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Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) exerts a protective role on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury by the release of various humoral factors. Lactate is a common metabolite in ischemic tissues. Nevertheless, little is known about the role lactate plays in myocardial I/R injury and its underlying mechanism. This investigation revealed that RIPC elevated the level of lactate in blood and myocardium. Furthermore, AZD3965, a selective monocarboxylate transporter 1 inhibitor, and 2-deoxy-d-glucose, a glycolysis inhibitor, mitigated the effects of RIPC-induced elevated lactate in the myocardium and prevented RIPC against myocardial I/R injury. In an in vitrohypoxia/reoxygenation model, lactate markedly mitigated hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced cell damage in H9c2 cells. Further studies suggested that lactate contributed to RIPC, rescuing I/R-induced autophagy deficiency by promoting transcription factor EB (TFEB) translocation to the nucleus through activating the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)–mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway without influencing the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase–Akt pathway, thus reducing cardiomyocyte damage. Interestingly, lactate up-regulated the mRNA and protein expression of connexin 43 (CX43) by facilitating the binding of TFEB to CX43 promoter in the myocardium. Functionally, silencing of TFEB attenuated the protective effect of lactate on cell damage, which was reversed by overexpression of CX43. Further mechanistic studies suggested that lactate facilitated CX43-regulated autophagy via the AMPK-mTOR-TFEB signaling pathway. Collectively, this research demonstrates that RIPC protects against myocardial I/R injury through lactate-mediated myocardial autophagy via the AMPK-mTOR-TFEB-CX43 axis.

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a gut microbe–generated metabolite, elicits thrombotic events by enhancing platelet reactivity; however, no studies have reported the effects of TMAO on the metabolism of and response to clopidogrel.

Plasmonically engineered nanomaterials based on Au–Ag for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based biomedicine is of great importance but is still far behind clinical needs because of the poor compatibility between sensitivity and safety. Here, robust plasmonically encoded Raman scattering nanoparticles, named Au core–Raman-active molecule–Ag shell–Au shell nanoparticles (CMSS NPs), were synthesized. The as-developed CMSS NPs possess a unique exterior ultrathin Au shell (∼2.2 nm thickness) that plays double key roles as an effective wrapping layer as well as a plasmonic enhancing layer, thereby showing not only extraordinary stability against oxidative damages and bioerosion but also outstanding SERS sensitivity because of the stronger in-built electromagnetic field, achieving a significant SERS enhancement factor of 3.3 × 108. The results confirm that the individual CMSS NPs show ultrahigh brightness, reproducibility, selectivity, and biocompatibility in single-cell Raman imaging. Moreover, ultrabright in vivotumor imaging with 1 × 1 mm2area can be quickly achieved within 35 s under open-air condition. Furthermore, by secondary plasmonic encoding, the CMSS NPs flexibly serve as nanobeacon to monitor single-cell autophagy with improved accuracy. The CMSS NPs are expected as versatile SERS probes that enable ultrabright, fast, and precise Raman-based bioimaging and clinical bioapplications.

Monitoring and characterization methods that provide performance tracking of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at the single-nanoparticle level can greatly advance our understanding of catalysts’ structure and activity relationships. Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) microscopy is implemented for the first time to identify HER activities of single nanocatalysts and to provide a direction for further optimization. Here, we develop a novel ECL blinking technique at the single-nanoparticle level to directly monitor H2nanobubbles generated from hollow carbon nitride nanospheres (HCNSs). The ECL ON and OFF mechanisms are identified being closely related to the generation, growth, and collapse of H2nanobubbles. The power-law distributed durations of ON and OFF states demonstrate multiple catalytic sites with stochastic activities on a single HCNS. The power-law coefficients of ECL blinking increase with improved HER activities from modified HCNSs with other active HER catalysts. Besides, ECL blinking phenomenon provides an explanation for the low cathodic ECL efficiency of semiconductor nanomaterials.

Electrochemical reduction of CO2into value-added products is an effective approach to relieve environmental and energetic issues. Herein, EDTA anion-modified porous hollow copper microspheres (H–Cu MPs) were constructed by EDTA-2Na-assisted electrodeposition. The faradic efficiency (FE) of ethylene doubled from 23.3% to 50.1% at −0.82 V vs RHE in nearly neutral 0.1 M KHCO3solution, one of the highest values among copper-based electrodeposited catalysts. Apart from the favorable influence from morphology regulated by EDTA-2Na, theoretical calculations revealed that the adsorbed EDTA anions were able to create a local charged copper surface to stabilize the transition state and dimer and to assist in the stabilization by interacting with OCCO adsorbate synergistically, which contributed to the outstanding catalytic performance together.

Over the past two decades, amorphous nanoscale coordination polymers (NCPs) and crystalline nanoscale metal–organic frameworks (NMOFs) have emerged as attractive nanomaterials in biomedical applications, especially in drug delivery, biomedical imaging, and biosensing. The biodegradability, tunable composition, and feasible functionality of NCPs/NMOFs make them excellent contrast agents or nanocarriers for biomedical imaging, including magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, positron emission tomography (PET), computed tomography (CT), optical imaging, and photoacoustic (PA) imaging. In this Topical Review, we will summarize the recent advances of NCPs/NMOFs in biomedical imaging with emphasis on research over the past three years. A variety of imaging technologies based on NCPs/NMOFs will be discussed, followed by the introduction of the application of NCPs/NMOFs in multimodal imaging where optical/MR imaging is highlighted. In the final part, we will make concluding remarks and point out the challenges and prospects for the further development in this area of research.

BackgroundCongenital vertebral malformations (CVMs) manifest with abnormal vertebral morphology. Genetic factors have been implicated in CVM pathogenesis, but the underlying pathogenic mechanisms remain unclear in most subjects. We previously reported that the human 16p11.2 BP4-BP5 deletion and its associated TBX6dosage reduction caused CVMs. We aim to investigate the reciprocal 16p11.2 BP4-BP5 duplication and its potential genetic contributions to CVMs.Methods and resultsPatients who were found to carry the 16p11.2 BP4-BP5 duplication by chromosomal microarray analysis were retrospectively analysed for their vertebral phenotypes. The spinal assessments in seven duplication carriers showed that four (57%) presented characteristics of CVMs, supporting the contention that increased TBX6dosage could induce CVMs. For further in vivo functional investigation in a model organism, we conducted genome editing of the upstream regulatory region of mouse Tbx6using CRISPR-Cas9 and obtained three mouse mutant alleles (Tbx6up1to Tbx6up3) with elevated expression levels of Tbx6. Luciferase reporter assays showed that the Tbx6up3allele presented with the 160% expression level of that observed in the reference (+) allele. Therefore, the homozygous Tbx6up3/up3mice could functionally mimic the TBX6dosage of heterozygous carriers of 16p11.2 BP4-BP5 duplication (approximately 150%, ie, 3/2 gene dosage of the normal level). Remarkably, 60% of the Tbx6up3/up3mice manifested with CVMs. Consistent with our observations in humans, the CVMs induced by increased Tbx6dosage in mice mainly affected the cervical vertebrae.ConclusionOur findings in humans and mice consistently support that an increased TBX6dosage contributes to the risk of developing cervical CVMs.

Nanomaterials with intrinsic enzyme-mimicking properties (nanozymes) have been widely considered as artificial enzymes in biomedicine. However, manipulating inorganic nanozymes for multivariant targeted bioanalysis is still challenging because of the insufficient catalytic efficiency and biological blocking effect. Here, we rationally designed a spatially engineered hollow Janus hybrid nanozyme vector (h-JHNzyme) based on the bifacial modulation of Ag–Au nanocages. The silver face inside the h-JHNzyme served as an interior gate to promote the enzymatic activity of the Ag–Au nanozyme, whereas two-dimensional DNAzyme-motif nanobrushes deposited on the exterior surface of the h-JHNzyme endowed it with the targeting function and tremendously enhanced the peroxidase-mimicking activity. We demonstrated that the spatially separated modulation of the h-JHNzyme propelled it as a powerful “all-in-one” enzymatic vector with excellent biocompatibility, specific vectorization, remarkable enzymatic performance, and clinical practicability. Further, we programmed it into a stringent catalytic surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) liquid biopsy platform to trace multidimensional tumor-related biomarkers, such as microRNAs and circulating tumor cells, with a limit of detection of fM and single cell level, respectively. The developed enzymatic platform showed great potential in facilitating reliable quantitative SERS liquid biopsy for on-demand clinical diagnosis.

Cardiac myosin-binding protein C (cMyBP-C) is a novel cardiac marker of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and acute cardiac injuries (ACI). Construction of point-of-care testing techniques capable of sensing cMyBP-C with high sensitivity and precision is urgently needed. Herein, we synthesized an Au@NGQDs@Au/Ag multi-shell nanoUrchins (MSNUs), and then applied it in a colorimetric/SERS dual-mode immunoassay for detection of cMyBP-C. The MSNUs displayed superior stability, colorimetric brightness, and SERS enhancement ability with an enhanced factor of 5.4 × 109, which were beneficial to improve the detection capability of test strips. The developed MSNU-based test strips can achieve an ultrasensitive immunochromatographic assay of cMyBP-C in both colorimetric and SERS modes with the limits of detection as low as 19.3 and 0.77 pg/mL, respectively. Strikingly, this strip was successfully applied to analyze actual plasma samples with significantly better sensitivity, negative predictive value, and accuracy than commercially available gold test strips. Notably, this method possessed a wide range of application scenarios via combining with a color recognizer application named Color Grab on the smartphone, which can meet various needs of different users. Overall, our MSNU-based test strip as a mobile health monitoring tool shows excellent sensitivity, reproducibility, and rapid detection of the cMyBP-C, which holds great potential for the early clinic diagnosis of AMI and ACI.

DNA-functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) often encounter various small molecules and ions such as backfilling agents, bifunctional cross-linkers, stabilizers, and molecules from biological fluids both during and after the DNA conjugation process. Small molecules and ions can influence the stability and property of the conjugate, but such interactions are yet to be fully explored. In this work, eight important molecules were studied and compared, including tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine hydrochloride (TCEP), 3-(2-pyridyldithio)propionic acid N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (SPDP), 4-maleimidobutyric acid N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (GMBS), 6-hydroxy-1-hexanethiol (MCH), l-glutathione (GSH), bromide (Br–), bis(p-sulfonatophenyl)phenylphosphine (BSPP), and thiocyanate (SCN–). Depending on the size, charge, and adsorption affinity on the AuNPs, they can either stabilize or destabilize the AuNPs. Their ability to displace thiolated DNA from AuNPs follows the order of MCH > SPDP > GSH > SCN–> TCEP > Br–> BSPP > GMBS. BSPP has the best stabilization effect for the colloidal stability of AuNPs, while it does not displace the adsorbed DNA. TCEP can be adsorbed on AuNPs and enhance the adsorption of A/C rich DNA in low-salt conditions. This work indicates that the effects of small molecules and ions cannot be ignored when studying the DNA-functionalized AuNPs, which ensures optimal applications and correct interpretation of the data.

A “signal-off” surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) platform has been constructed for ultrasensitive detection of miRNA-21 by integrating exonuclease-assisted target recycling amplification with a plasmon coupling enhancement effect. On this platform, Raman-labeled Au nanostar (AuNS) probes can be covalently linked with the thiolated aptamer (Apt) on the Au-decorated silicon nanowire arrays (SiNWAs/Au) substrate, creating a coupled electromagnetic field between the substrate and the probes to enhance Raman signal. In the presence of miRNA-21, T7 exonuclease specifically hydrolyzed Apt on Apt/miRNA duplex to release miRNA-21. The regenerated element could then initiate another cycle of Apt/miRNA duplex formation and Apt cleavage. Correspondingly, the capture ability of substrate toward probes and the plasmon coupling effect between them were both diminished, giving a prominent attenuation of Raman intensity that can work as the detection signal. Due to the cascading integration between the target cycle process and the plasmon coupling effect, the present platform displayed a very low detection limit (0.34 fM, 3σ) for miRNA-21 detection. Furthermore, it was proven to be effective for analyzing miRNA-21 in biological samples and distinguishing the expression levels of miRNA-21 in MCF-7 cells and NIH3T3 cells, which became a promising tool to monitor miRNA-21 in cancer auxiliary diagnosis and drug screening.

To solve the increasing level of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, the bismuth vanadate (BiVO4)-based photoanode for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation has been considered as a promising candidate of power supply for CO2reduction because of its low price and relatively narrow band gap. Nevertheless, the PEC capability of BiVO4photoelectrodes is restricted by the short carrier diffusion length, undesirable electron transport ability, and slow oxygen evolution rate. To overcome these shortcomings, we design and fabricate a novel ternary hybrid composite of 3D Co-Pi/BiVO4/SnO2nanosheet array (NSA) photoanodes. Benefiting from the high light-harvesting ability of NSAs, effective separation of electron–hole pairs for the BiVO4/SnO2heterojunction, and fast water oxidation rate of Co-Pi, the hybrid system exhibited 20.2-times enhancement in photocurrent and a significant cathodic shift about the onset potential of water oxidation reaction compared with single BiVO4. Coupled with the Au nanoparticle cathode, the PEC cell exhibited a 90.0% faradaic efficiency for CO2reduction under a small applied voltage of 1.10 V and saved more than 50% of electric energy compared to the general electrochemical cell. We believe that the fabricated 3D Co-Pi/BiVO4/SnO2NSAs with remarkably enhanced PEC performance could provide clean power for the modern society via reduction reaction on pollution gases.

Phased array ultrasonic testing, an effective ultrasonic testing (UT) technology, has been widely used in steel inspection because of its high accuracy, sensitivity, and efficiency. However, as its application in as-cast magnesium alloys has just begun, more research is needed. Considering the important role of the gain compensation in quantifying defects in magnesium alloys by ultrasonic phased array technology, the effects of microstructure, the position, size, and overlap of defects, and boundary distance (distance from the defect position to the side surface of the test casting) on gain compensation of as-cast AZ80 and AZ31 magnesium alloys were studied. Results show the gain compensation increases with the increase of grain size. There is a strict linear positive correlation between gain compensation and defect depth, but such relationship no longer exists due to the defects overlap, orientation and boundary distance. In addition, there is a strict linear negative correlation between the gain compensation and defect size.

Rational engineering of highly stable and Raman-active nanostructured substrates is still urgently in demand for achieving sensitive and reliable surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) analysis in solution phase. Herein, monodisperse N-doping graphene quantum dots wrapped Au nanoparticles (Au-NGQD NPs) were facilely prepared, and further their applications as substrates in SERS-based detection and cellular imaging have been explored. The as-prepared Au-NGQD NPs exhibit superior long-term stability and biocompatibility, as well as large enhancement capability due to the integration of electromagnetic and chemical enhancements. The practical applicability of the Au-NGQD NPs was verified via the direct SERS tests of several kinds of aromatics in solution phase. Finite-difference time-domain simulations in combination with density functional theory calculation were also successfully used to explain the enhancement mechanism. Furthermore, the Au-NGQD NPs were conjugated with 4-nitrobenzenethiol (4-NBT, as reporter) and 4-mercaptophenylboronic acid (MPBA, as targeting element) to construct the MPBA/4-NBT@Au-NGQD probes, which could specifically recognize glycan-overexpressed cancer cells through SERS imaging on a cell surface. The prepared Au-NGQDs show great potential as superior SERS substrates in solution phase for on-site Raman detection.

The assumption of constant reservoir permeability is not strictly applicable to reservoirs where rock properties undergo changes, such as stress-sensitive porous media. Most researches on the permeability stress sensitivity mainly concentrated on experimental approach, physical modeling or pressure transient analysis, whereas rate transient analysis does not attract much attention. Based on source/sink function method, this paper develops a seepage model of multi-fractured horizontal well incorporating stress-sensitive permeability. The model is semi-analytically solved by fracture discretization, Pedrosa’s transformation, perturbation theory, and integration transformation method. Not only pressure transient analysis, but also rate transient analysis is separately performed with relevant parameters. The model presented here can provide some insights into well dynamic forecasting during exploiting such reservoirs, and contribute to establish the theoretical basic for transient analysis efficiently.

Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) has posed tremendous challenges in patient management, and the detection of serum biomarkers may provide opportunities for early diagnosis and effective treatment. Herein, we introduce a novel surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based sandwich immunoassay platform to simultaneously detect cardiac troponin I (cTnI), N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-ProBNP), and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) for the early diagnosis of CRS by using Raman reporter-molecule-labeled Ag–Au nanostars (Ag–Au NSs) as nanotags and a three-dimensional ordered macroporous (3DOM) Au–Ag–Au plasmonic array as substrate. The Ag–Au NSs prepared by galvanic replacement feature bimetallic composition and a multibranched structure so that high SERS stability and enhancement are exhibited. Meanwhile, a 3DOM Au–Ag–Au plasmonic array was fabricated through Au-assisted electrodeposition and was further covered by a protective Au layer; it is characterized by a large specific surface area and high homogeneity, serving as a “hot field”. When the nanotags and substrate were combined, “hot spots” were generated from the plasmon near-field coupling, which greatly increased the SERS enhancement. The limits of detection (LODs) were 0.76, 0.53, and 0.41 fg mL–1for cTnI, NT-ProBNP, and NGAL, respectively, and the Raman images indicated the approximate concentration ranges of the detected proteins for visual analysis. Taking advantage of the ultrasensitivity and multiplexing capability of this approach, we further analyzed clinical blood samples with high integrality, efficiency, and accuracy. Therefore, the presented SERS immunoassay platform holds promise as an ideal test method for point-of-care detection and a powerful tool for investigations into the complex CRS-related biological process.

The ability to rapidly detect apoptotic cells and accurately evaluate therapeutic effects is significant in cancer research. To address this target, a biocompatible, ultrasensitive photoelectrochemical (PEC) cytosensing platform was developed based on electrochemically reduced graphene (EG)/ZnIn2S4cosensitized TiO2coupled with specific recognition between apoptotic cells and phosphatidylserine-binding peptide (PSBP). In this strategy, the HL-60 cells were selected as a model and C005, nilotinib, and imatinib were selected as apoptosis inducers to show cytosensing performances. In particular, a TiO2photoactive substrate was designed as hollow spheres to enhance the PEC performance. Graphene was electrodeposited on the hollow TiO2-modified electrode to accelerate electron transfer and increase conductivity, followed by in situ growth of ZnIn2S4nanocrystals as photosensitizers via successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction method, forming a TiO2/EG/ZnIn2S4cosensitized structure that was used as a PEC matrix to immobilize PSBP for the recognition of early apoptotic cells. The detection of apoptotic cells was based on steric hindrance originating from apoptotic cell capture to induce an obvious decrease in the photocurrent signal. The ultrahigh sensitivity of the cytosensor resulted from enhanced PEC performance, bioactivity, and high binding affinity between PSBP and apoptotic cells. Compared with other assays, incorporate toxic elements were avoided, such as Cd, Ru, and Te, which ensured normal cell growth and are appropriate for cell analysis. The designed PEC cytosensor showed a low detection limit of apoptotic cells (as low as three cells), a wide linear range from 1 × 103to 5 × 107cells/mL, and an accurate evaluation of therapeutic effects. It also exhibited good specificity, reproducibility, and stability.

Uncaria rhynchophyllais commonly recognized as a traditional treatment for dizziness, cerebrovascular diseases, and nervous disorders in China. Previously, the neuro-protective activities of the alkaloids from U. rhynchophyllawere intensively reported. In current work, three new indole alkaloids (1–3), identified as geissoschizic acid (1), geissoschizic acid N4-oxide (2), and 3β-sitsirikine N4-oxide (3), as well as 26 known analogues were isolated from U. rhynchophylla. However, in the neural stem cells (NSCs) proliferation assay for all isolated compounds, geissoschizic acid (1), geissoschizic acid N4-oxide (2), isocorynoxeine (6), isorhynchophylline (7), (4S)-akuammigine N-oxide (8), and (4S)-rhynchophylline N-oxide (10) showed unexpected inhibitory activities at 10 μM. Unlike previous neuro-protective reports, as a warning or caution, our finding showcased a clue for possible NSCs toxicity and the neural lesions risk of U. rhynchophylla, while the structure–activity relationships of the isolated compounds were discussed also.

The objective was to investigate the correlation between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of chromogranin A (CHGA) and prognosis of critically ill patients.

T cells and platelets reciprocally coordinate mutual functions through crosstalk or interaction. However, it is not known whether metabolic activation of and platelet response to clopidogrel could be changed if T cells were deficient or impaired in some cases and, if any, how it would work.

Due to the predictable conformation and programmable Watson–Crick base-pairing interactions, DNA has proven to be an attractive material to construct various nanostructures. Herein, we demonstrate a simple model of DNA polymerase-directed hairpin assembly (PDHA) to construct DNA nanoassemblies for versatile applications in biomedicine and biosensing. The system consists of only two hairpins, an initiator and a DNA polymerase. Upon addition of aptamer-linked initiator, the inert stems of the two hairpins are activated alternately under the direction of DNA polymerase, which thus grows into aptamer-tethered DNA nanoassemblies (AptNAs). Moreover, through incorporating fluorophores and drug-loading sites into the AptNAs, we have constructed multifunctional DNA nanoassemblies for targeted cancer therapy with high drug payloads and good biocompatibility. Interestingly, using the as-prepared AptNAs as building blocks, DNA nanohydrogels are self-assembled after centrifugation driven by liquid crystallization and dense packaging of DNA duplexes. Taking advantage of easy preparation and high loading capacity, the PDHAs are readily extended to the fabrication of a label-free biosensing platform, achieving amplified electrochemical detection of microRNA-21 (miR-21) with a detection limit as low as 0.75 fM and a dynamic range of 8 orders of magnitude. This biosensor also demonstrates excellent specificity to discriminate the target miR-21 from the control microRNAs and even the one-base mismatched one and further performs well in analyzing miR-21 in MCF-7 tumor cells.

Promoting the performance of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) relies heavily on the structure design and composition tailoring of electrode materials. In this work, three-dimensional (3D) macroporous graphene foams incorporated with intercalated spacer of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and bacterial anchor of Fe3O4nanospheres (named as G/MWCNTs/Fe3O4foams) were first synthesized and used as anodes for Shewanella-inoculated microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Thanks to the macroporous structure of 3D graphene foams, the expanded electrode surface by MWCNTs spacing, as well as the high affinity of Fe3O4nanospheres toward Shewanella oneidensisMR-1, the anode exhibited high bacterial loading capability. In addition to spacing graphene nanosheets for accommodating bacterial cells, MWCNTs paved a smoother way for electron transport in the electrode substrate of MFCs. Meanwhile, the embedded bioaffinity Fe3O4nanospheres capable of preserving the bacterial metabolic activity provided guarantee for the long-term durability of the MFCs. With these merits, the constructed MFC possessed significantly higher power output and stronger stability than that with conventional graphite rod anode.

A facile and rapid strategy was developed for the synthesis of ultrabright luminescent carbon nanodots (CDs) with tunable wavelength from 464 to 556 nm by introducing glutaraldehyde into the precursor solution under microwave irradiation. The fluorescence properties, including excitation and emission wavelength, quantum yield, and size of the CDs, were adjusted by changing the amount of glutaraldehyde and poly(ethylenimine). Several methods such as high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering, UV–vis, fluorescence, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were employed to study the morphology and the properties of CDs. The luminescence mechanism was also discussed. In addition, confocal microscopy imaging revealed that the as-prepared CDs could be used as effective fluorescent probes in the cell imaging without obvious cytotoxicity. Moreover, a novel sensor for the detection of Co2+was proposed on the basis of Co2+-induced fluorescence quenching. These superior properties demonstrated the potential application of the CDs in cellular imaging and ion sensing.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as new candidates as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for the detection of a wide variety of cancers; thus, sensitive and selective detection of microRNAs is significant for early-phase cancer diagnosis and disease prevention. A novel and simple electrochemical miRNA biosensor was developed using Cd2+-modified titanium phosphate nanoparticles as signal unit, two DNA as capture probes, and Ru(NH3)63+as electron transfer mediator. Large quantities of cadmium ions were mounted in titanium phosphate spheres to output the electrochemical signal. Because of the presence of Ru(NH3)63+molecules that interacted with DNA base-pairs as electron wire, the electrochemical signal significantly increased more than 5 times. This approach achieved a wide dynamic linear range from 1.0 aM to 10.0 pM with an ultralow limit detection of 0.76 aM, exerting a substantial enhancement in sensitivity. Moreover, the proposed biosensor was sufficiently selective to discriminate the target miRNAs from homologous miRNAs and could be used for rapid and direct analysis of miRNAs in human serum. Therefore, this strategy provides a new and ultrasensitive platform for miRNA expression profiling in biomedical research and clinical diagnosis.

Mutations within the ELANEgene, which encodes human neutrophil elastase, are the most common genetic causes of severe congenital neutropenia (SCN). No cases of SCN have been previously described from a Chinese population. Herein, we describe the clinical, hematologic and molecular characteristics of 7 Chinese SCN cases with novel ELANEmutations.

In this study, canola oil triglycerides have been successfully transformed into canola oil-based polyisocyanates via thiol-ene click reaction and Curtius rearrangement reaction sequently. The synthesis method is non-phosgene and green. The structure of these novel diisocyanates was confirmed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The result shows that the goal product has been produce successfully.

Based on an analysis of the misunderstanding and problems concerning wind power development, this paper summarizes the experiences of coordinated development of wind power and power grids in typical countries, proposes the principles and strategies for the coordinated development of wind power and power grids in China. Technically, bidirectional friendly technologies should be deployed to ensure the security of power system. In regulatory term, a complete and standardized regulatory strategy is key to harmonious interaction among different stakeholders concerning wind development. Incentive policies should be comprehensive, foreseeable and sustainable. Related measures and suggestions for large scale development of wind power in China are put forward.

Two hundred three children with genetically proven primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDs) from 197 unrelated families were enrolled from January 2005 to December 2011.

n order to solve the transportation problem in large aircraft components assembly process, an AGV posture synchronization system is built, which utilizes a two-dimensional laser range finder and adaptive control method. Two-dimensional laser range finder is located in the front of AGV to collect real-time point cloud of environment. After tracking AGV section point cloud, we extract straight lines and turning points using the RANSAC algorithm, and estimate the relative posture accordingly. Then adaptive controller processes the position information to achieve master-slave tracking for multi-AGV. In experiment we used three sets of identical AGV; the average distance error was less than 5mm while the angle error was limited within 0.3 °. The results verified the reliability and practicability of our system, which can meet the requirements for transporting large parts.

It is a globally challenging problem to differentially diagnose biliary atresia (BA) from other disease processes causing infantile cholestatic jaundice. The high-frequency ultrasonography (HUS) yields much improved spatial resolution and therefore, might show better image in BA diagnostic examination. The present study was to evaluate the HUS on the diagnosis of BA in infants with jaundice.

In this paper, hemoglobin/DNA/layered double hydroxide composites were fabricated by co-intercalating hemoglobin (Hb) and DNA in the interlayer galleries of Ni–Al layered double hydroxides (Ni–Al LDH) viaa delamination-reassembly procedure. The presence of DNA not only remarkably facilitated the intercalation of Hb into the interlayers of the Ni–Al LDH, but also improved the bioactivity of the entrapped Hb. By depositing the Hb/DNA/LDH composite film onto a glassy carbon electrode, a mediator-free biosensor was obtained. Because of the synergistic effect between the LDH host and the co-intercalated DNA guest, the Hb/DNA/LDH composites modified electrode exhibited a fast direct electron transfer with a rate constant, ks, of 6.95 ± 3.31 s−1and a sensitive electrocatalytic response to H2O2and NO2−in the linear range of 4.85 × 10−7to 1.94 × 10−4M and 2.5 × 10−7to 3.0 × 10−5M, respectively. Furthermore, with the protective effect provided by the LDH nanosheets, the electrocatalytic response of the intercalated Hb to H2O2was retained, even at high temperatures (85 °C) or in the presence of an organic solvent (CH3CN).

The riveting quality has an important influence on the performance of the aircraft structure. The amount of interference can be an important indicator of the quality of riveted structure. The relationship between the clearance between rivet and hole and uniformity of interference is researched theoretically and experimentally against the aviation panel riveted structure. First, the riveting deformation stages are divided, and the deformation law is theoretically analyzed. The test scheme is designed and carried out based on the actual situation. Then, the experiment result is monitored and compensated. Finally, the relationship between the clearance between rivet and hole and uniformity of interfere is given out with the slope of interference as the uniform evaluation index.

With the assistance of microwave irradiation, greenish‐yellow luminescent graphene quantum dots (gGQDs) with a quantum yield (QY) up to 11.7% are successfully prepared via cleaving graphene oxide (GO) under acid conditions. The cleaving and reduction processes are accomplished simultaneously using microwave treatment without additional reducing agent. When the gGQDs are further reduced with NaBH4, bright blue luminescent graphene quantum dots (bGQDs) are obtained with a QY as high as 22.9%. Both GQDs show well‐known excitation‐dependent PL behavior, which could be ascribed to the transition from the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) to the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) with a carbene‐like triplet ground state. Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) is observed from the graphene quantum dots for the first time, suggesting promising applications in ECL biosensing and imaging. The ECL mechanism is investigated in detail. Furthermore, a novel sensor for Cd2+is proposed based on Cd2+induced ECL quenching with cysteine (Cys) as the masking agent.

The growing interest in the Semantic Web and the Web Ontology Language (OWL) will reveal the potential of Description Logics in industrial projects. The rich semantics of OWL provide powerful reasoning capabilities that help build, maintain and query domain models for many purposes. However, before OWL can unfold its full potential, user-friendly tools with a scalable architecture are required. In this paper, we design and edit the family ontology using Protégé OWL Plugin, which is developed by Stanford University.