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Synergetic nano-micro engineering for energy-storage ceramic capacitors is a powerful approach to create and manipulate the degrees of freedom in tuning energy-storage behavior, resulting in an ultrahigh energy density together with high efficiency.

This is the first time that the pore-space-partition (PSP) strategy is being successfully applied in the electrochemical field for water splitting, realizing the highly efficient construction of a series of ultrastable pristine MOF electrocatalysts. On integrating the vanadium-based trimetallic building cluster (M

In this work, a dual-emission ratiometric fluorescent probe of carbon dots–copper nanoclusters (CDs–Cu NCs) nanohybrids with bifunctional features was successfully assembled through mechanical mixing. The CDs were synthesized using ascorbic acid as a carbon source, and Cu NCs were prepared using D-penicillamine as the stabilizer and reducing agent. The as-prepared CDs–Cu NCs displayed two emission peaks (blue at 424 nm and red at 624 nm) when excited at 360 nm, and showed great stability. Interestingly, trace amount of Fe3+ could lead to the aggregation of Cu NCs, and induce a drastic static fluorescence quenching at 624 nm because of the electrostatic combination between them, while the fluorescence of the emission peak at 424 nm remained constant. Moreover, an attractive fluorescence enhancement phenomenon at 424 nm was observed when trace Tb3+ was added to the above system, which may due to the combination of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and photo-induced electron transfer (PET) mechanisms. Thus, CDs–Cu NCs were applied for the ratiometric detection of Fe3+ and Tb3+ in aqueous solution, and the detection limit (3σ/slope) was 45 nM and 62 nM with the linear range from 0.01 to 40 μM and 0.1 to 50 μM, respectively. Furthermore, the developed sensor was successfully applied for the detection of Fe3+ and Tb3+ in real-water samples.

This is the first case in which quaternary hybrid nanocomposites, NiMPBA/Ni(OH)2/Co3O4/NF (M = Co, Fe), were designed to be fabricated successfully via a step-by-step synthetic strategy. They, as freestanding supercapacitors, exhibit excellent electrochemical performance with a remarkable specific capacitance (643.6 C g−1 at 1 mA cm−2) and cycling stability. In addition, asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) systems with as-prepared NiFePBA/Ni(OH)2/Co3O4/NF as the positive electrode and active carbon (AC) as the negative electrode were also successfully fabricated and delivered an energy density of 23.4 W h kg−1 and power density of 570 W kg−1. This work highlights the design strategy of quaternary hybrid nanocomposite materials for efficient energy storage devices.

Plethora of efforts have been dedicated to developing electrode materials for speedy and precise determination of glucose in the past decades. Herein, we successfully design and fabricate CoFeLDH/PBA/NF heterojunction with sea-urchin-like morphology. The nanocomposite as electrode realizes high-performance detection of glucose with ultra-high sensitivity of 5499 µA mM−1 cm−2, low limit of detection of 0.1 µM, as well as outstanding reproducibility, stability and selectivity. Such fabricated strategy opens a wide possibility for developing more non-enzymatic electrochemical glucose sensor in the future.

Background: In the existing inverse system decoupling methods of bearingless induction motor, the inverse system model is more complex, and it is not easy to realize the independent control of the magnetic suspension system. In this paper, in order to simplify its inverse system model, an independent inverse system decoupling control strategy is proposed. Methods: Under the conditions of considering the current dynamics of torque windings, the state equations of torque system and those of magnetic suspension system are established, and the independent inverse system model of torque system and that of the magnetic suspension system are deduced. The air gap fluxlinkage of the torque system that is needed in the magnetic suspension system is identified by an independent voltage model. After the independent inverse model of torque system and that of magnetic suspension system are connected in parallel, they are connected in front of the original system of a bearingless induction motor. After this, the torque system is decoupled into two second-order integral subsystems, i.e. a fluxlinkage subsystem and a motor speed subsystem, while the magnetic suspension system is decoupled into another two second-order integral subsystems, i.e. the α- and β-displacement component subsystems. The design of the additional closed-loop controller is achieved through the pole assignment method. Result: The obtained inverse model of the magnetic suspension system is independent of the fluxlinkage orientation mode of torque system, and thus the flexibility of the independent control for the torque system and magnetic suspension system is increased. The simulation results have shown that the system has good static- and dynamic-decoupling control performance. Conclusion: The proposed independent inverse system decoupling control strategy is effective and feasible.

The fabrication of two-dimensional (2D) metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) combines the advantages of 2D materials, MOFs and PBAs, resolving the poor electronic conductivity and slow diffusion of MOF materials for electrochemical applications. In this work, 2D leaflike zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (Co-ZIF and Fe-ZIF) as sacrificial templates are in situ converted into PBAs, realizing the successful fabrication of PBA/ZIF nanocomposites on nickel foam (NF), namely, CoCo-PBA/Co-ZIF/NF, FeFe-PBA/Fe-ZIF/NF, CoFe-PBA/Co-ZIF/NF, and Fe/CoCo-PBA/Co-ZIF/NF. Such fabrication can effectively reduce transfer resistance and greatly enhance electron- and mass-transfer efficiency due to the electrochemically active PBA particles and NF substrate. These fabricated electrodes as multifunctional sensors achieve highly selective and sensitive glucose and H2O2 biosensing with a very wide detective linear range, extremely low limit of detection (LOD), and good stability. Among them, CoFe-PBA/Co-ZIF/NF exhibits the best sensing performance with a very wide linear range from 1.4 μM to 1.5 mM, a high sensitivity of 5270 μA mM-1 cm-2, a low LOD of 0.02 μM (S/N = 3), and remarkable stability and selectivity toward glucose. What is more, it can realize excellent detection of glucose in human serum, demonstrating its practical applications. Furthermore, this material as a multifunctional electrochemical sensor also manifests superior detection performance against hydrogen peroxide with a wide linear range of 0.2-6.0 mM, a high sensitivity of 196 μA mM-1 cm-2, and a low limit of detection of 1.08 nM (S/N = 3). The sensing mechanism for enhanced performance for glucose and H2O2 is discussed and proved by experiments in detail.

Great quantity of intergenic noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified in the mammalian genome and involved in various biological processes, especially in the development and metastasis of cancer. In this study, we identified one lncRNA, lncRNA NONHSAT028712 (Lnc712), was highly expressed in breast cancer cell lines and tissues based on microarray screening. Knockdown of Lnc712 largely inhibited breast cancer cell proliferation. Mechanistically, Lnc712 bound specifically to heat-shock protein 90 (HSP90). Interaction between Lnc712 and HSP90 is required for HSP90 binding to cell division cycle 37 (Cdc37). The Lnc712/HSP90/Cdc37 complex regulated cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) activation and then triggered breast cancer cell proliferation. In summary, our results identified a new lncRNA regulate breast cancer proliferation though interaction with HSP90.

In this work, an indium-based metal-organic framework was successfully constructed, namely, as In-MOF, by elaborately selecting an In

Prussian blue (PB) and its analogue (PBA) are a kind of representative cyanide-based coordination polymer. They have received enormous research interest and have shown promising applications in the electrochemical sensing field due to their excellent electrochemical activity and unique structural characteristics including open framework structure, high specific surface area, and adjustable metal active sites. In this review, we summarize the latest research progress of PB/PBA as an electrochemical sensor in detail from three aspects: fabrication strategy, synthesis method and electrochemical sensor application. For the fabrication strategy, we discussed different fabrication methods containing the combination of PBA and carbon materials, metal nanoparticles, polymers, etc., respectively, as well as their corresponding sensing mechanism for improving performance. We also presented the synthesis methods of PB/PBA materials in detail, such as: coprecipitation, hydrothermal and electrodeposition. In addition, the effects of different methods on the morphology, particle size and productivity of PB/PBA materials are also concluded. For the application of electrochemical sensors, the latest progress of such materials as electrochemical sensors for glucose, H

In this work, a dual-emission ratiometric fluorescent probe of carbon dots-copper nanoclusters (CDs-Cu NCs) nanohybrids with bifunctional features was successfully assembled through mechanical mixing. The CDs were synthesized using ascorbic acid as a carbon source, and Cu NCs were prepared using d-penicillamine as the stabilizer and reducing agent. The as-prepared CDs-Cu NCs displayed two emission peaks (blue at 424 nm and red at 624 nm) when excited at 360 nm, and showed great stability. Interestingly, trace amount of Fe

Piezocatalysis has been considered as a promising technology in water pollution treatment. In this work, a series of piezoelectric Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 (NBT) nanoparticles were prepared by hydrothermal method using different titanium sources as titanium precursors. The piezocatalytic performances of the NBT nanoparticles were investigated by the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) with the concentration of 10 mg/L under ultrasonic vibration. It is found that the NBT nanoparticles prepared by using anatase titanium oxide as titanium precursor show optimum piezocatalytic activity and the rate constant of 0.022 min−1 is achieved for RhB. The initial RhB concentration, ultrasonic power, particles size and specific surface area of NBT materials play an important role in optimizing the piezocatalytic performance. Moreover, the NBT nanoparticles show a satisfactory stability and reusability for the piezocatalytic degradation. The piezocatalytic mechanism of NBT nanoparticles was elucidated by the identification of free radicals and intermediates in the degradation process. The work provides a guidance to design and develop new high-performance piezocatalysts.

Background Cardiac fibrosis is a crucial factor of heart failure. It has been reported that several microRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) were involved in cardiac fibrosis, however, the role and possible regulatory mechanism of microRNA-135a (miR-135a) in cardiac fibrosis have not been investigated. Here, we explored the regulation mechanism of miR-135a on cardiac fibrosis. Methods and Results In vitro, cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) from neonatal rats were treated by isoproterenol (ISO) at the final concentration of 10 μM for 24 h and miR-135a expression was decreased obviously. A miR-135a mimic inhibited CFs proliferation and differentiation by down-regulating transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) expression and current, whose effects were reversed by either the addition of miR-135a mimic or silencing TRPM7. In vivo, adult SD rat cardiac fibrosis was induced by subcutaneous administration of ISO (5 mg/kg/day) for 10 days. The expression of Collagen I, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and TRPM7 were up-regulated while miR-135a was down-regulated. In summary, our results illustrated that TRPM7 channel played an essential role in regulating fibrosis and that miR-135a protected against ISO-induced cardiac fibrosis via TRPM7 channel. Conclusion MiR-135a inhibits cardiac fibrosis via miR-135a- TRPM7-collagen production pathway.

Here, a high effective visible-ultraviolet up-conversion luminescence agent (Er3+:YAlO3) was synthesized and the Er3+:YAlO3/Ta2O5 composite was prepared by sol-gel method. The MoSe2-reduced graphene oxide (MoSe2-RGO) hybrid as co-catalyst was prepared by hydrothermal method. Afterwards, a new Z-scheme photocatalyst, Er3+:YAlO3/Ta2O5-CaIn2S4/MoSe2-RGO, was successfully assembled by hydrothermal methods for visible-light photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. The Er3+:YAlO3, MoSe2-RGO, Er3+:YAlO3/Ta2O5, CaIn2S4/MoSe2-RGO, Er3+:YAlO3/Ta2O5/MoSe2-RGO and Er3+:YAlO3/Ta2O5-CaIn2S4/MoSe2-RGO were all characterized by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The UV–vis absorption spectra and photoluminescence (PL) spectra of Er3+:YAlO3 were also measured. The photocatalytic hydrogen production activity of Er3+:YAlO3/Ta2O5-CaIn2S4/MoSe2-RGO was examined under visible-light irradiation. In addition, the reused times of Er3+:YAlO3/Ta2O5-CaIn2S4/MoSe2-RGO for photocatalytic hydrogen production were investigated. The results showed that the Er3+:YAlO3/Ta2O5-CaIn2S4/MoSe2-RGO photocatalyst in aqueous methanol solution displayed the highest photocatalytic hydrogen production activity under visible-light irradiation and after five-times photocatalytic hydrogen experiment the photocatalytic activity of Er3+:YAlO3/Ta2O5-CaIn2S4/MoSe2-RGO is basicly stable in the process of splitting methanol aqueous solutions.

Several up-conversion luminescent materials (Er3+:Y3Al5O12, Yb doped Er3+:Y3Al5O12, Yb and N co-doped Er3+:Y3Al5O12, Yb and F co-doped Er3+:Y3Al5O12, and Yb, N, and F co-doped Er3+:Y3Al5O12) were synthesized using sol–gel method. The corresponding TiO2 composite films (Er3+:Y3Al5O12/TiO2, Yb doped Er3+:Y3Al5O12/TiO2, Yb and N co-doped Er3+:Y3Al5O12/TiO2, Yb and F co-doped Er3+:Y3Al5O12/TiO2, and Yb, N, and F co-doped Er3+:Y3Al5O12/TiO2) were prepared by sol–gel dip-coating method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The UV–Vis absorption and PL spectra of Er3+:Y3Al5O12 were also determined. The visible-light photocatalytic activity of the synthesized materials was evaluated in the degradation of Azo Fuchsine (AF) dye in aqueous solution. The concentration of the dye was monitored by UV–Vis spectroscopy. Some key factors, such as layer number, heat-treatment temperature and time on the photocatalytic activity of Yb, N, and F co-doped Er3+:Y3Al5O12/TiO2 composite films were studied. The doping of Yb, N, and F into Er3+:Y3Al5O12/TiO2 significantly enhanced the visible-light photocatalytic activity of Er3+:Y3Al5O12/TiO2 composite film in the degradation of organic dyes. The experiments also indicated that the Yb, N, and F co-doped Er3+:Y3Al5O12/TiO2 composite film has a good visible-light photocatalytic activity to degrade other organic dyes under visible-light irradiation.

Developing highly efficient and stable multi-functional metal–organic framework electrochemical materials is of prime importance for renewable energy technologies and electrocatalytic applications. Herein, a novel series of bimetallic metal–organic framework (MOF) hybrid materials were successfully designedly fabricated through an in-situ growth and MOF-on-MOF strategies, namely as NiFeMOF/NF, NiCoMOF/NF, FeMOF/NiMOF/NF, and CoMOF/NiMOF/NF. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of bimetallic centers, conductive substrate and unique fabrication, they exhibit remarking electrochemical performance. Among them, FeMOF/NiMOF/NF composite with ultrathin nanosheets displays the best electrochecatalytic performance with ultralow overpotentials of 293 mV at 50 mA cm−2 and 359 mV at 100 mA cm−2 for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and remarking electrochemical stability with high current density of 100 mA cm−2 after testing for 24 h, that 88% of initial current density can be remained. Based on these fabricated bimetallic MOF hybrid materials as precursors, the corresponding MOF-derived nano sulfides were obtained with massive exposure of active sites. As an excellent supercapacitor electrode, NiCoS/NF-1 converted from CoMOF/NiMOF/NF shows admirable specific capacitance of 2815.4 F g−1 at 1 mA cm−2 and a remarkable rate capability of 82%.

In this work, the Er3+: YAlO3/Co- and Fe-doped ZnO coated composites were prepared by the sol-gel method. Then, they were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Photo-degradation of azo fuchsine (AF) as a model dye under solar light irradiation was studied to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of the Er3+: YAlO3/Co- and Fe-doped ZnO coated composites. It was found that the photocatalytic activity of Co- and Fe-doped ZnO composites can be obviously enhanced by upconversion luminescence agent (Er3+: YAlO3). Besides, the photocatalytic activity of Er3+: YAlO3/Fe-doped ZnO is better than that of Er3+: YAlO3/Co-doped ZnO. The influence of experiment conditions, such as the concentration of Er3+: YAlO3, heat-treatment temperature and time on the photocatalytic activity of the Er3+: YAlO3/Co- and Fe-doped ZnO coated composites was studied. In addition, the effects of solar light irradiation time, dye initial concentration, Er3+: YAlO3/Co- and Fe-doped ZnO amount on the photocatalytic degradation of azo fuchsine in aqueous solution were investigated in detail. Simultaneously, some other organic dyes, such as Methyl Orange (MO), Rhodamine B (RM-B), Acid Red B (AR-B), Congo Red (CR), and Methyl Blue (MB) were also studied. The possible excitation principle of Er3+: YAlO3/Co- and Fe-doped ZnO coated composites under solar light irradiation and the photocatalytic degradation mechanism of organic dyes were discussed.

Bearingless induction motor is a multi variable, nonlinear and strong coupling object, in order to achieve its sus- pension control with high performance, the dynamic model of magnetic suspension system is established; and the radial dis- placement of bearingless rotor is separated into two parts, include random displacement component and unbalanced vibration displacement component. Then by inverse system method, dynamic decoupling control between the two random displacement components is achieved. On this basis, through the compensation controller of unbalanced vibration, the compensation force of unbalanced vibration is regulated and estimated real time, and the control current of unbalanced vibration compensation force is calculated. The compensation force is used to counteract the unbalanced exciting force of bearingless rotor. Under the dq coordinate system oriented by the rotor flux-linkage of torque system, the control current compensation of unbalanced vibra- tion is achieved. At the end, simulation verification and analysis are made. From the simulation results, it is clear that when the proposed control strategy is adopted, the unbalanced vibration of bearingless rotor can be inhibited effectively in the start stage; the unbalanced vibration displacement can be eliminated in steady state. The proposed control strategy is effective and feasible.

Several conduction band co-catalysts (CBCOs), MoO2, MoS2 and MoSe2, were prepared to improve the visible-light photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity of Er3+:Y3Al5O12/PdS–ZnS from water splitting, in which the PdS is a valence band co-catalyst (VBCO) used to facilitate the photo-generated hole transfer and the Er3+:Y3Al5O12 is an up-conversion luminescence agent from visible light to ultraviolet light used to provide the ultraviolet light satisfying the energy demands of wide band-gap ZnS photocatalyst. XRD, SEM, TEM and EDX analyses were employed to confirm the morphology, microstructure and composition of the prepared photocatalysts. UV–vis absorption and PL spectra were also determined to explore luminescence effect of the Er3+:Y3Al5O12. The visible-light photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity of the prepared photocatalysts was evaluated by using Na2S and Na2SO3 as sacrificial reagents in aqueous solution under visible light irradiation. The influential factors such as contents of CBCOs (MoO2, MoS2 and MoSe2) and visible-light irradiation time on visible-light photocatalytic hydrogen evolution of Er3+:Y3Al5O12/PdS–ZnS–MoX2 (X = O, S and Se) were investigated in detail. Particularly, Er3+:Y3Al5O12/PdS–ZnS–MoSe2 with 0.30 wt% MoSe2 shows the highest photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity.

In this paper, two efficient up-conversion luminescence agents, Tm3+,Yb3+:NaYF4 (from infrared light to ultravoilet light) and Er3+:Y3Al5O12 (from visible light to ultravoilet light), were synthesized by hydrothermal and sol–gel methods, respectively. And then, a novel photocatalyst, Tm3+,Yb3+:NaYF4–Er3+:Y3Al5O12/MoS2–NaTaO3 nanocomposite particles, were successfully prepared by hydrothermal and calcination methods for infrared–visible light photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. For comparison and confirmation, Tm3+,Yb3+:NaYF4, Er3+:Y3Al5O12, MoS2–NaTaO3, Tm3+,Yb3+:NaYF4/MoS2–NaTaO3, Er3+:Y3Al5O12/MoS2–NaTaO3, and Tm3+,Yb3+:NaYF4–Er3+:Y3Al5O12/MoS2–NaTaO3 were all characterized by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The photocatalytic activity of Tm3+,Yb3+:NaYF4–Er3+:Y3Al5O12/MoS2–NaTaO3 nanocomposite particles was examined through photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from methanol splitting under infrared–visible light irradiation. The influence factors such as mass ratio of Tm3+,Yb3+:NaYF4–Er3+:Y3Al5O12 and NaTaO3, calcination temperature, solution acidity (pH) and used time on the infrared–visible light photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity of Tm3+,Yb3+:NaYF4–Er3+:Y3Al5O12/MoS2–NaTaO3 nanocomposite particles were studied. Particularly, the prepared Tm3+,Yb3+:NaYF4–Er3+:Y3Al5O12/MoS2–NaTaO3 nanocomposite particles with the mass ratio of 0.3:1.0 heat-treated at 500 °C for 120 min in pH=6.0 solution with 10.0 wt % methanol displayed a high infrared–visible light photocatalytic activity in hydrogen production from water solution.

The use of co-catalysts can observably enhance photocatalytic hydrogen production activity. In this work, a novel visible-light driven photocatalyst, (MoSe2-RGO)/(Er3+:Y3Al5O12/ZnS)/RuO2 nanocomposite, is prepared for the first time by loading Er3+:Y3Al5O12, MoSe2-RGO and RuO2 on the surface of ZnS nanoparticles. Er3+:Y3Al5O12 as an effective visible-to-ultraviolet up-conversion luminescence agent can provide the ultraviolet-light to activate wide band-gap ZnS. MoSe2-RGO and RuO2, acting as conduction band co-catalyst and valence band co-catalyst, respectively, can effectively separate the photo-generated carriers and supply more reactive sites. The activities of the photocatalysts were assessed via photocatalytic hydrogen production in Na2S and Na2SO3 aqueous solution under 300 W xenon lamp irradiation. In addition, the visible-light irradiation time and used times of the prepared samples as influence factors on the photocatalytic hydrogen production were also investigated. It was easily found that the prepared (MoSe2-RGO)/(Er3+:Y3Al5O12/ZnS)/RuO2 nanocomposite shows fairly high activity in photocatalytic hydrogen production, compared with single ZnS photocatalyst. It was mainly attributed to the excellent up-conversion luminescence property of Er3+:Y3Al5O12 and the efficient separation of photo-generated electrons and holes caused by MoSe2-RGO and RuO2. This research may pave an effective way for photocatalytic hydrogen production utilizing solar light.

Cancer is one of the most important health problems today; therefore, many researchers are focusing on exploring the mechanisms underlying its development and treatment. The field of cancer epigenetics has flourished in recent decades, and studies have shown that different epigenetic events, such as DNA methylation, histone modification, and noncoding RNA regulation, work together to influence cancer development and progression. In this short review, we summarize the interactions between methylation and noncoding RNAs that affect cancer development.

To achieve the radial displacement self-sensing detection of a bearingless induction motor, an observation method based on the LS-SVM (least squares support vector machine) is proposed. The state-space model of a magnetic suspension system is derived firstly. Then the LS-SVM is introduced to the radial displacement observer of the bearingless induction motor, the design principle and Lyapunov stability of the LS-SVM displacement observer are analysed in detail, and the construction method of the LS-SVM displacement observer is presented also. Simulation and verification results show that both in the starting suspension stage and in the process of stable suspension operation, the LS-SVM displacement observer can quickly track the radial displacement with high accuracy. Then, a new method is found for the radial displacement self-sensing detection of the bearingless induction motor.

In this work, a high effective up-conversion luminescence agent (from infrared and visible light to ultraviolet light), Er3+:YAlO3, was synthesized by sol–gel method. And then, the CuO, MoS2 and Pt were adopted as co-catalysts and the NaTaO3 was used as bulk catalyst, and then the three corresponding visible-light photocatalysts, Er3+:YAlO3/CuO–NaTaO3, Er3+:YAlO3/MoS2–NaTaO3 and Er3+:YAlO3/Pt–NaTaO3, were successfully prepared by hydrothermal and direct mixing methods, respectively. Er3+:YAlO3, NaTaO3, Er3+:YAlO3/CuO–NaTaO3, Er3+:YAlO3/MoS2–NaTaO3 and Er3+:YAlO3/Pt–NaTaO3 were all characterized by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The visible-light photocatalytic activities of Er3+:YAlO3/CuO–NaTaO3, Er3+:YAlO3/MoS2–NaTaO3 and Er3+:YAlO3/Pt–NaTaO3 were examined through photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from methanol aqueous solution under visible-light irradiation. The influence factors such as the contents of co-catalysts (CuO, MoS2 and Pt), heat-treated temperature and initial pH value on the visible-light photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity of Er3+:YAlO3/CuO–NaTaO3, Er3+:YAlO3/MoS2–NaTaO3 and Er3+:YAlO3/Pt–NaTaO3 were studied. The results showed that the Er3+:YAlO3/MoS2–NaTaO3 with 0.2 wt% MoS2 in solution (pH = 6.0) with 5.0 wt% methanol displayed the highest visible light photocatalytic hydrogen production activity.

In this paper, an up-conversion luminescence agent (Er3+:YAlO3), which can effectively transform the visible light in solar light into ultraviolet light, was prepared. Then, for a visible-light photocatalytic degradation reaction, the prepared Er3+:YAlO3 was coated by Co- and Fe-doped TiO2–ZnO films thorough sol–gel process, respectively, and the Er3+:YAlO3/Fe- and Co-doped TiO2–ZnO coated composites were obtained. The crystal forms, particle sizes, chemical compositions, and weight change process of the Er3+:YAlO3/Fe- and Co-doped TiO2–ZnO coated composites were analyzed by using XRD, TEM, SEM, EDX, and TG–DTA instruments. The photocatalytic activities of the Er3+:YAlO3/Fe- and Co-doped TiO2–ZnO coated composites were evaluated through the degradation of azo fuchsine under visible light irradiation. It indicated that the visible light photocatalytic reduction ratio of Fe- and Co-doped TiO2–ZnO composites were 47.8 and 67.9 %, while after adding 15 wt% Er3+:YAlO3, the reduction ratio reached 93.5 and 95.5 %, respectively. In addition, the photocatalytic effect of Er3+:YAlO3/Co-doped TiO2–ZnO is better than that of Er3+:YAlO3/Fe-doped TiO2–ZnO.

A novel visible-light photocatalyst, Er3+:Y3Al5O12/Pt–TiO2 membrane, was prepared via sol–gel–hydrothermal method on glass substrates as a support. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were used to reveal the crystallinity, surface morphology and chemical composition of the prepared Er3+:Y3Al5O12/Pt–TiO2 membrane. The catalytic activity of Er3+:Y3Al5O12/Pt–TiO2 membrane was examined through the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from some pollutants, including phenol, glycerol and Na2S/Na2SO3, which were used as electron donors, under visible-light irradiation. Furthermore, some influence factors, such as mass ratio, pre-treatment temperature and used times, on the photocatalytic activity of Er3+:Y3Al5O12/Pt–TiO2 membrane were studied. The experimental results showed that the Er3+:Y3Al5O12/Pt–TiO2 membrane is a good and broad-spectrum photocatalyst in visible-light photocatalytic hydrogen evolution with simultaneous pollutant solution treatment.

A photocatalyst capable of responding to visible light, Er 3+ :YAlO 3 /Pt–TiO 2 membrane, was synthesized via sol–gel dip-coating method by using glass substrates as a supporter. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were performed to reveal the crystallinity, surface morphology and chemical composition of Er 3+ :YAlO 3 /Pt–TiO 2 membranes. The photocatalysis capability of Er 3+ :YAlO 3 /Pt–TiO 2 membrane was measured through the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution with simultaneous photocatalytic reforming of biomass under simulated visible light irradiation. In addition, mass ratio, heat-treated temperature and initial solution pH as principal influence factors on the photocatalysis capability of Er 3+ :YAlO 3 /Pt–TiO 2 membranes were studied. The reused times was also investigated. It was found that the hydrogen generation and glucose degradation could be carried out simultaneously in the same system and the Er 3+ :YAlO 3 /Pt–TiO 2 membrane exhibited a much better visible light photocatalytic activity than pure Pt–TiO 2 membrane. Furthermore, the membranes are recyclable. Therefore, these novel composite membrane photocatalysts will have wide applications for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution with simultaneous wastewater treatment on practical application.

BLIM, i.e. bearingless induction motor, is a multi-variable, nonlinear and strong coupling object. To achieve its dy- namic decoupling control with high performance, a novel dynamic decoupling control strategy is proposed. After analyzing the working principle and mathematical model of BLIM, the state equations based on stator flux orientation are established firstly. On the basis of reversibility analysis of BLIM system, the inverse system dynamic mathematical model based on sta- tor flux orientation is derived. And then, adopting inverse system method, the control system of BLIM is uncoupled to four linear subsystems, including: motor speed subsystem, stator flux-linkage subsystem, and two radial displacement components subsystems. System simulation results have shown that reliable dynamic decoupling control between relevant variables can be realized, higher static and dynamic control performance can be achieved; in particular, the influence of rotor parameters on the identification precision of motor magnetic flux-linkage can be avoided effectively. The proposed inverse system decoupling control strategy based on stator flux orientation is effective and feasible; a new way has been provided for high performance decoupling control of bearingless induction motor.

A highly effective and stable up-conversion luminescence agent, Er3+:Y3Al5O12, was synthesized by sol–gel and calcination methods. Then, as a novel visible-light photocatalyst, Er3+:Y3Al5O12, Pt and PdS (as dual co-catalysts) decorated ZnS nano-sized composites, Er3+:Y3Al5O12/Pt–PdS/ZnS, were fabricated by deposition–precipitation and ultrasonic dispersion methods. All prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). UV-vis absorption and PL spectra of Er3+:Y3Al5O12 were also determined. The visible-light photocatalytic H2 production activity of the prepared Er3+:Y3Al5O12/Pt–PdS/ZnS was evaluated by using Na2S and Na2SO3 as sacrificial reagents in an aqueous solution under 300 W irradiation from a xenon lamp. In addition, some influential factors such as Er3+:Y3Al5O12 and ZnS mass ratio, catalyst amount, irradiation time and irradiation intensity on visible-light photocatalytic H2 production of Er3+:Y3Al5O12/Pt–PdS/ZnS were investigated in detail. It was found that Er3+:Y3Al5O12 can effectively improve the visible-light photocatalytic activity of ZnS. Particularly, Er3+:Y3Al5O12/Pt–PdS/ZnS with 0.13 wt% PdS and 0.3 wt% Pt and a 0.30 : 1.00 mass ratio shows the highest photocatalytic H2 production activity in the sulfide/sulfite (0.2 mol L−1 Na2S and 0.3 mol L−1 Na2SO3) aqueous solution as sacrificial reagents.

The currently available antihypertensive agents have undesirable adverse effects due to systemically altering target activity including receptors, channels, and enzymes. These effects, such as loss of potassium ions induced by diuretics, bronchospasm by beta-blockers, constipation by Ca(2+) channel blockers, and dry cough by ACEI, lead to non-compliance with therapies (Moser, 1990). Here, based on new hypertension mechanisms, we explored a new antihypertensive approach. We report that transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) interacts with Ca(2+)-activated potassium channel 3 (KCa2.3) in endothelial cells (ECs) from small resistance arteries of normotensive humans, while ECs from hypertensive patients show a reduced interaction between TRPV4 and KCa2.3. Murine hypertension models, induced by high-salt diet, N(G)-nitro-l-arginine intake, or angiotensin II delivery, showed decreased TRPV4-KCa2.3 interaction in ECs. Perturbation of the TRPV4-KCa2.3 interaction in mouse ECs by overexpressing full-length KCa2.3 or defective KCa2.3 had hypotensive or hypertensive effects, respectively. Next, we developed a small-molecule drug, JNc-440, which showed affinity for both TRPV4 and KCa2.3. JNc-440 significantly strengthened the TRPV4-KCa2.3 interaction in ECs, enhanced vasodilation, and exerted antihypertensive effects in mice. Importantly, JNc-440 specifically targeted the impaired TRPV4-KCa2.3 interaction in ECs but did not systemically activate TRPV4 and KCa2.3. Together, our data highlight the importance of impaired endothelial TRPV4-KCa2.3 coupling in the progression of hypertension and suggest a novel approach for antihypertensive drug development. ispartof: EMBO Molecular Medicine vol:9 issue:11 pages:1491-1503 ispartof: location:England status: published

The expression of estrogen receptor α (ER) in breast cancers may be indicative of a favorable prognosis and most of these cancers respond to anti-estrogens or aromatase inhibitors. However, ER-positive (ER+) breast cancers receiving anti-hormone and/or chemotherapy sometimes lose their ER expression, which leads to the evolution of the disease to higher aggressiveness and drug resistance. In the present study, an ER-modified signature (EMS) was developed from the expression profile of a chemoresistant MCF-7 breast cancer cell line that lost ER expression during long-term treatment with a chemotherapeutic agent. The EMS could discriminate the ER-negative (ER-) breast cancer cells from the ER+ ones, which included seven pathways essential for the ER- cell development. Furthermore, the EMS indicated a more malignant subgroup of the ER- cells by discriminating the chemoresistant ER- cells from the chemosensitive ones. In addition, the classified chemoresistant ER- patients demonstrated worse prognosis. In conclusion, we developed a new method to discriminate subgroups of ER- breast cancer cells.

The global gene expression and DNA methylation of genes in adriamycin-resistant human breast cancer cells (MCF-7/ADM cells) are similar to those in paclitaxel-resistant MCF-7 cells (MCF-7/PTX) and are significantly different from those in wild-type MCF-7 cells. DNA methylation is associated with chemoresistance in breast cancer and changes the characteristics of chemoresistant and chemosensitive cells. Here, we showed that the tumor-suppressor gene Notch3 was inactivated due to epigenetic silencing DNA hypermethylation in MCF-7/ADM cells. In addition, the drug efflux pump P-glycoprotein was negatively regulated by Notch3 and highly expressed in MCF-7/ADM cells. Taken together, our findings demonstrated that hypermethylation of Notch3 causes activation of P-glycoprotein in adriamycin-resistant cells.