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Salmonella enterica serovar Indiana ( S. Indiana) is among the most prevalent serovars of Salmonella and is closely associated with foodborne diseases worldwide. In this study, we combined a recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) technique with clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated (Cas) protein Cas12b (CRISPR/Cas12b)-based biosensing in a one-pot platform to develop a novel one-step identification method for S. Indiana infection diagnosis. The entire RPA-CRISPR/Cas12b reaction can be completed at 41 °C within 1 h without the need for specific instruments. The optimal concentrations of Cas12b and single-guide RNA (sgRNA) for the reaction were the same at 250 nM. The single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) reporter 8C-FQ (5'-/6-FAM/CCCCCCCC/BHQ1/-3') presented the best performance in the reaction compared with the other reporters. The limit of detection (LoD) of the RPA-CRISPR/Cas12b assay was 14.4 copies per reaction. As for specificity, we successfully identified four S. Indiana strains among twenty-two Salmonella strains without any false-positive results, presenting 100% accuracy for S. Indiana, and no cross-reactions were observed in eight other pathogens. Moreover, a total of 109 chicken carcasses were classified by the S. Indiana RPA-CRISPR assay and PCR methods from three processing points, including 43 post-shedding, 35 post-evisceration, and 31 post-chilling. There were 17 S . Indiana-positive samples identified during the whole processing step, consisting of nine post-shedding, five post-evisceration, and three post-chilling. The corresponding S. Indiana-positive rates of post-shedding, post-evisceration, and post-chilling were 20.93% (9/43), 14.29% (5/35), and 9.68% (3/31), respectively. Results from the S. Indiana one-step RPA-CRISPR/Cas12b assay were totally in agreement with those obtained using a traditional culture method, demonstrating 100% agreement with no false-positive or false-negative results observed. Altogether, the RPA-CRISPR/Cas12b assay developed in this study represents a promising, accurate, and simple diagnostic tool for S. Indiana detection.

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), especially cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6), have been targets for the development of specific tumor imaging agents. Palbociclib is a highly selective CDK4/6 inhibitor. In this study, to develop a novel 18 F-labeled palbociclib derivative for specific tumor imaging, we designed and synthesized a ligand (NOTA-PBB) consisting of palbociclib as the targeted pharmacophore and NOTA as the macrocyclic bifunctional chelator. The corresponding [ 18 F]AlF-NOTA-PBB complex was prepared with high radiochemical purity (98.4 ± 0.15%) and yield (58.7 ± 4.5%) within 35 min without requiring HPLC purification through a simple one-step 18 F-labeling strategy of NOTA-AlF chelation chemistry. The radiotracer was lipophilic (log P = 0.095 ± 0.003) and had good stability in vitro and in vivo . The cellular uptake studies performed on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line (ER-positive and HER2-negative) showed that radioactive uptake was blocked by preincubating with a molar dose of palbociclib and it had a nanomolar binding affinity to CDK4/6 (IC 50 = 16.23 ± 1.84 nM), demonstrating a CDK4/6-mediated uptake mechanism. Its ex vivo biodistribution in nude mice-bearing MCF-7 tumors showed obvious tumor uptake and a high tumor/muscle ratio of [ 18 F]AlF-NOTA-PBB, and tumor uptake was inhibited with 100 μg of palbociclib, demonstrating specific binding to CDK4/6. Radioactivity accumulation in MCF-7 tumors was observed in PET imaging with [ 18 F]AlF-NOTA-PBB. Based on the results of this work, [ 18 F]AlF-NOTA-PBB has the promising capability as a CDK4/6-targeted tumor imaging agent.

Due to the existence of water, it is still a challenge to conduct chemical modification on cellulose nanofiber (CNF) hydrogels with active double bonds. A simple one-pot and one-step method for constructing "living" CNF hydrogel with double bond was created at room temperature. The chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of methacryloyl chloride (MACl) was used to introduce physical-trapped, chemical-anchored and functional double bonds into TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofiber (TOCN) hydrogels. TOCN hydrogel could be fabricated within just 0.5 h, the minimum dosage of MACl could be reduced to 3.22 mg/g (MACl/TOCN hydrogel). Furthermore, the CVD methods showed high efficiency for mass production and recyclability. Moreover, the chemical "living" reactivity of the introduced double bonds were verified by the freezing and UV crosslinking, radical polymerization and thiol-ene click reaction. Compared with pure TOCN hydrogel, the obtained functionalized TOCN hydrogel exhibited remarkable improvements in mechanical properties, with enhancements of 12.34 times and 2.04 times, as well as an increase in hydrophobicity by 2.14 times and a fluorescence performance improvement of 2.93 times., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The synthesis of spiroketals has gained attention because of their importance in chemical and biological reactions. Yet, the mechanistic investigation of mild acid-catalyzed spiroketalization remains elusive and less explored in the literature and speculated that such transformations may proceed through the oxocarbenium ion intermediate; however, the existence of such species in mild acid-catalyzed spiroketalization is not documented. The computational study has been performed at M06-2X/6-31+G(d) level to examine the kinetically controlled product formation for such reactions and the intrinsic reaction coordinates of 1 d suggest that the reaction proceeds via a "one-step, two-stage" mechanism with the formation of transient oxocarbenium as a "hidden intermediate" in the reaction. This study reveals that stereoelectronic interactions devoid the formation of stable oxocarbenium ion intermediate after the proton transfer transition state in the mild acid catalyzed spiroketalization process., (© 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Introduction: Spinal dumbbell-shaped tumors are rare, usually benign tumors with intraspinal and paravertebral components connected through intervertebral foramen. Complete excision is often performed through traditional open surgery (TOS). The efficacy and long-term outcomes of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) have not been reported to date in resection of dumbbell-shaped spinal tumors., Purpose: The purpose was to evaluate the efficacy and long-term outcomes of minimally invasive resection combined with unilateral transforaminal intervertebral fusion (TIF) through comparing with TOS in the treatment of spinal dumbbell-shaped tumors., Methods: Fifteen patients underwent MIS and 18 patients underwent TOS. Thoracic dumbbell-shaped tumors were directly exposed after removal of costotransverse joints, adjacent rib components, unilateral hemilamina, and facet joints. Lumbar dumbbell-shaped tumors were completely exposed after removal of transverse processes, unilateral hemilamina, and facet joints. Whether for minimally invasive resection or traditional open removal, dumbbell-shaped tumors were completely excised and unilateral TIF was performed to guarantee spinal stability. All patients were followed up for 5 years at least., Results: The mean length of surgical incision for two groups was 3.47 ± 0.37 vs. 6.49 ± 0.39 cm ( p  < 0.05). The average duration of the operation was 131.67 ± 26.90 vs. 144.17 ± 23.59 min ( p  > 0.05). The mean blood loss was 172.00 ± 48.79 vs. 285.83 ± 99.31 ml ( p  < 0.05). No blood transfusions were required in the two groups. The median length of hospitalization was 6 vs. 10 days (range: 5-8 vs. 7-14 days). The patients of two groups were monitored for an average of 65.93 ± 3.88 vs. 65.78 ± 3.56 months. At 5-year follow-up, all patients presented with normal neurological function (American Spinal Injury Association scale E). The Oswestry Disability Index in the MIS group decreased significantly more than the TOS group. No spondylolisthesis or spinal instability were found in the follow-up period. There was no recurrence of any spinal tumor 5 years after surgery., Conclusions: Spinal dumbbell-shaped tumors can be safely and effectively treated with minimally invasive resection combined with unilateral TIF. Compared with TOS, MIS offers a reduced length of surgical incision, blood loss, hospital stay, and postoperative pain. This surgical protocol might provide an alternative for the treatment of spinal dumbbell-shaped tumors., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (© 2022 Pan, Gu and Zhang.)

Within the EuroClonality-NGS group, immune repertoire analysis for target identification in lymphoid malignancies was initially developed using two-stage amplicon approaches, essentially as a progressive modification of preceding methods developed for Sanger sequencing. This approach has, however, limitations with respect to sample handling, adaptation to automation, and risk of contamination by amplicon products. We therefore developed one-step PCR amplicon methods with individual barcoding for batched analysis for IGH, IGK, TRD, TRG, and TRB rearrangements, followed by Vidjil-based data analysis., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Background: Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) is a cysteine-rich growth factor and plays a key role in early bone tissue development and bone defect repair. However, the low yield, high cost and complicated process in BMP significantly limit its clinical application., Objective: In this study, we developed an efficient method for soluble expression and preparation of recombinant human bone morphogenetic 7-2 fusion protein (rhBMP7-2) and determined its molecular weight and biological activity., Methods: The fusion gene for rhBMP-2 and rhBMP-7 was inserted into the pET-ELP expression vector. Correct DNA sequence was confirmed, the rhBMP7-2-ELP was transformed into Escherichia coli strain BL21 (DE3), and the rhBMP7-2 was produced in the recombinant E. coli. Recombinant BMP7-2 purify was identified using Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The cell proliferation and biological activity of rhBMP7-2 were measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 and Alkaline Phosphatase assay using C2C12 cells, respectively., Results: The result of digestion of NdeI, BamHI and XhoI enzymes showed that the rhBMP7-2-ELP was correctly constructed. The recombinant BMP7-2 was successfully expressed in soluble form; the purified rhBMP7-2 showed biological activity and significantly promoted cell proliferation and differentiation in a dose-dependent manner., Conclusion: The rhBMP7-2 fusion protein with osteogenic activity was prepared through a lowcost and time-efficient method. Our preparation method presents the potential to be applied to the large-scale production of rhBMP7-2 and is expected to play a significant role in clinical treatment., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Traditional methods of enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose to cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are limited due to the low enzymatic efficiency and large amount of waste liquid. The purpose of this study is to improve the yield and production efficiency of CNCs by enzymatic hydrolysis. A one-step mechano-enzymatic hydrolysis method was developed by utilizing the synergy of wet grinding and enzymatic hydrolysis reaction to efficiently prepare CNCs. Under the optimal reaction conditions, the maximum CNCs yield of 49.3% was achieved with higher thermal stability and crystallinity index of 76.7%. Mechano-enzymatic hydrolysis followed the first order pseudo-kinetics, and fractal kinetics demonstrated that mechanical force of rotation speed affected the fractal dimensions and binding ability between substrate and enzyme. This study provides an alternative method to prepare CNCs, which can significantly avoid the use of bulk water, improve the production efficiency of CNCs and thus lower the production cost., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Inspired by the outstanding functions of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), which can be used for functionalization of both covalent organic frameworks (COFs) and substrate surfaces, herein, a proof-of-concept demonstration was carried out by one-step synthesis and immobilization of COF-1 in capillary. COF-1 was grown on the inner wall of capillary using APTES, which played a triple role of catalyst, stabilizer, and connecting arm during the process. The immobilization of COF-1 on silicon surface was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, COF-1 modified capillary (COF-1@capillary) column exhibited excellent performance in the electrochromatographic separation of amino acids. High resolution and separation efficiency (225,378 plates/m for 4-methylbiphenyl) were successfully achieved. Separation of methylbenzene, styrene, ethylbenzene, chlorobenzene, 1,2-dichlorobenzene, 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, 4-methylbiphenyl, naphthalene, and 4-vinylbipheny in the electro-driven mode confirmed the successful growth of COF-1 on the inner wall of capillary. The developed facile method for the immobilization of COF-1 may pave the way for further application prospects of boron-based COFs., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Canada's largest national obstetric and diabetology organizations have recommended various algorithms for the screening of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) over the years. Though uniformity across recommendations from clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) is desirable, historically, national guidelines from Diabetes Canada (DC) and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) have differed. Lack of consensus has led to variation in screening approaches, rendering precise ascertainment of GDM prevalence challenging. To highlight the reason and level of disparity in Canada, we conducted a scoping review of CPGs released by DC and the SOGC over the last thirty years and distributed a survey on screening practices among Canadian physicians. Earlier CPGs were based on expert opinion, leading to different recommendations from these organizations. However, as a result of the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome (HAPO) study, disparities between DC and the SOGC no longer exist and many Canadian physicians have adopted their recent recommendations. Given that Canadian guidelines now recommend two different screening programs (one step vs. two step), lack of consensus on a single diagnostic threshold continues to exist, resulting in differing estimates of GDM prevalence. Our scoping review highlights these disparities and provides a step forward towards reaching a consensus on one unified threshold.

Viruses have proved instrumental to elucidating neuronal connectivity relationships in a variety of organisms. Recent advances in genetic technologies have facilitated analysis of neurons directly connected to a defined starter population. These advances have also made viral transneuronal mapping available to the broader neuroscience community, where one-step rabies virus mapping has become routine. This method is commonly used to identify inputs onto defined cell populations, to demonstrate the quantitative proportion of inputs coming from specific brain regions, or to compare input patterns between two or more cell populations. Furthermore, the number of inputs labeled is often assumed to reflect the number of synaptic connections, and these viruses are commonly believed to label strong synapses more efficiently than weak synapses. While these maps are often interpreted to provide a quantitative estimate of the synaptic landscape onto starter cell populations, in fact very little is known about how transneuronal transmission takes place. We do not know how these viruses transmit between neurons, if they display biases in the cell types labeled, or even if transmission is synapse-specific. In this review, we discuss the experimental evidence against or in support of key concepts in viral tracing, focusing mostly on the use of one-step rabies input mapping and related methods. Does spread of these viruses occur specifically through synaptic connections, preferentially through synapses, or non-specifically? How efficient is viral transneuronal transmission, and is this efficiency equal in all cell types? And lastly, to what extent does viral labeling reflect functional connectivity?, (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

In this study, a real-time target-recycled enzyme-free amplification strategy-based test (Trefas test) was developed for rapid, simple, isothermal, and highly sensitive microRNA (miRNA) detection. The Trefas relies on rationally designed sequence-specific hairpins (HPs, HP1 and HP2) and the strand displacement process completely free of environment-susceptible enzymes, enhancing the stability and reproducibility of the test. In the absence of target miRNA, the HP2, modified with a fluorophore and a quencher, maintains stem-loop structure so that the fluorescent signal is quenched. However, in the presence of target miRNA, the target miRNA is repeatedly used to trigger continuous HP1-HP2 hybridizations, restoring fluorescence due to the opening of HP2. The developed miR-21 real-time Trefas test exhibited a broad linear dynamic range of 1 pM to 1 μM and a detection limit of 0.58 pM for miR-21 detection in vitro. In particular, the high specificity of the developed miR-21 real-time Trefas test was prominently exhibited by discriminating single base differences in miRNA sequences. Finally, the expression level of miR-21 in the cell lines and clinical tissues was evaluated by the developed miR-21 real-time Trefas test, and the detection results were highly consistent with the results obtained by stem-loop RT-PCR. In summary, our developed test exhibited great potential for further application in biomedical research and early clinical diagnosis., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

In this study, micro/nanoscale LiFePO 4 /graphene composites are synthesized successfully using a one-step microwave heating method. One-step microwave heating can simplify the reduction step of graphene oxide and provide a convenient, economical, and effective method of preparing graphene composites. The structural analysis shows that LiFePO 4 /graphene has high phase purity and crystallinity. The morphological analysis shows that LiFePO 4 /graphene microspheres and micron blocks are composed of densely aggregated nanoparticles; the nanoparticle size can shorten the diffusion path of lithium ions and thus increase the lithium-ion diffusion rate. Additionally, the graphene sheets can provide a rapid transport path for electrons, thus increasing the electronic conductivity of the material. Furthermore, the nanoparticles being packed into the micron graphene sheets can ensure stability in the electrolyte during charging and discharging. Raman analysis reveals that the graphene has a high degree of graphitization. Electrochemical analysis shows that the LiFePO 4 /graphene has an excellent capacity, high rate performance, and cycle stability. The discharge capacities are 166.3, 156.1, 143.0, 132.4, and 120.9 mAh g -1 at rates of 0.1, 1, 3, 5, and 10 C, respectively. The superior electrochemical performance can be ascribed to the synergy of the shorter lithium-ion diffusion path achieved by LiFePO 4 nanoparticles and the conductive networks of graphene., (Copyright © 2020 Liu, Yan, Li, Zhang and Sun.)

The potential marine corrosion-resistant and anti-biofouling applications of superhydrophobic materials arouse tremendous attention of researchers and engineers. Herein, we report an ultrafast (∼120 s) and eco-friendly one step electrodeposition strategy to construct fluorine-free superhydrophobic aluminum surface with outstanding water repellency and ultrahigh corrosion resistance to inhibit marine corrosion. As characterized through Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Atomic force microscopy (AFM), Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), the as-constructed non-fluorinated superhydrophobic surface is composed of manganese palmitate complex featuring with a typical dual-scale hierarchical papillae structures and low surface energy. In addition, the as-fabricated superhydrophobic surfaces possess extremely low surface adhesive force and excellent self-cleaning ability. The results of electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) tests demonstrate a remarkable augment of charge transfer resistance of the corrosion process, suggesting a prominent anticorrosion performance. We believe this rapid, cost-effective and environmental friendly one step approach could find broad prospects in creation and application of metallic superhydrophobic surfaces., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The direct repeat (DR) region in the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) genome is composed of highly polymorphic direct variant repeats, which are the basis of spacer oligonucleotide typing (spoligotyping) to study the population structure and epidemiology of M. tuberculosis However, the membrane hybridization-based detection format requires various post-PCR manipulations and is prone to carryover contamination, restricting its wide use in high-TB-burden and resource-limited countries. We developed a one-step spoligotyping protocol, termed McSpoligotyping, based on real-time PCR. The typing results can be generated within 3 h by a single step of DNA addition. When evaluated with a collection of 1,968 isolates of MTB, McSpoligotyping agreed 97.71% (1,923/1,968) by sample and 99.93% (84,568/84,624) by spacer with traditional spoligotyping. Sequencing results showed that McSpoligotyping was even more accurate than spoligotyping (99.34% versus 98.37%). Further exploration of the false results of McSpoligotyping revealed the presence of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the DR region. We concluded that McSpoligotyping could be used in epidemiology studies of tuberculosis by taking advantage of the shortened procedure, ease of use, and compatibility of results with standard spoligotyping., (Copyright © 2018 American Society for Microbiology.)

A strand exchange amplification (SEA) method to detect foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes was developed. SEA is a novel nucleic acid amplification method that only requires one pair of primers. The specie-specific primers were designed by targeting the 16S rRNA gene and the amplification reaction was performed as short as 60 min at 61 °C. Notably, SEA method could not only detect genomic DNA but also detect RNA by one step without requiring extra reverse transcription. The result could be visualized by naked eyes so that water bath pot would be the only equipment needed. Moreover, culture fluids and bacteria colony could be successfully detected without any pretreatment and the method displayed good specificity and strong anti-jamming capacity. These features greatly simplified the operating procedure and made SEA method be potential for developing point-of-care testing (POCT) devices to detect viable L. monocytogenes., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Controlled encapsulation and pairing of single cells within a confined 3D matrix can enable the replication of the highly ordered cellular structure of human tissues. Microgels with independently controlled compartments that can encapsulate cells within separately confined hydrogel matrices would provide precise control over the route of pairing single cells. Here, a one-step microfluidic method is presented to generate monodisperse multicompartment microgels that can be used as a 3D matrix to pair single cells in a highly biocompatible manner. A method is presented to induce microgels formation on chip, followed by direct extraction of the microgels from oil phase, thereby avoiding prolonged exposure of the microgels to the oil. It is further demonstrated that by entrapping stem cells with niche cells within separate but adjacent compartments of the microgels, it can create complex stem cell niche microenvironments in a controlled manner, which can serve as a useful tool for the study of cell-cell interactions. This microfluidic technique represents a significant step toward high-throughput single cells encapsulation and pairing for the study of intercellular communications at single cell level, which is of significant importance for cell biology, stem cell therapy, and tissue engineering., (© 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Background: Cranioplasty is a well-known procedure, and autologous graft bone is usually considered the best choice in this procedure, but it cannot be used in conditions such as bone-infiltrating tumors, spheno-orbital en plaque meningiomas, and bone infections. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) offers great possibility of intraoperative adaption. We describe a case of 1-step cranioplasty performed in a patient with a meningeal fibrosarcoma using a custom-made silicon mold., Case Description: A 48-year-old man was admitted to our department for a left temporo-parietal subcutaneous tumefaction that grew for a few months on the site of a previous osteodural decompression. After a biopsy that was diagnostic for meningeal fibrosarcoma, we planned tumor asportation, considering the bone infiltration of the tumor and the necessity of a cranioplasty. Before the intervention, we performed the craniotomy on a gypsum powder head phantom created based on a computed tomography scan. Then, using a computer-assisted design technique, a silicon mold was created and sterilized for the intervention. The edges of the preoperative simulated craniectomy were reproduced during the intervention using a rigid rail on the patient's scalp. The craniectomy was performed, and the tumor was removed. Then, a PMMA bone flap was made using a silicon mold and was fixed to the skull by miniscrews. Aesthetic results were considered excellent by the patient., Conclusions: We performed a 1-step cranioplasty after resection of a meningeal fibrosarcoma that infiltrated bone with a new technique to reproduce during intervention a preoperative simulated craniectomy and a computer-assisted design PMMA flap., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A one-step synthesis procedure is developed to prepare flexible S 0.6 Se 0.4 @carbon nanofibers (CNFs) electrode by coheating S 0.6 Se 0.4 powder with electrospun polyacrylonitrile nanofiber papers at 600 °C. The obtained S 0.6 Se 0.4 @CNFs film can be used as cathode material for high-performance Li-S batteries and room temperature (RT) Na-S batteries directly. The superior lithium/sodium storage performance derives from its rational structure design, such as the chemical bonding between Se and S, the chemical bonding between S 0.6 Se 0.4 and CNFs matrix, and the 3D CNFs network. This easy one-step synthesis procedure provides a feasible route to prepare electrode materials for high-performance Li-S and RT Na-S batteries., (© 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

A uniform anode material composed of ultrasmall tin oxide (SnO 2 ) nanoparticles with an excellent lithium-ion (Li-ion) storage performance is obtained for the first time through one step UV curing technology. The diameter of ∼3 nm-sized SnO 2 particles is uniformly dispersed in the styrylpyridinium (SbQ) polymer because of its photo-cross-linking property. The in situ cross-linking of SbQ polymer not only assist synthesis of uniform ultrasmall SnO 2 , but act as a strong adhesion binder on SnO 2 nanoparticles, thereby effectively accommodating the volume expansion of SnO 2 anodes during cycling process. The uniform electrode exhibits substantially higher specific capacity and longer cycling stability compared with the SnO 2 nanoparticles electrodes treated by traditional PVDF-mixing method. A stable specific capacity of 572.5 mA h g -1 of the SnO 2 electrode derived from UV curing technology is obtained at a current density of 0.2 C (156.2 mA g -1 ) after 150 cycles. Even at high rate of 5 C (3905 mA g -1 ), the electrode still demonstrates specific capacity of 440.2 mA h g -1 . Therefore, the scalable and low-cost synthetic approach described herein can readily be extended to other nanomaterials electrodes to improve their lithium-storage properties.

Pogostone, isolated from Pogostemon cablin, has many biological activities such as potential antibacterial, anticandida, and antifungal. Traditional extraction leads to low output of PO about 17.6 mg/kg from Herba Pogostemonis. The previous literature had reported a synthetic study and the yield had reached 4.48% with strictly controlled reaction conditions. The two methods above cannot meet the large demand of PO; we report a new synthesis method. 4-hydroxy-6-methyl-2-pyrone (1) was added in toluene, with the existence of acylation catalyst 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP), 4-methylvaleric acid (2), and condensing agent dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC), PO was synthesized after the combination of 3-carbon of (1) with 1-OH of (2) in the acylation reaction. The purity had reached 98%, determined by HPLC. The structure was confirmed by spectroscopic methods including infrared, electron ionization mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. PO was totally synthesized in one step including cyclization, with total yield of 27.2%.