Search

Chlorination converts an efficient isoindigo (IID)‐based electron donor material to an effective electron acceptor material, which could pair with different donor materials. The polymer PAZ could work as the donor and achieve moderate power conversion efficiency of 3.56%, but organic solar cells based on the blend of PC71BM and the chlorinated analogue PAZ‐Cl fail. On the contrary, only PAZ‐Cl could be used as the acceptor material matching with typical donor polymers, such as PTB7‐Th, J52 and J52‐2Cl. Simulation based on density functional theory suggests that the main reason for this transform might be attributed to the change in the electrostatic potential of the polymers. This research paves a new way to design novel electron acceptors for organic solar cells.

Astrocytes are major producers of the extracellular matrix (ECM), which is involved in the plasticity of the developing brain. In utero alcohol exposure alters neuronal plasticity. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are a family of polysaccharides present in the extracellular space; chondroitin sulfate (CS)- and heparan sulfate (HS)-GAGs are covalently bound to core proteins to form proteoglycans (PGs). Hyaluronic acid (HA)-GAGs are not bound to core proteins. In this study we investigated the contribution of astrocytes to CS-, HS-, and HA-GAG production by comparing the makeup of these GAGs in cortical astrocyte cultures and the neonatal rat cortex. We also explored alterations induced by ethanol in GAG and core protein levels in astrocytes. Finally, we investigated the relative expression in astrocytes of CS-PGs of the lectican family of proteins, major components of the brain ECM, in vivo using translating ribosome affinity purification (TRAP) (in Aldh1l1-EGFP-Rpl10a mice. Cortical astrocytes produce low levels of HA and show low expression of genes involved in HA biosynthesis compared to the whole developing cortex. Astrocytes have high levels of chondroitin-0-sulfate (C0S)-GAGs (possibly because of a higher sulfatase enzyme expression) and HS-GAGs. Ethanol upregulates C4S-GAGs as well as brain-specific lecticans neurocan and brevican, which are highly enriched in astrocytes of the developing cortex in vivo. These results begin to elucidate the role of astrocytes in the biosynthesis of CS- HS- and HA-GAGs, and suggest that ethanol-induced alterations of neuronal development may be in part mediated by increased astrocyte GAG levels and neurocan and brevican expression.

The objective is to study the solubility of benorilate in 12 pure solvents in the temperature range from 278.15 to 318.15 K by the isothermal saturation method at atmospheric pressure. The solubili...

A ternary system solid–liquid equilibrium phase diagram is very useful to design industrial separation and purification operation. The ternary phase equilibrium for 3-methyl-4-nitrobenzoic acid (4,...

Aggregation and intracellular deposition of the protein α-synuclein is an underlying characteristic of Parkinson's disease. α-Synuclein assemblies also undergo cell-cell spreading, facilitating propagation of their cellular pathology. Understanding how cellular interactions and uptake of extracellular α-synuclein assemblies depend on their physical attributes is therefore important. We prepared fragmented fluorescently labeled α-synuclein amyloid fibrils of different average lengths (∼80 nm to >1 μm) and compared their interactions with SH-SY5Y cells. We report that fibrils of all lengths, but not monomers, bind avidly to the cell surface. Their uptake is inversely dependent on their average size, occurs via a heparan sulfate dependent endocytic route, and appears to have a size cutoff of ∼400 nm. The uptake of α-synuclein fibrils, but not monomers, correlates with their cytotoxicity as measured by reduction in metabolic activity, strongly suggesting an intracellular basis for α-synuclein fibril toxicity, likely involving endolysosomes.

Proanthocyanidins (PAs) is the main constituent of Pinus massoniana bark extract (PMBE). PMBE was reported to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HeLa cells. During cell division, cells synthesize protein in G1 and G2 phases and replicate chromatin in S phase during interphase, which increases cell mass. Nesprins, a kind of protein encoded by syne gene, is a vital part of cytoskeleton and plays a role in cell cycle progress and cell division. HeLa cells were used as a model to examine effects of PMBE on cell growth and Nesprins expression with MTT assay and RT- PCR analysis, respectively. The cell size was evaluated by counting the cell number in a fixed area under microscope. The results showed that the size of survival HeLa cells in PMBE-treated group was obviously larger than that of those in control group (p = 0.00223, < 0.01), while the mRNA expression level of Nesprin-2 decreased significantly in PMBE-treated group (p = 0.0201, < 0.05). On this account, we put forward a hypothesis that PMBE inhibits the expression of syne-2, which leads to the decrease of Nesprin-2 and further results in the size increase of HeLa cells.

Municipal wastewater discharges are a major potential source of N-nitrosamine precursors which may impact downstream source water quality. To elucidate the sources of N-nitrosamine precursors and their fate during biological wastewater treatment (i.e., the activated sludge (AS) process), the formation potentials (FPs) of seven N-nitrosamine species were monitored in blackwater (i.e., human urine and feces), greywater (i.e., from kitchen food and detergent, laundry, and showering), and the influent from four wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) during batch AS treatment. N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), N-nitrosopyrrolidine (NPYR) and N-nitrosopiperidine (NPIP) precursors originate mainly from biological waste materials (e.g., human urine, sweat in laundry greywater or shower greywater, food leachates), while detergents and personal care products (e.g., shampoo and body wash in shower greywater) could be the main sources of N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA), N-nitrosodi-n-butylamine (NDBA), and N-nitrosodi-n-propylamine (NDPA) precursors. AS from two domestic WWTPs (one urban and one rural) exhibited better removal of NDMA precursors from biological waste materials, while the textile AS more effectively removed most N-nitrosamine precursors from detergents or personal care products. The type of WWTP influent negligibly (i.e.

Metal and non-metal toxins are primarily derived from the human industrial and agricultural activities. These toxins have substantially polluted our ecosystem and become a major threatening factor to our health. Metal or non-metal pollutants are highly toxic because they interact with biological macromolecules including DNA, proteins and membrane to induce oxidative stress. If they are not properly handled, these toxins will inevitably cause organ and tissue injuries in both animals and plants. To identify the effective remedies to detoxify these toxins becomes the urgent agenda for researchers. Accumulated evidence indicates that melatonin may be a suitable molecule for this purpose. Melatonin, a naturally occurring antioxidant, directly scavenges ROS or upregulates expressions of many antioxidant enzymes to indirectly reduces ROS. In addition, it also promotes the excretion of these metal or non-metal toxins from the body. The multiple protective mechanisms of melatonin effectively suppress the oxidative stress induced by the metal or non-metal toxins in animals or plants. Melatonin is an environmental-friendly molecule with low or none toxicity to animals or plants. It is a promising molecule which can be used to detoxify the environmental pollutants.

Summary A gold-catalyzed 6-endo-dig carbocyclization of alkyne with the pendent diazo group is reported. It provides an expeditious approach for the synthesis of multi-functionalized naphthalene derivatives under mild conditions. Mechanistic studies suggest that a vinyl gold carbene is generated as the key intermediate in this cascade transformation that smoothly delivers naphthalene products through an unprecedented stepwise aromatization or an intermolecular aromatic substitution process. The unique endocyclic vinyl species is inaccessible with other precursors; thus, novel carbene cascade transformations could be envisioned with the current catalytic model. Functional groups, such as alkenyl, hydroxyl, amino, and carboxyl groups, remain untouched under these conditions. In addition, the utility of these generated 2-carboxyl naphthalenes is illustrated by the synthesis of chiral 1,2′-binaphthalene ligands and π-conjugated polycyclic hydrocarbons (CPHs)., Graphical Abstract, Highlights • A general method for the construction of multi-functionalized naphthalenes • First 6-endo-dig diazo-yne carbocyclization leading to the vinyl gold carbene • Expeditious access to naphthalenes with broad functional group compatibility • Applications for the synthesis of chiral 1,2′-binaphthalene ligands and CPHs, Catalysis; Organic Synthesis; Organic Reaction

The mixing state of black carbon (BC) affects its environmental fate and impacts. This work investigates particle diversity and mixing state for refractory BC (rBC) containing particles in an urban environment. The chemical compositions of individual rBC-containing particles were measured, from which a mixing state index and particle diversity were determined. The mixing state index (χ) varied between 26% and 69% with the average of 48% in this study and was slightly enhanced with the photochemical age of air masses, indicating that most of the rBC-containing particles cannot be simply explained by fully externally and internally mixed model. Clustering of single particle measurements was used to investigate the potential effects of different primary emissions and atmospheric processes on rBC-containing particle diversity and mixing state. The average particle species diversity and the bulk population species diversity both increased with primary traffic emissions and elevated nitrate concentrations in the morning but gradually decreased with secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation in the afternoon. The single particle clustering results illustrate that primary traffic emissions and entrainment of nitrate-containing rBC particles from the residual layer to the surface could lead to more heterogeneous aerosol compositions, whereas substantial fresh SOA formation near vehicular emissions made the rBC-containing particles more homogeneous. This work highlights the importance of considering particle diversity and mixing state for investigating the chemical evolution of rBC-containing particles and the potential effects of coating on BC absorption enhancement.

Pyran is fused into the planar donor moiety to enhance the extinction coefficient and reduce the bandgap, thus two acceptors PTTIC and PTBT-R are designed and synthesized. Compared to the IDT-based acceptor, these pyran-bridged acceptors show higher the highest occupied molecular orbital level and wider absorption coverage. Devices fabricated with poly[(2,6-(4,8-bis(5-(2-ethylhexyl)thiophen-2-yl)benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene)-co-(1,3-di(5-thiophene-2-yl)-5,7-bis(2-ethylhexyl)-benzo[1,2-c:4,5-c′]dithiophene-4,8-dione)] (PBDB-T):PTTIC as the active layer give a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 7.35%.

Author(s): Cappa, CD; Zhang, X; Russell, LM; Collier, S; Lee, AKY; Chen, CL; Betha, R; Chen, S; Liu, J; Price, DJ; Sanchez, KJ; McMeeking, GR; Williams, LR; Onasch, TB; Worsnop, DR; Abbatt, J; Zhang, Q | Abstract: Observations from a wintertime and summertime field campaign are used to assess the relationship between black and brown carbon (BC and BrC, respectively) optical properties and particle composition and coating state. The wintertime campaign, in Fresno, CA, was impacted by primary emissions from residential wood burning, secondary organic and inorganic particle formation, and BC from motor vehicles. Two major types of BrC were observed in wintertime. One occurred primarily at night—the result of primary biomass burning emissions. The second was enhanced in daytime and strongly associated with particulate nitrate and the occurrence of fog. The biomass-burning-derived BrC absorbed more strongly than the nitrate-associated BrC but had a weaker wavelength dependence. The wintertime BC-specific mass absorption coefficient (MAC BC ) exhibited limited dependence on the ensemble-average coating-to-BC mass ratio (R coat-rBC ) at all wavelengths, even up to R coat-rBC of ~5. For the summertime campaign, in Fontana, CA, BC dominated the light absorption, with negligible BrC contribution even after substantial photochemical processing. The summertime MAC BC exhibited limited dependence on R coat-rBC , even up to ratios of g10. Based on the four classes of BC-containing particles identified by Lee et al. (2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-15055-2017) for the summertime measurements, the general lack of an absorption enhancement can be partly—although not entirely—attributed to an unequal distribution of coating materials between the BC-containing particle types. These observations demonstrate that in relatively near-source environments, even those impacted by strong secondary aerosol production, the ensemble-average, mixing-induced absorption enhancement for BC due to coatings can be quite small.

Bacterial infection caused cell pyroptosis and gingival inflammation contributes to periodontitis progression, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is the main infectious agent of gram-negative bacteria, which is reported to be closely associated with gingival inflammation and periodontitis. In this study, the primary human periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) were isolated, cultured, and exposed to LPS treatment, and the results suggested that LPS suppressed cell viability and promoted pro-inflammatory cytokines' (IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, and TNF-α) generation and secretion in the PDLCs and its supernatants in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Also, we noticed that LPS upregulated NLRP3, Gasdermin D, and cleaved caspase-1 to trigger pyroptotic cell death in the PDLCs. Further experiments identified that glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) was upregulated by LPS treatment, and inhibition of GSK-3β by its inhibitor (GSKI) or GSK-3β downregulation vectors was effective to restore normal cellular functions in LPS-treated PDLCs. Mechanistically, blockage of GSK-3β restrained NLRP3-meidated cell pyroptosis and inflammation, resulting in the recovery of cell viability and inhibition of cell death in PDLCs treated with LPS, which further ameliorated periodontitis progression. Finally, we collected the serum from periodontitis patients and healthy volunteers, and the clinical data supported that those pro-inflammatory cytokines were also upregulated in patients' serum but not in the healthy participants. Taken together, we concluded that targeting the GSK-3β/NLRP3 pathway mediated cell pyroptosis was effective to attenuate LPS-induced cell death and inflammation in PDLCs, and this study firstly investigated this issue, which broadened our knowledge in this field.

Seroin 1 and seroin 2 are abundant in silkworm cocoon silk and show strong antibacterial activities, and thus are thought to protect cocoon silk from damage by bacteria. In this study, we characterized the expression pattern of silkworm seroin 3, and found that seroin 3 is synthesized in the female ovary and secreted into egg to play its roles. After being infected, seroin 1, 2, and 3 were significantly up-regulated in the silkworm. We synthesized the full-length protein of seroin 1, 2, and 3 and their N/C-terminal domain (seroin-N/C), and compared the antimicrobial activities in vitro. All three seroins showed higher antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria than against Gram-negative bacteria. Seroin 2 showed better antibacterial effect than seroin 1 and 3, whereas seroin 1/2/3-N was better than seroin 1/2/3-C. We found that seroin 2-C has stronger peptidoglycan binding ability than seroin 2-N per the ELISA test. The binding sites of seroin 2 with bacteria were blocked by peptidoglycan, which resulted in the loss of the antibacterial activity of seroin 2. Collectively, these findings suggest that seroin 1 and 2 play antibacterial roles in cocoon silk, whereas seroin 3 functions in the eggs. The three silkworm seroins have the same antibacterial mechanism, that is, binding to bacterial peptidoglycan by the C-terminal domain and inhibiting bacterial growth by the N-terminal domain.

Tissue fibrosis is a significant health issue associated with organ dysfunction and failure. Increased deposition of collagen and other extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in the interstitial area is a major process in tissue fibrosis. The microRNA-29 (miR-29) family has been demonstrated as anti-fibrotic microRNAs. Our recent work showed that dysregulation of miR-29 contributes to the formation of cardiac fibrosis in animal models of uremic cardiomyopathy, whereas replenishing miR-29 attenuated cardiac fibrosis in these animals. However, excessive overexpression of miR-29 is a concern because microRNAs usually have multiple targets, which could result in unknown and unexpected side effect. In the current study, we constructed a novel Col1a1-miR-29b vector using collagen 1a1 (Col1a1) promoter, which can strategically express miR-29b-3p (miR-29b) in response to increased collagen synthesis and reach a dynamic balance between collagen and miR-29b. Our experimental results showed that in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF cells) transfected with Col1a1-miR-29b vector, the miR-29b expression is about 1000 times less than that in cells transfected with CMV-miR-29b vector, which uses cytomegalovirus (CMV) as a promoter for miR-29b expression. Moreover, TGF-β treatment increased the miR-29b expression by about 20 times in cells transfected with Col1a1-miR-29b, suggesting a dynamic response to fibrotic stimulation. Western blot using cell lysates and culture media demonstrated that transfection of Col1a1-miR-29b vector significantly reduced TGF-β induced collagen synthesis and secretion, and the effect was as effective as the CMV-miR-29b vector. Using RNA-sequencing analysis, we found that 249 genes were significantly altered (180 upregulated and 69 downregulated, at least 2-fold change and adjusted p-value

Ultrafine fibers are widely employed because of their lightness, softness, and warmth retention. Although silkworm silk is one of the most applied natural silks, it is coarse and difficult to transform into ultrafine fibers. Thus, to obtain ultrafine high-performance silk fibers, we employed anti-juvenile hormones in this study to induce bimolter silkworms. We found that the bimolter cocoons were composed of densely packed thin fibers and small apertures, wherein the silk diameter was 54.9% less than that of trimolter silk. Further analysis revealed that the bimolter silk was cleaner and lighter than the control silk. In addition, it was stronger (739 MPa versus 497 MPa) and more stiffness (i.e., a higher Young&rsquo, s modulus) than the trimolter silk. FTIR and X-ray diffraction results revealed that the excellent mechanical properties of bimolter silk can be attributed to the higher &beta, sheet content and crystallinity. Chitin staining of the anterior silk gland suggested that the lumen is narrower in bimolters, which may lead to the formation of greater numbers of &beta, sheet structures in the silk. Therefore, this study reveals the relationship between the structures and mechanical properties of bimolter silk and provides a valuable reference for producing high-strength and ultrafine silk fibers.

Diabetes is a risk factor for myocardial infarction, and outcomes after myocardial infarction are worse among diabetics compared with nondiabetics. Diabetes is associated with impaired Heme clearance. Here, we determined whether heme toxicity and impaired heme clearance contribute to diabetic myocardial infarction injury and assessed IL-10 as a therapeutic agent for diabetic myocardial infarction. Plasma-free hemoglobin was significantly elevated in diabetic mice compared with nondiabetic mice after myocardial infarction. Infarct size had strong correlation to the level of plasma-free hemoglobin. Hemoglobin and reactive iron deposition within the infarct zone were also demonstrated in diabetic MI. IL-10 significantly reduced infarct size and improved cardiac function in diabetic mice. Moreover, IL-10 improved capillary density, reduced apoptosis, and decreased inflammation in the border zone of the infarcted hearts, findings that were partially inhibited by Tin protoporphyrin (a heme oxygenase-1 inhibitor). IL-10 upregulated CD163, the hemoglobin:haptoglobin scavenger receptor, and heme oxygenase-1 in THP-1–derived and primary human CD14+ macrophages. IL-10 significantly protected against ischemic injury when HL-1 cardiomyocytes were cotreated with hemoglobin. Together, our findings indicate that IL-10 is cardioprotective in diabetic myocardial infarction via upregulation of heme clearance pathways. These findings implicate heme clearance as a potentially novel therapeutic direction for diabetic myocardial infarction., Interleukin-10 promotes heme clearance pathways and is cardioprotective in a murine diabetic myocardial infarction model.

N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is a probable human carcinogen which forms during chloramination of wastewater-impacted drinking waters. Municipal wastewater effluents are considered as major sources of NDMA precursors affecting downstream water quality. To evaluate the deactivation mechanisms and efficiencies of NDMA precursors during secondary treatment with the activated sludge (AS) process, NDMA formation potentials (FPs) of selected model precursor compounds and sewage components (i.e., blackwaters and greywaters) were monitored in batch AS treatment tests. After 24-h incubation with four different types of AS (i.e., domestic rural, domestic urban, textile and lab-grown AS), NDMA FP of trimethylamine (TMA) and minocycline (MNCL) decreased by 77-100%, while there was only 29-46% reduction in NDMA FP of sumatriptan (SMTR). The reduction in NDMA FP associated with ranitidine (RNTD) varied between 34% and 87%. The decrease in NDMA FP of RNTD depended on the AS type, hydraulic retention time (HRT) and solids retention time (SRT). The domestic AS (rural and urban) achieved higher decreases in NDMA FPs of the tested model precursors than the textile AS or lab-grown AS. Increasing the HRT or SRT enhanced NDMA FP decrease for RNTD. Among different processes tested (i.e., biodegradation, biosorption and volatilization), biosorption was the major mechanism responsible for the NDMA FP decrease of RNTD, MNCL and SMTR, while biodegradation was the major NDMA FP reduction mechanism for TMA. The reduction in NDMA FP of RNTD via biodegradation depended on the AS activity which may vary with sampling seasons and SRT. NDMA FPs in all tested sewage components (i.e., blackwaters and greywaters) decreased after 24-h AS treatment. Urine in blackwater was the predominant (i.e., >90%) contributor to NDMA FP in domestic sewage and AS-treated effluents.

Immune checkpoint molecules may play a crucial role in safeguarding pregnancy by regulating immune responses at the maternal-fetal interface. In this study, we aim to investigate the expression of PD-1, GITR, HLA-G, and CTLA-4 on T cell subsets in peripheral blood (PB), retroplacental blood (RPB), and cord blood (CB) in normal pregnancy (NP), preeclampsia (PE) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). PB, RPB, and CB were collected immediately after delivery, and the expression of PD-1, GITR, HLA-G, and CTLA-4 on T cell subsets were measured by flow cytometric analysis. The proportions of Tregs in PB, RPB, and CB from NP were significantly higher than those of PE and GDM (P < 0.01, respectively). PD-1+ and GITR+ T cell subsets (CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells, and Tregs) in PB, as well as PD-1+ T cell subsets in RPB from NP, were significantly higher than those of PE and GDM (P < 0.01, respectively). In NP, PE, and GDM, the proportion of PD-1+ Tregs was significantly decreased in CB as compared to those of PB and RPB (P < 0.05, respectively) and the proportion of GITR+ Tregs was significantly higher in PB as compared to those of CB and RPB (P < 0.01, respectively). The proportion of HLA-G+ Tregs in PB was significantly lower than those of CB and RPB (P < 0.01, respectively). In conclusion, decreased PD-1+ and GITR+ T cell subsets and decreased proportion of Tregs in PB and RPB may play a role in chronic inflammatory immune activation of effector T cells in PE and GDM.

Significance Copper is an essential metal ion facilitating many biological functions. To avoid the toxicity of free copper, there are protein-based transport systems that deliver the metal to copper-dependent enzymes. Tumors have high demands for copper, but it is unclear why. Thus it is of importance to reveal copper-binding proteins involved in cancer progression. This work investigated the putative role of a copper-binding protein, Antioxidant 1 copper chaperone (Atox1), in breast cancer cell migration, which is a key step in cancer metastasis. We demonstrated that Atox1 is needed for efficient cell migration and identify partner proteins. Since primary breast tumors with high levels of Atox1 correlate with poorer patient survival, Atox1 may be a biomarker of metastatic breast cancer., Copper ions are needed for several hallmarks of cancer. However, the involved pathways, mechanisms, and copper-binding proteins are mostly unknown. We recently found that cytoplasmic Antioxidant 1 copper chaperone (Atox1), which is up-regulated in breast cancer, is localized at the lamellipodia edges of aggressive breast cancer cells. To reveal molecular insights into a putative role in cell migration, we here investigated breast cancer cell (MDA-MB-231) migration by video microscopy as a function of Atox1. Tracking of hundreds of individual cells (per condition) over a 9-h time series revealed that cell migration velocity and directionality are significantly reduced upon Atox1 silencing in the cells. Because silencing of the copper transporter ATP7A also reduced cell migration, these proteins appear to be on the same pathway, suggesting that their well-known copper transport activity is involved. In-cell proximity ligation assays demonstrated that Atox1, ATP7A, and the proenzyme of lysyl oxidase (LOX; copper-loaded via ATP7A) are all in close proximity and that LOX activity is reduced upon Atox1 silencing in the cells. Since LOX is an established player in cancer cell migration, our results imply that Atox1 mediates breast cancer cell migration via coordinated copper transport in the ATP7A-LOX axis. Because individual cell migration is an early step in breast cancer metastasis, Atox1 levels in tumor cells may be a predictive measure of metastasis potential and serve as a biomarker for copper depletion therapy.

The present study aims to investigate the impact of income inequality and economic growth on carbon dioxide (CO2) emission through the moderating role of innovation in China at national and regional levels. To test the hypothesised relationships, this study took the data from 1995 to 2015 and employed panel estimation. Findings of the whole analysis show that income inequality and economic growth influence CO2 emission in China. Moreover, technological innovation moderates the proposed link. However, the findings at the regional level are mixed, thus confirming the existence of regional differences. Policy implications are also discussed.

Aldosterone regulates the initiation and development of atherosclerosis which is identified as a chronic inflammatory disease by promoting the generation of C-reactive protein in vascular smooth muscle cells. Curcumin is the most active ingredient of turmeric with anti-inflammation and antioxidation effects. Here, the effect of curcumin on aldosterone-induced C-reactive protein generation in vascular smooth muscle and the molecular mechanisms involved were explored. Primary rat vascular smooth muscle cells and hyperaldosteronism model rats were used in this study. The amount of C-reactive protein, reactive oxygen species, and the signaling pathway-related molecules generated were estimated. We found that curcumin inhibited aldosterone-induced C-reactive protein generation in vascular smooth muscle cells by interfering with the reactive oxygen species-ERK1/2 signal pathway. The results provide new evidence for the potential anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular protective effects of curcumin.

The development of acceptor-donor-acceptor (A-D-A) type fused-ring electron acceptors boosted the energy conversion efficiency of organic solar cells. Certified record power conversion efficiencies of single junction organic solar cells have exceeded 14%. In this paper, we briefly reviewed the development of A-D-A type fused-ring electron acceptors which were reported since 2014. The planarity of the central donor moieties, the effects of bulky side-chain and the end-group modification were highlighted.

In utero alcohol exposure can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), characterized by structural brain abnormalities and long-lasting behavioral and cognitive dysfunction. Neuronal plasticity is affected by in utero alcohol exposure and can be modulated by extracellular proteolysis. Plasmin is a major extracellular serine-protease whose activation is tightly regulated by the plasminogen activator (PA) system. In the present study we explored the effect of ethanol on the expression of the main components of the brain PA system in sex-specific cortical astrocyte primary cultures in vitro and in the cortex and hippocampus of post-natal day (PD) 9 male and female rats. We find that ethanol alters the PA system in astrocytes and in the developing brain. In particular, the expression of tissue-type PA (tPA), encoded by the gene Plat, is consistently upregulated by ethanol in astrocytes in vitro and in the cortex and hippocampus in vivo. Astrocytes exhibit endogenous plasmin activity that is increased by ethanol and recombinant tPA and inhibited by tPA silencing. We also find that tPA is expressed by astrocytes of the developing cortex and hippocampus in vivo. All components of the PA system investigated, with the exception of Neuroserpin/Serpini1, are expressed at higher levels in astrocyte cultures than in the developing brain, suggesting that astrocytes are major producers of these proteins in the brain. In conclusion, astrocyte PA system may play a major role in the modulation of neuronal plasticity; ethanol-induced upregulation of tPA levels and plasmin activity may be responsible for altered neuronal plasticity in FASD.

Inorganic and organic coatings on black carbon (BC) particles can enhance light absorption and affect atmospheric lifetimes of BC-containing particles and thus have significant implications for climate. To study the physical and chemical characteristics of atmospheric BC and BC-associated coatings, a soot-particle aerosol mass spectrometer (SP-AMS) was deployed during the winter of 2014-2015 in Fresno, a city located in the San Joaquin Valley of California, to selectively analyze BC-containing particles. Comparing SP-AMS measurements to those from the collocated single particle soot photometer (SP2) and high resolution aerosol mass spectrometer (HR-AMS), we found that 17% of total submicrometer aerosol mass was associated with BC-containing particles, suggesting that a majority of the fine particles in Fresno contained no BC. Most BC-containing particles appeared to be associated with residential wood burning and vehicular traffic. These particles typically had a bulk-average mass ratio of coating-to-BC (Rcoat/rBC) less than 2. However, during periods of persistent fog larger Rcoat/rBC values were observed, with the coatings primarily composed of secondary inorganic and organic components that likely resulted from aqueous-phase processing. Specifically, compared to periods with less fog, the BC coating increased in concentration and contained a larger fraction of nitrate and oxidized organic matter. The size distributions of BC and associated organic coating were generally centered around 300 nm in vacuum aerodynamic diameter. However, during foggy periods BC had an additional peak at ~ 400 nm and organics and nitrate displayed a prominent mode in the accumulation size range.

Here we reported a nonfullerene electron acceptor based on perylene diimides, BP-PDI4, with a biphenyl core and four bulky PDI arms. BP-PDI4 showed a twisted 3D structure which successfully suppressed the large aggregation of perylene diimides in active layer. BP-PDI4 exhibited a wide optical band gap of 2.11 eV. Low-bandgap donor materials, namely PTB7-Th and PBDTTT-C-T, were chosen as donor materials for complementary absorption and well-matched energy levels. A PCE of 2.95% was achieved with Voc of 0.79 V, Jsc of 10.61 mA cm−2 and FF of 35.2%, when PTB7-Th was used as donor material.

We report a kind of dopant (Eu 2+ ) and co-dopant (Dy 3+ ) co-doped strontium magnesium silicate phosphor synthesized via microwave irradiation in a weak reductive atmosphere of active carbon. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns illustrated that the samples were nearly pure Sr 2 MgSi 2 O 7 phase, in which the Sr 2 MgSi 2 O 7 host phase has the maximum fraction of tetragonal crystallography Sr 2 MgSi 2 O 7 phase. A series of long afterglow luminescent materials were synthesized to investigate the best synthetic conditions. The results showed that the optimal concentration of H 3 BO 3 and the best sintering time were 5 wt% and 30 min, respectively. The phosphors made from the microwave irradiation method demonstrated excellent luminescence performance and the microwave irradiation method provide a strategy for the synthesis of other alkali earth aluminate and silicate, or other luminescent materials.

The geometries of acceptors based on perylene diimides (PDIs) are important for improving the phase separation and charge transport in organic solar cells. To fine-tune the geometry, biphenyl, spiro-bifluorene, and benzene were used as the core moiety to construct quasi-three-dimensional nonfullerene acceptors based on PDI building blocks. The molecular geometries, energy levels, optical properties, photovoltaic properties, and exciton kinetics were systematically studied. The structure-performance relationship was discussed as well. Owing to the finest phase separation, the highest charge mobility and smallest nongeminate recombination, the power conversion efficiency of nonfullerene solar cells using PDI derivatives with biphenyl core (BP-PDI

The solubility of p-toluenesulfonamide and o-toluenesulfonamide in seven monosolvents of methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, acetonitrile, and ethyl acetate were measured by using the isothermal saturation method at temperatures ranging from 283.15 to 318.15 K under 101.3 kPa. The mole fraction solubility of p-toluenesulfonamide and o-toluenesulfonamide in those selected monosolvents increased with the increase in temperature. The maximum mole fraction solubility of o-toluenesulfonamide was observed in ethyl acetate (0.07748 at 318.15 K), followed by that in acetonitrile (0.07368 at 318.15K), methanol (0.05790 at 318.15 K), ethanol (0.04564 at 318.15 K), n-propanol (0.04271 at 318.15 K), isopropanol (0.04142 at 318.15 K), and n-butanol (0.03879 at 318.15 K). For p-toluenesulfonamide + solvents systems, the maximum mole fraction solubility was observed in acetonitrile (0.1588 at 318.15 K), followed by that in ethyl acetate (0.1329 at 318.15K), methanol (0.1043 at 318.15 K), ethanol (0.09...

Objectives Flavonoids are present in varying concentrations in plant foods and have been reported to have numerous pharmacological activities, such as anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and vasodilator effects. We found that quercetin, fisetin, and some related flavonoid derivatives could inhibit human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) K+ channels. Key findings In this study, we tested the effects of a series of flavonoids on the hERG K+ channel expressed in HEK293 cells. For the first time, we demonstrate that quercetin and fisetin (Fise) are potent hERG current blockers. The 50% inhibiting concentration (IC50) and maximum efficacy (Emax) of quercetin were 11.8 ± 0.9 μM and 82 ± 2%, while those of fisetin were 38.4 ± 6 μM and 100 ± 6%, respectively. Luteolin (Lute) was a less potent inhibitor of hERG current (48 ± 1% at 100 μM). Galangin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin (100 μM) showed weaker activity on the hERG currents. Conclusion These results suggest that quercetin, fisetin, and luteolin are potent hERG K+ channel inhibitors and reveal the structure-activity relationship of natural flavonoids.

The composition and concentrations of water-soluble gases and ionic aerosol components were measured from January to February 2013 in Fresno, CA, with a particle-into-liquid sampler with ion chromatography and annular denuders. The average (±1σ) ionic aerosol mass concentration was 15.0 (±9.4) µg m−3, and dominated by nitrate (61%), followed by ammonium, sulfate, chloride, potassium, nitrite, and sodium. Aerosol-phase organic acids, including formate and glycolate, and amines including methylaminium, triethanolaminium, ethanolaminium, dimethylaminium, and ethylaminium were also detected. Although the dominant species all came from secondary aerosol formation, there were primary sources of ionic aerosols as well, including biomass burning for potassium and glycolate, sea spray for sodium, chloride, and dimethylamine, and vehicles for formate. Particulate methanesulfonic acid was also detected and mainly associated with terrestrial sources. On average, the molar concentration of ammonia was 49 times greater than nitric acid, indicating that ammonium nitrate formation was limited by nitric acid availability. Particle water was calculated based on the Extended Aerosol Inorganics Model (E-AIM) thermodynamic prediction of inorganic particle water and κ-Kohler theory approximation of organic particle water. The average (±1σ) particle water concentration was 19.2 (±18.6) µg m−3, of which 90% was attributed to inorganic species. The fractional contribution of particle water to total fine particle mass averaged at 36% during this study and was greatest during early morning and night and least during the day. Based on aqueous-phase concentrations of ions calculated by using E-AIM, the average (±1σ) pH of particles in Fresno during the winter was estimated to be 4.2 (±0.2).

By the isothermal saturation method, the solid-liquid equilibrium of 4-nitro-1,2-phenylenediamine in eleven organic solvents (methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, acetone, 2-butanone, acetonitrile, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, toluene and 1,4-dioxane) was obtained experimentally within temperature range from (283.15 to 318.15) K under atmospheric pressure, and the solubility values of 4-nitro-1,2-phenylenediamine in these solvents were determined by a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Within this temperature range, the mole fraction solubility of 4-nitro-1,2-phenylenediamine in selected organic solvents increased with increasing temperature. The descending order of the solubility values was as follows: acetone > 2-butanone > 1,4-dioxane > ethyl acetate > acetonitrile > methanol > ethanol > isopropanol > n-propanol > n-butanol > toluene. The solubility values for 4-nitro-1,2-phenylenediamine in the selected solvents were correlated and calculated by using the modified Apelblat equation, λh equation, Wilson model and NRTL model. Results showed that the largest values of RAD and RMSD obtained by the four models were 1.53% and 0.83 × 10−4, respectively. The modified Apelblat equation can correlate the experimental results best according to the result of AIC analysis. Moreover, the mixing properties including the mixing Gibbs energy, mixing enthalpy, mixing entropy, activity coefficient at infinitesimal concentration ( γ 1 ∞ ) and reduced excess enthalpy ( H 1 E , ∞ ) were calculated. The solution process of 4-nitro-1,2-phenylenediamine is spontaneous and favourable in the selected solvents. Knowledge of solubility and associated thermodynamic studies are important in optimizing the purification process of 4-nitro-1,2-phenylenediamine.

Background Our previous study found that 5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-CdR) can repress the expression and activity of protein serine/threonine phosphatase-1γ (PP1γ) in mouse hippocampus. It is well known that PP1γ regulates cell metabolism, which is related to hypoxia/ischaemia tolerance. It has been reported that it can also induce autophagy in cancer cells. Autophagy is important for maintaining cellular homeostasis associated with metabolism. In this study, we examined whether 5-Aza-CdR increases hypoxia tolerance-dependent autophagy by initiating the TSC1/mTOR/autophagy signalling pathway in neuronal cells. Methods 5-Aza-CdR was either administered to mice via intracerebroventricular injection (i.c.v) or added to cultured hippocampal-derived neuronal cell line (HT22 cell) in the medium for cell culture. The hypoxia tolerance of mice was measured by hypoxia tolerance time and Perl's iron stain. The mRNA and protein expression levels of tuberous sclerosis complex 1 (TSC1), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and autophagy marker light chain 3 (LC3) were measured by real-time PCR and western blot. The p-mTOR and p-p70S6k proteins were used as markers for mTOR activity. In addition, the role of autophagy was determined by correlating its intensity with hypoxia tolerance in a time-dependent manner. At the same time, the involvement of the TSC1/mTOR pathway in autophagy was also examined through transfection with TSC1 (hamartin) plasmid. Results 5-Aza-CdR was revealed to increase hypoxia tolerance and induce autophagy, accompanied by an increase in mRNA and protein expression levels of TSC1, reduction in p-mTOR (Ser2448) and p-p70S6k (Thr389) protein levels, and an increase in the ratio of LC3-II/LC3-I in both mouse hippocampus and hippocampal-derived neuronal cell line (HT22). The fluorescence intensity of hamartin was enhanced in the hippocampus of mice exposed to 5-Aza-CdR. Moreover, HT22 cells that over-expressed TSC1 showed more autophagy. Conclusions 5-Aza-CdR can increase hypoxia tolerance by inducing autophagy by initiating the TSC1/mTOR pathway.

Neonatal hypoxic/ischemic encephalopathy (NHIE) is a severe condition that leads to death or neurological disability in newborns. The underlying pathological mechanisms are unclear, and developing the target neuroprotective strategies are urgent. 2,7,2′-trihydroxy-4,4′7′-trimethoxy-1,1′-biphenanthrene (TTB) is a natural product isolated from Cremastra appendiculata (D. Don) Makino and Liparis nervosa (Thunb.) Lindl. TTB has demonstrated potent cytotoxic activity against stomach (HGC-27) and colon (HT-29) cancer cell lines. However, none of the studies have addressed the effects of TTB in NHIE. In the present study, an oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)-induced astrocyte injury model was established to investigate the effect of TTB and its potential mechanisms. Our results showed that TTB alleviated the OGD/R-induced reactive oxygen species increase and the intracellular antioxidant capacity of superoxide dismutase activity decrease. Moreover, TTB potentially prolonged the activation state of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway and maintained the protection against oxidative stress in OGD/R-induced astrocytes by inducing the nuclear translocation and up-regulation of Nrf2 along with the enhanced expression of the downstream target gene HO-1. Furthermore, TTB treatment diminished the accumulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression induced by OGD/R. We also found TTB-treated astrocytes reversed the inhibition of OGD/R on neurite growth of neurons by the astrocyte-neuron coculture system. In conclusion, TTB inhibited the OGD/R-induced astrocyte oxidative stress at least partially through the inhibition of HIF-1α and VEGF via the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

A combination of experimental and computational methods was used to study the Cu2+ ions recognition by 9-hydroxyphenal-1-one carbon quantum dots (HPHN-CQDs). HPHN-CQDs were proved to be an efficient fluorescent probe that can detect Cu2+ ions with high selectivity and sensitivity, and the detection limit was 4.8 nM. We performed a detailed analysis of the fluorescence quenching mechanism of HPHN-CQDs by means of density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT). The orbital interaction diagram indicated that the presence of Cu2+ can affect the luminescence behavior of HPHN by changing its orbital distribution. In addition, the electron was transferred from the excited HPHN to the 3d orbital of Cu2+, which would hinder the recombination of electron-hole pairs and promote the fluorescence quenching of HPHN-CQDs. The photophysical process revealed that the fluorescence rate constant of HPHN-Cu2+ was substantially decreased compared with that of HPHN, which is consistent with the experimental results.

Solubilities of 3-methyl-4-nitrobenzoic acid in twelve organic solvents of ethanol, isopropanol, n-propanol, n-butanol, methanol, ethyl acetate, toluene, acetone, acetonitrile, 1,4-dioxane, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and N,N-dimethylformamide were determined experimentally by using the isothermal saturation method over a temperature range from (283.15–318.15) K under 101.1 kPa. The solubilities of 3-methyl-4-nitrobenzoic acid in each solvent increased with the increase in temperature. In general, the solubility obeyed the following order from high to low in different solvents: (N,N-dimethylformamide, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone) > 1,4-dioxane > acetone > toluene > ethyl acetate > isopropanol > (methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, n-butanol) > acetonitrile. The experimental solubility data of 3-methyl-4-nitrobenzoic acid in the selected solvents were correlated by the modified Apelblat equation, λh equation, Wilson model and NRTL model. The maximum values of root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) and relative average deviation (RAD) were 13.69 × 10−4 and 1.18%, respectively. Generally, the four thermodynamic models were all acceptable for the systems of 3-methyl-4-nitrobenzoic acid in these solvents. In addition, the mixing Gibbs energy, mixing enthalpy, mixing entropy, activity coefficient at infinitesimal concentration ( γ 1 ∞ ) and reduced excess enthalpy ( H 1 E, ∞ ) were calculated. The dissolution process of 3-methyl-4-nitrobenzoic acid in the solvents was spontaneous and endothermic. The obtained solubility and thermodynamic studies would be very helpful for optimizing the purification process of 3-methyl-4-nitrobenzoic acid.

Inflammation plays a key role in many chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and liver diseases. As a representative inflammatory molecule, C-reactive protein (CRP) is mainly produced in the liver. Hepatic CRP plays a direct role in the inflammatory hepatic diseases and in development of atherosclerosis when entering into the blood circulation. In the present study, we observed the effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on Ang II-induced CRP generation in hepatocytes and the molecular mechanism. Rats were delivered with the subcutaneous infusion of Ang II and/or intragastric administration of EGCG for 7 days. Hepatocytes were pretreated with EGCG before stimulation with Ang II in vitro. CRP level in the serum and liver was determined with ELISA and the immunohistochemical staining. RNA and protein expressions were determined using RT-PCR and Western blot. The in vivo experiment confirmed that EGCG reduced not only CRP generation in the liver of Ang II-infused rats but also serum CRP level. The in vitro results showed that pretreatment of hepatocytes with EGCG inhibited Ang II-induced mRNA and protein expression of CRP in a concentration-dependent manner. Further study exhibited that EGCG downregulated AT1 expression, attenuated Ang II-activated phosphorylation of ERK1/2, and upregulated Ang II-inhibited peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) expression in vitro and in vivo. In addition, EGCG decreased Ang II-stimulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in hepatocytes. These demonstrate that EGCG is able to inhibit Ang II-induced CRP generation by interfering with AT1-ROS-ERK1/2 signal pathway in hepatocytes, which provides the new evidence and mechanism for the anti-inflammatory effect of EGCG.

Herein, a donor/acceptor-free carbene insertion reaction of an S–S bond through a radical process is presented. This catalyst-free reaction was thermally induced and provided the dithioketal products in moderate to high yields. A mechanism involving radical intermediates was proposed according to the computational study, and these intermediates were verified experimentally and intercepted for the first time by using a cross-coupling reaction.

Graphene oxide-polydopamine-Au (GO-PDA-Au) nanoscrolls were prepared by rolling up GO-PDA-Au sheets through a simple lyophilization method. The structure of GO-PDA-Au nanoscrolls and GO-PDA-Au sheets were compared by powder X-ray diffraction, Raman spectra, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The results demonstrated that the heterogeneous GO-PDA-Au nanoscrolls were synthesized successfully. Polydopamine (PDA) attached at the surface of GO sheets served as binding reagents to anchor and disperse Au nanoparticles (NPs). The electrocatalytic activity of methanol with GO-PDA-Au nanoscrolls and GO-PDA-Au sheets as electrodes were conducted. Compared to GO-PDA-Au sheets, GO-PDA-Au nanoscrolls showed better electrocatalytic activity and electrochemical stability owing to their scrolled structure. This article provides a simple and effective method to prepare GO nanoscrolls containing metal NPs that broadens the applications of the graphene-based materials in optical, magnetic, and catalytic fields.

PURPOSE In the current study, we investigated hyperpolarized urea as a possible imaging biomarker of the renal function by means of the intrarenal osmolality gradient. METHODS Hyperpolarized three-dimensional balanced steady state 13 C MRI experiments alongside kidney function parameters and quantitative polymerase chain reaction measurements was performed on two groups of rats, a streptozotocin type 1 diabetic group and a healthy control group. RESULTS A significant decline in intrarenal steepness of the urea gradient was found after 4 weeks of untreated insulinopenic diabetes in agreement with an increased urea transport transcription. CONCLUSION MRI and hyperpolarized [13 C,15 N]urea can monitor the changes in the corticomedullary urea concentration gradients in diabetic and healthy control rats. Magn Reson Med 77:1650-1655, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Measurements of the optical properties (absorption, scattering and extinction) of PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 made at two sites around Sacramento, CA, during the June 2010 Carbonaceous Aerosols and Radiative Effects Study (CARES) are reported. These observations are used to establish relationships between various intensive optical properties and to derive information about the dependence of the optical properties on photochemical aging and sources. Supermicron particles contributed substantially to the total light scattering at both sites, about 50 % on average. A strong, linear relationship is observed between the scattering Ångström exponent for PM10 and the fraction of the scattering that is contributed by submicron particles (fsca, PM1) at both sites and with similar slopes and intercepts (for a given pair of wavelengths), suggesting that the derived relationship may be generally applicable for understanding variations in particle size distributions from remote sensing measurements. At the more urban T0 site, the fsca, PM1 increased with photochemical age, whereas at the downwind, more rural T1 site the fsca, PM1 decreased slightly with photochemical age. This difference in behavior reflects differences in transport, local production and local emission of supermicron particles between the sites. Light absorption is dominated by submicron particles, but there is some absorption by supermicron particles ( ∼ 15 % of the total). The supermicron absorption derives from a combination of black carbon that has penetrated into the supermicron mode and from dust, and there is a clear increase in the mass absorption coefficient of just the supermicron particles with increasing average particle size. The mass scattering coefficient (MSC) for the supermicron particles was directly observed to vary inversely with the average particle size, demonstrating that MSC cannot always be treated as a constant in estimating mass concentrations from scattering measurements, or vice versa. The total particle backscatter fraction exhibited some dependence upon the relative abundance of sub- versus supermicron particles; however this was modulated by variations in the median size of particles within a given size range; variations in the submicron size distribution had a particularly large influence on the observed backscatter efficiency and an approximate method to account for this variability is introduced. The relationship between the absorption and scattering Ångström exponents is examined and used to update a previously suggested particle classification scheme. Differences in composition led to differences in the sensitivity of PM2.5 to heating in a thermodenuder to the average particle size, with more extensive evaporation (observed as a larger decrease in the PM2.5 extinction coefficient) corresponding to smaller particles; i.e., submicron particles were generally more susceptible to heating than the supermicron particles. The influence of heating on the particle hygroscopicity varied with the effective particle size, with larger changes observed when the PM2.5 distribution was dominated by smaller particles.

The optical properties, composition and sources of the wintertime aerosols in the San Joaquin Valley (SJV) were characterized through measurements made in Fresno, CA during the 2013 DISCOVER-AQ campaign. PM2.5 extinction and absorption coefficients were measured at 405, 532, and 870 nm along with refractory black carbon (rBC) size distributions and concentrations. BC absorption enhancements (Eabs) were measured using two methods, a thermodenuder and mass absorption coefficient method, which agreed well. Relatively large diurnal variations in the Eabs at 405 nm were observed, likely reflecting substantial nighttime emissions of wood burning organic aerosols (OA) from local residential heating. Comparably small diurnal variations and absolute nighttime values of Eabs were observed at the other wavelengths, suggesting limited mixing-driven enhancement. Positive matrix factorization analysis of OA mass spectra from an aerosol mass spectrometer resolved two types of biomass burning OA, which appeared to have different chemical composition and absorptivity. Brown carbon (BrC) absorption was estimated to contribute up to 30% to the total absorption at 405 nm at night but was negligible (10%) during the day. Quantitative understanding of retrieved BrC optical properties could be improved with more explicit knowledge of the BC mixing state and the distribution of coating thicknesses.

Precursors to three new 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) incorportaing dyes have been synthesised via a one-pot C–H activation route using N,N-dimethylaniline as a donor group. We have extended this methodology to provide a convenient one-pot route to dye EDOT-Ph. The electrochemical and optical properties of the new dyes have been correlated with IV and EQE data for 1 cm2 dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) devices prepared using these dyes. The device data show that dye performance is strongly affected by the amount of chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) co-sorbent used. The best performance is for EDOT-Ph (η = 4.0%) at 10 mM CDCA compared to (η = 6.0% and η = 5.8%) for N719 and D205 control cells.

Chemical redox reactions have been exploited to transform unreactive vinylferrocene into a powerful dienophile for the Diels–Alder reaction and reactive substrate for thiol addition reactions upon conversion to its ferrocenium state. We have further investigated the ability of these reactions to facilitate redox-auxiliary-like reactivity by further hydrogenolyisis of the Diels–Alder adduct to the corresponding cyclopentane derivative.