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This work demonstrates that the introduction of positive lanthanide (Ln) and transition metal (TM) cations into polyoxotungstates (POTs) to stabilize negative oxoboron clusters is a feasible and ge...

Biomedical cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloys (CoCrMo) are frequently used for orthopedic implant and dental materials exposed to mechanical stressors, such as wear and cyclic load. Due to the high demand for customizable implant shapes, these alloys are increasingly manufactured by additive manufacturing methods such as laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). LPBF results in different microstructures and surface roughness as a function of the building direction. This study investigated the corrosion resistance, bioactivity, biocompatibility, and microstructure of LPBF CoCrMo (low carbon content, heat-treated) in the XY (perpendicular) and XZ (parallel) plane of the building direction for as-printed (as-received) and abraded surfaces. A distinct microstructure and different surface roughness were found for the XY and XZ planes. The as-received XY surface showed the lowest corrosion resistance but was still passive in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4). As-received surfaces were less corrosion-resistant than abraded surfaces. All specimens exhibited lower corrosion resistance in PBS containing citric acid at pH 7.4 than in PBS and citric acid alone. As-received surfaces showed better hydroxyapatite precipitation and cell viability; however, all surfaces had satisfactory biocompatibility and bioactivity. This study showed that the building direction had a minor effect on the corrosion of LPBF CoCrMo.

In this work, Cr3C2–NiCr coatings were fabricated by high-velocity oxygen-fuel (HVOF) spraying. Under the help of scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and optical microscope (OM), the phase compositions and microstructure of the coatings were characterized. The long-term corrosion behavior of HVOF sprayed Cr3C2–NiCr coating (HC) and Q345 steel was probed in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution (S1) and 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution containing 20 ppm Na2S (S2). With the extension of immersion time, the corrosion rate of HC in different solutions showed an overall trend of increasing first and then decreasing. The corrosion rate of Q345 steel in both of the solutions showed a growing trend, while the trend in the sulfide-containing solution was even sharper. The corrosion rates of HC in S1 and S2 were both lower than those of Q345 steels, especially in S2. Owing to the generation of the dense protective film on the HC surface as well as the accumulation of corrosion products, after 70 d of immersion, HC exhibited better corrosion resistance in S2 than that in S1.

Background: Schisandronic acid (SA), a triterpenoid from fruits of Schisandra sphenanthera, inhibited pan-genotypic HCV entry into human hepatocytes by interfering with virion-cell membrane fusion. It was a promising lead compound for the development of novel HCV entry inhibition agents. Objective: The aim of the present study is to search for compounds with more potent anti-HCV and antitumor activities and explore SARs. A series of novel derivatives of SA were designed and synthesized and evaluated for in vitro, their anti-HCV and antitumor activities. Methods: SA derivatives were synthesized by reduction, condensation, esterification or amidation. The anti-HCV activity of title compounds was tested by inhibition on HCVcc infection of Huh7 cells, and a preliminary MOA study was conducted by determining inhibition on HCVpp entry into Huh7 cells. The antitumor activity in vitro was determined by MTT methods. Results: In total, 24 novel derivatives were synthesized. Most of the compounds inhibited HCVcc infection. Compounds 5h and 6 showed the most potent anti-HCVcc activities and inhibition of HCVpp entry into Huh7 cells without obvious cytotoxicity. Most of the title compounds showed potent in vitro antitumor activities against Bel7404 and SMMC7721 tumor cell lines. Compounds 5j and 6 exhibited more potent antitumor activity than positive control SA and DOX. Conclusion: Structural modification of SA could lead to the discovery of potent anti-HCV or antitumor agents. Compounds 5h, 5j and 6 were promising lead compounds for development of novel HCV entry inhibition or antitumor agents.

Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from Coptis chinensis that improves diabetes, hyperlipidemia and inflammation. Due to the low oral bioavailability of BBR, its mechanism of action is closely related to the gut microbiota. This study focused on the CYP51 enzyme of intestinal bacteria to elucidate a new mechanism of BBR transformation by demethylation in the gut microbiota through multiple analytical techniques. First, the docking of BBR and CYP51 was performed; then, the pharmacokinetics of BBR was determined in ICR mice in vivo, and the metabolism of BBR in the liver, kidney, gut microbiota and single bacterial strains was examined in vitro. Moreover, 16S rRNA analysis of ICR mouse feces indicated the relationship between BBR and the gut microbiota. Finally, recombinant E. coli containing cyp51 gene was constructed and the CYP51 enzyme lysate was induced to express. The metabolic characteristics of BBR were analyzed in the CYP51 enzyme lysate system. The results showed that CYP51 in the gut microbiota could bind stably with BBR, and the addition of voriconazole (a specific inhibitor of CYP51) slowed down the metabolism of BBR, which prevented the production of the demethylated metabolites thalifendine and berberrubine. This study demonstrated that CYP51 promoted the demethylation of BBR and enhanced its intestinal absorption, providing a new method for studying the metabolic transformation mechanism of isoquinoline alkaloids in vivo., Graphical abstract Image 1, Highlights • The demethylation metabolism of natural drugs difficult to absorb through the gut microbiota was first reported. • Six different methods were presented to explain the metabolic mechanism of natural isoquinoline alkaloids. • The findings provided a new idea for studying the mechanism of drug metabolism of gut microbiota.

Purple-fleshed sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas（L.）Lam.) is rich in anthocyanins. R2R3-type MYB transcription factors（TFs）with EAR motifs inhibiting anthocyanin biosynthesis have been reported, and there is still a lack of information on how mutations in the EAR motifs of MYBs affect anthocyanin accumulation. In this study, we obtained three IbMYB44 TFs by bioinformatics. Among these TFs, IbMYB44.1, IbMYB44.3 with a complete EAR motif and IbMYB44.2 with a single amino acid mutant in the EAR motif caused an amino acid substitution from leucine to valine. RT-qPCR analysis showed that IbMYB44s was expressed at lower levels in the purple-fleshed sweetpotato than in nonpurple-fleshed sweetpotato (P 0.01). Transient expression assays showed that the inhibitory effect of IbMYB44.1/3 was stronger than IbMYB44.2 in tobacco leaves and red-skinned pears. RT-qPCR analysis further proved that IbMYB44.1/3 significantly inhibited the expression of anthocyanin biosynthesis-related genes compared with IbMYB44.2 in tobacco leaves and red-skinned pears. A dual luciferase reporter assay showed that IbMYB44s cannot directly activate the IbANS promoter, and the result was also verified by yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) experiments. Moreover, we identified the interaction of IbMYB340 with IbMYB44.1, IbMYB44.2 and IbMYB44.3 via yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) assays. Thus, IbMYB44.1/3 could interact with IbMYB340 to negatively regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis. This study enriched the regulatory network of anthocyanins and also provided a theoretical basis for a single amino acid mutant from leucine to valine in the EAR motif of IbMYB44.2 affecting anthocyanin biosynthesis in the purple-fleshed sweetpotato.

Four polyaniline-tea saponin (PTS) nanocomposites were prepared by an in-situ polymerization with tea saponin (TS) as a biosurfactant, and they were used to remove organic dyes from aqueous solution. The PTS nanocomposites were characterized by using field emission scanning electron microscopy, the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, the Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and the thermogravimetric analysis. The adsorption performances of the PTS nanocomposites for organic dyes were studied by a static adsorption method. The experimental results reveal that adsorption capacities of the PTS nanocomposites are higher than that of pure polyaniline. Especially, the PTS nanocomposites exhibit excellent adsorption performances for anionic dyes because of the electrostatic interaction between the positively charged nitrogen atoms on the PTS chains and the negatively charged sulfonate ions in the anionic dyes. According to the adsorption kinetics and thermodynamics results, the adsorption processes of PTS20 for CR and AB74 follow well with the pseudo second-order and Langmuir isotherm models. It is indicated that TS should be very useful in the preparation of PTS nanocomposite and in removal of toxic dyes from waste water.

Welders are daily exposed to various levels of welding fumes containing several metals. This exposure can lead to an increased risk for different health effects which serves as a driving force to develop new methods that generate less toxic fumes. The aim of this study was to explore the role of released metals for welding particle-induced toxicity and to test the hypothesis that a reduction of Cr(VI) in welding fumes results in less toxicity by comparing the welding fume particles of optimized Cr(VI)-reduced flux-cored wires (FCWs) to standard FCWs. The welding particles were thoroughly characterized, and toxicity (cell viability, DNA damage and inflammation) was assessed following exposure to welding particles as well as their released metal fraction using cultured human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC-3kt, 5–100 µg/mL) and human monocyte-derived macrophages (THP-1, 10–50 µg/mL). The results showed that all Cr was released as Cr(VI) for welding particles generated using standard FCWs whereas only minor levels (

Here, evodiamine (EVO) and the photosensitizer indocyanine green (ICG) were integrated into a liposomal nanoplatform for noninvasive diagnostic imaging and combinatorial therapy against oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). EVO, as an active component extracted from traditional Chinese medicine, not only functioned as an antitumor chemotherapeutic agent but was also capable of 68Ga-chelation, thus working as a contrast agent for positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging. Moreover, EVO could exhibit peroxidase-like catalytic activity, converting endogenous tumor H2O2 into cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS), enabling Chemo catalytic therapy beyond the well-known chemotherapy effect of EVO. As proven by in vitro and in vivo experiments, guided by optical imaging and PET/CT imaging, we show that the theragnostic liposomes have a significant inhibiting effect on in situ tongue tumor through photodynamic therapy combined with chemodynamic chemotherapy., Graphical abstract Image 1, Highlights • Proposing water-soluble nanoliposomes to solve the problem of drug insoluble in water. • Evodiamine is found to have HRP mimic catalase activity. • EI@lipo displays photodynamic/chemodynamic/chemo therapy abilities. • Ei@Lipo significantly inhibits tongue tumor through in situ.

Ion channels are ubiquitously expressed in almost all living cells, and are the third-largest category of drug targets, following enzymes and receptors. The transient receptor potential melastatin (TRPM) subfamily of ion channels are important to cell function and survival. Studies have shown upregulation of the TRPM family of ion channels in various brain tumours. Gliomas are the most prevalent form of primary malignant brain tumours with no effective treatment; thus, drug development is eagerly needed. TRPM2 is an essential ion channel for cell function and has important roles in oxidative stress and inflammation. In response to oxidative stress, ADP-ribose (ADPR) is produced, and in turn activates TRPM2 by binding to the NUDT9-H domain on the C-terminal. TRPM2 has been implicated in various cancers and is significantly upregulated in brain tumours. This article reviews the current understanding of TRPM2 in the context of brain tumours and overviews the effects of potential drug therapies targeting TRPM2 including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), curcumin, docetaxel and selenium, paclitaxel and resveratrol, and botulinum toxin. It is long withstanding knowledge that gliomas are difficult to treat effectively, therefore investigating TRPM2 as a potential therapeutic target for brain tumours may be of considerable interest in the fields of ion channels and pharmacology. The role of TRPM2 in the pathways of various inhibitors and activators. (a) A schematic illustration of the TRPM2 channel which includes 4 N-terminal MHR domains, six transmembrane helices labelled S1–S6, a TRP domain, a coiled-coil domain and NUDT9-H domain. (b) BTX increases mitochondrial ROS leading to increased caspase 9 and 3. (c) The pathway of TNF-α, increasing ROS, activating the caspase 8 cascade, increasing ROS in the mitochondria, finally leading to increased PARP. PARP converts NAD+ to ADPR, activating TRPM2 at the NUDT9-H domain, in turn allowing for Ca2+ influx. (d) Resveratrol as an adjuvant therapy with paclitaxel heightens the apoptotic affects of paclitaxel via activation of the caspase 9 and 3 cascades while increasing PARP for downstream effects as previously described . (d) Curcumin inhibits TRPM2 via inhibition of the PARP1. (f) Selenium increases the apoptotic ability of docetaxel via activation of TRPM2 channels, increasing PARP and ROS in the mitochondria, for increased ADPR production. (g) H2O2 and ROS increase ROS and increase PARP, augmenting ADPR expression and TRPM2 activation.

This study explores a bottom-up approach toward negatively curved carbon allotropes from octabenzo[8]circulene, a negatively curved nanographene. Stepwise chemical reduction reactions of octabenzo[8]circulene with alkali metals lead to a unique highly reduced hydrocarbon pentaanion, which is revealed by X-ray crystallography suggesting a local view for the reduction and alkali metal intercalation processes of negatively curved carbon allotropes. Polymerization of the tetrabromo derivative of octabenzo[8]circulene by the nickel-mediated Yamamoto coupling reaction results in a new type of porous carbon-rich material, which consists of a covalent network of negatively curved nanographenes. It has a specific surface area of 732 m2 g-1 and functions as anode material for lithium ion batteries exhibiting a maximum capacity of 830 mAh·g-1 at a current density of 100 mA·g-1. These results indicate that this covalent network presents the key structural and functional features of negatively curved carbon allotropes.

Daturataturin A (DTA), a withanolide compound in Datura metel L., exhibits excellent anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activities. Here, we report the study of DTA-induced proliferation and inflammation in human immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaTs) and the associated molecular mechanisms. HaCaTs are a model of the epidermal proliferative state of cells. The pharmacodynamics and mechanism of DTA were studied by western blot, immunofluorescence, apoptosis and proliferation detection, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. We confirmed that DTA induced HaCaT autophagy, which, in turn, induced HaCaT senescence and, ultimately, led to cell cycle arrest. DTA also negatively regulated inflammation through the activation of autophagy. This may be one of the mechanisms underlying the action of Datura metel L. preparation used for the treatment of psoriasis.

Methylglyoxal (MG) is a byproduct of glycolysis that functions in diverse mammalian developmental processes and diseases and in plant responses to various stresses, including salt stress. However, it is unknown whether MG-regulated gene expression is associated with an epigenetic modification. Here we report that MG methylglyoxalates H3 including H3K4 and increases chromatin accessibility, consistent with the result that H3 methylglyoxalation positively correlates with gene expression. Salt stress also increases H3 methylglyoxalation at salt stress responsive genes correlated to their higher expression. Following exposure to salt stress, salt stress responsive genes were expressed at higher levels in the Arabidopsis glyI2 mutant than in wild-type plants, but at lower levels in 35S::GLYI2 35S::GLYII4 plants, consistent with the higher and lower MG accumulation and H3 methylglyoxalation of target genes in glyI2 and 35S::GLYI2 35S::GLYII4, respectively. Further, ABI3 and MYC2, regulators of salt stress responsive genes, affect the distribution of H3 methylglyoxalation at salt stress responsive genes. Thus, MG functions as a histone-modifying group associated with gene expression that links glucose metabolism and epigenetic regulation.

The development of Na-ion full cells (NIFCs) suffers from the issue that the solid electrolyte interphase formation on the carbon anode consumes the limited sodium from cathode and thus incurs the decreased energy density and poor cyclic stability. To address these issues, we herein report that Na2O2 could be used as a sacrificial Na source through spraying its slurry on the surface of cathode, and investigate its stability as well as electrochemical behavior toward NIFCs. The results show that Na2O2 has good chemical and storage stability under a dry atmosphere and has no negative effect on the electrochemical performance of the cathode. Compared with the pristine cathode, the Na2O2-decorated cathode exhibits higher discharge capacity, superior capacity retention, and rate capability in a full cell with a carbon anode. Our cathode Na compensation strategy provides an effective avenue to make up for the irreversible Na+ loss cause by the formation of solid electrolyte interphase on the anode, thereby promoting the electrochemical performance and energy density of NIFCs toward the large-scale application.

The consequences of four-electron addition to [8]cycloparaphenylene ([8]CPP, 1) have been evaluated crystallographically, revealing a significant core deformation. The structural analysis exposes an elliptical distortion observed upon electron transfer, with the deformation parameter (D.P.) increased by 28% in comparison with neutral [8]CPP. The C–C bond length alteration pattern also indicates a quinoidal structural rearrangement upon four-fold reduction. The large internal cavity of [8]CPP4− allows the encapsulation of two {K+(THF)2} cationic moieties with two additional cations bound externally in the solid-state structure of [{K+(THF)2}4([8]CPP4−)]. The experimental structural data have been used as a benchmark for the comprehensive theoretical description of the geometric changes and electronic properties of the highly-charged [8]CPP4− nanohoop in comparison with its neutral parent. While neutral [8]CPP and the [8]CPP2− anion clearly show aromatic behavior of all six-membered rings, subsequent addition of two more electrons completely reverses their aromatic character to afford the highly-antiaromatic [8]CPP4− anion, as evidenced by structural, topological, and magnetic descriptors. The disentanglement of electron transfer from metal binding effects allowed their contributions to the overall core perturbation of the negatively-charged [8]CPP to be revealed. Consequently, the internal coordination of potassium cations is identified as the main driving force for drastic elliptic distortion of the macrocyclic framework upon reduction., Structural and theoretical analysis of a highly-charged [8]cycloparaphenylene reveals drastic elliptic distortion and unique metal encapsulation of the macrocyclic host upon reduction.

Tumor tissues are not only independent of cancer cells, but also tumor blood vessels. Thus, targeting the tumor blood vessels is as important as targeting the tumor for cancer treatment. Herein, an organic semiconducting molecule named T8IC is developed for the potential phototeranostics in the second near-infrared window (NIR-II, 1000-1700 nm). The T8IC molecule with an electronic-rich core and electron-deficient side edge shows a typical semiconducting structure, which makes the bandgap narrow. With the addition of anti-angiogenic agent sorafenib into T8IC, TS nanoparticles (NPs) were formed by nanoprecipitation with synergetic anti-angiogenic and phototheranostic effects. Compared to the molecular state, the J-aggregative TS NPs were formed with great bathochromic-shifts in both the absorption spectrum (maximum increased from 755 nm to 826 nm) and the emission spectrum (maximum increased from 840 nm to 1030 nm), which endow them with the ideal deep tumor NIR-II fluorescence imaging ability. Besides, TS NPs present both high photothermal conversion efficiency (∼32.47%) and good ROS generation ability, making them possess excellent cancer phototherapy capability. Guided by NIR-II fluorescence imaging, the tumor blood vessels can be cut off via sorafenib and cancer cells can be killed via T8IC simultaneously, making TS NPs show promising potential for the synergistic therapeutic effect in clinical applications.

Five water-soluble flexible organic frameworks have been synthesized from a pyridinium-derived tetracationic tetraaldehyde and five diacylhydrazines (1 : 2) through the quantitative formation of a hydrazone bond in water at ambient temperature. Dynamic light scattering experiments reveal that the homogeneous frameworks display hydrodynamic diameters ranging from 68 nm to 167 nm, which can be tuned by changing the concentration of the components. Molecular modelling shows that, when adopting an ideal, extended conformation, the frameworks form an aperture of 4 nm diameter. The new flexible frameworks are generally of low cytotoxicity. Fluorescence imaging and flow cytometric analysis demonstrate that the new flexible porous frameworks can quickly include single and double stranded DNA of 21 nucleotides and deliver the included DNA into both normal and cancer cells, with the percentage of delivered cells reaching up to 99.5%.

Phenolic resin as a typical hard carbon precursor has attracted much attention towards sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to its high carbon yield and large reversible capacity. However, phenolic resin-based hard carbon commonly suffers from limited cycling performance and low initial Coulombic efficiency. Herein, we synthesized a hard carbon material from phenolic resin and manipulated its microstructure through tuning the pyrolysis temperature and pre-oxidation procedure. In particular, hard carbon materials with pre-oxidation deliver much improved capacity retention in contrast with those without pre-oxidation. Further analysis shows that with the pre-oxidation procedure, the enlarged d002 spacing, the much disordered microstructure, and the increased content of oxygen-containing functional groups are responsible for the performance enhancement of hard carbon. This study provides an in-depth understanding of the microstructure feature of phenolic resin-based hard carbon and opens up a feasible avenue for the design of high-performance carbon anode materials for their application in SIBs.

A new organic-inorganic hybrid [{p-(CH3)2NH—C6H4—NH3}2Cl][BiI6] was synthesized and its crystal structure was established. The hybrid consists of an inorganic anion [BiI6]3− and an organic cation [{p-(CH3)2NH-C6H4-NH3}2Cl]3+. The [BiI6]3− anions are linked via non-covalent I...I interactions between axial atoms of neighboring anions to form chains running along the c axis of the tetragonal unit cell. In the cationic part, the Cl− anion is involved in four (N)H…Cl hydrogen bonds with hydrogen atoms of the p-(CH3)2NH—C6H4—NH32+ cation, forming a two-dimensional substructure. Alternating covalent and I...I halogen bonds in the anionic substructure and cation—anion hydrogen bonds provide the formation of a three-dimensional supramolecular structure with a band gap of 1.93 eV.

A careful selection of organic and inorganic components enables the production of unusual structure types with promising practical properties by facile syntheses. In this paper, we describe novel supramolecular architectures comprising organic adamantane-like divalent building blocks and iodide or polyiodide anions. Highly acidic conditions facilitated the formation of a doubly protonated organic ligand out of 5,7-dimethyl-1,3-diazaadamantane that generates three different crystal structures with inorganic counterions. In these structures, cationic substructures are constructed by transforming neutral organic ligands into [(C10N2H20)I]+ or [(C10N2H20)(H2O)]2+ cations, which crystallize with charge-compensating iodine-based anions of different complexities. All three crystal structures are characterized by various noncovalent forces, ranging from strong (N)H⋯I, (O)H⋯I, and (N)H⋯O hydrogen bonds to secondary and weak I⋯I interactions. Raman and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy as well as DFT calculations were employed to describe the electronic structures and optical properties of new supramolecular architectures, with particular attention to the role of non-covalent interactions.

In this work, a non-enzymatic molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor (MIECS) for the detection of glucose was developed based on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with hollow nickel nanospheres (HNiNS)/carbon dots (CDs)–chitosan (CS). The HNiNS and CDs–CS act as effective electrochemical materials to improve the active area and electron-transport ability. 3-aminobenzeneboronic acid and glucose were used as the functional monomer and template in the preparation of molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) film. The morphology and properties of the fabricated electrodes were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The effects of molar ratio of functional monomer on template, elution time, incubation time and scan rates were investigated. The as-prepared HNiNS/CDs–CS/MIP/GCE sensor exhibited high electrochemical activity and recognition ability towards glucose. Under optimal conditions, the current response of glucose had two wide linear relationships with glucose concentrations in the ranges of 0.03–10 μM and 20–300 μM with a relatively low detection limit of 4.6 nM (S/N = 3). The proposed sensor was successfully applied for the detection of glucose in human serum and fermentation samples.

Chemical reduction of sym-dibenzo[a,e]cyclooctatetraene (DBCOT, 1) has been investigated using group 1 metals ranging from Li to Cs as the reducing agents. With all alkali metals, DBCOT readily und...

The chemical reduction of a π‐expanded polycyclic framework comprising a cyclooctatetraene moiety, octaphenyltetrabenzocyclooctatetraene, with lithium metal readily affords the corresponding tetra‐anion instead of the expected aromatic dianion. As revealed by X‐ray crystallography, the highly contorted tetra‐anion is stabilized by coordination of two internally bound Li+, while two external cations remain solvent separated. The variable‐temperature 7Li NMR spectra in THF confirm the presence of three types of Li+ ions and clearly differentiate internal binding, consistent with the crystal structure. Density‐functional theory calculations suggest that the formation of the highly charged tetra‐reduced carbanion is stabilized through Li+ coordination under the applied experimental conditions., A highly contorted π‐expanded polycyclic tetra‐anion comprising a cyclooctatetraene moiety is readily formed upon reduction of the neutral precursor with lithium metal. The highly charged carbanion crystallizes with four lithium counterions, two of which stabilize the contorted structure through internal coordination. Density‐functional theory calculations rationalize the unexpected formation of the tetra‐anion and provide insights into its electronic properties.

Offshore floating nuclear power plant (OFNPP) is a significant solution for marine electricity shortage. In this study, the optimized activated carbon for decay technology was studied in the experiment bench and engineering prototype respectively. The results show that ZLCYK001 activated carbon has better properties. The adsorption coefficient for krypton can be improved when the pressure is increased, the temperature and relative humidity are decreased and the flow velocity is controlled between 0.12 and 5 cm/s. The adsorption property has good reliability and stability in engineering prototype which is significant for the design and operation of the waste gas treatment system.

Atomically thin molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is a promising semiconductor material for integrated flexible electronics due to its excellent mechanical, optical and electronic properties. However, the fabrication of large-scale MoS2-based flexible integrated circuits with high device density and performance remains a challenge. Here, we report the fabrication of transparent MoS2-based transistors and logic circuits on flexible substrates using four-inch wafer-scale MoS2 monolayers. Our approach uses a modified chemical vapour deposition process to grow wafer-scale monolayers with large grain sizes and gold/titanium/gold electrodes to create a contact resistance as low as 2.9 kΩ μm−1. The field-effect transistors are fabricated with a high device density (1,518 transistors per cm2) and yield (97%), and exhibit high on/off ratios (1010), current densities (~35 μA μm−1), mobilities (~55 cm2 V−1 s−1) and flexibility. We also use the approach to create various flexible integrated logic circuits: inverters, NOR gates, NAND gates, AND gates, static random access memories and five-stage ring oscillators. Wafer-scale monolayers of MoS2 can be used to create flexible transistors and circuits that exhibit on/off ratios of 1010, current densities of ~35 μA μm−1 and mobilities of ~55 cm2 V−1 s−1.

Objective To investigate the function and the mechanism of miR-125b in the invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer and provide experimental basis for finding and developing new therapeutic strategies for gastric cancer. Methods The difference of miR-125b expression in gastric cancer tissues and adjacent tissues was detected by qRT-PCR. The same test was performed in different gastric cancer cell lines. The effect of miR-125b on SGC-7901 and BGC-823 gastric cancer cell viability was examined using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Transwell assay was used to detect the effect of miR-125b on invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer cells. The target gene STAT3 of miR-125b was identified and validated by dual luciferase reporter assay. Western blot assay and immunofluorescence staining were used to detect the effect of miR-125b on the expression and distribution of STAT3 protein. The inhibitor and activator of STAT3 were used to confirm the effect of STAT3 on invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer cells. Peritoneal metastasis experiment and IHC were used to study the inhibitory effect of miR-125b on the metastasis of gastric cancer in vivo. Results The results of qRT-PCR showed that 125b expression was significantly lower in gastric cancer than in adjacent tissues, which indicated poor prognosis for gastric-cancer patients. Furthermore, two gastric-cancer cell lines, SGC-7901 and BGC-823, exhibited lower miR-125b levels than the normal cell line HEK293. After treatment with miR-125b mimics, cell proliferation was markedly inhibited. Meanwhile, the invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer cells were also inhibited after treated with miR-125b mimics. We also identified the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) as a potential target of miR-125b based on patient data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Dual luciferase assays revealed that miR-125b directly inhibited STAT3 by binding to its 3'-untranslated region (UTR). Immunofluorescence assay showed that miR-125b could affect the subcellular distribution of STAT3. Moreover, treatment with miR-125b mimics or stattic inhibited invasion and migration in the gastric cancer cell lines, and IL-6 could reverse the inhibitory effect. Finally, nude mice xenografted with gastric-cancer cells expressing miR-125b mimics exhibited smaller tumors and lower transfer rates than mice engrafted with control group cells. Conclusion These data suggested that miR-125b inhibited invasion and metastasis in gastric cancer by inhibiting STAT3; therefore, miR-125b and STAT3 could be potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of gastric cancer.

Intermetallic compounds with semiconducting properties are rare, but they give rise to advanced materials for energy conversion and saving applications. Here, we present ReGa2Ge, a new electron-pre...

Two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is an emergent semiconductor with great potential in next-generation scaled-up electronics, but the production of high-quality monolayer MoS2 wafers still remains a challenge. Here, we report an epitaxy route toward 4 in. monolayer MoS2 wafers with highly oriented and large domains on sapphire. Benefiting from a multisource design for our chemical vapor deposition setup and the optimization of the growth process, we successfully realized material uniformity across the entire 4 in. wafer and greater than 100 μm domain size on average. These monolayers exhibit the best electronic quality ever reported, as evidenced from our spectroscopic and transport characterizations. Our work moves a step closer to practical applications of monolayer MoS2.

The extraction behavior of uranyl from the nitric acid medium using an asymmetric diglycolamide, DMDODGA, in BmimNTf2 was studied. The effects of the concentration of HNO3, DMDODGA and temperature on the distribution ratio were discussed. The distribution ratio of uranyl into BmimNTf2 liquid is much higher than that into hydrocarbon diluents. The extraction mechanism was investigated by UV-visible spectroscopic and extraction experiments that all agree the cation-exchange mechanism. Formation of the 1:2 U/DMDODGA complexes was analyzed using the slope analysis method. In addition, uranyl can be effectively separated from perrhenate using DMDODGA-BmimNTf2 system.

Chemical reduction of several cycloparaphenylenes (CPPs) ranging in size from [8]CPP to [12]CPP has been investigated with potassium metal in THF. The X-ray diffraction characterization of the resulting doubly-reduced [n]CPPs provided a unique series of carbon nanohoops with increasing dimensions and core flexibility for the first comprehensive structural analysis. The consequences of electron acquisition by a [n]CPP core have been analyzed in comparison with the neutral parents. The addition of two electrons to the cyclic carbon framework of [n]CPPs leads to the characteristic elliptic core distortion and facilitates the internal encapsulation of sizable cationic guests. Molecular and solid-state structure changes, alkali metal binding and unique size-dependent host abilities of the [n]CPP2− series with n = 6–12 are discussed. This in-depth analysis opens new perspectives in supramolecular chemistry of [n]CPPs and promotes their applications in size-selective guest encapsulation and chemical separation., The series of doubly-reduced cycloparaphenylenes (CPPs) with increasing dimensions and flexibility shows the size-dependent structural changes and enhanced host abilities.

Chemical reduction of a benzo-fused double [7]helicene (1) with two alkali metals, K and Rb, provided access to three different reduced states of 1. The doubly-reduced helicene 12- has been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction as a solvent-separated ion triplet with two potassium counterions. The triply- and tetra-reduced helicenes, 13- and 14- , have been crystallized together in an equimolar ratio and both form the contact-ion complexes with two Rb+ ions each, leaving three remaining Rb+ ions wrapped by crown ether and THF molecules. As structural consequence of the stepwise reduction of 1, the central axis of helicene becomes more compressed upon electron addition (1.42 A in 14- vs. 2.09 A in 1). This is accompanied by an extra core twist, as the peripheral dihedral angle increases from 16.5° in 1 to 20.7° in 14- . Theoretical calculations provided the pattern of negative charge build-up and distribution over the contorted helicene framework upon each electron addition, and the results are consistent with the X-ray crystallographic and NMR spectroscopic data.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent central nervous system (CNS) degenerative disease. Oxidative stress is one of key contributors to PD. Nuclear factor erythroid‐2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) is considered to be a master regulator of many genes involved in anti‐oxidant stress to attenuate cell death. Therefore, activation of Nrf2 signalling provides an effective avenue to treat PD. Ellagic acid (EA), a natural polyphenolic contained in fruits and nuts, possesses amounts of pharmacological activities, such as anti‐oxidant stress and anti‐inflammation. Recent studies have confirmed EA could be used as a neuroprotective agent in neurodegenerative diseases. Here, mice subcutaneous injection of rotenone (ROT)‐induced DA neuronal damage was performed to investigate EA‐mediated neuroprotection. In addition, adult Nrf2 knockout mice and different cell cultures including MN9D‐enciched, MN9D‐BV‐2 and MN9D‐C6 cell co‐cultures were applied to explore the underlying mechanisms. Results demonstrated EA conferred neuroprotection against ROT‐induced DA neurotoxicity. Activation of Nrf2 signalling was involved in EA‐mediated DA neuroprotection, as evidenced by the following observations. First, EA activated Nrf2 signalling in ROT‐induced DA neuronal damage. Second, EA generated neuroprotection with the presence of astroglia and silence of Nrf2 in astroglia abolished EA‐mediated neuroprotection. Third, EA failed to produce DA neuroprotection in Nrf2 knockout mice. In conclusion, this study identified EA protected against DA neuronal loss via an Nrf2‐dependent manner.

This work represents an important step in the quest to make heteromultimetallic molecules featuring specific metal types and complicated metal ratios. The rational design, synthesis, and characterization of a complex heterotrimetallic single-source molecular precursor for the next generation sodium-ion battery cathode material, Na2Mn2FeO6, is described. A unique pentametallic platform [MnII(ptac)3-Na-MnIII(acac)3-Na-MnII(ptac)3] (1) was derived from the known polymeric structure of [NaMnII(acac)3]∞, through a series of elaborate design procedures, such as mixed-ligand, unsymmetric ligand, and mixed-valent approaches. Importantly, the application of those techniques results in a molecule with distinctively different transition metal positions in terms of ligand environment and oxidation states. An isovalent substitution of FeIII for the central MnIII ion forms the target heterotrimetallic precursor [MnII(ptac)3-Na-FeIII(acac)3-Na-MnII(ptac)3] (3) with an appropriate metal ratio of Na:Mn:Fe = 2:2:1. The arrangement of metal ions and ligands in this pentametallic assembly was confirmed by single crystal X-ray investigation. The unambiguous assignment of the positions and oxidation states of the Periodic Table neighbors Fe and Mn in 3 has been achieved by a combination of investigative techniques that include synchrotron resonant diffraction, X-ray multiwavelength anomalous diffraction, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, Mossbauer spectroscopy, and gas-phase DART mass spectrometry. The heterotrimetallic single-source precursor 3 was shown to exhibit a clean decomposition pattern yielding the phase-pure P2-Na2Mn2FeO6 quaternary oxide with high uniformity of metal ion distribution as confirmed by electron microscopy.

Introduction: Wutou decoction has been wildly applied for the treatment of RA in China for several thousand years. Methods: This study aims to develop a highly sensitive and specific ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry and electrospray ionization (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS) method to explore the pharmacokinetic properties of three representative bioactive alkaloids after intragastric administration of Wutou decoction in rats. Chromatographic separation was performed on a C18 column under the Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) in the positive electrospray ionization (ESI) mode. The pharmacokinetic parameters were evaluated by software DAS 3. 0. Results: The validation of the method was achieved in accordance with the FDA guidelines. The results of pharmacokinetic study showed that the in vivo concentrations of benzoylmesaconine and benzoylhypaconine were significantly higher than benzoylaconine. Our PK results showed that these three compounds were quickly absorbed after the administration of Wutou decoction, and Tmax ranged from 30 min to 45 min. Conclusion: The results of pharmacokinetic study showed that the in vivo concentrations of benzoylmesaconine and benzoylhypaconine were significantly higher than benzoylaconine. There were also similar pharmacokinetic behaviors observed among BAC, BHA, and BMA after oral administration of WTD.

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common cause of secondary hypertension. Increasing evidence has demonstrated an increased cardiovascular risk in patients with PA compared to those with essential hypertension (EH), including atrial fibrillation (AF), the most prevalent arrhythmia among adults that is associated with an elevated risk of subsequent cerebro-cardiovascular adverse events. The mechanisms of increased prevalence of AF in PA patients are complex. Excessive aldosterone production is regarded to be a key component in the pathogenesis of AF, in addition to arterial hypertension and electrolyte imbalance. In addition, several translational and clinical studies have reported that structural remodeling with atrial fibrosis and electrical remodeling with arrhythmogenicity induced by an excess of aldosterone also play major roles in AF genesis. Clinical studies from several registries and meta-analysis have reported an increased prevalence and risk of AF in PA patients compared to EH patients. Recent trials have further demonstrated a reduction in the risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) after adrenalectomy, while the results of medical treatment with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) have been inconsistent. This review outlines the current evidence of the relationship between PA and AF, and highlights recent progress in the management of PA with regards to the development of AF.

A known trinuclear structure was used to design the heterobimetallic mixed-valent, mixed-ligand molecule [CoII (hfac)3 -Na-CoIII (acac)3 ] (1). This was used as a template structure to develop heterotrimetallic molecules [CoII (hfac)3 -Na-FeIII (acac)3 ] (2) and [NiII (hfac)3 -Na-CoIII (acac)3 ] (3) via isovalent site-specific substitution at either of the cobalt positions. Diffraction methods, synchrotron resonant diffraction, and multiple-wavelength anomalous diffraction were applied beyond simple structural investigation to provide an unambiguous assignment of the positions and oxidation states for the periodic table neighbors in the heterometallic assemblies. Molecules of 2 and 3 are true heterotrimetallic rather than a statistical mixture of two heterobimetallic counterparts. Trinuclear platform 1 exhibits flexibility in accommodating a variety of di- and trivalent metals, which can be further utilized in the design of molecular precursors for the NaMM'O4 functional oxide materials.

The stilbene tapinarof is a drug used to treat psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Efficacy is thought to arise from its regulation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 signaling pathways, which have also been linked to the severity of inflammatory bowel diseases. Tapinarof is produced by the gammaproteobacterial Photorhabdus genus, which infects insects and humans. Consequently, Photorhabdus represents a model to probe tapinarof structural and functional transformations. Here, we demonstrate that Photorhabdus transforms tapinarof into novel drug metabolism products that kill inflammatory bacteria. We show that a cupin contributes to the conversion of tapinarof and related dietary stilbenes into novel dimers. One dimer has activity against MRSA and VRE, whereas another undergoes spontaneous cyclization events to construct a cyclopropane bridge-containing hexacyclic framework that exhibits activity against Mycobacterium. Consistent with the functional transformations, these dimers lack efficacy in a colitis mouse model, whereas the monomer reduces disease symptoms.