditional natural gradient independent component analysis (ICA) algorithm and the accuracy of its separated results, a adaptive step-size natural gradient ICA algorithm with weighted orthogonalization is proposed. First, to take advantage of the pre-whitening pre-processing and keep the equivariance property of the ICA algorithm, based on the weighted orthogonal constraint on the separating matrix without pre-whitening of observed signals, weighted orthogonalization is introduced after the traditional gradient update. Then, according to the error estimation from the smoothed distance between separated outputs and optimal outputs, we obtain two adaptive step sizes based, respectively, on an unconstrained natural gradient ICA process and a weighted orthogonalization process. Simulation experiment results show that the speed of convergence of the adaptive step-size natural gradient ICA algorithms with weighted orthogonalization are faster than the traditional one; also, the stability of the algorithms and the accuracy of the separated results are improved observably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Highly ordered mesoporous BiVO4 was prepared by nanocasting method using mesoporous silica as a template. The degree of ordering of mesoporous BiVO4 could be controlled by repeating filling/conversion process. And highly ordered mesoporous BiVO4 had been got after repeating filling/conversion process for three times. Compared with BiVO4, photocatalytic activity of mesoporous BiVO4 was enhanced under visible light. This enhancement could be attributed to the mesoporous structure, which elevated the absorption ability, increased the separation efficiency of photo-generated carriers, and improved surface reaction sites for consumption of photo-generated carriers. Meanwhile, the proposed formation mechanism of ordered mesoporous BiVO4 was put forward. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The porous “sponge-like” BiVO4 films were prepared with the polystyrene (PS) as pore forming material and F-doped SnO2 (FTO) glass as substrate. SEM observation displayed that “sponge-like” BiVO4 film with interconnect pore structure was successfully obtained. DRS analysis indicated the light absorption ability of BiVO4 film was enhanced by constructing porous structure. The measurement of surface area showed that porosity could elevate the surface area of the BiVO4 film. The experiment of PEC degradation of phenol showed that the degradation rate on the porous BiVO4 film (with 200μL) was 2.68times as much as that on the BiVO4 film. The enhanced PEC performance was attributed to the increased photo absorption ability, elevated surface area, and more efficient reactant transfer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Bi2WO6/BiVO4 photocatalyst with heterojunction structure was synthesized. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images indicated that Bi2WO6 nanoplate was loaded on the BiVO4 surface. UV–vis diffusion absorption spectra (DRS) displayed no obvious difference between the band gap absorption edges of the BiVO4 and Bi2WO6/BiVO4. It was found that the phenol degradation rate with Bi2WO6/BiVO4 was 2.55 times as great as that with the BiVO4 under visible light (λ > 400 nm) by the photocatalytic measurements. The enhanced photocatalytic performance of the Bi2WO6/BiVO4 sample was attributed to the improved separation efficiency of photogenerated hole–electron pairs generated by the heterojunction between Bi2WO6 and BiVO4. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ultra high toughness cementitious composite (UHTCC) shows enormous deformation capacity and exceptional ability to control crack under tension loading. With such tensile properties, a layer of UHTCC is considered to replace concrete surrounding the major tensile reinforcements in a concrete beam to produce a UHTCC/RC composite beam with improved cracking and mechanical response. The present investigation was conducted to examine flexural behavior of various UHTCC/RC layered composite beams using four-point bending tests. The tensile longitudinal reinforcement ratio and the thickness of UHTCC layer were two varying parameters. It is shown that the composite beams improved load-deformation and cracking behaviors in RC beam, and that the degree of load-deformation improvement becomes less significant as the reinforcement ratio increases but varies slightly as the thickness of UHTCC layer increases. It is also discovered that, in the composite beam studied, both the tensile longitudinal reinforcement ratio and the thickness of UHTCC layer have little impact on cracking conditions especially the maximum crack width at the height level of tensile longitudinal bar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The current paper presents a comprehensive comparison of double-K fracture toughness parameters of concrete evaluated using experimental method and four existing analytical methods. Fracture tests were carried out on compact tension wedge splitting specimens with various depths varying from 200mm up to 1000mm. In the analytical calculation, depending on the relationship between critical crack tip opening displacement and the abscissa value of turning point on bilinear softening curve, two different distributions of cohesive stress are considered along crack extension. Results show that four available analytical calculations yield almost the same values of double-K fracture toughness parameters and agree well with those obtained from the experiment, which confirms the consistency of five approaches. Size effect was discussed, including unstable fracture toughness, initiation fracture toughness, critical effective crack length, the length of critical fracture process zone and critical crack tip opening displacement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Graphene (Gr)/InNbO4 composite with visible light response was fabricated by a facile one-step hydrothermal method. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and diffuse reflectance UV–vis spectra (DRS), respectively. The results indicated that InNbO4 particles with monoclinic type mainly distributed on the Gr sheet uniformly. The samples had good visible light response. Photocatalytic degradation of Methylene Blue (MB) was conducted under the visible light irradiation (>400nm) in order to evaluate the photoactivity of this photocatalyst. The kinetic constant of MB removal with Gr/InNbO4 (0.0346min−1) was 1.87 times that with InNbO4 (0.0185min−1). The enhanced photocatalytic performance of Gr/InNbO4 was attributed to the improved adsorption performance and the separation efficiency of the carriers. With Gr/InNbO4 as the photocatalyst the ls be another type of oxidant in the photocatalytic process in addition to holes and electrons on Gr transporting from InNbO4 participated the oxidation of MB adsorbed on Gr. Overall, the result of this work could provide a new way of the construction of a visible-light-driven photocatalyst with high performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The silicon-doped BiVO4 film was fabricated by modified metalorganic decomposition (MOD) method. XRD analysis indicated that the crystal size of the BiVO4 film was decreased from 32.4nm to 23.9nm by doping Si. The measurements of FT-IR spectra and the water contact angle showed that doping Si could elevate the surface hydrophilicity of the BiVO4 film. The phenol elimination rate on the Si-doped BiVO4 film electrode in the photoelectrocatalytic process was 1.84 times as great as that on the BiVO4 film electrode. The enhanced photoelectrocatalytic performance was attributed to the decrease of the crystalline size and the enhancement of the hydrophilic performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ag particles were doped on BiVO4 film by photoreduction technique. XRD analysis indicated that the chemical state of the Ag particles was metallic Ag. TEM observation confirmed that the sizes of the Ag particles were 10–20nm. The investigation of the phenol degradation demonstrated that the photocatalytic (PC) degradation rate of the phenol on the Ag doped BiVO4 film was enhanced by 1.61 times in PC process and by 42.7 times in photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) process compared with that of the BiVO4 film. The transportation of the electrons from the BiVO4 to Ag driven by the schottky barrier formed between Ag and BiVO4 can increase the charge carrier separation, and consequently enhance the PC performance. The enhancement of the PC ability in PEC process could be attributed to the simultaneous movements of the photogenerated electrons to external circuit and the photogenerated holes to the Ag particles deposited on the BiVO4 film. In 4h, the elimination efficiency and the TOC removal efficiency of phenol on the Ag doped BiVO4 film in PEC process were 94.1% and 61.0%, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: BiVO4 film coated on F-doped SnO2 (FTO) glass was successfully fabricated by modified metalorganic decomposition (MOD) technique. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed that the film was composed of grains with 200–300nm in size and the grains were composed of particles, which were about 10nm in size. Diffused reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) revealed that the absorption performance of the BiVO4 film was intense in visible light region and the band gap was 2.43eV. The analysis of X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and Raman spectra identified to the monoclinic type BiVO4. Photoelectrochemical measurements indicated the photocurrent densities of BiVO4 films had an elevation with the increase of film thickness from 0.23 to 1.04μm due to enhanced amount of absorption of the incident photons. The removal rate of phenol in photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) process by the BiVO4 film electrode under visible light (>400nm) was 27.1 times that in photocatalytic (PC) process. The prominent enhancement was induced by the promoted separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs. Furthermore, the BiVO4 film electrode coated on FTO glass showed good stability in the PEC process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Double-G fracture model, a new analytical model describing fracture behaviour on cracked concrete, was recently proposed by Xu and Zhao based on the conception of energy release rate. This model couples the Griffith brittle fracture theory with the bridging softening property of concrete, and it is an extension of double-K fracture model proposed by Xu and Reinhardt. In this model, two fracture parameters, i.e., the initiation fracture energy release and the unstable fracture energy release , are termed to distinguish the different crack propagation stages undergoing during the whole fracture process in concrete. The difference between the two parameters, written as , is assumed to come from the contribution by aggregate bridging interlock, which results in the presence of fracture process zone. In our present work, firstly, the new model is elaborately introduced. Then, fracture tests are conducted, where besides three-point bending beams, a new testing method, called wedge-splitting on compact tension is adopted. In the experiments, electrical strain gauges are used to measure initial cracking load. Based on recorded load–crack mouth opening displacement curve (P–CMOD) or load–displacement curve (P–δ) and load–strain curve (P–ε), double-G fracture parameters are experimentally determined. Further more, based on the assumed three parameters relationship among , and , unstable fracture energy release are calculated. A comparable result between the measured and the calculated confirms this assumption. In order to verify the feasibility of this new model, the effective double-K fracture parameters converted by double-G fracture parameters using are compared with the double-K fracture parameters calculated by double-K fracture model. It is found that there is a good agreement. Another two series of different initial crack-depth ratios three-point bending beams carried out by Refai and Swartz are also collected to provide more experimental verification. It shows that the results obtained from the double-G fracture model agree well with those of double-K fracture model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study, poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) fibers were prepared by the dry–wet-spinning method, while chitosan (CHS) fibers were prepared via the wet-spinning method. The two fibers were blend spun and then fabricated into PLLA/CHS fabrics. In vitro degradation experiments of the fabrics were carried out in a phosphate-buffered solution at 37°C with a pH of 7.4. Changes in molecular parameters (molecular weights and molecular weight distributions), phase structures (crystallinities), morphologies (fiber surface topologies) of the PLLA fibers, and their macroscopic properties (the fabric weight losses and mechanical strengths) were monitored with degradation times. These results were compared with control samples with no degradation. The hydrolysis mechanism of PLLA/CHS fabrics was analyzed. It was found that the degradation rate of dry–wet-spun PLLA fibers was higher than those of the melt-spun or dry-spun ones. Furthermore, the compatibility between PLLA/CHS fabrics and osteoblast under the in vitro degradation was investigated for the potential application of using the PLLA/CHS fabrics as supporting materials for chest walls and bones. Cell strain hFOB1.19 human SV40-transfected osteoblast and PLLA/CHS mixed fabrics were incubated. The cell morphology at early stages of cultivation was also studied. Excellent adhesion between osteoblast and PLLA/CHS fabrics was observed, indicating good biocompatibility of the fabrics with osteoblast. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Synchronization is dependent on the coupling channel and coupling device. • Memristor coupling introduces a kind of field coupling and voltage coupling. • Energy pumping in the coupling memristor is estimated. • Resetting and modulation of initial value can induces synchronization transition. Continuous energy flow is pumped and propagated via the coupling components, which are activated to build coupling channel between two nonlinear circuits. When the coupling channels are bridged to different output ends, these coupling devices show much difference in pumping and balancing energy flow from the coupled circuits. In this paper, a memristor is used to bridge connection between different outputs ends of the Pikovsk-Rabinovich circuits, and coupling synchronization is investigated carefully. It is found that complete synchronization can be realized when the coupling channel is connected to the output ends for capacitors, while complete synchronization is blocked to stabilize phase synchronization when memristor is used to connect the output ends for tunnel diodes. Finally, the coupling mechanism is discussed by calculating the energy pumping in the coupling memristor. Indeed, the involvement of memristor in the coupling channel introduces a kind of nonlinear coupling as field coupling, and the synchronization transition and stability are much dependent on the intrinsic properties of the coupling channel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Polyoxometalates have been covalently immobilized onto titanium dioxide. • TiO 2 -PW 9 can catalyze the photocatalytic H 2 O 2 production efficiently. • TiO 2 -PW 9 can promote the two steps single-electron O 2 reduction reaction. The polyoxometalate (POMs) cluster of [PW 9 O 34 ]9− (PW 9) have been covalently immobilized onto anatase TiO 2 surface to prepare the catalyst of TiO 2 -PW 9. The photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) production has been carried out over TiO 2 -PW 9 under full wavelength irradiation in the presence of 5 vol.% benzyl alcohol as electron donor. The catalytic results reveal that the amounts of H 2 O 2 can reach 38.2, 6.6, 22.8 and 18.7 μmol within 2 h for TiO 2 -PW 9 , Na-PW 9 , TiO 2 -PW 9 -PM (physically mixed) and bare TiO 2 , respectively. The p -benzoquinone (PBQ) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) quenching experiments, the electron spin resonance (ESR) signal and quantitative experiment of superoxide radicals (O 2 −) results reveal that the negative shifts of the conduction band (CB) level from TiO 2 to TiO 2 -PW 9 (from −0.18 V to −0.36 V vs. NHE) can enhance the single-electron reduction of O 2 to O 2 − and further promote the sequential two-step single-electron O 2 reduction reaction to H 2 O 2. In addition, the recycle experiment results reveal that the heterogeneous TiO 2 -PW 9 is catalytic stable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combining adsorption with photocatalysis is a strategy to utilize renewable sunlight as for adsorbents regeneration. Herein, a three-dimensional biochar aerogels (CA) was prepared by hydrothermal method using glucose as raw material, and a semiconductor photocatalyst Bi2WO6 (BWO) was loaded on its surface to construct a composite adsorbent CA/BWO. The results showed that when the bed height of the CA/BWO was 6 cm and the flow rate was 1 mL/min, the adsorption efficiency of 10 mg/L phenol (PE) reached 80%. The removal of PE by CA/BWO reached 80% in all five regeneration processes, while CA almost lost its adsorption capacity after three regenerations, indicating the excellent regeneration ability and stability of CA/BWO. It was found that the PE adsorption on CA/BWO conformed to the Langmuir isotherm model and quasi-second-order adsorption kinetics, indicating the adsorption belonged to monolayer chemisorption. Moreover, the presence of natural organic compounds (HA and FA) promoted the adsorption of PE by CA/BWO, which was due to the partial active sites provided by organic compounds adsorbed on CA/BWO. Finally, the penetration test results showed that the synthesized composites have good reusability. These showed that CA/BWO has great potential application value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil erosion is one of the main environmental problems in the world, and also an important branch of natural environment protection. Taking Minjiang River Basin as the research area, based on the supervised classification of land use status map, the comprehensive soil erosion modulus map was generated by referring to the soil erosion evaluation index and the revised soil loss equation (RUSLE). The results showed that the Minjiang River Basin is dominated by mild eroded area and middle eroded area, accounting for 41.50% and 54.81% of the total area respectively. High eroded area accounted for only 3.69%, mainly in the north and west, and there was no extremely sensitive area. From the perspective of land use types, the construction land and water body are mainly slightly sensitive areas, and forest land, garden land and cultivated land are mainly mild or middle sensitive areas, while the unused lands are shown as middle sensitive areas or highly sensitive areas. Through the discussion of the sensitivity evaluation of soil erosion in Minjiang River Basin, it can provide some references for the relevant departments to the soil and water conservation work in Minjiang River Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of its superior coupling and composition matching, narrow band gap semiconductor heterojunction can increase redox activity, reduce carrier recombination, and enhance light absorption. When heterojunction photocatalysts are constructed properly, it is thought to be an efficient technique to boost photocatalytic activity. The Co 9 S 8 /CdS heterostructures in this study were created using a two-step solvothermal technique. The as-prepared Co 9 S 8 /CdS heterostructures exhibit outstanding photocatalytic degradation performance of methyl orange (MO) owing to their unique structure and compositional properties. Co 9 S 8 /CdS heterostructures can offer a remarkable MO degradation rate that can reach 97% in 25 min when illuminated by visible light. In addition to demonstrating better long-term stability after numerous cycling photocatalytic tests, experiments with radical trapping have shown that ·O 2 − is crucial for the photocatalytic degradation of MO. The pertinent photogenerated charge transfer and catalytic mechanisms of Co 9 S 8 /CdS heterostructures are suggested and examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low utilization of solar energy due to the narrow response spectra limits the performance of current photocatalysts. Utilizing up-conversion photoluminescence is one of the effective methods to enhance photocatalytic ability. A new photocatalyst, NaYF4: Yb, Tm nanoparticles (NYT) embedded in NH2-MIL-125(Ti) (NYT@NH2-MIL-125(Ti)), was constructed aiming to efficiently degrade pollutant under full-spectrum illumination. The characterization certified that NYT had been successfully embedded in NH2-MIL-125(Ti). The photocatalytic activity of NYT@NH2-MIL-125(Ti) was tested by degrading Rhodamine B (RhB). The NYT@NH2-MIL-125(Ti) showed significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity compared with NH2-MIL-125(Ti), whose degradation kinetic constant of RhB was 3.73 times that of NH2-MIL-125(Ti). The enhanced photocatalytic performance should be attributed to the expanded response light spectra. Under illumination, NYT absorbs near-infrared (NIR) light and emits visible light, which stimulates NH2-MIL-125(Ti) to produce photo-generated electrons–holes. Free radical trapping experiments certified that holes(h+) plays a major role in the photocatalytic process. This work deepens the understanding of construction of high-efficiency photocatalyst with a broad spectrum response and promotes the application of photocatalysis in water pollution control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants driven by visible‐light is considered as a promising and effective water purification strategy. In this work, solvothermal treatment was carried out on visible‐light‐responsive TiO2 samples in isopropyl alcohol to improve the photocatalytic degradation performance. The effects of solvothermal treatment on the microstructure, band structure, optical properties, photoelectrochemical properties and photocatalytic activity of the obtained TiO2 samples were systematically investigated. The experimental results showed that the photocatalytic degradation performance of the treated TiO2 samples was significantly improved. The TiO2 sample treated for 24 h at 180 °C showed the optimal kinetic constant of photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline, which is 4.7 times that of pristine TiO2. This work provides some insight into the effect of solvothermal treatment on the photocatalytic properties of semiconductor photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polydopamine (PDA) coating α-S hydrophilic composites (SD) were fabricated by a self-assembly process for enhanced α-S photocatalytic performance under visible light. The XRD patterns analysis indicated that we had successfully prepared the orthorhombic α-S. The SEM, FT-IR and TGA showed that PDA had been successfully coated on α-S. The photocatalytic ability was illustrated by the DRS and FL. Moreover, the measurement of the water contact angle of SDand the corresponding original α-S (SA) showed the hydrophilicity of α-S had been improved. The photocatalytic ability of SDand SAwas evaluated by photocatalytic decomposition of Methylene blue (MB) solution. The MB elimination rate with SDin the photocatalytic process was 2.46 times as great as that with SAunder visible light. The enhanced photocatalytic ability could be attributed to the improved hydrophilicty of α-S. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conjugated microporous polymers have attracted significant attention in recent years due to their high porosity, broad functionality and excellent chemical stability. In this work, the small-sized layered structure of poly(phenylenethiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole) (p-PhTT) copolymer was achieved by a facile solvothermal-assisted exfoliation process in a polar organic solvent. Owing to the shorter diffusion length, the layered structure could enhance carrier diffusion from the interior to the surface, as well as provide more active sites in photocatalytic reaction. The obtained exfoliated p-PhTT copolymers show good dispersion and stability in aqueous solution and exhibit efficiently photocatalytic activity for degrading rhodamine B dye under visible-light irradiation. This effective method offers a promising strategy for exfoliating other organic porous polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A ratiometric two-photon fluorescent probe for SO2 derivatives was first proposed based on acedan–merocyanine dyads via a TP-FRET strategy. It was successfully applied to visualization of the fluctuations of enzymatically generated SO2 derivatives in the mitochondria of HepG2 cells and rat liver tissues using two-photon fluorescence microscopy imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Cl- and NO 3 – effect on HTCC configuration and photocatalytic ability was discussed. • Zn2+ catalysis promoted the SMX removal by hydrothermal carbon. • The effect of Zn2+ is not reduced by Cl- due to its absence in HTCC formation. • NO 3 – decimates the promotion role of Zn2+ by participating in glucose transformation. Metal modification can elevate the photocatalytic ability of hydrothermal carbonization carbon (HTCC), but the effect of accompanying anions in precursor metal salts is unclear. Taking Ca2+, Mn2+, Fe3+, Zn2+, and Ni2+ as metal examples, HTCCs modified with metal chloride and metal nitrate were fabricated through a simple hydrothermal process using glucose as raw material. The photocatalytic performance for sulfamethoxazole (SMX) removal by chloride catalyzed HTCC was superior to its nitrate modified counterpart. Zn2+ catalysis was profitable for surface C = O generation and furan polymerization, which promoted the SMX removal by hydrothermal carbon via a photosensitization-like mechanism. In ZnCl 2 catalyzed system, the promotion effect of Zn2+ was not influenced by anion due to Cl- absence in glucose transformation. While in Zn(NO 3) 2 catalyzed system, less levulinic acid (LA) led to less surface C = O, and NO 3 –, the powerful oxidant under acidic conditions was reduced to –NH 2 , which interrupted the original polymerization route of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) by participating in the pseudo-Michael reaction, leading to the low polymerization of hydrothermal carbon, and these changes decreased the photocatalytic performance of nitrate-modified HTCCs, thus counteracting the promotion effect of Zn2+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is a common mitochondrial disease. More than 30 variants in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have been previously described in LHON. However, the pathogenicity of some variants remains unclear. Herein, we report a 19-year-old boy presenting unique LHON plus dystonia syndrome with the rare m.4136A > G and m.4160 T > C variants and elucidate the molecular pathomechanisms of the m.4160 T > C mutation.Methods: We performed clinical, molecular genetic analysis, and biochemical investigation in the patient's different tissues and cybrid cell lines.Results: The optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) of the patient showed typical pathological changes-a significant decrease in the 17 thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and the ganglion cell complex (GCC). Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) found noteworthy abnormal signals in the basal ganglia region. The genetic analysis revealed that the m.4160 T > C variant was heteroplasmic in the blood (80.2%), urine sediment (90.8%), and oral mucosal (81.7%) samples of the patient. In contrast, the m.4136A > G variant was homoplasmic in all available tissues. Biochemical and bioenergetic investigations showed decreased mitochondrial protein levels and mitochondrial respiration deficiency in cybrid cells harboring these variants.Conclusions: This research provided more comprehensive data to help gain insight into the pathogenicity of the m.4160 T > C variant and broaden our view on the LHON plus phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• HFPO-TA induced hESCs cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner, by increasing intracellular ROS accumulation and decreasing Δψ mit. • HFPO-TA caused dysfunctions of induced hepatocytes and deregulated genes relative to multiple metabolic pathways. • PPAR pathway was the most enriched pathway in cells exposed to HFPO-TA. • The highly expressed genes such as ALB, FGG, FGA , etc., were characterized as hub genes in responding to HFPO-TA exposure. Hexafluoropropylene oxide trimer acid (HFPO-TA), an emerging replacement of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), has recently been reported to be a potential environmental contaminant. Due to the similar structure to PFOA, HFPO-TA may cause comparable adverse effects on human health. Therefore, evaluating the toxic profiles of HFPO-TA has become an urgent task. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxicity and hepatoxicity of HFPO-TA using human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-based assays. Results showed that HFPO-TA reduced hESCs' viability in a dose dependent manner, and the calculated IC50 for 24, 48 and 72 hr were 222.8, 167.4, and 80.6 μmol/L, respectively. Significant intracellular ROS accumulation and mitochondrion membrane potential reduction were detected with HFPO-TA exposure, and increased apoptotic/necrotic cells were also observed in high dose of HFPO-TA treated group. Moreover, HFPO-TA at noncytotoxic concentrations also significantly impaired the functions of induced hepatocytes by diminishing cell glycogen storage ability and deregulating specific functional genes. Transcriptome sequencing analysis identified a set of hepatic associated biological processes responding to HFPO-TA exposure. PPAR was the most significantly enriched pathway. Genes including FGA, FGB, FGG, AHSG, HRG, ITIH2, ALB were characterized as hub genes by cytoHubba plug-in. These data indicated that HFPO-TA is a potential hepatotoxicant, and may not be a safe replacement for PFOA. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the impact of stratospheric intrusion (SI) is crucial for elucidating atmospheric complexities and implications for ozone (O 3) control. However, current studies have not focused on the influence of SI on surface O 3 , thus limiting the effectiveness of control strategies. This study delves into an SI event that occurred from March 5 to 12, 2022, employing a comprehensive integration of the Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with Chemistry and multi-reanalysis data. The lower tropospheric O 3 enhancement in Hong Kong has been noticed, despite the absence of SIs in the upper troposphere. This study employed a comprehensive methodology, integrating the use of a box model to estimate the stratosphere–troposphere exchange (STE) O 3 flux, integrated process rate (IPR) analysis to quantify the contributions from individual physical and chemical processes, and tracer methods to detect stratospheric O 3. During the deep SI episode, the STE flux peaked at −81.33 × 10−8 kg m−2·s−1, surpassing the monthly average by 15.2-fold. The IPR results indicate that vertical transport within the 0–16 km range contributes between 18.4 and 39.0 ppbv h−1 during the SI event, whereas horizontal advection shows a negative contribution. Stratospheric O 3 tagging revealed that SI contributes 15.5–31.3 ppb (29.6–50.2%, respectively, of surface O 3) when stratospheric O 3 mixes down. Five emission reduction paths were designed in response to the negative impacts of SI. The "anthropogenic VOC (AVOC) only" path was the most efficient; however, when SI contributed 31 ppb on March 9, the "NOx only" path required a 69% reduction, while the "AVOC only" path required an 85% reduction for efficiency. This research not only elucidates the complex interplay between SI and surface O 3 concentrations but also emphasizes the significance of refining existing emission reduction paths. [Display omitted] • A distinctive stratospheric intrusion (SI) event in Hong Kong was evidenced. • Tagging method revealed that SI contributes 15.5–31.3 ppb to surface O 3 enhancement. • It is crucial to offset the adverse effects of SI on emission reduction strategies. • The optimal emission reduction path needs to be adjusted as the impact of SIs changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The cryptochromes (CRY) are specific blue light receptors of plants and animals, which play crucial roles in physiological processes of plant growth, development, and stress tolerance. Results: In the present work, a systematic analysis of the CRY gene family was performed on twelve cotton species, resulting in 18, 17, 17, 17, and 17 CRYs identified in five alloteraploid cottons (Gossypium hirsutum, G. barbadense, G. tomentosum, G. mustelinum and G. darwinii), respectively, and five to nine CRY genes in the seven diploid species. Phylogenetic analysis of protein-coding sequences revealed that CRY genes from cottons and Arabidopsis thaliana could be classified into seven clades. Synteny analysis suggested that the homoeolog of G. hirsutum Gh_A02G0384 has undergone an evolutionary loss event in the other four allotetraploid cotton species. Cis-element analysis predicated the possible functions of CRY genes in G. hirsutum. RNA-seq data revealed that Gh_D09G2225, Gh_A09G2012 and Gh_A11G1040 had high expressions in fiber cells of different developmental states. In addition, the expression levels of one (Gh_A03G0120), 15 and nine GhCRY genes were down-regulated following the PEG, NaCl and high-temperature treatments, respectively. For the low-temperature treatment, five GhCRY genes were induced, and five were repressed. These results indicated that most GhCRY genes negatively regulate the abiotic stress treatments. Conclusion: We report the structures, domains, divergence, synteny, and cis-elements analyses systematically of G. hirsutum CRY genes. Possible biological functions of GhCRY genes in differential tissues as well as in response to abiotic stress during the cotton plant life cycle were predicted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • NRGO-OCNT laminar membrane confined PMS activation for enhanced water treatment. • The NRGO-OCNT catalytic membrane showed superfast removal of organic pollutants. • Confinement degree greatly influenced the performance of PMS catalytic membrane. • The NRGO-OCNT catalytic membrane selectively removed smaller sized organics. • The enhanced mass transfer under nanoconfinement effect promoted radical generation. Coupling membrane filtration with peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation is promising to overcome the selectivity-permeability trade-off in membrane-based water treatment. However, the PMS catalytic efficiency of membrane still needs improvement to offset the insufficient reaction time during filtration process. Herein, an oxidized carbon nanotube intercalated nitrogen doped reduced graphene oxide (NRGO-OCNT) membrane with PMS activation function was firstly designed and prepared, which confined PMS activation in membrane interlayer for enhanced water treatment. The influence of confinement scale on membrane performance was studied through changing the OCNT intercalation ratio. Under the optimal confinement condition, the NRGO-OCNT membrane filtration integrated with PMS activation (MFPA) could realize 100% 4-chlorophenol removal at a high permeate flux of 290.2 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 (retention time of only 0.36 s), whose performance was 2.8, 1.7 and 5.0 times higher than that of filtration alone, NRGO MFPA (excessive confinement) and NRGO-OCNT powder-based batch reaction (no confinement), respectively. Moreover, NRGO-OCNT MFPA preferentially removed smaller-sized organics which easily entered and diffused in confined interlayer. The outstanding performance of NRGO-OCNT MFPA was owing to the nanoconfinement effect in appropriate confined interspacing, where the mass transfer rate of reactants was greatly boosted for enhanced generation of SO 4 − and OH towards pollutant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ultrahigh toughness cementitious composite (UHTCC) behaves strain-hardening and multiple-cracking when subjected to tensile load. The current work investigates both bending and shear performances of steel reinforced UHTCC (RUHTCC) beams through the bending test under concentrated load. The failure mode was designed from flexure to flexure-shear to shear through varying reinforcement ratio in beam. The experimental results showed that for flexural behavior, RUHTCC beams presented high load-carrying capacity, deformation ability and numerous fine cracks around mid-span region in comparison with ordinary reinforced concrete (RC) beam. Based on the internal force equilibrium, the theoretical equation for determining the moment of inertia of fully cracked section of RUHTCC beam is proposed, and the predicted maximum deflection at service load according to proposed equation based on bilinear tensile and compressive constitutive models agrees well with the tested value. For shear behavior, RUHTCC beam exhibited shear strength about 1.91 times that of RC control beam and a large reserve of shear bearing capacity after the shear cracking due to the diagonal multiple-cracking pattern and the stable crack development. And for RUHTCC beam with reinforcement ratio of 2.28% failing in flexure-shear, a large deformation comparable to that of RC beam with 0.67% reinforcement ratio was observed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The kinetics of photocatalytic degradation of Reactive Brilliant blue KN-R, Acid Scarlet GR and Reactive Brilliant red X-3B by UV–vis/H2O2/Ferrioxalate complexes were studied. Effects of initial concentration of KN-R solution, Fe2+, H2O2 and pH were investigated. Under these optimum experimental conditions, the removal rates of COD and TOC of three dyes were more than 80% and 65%. A pseudo-first-order kinetic model was adopted to represent the reaction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The different surface functional groups of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) affect their optical property, especially the up-conversion photoluminescence (UCPL) property. In this study, the CQDs/BiVO4 composite photocatalyst was synthesized by a simple hydrothermal process. The prepared photocatalysts were comprehensively characterized. The photocatalytic activity of CQDs/BiVO4 was tested by degrading rhodamine B (RhB). The photocatalytic removal rate of RhB with BiVO4 was largely enhanced by incorporation of CQDs. The enhanced photocatalytic performance was mainly attributed to the broadened response spectra generated by the UCPL of CQDs. Furthermore, loading CQDs had improved the separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers, resulting in the photocatalytic performance increasement of CQDs/BiVO4. The content of surface graphitic nitrogen and oxygen-containing groups on CQDs could adjust its UCPL wavelength and intensity, and ultimately adjust photocatalytic ability of composite photocatalysts. More surface graphitic nitrogen and oxygen-containing groups on CQDs could benefit the photocatalytic ability of CQDs/BiVO4. Free radical scavenging experiments determined that the holes (h+) and hydroxyl radicals (·OH) played a crucial role in the photodegradation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, environmental pollution and energy shortage have aroused people's wide concern. Here we report that S‐doped BiOCl photocatalyst was successfully fabricated via a simple solvothermal process. The as‐obtained S‐doped BiOCl photocatalysts were investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), nitrogen adsorption‐desorption, UV/Vis diffuse reflectance (DRS), and photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra. The photocatalytic performance of the S‐doped BiOCl photocatalyst with different S contents was evaluated by the photocatalytic degradation of cationic dye (Rhodamine‐B (RhB)) and anionic dye (Congo red (CR)). The results reveal that all the S‐doped BiOCl samples possess better photocatalytic activity than pure BiOCl. Specifically, the degradation rate of S(6 %)‐BiOCl sample for RhB and CR was 99 % and 90 %, respectively. Meanwhile, the photocatalytic nitrogen fixation performance of the S‐doped BiOCl sample was investigated. The results show that the S(6 %)‐BiOCl sample possesses an excellent NH3 yield of 108.6 μmol g−1 h−1. Moreover, the S(6 %)‐BiOCl catalysts have excellent recyclability and stability. This work provides a facile and accessible pathway to design effective photocatalysts for both photocatalytic degradation and nitrogen fixation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalytic membrane based water treatment process always suffers from the contradiction between permeability and catalytic performance. Herein, an oxidized carbon nanotube intercalated reduced graphene oxide (RGO-OCNT) membrane with unique photothermal conversion ability (61.8 °C at 1.4 kW m−2) and peroxydisulfate (PDS) activation function was constructed, which realized simultaneously improved permeability and PDS activation under photothermal assistance for high-efficiency water treatment. Under light irradiation, the permeability of RGO-OCNT membrane was 5.9 times higher than that of membrane alone. The RGO-OCNT membrane under PDS activation and light irradiation (PDCM) exhibited ∼100% removal and ultrahigh degradation rate (0.072 ms−1) towards PE within ultrashort retention time (0.07 s), whose performance was 3.6 or 5.3 times higher than that of filtration under PDS activation alone (DCM) or filtration alone. Meanwhile, the RGO-OCNT PDCM also displayed effective fouling mitigation on both membrane surface and pores, whose flux loss during humic acid treatment was 2.1 or 3.6 times lower than that of DCM or filtration alone. Furthermore, the RGO-OCNT catalytic membrane still maintained high performance under natural sunlight irradiation and real water matrix. The photothermal effect played dual role in enhancing membrane performance: For one thing, it improved membrane hydrophilicity and water diffusion for facilitating water permeation; for another, it accelerated reactants mass transfer, promoted electron transfer from catalytic layer to PDS and reduced reaction enthalpy change for favorable PDS activation into radicals (mainly SO 4 •−) for pollutants removal. [Display omitted] • OCNT intercalated RGO membrane displayed good photothermal conversion efficiency. • Catalytic membrane achieved ultrafast organic pollutants removal within only 0.07 s. • Photothermal enhanced fouling mitigation on both surface and pores of membrane. • Photothermal promoted SO 4.•− production from PDS in both thermodynamics and dynamics. • Catalytic membrane performed well under practical sunlight and real water matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to experimentally investigate the pullout behavior of single arc-shaped steel fiber embedded in a slurry-infiltrated fiber concrete (SIFCON) matrix. Three types of steel fibers, namely, hooked-end (2BS), arc-shaped I (1BA), and arc-shaped II (2BA), were examined, each with three different embedment lengths (8 mm, 12 mm, and 16 mm) and four distinct inclination angles (0°, 15°, 30°, and 45°). The test results revealed that the pullout behavior between arc-shaped and hooked-end steel fibers was essentially different. Remarkably, 2BA fiber exhibited superior bond performance compared to 2BS and 1BA fibers, attributed to the common contribution of body arched portion and double bend at both ends. In the case of the same inclination angle, increased embedment length led to higher peak loads, more excellent fiber strength utilization ratios, and increased pullout energy, regardless of the steel fiber shapes. However, the average bond strength significantly decreased as the embedment length increased. Furthermore, the peak load, fiber strength utilization ratio, and average bond strength initially increased and then decreased with the inclination angle, regardless of the steel fiber shape. It is found that better bond performance was observed at inclination angles of approximately 15° or 30°. • The fiber pullout behavior of 2BS, 1BA, and 2BA steel fibers from brittle SIFCON matrix is investigated comparatively. • The effects of embedment length and inclination angle on the pullout behavior of the fibers mentioned above are studied. • 2BA fibers exhibit attracting bond performance attributed to the common contribution of body arched portion and double bend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) with high loading of porous Co-N-C were fabricated. • Porous Co-N-C served as both porous filler and peroxymonosulfate activator. • Porous Co-N-C improved membrane permeation by providing more water transport channels. • Co-N-C functionalized MMMs realized rapid removal of various small organic chemicals. • High Co-N-C filling degree and thin membrane structure led to ultrahigh mass transfer. The water treatment performance of membrane filtration is usually restricted via the paradox between permeability and selectivity. Herein, the nitrogen doped porous carbon supported Co catalysts (CoNPC), serving as both porous filler and peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activator, were firstly filled into polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) matrix to construct a novel mixed matrix catalytic membrane (CoNPC@PVDF) for enhanced water purification. Owing to the robust binding between CoNPC and PVDF, a high loading (50 wt%) and even dispersion of CoNPC were realized in CoNPC@PVDF, and its permeability and selectivity were both improved with the increase of CoNPC content. The optimum CoNPC@PVDF with PMS activation assistance (FCP) exhibited effective phenol removal at short retention time (1.5 s) and high permeability (256.6 L m−2h−1 bar−1). The performance of CoNPC@PVDF FCP was 2.9 and 2.5 times higher than that of filtration alone and PMS activation alone, respectively, and even dramatically outweighed the reported catalytic membranes and heterogeneous catalysts. The outstanding performance of CoNPC@PVDF catalytic membrane was mainly attributed to its thin membrane structure and high filling degree of CoNPC, resulting in ultrahigh mass transfer rate (1.8 × 10−4 m s−1) and more exposed active sites for enhanced PMS activation into radicals (mainly •OH and SO 4 •−) towards pollutant removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constructing catalytic membrane simultaneously displaying high permeability, selectivity and antifouling performance in water treatment remains challenging. Herein, the surface and pore channels of the ceramic membrane were co-functionalized with nitrogen doped carbon supported Fe catalyst (CN-F), and the Fe content was varied to investigate its effect on performance of CN-F coupled with peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation (CN-F/PMS) for water treatment. Results confirmed the introduced Fe (in Fe-N coordination form) greatly enhanced the permeability, selectivity and fouling resistance of CN-F. Optimal CN-F3/PMS achieved 96.5% removal and 52.1% mineralization of sulfamethoxazole in short retention duration (2.7 min), whose performance was 5.4 and 6.7 times higher than that of nitrogen doped carbon functionalized ceramic catalytic membrane (CN/PMS) and CN-F3 filtration alone, respectively. CN-F3/PMS also efficiently inhibited fouling on both surface and pores with 2.8 and 2.4 times lower flux loss than that of CN/PMS and CN-F3 filtration alone, respectively. Moreover, CN-F3/PMS displayed superior performance in long-term treatment of real coking wastewater. The outstanding performance of CN-F was mainly attributed to the dual role of supported Fe, which served as hydrophilic site for enhanced water permeation and major active site for PMS adsorption and reduction into reactive species (mainly high-valent Fe(IV)=O species) towards pollutant elimination. [Display omitted] • Ceramic membrane coated with N doped carbon supported Fe catalysts was prepared. • Catalytic membrane realized 96.5% removal of sulfamethoxazole within only 2.7 min. • Catalytic membrane showed remarkable fouling inhibition on both surface and pores. • The high-valent iron-oxo species mediated non-radical pathway played dominant role. • Fe played dual role as both hydrophilic site and catalytic active site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]