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The novel low calcium CO2storage binder (LCCSB) containing α-CS, C3S2and C2AS as the primary minerals shows promise as a carbon fixation material, but exhibits low carbonation activity. This study aims to enhance the carbonation activity of LCCSB through barium (Ba) doping, investigate the impact of Ba doping on its carbonation behavior, and elucidate its mechanism. Density functional theory (DFT) simulation, scanning electron microscope test and X-ray diffraction results indicate that Ba ions preferentially substitute Ca atoms within α-CS, followed by Ca sites in C3S2, with a maximum solid solubility of 1mol%. Following Ba ion solid solution into LCCSB, there is an increase in carbonation reaction products along with elevated levels of calcite and aragonite. Additionally, small particles are formed to fill mineral matrix and pores leading to increased porosity and enhanced hardening strength. DFT calculations reveal that Ba ion doping reduces the total bond sequence density TBOD of the LCCSB system while weakening the bond strength of Ca–O bonds thereby accelerating the dissolution of Ca ions. Furthermore, average bond length, volume and distortion index of Ca–O polyhedra increase after Ba ion doping indicating structural distortion resulting in more active sites for potential high carbonation reactivity. This study presents a new research approach for achieving high carbonation activity in LCCSB preparation while also offering insights into the potential for clarifying the carbonation mechanism based on ion-doped LCCSB which could lead to improved environmental and economic benefits for CO2storage within the cement industry.

Poisson multi‐Bernoulli Mixture (PMBM) filter has been known as an available or practical point and multiple extended target tracking (METT) method. The authors present an improved PMBM filter with adaptive detection probability and adaptive newborn distributions, accompanying with an associated distributed fusion strategy for the tracking extended multiple targets. First, the augmented state of unknown and changing target detection probability is assumed as Gamma (GAM) distribution. Second, extended states are described by Inverse Wishart (IW) distribution based on this augmented state, accompanying with dynamic states presented by Gaussian distribution. And then, an adaptive newborn distribution is adopted to describe the newborn targets appearing arbitrarily. Consequently, the closed‐form solutions of the proposed filter can be derived by approximating the intensity of newborn and potential targets to the Gamma Gaussian Inverse Wishart (GGIW) form. Moreover, the fused means that Generalised Covariance Intersection (GCI) is performed in such a large‐scale aquaculture sensor network. Experiments are presented to verify the availability of the GCI‐GGIW‐PMBM method, and comparisons with other METT filters also demonstrate that tracking behaviours are improved largely. The authors propose an improved multi‐target extended tracking scheme GCI‐GGIW‐PMBM (Generalised Covariance Intersection GGIW‐PMBM) for the authors’ real‐time large‐scale aquaculture tracking sensor network. The detailed recursion and closed‐form solutions of the proposed filter can be derived by approximating the intensity of newborn and potential targets to the Gamma Gaussian Inverse Wishart (GGIW) form. Comprehensive experiments are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Geopolymers, environmentally friendly materials, face application limitations due to their high drying shrinkage and propensity for cracking. The shrinkage reducing admixture (SRA) has shown promise in mitigating drying shrinkage in cement-based materials, yet its impact and mechanism in geopolymers remain uncertain. This study examines the influence of the small molecule polyol SRA-2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol on metakaolin-based geopolymer (MKG) properties and its multiscale structural development, aiming to understand the drying shrinkage behavior. The findings reveal that SRA significantly curbs the drying shrinkage of MKG while also reducing its mechanical properties. Analyses of macroscopic and microscopic properties indicate that while SRA does not alter the hydration products of MKG, it can impede the hydration process, particularly in the early stages. Specifically, SRA inhibits the formation of N-A-S-H gel, thereby reducing shrinkage caused by late-stage polycondensation. Furthermore, the alkaline environment in MKG aids SRA in lowering pore solution surface tension and increasing its contact angle, reducing drying shrinkage forces. Additionally, SRA modifies MKG's micro-structure, decreasing pore volume, particularly in the 10–50 nm range, further mitigating shrinkage due to surface tension.

ABSTRACT A normal weight porous aggregate (NWPA), with the saturated surface dry density of 2.3 g/[cm.sup.3], was prepared. Impact of NWPA on performance of mortar with water to cementitious materials [...]

Localization is one of the essential problems in wireless sensor applications (WSNs). Most range‐free localization schemes for mobile WSNs are based on the Sequential Monte Carlo (SMC) algorithm. Multiple iterations, sample impoverishment and less sample diversity, leading to low localizing efficiency, are the most usual problems demanding to be solved in these SMC‐based methods. An improved localization scheme for mobile aquaculture WSNs based on the Improving Dynamic Population Monte Carlo Localization (I‐DPMCL) method is proposed. A population of probability density functions is proposed to approximate the unknown location distribution based on a set of observations through an iterative mixture importance sampling procedure, accompanied by node dynamic behaviours being analysed quantitatively or definitely. Threefold constrain rules are put forward in the I‐DPMCL scheme to decrease the iteration number and trade off iteration number and enough valid samples to obtain the optimum iteration number. Then, these localization behaviours, especial delay, are predicted based on the statistical point of view. Moreover, performance comparisons of I‐DPMCL with other SMC‐based schemes are also proposed. Simulation results show that delay of I‐DPMCL has some superiority to those of other schemes, and accuracy and energy consumption are improved in some cases of lower mobile velocity. The I‐DPMCL scheme is elaborately proposed with a mixture weight sampling, combined with three constraint rules. Node dynamic behaviours are analysed quantitatively or definitely, accompanied by the HTC scheme. Compared to the population Monte Carlo localization (PMCL) scheme, we put emphasis on node dynamic behaviours. Localization behaviours such as errors, delay and energy consumption are validated. Comprehensive performance comparisons between the I‐DPMCL algorithm and other SMC‐based schemes are proposed.

This article presents two dual-photodiode (PD) differential optical receivers that achieve double photodetection area to support gigabit-per-second optical wireless communication (OWC), while maintaining the receiver bandwidth. To enable differential light detection with a single incident light beam, a dual-PD OWC receiver architecture is proposed. In this architecture, two PDs are connected to the receiver complementarily without sacrificing the receiver bandwidth, and meanwhile, remain properly reversely biased. In addition, an adaptive dc photocurrent cancellation (ADPC) circuit is employed to prevent the saturation of the receivers under strong and imbalanced incident light. Based on the proposed architecture, two OWC receivers are implemented, including a proposed receiver and a reference one. In the proposed receiver, a low-noise shunt-feedback transimpedance amplifier (SF-TIA) with differential-pair-based current reuse and cross-coupled resistive feedback is proposed to enhance the sensitivity. In contrast, the reference receiver employs positive capacitive feedback to improve the transimpedance amplifier (TIA) performance. Both receivers have been fabricated with a standard 180 nm CMOS process and have been wire-bonded to two PDs. Experimental results indicate that both receivers can detect optical signals with data rates up to 2 Gb/s, and the proposed receiver architecture has significantly improved the bit error rate (BER) at 1.5 Gb/s from worse than $10^{-6}$ – $10^{-9}$ (error-free) with constrained optical power density. Moreover, the proposed receiver achieves an input sensitivity of $3.4~\mu \text{A}_{\mathrm {pp}}$ due to the superior performance of the proposed TIA, which outperforms the sensitivity of $10.4~\mu \text{A}_{\mathrm {pp}}$ from the reference receiver. Both sensitivities are measured at 1.5 Gb/s for a BER of $10^{-9}$ (error-free). The power consumption of the proposed and the reference receiver are 24.3 and 19.1 mW, respectively, excluding the output driver.

The uncertainty of international oil price has significant impacts on the macroeconomy and on firm-level business activities. It may affect the corporate economic activity through several channels and transmission mechanisms. This paper investigated the relationship between oil price uncertainty and corporate debt risk using the micro panel data of non-financially listed enterprises in China from 2010 to 2018. The results showed that an increase in oil price volatility deepens corporate debt risks, and the mediating and moderating effects demonstrated that oil price volatility indirectly worsens corporate debt risks through channel variables such as debt maturity, weakened solvency, and deepening zombification degree. Further analysis of the results indicated that the impact of oil price volatility on corporate debt risk is remarkably heterogeneous among different enterprises and is more serious in enterprises with lower financing constraints, in non-state-owned enterprises, and in energy-intensive enterprises.

To further enhance the mechanical properties of CO2-cured sodium-doped calcium silicate (Na2Ca2Si3O9) compacts and promote sustainable low-carbon materials, this study analyzed the subsequent hydration hardening behavior after initial carbonation curing. The compressive strength evolution, pore structure, phase composition, and microstructure were characterized through strength tests, 1H NMR, XRD, TGA, FTIR, and SEM analyses. The findings reveal that subjecting carbonated Na2Ca2Si3O9compacts to further water-saturated hydration curing enhances their hardening performance. The compressive strength of the 28 d subsequent hydration-cured samples exhibited a remarkable increase compared to the carbonated counterparts. Microscopic examination elucidates that sufficient water facilitates continuous reactions between carbonation products and unreacted Na2Ca2Si3O9, generating more prismatic pirssonite(Na2Ca(CO3)2·2 H2O), CaCO3, and (N)-C-S-H gels, leading to reduced porosity and superior compressive strength. The proposed mechanism offers insights into activating the subsequent hardening process of carbonated cementitious materials.

Design and synthesis of efficient small organic molecule-based electrooxidation catalysts in replacing conventional oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts has been considered as an alternative path to enable large-scale renewable energy storage. In contrast to OER, alcohol oxidation reactions can be implemented at lower applied potentials along with generating higher value-added byproducts than oxygen. Here, the ultrafine Ni/WC hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) were successfully synthesized via an in situtrapping and space-confinement pyrolysis strategy. The as-synthesized Ni/WC hybrid NPs exhibit high electrooxidation performances in oxidizing methanol, ethanol, iso-propanol, ethylene glycol, and propylene glycol in alkaline solution. Particularly, for the methanol oxidation reaction, Ni/WC NPs demonstrate high reaction activity (specific activity: 325 mA cm–2at 0.6 V vs Ag/AgCl/3.5 M KCl; mass activity: 1363 mA mg–1) and excellent stability (catalytic current drops ∼6.8% after 4 h). In the first 6 h of the electrolysis process, methanol was effectively converted into formate with ca. 93.8% Faraday efficiency. Based on in situIR spectra and control catalyst experiments, tungsten carbide (WC) and nickel oxyhydroxide (NiOOH, derived from Ni) species are capable of activating different functional groups of methanol. More interestingly, their hybrid structure (Ni/WC) demonstrates improved catalytic performance in converting methanol into a formate product for the synergistic effect.

The very high ionic conductivity of Li10GeP2S12(LGPS) solid electrolyte (SE) makes it a promising candidate SE for solid-state batteries in electrical vehicles. However, chemomechanical failure, whose mechanism remains unclear, has plagued its widespread applications. Here, we report in situimaging lithiation-induced failure of LGPS SE. We revealed a strong size effect in the chemomechanical failure of LGPS particles: namely, when the particle size is greater than 3 μm, fracture/pulverization occurred; when the particle size is between 1 and 3 μm, microcracks emerged; when the particle size is less than 1 μm, no chemomechanical failure was observed. This strong size effect is interpreted by the interplay between elastic energy storage and dissipation. Our finding has important implications for the design of high-performance LGPS SE, for example, by reducing the particle size to less than 1 μm the chemomechanical failure of LGPS SE can be mitigated.

This study explores the use of Mg-doped γ-C2S, an alternative to conventional Portland cement, to address the environmental impact of the cement industry. γ-C2S, known for low hydration activity, shows promise as a CO2-cured binder. The research investigates Mg substitution in γ-C2S synthesis, utilizing high-Mg limestone resources. Varying Mg/Ca ratios in γ-C2S synthesis promoted bredigite and merwinite phases during calcination, enhancing specific surface area by over 40%. Optimal Mg doping significantly increased carbonation reactivity, resulting in a 20% strength boost (115 MPa) after 24h of CO2curing. This improvement is attributed to enhanced crystallinity in carbonation products, namely hydromagnesite, nesquehonite, aragonite, and magnesite, leading to microstructure densification. The findings highlight Mg-doping as a promising strategy to enhance the carbonation performance of γ-C2S from high-Mg limestone, offering prospects for sustainable construction materials with reduced CO2emissions.

This article investigates the working mechanism of doping in high-voltage LCO. La + Al-doping can suppress H1-3 phase formation, leading to better reversibility of the H1-3 phase, enhanced structure stability, and significantly improved cycle performance.

Colchicine (COL), which is extracted from colchicine and papaya, is widely used in medicine. However, COL poisoning causes serious adverse complications including death. Therefore, there is a need to develop a sensitive COL detection method. In this study, we developed a highly sensitive monoclonal antibody 1E4 with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration and linear range of 0.43 ng mL−1and 0.09–2.16 ng mL−1, respectively. Using 1E4, we developed a lateral-flow immunochromatographic assay (ICA) strip for COL detection. Based on the results, the detection interval was 1–25 ng mL−1in milk, 2.5–50 ng mL−1in beef, 1–25 ng mL−1in edible lily and 2.5–25 ng mL−1in daylily. The lateral-flow ICA strip can be used as an effective tool for COL detection in food samples on site.

The growth of sodium dendrites and the associated solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer is a critical and fundamental issue influencing the safety and cycling lifespan of sodium batteries. In this work, we use in-situ 23Na magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques, along with an innovative analytical approach, to provide space-resolved and quantitative insights into the formation and evolution of sodium metal microstructures (SMSs; that is, dendritic and mossy Na metal) during the deposition and stripping processes. Our results reveal that the growing SMSs give rise to a linear increase in the overpotential until a transition voltage of 0.15 V is reached, at which point violent electrochemical decomposition of the electrolyte is triggered, leading to the formation of mossy-type SMSs and rapid battery failure. In addition, we determined the existence of NaH in the SEI on sodium metal with ex-situ NMR results. The poor electronic conductivity of NaH is beneficial for the growth of a stable SEI on sodium metal.

A new method of X-ray source spectrum estimation based on compressed sensing is proposed in this paper. The algorithm K-SVD is applied for sparse representation. Nonnegative constraints are added by modifying the L1reconstruction algorithm proposed by Rosset and Zhu. The estimation method is demonstrated on simulated spectra typical of mammography and CT. X-ray spectra are simulated with the Monte Carlo code Geant4. The proposed method is successfully applied to highly ill conditioned and under determined estimation problems with a good performance of suppressing noises. Results with acceptable accuracies (MSE < 5%) can be obtained with 10% Gaussian white noises added to the simulated experimental data. The biggest difference between the proposed method and the existing methods is that multiple prior knowledge of X-ray spectra can be included in one dictionary, which is meaningful for obtaining the true X-ray spectrum from the measurements.

NASICON-type solid electrolytes such as Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3(LATP) have the following advantages: they are of low cost and environmentally friendly and they exhibit air stability and high ionic conductivity. However, the unstable Li/LATP interface usually leads to fast degradation of batteries. The knowledge of the inherent failure mechanism of the interface, especially the interfacial reaction products, dynamic electron/ion transport processes, and subsequent chemomechanical effects at the nanoscale level will provide an important scientific basis to develop strategies toward mitigation failure of batteries. Herein, we conduct a series of studies on the interface between LATP and lithium metal by using solid-state NMR along with X-ray diffraction and in situtransmission electron microscopy. A lithiated-phase Li3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3is first confirmed with at least 3 orders of magnitude of higher electronic conductivity enhanced at the Li/electrolyte interface, which is the chief culprit for continuous growth of the interphase. The high electronic conductivity can also induce direct deposition of lithium dendrites inside the electrolyte. Moreover, the sizeable volumetric expansion was observed in the lithiated LATP, which eventually breaks up the bulk electrolyte and induces high resistance. Finally, we elucidated the chemomechanical degradation mechanism of the Li/LATP interface, which has important implications to the interfacial problems in numerous electrolytes which are unstable with lithium.

Deep tumor penetration, long blood circulation, rapid drug release, and sufficient stability are the most concerning dilemmas of nano-drug-delivery systems for efficient chemotherapy. Herein, we develop reduction/oxidation-responsive hierarchical nanoparticles co-encapsulating paclitaxel (PTX) and pH-stimulated hyaluronidase (pSH) to surmount the sequential biological barriers for precise cancer therapy. Poly(ethylene glycol) diamine (PEG-dia) is applied to collaboratively cross-link the shell of nanoparticles self-assembled by a hyaluronic acid–stearic acid conjugate linked viaa disulfide bond (HA–SS–SA, HSS) to fabricate the hierarchical nanoparticles (PHSS). The PTX and pSH coloaded hierarchical nanoparticles (PTX/pSH-PHSS) enhance the stability in normal physiological conditions and accelerate drug release at tumorous pH, and highly reductive or oxidative environments. Functionalized with PEG and HA, the hierarchical nanoparticles preferentially prolong the circulation time, accumulate at the tumor site, and enter MDA-MB-231 cells viaCD44-mediated endocytosis. Within the acidic tumor micro-environment, pSH would be partially reactivated to decompose the dense tumor extracellular matrix for deep tumor penetration. Interestingly, PTX/pSH-PHSS could be degraded apace by the completely activated pSH within endo/lysosomes and the intracellular redox micro-environment to facilitate drug release to produce the highest tumor inhibition (93.71%) in breast cancer models.

Ethyl-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) carbonate (ETFEC) is investigated as a solvent component in high-voltage electrolytes for LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4(LNMO). Our results show that the self-discharge behavior and the high temperature cycle performance can be significantly improved by the addition of 10% ETFEC into the normal carbonate electrolytes, e.g., the capacity retention improved from 65.3% to 77.1% after 200 cycles at 60 °C. The main reason can be ascribed to the high stability of ETFEC which prevents large oxidation of the electrolyte on the cathode surface. In addition, we also explore the feasibility of electrolytes using single fluoriated-solvents with and without additives. Our results show that the cycle performance of LNMO material can be greatly improved in 1 M LiPF6 + pure ETFEC-solvent system with 2 wt% ethylene carbonate (EC) or ethylene sulfate (DTD). The capacity retention of the LNMO materials is 93% after 300 cycles, even better than that of carbonate-based electrolytes. It is shown that the additives are oxidized on the surface of LNMO particles and contribute to the formation of cathode/electrolyte interphase (CEI) films. This composite CEI film plays a crucial role in suppressing the serious decomposition of the electrolyte at high voltage.

Recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) presents several challenges such as irregular shape, high water absorption, high crushing value, and low apparent density, which restrict its application in concrete. Although carbonation technology offers a more effective solution, its effect on inferior RCA remains unclear. Compared to its common counterpart, inferior RCA is characterized by longer aging time, lower crushing value, and reduced carbonizable substances. This study focuses on low-quality RCA, employing a method of impregnation and carbonation with cement slurry to strengthen the properties of RCA. The investigation studied the carbonation system (hydration time + carbonation time), water–cement ratio of the cement paste, and carbonation effects and mechanisms via mercury injection, nanoindentation tests, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The findings indicate that the optimal carbonation system involves hydration for 1 d and carbonation for 14 d (H1d + C14d). In this system, the water–cement ratio exhibits minimal influence on carbonation depth. After the impregnation–carbonation treatment, RCA displayed the best performance improvement at a water–cement ratio of 0.8 (0.8-RCA). This condition resulted in a 15.41% reduction in crushing value and an 18.00% decrease in porosity alongside a 21.42% increase in apparent density. Moreover, the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) between aggregate and mortar and the elastic modulus of adhesive mortar are improved after strengthening. Compared with the primitive RCA, the distribution of Ca2+in the adhesive mortar of the strengthened RCA was more uniform and denser. The moderately fluid cement slurry penetrated the RCA pores easily, enabling CaCO3produced by carbonation to efficiently fill defects.

We herein explore a facile and straightforward approach to enhance the interface stability between the lithium superionic conducting Li10GeP2S12(LGPS) solid electrolyte and Li metal by employing ionic liquid such as 1 M lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI)/N-methyl-N-propylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (PYR13TFSI) as the interface modifier. The results demonstrated the presence of 1 M LiTFSI/PYR13TFSI ionic liquid; the interface stability at the electrode/solid electrolyte (i.e., Li/LGPS) was improved remarkably by forming an in situ solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer. As a result, an effectively reduced interfacial resistance from 2021 to 142 Ω cm2and stable Li stripping/plating performance (over 1200 h at 0.038 mA cm–2and 1000 h at 0.1 mA cm–2) were achieved in the Li/LGPS/Li symmetric cells. On this basis, the Li–S solid-state batteries were further architectured with one of the S@C composite [where C is the ketjen black carbon (KBC) or PBX 51-type activated carbon (PBX51C) or multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MCNTs)] cathode and the LGPS solid electrolyte. The batteries with S@KBC electrodes delivered an excellent discharge/charge performance with a high initial discharge capacity of 1017 mA h g–1and better stability than those of the batteries with the S@PBX51C and S@MCNTs electrodes. High surface area, unique beneficial pore structure, and better particle dispersion of sulfur in the S@KBC composite facilitate high sulfur utilization and also increase the intimate contact between the electrode and LGPS solid electrolyte during the discharge/charge process.

Despite the extremely high ionic conductivity, the commercialization of Li10GeP2S12-type materials is hindered by the poor stability against Li metal. Herein, to address that issue, a simple strategy is proposed and demonstrated for the first time, i.e., in situ modification of the interface between Li metal and Li10SnP2S12(LSPS) by pretreatment with specific ionic liquid and salts. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results reveal that a stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer instead of a mixed conducting layer is formed on Li metal by adding 1.5 M lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI)/N-propyl-N-methyl pyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (Pyr13TFSI) ionic liquid, where ionic liquid not only acts as a wetting agent but also improves the stability at the Li/LSPS interface. This stable SEI layer can prevent LSPS from directly contacting the Li metal and further decomposition, and the Li/LSPS/Li symmetric cell with 1.5 M LiTFSI/Pyr13TFSI attains a stable cycle life of over 1000 h with both the charge and discharge voltages reaching about 50 mV at 0.038 mA cm–2. Furthermore, the effects of different Li salts on the interfacial modification is also compared and investigated. It is shown that lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl) imide (LiFSI) salt causes the enrichment of LiF in the SEI layer and results in a higher resistance of the cell upon a long cycling life.

Aiming at the issues of poor hydration activity, long setting time, and low early strength in industrial by-product fluorogypsum (FG), 1,2,3-propenyltricarboxylic acid (PA) was utilized to enhance its reactivity. The mechanism was investigated using modern analytical techniques such as XRD, 1H low-field NMR, and FTIR spectroscopy. The results indicate that the incorporation of PA can significantly augment the rate of FG hydration and enhance its hydration activity. The optimal concentration of PA was determined to be 0.008%. The FG paste exhibited a reduction in setting time by approximately 500 min compared to the control sample. Furthermore, the flexural and compressive strengths increased by 29.6% (reaching 3.5 MPa) and 40.2% (reaching 40.1 MPa), respectively, after a curing period of 28 d. Through the process of physical adsorption, PA facilitates the transformation from anhydrite (CaSO4-II) to dihydrate gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O). Subsequently, PA promotes the growth of dihydrate gypsum crystals along each crystal axis, resulting in the formation of regular hexagonal prisms. The prismatic crystals of dihydrate gypsum are arranged in a closely packed, layered structure that results in reduced pore and porosity content, and enhanced mechanical strength.

In this study, an innovative competitive immunochromatographic strip sensor was developed for rapid detection of Salmonellabased on a genus-specific antilipopolysaccharide (LPS) monoclonal antibody (mAb) and the heterogeneous coating antigen of a LPS-bovine serum albumin conjugate. Gold nanoparticles labeled anti-LPS mAb specifically reacted with the conserved outer core of the SalmonellaLPS in the sample and the color formed on the T line was negatively correlated with the number of Salmonellacells. The sensitivity of Ra mutant LPS (without O-specific chains but has the conserved outer core) was 25 ng mL–1, which explained the detection of Salmonellaat the genus level. Based on the gray values on the test line, the limit of detection of Salmonellawas 103colony-forming unit (CFU) for all twelve typical strains of Salmonella. The analysis of common Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria demonstrated that the strip assay was specific to Salmonella. A milk sample test showed that Salmonellaat a low level (1–5 CFU mL–1) was detected without complex biochemical confirmation steps, sophisticated instruments and professional training. 沙门氏菌属是全球关注的重要食源性致病菌之一. 本文以沙门氏菌属特异性脂多糖抗体与胶体金纳米粒子进行偶联, 并进行固相化, 装配了适合于快速、可视化分析的金标试纸传感器. 裸眼观察下, 金标试纸条可以识别浓度低至25 ng mL−1的沙门氏菌属脂多糖. 结合灰 度扫描分析, 金标试纸对受试的12种沙门氏菌的敏感性可达到103菌落形成单位(CFU). 对牛奶样品进行12 h的富集孵育, 该金标试纸条对 沙门氏菌的检测灵敏度可达1个CFU. 金标试纸传感器无需复杂的前处理过程和专业设备, 操作简单, 有效地提高了致病菌的检测效率.

A sensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) immunosensor based on the Au nanoparticle (Au NP) shell structure was developed to detect staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) on a microplate. Au NPs modified with 4-nitrothiophenol (4-NTP) and coated with Ag shell of controlled thickness at 6.6 nm exhibited excellent SERS intensity and were used as signal reporters in the detection of SEB. The engaged 4-NTP allowed the significant electromagnetic enhancement between Au NPs and the Ag shell and prevented the dissociation of the Raman reporter. More importantly, 4-NTP-differentiated SERS signals between the sample and microplate. The SERS-based immunosensor had a limit of detection of 1.3 pg/mL SEB. Analysis of SEB-spiked milk samples revealed that the developed method had high accuracy. Therefore, the SERS-encoded Au@Ag core–shell structure-based immunosensor is promising for the detection of biotoxins, pathogens, and environmental pollutants.

Guanfu base A (GFA) is a novel heterocyclic antiarrhythmic drug isolated from Aconitum coreanum(Lèvl.) rapaics and is currently in a phase IV clinical trial in China. However, no study has investigated the influence of GFA on cytochrome P450 (P450) drug metabolism. We characterized the potency and specificity of GFA CYP2D inhibition based on dextromethorphan O-demethylation, a CYP2D6 probe substrate of activity in human, mouse, rat, dog, and monkey liver microsomes. In addition, (+)-bufuralol 1′-hydroxylation was used as a CYP2D6 probe for the recombinant form (rCYP2D6), 2D1 (rCYP2D1), and 2D2 (rCYP2D2) activities. Results show that GFA is a potent noncompetitive inhibitor of CYP2D6, with inhibition constant Ki= 1.20 ± 0.33 μM in human liver microsomes (HLMs) and Ki= 0.37 ± 0.16 μM for the human recombinant form (rCYP2D6). GFA is also a potent competitive inhibitor of CYP2D in monkey (Ki= 0.38 ± 0.12 μM) and dog (Ki= 2.4 ± 1.3 μM) microsomes. However, GFA has no inhibitory activity on mouse or rat CYP2Ds. GFA did not exhibit any inhibition activity on human recombinant CYP1A2, 2A6, 2C8, 2C19, 3A4, or 3A5, but showed slight inhibition of 2B6 and 2E1. Preincubation of HLMs and rCYP2D6 resulted in the inactivation of the enzyme, which was attenuated by GFA or quinidine. Beagle dogs treated intravenously with dextromethorphan (2 mg/ml) after pretreatment with GFA injection showed reduced CYP2D metabolic activity, with the Cmaxof dextrorphan being one-third that of the saline-treated group and area under the plasma concentration–time curve half that of the saline-treated group. This study suggests that GFA is a specific CYP2D6 inhibitor that might play a role in CYP2D6 medicated drug-drug interaction.

Traditional Chinese herbal medicine (TCHM) is used widely alone or in combination with chemotherapy to treat lung cancer in China. Meta-analysis of clinical trials of TCHM against lung cancer suggested the potential, but not confirmed therapeutic effect. To gain detailed insight into the antilung cancer effects of TCHM, we searched for preclinical studies of TCHM against lung cancer published from 1995 to 2012 and systematically analyzed published articles focusing on the antitumor effect of individual TCHM in lung cancer cell lines or animal models. Among 93 herbal components isolated from 73 Chinese herbs, we found 10 herbal compounds that showed the strongest cytotoxicity in lung cancer cell lines through apoptosis or cell cycle arrest, and agents isolated from seven Chinese herbs that inhibited the primary tumor growth more than 35 in A549 xenografted mice models. In addition, three herbal components suppressed lung cancer cell migration in vitroat the concentration without cytotoxicity. Polyphyllin I, tanshinone IIA, isochaihulactone, 25-OCH3-PPD, and andrographolide were the five TCHM compounds that showed strong antilung cancer effects both in cells and in animal models, and studies of their analogs showed their structure–activity relationships. This review summarizes and analyzes contemporary studies on the antitumor effect of individual TCHM against lung cancer and animal models, providing perspectives to better understand the TCHM effect in lung cancer treatment and develop new antilung cancer drugs from TCHM.

The hidden-terminal problem and routing establishment or maintenance bring about a tremendous amount of energy consumption in multi-hop wireless sensor networks (WSNs). In this study, the authors propose a carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA/CA) scheme MultiCSMA for multi-hop WSNs adopting two strategies which refer to a novel hidden-terminal list algorithm to avoid the impact of hidden terminals and a parallel access scheme to dispense with taking the routing overhead into account. The accurate statistical performance metrics of throughput and delay of unsaturated, unacknowledged IEEE 802.15.4 beacon enabled networks for one-hop and two-hop scenarios are predicted based on Markov models adopting these two improved strategies, in which nodes are assumed to locate randomly over a circle plane according to Poisson distribution. Comprehensive simulations demonstrate that the analysis results match well with the simulation results, and delay performance of the authors schemes is superior to those of other schemes, whereas throughput is superior to others for relative higher node density.

Edaravone was launched in Japan in 2001 and was the first neuroprotectant developed for the treatment of acute cerebral infarction. Edaravone is mainly eliminated as glucuronide conjugate in human urine (approximately 70%), but the mechanism involved in the elimination pathway remains unidentified. We investigated the glucuronidation of edaravone in human liver microsomes (HLM) and human kidney microsomes (HKM) and identified the major hepatic and renal UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) involved. As we observed, edaravone glucuronidation in HLM and HKM exhibited biphasic kinetics. The intrinsic clearance of glucuronidation at high-affinity phase (CLint1) and low-affinity phase (CLint2) were 8.4 ± 3.3 and 1.3 ± 0.2 μl · min–1· mg–1, respectively, for HLM and were 45.3 ± 8.2 and 1.8 ± 0.1 μl · min–1· mg–1, respectively, for HKM. However, in microsomal incubations contained with 2% bovine serum albumin, CLint1and CLint2were 16.4 ± 1.2 and 3.7 ± 0.3 μl · min–1· mg–1, respectively, for HLM and were 78.5 ± 3.9 and 3.6 ± 0.5 μl · min–1· mg–1, respectively, for HKM. Screening with 12 recombinant UGTs indicated that eight UGTs (UGT1A1, UGT1A6, UGT1A7, UGT1A8, UGT1A9, UGT1A10, UGT2B7, and UGT2B17) produced a significant amount of glucuronide metabolite. Thus, six UGTs (UGT1A1, UGT1A6, UGT1A7, UGT1A9, UGT2B7, and UGT2B17) expressed in human liver or kidney were selected for kinetic studies. Among them, UGT1A9 exhibited the highest activity (CLint1= 42.4 ± 9.5 μl · min–1· mg–1), followed by UGT2B17 (CLint= 3.3 ± 0.4 μl · min–1· mg–1) and UGT1A7 (CLint= 1.7 ± 0.2 μl · min–1· mg–1). Inhibition study found that inhibitor of UGT1A9 (propofol) attenuated edaravone glucuronidation in HLM and HKM. In addition, edaravone glucuronidation in a panel of seven HLM was significantly correlated (r = 0.9340, p = 0.0021) with propofol glucuronidation. Results indicated that UGT1A9 was the main UGT isoform involved in edaravone glucuronidation in HLM and HKM.

A rhodium(III)-catalyzed oxidative C–H activation/annulation of salicylaldehydes with propargylic acetates has been developed for the regioselective synthesis of 3-vinyl chromones in good yields with broad functional group tolerance. 3-Vinyl chromones were converted into biologically active benzo[c]xanthone by I2-mediated oxidative electrocyclization.

An efficient and accurate numerical method for solving the well-known Black-Scholes equation in option pricing is presented in this article. The method can be used for cases in which the coefficients in the Black-Scholes equation are time-dependent and no analytic solutions are available. It is an extension to the method by Liao, W. and Zhu, J. (2008 'A new method for solving convection-diffusion equations', Paper presented in the Proceedings of the 11th IEEE International Conference on Computational Science and Engineering, IEEE Computer Society, Los Alamitos, CA, USA, pp.107-114) for solving 1D convection-diffusion equations with constant diffusion and convection coefficients using the fourth-order Pade approximation on a 3-point stencil. The new method can handle equations with variable diffusion and convection coefficients that depend on x² and x, respectively, where x is the independent variable. Numerical examples are presented in the article to demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the method.

In this article, we discuss a scheme for dealing with Neumann and mixed boundary conditions using a compact stencil. The resulting compact algorithm for solving systems of nonlinear reaction‐diffusion equations is fourth‐order accurate in both the temporal and spatial dimensions. We also prove that the standard second‐order approximation to zero Neumann boundary conditions provides fourth‐order accuracy when the nonlinear reaction term is independent of the spatial variables. Numerical examples, including an application of this algorithm to a mathematical model describing frontal polymerization process, are presented in the article to demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the scheme. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2005

An efficient higher‐order finite difference algorithm is presented in this article for solving systems of two‐dimensional reaction‐diffusion equations with nonlinear reaction terms. The method is fourth‐order accurate in both the temporal and spatial dimensions. It requires only a regular five‐point difference stencil similar to that used in the standard second‐order algorithm, such as the Crank‐Nicolson algorithm. The Padé approximation and Richardson extrapolation are used to achieve high‐order accuracy in the spatial and temporal dimensions, respectively. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the new algorithm. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 18: 340–354, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/num.10012

This article documents the first implementation of a parallel algorithm for solving the governing equations of the hydrodynamic formulation of quantum mechanics. The algorithm employs a quantum trajectory method (QTM) based on the serial algorithm introduced by Wyatt and Lopreore. The OpenMP API is employed to parallelize the code across the quantum trajectories in a shared memory environment. An outline of the parallel algorithm is provided; the analytical solution for a moving free particle is used to verify the solution obtained by the parallel algorithm. Further validation against several of the results obtained by Wyatt and Lopreore is also provided. The parallel speedups and runtimes are presented, and several performance issues are noted. Finally, the results of a preliminary accuracy study examining a moving free particle are provided. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2001

Glutamatergic and GABAergic synaptic transmission controls excitation and inhibition of postsynaptic neurons, whereas activity of ion channels modulates neuronal intrinsic excitability. However, it is unclear how excessive neuronal excitation affects intrinsic inhibition to regain homeostatic stability under physiological or pathophysiological conditions. Here, we report that a seizure-like sustained depolarization can induce short-term inhibition of hippocampal CA3 neurons via a mechanism of membrane shunting. This depolarization-induced shunting inhibition (DShI) mediates a non-synaptic, but neuronal intrinsic, short-term plasticity that is able to suppress action potential generation and postsynaptic responses by activated ionotropic receptors. We demonstrate that the TRESK channel significantly contributes to DShI. Disruption of DShI by genetic knockout of TRESK exacerbates the sensitivity and severity of epileptic seizures of mice, whereas overexpression of TRESK attenuates seizures. In summary, these results uncover a type of homeostatic intrinsic plasticity and its underlying mechanism. TRESK might represent a therapeutic target for antiepileptic drugs.

A parallel algorithm using the generalized pulse spec trum technique and multilevel grid method for solving reservoir structural parameter identification problems is discussed here. The algorithm can be used to iden tify the reservoir's absolute permeability distributions by matching the computed pressure values with mea sured historical pressure values obtained at observa tion wells (history matching). Use of a multilevel grid improves the quality of the identified permeability dis tributions significantly. The whole parameter identifica tion process is very computationally intensive since a group of coupled nonlinear partial differential equa tions (PDEs) and a regularized least square problem must be solved repeatedly with different parameter values. Several hundred megabyte memory is required for reservoir models involving thousands of grid points. The block SOR scheme with red and black or dering and a parallel Householder transformation scheme were used to solve the algebraic equations resulting from the discretization of the PDEs. High speedup has been achieved by exploring parallefisnl, refining the whole program, rather than just the hot- spots, and utilizing the high-speed cache memory effi ciently.

Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) holds great potential for applications due to its unique electronic properties and high chemical stability. Practical applications of h-BN, however, rely on the growth of large-scale, high-quality samples, for which an adequate understanding of the growth mechanism is critically important. In this work, we study the nucleation of h-BN on the Ni(111) surface by density functional theoretical calculations. Our results reveal a novel structural crossover from a chain-like BN cluster to an sp2-bonded honeycomb network at the very beginning of growth. This structural transition occurs in clusters with a critical size of 8 BN pairs, beyond which the honeycomb structure is energetically preferred. After that, the growth proceeds in a downhill manner till a full coverage of h-BN on the Ni surface, driven by continuous reduction in energy of the BN clusters with feeding BN pairs. The critical size can be controlled by tuning chemical potentials. Our results also present that lattice defects, such as 4- and 5-membered rings, are higher in energy and, thus, disfavored in the growth. This work not only explains the formation of high-quality BN sheets but also opens a way to rationally control the synthesis of h-BN by selecting appropriate substrates. The atomistic understandings of nucleation of h-BN are extendable to other two-dimensional materials.

Liver cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide. In this study, poly(lactide) (PLA) and hyaluronic acid (HA) co-modified half-generation of PAMAM G4.5 dendrimers (sPA) was chosen as the intelligent carrier for co-delivery of paclitaxel (PTX) and sorafenib (SOR) to treat liver cancer. The multifunctional micelle (HA-PALA@PTX+SOR) possessed a uniform size of 152.6 nm, good stability against serum medium, and a rapid in vitro drug release behavior under acidic condition in the presence of HAase. Cellular uptake study demonstrated an efficient intracellular delivery and drug accumulation in HepG2 cells. The antitumor and anti-metastasis efficacy of functionalized micelle was more obvious than that of free drugs. These data provided strong evidence that HA-PALA@PTX+SOR micelle could be utilized as a biocompatible and tumor targeted nano-carrier for the delivery of multiple anticancer drugs in liver cancer treatment.

Li-SF6battery has been proposed as a novel energy conversion device for both reducing greenhouse-effect SF6and potentially providing large specific energy. However, the real discharge process of SF6remains ambiguous with fast cathode passivation and large polarization. Here we report that the Li-SF6chemistry is able to deliver an unprecedented capacity of >20,000 mA h gc−1with reduced polarization and excellent rate capability by using a low-cost, high-surface-area porous carbon as cathode host. More importantly, by adjusting the SF6atmosphere, an approximately eight-electron transfer process with predominant products of LiF and Li2S is realized via two voltage steps, whereas previously only a little Li2S could be found with one plateau appearing. The eight-electron process leads to a high energy density about 2,300 W h kg−1based on the mass of carbon and discharge products, which sheds light on SF6as a promising high-energy-density cathode.

Li10SnP2S12(LSPS) with high ionic conductivity and moderate price is a promising solid electrolyte for all-solid-state batteries. However, the instability of LSPS and LSPS/electrodes interfaces would cause poor cycle performance issues in the LSPS-based all-solid-state batteries, which have not been well understood. Herein, we address and unravel the decomposition products of LSPS and their Li+transfer characteristics, especially on the surface of LSPS/electrodes by using solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ss NMR) spectroscopy coupled with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results reveal that the high mechanical energy during ball-milling process leads to the decomposition of LSPS into Li4SnS4and Li3PS4. During charge/discharge cycling, specific capacity fading of batteries originates from the formation of new interfacial layer at LSPS/Acetylene black cathode and LSPS/Li metal anode interfaces. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that the rough and porous morphology of the interface formed after cycling, rather than the decomposition products, is the critical factor which results in the increases of the interfacial resistance at LSPS/Li interface and serious formation of Li dendrite. Our results highlight the significant roles of (electro)chemical and interfacial stability of sulfide solid electrolyte in the development of all-solid-state batteries.

The research, development and application of high energy density lithium ion batteries are strictly restricted by several challenges, particularly the severe capacity degradation of the batteries at high voltage and elevated temperature. In this work, beneficial surface films are simultaneously formed on both electrodes of a 4.5 V graphite│LiNi0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2pouch cell via reduction and oxidation polymerizations of a novel multifunctional additive Tripropargyl Phosphate (TPP). The results demonstrate that the addition of 1.0 wt% TPP into the pouch cell not only improves its initial coulombic efficiency by 4.4%, but also remarkably enhances its cycling stability at both 25 °C and 55 °C. The enhanced cycling stability at high temperature can be attributed to the capture of acidic corrosive species in the electrolyte and the construction of robust protective films on the surface of the electrodes. These two effects significantly mitigate the decomposition of Ethyl Methyl Carbonate (EMC), reduce the dissolution of transition metal from cathode, and eliminate the formation of cracks inside the LiNi0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2and graphite particles.

To examine the feasibility of using carbon nanoparticles to track nonpalpable breast cancer for breast-conserving surgery.

Particles of Hydroxyapatite (HAp) were synthesized by means of chemical precipitation method, under atmosphere pressure. The starting solution with the Ca/P ratio of 1.67 was prepared by mixing 0.167 mol*dm[?]3 Ca(NO3)2*4H2O, 0.100 mol*dm[?]3 (NH4)2HPO4, 0.500 mol*dm[?]3 (NH2)2CO and 0.10 mol*dm[?]3 HNO3 aqueous solutions. The hydroxyapatite were prepared by heating the solution at 80 degC for 24 hour and then at 90degC for 72 hour. Then followed, the dry powers were heat treatment at 660degC temperatures for 8 hour. The obtained powder was analyzed using XRD, XRF, FT-IR, SEM, TG-DTA. The results showed that obtained HAp powers were greatly influenced by synthetic conditions. HAp powders with various morphologies, such as sphere, rod, layered, dumbbell, fibre, scaly, were obtained by controlling the synthetic conditions.

Calcium metaphosphate (CMP) nano-whiskers were produced by a chemical precipitation method. In order to produce nano-powders, CMP was prepared by the mixing of two precursors, calcium oxide (CaO) and phosphate acid (H3PO4). Sparingly soluble chemicals, the Ca/P ratio of the mixture was set to be 0.50 to produce stoichiometric CMP, were chemical agitated in phosphate acid solution. At least 3 hours of pre-hydrolysis of phosphorus precursor were required to obtain CMP phase. The CMP powders were dried in a drying oven at 60 degC for 7 days and then followed by a heat treatment at 390 degC for 8hours. The obtained powder was analyzed using XRD, XRF, FT-IR, SEM, TG-DTA, Zeta Potential Meter, Specific Surface Area, and Particle Size Analyzer. The results showed that obtained CMP nano-whiskers have a significantly powder characteristics.