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The intermolecular asymmetric radical oxidative C(sp3 )-C(sp) cross-coupling of C(sp3 )-H bonds with readily available terminal alkynes is a promising method to forge chiral C(sp3 )-C(sp) bonds because of the high atom and step economy, but remains underexplored. Here, we report a copper-catalyzed asymmetric C(sp3 )-C(sp) cross-coupling of (hetero)benzylic and (cyclic)allylic C-H bonds with terminal alkynes that occurs with high to excellent enantioselectivity. Critical to the success is the rational design of chiral oxazoline-derived N,N,P(O)-ligands that not only tolerate the strong oxidative conditions which are requisite for intermolecular hydrogen atom abstraction (HAA) processes but also induce the challenging enantiocontrol. Direct access to a range of synthetically useful chiral benzylic alkynes and 1,4-enynes, high site-selectivity among similar C(sp3 )-H bonds, and facile synthesis of enantioenriched medicinally relevant compounds make this approach very attractive.

With the rapid development of internet of things and wearable electronics, how to conveniently power uncountable sensors remains a huge challenge. Energy harvesting strategy is suggested to collect and convert environmental energies into electrical energy. Thereinto, piezoelectric polymers are utilized as flexible harvesters to convert mechanical energy. The latter widely distributes in both our daily life and industrial environment. Intrinsic piezoelectric property further drives piezoelectric polymers to construct flexible self-powered strain sensors. However, relatively low piezoelectric performance restricts their application in detection and conversion of weak mechanical excitations. Herein, wave-shaped 3D piezoelectric device was fabricated by embossing electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride nanofibers. This 3D structured device presents better longitudinal and transverse piezoelectric performance than usual flat-type one. This wave-shaped piezoelectric device was developed for acoustic detection and recognition with a frequency resolution better than 0.1 Hz. This wave-shaped device was capable of frequency spectrum analyses of various sound sources from human and animals and well presents its potential for future wearable acoustic sensors and transducers.

Three tris-heteroleptic mononuclear Ru(II) complexes with dual fluorescence and phosphorescence-[Ru(dpma)(bpy)(phen)]2+ (12+), [Ru(dpma)(bpy)(dppz)]2+ (22+), and [Ru(dpma)(phen)(dppz)]2+ (32+)-have been designed and used as ratiometric light-response probes for DNA, where dpma is di(pyrid-2-yl)(methyl)-amine, bpy is 2,2'-bipyridine, phen is 1,10-phenanthroline, and dppz is dipyridophenazine, respectively. Single crystals of complex 2(PF6)2 have been obtained and studied by X-ray analysis. The interactions of these complexes with different DNAs are investigated by means of spectroscopic methods, viscosity measurements, and molecular modeling. In the presence of calf thymus DNA, complexes 2(PF6)2 and 3(PF6)2 show the emergence of a new lower-energy phosphorescence emission band; meanwhile, the higher-energy fluorescence emission band is essentially unchanged, functioning as an intrinsic internal reference. These two complexes exhibit stronger preference for calf thymus DNA over single-strand DNA (d(A)16 and d(C)16). In contrast, no binding interaction between 1(PF6)2 and calf thymus DNA is observed. The intrinsic binding constants (Kb) of 2(PF6)2 and 3(PF6)2 with calf thymus DNA are determined to be (1.4 ± 0.4) × 105 and (9.5 ± 0.15) × 104 M-1, respectively. In addition, these spectroscopic results are compared with those of the prototype complex [Ru(bpy)2(dppz)]2+ (42+), and density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory calculations are employed to elucidate these experimental findings.

In this work, we present a series of donor–acceptor–donor type of small molecules (BDAD, ODAD, and DDAD) based on the triphenylamine (TPA) and dithienopyrrolobenzothiadiazole (DTPBT) units, which a...

The use of hole-transporting materials (HTMs) is crucial in achieving high photovoltaic performance in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Considering the high-cost, difficult synthesis, and/or the devi...

A new class of high-quality ionic organic microcrystals with bright deep-blue luminescence (with up to 60% quantum yield) have been prepared in situ by the protonation of 2,2′-di(pyrid-2-yl)bipheny...

Eight nonplanar terdentate cyclometalated Pt(II) complexes (Pt1–Pt8) have been designed and synthesized with the general formula [Pt(N∧C∧N)Cl], where N∧C∧N represents 1,3-bis(N-methyl-N′-(pyridin-2...

Microalgae consists a promising feedstock for biofuel production due to their high growth rates and lipid content. Microalgal wastewater remediation can achieve both organic matters removal and biodiesel production, leading to economic benefits. In this study, immobilized microalgae and algae-bacteria consortia were used to treat synthetic fracturing wastewater. Organic matter removal, biomass production and lipid synthesis by co-culture of Chlorella vulgaris and Bacillus bacteria were investigated in comparison with an algae immobilization system during the process. The chemical oxygen demand removal rate and lipid concentration of the co-culture were both lower than those of the immobilized C. vulgaris, while algal biomass under the two cultivation conditions was similar. The immobilized algae provided higher amount of fatty acids, especially mono-unsaturated fatty acids, than the algae-bacteria consortia. Most of the fuel properties of biodiesel produced in both immobilized and co-cultured C. vulgaris complied with the specifications for standard biodiesel. The comparative results of enzyme activity showed that immobilization can enhance the activity of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, the key enzyme for fatty acids synthesis, leading to the formation of more fatty acids and lipids. Furthermore, immobilization decreased the ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase activity and inhibited starch formation. Immobilization favors lipid production and removal of organics by C. vulgaris.

Three cyclometalated diruthenium complexes bridged by 3,3',5,5'-tetrakis(benzimidazol-2-yl)biphenyl (H-tbibp) and capped with different terminal ligands have been synthesized and examined. In addition, two monoruthenium complexes with H-tbibp have been prepared for the purpose of comparison studies. The degree of Ru-Ru electronic coupling of these diruthenium complexes has been investigated by electrochemical and intervalence charge-transfer (IVCT) analyses. These results suggest that when the same or similar terminal ligands are used, the strength of H-tbibp in mediating the Ru-Ru coupling is enhanced with respect to that of the previously reported bridging ligand 3,3',5,5'-tetrakis(N-methylbenzimidazol-2-yl)biphenyl, but it is slightly inferior to that of the classical bridging ligand 3,3',5,5'-tetrakis(pyrid-2-yl)biphenyl. This trend is also supported by CNS analyses based on the hole-superexchange mechanism. In addition, DFT calculations have been performed to probe the spin density distributions of the singly-oxidized diruthenium complexes with H-tbibp and TDDFT calculations are used to reproduce the IVCT transitions.

Rationale: Most contemporary cancer therapeutic paradigms involve initial imaging as a treatment roadmap, followed by the active engagement of surgical operations. Current approved intraoperative contrast agents exemplified by indocyanine green (ICG) have a few drawbacks including the inability of pre-surgical localization. Alternative near-infrared (NIR) dyes including IRDye800cw are being explored in advanced clinical trials but often encounter low chemical yields and complex purifications owing to the asymmetric synthesis. A single contrast agent with ease of synthesis that works in multiple cancer types and simultaneously allows presurgical imaging, intraoperative deep-tissue three-dimensional visualization, and high-speed microscopic visualization of tumor margins via spatiotemporally complementary modalities would be beneficial. Methods: Due to the lack of commercial availability and the absence of detailed synthesis and characterization, we proposed a facile and scalable synthesis pathway for the symmetric NIR water-soluble heptamethine sulfoindocyanine IRDye78. The synthesis can be accomplished in four steps from commercially-available building blocks. Its symmetric resonant structure avoided asymmetric synthesis problems while still preserving the benefits of analogous IRDye800cw with commensurable optical properties. Next, we introduced a low-molecular-weight protein alpha-lactalbumin (α-LA) as the carrier that effectively modulates the hepatic clearance of IRDye78 into the preferred renal excretion pathway. We further implemented 89Zr radiolabeling onto the protein scaffold for positron emission tomography (PET). The multimodal imaging capability of the fluorophore-protein complex was validated in breast cancer and glioblastoma. Results: The scalable synthesis resulted in high chemical yields, typically 95% yield in the final step of the chloro dye. Chemical structures of intermediates and the final fluorophore were confirmed. Asymmetric IRDye78 exhibited comparable optical features as symmetric IRDye800cw. Its well-balanced quantum yield affords concurrent dual fluorescence and optoacoustic contrast without self-quenching nor concentration-dependent absorption. The NHS ester functionality modulates efficient covalent coupling to reactive side-chain amines to the protein carrier, along with desferrioxamine (DFO) for stable radiolabeling of 89Zr. The fluorophore-protein complex advantageously shifted the biodistribution and can be effectively cleared through the urinary pathway. The agent accumulates in tumors and enables triple-modal visualization in mouse xenograft models of both breast and brain cancers. Conclusion: This study described in detail a generalized strategic modulation of clearance routes towards the favorable renal clearance, via the introduction of α-LA. IRDye78 as a feasible alternative of IRDye800cw currently in clinical phases was proposed with a facile synthesis and fully characterized for the first time. This fluorophore-protein complex with stable radiolabeling should have great potential for clinical translation where it could enable an elegant workflow from preoperative planning to intraoperative deep tissue and high-resolution image-guided resection.

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of crystalline materials has recently attracted increasing attention due to their unique characteristics and applications, such as crystallization-induced emission, active waveguiding, and biosensing. Tris(2,2′-bipyridine)ruthenium(II), [Ru(bpy)3]2+, a classical metal–organic complex for ECL studies, has been fully investigated in solution as well as its derivatives. However, the dependence of ECL properties on the molecular structure and crystal morphology of these complexes has not been illustrated, partially due to the difficulty in the controlled crystal growth. Here, we adopt a facile molecular engineering strategy to obtain microcrystals of [Ru(bpy)3]2+ derivatives with well-defined morphology (rods, wires, or polyhedrons) and varied phosphorescence emission colors (yellow, orange, and red) by simply changing the position and number of methyl substituents on the bipyridine ligands. The packing modes of molecules influenced by methyl groups play a vital role in crystal growth based on attachment energy analysis. The obtained microcrystals could act as ECL luminophores when modified on glassy carbon electrode surfaces. Those with one-dimensional (1D) morphology generally show superior ECL efficiency and stability to three-dimensional (3D) shaped microcrystals. ECL biosensors made of stable 1D microcrystals show reliable and sensitive responses to hydroxyproline, demonstrating their capacity in recyclable detections. This work demonstrates the great potential of molecular engineering in controlling the morphology, emission colors, and ECL properties of molecular crystals, paving the way for the development of high-performance ECL biosensing and optoelectronic devices.

The expansion of lithium-ion batteries from consumer electronics to larger-scale transport and energy storage applications has made understanding the many mechanisms responsible for battery degradation increasingly important. The literature in this complex topic has grown considerably; this perspective aims to distil current knowledge into a succinct form, as a reference and a guide to understanding battery degradation. Unlike other reviews, this work emphasises the coupling between the different mechanisms and the different physical and chemical approaches used to trigger, identify and monitor various mechanisms, as well as the various computational models that attempt to simulate these interactions. Degradation is separated into three levels: the actual mechanisms themselves, the observable consequences at cell level called modes and the operational effects such as capacity or power fade. Five principal and thirteen secondary mechanisms were found that are generally considered to be the cause of degradation during normal operation, which all give rise to five observable modes. A flowchart illustrates the different feedback loops that couple the various forms of degradation, whilst a table is presented to highlight the experimental conditions that are most likely to trigger specific degradation mechanisms. Together, they provide a powerful guide to designing experiments or models for investigating battery degradation.

Focusing on the leakage problem in high temperature and high salinity oil fields (reservoir temperature 1208C-1308C, formation water salinity 220000 mg/L), a gel-blocking system is proposed using a polymer and a phenolic prepolymer. Specifically, it addresses the short storage time issue of synthetic phenolic prepolymer by introducing p-hydroxybenzoic acid to modify and effectively extend its lifespan. The additional introduction of c-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (KH550) improves the wall-adhesion of this system. The proposed gel-blocking system shows good on-site application results in a western China oil field.

The development of enantioconvergent cross-coupling of racemic alkyl halides directly with heteroarene C(sp2 )-H bonds has been impeded by the use of a base at elevated temperature that leads to racemization. We herein report a copper(I)/cinchona-alkaloid-derived N,N,P-ligand catalytic system that enables oxidative addition with racemic alkyl bromides under mild conditions. Thus, coupling with azole C(sp2 )-H bonds has been achieved in high enantioselectivity, affording a number of potentially useful α-chiral alkylated azoles, such as 1,3,4-oxadiazoles, oxazoles, and benzo[d]oxazoles as well as 1,3,4-triazoles, for drug discovery. Mechanistic experiments indicated facile deprotonation of an azole C(sp2 )-H bond and the involvement of alkyl radical species under the reaction conditions.

In order to discuss the problems involved in the joining of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite materials with aluminum alloys that is required for the production of several parts in aerospace, automotive, and other engineering applications, a comprehensive review of the research status of this dissimilar joint alloys both in China and abroad is made. The overview mainly includes adhesive bonding, mechanical fastening, welding, and new joining techniques, as well as residual stress and corrosion performance of the joints. The current problems, development prospects, and future research direction of different joining technologies used in this field have been discussed. It is believed that the numerical simulation combined with the welding test can be used to further study the joining process of friction stir welding between carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite materials and aluminum alloys and the hybrid joining method of friction stir welding and adhesion.

We have studied the effect of NaCl and CaCl2 on phase behavior of foaming aqueous dispersions containing mixtures of silica nanoparticles (Ludox CL) and sulfobetaine (LHSB). At the evaluated ratio, the phase behavior results show that at a low CaCl2 concentration, sedimentation occurs, whereas a stable aqueous dispersion could be achieved when the CaCl2 concentration reaches to 20%. The adsorption experiments show that high concentrations of both NaCl and CaCl2 reduce the adsorption of LHSB to CL. In the CaCl2 dispersion the adsorption decreases significantly and only a few LHSB molecules can be adsorbed on the CL surface. Therefore, without the lower hydrophobicity of LHSB adsorption less CL could adsorbed at the air/water interface. The results on gas permeability show that aqueous dispersions containing mixtures of CL and LHSB show no obvious difference to aqueous systems containing only LHSB. The surface dilatation module of the LHSB and CL system in CaCl2 solution also shows a similar variation to the system with LHSB alone, which is significantly different from the system with 20% NaCl. Finally, foam flow tests in a porous medium show that compared to a 20% CaCl2 dispersion with the LHSB and CL system in 20% NaCl, a finer foam and a higher pressure difference could be achieved.

Cataract is the most prevalent cause of blindness worldwide, which accounts for more than 51% of overall blindness. The early detection of cataract can salvage impaired vision leading to blindness....

Theranostic agents should ideally be renally cleared and biodegradable. Here, we report the synthesis, characterization and theranostic applications of fluorescent ultrasmall gold quantum clusters that are stabilized by the milk metalloprotein alpha-lactalbumin. We synthesized three types of these nanoprobes that together display fluorescence across the visible and near-infrared spectra when excited at a single wavelength through optical colour coding. In live tumour-bearing mice, the near-infrared nanoprobe generates contrast for fluorescence, X-ray computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, and exhibits long circulation times, low accumulation in the reticuloendothelial system, sustained tumour retention, insignificant toxicity and renal clearance. An intravenously administrated near-infrared nanoprobe with a large Stokes shift facilitated the detection and image-guided resection of breast tumours in vivo using a smartphone with modified optics. Moreover, the partially unfolded structure of alpha-lactalbumin in the nanoprobe helps with the formation of an anti-cancer lipoprotein complex with oleic acid that triggers the inhibition of the MAPK and PI3K–AKT pathways, immunogenic cell death and the recruitment of infiltrating macrophages. The biodegradability and safety profile of the nanoprobes make them suitable for the systemic detection and localized treatment of cancer. Renally clearable gold quantum clusters that are stabilized by the milk metalloprotein alpha-lactalbumin and display multicolour fluorescence aid the detection, resection and treatment of breast cancer in mice.

In this study, alkaline earth metals (Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) doped Nd2Ce2O7 powders are synthesized by the gel auto-combustion method. The effects of alkaline earth metals doped Nd2Ce2O7 on the phase structure, chemical stability, microstructure, and electrical properties are evaluated by the X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and electrochemical testing. All electrolytes reveal a cubic fluorite structure with an Fm-3m space group and remain excellent chemical stability at different atmospheres. The grain size and density of ceramics increase significantly, and a large number of oxygen vacancies are created after alkaline earth metals incorporated into Nd2Ce2O7. Generally, the total conductivity is associated with the number of oxygen vacancies and microstructure of ceramics. The electrolyte of Nd1.85Mg0.15Ce2O7-δ exhibits the highest electrical conductivity of 0.923 × 10−2 S cm−1 and 1.542 × 10−2 S cm−1 in dry air and wet 5% H2–Ar atmosphere at 700 °C, respectively. Additionally, with alkaline earth metals doped Nd2Ce2O7 as electrolytes, the proton-conducting single cells have a better open circuit voltage and peak power density. The single cell based on Nd1.85Mg0.15Ce2O7-δ electrolyte can reach 0.890 V and 483 mW cm−2 at 700 °C. This was observed to stay constant without extreme degradation after short-term testing.

In contrast to the wealth of enantioselective prochiral C(sp3)–H functionalization that is transition-metal-catalysed, the enantioconvergent transformation of racemic tertiary C(sp3)–H bonds (pKa > 25) still represents a vastly uncharted domain. The mechanistic limitation is partial or complete chirality retention, which is inherent to developed enantioselective C–H functionalization catalysis and poses the major challenge in establishing such a process. To this end, we herein describe the combination of decoupled hydrogen atom abstraction with asymmetric copper catalysis for enantioconvergent tertiary β-C(sp3)–H amination of racemic ketones. This method, when allied with follow-up transformations, provides facile access to a range of enantioenriched compounds featuring quaternary stereocentres. We anticipate that this work will inspire the future design of generally efficient catalysts for enantioconvergent transformations of racemic tertiary C(sp3)–H bonds. Methods for the enantioconvergent tertiary C–H functionalization are scarce, but desired for the construction of valuable compounds. Now, a highly enantioconvergent tertiary β-C(sp3)–H amination of racemic ketones with copper/chiral phosphoric acid dual catalysis is reported.

Dual-emissive transition-metal complexes can display two emission bands at distinctly different wavelength. They have the double advantages of being dual-emissive materials and photofunctional transition-metal complexes. They are useful in a wide range of applications such as ratiometric photoluminescent probes and bio-imaging. Compared to metal complexes with a single emission band, ratiometric photoluminescent probes based on dual-emissive complexes could effectively decrease the influence induced by the fluctuation of excitation energy and environment effects, and thus improve the sensitivity and accuracy. This review briefly summarizes the design strategies for the synthesis of dual-emissive transition-metal complexes, in particular ruthenium, iridium, and platinum complexes, and their applications as ratiometric photoluminescent probes. In addition, the current challenges in the studies of dual-emissive transition-metal complexes are discussed, which is of interest and importance to the synthesis and applications of new dual-emissive molecular materials in the future.

The effects of mixotrophic cultivation on antioxidation and lipid production of Chlorella vulgaris in wastewater treatment were analyzed. The biomass and lipid content of the mixotrophic C. vulgari...

Nanopesticide is one of the best pesticide formulation technologies to overcome the disadvantages of traditional pesticides, which has received great attention from the international community. Using high-speed emulsification and ultrasonic dispersion technology, an avermectin nano-delivery system (Av-NDs) with a particle size of 80–150 nm was prepared through embedding the pesticide molecule utilizing the cross-linking reaction between sodium lignosulfonate and p-phenylenediamine diazonium salt. The formulation and composition of Av-NDs were optimized, the morphology of Av-NDs was analyzed by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope and dynamic light scattering, and the structure of Av-NDs was characterized by UV, IR and 1H NMR. Anti-photolysis and controlled-release tests show that the stability of Av-NDs is 3–4 times of the original avermectin (Av) and possesses the pH-responsive controlled release property. Furthermore, the insecticidal activity of Av-NDs is better than that of avermectin suspension concentrate (Av-SC). The Av-NDs with anti-photolysis and controlled-release characteristics is suitable for large-scale industrial production and is capable to be utilized as effective insecticide in the field.

Description, An oligomeric nanozyme with ultrafast electron transfer can achieve high catalytic activity and alleviate acute brain injury., Artificial enzymes have attracted wide interest in disease diagnosis and biotechnology due to high stability, easy synthesis, and cost effectiveness. Unfortunately, their catalytic rate is limited to surface electron transfer, affecting the catalytic and biological activity. Here, we report an oligomeric nanozyme (O-NZ) with ultrafast electron transfer, achieving ultrahigh catalytic activity. O-NZ shows electron transfer of 1.8 nanoseconds in internal cores and 1.2 picoseconds between core and ligand molecule, leading to ultrahigh superoxidase dismutase–like and glutathione peroxidase–like activity (comparable with natural enzyme, Michaelis constant = 0.87 millimolars). Excitingly, O-NZ can improve the 1-month survival rate of mice with acute brain trauma from 50 to 90% and promote the recovery of long-term neurocognition. Biochemical experiments show that O-NZ can decrease harmful peroxide and superoxide via in vivo catalytic chain reaction and reduce acute neuroinflammation via nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2–mediated up-regulation of heme oxygenase-1 expression.

Using polyethylene wax (PW) as the coating matrix, the lambda-cyhalothrin-PW nanosuspoemulsion (LC-PW) with a particle size of 80-150nm was prepared through high-speed stirring, hot melt emulsification and ultrasonic dispersion. The formulation and composition of the LC-PW were optimized, the morphology of the LC-PW was analyzed by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and TEM, and the structure of the LC-PW was characterized by UV and IR. The anti-photolysis test showed that LC-PW had a good anti-photolysis performance. Furthermore, LC-PW could sustainably release Lambda-cyhalothrin, which was pH- and temperature dependent. The insecticidal activity analysis in the greenhouse indicated that the toxic strength between LC-PW and LC-SC (lambda-cyhalothrin-suspension concentrate) to

By means of high-speed emulsification and ultrasonic dispersing, emamectin benzoate (EB)–sodium lignosulfonate (SL) nanoformulation (EBSLNf) with a particle size of 150–250 nm was developed by the ...

RNA modification meets immune metabolism N 6 -methyladenosine (m 6 A) RNA modification regulates various cellular functions. Liu et al. found that host cells impair RNA m 6 A demethylase activity after viral infection, leading to increased m 6 A and reduced stability of α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (OGDH) mRNA. As a result, reduced OGDH decreases the generation of itaconate, thereby inhibiting viral replication. The authors explore the function of OGDH and itaconate in viral infection, provide insights into m 6 A RNA modification and metabolic reprogramming in modulating virus-host interaction, and suggest potential therapeutic targets for the control of viral infection. Science , this issue p. 1171

Transition-metal complexes (TMCs) have recently attracted considerable scientific interest for resistive memory switching. The interplay between metal ions and ligand endows TMCs with rich and tunable electrochemical and photophysical properties, making them beneficial for the formation of electrical bi- or multistates in resistive memory devices. This review summarizes the applications of TMCs in resistive memory switching. Following the simple introduction of the basic concept and switching mechanism of resistive memory devices, the recent progress on the applications of ferrocene derivatives, polyazine metal complexes and metallopolymers, alkynyl metal complexes, and porphyrin or phthalocyanine metal complexes are discussed, with an emphasis on the modulation or control of switching properties by ligand design.

Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), especially reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are intermediate products during incidence of nervous system diseases, showing continuous damage for traumatic brain injury (TBI). Here, we developed a carbogenic nanozyme, which shows an antioxidant activity 12 times higher than ascorbic acid (AA) and behaves as multienzyme mimetics. Importantly, the nanozyme exhibits an ultrahigh scavenging efficiency (∼16 times higher than AA) toward highly active RNS, such as •NO and ONOO- as well as traditional reactive oxygen species (ROS) including O2•-, H2O2, and •OH. In vitro experiments show that neuron cells injured by H2O2 or lipopolysaccharide can be significantly recovered after carbogenic nanozyme treatment via scavenging all kinds of RONS. Moreover, the carbogenic nanozyme can serve as various enzyme mimetics and eliminate the harmful peroxide and glutathione disulfide from injured mice, demonstrating its potential as a therapeutic for acute TBI.

Background SULT2B1b (sulfotransferase family cytosolic 2B member 1b) catalyzes the sulfate conjugation of substrates such as cholesterol and oxysterols. Our laboratory has previously shown that SULT2B1b inhibition modulates androgen receptor signaling and induces apoptosis in prostate cancer cells. However, the functions of SULT2B1b in the prostate remain poorly understood. Methods We characterized the expression pattern of SULT2B1b in human benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) as well as prostate cancer to determine the relationship between SULT2B1b and prostate diseases, using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence staining, immunoblot, and real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results SULT2B1b was strongly detected in the prostate epithelium but was absent in the stroma. Significantly lower SULT2B1b was found in primary cancer cells compared with adjacent normal epithelial cells. SULT2B1b further decreased in metastatic cancer cells. Most interestingly, we found, for the first time, that SULT2B1b was much more concentrated in the luminal layer than in the basal layer in both normal prostate and BPH samples. The stronger presence of SULT2B1b in luminal epithelial cells was confirmed by costaining with luminal and basal markers and in sorted paired luminal and basal cells. SULT2B1b expression was induced with prostate organoid differentiation. Conclusions SULT2B1b inversely correlates with prostate cancer status, with the highest level in the normal epithelium and lowest in the advanced metastatic prostate cancer. Furthermore, SULT2B1b is mostly located within the luminal layer of the prostate epithelium, suggesting that it may be implicated in luminal differentiation.

An edible and structured emulsion gel was successfully prepared from thermo-gelable polysaccharide curdlan and regenerated cellulose (RC), which was characterized by a set of methods, such as, fluorescence microscopy, rheology analysis, etc. The preparation procedures included formulating an oil-in-water emulsion stabilized by RC and curdlan, followed by heat treatment leading to a structured solid system. The stable O/W type emulsion gel was acquired at the RC concentration above 0.5 wt % and curdlan above 1 wt %. The fluorescence microscopy proved the adsorption of RC on the oil droplets surface. Besides, the effect of temperature and RC/curdlan concentrations on the rheological behavior of emulsion gel was evaluated. G′, G″ and viscosity of the emulsion started to increase at around 50 °C and thermal irreversible gel formed at temperature 80 °C. Due to the reinforcement of entanglements and interactions, increasing RC/curdlan concentration contributed to an improvement of storage (G’) and loss (G”) moduli in emulsion gel, while reduced their creep compliance under microstress according to the creep measurements.

An improved synthesis of Lacosamide 1 with high purity has been developed. Critical parameters of each step were identified as well as the impurities generated. Moreover, a creative method to improve chiral purity and stability of the key intermediate (R)-2-amino-N-benzyl-3-methoxypropionamide 10 by forming salt with an achiral acid (phosphoric acid) was discovered to ensure the chiral purity of (R)-Lacosamide. Phosphoric acid was further developed for the deprotection of the Boc group.

A cyclometalated ruthenium sensitizer 3 containing a triphenylamine unit was synthesized and immobilized on a nanocrystalline TiO2 surface. By using oxidative electrochemical deposition, a covalent...

As the centralized control system of the body, the brain is a complex organ of the utmost importance that even the most minor disorder and trauma can cause inestimable harm. There has always been an unmet clinical need for non-invasive high-resolution imaging techniques without a craniotomy to assist neurosurgeons gain anatomical and functional information for brain examination. Compared to the traditional methods, near-infrared (NIR) imaging (window I, 700–900 nm; window II, 1000–1700 nm) provides an innovative strategy for non-radioactive inspection with high tempo-spatial resolution. In particular, NIR-II imaging shows longer tissue penetration depths and ultralow tissue backgrounds due to drastically decreased photon scattering and tissue autofluorescence. In the current review, we highlight recent advances in NIR fluorophores, especially their rational design and application in NIR fluorescence imaging of the brain, sorted through brain tumors, traumatic brain injuries and bleeding diseases, as well as neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s diseases. This state-of-the-art, non-invasive and non-radioactive optical imaging modality shows a promising prospect in understanding the fundamental pathophysiology of neurological diseases and is envisioned for potential clinical translation.

Novel nitrogen-rich hierarchical porous carbon (NPC) materials have been successfully synthesized using eggshells as the template and activation agent. Because the eggshell template with a unique porous structure is made mainly of calcium carbonate, it can decompose into carbon dioxide (CO2) and calcium oxide (CaO) during the carbonization process, and a hierarchical porous carbon material is generated when the produced CO2 gas is released and the formed CaO is removed. Moreover, a certain amount of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) is added to introduce nitrogen element and form a special morphology with lots of interconnected channels in the carbon wall. The hierarchical porous structure with abundant functional groups and interconnected channels not only facilitates electrolyte ion transportation, but also improves the electrochemical stability of the carbon materials. As a result, the as-prepared samples show excellent electrochemical performance. Particularly for the NPC4 sample, it maintains a high capacitance retention of 85% when the current density increases from 0.5 to 10 A g−1, and the specific capacitance is still retained at approximately 98% even after 10 000 cycles. Thus, the as-prepared NPC is a great potential electrode material for high stability supercapacitor application.

Sb-Doped nanocrystalline SnO2 (SnO2:Sb) thin films functionalized with cyclometalated ruthenium complexes 1 or 2 on FTO conductive glasses have been prepared and characterized. These complexes contain a redox-active amine unit separated from the ruthenium ion by a phenyl or biphenyl linker, respectively, to modify the absorption wavelengths at different redox states. Near-infrared electrochromism of both films has been examined by oxidative spectroelectrochemical measurements and double-potential-step chronoamperometry. A contrast ratio (ΔT%) of 33% at 1070 nm and 63% at 696 nm has been achieved for the SnO2:Sb/1 film in two stepwise oxidation processes, respectively. The other film with complex 2 shows two-step electrochromism at 1310 and 806 nm with ΔT% of 36% and 76%, respectively. The response time of electrochromic switching is around a few seconds. Taking advantage of the good contrast ratio, the rapid response, and the long retention time of each oxidation state, these films have been successfully used to demonstrate surface-confined flip-flop memory functions with a high ON/OFF ratio.

The blood vessels are the primary anatomical structure that can be visible in retinal images. The segmentation of retinal blood vessels has been accepted worldwide for the diagnosis of both cardiovascular (CVD) and retinal diseases. Thus, it requires an appropriate vessel segmentation method for automatic detection of retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and cataract. The detection of retinal diseases using computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) can help people to avoid the risks of visual impairment and save medical resources. This survey presents a comparative analysis of various machine learning and deep learning-based methods for automated blood vessel segmentation in retinal images. This paper briefly describes fundus photography, publicly available retinal databases, pre-processing and post-processing techniques for retinal vessels segmentation. A comprehensive review of the state of the art supervised and unsupervised blood vessel segmentation methodologies are presented in this paper. The objective of this study is to establish a professional structure to familiarize an individual with up-to-date vessel segmentation techniques. Moreover, we compared these approaches to the dataset, evaluation metrics, pre-processing and post-processing steps, feature extraction, segmentation methods, and induced results.