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This study investigates the performance of two types of multi-encapsulated electrode (MEE) plasma actuators, compared to typical dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma actuators, in quiescent air. The objective is to determine whether the multiple encapsulated structure can enhance the performance of the plasma actuator. In the present paper, flow characteristics are investigated by using particle image velocimetry (PIV) and Schlieren visualisation. In addition, the distribution of body force over the gas volume based on the Navier–Stokes equations is calculated from velocity measurements. The obtained results demonstrate that the starting vortex behavior is influenced by electrode arrangement. Specifically, it can be observed that when the first encapsulated electrode is positioned closer to the exposed electrode, then a significantly higher induced velocity can be obtained compared to the baseline condition. In fact, the induced velocity can be increased by up to 1.5 times under this optimize configuration. These results highlight the importance of electrode arrangement in the plasma actuator design. Based on body force estimation, MEE plasma actuators exhibit a significantly higher momentum transfer, particularly in the wall normal direction. The investigation on the mechanical efficiency also reveals that the optimized configuration proposed in the present study can significantly enhance the efficiency. In fact, a four-fold increase in maximum efficiency compared to the typical configuration is observed. These results suggest that the proposed configuration could be considered a promising solution for improving the mechanical efficiency of plasma actuators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A set of in situ measurement equipment of large aperture strong light element based on the principle of laser scattering is established. The size and distribution of defects (damage points) can be judged by the laser scattering signal. The maximum scanning range is 700 mm*1000 mm. The type and size of defects are directly obtained by scanning the quartz sample with a diameter of 100 mm. The types of defects are pitting and scratches, and the width of the scratches and the diameter of the pitting are mostly in the range of 0–10μm. The processing time could reach 31.06s. The device can realize the on‐line in situ measurement of large aperture optical elements, and has the advantages of fast response speed and high measurement accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To explore the clinical curative effects of uterine arterial chemoembolization (UACE) combined with uterine curettage treating with cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) patients, and analyze the influencing factors of postoperative efficacy. Methods. A total of 86 patients with CSP from January 2019 to December 2021 in the Gynecology ward of our hospital were selected and divided into the control group (n = 43) and the observation group (n = 43) according to the random number method. The control group was treated with an injection of methotrexate (MTX) combined with uterine curettage, and the observation group was treated with UACE combined with uterine curettage. Two months after the operation, the therapeutic effect, cesarean scar mass, and β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) level were observed and compared between the two groups. The general conditions of patients in two groups were recorded, and the influencing factors of surgical efficacy in patients were analyzed using univariate analysis and a multivariate logistic regression model. Results. After treatment, the total effective rate of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). The volume of intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization period, menstrual recovery time, mass disappearance time, and β-HCG recovery time of the observation group were lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). Single factor analysis showed that the number of cesarean sections, gestational age, the largest diameter of the gestational sac, the thinnest muscular layer, and the type of CSP can all affect postoperative efficacy (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that the gestational age, a maximum diameter of a gestational sac, the thinnest muscular layer, and the type of CSP were independent factors influencing the postoperative efficacy of the patients (P < 0.05). Conclusion. UACE combined with uterine curettage for CSP can significantly improve the curative effect, reduce intraoperative bleeding, and improve the recovery time of postoperative-related symptoms. The gestational age of the patient, the maximum diameter of the gestational sac, the thinnest muscular layer, and the type of CSP can independently affect the therapeutic effect of CSP patients. Fully understanding the high-risk factors that affect the efficacy of treatment of CSP, timely preventive measures, and targeted care can effectively improve the prognosis and reduce the risk of CSP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The grafting degree of carbon fiber was adjusted by adjusting the absorbed dose. • Grafting glycidyl methacrylate process of carbon fiber was optimized under low dose. • A large number of homopolymers appeared on the surface of the grafted carbon fiber. Functionalization of high modulus carbon fiber (HMCF) with high carbon content and strong surface inertness is a huge challenge. In our previous work, glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) was grafted onto the surface of HMCF through acid-activated synergistic ionizing radiation. However, grafting process was not optimized and need to be improved. In this study, the influence of absorbed dose on the grafting of GMA onto HMCF was investigated. The grafting degree of HMCF was able to effectively controlled by adjusting absorbed dose. The grafting degree of HMCF reaches a maximum value of 17.9%. After grafting, a great number of homopolymers appeared on the surface of HMCF. This result effectively reduces the waste of grafting monomers and energy, ultimately achieving better modification results at lower absorbed doses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detection of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is crucial in several biomedical applications. Here, we propose an electro-optical sensor for ATP that functions without optical labels or recognition unit based on the electrochemistry-assisted formation of ATP-Ag+ complexes and subsequent plasmon-supported generation of the intrinsic surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectrum of ATP. Using bimetal-functionalized carbon fiber microelectrodes (CFME), the analysis of ATP with the sensor can be carried out in cellular microenvironments. Bimetallic nanostructures composed of gold nanoparticles and silver nanoparticles were electrochemically deposited on CFME as SERS substrates. Both, fabrication and sensing mainly rely on the execution of redox reactions of silver nanoparticles on the microelectrode, where silver ions released from the oxidation reaction are used as a mediator for the formation of complexes with ATP, which are then anchored to the surface of the microelectrode by the reduction reaction. The SERS spectrum collected from this plasmonic substrate can be used to recognize ATP at low concentrations in the nM range. The miniaturized SERS sensor was applied to cell culture medium and human serum as complex biological microenvironments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), has created a tremendous economic and medical burden. The prevalence and prognostic value of SARS-CoV-2-induced kidney impairment remain controversial. The current study aimed to provide additional evidence on the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in COVID-19 patients and propose the use of urinalysis as a tool for screening kidney impairment. Methods: 178 patients with confirmed COVID-19 were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. The laboratory examinations included routine blood tests, blood biochemical analyses (liver function, renal function, lipids, and glucose), blood coagulation index, lymphocyte subset and cytokine analysis, urine routine test, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation, and serum ferritin. Results: No patient exhibited a rise in serum creatinine or Cystatin C and occurrence of AKI, and only 2.8% of patients were recorded with an elevated level of blood urea nitrogen among all cases. On the contrary, 54.2% of patients who underwent routine urine testing presented with an abnormal urinalysis as featured by proteinuria, hematuria, and leucocyturia. Conclusions: Kidney impairment is prevalent among COVID-19 patients, with an abnormal urinalysis as a clinical manifestation, implying that a routine urine test is a stronger indication of prospective kidney complication than a blood biochemistry test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • All ionic liquid-based Ionogel were synthesized by EBI at first time. • Ionogel are characterized by covalent/non-covalent coupling. • Ionogel have tunable mechanical properties and long-term stability. • Ionogel have rapid self-healing (120 s) and environmental tolerance (−60 ∼ 150 °C). • Ionogel act like skin to sense external stimuli (Strain, temperature, humidity). As novel artificial ion-conducting materials with skin-like functionalities, Ionic skins (I-Skins) have attracted wide attention in the field of smart wearables. Nonetheless, the crucial hurdle of maintaining their properties in extreme conditions, such as cold, hot or long-term storage, persists. Herein, ionic liquid monomers, ionic liquid solvents, and ionic liquid cross-linkers are employed to facilitate covalently/non-covalently coupled all ionic liquid-based Ionogel for multimodal artificial I-skin through electron beam irradiation under mild conditions at the first time. Profiting from the covalently/non-covalently interactions in the Ionogel, the Ionogel has tunable mechanical properties, excellent environmental adaptability (−60 to 150 °C), long-term stability (90 days), fast response time (0.1 s), rapid self-healing ability (120 s recovery to 90 % of original), and favorable adhesion properties. Moreover, Ionogel sensors possess the remarkable capability to accurately perceive external stimuli, including strain, temperature, and humidity, similar to human skin, which can effectively monitor human movement behavior, as well as fluctuations in ambient temperature and humidity. It is expected that this all ionic liquid-based Ionogel sensor can fill the gap of I-Skin in extreme conditions and realize multifunctional flexible sensing, thus expanding more application scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The simultaneous balance of electrode materials and electrode structures can energize the development of innovative electrochemical sensors. In this work, a 3D nanocarbon layer of hybrid heteroatoms and metal atoms (CN/Fe) with excellent electrical properties and abundant active sites was self-constructed on the surface of a quartz-based nanofiber by high-temperature pyrolysis. Further, the nanofiber tip was selected as the sensing region to develop an electrochemical sensing platform with high sensitivity, miniaturization, and portability. A common broad-spectrum antibiotic (Doxycycline hyclate, DOX) was used as a model to evaluate the designed miniaturized sensing platform, and the stability, reproducibility, and applicability of the microsensor were verified in a variety of real samples, including algal solution, milk, human serum, and cell culture media. The results show that the proposed sensing platform has a detection limit as low as 82 nM in aqueous environments. Furthermore, it is further shown that coupling the design of electrode materials and electrode structures facilitates the development of electrochemical sensors with more practical applications. This concept will open up new avenues for the development of electrochemical sensors that meet many application scenarios. [Display omitted] • A method for preparing multi-doped carbon microelectrodes is presented. • The active sites on the microelectrodes play an important role in detecting DOX. • The miniaturized electrochemical sensor was integrated based on CN/Fe ME. • The miniaturized analytical platform was examined in a variety of real samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A microelectrode with both SERS sensing and electrochemical sensing was developed. • Designed satellite-like nanostructure endows excellent analytical performance. • The turn-off and turn-on analysis modes successfully detect mercury ions. • The miniaturized analytical platform was examined in the algal solution. Developing a microelectrode with in-situ multiple sensing modes will greatly expand the applicability and reliability of the analytical platform. Hence, a functional substrate with a satellite-like nanostructure was constructed on a gold microelectrode (Au ME). This structure not only amplifies the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) signal of the labeled molecule (4-nitrobenzenthiol, NBT) on the functionalized Au NPs, but also ensures the good electrical properties of the proposed functionalized microelectrode (Au ME/Au-AuNDNA). Based on this feature, the highly toxic heavy metal mercury ions (Hg2+) were used as a model to verify this dual modal analytical platform. Significantly, the proposed microelectrode has a satisfactory sensitivity to Hg2+and allows the simultaneous presentation of analytical results by dual-mode of SERS signal turn-off (LOD 2.7 × 10−11 M) and current signal turn-on (LOD 6.4 × 10−9 M), the detected concentration of Hg2+ is below the dangerous limit of World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This relies mainly on the formation of thymine-Hg2+-thymine (T-Hg2+-T) by the modified probe B ssDNA on the microelectrode to disrupt the satellite structure with AuNDNA, while the applied potential reduces the Hg2+ captured by T-Hg2+-T on the microelectrode surface. Such a fascinating analytical strategy was further evaluated in an environmental water sample simulated with algal solution and still showed a reliable analytical capability. Thus, the proposed dual-mode sensing concept not only opens new avenues for the coordinated application of novel electrochemical and SERS sensing techniques, but also provides a foundation for in-situ detection based on micro/nanoscale electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the problems of dynamic load pressure and frame pressure caused by the concentration of stress by coal extraction pillars during the mechanized short-distance mining of goaves in shallow coal seams, a frame pressure accident, in the Shendong Shigetai Coal Mine, during the overlying of a fully mechanized mining goaf is taken as a research example. By applying the field measurement, theoretical analysis, and numerical simulation methods, we throughly analysed the working face coal pillar, got the regular pattern of fully mechanized overburden pressure, summarized a pillar of fully mechanized working face in the overburden strata movement regularity and development characteristics, analyzed the reason and mechanism of broken coal pillar, and put forward the corresponding prevention measures and management method. The results show that when the fully mechanized mining face enters the goaf by about 3 m, the pressure arches of the lower coal face and the upper goaf arising from the extracted coal overlap. When the vertical stress is greater than the supporting force of the hydraulic support and the coal wall, a roof ejection accident may occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CX3CR1+ macrophages are critical for mucosal homeostasis and IBD pathogenesis. • Discrepancy exists in current studies with both protective and harmful effects. • CX3CR1 targeting strategy could be powerful weapon in fighting against colitis. • Precise mechanisms should be taken into account concerning the appropriate usage of CX3CR1 targeted therapy. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), consisting of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), is featured by overactive immune response and enduring course of unrestrained colitis. Genetic predisposition and environmental factors are fundamental in disease progression. Notably, microbiota dysregulation and its interaction with host mucosal barrier perplex disease phenotype. Under experimental setting, distinct mouse models are established to mimic human colitis process, including infection induced dysbiosis, dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) etc. induced barrier destruction, anti-CD40 L induced innate immunity dominant colitis and T cell transfer colitis model. Thus, from a more detailed aspect, IBD is heterogeneous and can be further classified into different subtypes based on the specific etiological pathways. As a typical inflammatory disorder, various immune cell types are involved in IBD pathogenesis. Among them, macrophages are believed to play a pivotal role. CX3CR1+ macrophages, deriving from peripheral patrolling CD14+ Ly6Chi monocytes, are specified cell population dwelling in the gut. Accumulating evidence suggests that CX3CR1+ macrophages are critical for mucosal homeostasis and IBD pathogenesis, while some conflicts exist in current studies with both protective and harmful effects being revealed. Herein, we reviewed published literatures and found that the observed discrepancies stem from many aspects: the expression level of CX3CR1, the confounding dendritic cell subsets and most importantly, the different colitis stages and subtypes. Overall, CX3CR1 targeting strategy could be powerful weapon in fighting against colitis, but at the same time, the precise etiological and pathological mechanisms should be cautiously examined concerning the appropriate usage of CX3CR1 targeted therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoplastics (NPLs), of which polystyrene (PS) plastics are typical representatives, are of global concern as emerging contaminants, especially the leakage of NPLs into drinking water, which is directly related to human health. To onsite visually assess the extent of NPLs contamination in drinking water in a rapid and non-destructive manner, this work extends the application of the highly sensitive response to pH of mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA)-functionalized gold nanoparticles (Au NPs). Further, a visual sensing method based on the binding of alkyl chains to PS NPLs with hydrophobic force to suppress pH-induced aggregation of functionalized nanoparticles was constructed. Particularly, the designed analytical strategy is a significant renewal of the first strategy for the visual detection of PS NPLs, featuring non-destructive, fast response (∼30 s), high selectivity, and detection limit (26 μg/L). Importantly, it can reliably distinguish the more hazardous PS NPLs of smaller particle size (<100 nm). Moreover, visualization-based detection observes the color change of the reaction solution from dark purple to wine red. The employment of a smartphone installed App to read the color three-channel value R further ensures the credibility of the analysis results. The proposed visual analysis strategy will provide a promising new avenue for efficient detection of surface hydrophobic NPLs and further evaluation of their particle size or shape. • This is the novel method for visual detection of PS nanoplastics. • It is able to rapidly visualize the sieving of PS nanoplastics smaller than 100 nm. • It is expected to develop test kits for testing nanoplastics in drinking water. • Provides the basis for visual detection of nanoplastics in complex environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• MXene-based hydrogel coated cotton fabrics (MHCFs) are facilely prepared. • Evaporation enthalpy of water on the MHCFs is effectively reduced. • MHCFs exhibit excellent stability under harsh conditions. • Continuously evaporating 3.5 wt% brine on cylinder evaporator averaged at 2.46 kg m–2h−1. Herein, a robust Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene-based hydrogel-coated cotton fabrics (MHCFs) was facilely prepared by electron beam (E-beam) irradiation induced crosslinking under mild condition, which efficiently combined the outstanding light absorption and photothermal conversion performance of MXene with the excellent water transport capacity and good mechanical property of cotton fabrics (CFs). The novel MHCFs deservedly achieved not only high solar absorption, but also excellent water evaporation rate (1.65 kg m−2h−1 under 1-sun irradiation), which breaks through the theoretical limit of planar evaporators (1.47 kg m−2h−1). It also shows great stability and no salt accumulation in long-time continuous solar evaporation of 3.5 wt% NaCl solution, which remained its evaporation rate around 1.49 kg m−2h−1 under 1-sun irradiation after 12 cycles. Moreover, the covalent crosslinking among the Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene sheets, PVA and cellulose of CF induced by E-beam irradiation also endowed the MHCFs with good tolerance to acidic and ultrasonic treatments. In addition, the MHCFs were facilely assembled as a 3D evaporator with cylindrical structure, which not only exhibits 3.74 kg m−2h−1 of water evaporation rate under 1-sun irradiation, but also achieves 2.46 kg m−2h−1 of averaged rate from 3.5 wt% solution after 5 cycles of continuous long-time evaporation test. This study opens a pave to fabricate robust hydrogel-coated photothermal fabrics in continuous and large-scale manner, and expands the application of solar-driven interfacial evaporation (SDIE) to the seawater desalination, wastewater treatment and evaporative crystallization, and so on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An outbreak of pneumonia caused by a novel coronavirus (COVID‐19) began in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and quickly spread throughout the country and world. An efficient and convenient method based on clinical characteristics was needed to evaluate the potential deterioration in patients. We aimed to develop a simple and practical risk scoring system to predict the severity of COVID‐19 patients on admission. We retrospectively investigated the clinical information of confirmed COVID‐19 patients from 10 February 2020 to 29 February 2020 in Wuhan Union Hospital. Predictors of severity were identified by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. A total of 147 patients with confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection were grouped into non‐severe (94 patients) and severe (53 patients) groups. We found that an increased level of white blood cells (WBC), neutrophils, D‐dimer, fibrinogen (FIB), IL‐6, C‐reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), α‐hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBDH), serum amyloid A (SAA) and a decreased level of lymphocytes were important risk factors associated with severity. Furthermore, three variables were used to formulate a clinical risk scoring system named COVID‐19 index = 3 × D‐dimer (µg/L) + 2 × lgESR (mm/hr) − 4 × lymphocyte (×109/L) + 8. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.843 (95% CI, 0.771–0.914). We propose an effective scoring system to predict the severity of COVID‐19 patients. This simple prediction model may provide healthcare workers with a practical method and could positively impact decision‐making with regard to deteriorating patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• SPORL pretreatment by product was used to prepare lignosulfonate/N-methylaniline composite (LSMA). • LSMA represented prominent Cr(VI) removal performance. • Only 10 min was needed for fully removal of Cr(VI) with initial concentration below 100 mg/L. • Maximum adsorption capacity of 1264.8 mg/g of Cr(VI) was obtained by LSMA. • LSMA showed a good selectivity of Cr(VI). A lignin-based biosorbent (LSMA) was prepared by cross-linking lignosulfonate and N-methylaniline with the aid of ammonium persulfate for efficient removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution. Since LSMA possessed both amino groups and oxygen-containing functional groups, such as phenolic, carboxyl, and sulfonic groups, the maximum adsorption capacity of 1264.8 mg/g was achieved at 318 K according to the Langmuir isotherm. LSMA also showed excellent performance at low Cr(VI) concentration solution. The hazardous Cr(VI) solution of 50 mg/L can be fully removed within 10 min. The adsorption process of LSMA fitted the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, suggesting the chemical adsorption characteristics. Moreover, the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. LSMA worked very well even with high content of competing anions. The removal mechanism was demonstrated to be the adsorption of Cr(VI) anions on LSMA with abundant functional groups, and reduction of Cr(VI) to less toxic Cr(III) by the adjacent electron donor groups. The generated Cr(III) was immobilized on LSMA by surface complexation and precipitation. LSMA composite has a great potential for the treatment of Cr(VI)-contaminated water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spiroplasma eriocheiris , a novel pathogen of Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis tremor disease, has led into catastrophic economic losses in aquaculture. S. eriocheiris invaded the hemocytes in the early stage, then invaded nerve tissue and caused typically paroxysmal tremors of pereiopod in the late stage of infection. The purpose of this study was to detect the infection mechanism of hemocytes in the early stage and thoracic ganglion in the late stage of S. eriocheiris infection at the protein level. Hemocytes and thoracic ganglion were collected at 24 h and 10 d after injection (the crabs with typical paroxysmal tremors of the pereiopod), respectively. TMT was performed with isobaric markers, followed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). In hemocytes, 127 proteins were up-regulated and 85 proteins were down-regulated in 2747 quantified proteins. Many proteins and process including proPO system proteins, hemolymph coagulation system proteins and lectins were differently expressed in hemocytes and involved in the early immune process of E. sinensis against S. eriocheiris infection. Meanwhile, 545 significantly different expression proteins (292 down-regulated and 253 up-regulated protein including a number of immune-associated, nervous system development and signal transmission related proteins) were identified in thoracic ganglion in the late stage of S. eriocheiris infection. The qRT-PCR analysis results shown that the selected significantly changed proteins in hemocytes and thoracic ganglion were consistent with the TMT proteomics. This paper reported for the first time to study the responses of crab hemocyte and thoracic ganglion against the S. eriocheiris infection at different stages. These findings help us understand the infection mechanism of S. eriocheiris at different stage with the different tissue. • Understand the infection mechanism of S. eriocheiris at different stage with the different tissue by proteomic analysis. • 212 and 545 significantly different expression proteins were identified in hemocyte and thoracic ganglion, respectively. • ProPO system, nervous system development proteins etc. were identified when the S. eriocheiris infection. • Some significantly changed proteins were confirmed by qRT-PCR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: To investigate the distribution and diversity of the pathogens associated with Fusarium crown rot in the Huanghuai wheat‐growing region (HHWGR) of China, we collected wheat samples with symptomatic stem bases from seven provinces in the HHWGR between 2013 and 2016. A total of 1196 isolates obtained from 222 locations were identified as 9 Fusarium species based on morphological and molecular identification. Of these pathogen species, F. pseudograminearum was the dominant species. Furthermore, F. sinensis was isolated from the disease specimens and tested for virulence to wheat. The result of the pathogenicity revealed that an intraspecific differentiation existed in F. pseudograminearum; sequence analysis of the EF‐1α gene showed that 194 F. pseudograminearum isolates were differentiated into two distinct clades which closed to the strains from Australia and China respectively, but neither pathogenicity nor EF‐1α sequence was related to the geographic origins of these isolates. However, universal rice primers‐polymerase chain reaction showed a correlation with the geographical origins of the 194 isolates, which were divided into eight subclusters, the level of genetic diversity was higher within a geographical population than among the different populations. The results of these analyses can be directly used to facilitate disease monitoring and development of control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different organic ligands capped CdSe quantum dots (QDs) are synthesized. Our results show that CdSe QDs exhibit high photoluminescent intensity when the surface dangling bonds are passivated by trioctylphosphine and oleylamine together. FT-IR vibrational spectra reveal that the oleylamine mainly bond to the metal sites. In the process of synthesis, oleylamine can make CdSe more uniform by controlling the rate of nucleation and growth. Because of size-dependent band gap, core/shell QDs emitting desired color can be obtained by coating different sized cores. The photoluminescence peaks of core/shell QDs cover a wide range from 580 to 615 nm. The core/shell QDs are successfully transferred into aqueous solution through ligand exchanging with reduced glutathione and used to label HeLa cells. • Oleylamine molecules mainly bond to the metal sites which is verified by FT-IR spectra. • QDs are robust enough for phase transfer into water and are used to label HeLa cells. • QDs show high PL intensity when passivated by trioctylphosphine and oleylamine. • PL peaks of core/shell QDs cover a wide range from 580 to 615 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, a novel Janus photothermal hydrogel-fabric was developed by firmly formatting surface hydrophobized porous photothermal hydrogel on a commercial cotton fabric in large area. This Janus-architected hydrogel-fabric not merely inherits the "water activation" effect of hydrogel-based evaporator, but also combines the good mechanical property of cotton fabric. In laboratory evaporation under 1 sun illumination (1 kW m−2), this novel hydrogel-fabric coupled evaporator achieved evaporation rate up to 1.60 kg m−2 h−1 from pure water, as well as 1.55 kg m−2 h−1 from 3.5 wt% NaCl solution, exceeding the theoretical limit of plane evaporators. It also has been confirmed no salt accumulation on the photothermal hydrogel-fabric surface and no evaporation performance degradation occurring in the multicycle long-time continuous evaporation testing in saline water and simulated industrial dyeing water. Additionally, 6.3 kg m−2 of freshwater was produced from 3.5 wt% NaCl solution in 9 h under natural sunlight (average 0.46 sun, Sep. 23th 2022 in Shanghai, China), showing a great potential to seawater desalination for freshwater supply in the coastal and insular area. Considering the simple process in large-scale preparation, and efficient but also stable solar evaporation performance, this novel hydrogel-fabric coupled evaporator could promote the solar evaporation technology to large-scale application in real industrial fields. • Janus-structured hydrogel-fabric coupled evaporator is facilely prepared. • Evaporation enthalpy of water on the hydrogel-fabrics is effectively reduced. • No salt accumulation on the Janus hydrogel-fabric coupled evaporator • Continuous evaporation in 3.5 wt% brine shows a constant evaporation rate. • 9 h out-door solar evaporation achieves 6.3 kg m−2 of freshwater from 3.5 wt% brine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Despite recent advances in the fabrication of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with excellent fluorescence performance, it has been challenging to extend the fluorescence emission to deep red and short wave near-infrared. Herein, we present a strategy to reach the goal via hydrothermal treatment of polythiophene derivatives which mainly comprises a polythiophene conjugate skeleton, lots of benzene ring structure and alkyl chain. This structure is thermally converted into a doped crystalline GQDs at 170 °C for 20 h with the maximum fluorescence emission at 700 nm. In addition, the length of alkyl chain also has a regulatory effect on emission wavelength of final products, which enables the chemical molecular-level structural design of GQDs with specific light emission waveband. Graphical abstract Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract 3-Methylindole (3-MI) is a recalcitrant and toxic substance that can cause damages to human and animal lung cells and may have a pronounced effect on mood and stress levels. Rapid and sensitive detection of 3-MI is therefore of great important for its environmental safety evaluation. A novel electrochemical sensor for the determination of 3-MI was fabricated based on electropolymerization of molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) film on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Rational selection of the suitable monomers was conducted by evaluation of the interaction between each monomer and template using the density functional theory method. The results indicated that the stabilization energy of 3-MI- o -Phenylenediamine (o -PD) complex is greater than that obtained from other evaluated monomers, hence o -PD was used to prepare the MIP sensor. The imprinted layer was systematically characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impendence spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Under optimal experimental conditions, a linear relationship was observed between the peak current change of the electrochemical probe [Fe(CN) 6 ]3− and the concentration of 3-MI over the range 0.01–1.2 μM, with a detection limit of 4 nM. This sensor also exhibited superb selectivity to 3-MI as minimum interferences were observed from other structurally similar compounds, thus it was successfully applied for the determination of 3-MI in real samples. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • A highly sensitive and selective MIP sensor was developed for the detection of 3-methylindole in water. • The computer assisted design was used to select functional monomers by calculating stabilization energy. • Theoretical predictions were verified by subsequent experiment data. • The developed sensor was successfully applied for the determination of 3-methylindole real in real samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • FeOx overcome single crystal phases generally suffering from serious agglomeration and poor electrical conductivity. • The synergistic effect between the electrocatalytic property and the polycrystalline structure of FeOx was verified. • Hybrid FeOx with variable oxidation states remarkably facilitate the efficient redox charge transfer. Abstract Investigations on interplay between sensing platform performance and crystal phase of material are the new beginning of designing advanced bioanalytical systems. Herein, FeO x nanoparticles (NPs, ∼100 nm), including superfine magnetic (Fe 3 O 4) and hematite (α-Fe 2 O 3) nanocrystals in single particles, have been employed to verify the synergistic effect between the electrocatalytic property and the polycrystalline structure of the materials. Moreover, this strategy overcomes that single crystal phases generally suffer from serious agglomeration and poor electrical conductivity. More importantly, hybrid metal oxides (e.g., α-Fe 2 O 3 /Fe 3 O 4) with variable oxidation states remarkably facilitate the efficient redox charge transfer. Taking the detection of Flutamide (FLT) in prostate cancer cells (VCaP cells) as example, the dynamic ranges of the oxidation states from the different crystal phases were integrated into a single electrochemical sensor interface. Furthermore, good selectivity, accuracy, satisfactory sensitivity (769.1 μA mM−1 cm-2) and low detection limits (46.6 nM) were achieved. Going beyond the conventional single-crystal phase-driven electrochemical sensing, the elaborate of polycrystalline structure in a single particle may open a new approach for the design of outstanding electrode materials, which not only can significantly improve the performance of sensing platforms, but also can be used to rationally design the material properties according to the applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A ligand-free copper-catalyzed reduction of azaarenes with diboronic acid as reductant in an aprotic solvent under mild conditions has been developed. Most interestingly, the nitroazaarenes could be reduced exclusively to give the corresponding amines without touching the azaarene moieties. Furthermore, the reductive amination of aromatic nitro compounds and aromatic aldehydes has also been realized. A series of hydrogenated azaarenes and secondary amines were obtained with good functional group tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper nanoparticles modified nitrogen doped reduced graphene oxide 3-D superstructure was successively prepared via a two-step reaction. Polydopamine was used as nitrogen source for the fabrication of nitrogen doped reduced graphene oxide and reducing agent for in-situ reduction of CuCl 2 . After calcination under nitrogen protection, the conductivity, electron transfer ability and electrocatalytic activity of nanocomposites were substantially improved. The enhanced redox property could be attributed to the difference in the electronegativity of carbon and nitrogen atoms of the 3-D superstructure. By using this composite material, an electrochemical sensor was constructed for the detection of dihydroxybenzene isomers, which exhibited excellent sensitivity (with limit of detection at 81–131 nmol L −1 levels), wide linear ranges (0.5–720 μmol L −1 ) and good selectivity. Hence it was directly applied for the simultaneous determination of dihydroxybenzene isomers in contaminated samples (e.g., waste waters). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple process by slurry bed and π-complexation adsorbent was developed for separation of propylene/propane mixtures. The adsorbent, Cu(I) immobilized active carbon (AC), was prepared by the in-situ reduction of Cu(CH3COO)2. The adsorption amount of propylene and selectivity was 35.1 mL/g and 1.57, 30.4 mL/g and 1.45 for Cu(CH3COO)2-AC-N2(calcined in N2atmosphere) and Cu(CH3COO)2-AC-Air, respectively. Compared with AC, the BET surface area decreased, while the average pore diameter increased. It suggested that the metal salt deposited at the entrance of pores, blocking part of pores. According to the results from IR, XRD and TPR, Cu2O was the main copper species on the surface of the solid adsorbent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen and iron phosphides (i.e., FeP) doped carbon nanotubes (N/FeP-CNT), featured with multi-element co-doping, multi-active sites, and uniform distribution were prepared and characterized. The synergistic effect of nitrogen doped carbon nanotubes (N-CNT) and FeP improved the electrical conductivity and electrocatalytic properties of the modified electrode, which provided a new analysis platform for simultaneous detection of dihydroxybenzoic acid isomers (DHBA isomers). Low detection limits (i.e., 124, 65, and 221 nmol L −1 for 2,4-DHBA, 3,4-DHBA, and 2,5-DHBA, respectively) and wide detection range (i.e., 0.5-600, 0.5-560, and 0.5–820 μmol L −1 for 2,4-DHBA, 3,4-DHBA, and 2,5-DHBA, respectively) were obtained for DHBA isomers. In addition, the electrode exhibited good anti-interference ability and long-term stability for the determination of DHBA isomers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An unprecedented palladium-catalyzed chemoselective reduction and reductive amination of nitroarenes with water as a hydrogen source mediated by diboronic acid have been discovered. A series of aryl amines containing various reducible functional groups were obtained in good to excellent yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extreme chemical inertness of high-modulus carbon fiber (HMCF) makes its functionalization quite difficult. In this work, a new method was explored to grafted glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) onto the surface of HMCF combined acid activation with co-radiation grafting. Structural changes and surface morphologies were investigated in detail. GMA was successfully grafted on to HMCF after acid activation synergized with ionization radiation, and the grafting degree was calculated to be 22%. The O/C atom ratio, content of the oxygen-containing functional groups on the surface. After acid activation and grafting, the hydrophilicity is effectively improved, and it can be wetted by water with good dispersibility in water. The surface structure of the fiber became highly disordered after grafting GMA. Finally, the grafting mechanism was discussed. The carboxyl groups introduced by the acid activation should be responsible for the successful grafting of the HMCF. This work provides a new pathway to fulfill the modification of HMCF and will be beneficial for obtaining high performance HMCF composites. [Display omitted] • Hydrophilicity of HMCF was efficiently enhanced after acid activation and grafting. • The surface structure of the HMCF became highly disordered after grafting GMA. • A novel method was explored to fulfill the surface functionalization of HMCF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a biomass-derived precursor, pork liver, with rich nitrogen, iron, and carbon, was calcined, metal organic ligands were carbonized, and a uniformly distributed and in situ iron–nitrogen co-doped porous carbon material (N/Fe–C) could be prepared by a facile, low-cost synthetic method. Using N/Fe–C as an electrochemical selective sensor, a biochemical analysis platform was proposed. The neurotransmitter dopamine (DA), the purine metabolite uric acid (UA), and the most extensively employed drug paracetamol (PA) could coexist in real biological samples and used as models of bioelectroactive molecules. Compared with glassy carbon electrode (GCE), GCE modified with nitrogen-doped carbon (C/N/GCE) and N–C/GCE (i.e., the iron in N/Fe–C/GCE removed with nitric acid), the redox performance of N/Fe–C/GCE was improved approximately 18-fold, 6-fold, and 2-fold, respectively. Furthermore, the peak overlap among DA, UA, and PA and the interference of ascorbic acid, H2O2 and glucose could be avoided. These improvements were attributed to the uniform distribution of N, C and Fe, electrocatalytic activity of iron, excellent electrical conductivity of graphite-like carbon, large surface area (665.1 m2 g−1), and outstanding, but different, redox ability for DA, UA, and PA. N/Fe–C/GCE was utilized for rapid (in 30 s) and simultaneous determination of DA, UA, and PA. The linear range and detection limit (3 S/N) were in the range of 0.5–320 μmol L−1 and 10.6–79.0 nmol L−1, respectively. This method was used for the analysis of human blood serum with satisfactory results. The electrode of N/Fe–C/GCE remained effective for at least two weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heteroatom and transition metal borides-doped carbon nanomaterials provide a simple, yet powerful sensing platform when combined with electrochemical sensing technologies. However, there is a large unmet need for reliable and portable psychoactive drug measurement systems for environmental science or criminal investigation applications. Herein, a highly sensitive portable electrochemical sensing platform was designed for the psychoactive drug. Building on this we combine heteroatom (N) and transition metal borides (WB) in a carbon nanotube to form a high performance sensing for the detection of heroin. Moreover, this creates an electrochemical sensor for heroin that is capable of being run by the flexible screen printing electrode (SPE). Importantly, the experimental results were in excellent agreement with our proposed model, which creates hybrid nanocarbon layers of differing charge densities and abundant active sites on the surface of the carbon nanocomposites. The density and diameter of these zones also affect both the viability and sensitivity of the assay. In a proof-of-concept study, this approach allows the interrogation of the real samples from the natural water environment, and then which highlights the enlightenment and considerations for the future design of electrode materials and construction of sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asymmetric synthesis of 3,4-dihydro-2 H -1,2,4-benzothiadiazine-1,1-dioxides (DHBDs) was realized using readily available scandium(III)- inda -Pybox as the catalyst. It represents the first example focusing on systematic study of asymmetric synthesis of DHBDs, and a series of enantioselective 3-alkyl, or 3-aryl DHBDs were obtained with up to 93% ee. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A concise approach for the synthesis of 2-substituted quinazolinones using an iron-catalyzed tandem reaction of 2-aminobenzamides with acyclic or cyclic 1,3-diketones via condensation, intramolecular nucleophilic addition, C–C bond cleavage in an aqueous solution of poly(ethylene glycol) under oxidant-free conditions has been developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The molecular structure and properties of four sodium lignosulfonates (LSs) derived from pulping or bioethanol production were evaluated and compared. SXP and SAL were produced by sulfite pulping and sulfonation reaction of lignin from alkali pulping of poplar, respectively. LS-180 and LS-150 were from sulfite pretreatment to overcome recalcitrance of lignocelluloses (SPORL) pretreatment of lodgepole pine for bioethanol production. The molecular weights of the two LSs from SPORL were much smaller than those from pulping. However, LS-180 and LS-150 had higher sulfur content, especially LS-180. UV–Vis absorption spectra of LS-180 and SXP showed redshift, indicating increased amount of guaiacyl units or conjugated structures. The infrared spectra showed that LS-180 and SXP had more conjugated structures. LS-150 had the highest methoxyl group content, while SAL and LS-180 had lowest. The1H-NMR was used to further investigate the difference of molecular linkages within each LS. LS-150 had more β-O-4′ structures than the others, while SXP had more β-β′ structures. When used as dispersant for TiO2slurry, LS-180, LS-150, and SXP all had excellent dispersibility, but not SAL, suggesting LS from bioethanol production is an excellent source of LS and lignin sulfonation of alkali lignin is not sufficient for dispersion applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process sulfite pretreatment to overcome recalcitrance of lignocelluloses (SPORL) has been the focus of this study. Pilot-scale (50 kg) pretreatment of wood chips of lodgepole pine ( Pinus contorta Douglas ex Loudon) killed by mountain pine beetle ( Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins) were conducted at 165°C with a dilute sulfite solution of pH 2 for bioconversion to ethanol and lignosulfonate (LS). The pretreatment duration was optimized in laboratory bench scale experiments with a certain severity based on a combined hydrolysis factor (CHF). The sodium bisulfite loading was 8% and the liquor to wood ratio 3. The pretreated solids were disk milled together with the spent liquid and the resultant slurry with a 25% solids content was directly (without detoxification) submitted to a simultaneous enzymatic saccharification and fermentation (SSF) with Saccharomyces cerevisiae YRH400 at cellulase loading of 35 ml kg-1 of untreated wood. At solids loading of 20%, the alcohol yield was 288 l t-1 wood (with a final concentration of 52.2 g l-1), which corresponds to a 72.0% theoretical yield based on total glucan, mannan, and xylan. The LS from SPORL was highly sulfonated and its molecular weight was lower than that of a purified commercial softwood LS, and therefore it has a high potential as a directly marketable co-product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traffic matrix (TM) is extremely important in many networking operations. This paper proposes a novel approach of TM estimation in large-scale IP networks, termed as Advanced-Tomogravity method, which is based on a precise gravity model and the tomography method. First, the precise gravity model is proposed on the basis of the existing generalized gravity model by introducing a relativity factor vector parameter, which defines the relativity between the solution of the existing generalized gravity model and its real TM. The solution obtained from this precise gravity model is then refined by the basic model of the tomography method. By mathematical analysis, we give the explicit expression of the relativity factor vector parameter in the proposed precise gravity model by the Moore-Penrose inverse and the minimum-norm least-square solution. The vector parameter is subsequently determined with the aid of small amount of historical real data of TM. A general algorithm of the proposed approach is therefore designed. Finally, our approach is validated by simulation using the real data of the Abilene Network. The simulation results indicate that it reduces the relative errors to less than one-half, better tracks not only the dynamic fluctuations but also the overall mean behavior of traffic flow. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Acrylic acid was grafted onto chlorinated polyethylene by co-radiation method. • The reaction is completed in one step by radiation method, simple and fast. • The surface transformed from hydrophobic to hydrophilic after grafting. • This would give new properties and provide better compatibility with matrix. Acrylic acid (AA) was grafted onto chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) by co-irradiation method to regulate the hydrophilic properties. The CPE samples were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and water contact angle (WCA). The WCA of CPE decreased from 108° to 60° by radiation-induced grafting AA. The CPE transformed from hydrophobicity to hydrophilicity after radiation-grafting. The wettability of the CPE improved by radiation-grafting of AA, and the hydrophilicity can be adjusted by regulating the grafting degree. It is believed that the compatibility with the matrix obviously improves for grafted CPE with the covalent bonding of AA to CPE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The BiOCOOH/Ag/AgBr composite material was prepared by a facile precipitation photoreduction method. • After the introduction of AgBr, the visible light utilization efficiency was improved. • The SPR effect of Ag0 could generate more hot electrons to enhance the photocatalytic efficiency. • The BiOCOOH/Ag/AgBr composite possessed excellent long-term stability. • The constructed type-II heterojunction was an effective approach for improving the charge separation efficiency. The easy recombination of electron-hole pairs produced by monomeric photocatalysts under light exposure severely limits their application in wastewater treatment. Based on this, BiOCOOH/Ag/AgBr ternary photocatalysts in flower-like microspheres were controllably synthesized by precipitation photoreduction and characterized by various techniques. In addition, the effects of different molar ratio of BiOCOOH and AgBr, catalyst dose, pH and coexisting ions on the photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) and tetracycline (TC) were investigated. The results showed that the BOC/Ag/AgBr-0.5 composite exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity for the degradation of RhB and TC. The excellent photocatalytic activity was mainly attributed to the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect of metallic Ag and charge transfer mechanism between composites, thus promoting charge separation. The degradation efficiency of RhB and TC was 92.7% and 72.3% with the degradation rate constant of 0.073 and 0.023 under light irradiation of xenon lamp in 30 and 45 min, respectively, which was 6 and 2 times higher than that of BiOCOOH and AgBr. The stability studies showed that BOC/Ag/AgBr-0.5 maintained a high catalytic activity after four cycles. The results of radical capture experiments showed that h+ and · O 2 – were the main reactive radicals, while · OH played a secondary role in the photocatalytic system. Subsequently, a potential photocatalytic mechanism was proposed based on the experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wide emission-tunable and different morphological alloyed CdTeSe quantum dots (QDs), CdTeSe/ZnS and CdTeSe/ZnSe/ZnS core–shell QDs were successfully synthesized via an injection controlled process. The effect of injection procedure and reaction temperature were systematically discussed and the growth mechanism was proposed. Most efficient PL wavelength was correlated with reaction time and temperature. The 3-D PL spectra of spherical bare CdTeSe and core–shell QDs with different passivation showed different excitation wavelength dependency. The PL intensity of CdTeSe/ZnSe/ZnS core–shell QDs increased greatly in comparison with that of CdTeSe and CdTeSe/ZnSe QDs. ZnSe transition layer played an important role in improving the PL intensity by providing a smoothened interface and gradient band offsets. The core–shell QDs were transferred into aqueous phase and successfully conjugated with Escherichia coli O-157. The proposed phase-transfer and bio-labeling strategy may be applicable to various QDs with different compositions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The past few years have witnessed revolutionary advances in network technology. Along with new techniques such as SDN come lots of new network security challenges. Conventional network security mechanisms are incompetent to overcome these challenges, since they are built on a static network configuration that facilitates attackers in finding the weaknesses of a network. In this article, we conceive a novel conceptual network security mechanism, the evolving defense mechanism (EDM), to resolve current and future security problems. EDM is based on a bio-inspired idea of network configuration variations. According to the security requirements of the system, the user, and the network security state, EDM selects an efficient network configuration variation strategy to prevent corresponding security threats. Combined with SDN implementation, EDM resolves security problems from a new angle and is capable of evolving with new network security technology. We sketch a way to implement EDM and present its reference framework, which serves as an ecosystem and coexisting environment for various kinds of network configuration variations. The proposed mechanism avoids the deficiency of conventional mechanisms and has potential to cope with emerging security threats. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Highlights: [•] The incorporation of APTES improved mechanical properties of the coating films. [•] The incorporation of APTES improved the water and toluene resistance. [•] The 3H pencil could not mar the coatings surface. [•] The coatings showed high transparence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various amounts of antimony doped tin oxide (ATO) nanoparticles were incorporated into waterborne polyurethane (WPU) dispersions by sol-gel reactions. The dispersion state and morphology investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the nanoparticles can disperse in the matrix uniformly. The analysis of visible-near infrared spectra (VIS-NIR) suggested that the WPU/ATO coatings show both low near infrared transmittance (35%) and high visible light transmittance (76%). The heat-insulation effect measurement demonstrated that the WPU/ATO coatings could prevent heat transmission effectively. It was also found that the introduction of ATO nanoparticles can improve the mechanical properties significantly. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:1169-1175, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a metabolic dysfunction characterized by the selective destruction of islet β-cells, with oxidative stress playing an essential role in the manifestation of this disease state. Aloperine (ALO) represents the main active alkaloid extracted from the traditional Chinese herbal Sophora alopecuroides L. and features outstanding antioxidative properties. In this study, T1D was induced by a single high dose streptozotocin (STZ, 150 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) in mice. Diabetic animals were intragastrically administered ALO at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day. Notably, treatment of ALO (50 mg/kg/day) for seven consecutive days could observably reverse the onset of diabetes induced by STZ accompanied by weight gain, lower blood glucose levels, and relief of β-cells damage. Our in vitro study further demonstrated that ALO protected β-cells from STZ/hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative damage as manifested by increased expression of MnSOD and CAT. Furthermore, a network pharmacology study revealed that NOS1 represented the main target of ALO. Mechanistic studies subsequently showed that treatment of ALO increased the expression of NOS1, whereas NOS2 was decreased. Moreover, a docking study carried out suggested that ALO could fit into the binding pocket of human NOS1 and molecular dynamics simulation further validated this docking event. Collectively, the administration of ALO prior to diabetes could be a viable approach to the prevention of β-cell injury. This study may offer a novel potential herbal medicine against T1D and may further help improve the understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of ALO-mediated protection against oxidative stress. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The direct preparation of adsorption materials from black liquor (BL) produced by the kraft pulping process has great potential in wastewater treatment. A three-dimensional nitrogen-doped porous carbon (N-BLSAC) with high specific surface area and large pore volume was synthesized. The adsorption performance of N-BLSAC for Cr(VI) and tetracycline (TC) was systematically investigated. Compared with the porous carbon prepared from purified lignin (N-PLAC), the adsorption performance of N-BLSAC for TC was more superior. It was not only attributed to the pore-filling effect but also the electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bonding, and π-π electron-donor-receptor. In terms of Cr(VI), the adsorption performance of N-BLSAC and N-PLAC had little difference. Moreover, N-BLSAC and N-PLAC exhibited an excellent anti-interference property. Therefore, the porous carbon prepared by direct carbonization of BL has significant advantages in removing Cr(VI) and TC from aqueous solution. [Display omitted] • Black liquor was directly used to prepare high surface area activated carbon (N-BLSAC). • The lignin-based porous carbon (N-PLAC) was also prepared for comparison. • The adsorption performance of N-BLSAC was superior to N-PLAC. • The adsorption mechanism of Cr(VI) and TC on N-BLSAC was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cobalt nanoparticles and Co-N x groups are anchored on N-doped graphene by a simple method. • The Co/Co-Nx@NG exhibits good adsorption and catalytic conversion of polysulfides. • The graphene structure formed in situ displays excellent electrical conductivity. Sluggish reaction kinetics of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery is the key issue affecting cycle capacity and rate performance. Highly conductive and catalytically active sulfur host is still a research hotspot in recent years. Herein, the sulfur host of Co nanoparticles anchored on the Co-N x active centers grafted nitrogen-doped graphene (Co/Co-N x @NG) with high catalytic activity and electrical conductivity was prepared via a simple and feasible in situ method. The cobalt-based nanocatalytic center exhibits efficient sulfur conversion efficiency. Moreover, the Co-N x coordination group is beneficial to inhibit the agglomeration of cobalt nanoparticles to form large particles and further improve the catalytic activity. In addition, the graphene structure formed at low temperature based on the two-dimensional guide of dicyandiamide in combination with the catalytic graphitization of cobalt nanoparticles has excellent electrical conductivity. Owing to the high catalytic activity, appropriate adsorption ability, and excellent electrical conductivity, the Co/Co-N x @NG applied as sulfur cathode matrix exhibits high capacities of 1300.3 mA h g−1 at 0.1 C and 884.2 mA h g−1 at 2 C, and good cycling stability with a capacity decay of only 0.069% per cycle at 2 C for 705 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Due to the great potential applications, high transparent organic–inorganic nanocomposites have attracted wide attention over past decade. However, it is still a challenge to maintain the transparency of optical materials due to the light scattering caused by the severely aggregation of nanoparticles (NPs) when they are introduced into the polymer matrix. In this report, we describe the preparation of UV-curable transparent poly(urethane acrylate) (PUA) nanocomposites with 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propylmethacrylate (MPS) modified ITO NPs. The FTIR and TGA results confirmed that the MPS was grafted to the surface of ITO NPs successfully. It was found that the incorporation of ITO NPs not only provided UV shielding ability to the nanocomposite coatings with the similar transparency of the pure PUA, but also exhibited low transmittance of near-infrared (NIR) light. And, the cutoff wavelength of the composites in NIR range (800–2500nm) shifts toward the lower wavelength as ITO concentration increasing. The transmittance of the nanocomposite coatings with 0wt.%, 1wt.%, 3wt.%, 5wt.%, 7wt.% and 9wt.% of the ITO NPs at 1500nm in the NIR region are 91%, 56%, 38%, 31%, 18% and 6%, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Lignosulfonates(LSs), by-products from chemical pulping processes, are low-value products with limited dispersion properties. The ability of commercially available horseradish peroxidase (HRP) to polymerize LS macromolecules and improve the dispersion properties of LSs was investigated. The polymerization of LSs proceeded efficiently under mild reaction conditions in an aqueous solution with HRP/HO. Gel permeation chromatography showed a significant increase in weight-average molecular weight ( M) of sulfonated kraft lignin and sodium lignosulfonate (NaLS) by 8.5-fold and 4.7-fold, respectively. The mechanism of polymerization was investigated by elemental analysis, surface charge measurement, headspace gas chromatography, infrared spectroscopy (IR), and hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry (H-NMR). The functional group measurements indicated that HRP incubation did not reduce the sulfonic group content. However, it decreased the phenolic and methoxyl group contents. As the phenolic group content decreased, M increased as a power function. The polymerization was proposed to involve the random coupling of phenoxy radical intermediates. The radicals coupled with each other to form different inter-unit linkages, most of which were the β-O-4' type, as the H-NMR spectra indicated. Moreover, the HRP/HO incubation induced a significant improvement in the adsorption and dispersion properties of LSs. Therefore, the HRP/HO incubation is a promising approach for industrial applications of LSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignosulfonates(LSs), by-products from chemical pulping processes, are low-value products with limited dispersion properties. The ability of commercially available horseradish peroxidase (HRP) to polymerize LS macromolecules and improve the dispersion properties of LSs was investigated. The polymerization of LSs proceeded efficiently under mild reaction conditions in an aqueous solution with HRP/H 2O 2. Gel permeation chromatography showed a significant increase in weight-average molecular weight ( Mw) of sulfonated kraft lignin and sodium lignosulfonate (NaLS) by 8.5-fold and 4.7-fold, respectively. The mechanism of polymerization was investigated by elemental analysis, surface charge measurement, headspace gas chromatography, infrared spectroscopy (IR), and hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry ( 1H-NMR). The functional group measurements indicated that HRP incubation did not reduce the sulfonic group content. However, it decreased the phenolic and methoxyl group contents. As the phenolic group content decreased, Mw increased as a power function. The polymerization was proposed to involve the random coupling of phenoxy radical intermediates. The radicals coupled with each other to form different inter-unit linkages, most of which were the β-O-4’ type, as the 1H-NMR spectra indicated. Moreover, the HRP/H 2O 2 incubation induced a significant improvement in the adsorption and dispersion properties of LSs. Therefore, the HRP/H 2O 2 incubation is a promising approach for industrial applications of LSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mountain pine beetle killed Lodgepolepine (Pinus contortaDouglas ex Loudon) wood chipswere pretreated using an acidic sulfitesolution of approximately pH = 2.0 at a liquor to wood ratio of 3and sodium bisulfite loading of 8 wt % on wood. The combined hydrolysisfactor (CHF), formulated from reaction kinetics, was used to designa scale-up pretreatment on 2000 g wood chips at a relatively low temperatureof 165 °C that reduced furan formation and facilitated high solidssaccharification and fermentation. The pretreated solids and liquorwere disk milled together to result in a biomass whole slurry of 25%total solids. The whole biomass slurry was directly used to conductsimultaneous enzymatic saccharification and combined fermentation(SSCombF) using a commercial cellulase and Saccharomyces cerevisiaeYRH400 without detoxification. A terminal ethanol titer of 47.1g L–1with a yield of 306 L (tonne wood)−1, or 72.0% theoretical, was achieved when SSCombF was conducted atan unwashed solids loading of 18%. The lignosulfonate (LS) from SPORLwas highly sulfonated and showed better dispersibility than a highpurity commercial softwood LS, and therefore has potential as a directlymarketable coproduct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thisstudy conducted an investigation of the effect of lignosulfonate(LS) on enzymatic saccharification of lignocelluloses. Two commercialLSs and one laboratory sulfonated kraft lignin were applied to Whatmanpaper, dilute acid and SPORL (sulfite pretreatment to overcome recalcitranceof lignocelluloses) pretreated aspen, and kraft alkaline and SPORLpretreated lodgepole pine. All three lignin samples inhibited cellulosesaccharification of Whatman paper, but enhanced the saccharificationof the four lignocellulosic substrates. The level of enhancement wasrelated to the molecular weight and degree of sulfonation of the ligninas well as the substrate lignin structure. When different molecularweight (MW) fractions of one commercial LS (SXP), generated from sulfitepulping of hardwood, were applied to the Whatman paper, the largeMW fraction (SXP1) with the lowest degree of sulfonation inhibitedcellulose saccharification while the intermediate (SXP2) and smallest(SXP3) MW fractions enhanced saccharification. All MW fractions enhancedsaccharification of the four lignocellulosic substrates with maximalenhancement by the smallest MW fraction, SXP3. The enhancement wasmost significant for the kraft lodgepole pine substrate and leastsignificant for the SPORL pretreated lodgepole pine using all threeLS and SXP fractions. The results suggest that LS acts as a surfactantto enhance pure cellullose saccharification. When LS is applied tolignocelluloses, it acts as a surfactant to block bound lignin frombinding cellulase nonproductively leading to enhanced saccharification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]