Search

Hydrogels are extracellular-matrix-like biomimetic materials that have wide biomedical applications in tissue engineering and drug delivery. However, most hydrogels cannot simultaneously fulfill the mechanical and cell compatibility requirements. In the present study, we prepared a semi-interpenetrating network composite gel (CG) by incorporating short chain chitosan (CS) into a covalent tetra-armed poly(ethylene glycol) network. In addition to satisfying physicochemical, mechanics, biocompatibility, and cell affinity requirements, this CG easily encapsulated acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) via electrostatic interactions and chain entanglement, achieving sustained release for over 14 days and thus promoting periodontal ligament stem cell (PDLSC) proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. In vivo studies corroborated the capacity of PDLSCs and ASA-laden CG to enhance new bone regeneration in situ using a mouse calvarial bone defect model. This might be attributed to PDLSCs and host mesenchymal stem cells expressing monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, which upregulated M2 macrophage recruitment and polarization in situ, indicating its appealing potential in bone tissue engineering., Graphical abstract Image 1, Highlights • A facile method to prepare the composite gels with advantages of easy operation, good biocompatibility and biodegradability. • Composite gels can simultaneously fulfill the mechanical strength and cell-compatibility requirements. • Composite gels can achieve the loading and sustained release of acetylsalicylic acid via electrostatic interaction and chain entanglement. • Acetylsalicylic-acid-encapsulated composite gel is paramount to promote PDLSCs-mediated bone regeneration. • The underlying mechanism might be associated with upregulation of MCP-1 and macrophage M2 polarization.

The modern lithium-ion battery (LIB) configuration was enabled by the “magic chemistry” between ethylene carbonate (EC) and graphitic carbon anode. Despite the constant changes of cathode chemistries with improved energy densities, EC-graphite combination remained static during the last three decades. While the interphase generated by EC protects the fragile graphitic structure, the intrinsic disadvantages of EC (high viscosity, high melting point, excessive interphase growth) lead to mediocre power density and poor performances of LIB at sub-zero temperatures, where lithium depositions form upon charging. Such performance compromises arise from the fundamental dilemma between requiring effective interphase protection and high impedance from excessive growth of interphase. In this work, we designed and synthesized a “double EC” molecule as electrolyte additive to resolve the above dilemma. Erythritol bis(carbonate) (EBC) possesses lower LUMO energy level than EC and hence tends to decompose prior to EC reduction, but its weak solvation toward Li+ restricts the extent of its reduction, thus minimizing the interphase thickness and the corresponding impedances. Electrolytes containing EBC enables both the charging and discharging of ampere-size LIB pouch cells at sub-zero temperatures from 0 to -20℃, demonstrating that the key approach to improve low temperature performances lies in how to tailor interphasial chemistry rather than the bulk electrolyte composition.

Diseases caused by harmful microorganisms pose a serious threat to human health. Safe and environment-friendly disinfectants are, therefore, essential in preventing and controlling such pathogens. This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial activity and mechanism of a novel hydrogen peroxide and silver (H 2 O 2 -Ag + ) complex (HSC) in combatting Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Escherichia coli O157:H7 NCTC 12900 and Salmonella typhimurium SL 1344. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values against S. aureus were found to be 0.014 % H 2 O 2 -3.125 mg/L Ag + , while 0.028 % H 2 O 2 -6.25 mg/L Ag + for both E. coli and S. typhimurium . Results of the growth curve assay and time-kill trial suggest that the HSC could inhibit the growth of the tested bacteria, as 99.9 % of viable cells were killed following treatment at the 1 MIC for 3 h. Compared with Oxytech D10 disinfectant (0.25 % H 2 O 2 -5 mg/L Ag + ), the HSC exhibited better antibacterial efficacy at a lower concentration (0.045 % H 2 O 2 -10 mg/L Ag + ). The mechanism of antibacterial action of HSC was found including the disruption of the bacterial cell membrane, followed by entry into the bacteria cell to reduce intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentration, and inhibit the activity of antioxidases, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). The enhanced bactericidal effect of hydrogen peroxide combined with silver indicates a potential for its application in environmental disinfection, particularly in the food industry.

Graphical abstract, Highlights • Cr(VI) can induce inflammatory, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in rat liver. • Cr(VI) induces inflammatory response in the liver by inhibiting deacetylation. • Oxidative stress caused by Cr(VI) is related to the inhibition of deacetylation. • Cr(VI) aggravates hepatocyte apoptosis by inhibiting deacetylation in rats. • Cr(VI) induces liver injury via inhibition of the deacetylation of Sirt1., Introduction Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)), one of the toxic heavy metals, poses a serious threat to human and animal health. Protein acetylation regulates the structure and function of most proteins in a variety of ways. However, the hepatotoxicity of Cr(VI) and whether it is related to deacetylation remains largely unknown. Objectives We aimed to explore the link between the deacetylation of silent information regulator two ortholog 1 (Sirt1) and hepatotoxicity induced by Cr(VI) exposure, and to better clarify the biological mechanism of liver injury induced by Cr(VI). Methods We established a model of liver injury of K2Cr2O7 by injecting rats intraperitoneally for 35 days continuously and adding resveratrol (Res) to further explore the link between deacetylation and hepatotoxicity. Results The results revealed that Cr(VI) induced inflammatory response and apoptosis in hepatocytes. Furthermore, Cr(VI) reduced Sirt1 expression and inhibited the deacetylation of Sirt1 to downstream key transcription factors, including nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), Forkhead box O3 (FOXO3), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). Conversely, when Res was administered as an activator of Sirt1, the deacetylation of Sirt1 was enhanced, and inflammatory response and apoptosis were significantly alleviated. Conclusion In summary, this work firstly demonstrates that Cr(VI) induces liver injury in rat by inhibiting the deacetylation of Sirt1, which is of positive significance for protecting the natural environment and animal health from chronic Cr poisoning.

An efficient synthetic route to citreochlorol analogues, halogenated polyketide secondary metabolites, is described. The key features are Krische’s enantioselective carbonyl allylation, IBr-promoted cyclization, and regioselective epoxide opening. The importance of the route lies in accessing a versatile epoxy ether that enables the formation of citreochlorol monochloro derivatives.

As the most widely used power battery for pure electric vehicles, lithium-ion battery has been studied in detail, including electrochemical performance and mechanical safety. This paper focuses on the mechanical response and thermal runaway phenomena caused by external mechanical stress of lithium-ion batteries at different states of charge (SOC). The results show that the SOC affects the mechanical strength as well as the temperature of the battery under external stress. When stress is applied to the cell, the higher the SOC of the cell, the higher its stiffness and surface temperature. The force is determined to propagate layer by layer based on the dynamic analysis approach of stress propagation theory. The velocity is inversely proportional to the stress propagation distance. Excessive impact velocity will lead to concentration of stress in the battery, which will lead to short circuit and thermal runaway phenomenon of the battery. The findings of these phenomena are of guiding significance to the safety study of electric vehicle lithium-ion batteries.

Uranium extraction from seawater is of strategic significance for nuclear power generation. Amidoxime-based functional adsorbents play indispensable roles in the recovery of seawater uranium with high efficiency. Nevertheless, balancing the adsorption capacity and selectivity is challenging in the presence of complicated interfering ions especially vanadium. Herein, a polyarylether-based covalent organic framework functionalized with open-chain amidoxime (COF-HHTF-AO) was synthesized with remarkable chemical stability and excellent crystallinity. Impressively, the adsorption capacity of COF-HHTF-AO towards uranium in natural seawater reached up to 5.12 mg/g, which is 1.61 times higher than that for vanadium. Detailed computational calculations revealed that the higher selectivity for uranium over vanadium originated from the specific bonding nature and coordination pattern with amidoxime. Combining enhanced adsorption capacity, excellent selectivity and ultrahigh stability, COF-HHTF-AO serves as a promising adsorbent for uranium extraction from the natural seawater.

DUOX2 is the most frequently mutated gene in patients with congenital hypothyroidism (CH) in China. However, no reliable genotype-phenotype relationship has been found in patients with DUOX2 mutations. In this study, DUOX2 mutations were screened in 266 CH patients, and the enzymatic activity of 89 DUOX2 variants was determined in vitro. Furthermore, the DUOX2 residual activity in 76 CH patients caused by DUOX2 biallelic mutations was calculated. The thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) levels were found to be higher and lower in patients with DUOX2 residual activity ≤ 22%, respectively, compared to patients with residual enzymatic activity > 22%. Moreover, we interpreted the pathogenicity of DUOX2 variants by applying the ACMG classification criteria with or without PS3/BS3 evidence. The results indicated that residual DUOX2 enzymatic activity was closely related to the clinical phenotypes of CH patients caused by DUOX2 biallelic mutations. These findings suggest that the residual enzymatic activity of 22% may be a cutoff value for estimating the severity of hypothyroidism in CH patients with biallelic DUOX2 mutations. Well-established functional studies are useful and necessary to evaluate the pathogenicity of DUOX2 variants, improving the accuracy and scope of genetic consultations.

Single-atom catalysis has become a new branch in heterogeneous catalysis. Although the naturally produced SiO2 -based materials are abundant and stable, fabrication of single-atom catalysts on such supports with high loading remains as a formidable challenge due to the lack of bonding sites to anchor the isolated metal species. Herein, modifying the diatomite, a kind of pure SiO2 mineral, with CeO2 nanoparticles is demonstrated to increase the defect sites on the support. The enhanced metal-support interaction maintains the atomic dispersion of Pt species with above 1 wt.% loading, exhibiting good performance in the selective hydrogenation of phenylacetylene to styrene.

High-quality, ultra-precise processing of surfaces is of high importance for high-tech industry and requires a good depth control of processing, a low roughness of the machined surface and as little as possible surface and subsurface damage but cannot be realized by laser ablation processes. Contrary, electron/ion beam, plasma processes and dry etching are utilized in microelectronics, optics and photonics. Here, we have demonstrated a laser-induced plasma (LIP) etching of single crystalline germanium by an optically pumped reactive plasma, resulting in high quality etching. A Ti:Sapphire laser (λ = 775 nm, EPulse/max. = 1 mJ, t = 150 fs, frep. = 1 kHz) has been used, after focusing with a 60 mm lens, for igniting a temporary plasma in a CF4/O2 gas at near atmospheric pressure. Typical etching rate of approximately ~ 100 nm / min and a surface roughness of less than 11 nm rms were found. The etching results were studied in dependence on laser pulse energy, etching time, and plasma – surface distance. The mechanism of the etching process is expected to be of chemical nature by the formation of volatile products from the chemical reaction of laser plasma activated species with the germanium surface. This proposed laser etching process can provide new processing capabilities of materials for ultra—high precision laser machining of semiconducting materials as can applied for infrared optics machining.

This paper reports two new visible-light-promoted radical reactions of α-azido amides. By catalysis of [Ir(ppy)2(dtbbpy)]PF6 with i-Pr2NEt as the reducing agent, N-aryl α-azido tertiary amides were first converted to the corresponding aminyl radicals through reduction of the azido group; the aminyl radicals then underwent N-to-N aryl migration to give α-anilinyl-functionalized amides. α-Azido secondary amides, on the other hand, reacted with the solvent ethanol and i-Pr2NEt to afford the imidazolinone products.

As a promising high energy density electrode material for rechargeable batteries, lithium (Li) metal is still suffering from air/water instability due to its highly reactive nature. In addition, the Li dendrite issue in Li metal batteries needs to be resolved to ensure the safety of batteries and for wide applications. Herein, we demonstrate that a simple compact GaOx layer formed using liquid metal (LM) can act as an artificial solid electrolyte interphase to block moisture and oxygen in the air from corroding the lithium metal. Interestingly, GaOx that covered the electrode effectively inhibits Li dendrite growth in electrochemistry cycling, ensuring the safety of Li metal batteries. The exposed composite Li metal anode (exposed under ambient air with relative humidity (RA) ≈ 75% for 5 h) not only shows a superior stability (symmetrical cell) but also delivers an elevated cycling stability (>500 cycles at 0.5 and 1 C) with a sulfur@C cathode in the full-cell configuration. Our work provides a new pathway for the large-scale applications of the air/water-tolerant Li metal anode in rechargeable batteries.

Thyroid‐associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is a serious, progressive, vision‐threatening and difficult‐to‐treat organ‐specific autoimmune disease. The course, therapeutic effects and prognosis of moderate to severe TAO vary greatly. High‐dose intravenous glucocorticoid (IVGC) therapy is considered a first‐line treatment for active moderate‐to‐severe TAO, but there is still insufficient evidence regarding the treatment duration. Long‐term IVGC therapy can influence the metabolism of glucose, lipids, and bone. This study was designed to compare changes in metabolic and immunological indexes as well as the magnetic resonance imaging apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of the extraocular muscles after 4 and 12 weeks of IVGC therapy. Forty‐eight patients with active moderate‐to‐severe TAO were included in this retrospective cohort study. Metabolism and immunological indexes were measured before and after therapy. The ADC and clinical activity score (CAS) were used to evaluate the efficacy of treatment in these patients. We found that the patients in the 12‐week group had increased fasting plasma glucose (p = 0.004), glycated hemoglobin (p = 0.028), total cholesterol (p

BackgroundCastor bean (Ricinus communisL.) is an important oil crop, which belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. The seed oil of castor bean is currently the only commercial source of ricinoleic acid that can be used for producing about 2000 industrial products. However, it remains largely unknown regarding the origin, domestication, and the genetic basis of key traits of castor bean.ResultsHere we perform a de novo chromosome-level genome assembly of the wild progenitor of castor bean. By resequencing and analyzing 505 worldwide accessions, we reveal that the accessions from East Africa are the extant wild progenitors of castor bean, and the domestication occurs ~ 3200 years ago. We demonstrate that significant genetic differentiation between wild populations in Kenya and Ethiopia is associated with past climate fluctuation in the Turkana depression ~ 7000 years ago. This dramatic change in climate may have caused the genetic bottleneck in wild castor bean populations. By a genome-wide association study, combined with quantitative trait locus analysis, we identify important candidate genes associated with plant architecture and seed size.ConclusionsThis study provides novel insights of domestication and genome evolution of castor bean, which facilitates genomics-based breeding of this important oilseed crop and potentially other tree-like crops in future.

Solid Polymer Electrolytes (SPEs) exhibit great potential for application in high energy density solid-state lithium metal batteries owing to their excellent flexibility and high safety. However, the growth of lithium dendrites and poor interfacial contact between the electrolyte and electrode seriously hinder the wide commercial application. In this work, a composite solid electrolyte from halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), comb-like poly-e-caprolactone (PCL), and lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) is fabricated via solvent-free in situ photoinitiated radical polymerization. On account of HNTs, the composite solid electrolyte (CSE) exhibits significantly improved room temperature ionic conductivity (6.62 × 10−5 S cm−1), a greater lithium transference number (0.55), and a higher electrochemical stability window (5.4 V) compared with the analog without HNTs (PSE). This is because the negatively charged outer silica surfaces of HNTs are enriched with Li+, while the positively charged aluminol inner surfaces accommodate FSI− anions, as clearly observed by TEM. As a bonus, the growth of lithium dendrites is remarkably alleviated. The superior electrochemical properties, in conjunction with refined interfacial contact by the in situ fabrication technique, enable the CSE-based lithium metal battery (at 1C and 60 °C for the LiFePO4 cathode) to have excellent cycling performance of high initial discharge capacity (155 mA h g−1), outstanding average coulombic efficiency (>99%), and extraordinary capacity retention (>92% over 600 cycles). Coupled with the high voltage LiMn0.5Fe0.5PO4 cathode (4.25 V), the solid-state lithium metal cell with the CSE also exhibits superior cycling performance, with an initial capacity of 134 mA h g−1 and a capacity retention of 87% over 250 cycles at 0.2C and 60 °C.

Revealing the atomic structures of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is challenging due to its sensitivity to electron beam and environmental factors such as moisture and oxygen. Here, we unveiled the atomic structures and phase distribution of the fragile solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on graphite using ultra-low-dosage and aberration-corrected cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM). It is known that propylene carbonate electrolyte can exfoliate a graphite anode and damage its structural integrity. Surprisingly, ethylene carbonate–diethyl carbonate can also damage the surface of the graphite anode by exfoliation even with an initial formation protocol of constant-current charging (0.05C) for three hours and then 0.1C for another 3 hours at 45 °C: we hypothesize that the exfoliated graphene layers embedded in the SEI enhance local electron channeling, which induces an ever-growing, thick SEI layer with randomly distributed graphene, Li2O, and Li2CO3 nano-crystals. Using the same formation protocol but with 1 wt% vinylene carbonate (VC), triphenyl phosphate (TPP), or ethylene sulfate (DTD) or 10 wt% monofluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) as the additive is found to cause solid deposition prior to the graphite exfoliation instability, which generates a stable and thin SEI (

Background: Anti-PD-1-based immunotherapy has emerged as a promising therapy for several cancers. However, it only benefits a small subset of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Mounting data supports the pivotal role of gut microbiota in shaping immune system. Pectin, a widely consumed soluble fiber, has been reported to ameliorate the imbalance of gut microbiota. Therefore, we aimed to explore the effect and the underlying mechanisms of pectin in improving anti-PD-1 mAb efficacy. Methods: The C57BL/6 mice were treated with a broad-spectrum antibiotic (ATB) cocktail to depleted endogenous gut microbiota and subsequently humanized with feces from healthy controls or newly diagnosed CRC patients. The antitumor efficacies of anti-PD-1 mAb combined with or without pectin were assessed using these mice. Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were conducted to investigate the tumor immune microenvironment after treatment. The gut microbiota profiles and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) levels were determined by 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene sequencing and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), respectively. The effect of gut microbiota on anti-PD-1 mAb efficacy after pectin supplement was further tested by fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). Results: The anti-PD-1 mAb efficacy was largely impaired in the mice humanized with feces from newly diagnosed CRC patients compared to those from healthy controls. However, pectin significantly enhanced the anti-PD-1 mAb efficacy in the tumor-bearing mice humanized with CRC patient gut microbiota. Flow cytometry and IHC analysis revealed increased T cell infiltration and activation in the tumor microenvironment of mice treated with anti-PD-1 mAb plus pectin. In vivo depletion of CD8+ T cells diminished the anti-tumor effect of anti-PD-1 mAb combined with pectin. 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that pectin significantly increased gut microbial diversity and beneficially regulated microbial composition. In addition, we identified unique bacterial modules that were significantly enriched in the anti-PD-1 mAb + pectin group, which composed of butyrate-producing bacteria indicative of good response to immunotherapy. Meanwhile, GC-MS showed that pectin altered the level of SCFA butyrate. Furthermore, butyrate, a main product of dietary fiber in gut microbial fermentation, was found to be sufficient to promote T cells infiltration and thus enhance the efficacy of anti-PD-1 mAb. In addition, FMT demonstrated the effects of pectin were dependent on gut microbiota. Importantly, the beneficial effects of pectin were confirmed in the mice humanized with gut microbiota from patient with resistance to anti-PD-1 mAb. Conclusion: Pectin facilitated the anti-PD-1 mAb efficacy in CRC via regulating the T cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment, which was potentially mediated by the metabolite butyrate.

This work represents the first [4+2] annulation of hydroxamic acids with olefins for the synthesis of benzo[c][1,2]oxazines scaffold via anode-selective electrochemical oxidation. This protocol features mild conditions, is oxidant free, shows high regioselectivity and stereoselectivity, broad substrate scope of both alkenes and hydroxamic acids, and is compatible with terpenes, peptides, and steroids. Significantly, the dioxygenation of olefins employing hydroxamic acid is also successfully achieved by switching the anode material under the same reaction conditions. The study not only reveals a new reactivity of hydroxamic acids and its first application in electrosynthesis but also provides a successful example of anode material-tuned product selectivity.

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(vi)), the most toxic valence state of chromium, is widely present in industrial effluents and wastes. Sulforaphane (SFN), rich in Brassica genus plants, bears multiple biological activity. Wistar rats were used to explore the protective role of SFN against the cardiotoxicity of chronic potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) exposure and reveal the potential molecular mechanism. The data showed that SFN alleviated hematological variations, oxidative stress, heart dysfunction and structure disorder, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by K2Cr2O7. Moreover, SFN reduced p53, cleaved caspase-3, Bcl2-associated X protein, nuclear factor kappa-B, and interleukin-1β levels, and increased Sesn2, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1, NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase-1, and phosphorylated adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) levels. This study demonstrates that SFN ameliorates Cr(vi)-induced cardiotoxicity via activation of the Sesn2/AMPK/Nrf2 signaling pathway. SFN may be a protector against Cr(vi)-induced heart injury and a novel therapy for chronic Cr(vi) exposure.

A class of non-precious metal and highly efficient catalysts (Fe–N(PIL)/C) for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR)were prepared by a two-step reaction involving polymerization and one-pot high-temperature pyrolysis reaction. The characteristics of Fe–N(PIL)/C electrocatalyst samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Additionally, the electrocatalytic properties were tested by linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Under alkaline conditions, the Fe–N(PIL)/C catalyst exhibited a 2D-mesoporous structure with prominent catalytic activity. The Eon and E1/2 reached 1.08 V and 0.93 V (vs. a reversible hydrogen electrode), respectively. The catalyst showed excellent ORR catalytic performance and stability and is superior to a 20 wt% Pt/C catalyst. This could be attributed to its mesoporous structure and the high content of Fe–N activity sites that enable it to carry out a nearly 4e− reaction pathway for the ORR.

Two novel coordination polymers (CPs) based on Co(II) ions as nodes with the chemical formula of {Co(DBTA)(phen)(H2O)}n (1) (phen = 1,10-Phenanthroline and H2DBTA = 2,5-Dibromo-terephthalic acid) and [Co(DBTA)(bimb)]n (2) (bimb = 1,4-bis(imidazole-1-ylmethyl)benzene) were prepared via Co(NO3)2·6H2O reacting with the H2DBTA in the existence of distinct nitrogen-donor co-ligands (phen for the complex 1 and bimb for the complex 2) under solvothermal conditions. Compounds 1 and 2 with novel structures were evaluated for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) treatment. Serious experiments were performed and the specific mechanism for compound also was investigated. Firstly, the AD animal model was constructed in the mice, then we injected the compound 1 or 2 into mice to perform the indicated treatment at 5 mg/kg concentration. After that, the brain volume and brain weight were measured. Then, the Amyloid (Aβ) content in cerebrospinal fluid was determined to assess the activity of compound. The inflammatory cytokines released into the cerebrospinal fluid was also determined with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detection. Finally, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in the cerebral cortex cells was detected.

Electrode material is a key factor for high-energy storage battery. In this paper, graphene oxide/poly(o-phenylenediamine) (GO/PoPD) hybrid composite is prepared by combining the self-assembly process to form graphene oxide/o-phenylenediamine hydrogel and subsequently the in situ oxidation polymerization, which exhibits the open porous morphology with high BET surface area of 347 m2/g. As the anode of lithium ion battery, GO/PoPD possesses the double lithium storage mechanisms from graphene oxide and poly(o-phenylenediamine). Meanwhile, it exhibits an initial discharge-specific capacity of 1632.4 mAh/g and the improved cycling stability. Even after 43 cycles, it still keeps a capacity of 839.5 mAh/g, which is obviously higher than that of GO and PoPD. Furthermore, GO/PoPD hybrid composite presents the enhanced rate performances with the discharge-specific capacities of 1411.7, 718.2, 621.2, and 576.3 mAh/g at current rates of 50, 100, 200, and 500 mA/g, respectively. The improved electrochemical performances are attributed to the formed stable porous morphology, which facilitates the electrolyte ion to penetrate into the electrode matrix during the redox reaction and then results in the improved cell performances.

Guanine nucleotide binding protein (G protein) gamma 8 (Gng8) is a subunit of G proteins and expressed in the medial habenula (MHb) and interpeduncular nucleus (IPN). Recent studies have demonstrated that Gng8 is involved in brain development; however, the roles of Gng8 on cognitive function have not yet been addressed. In the present study, we investigated the expression of Gng8 in the brain and found that Gng8 was predominantly expressed in the MHb-IPN circuit of the mouse brain. We generated Gng8 knockout (KO) mice by CRISPR/Cas9 system in order to assess the role of Gng8 on cognitive function. Gng8 KO mice exhibited deficiency in learning and memory in passive avoidance and Morris water maze tests. In addition, Gng8 KO mice significantly reduced long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus compared to that of wild-type (WT) mice. Furthermore, we observed that levels of acetylcholine (ACh) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in the MHb and IPN of Gng8 KO mice were significantly decreased, compared to WT mice. The administration of nAChR α4β2 agonist A85380 rescued memory impairment in the Gng8 KO mice, suggesting that Gng8 regulates cognitive function via modulation of cholinergic activity. Taken together, Gng8 is a potential therapeutic target for memory-related diseases and/or neurodevelopmental diseases.

Control of selectivity is one of the central topics in organic chemistry. Although unprecedented alkoxyl-radical-induced transformations have drawn a lot of attention, compared to selective C-H activation, selective radical O-H activation remains less explored. Herein, we report a novel selective radical O-H activation strategy of diols by combining spatial effects with proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET). It was found that DMSO is an essential reagent that enables the regioselective transformation of diols. Mechanistic studies indicated the existence of the alkoxyl radical and the selective interaction between DMSO and hydroxyl groups. Moreover, the distal C-C cleavage was realized by this selective alkoxyl-radical-initiation protocol.

The objective of this study was to develop chemically bonded phosphate ceramic (CBPC) coatings with relatively low curing temperature, properly prolonged curing time, and enhanced oxidation resistance. The coating was synthesised using aluminium phosphate as binder, surface modified MgOw/MgO as curing agent, and spherical microscaled Al particle as filler. The MgOw/MgO curing agent was surface coated by an Al2O3 layer via sol-gel routes. The Al2O3-coated MgOw/MgO agent facilitated a controllable curing process owing to the sustained-release effect of the surrounding microstructure. The weight loss profiles of all CBPCs with a surface modified curing agent exhibited a quasi-parabolic trend. The curing time decreased with the addition of the curing agent, and the Al2O3-coated MgOw curing agent was more effective owing to the good dispersion and larger particle number/volume percentage. The thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry curves proved that the Al element exhibited similar effect as Mg2+, which could also enhance the curing process via substitution reaction between the basic metal ions with hydrogen in phosphate. Therefore, the addition of Al filler resulted in further curing and densification, exhibiting a decrease in the curing time (30–50 min) and increase in the weight loss (~40%). Proper binder-to-curing agent-to-filler mass (B:C:F) ratio was very important, and the CBPCs with improved surface roughness, hardness, and free of cracks were synthesised at a B:C:F ratio of 10:1:0.05. During oxidation at 800 °C, the Al filler in the CBPCs transformed into a continuous Al2O3 layer, which protected the Ti6Al4V alloy from further oxidation.