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Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) will greatly shorten their lifespan due to platinum (Pt) catalyst degradation during operation. This paper proposes an optimization-based energy management method considering Pt degradation, which is an improvement over the traditional strategy that only focuses on fuel optimization to consider both the minimal fuel and the minimum fuel cell life decay. Firstly, a one-dimensional (1D) Pt degradation model is established to comprehend how various voltage situations affect Pt deterioration. Then, various strategies to suppress Pt degradation are designed using Pontryagin's minimum principle (PMP) optimization algorithm in light of the influence analysis results, and the effects of the PMP algorithm under different strategies are tested on the hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation platform. The results demonstrate that the performance of the PMP algorithm in real-time strategy is extremely near to the global optimal solution generated by the offline dynamic programming (DP) algorithm. After adding the tendency to limit high potential and voltage variation in the PMP algorithm, hydrogen consumption increases by only 2%. In comparison, the stack's degradation is decreased by nearly 50%, considerably extending the stack's service life and reducing the system's comprehensive use cost. • Prior literature verified the construction of a one-dimensional Pt degradation model. • Frequent voltage fluctuations and high voltage will exacerbate degradation via model analysis. • Developed two optimization-based strategies for reducing stack performance degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Transient analysis code is developed and validated for heat-pipe-cooled reactor system. • Multi-node thermal resistance network coupling closed-form solution is setup for heat pipe heat transfer analysis. • Safety analysis is performed on KRUSTY under three postulated accidents. The heat pipe cooled reactor is a type of nuclear reactor system that utilizes heat pipe technology for core cooling. It characterizes in high reliability, compactness and modularity, making it suitable for deep-space exploration, and other applications. To gain a deeper understanding of the system's dynamic behavior and evaluate its performance, a transient analysis code is developed with the reactor point kinetics model, core heat transfer model, improved heat pipe startup and operation models, and Stirling engine model established. The reliability and accuracy of the models and code are validated by comparing the simulation results of the various models with experimental data based on heat pipe startup, operation experiments and KRUSTY test results. The safety limits are developed for the KRUSTY and this paper conducts the transient analysis on KRUSTY and evaluates the safety performance of KRUSTY in accidents including the unexpected shutdown of the Stirling engine, reactivity insertion accident (RIA), and combined partial Stirling engine failure and RIA accidents. KRUSTY shows good thermal stability and controllability under hypothetical accident conditions where no safety limit is exceeded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigated edible Pickering emulsions stabilized by polysaccharide complexes as inks for food 3D printing. The interface membrane structure in the Pickering emulsion system was formed using complexes consisting of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). Except for provide sufficient steric barrier and electrostatic repulsion to increase the stability of the Pickering emulsions, the interface membrane constructs also can demonstrate good biphasic wettability and lower oil/water interfacial tension. The hydrophilicity of complexes (β-CD/CMC) was mainly adjusted by the ratio of β-CD/CMC (R β/C) and the substitution degree (DS) of CMC, which further adjusted the physical and chemical properties of Pickering emulsion to make it correspond to the rheological behavior applied to 3D printing. The stable Pickering emulsion (R β/C = 2:2, DS = 1.2, weight ratio of oil phase (φ) = 65 %) displayed excellent printing potential by characterizations analysis of Pickering emulsions. The smoothness, viscosity, and self-supporting ability of the Pickering emulsion under the optimized conditions were further analyzed using a filling density printing experiment of a cuboid model. The emulsifying properties of β-CD were adjusted by hydrophilic CMC to achieve the required amphipathic properties of the complexes to develop Pickering emulsions for food 3D printing. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Therapeutic antibodies are the largest class of biotherapeutics and have been successful in treating human diseases. However, the design and discovery of antibody drugs remains challenging and time-consuming. Recently, artificial intelligence technology has had an incredible impact on antibody design and discovery, resulting in significant advances in antibody discovery, optimization, and developability. This review summarizes major machine learning (ML) methods and their applications for computational predictors of antibody structure and antigen interface/interaction, as well as the evaluation of antibody developability. Additionally, this review addresses the current status of ML-based therapeutic antibodies under preclinical and clinical phases. While many challenges remain, ML may offer a new therapeutic option for the future direction of fully computational antibody design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pickering emulsions stabilized by protein have gotten many interests in recent years. The Basa fish (Pangasius hypophthalmus) is a popular aquatic product in the world, but its protein functions were seldom developed. This study reports food 3D printing inks constructed from Pickering emulsions by Basa fish protein stabilized and the profiles of its digestion in vitro. The excellent adsorption behavior of Basa fish protein (20 mg/mL) was applied to the interface of oil (60%) and water two-phase of Pickering emulsions. Rheological properties of crosslinking networks in the investigated Pickering emulsion might be adjusted to reach the required printability and extrudability during 3D printing. A slower release profile of free fatty acids was shown in the in vitro intestinal digestion experiment of Pickering emulsions. These edible Pickering emulsions have the potential to broaden 3D printing applications in foods and offer information about modulate the digestion of emulsified lipids with protein interface. • Pickering emulsions were stabilized by Pangasius. hypophthalmus protein. • Concentration and pH of protein solution influenced the properties of the Pickering emulsions. • The obtained Pickering emulsions had excellent storage stability. • The obtained Pickering emulsions showed an excellent performance in 3D printing. • The high concentration of protein-stabilized emulsions slowed the release of fatty acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Antitumor T cell immunotherapy as a novel cancer therapeutic strategy has shown enormous promise. However, the tumor microenvironment (TME) is characterized by the low immunogenicity, hypoxia, and immunosuppressive condition that dramatically limit effective T cell immunotherapy. Thus, an ideal immunotherapy strategy that is capable of reversing the immunosuppressive TME is highly imperative. Results: In this article, we reported that Fe-doped and doxorubicin (DOX) loaded HA@Cu2−XS-PEG (PHCN) nanomaterials were rationally designed as targeted Fe-PHCN@DOX nano-nuclear-reactors, which evoked persistent T cell immune response together with anti-PD-L1 nanobodies. It was confirmed that nano-nuclear-reactors displayed strong nanocatalytic effect for effective antitumor effects. Consequently, they maximized the immunogenic cell death (ICD) effect for antigen presentation and then stimulated T cell activation. In addition, Fe-PHCN@DOX could reprogram M2-phenotype tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) into M1-phenotype TAMs by relieving tumor hypoxia. Meanwhile, blockade of the anti-PD-L1 nanobody promoted T cell activation through targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 immunosuppressive pathway. Notably, in vivo tumor therapy verified that this nano-nuclear-reactor could be used as an excellent immunotherapy nanoplatform for tumor eradication and metastasis prevention with nanobody. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated that nano-nuclear-reactors in combination with nanobody could evoke persistent T cell immune activation, suggesting them potential as a promising immunotherapy option for reversing immunosuppressive immune-cold tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An additional force model is implemented in 3-D numerical simulation code. • Thermal-hydraulic analysis is performed on the HP-cooled MSR core under ocean conditions. • Improved flow and heat transfer performance can be obtained for the core in rolling conditions. The Heat-Pipe-cooled Molten Salt Reactor (HP-MSR) has been seen as a promising potential candidate for powering ocean vehicles with long endurance while reducing the carbon emissions in the shipping industry. By combining the operation merits of HPs and MSRs, this type of reactor can characterize no need for fuel fabrication, inherent safety, short waste lifespan, and elimination of in-core thermal stress issues, which is typical in other HP-cooled Reactors. In the ocean application, the reactor vessel, embedded in the ocean vehicle, is often led to continuous motion due to the wave action. This motion significantly influences the flow and heat transfer characteristics of liquid fuel within the reactor core. This paper performs numerical simulation on the thermal-hydraulics of the reactor core of HP-cooled MSR under the influence of ocean conditions through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code. The ANSYS FLUENT is implemented to develop an additional force model to simulate motion conditions. Through exploring changes in the fuel flow field, heat transfer, and heat pipes, the evaluation of the HP-cooled MSR performance in ocean conditions is conducted. With the temperature gradient decreasing from 57 K to 14 K in the rolling motion condition, the temperature distribution becomes more uniform. The average temperature of fuel from the static to motion condition only drops 8.1 K, leading to less thermal stress on the core vessel and more balanced heat pipe power output without bringing abrupt temperature-related reactivity change. The tangential movement with vortex pairs in gaps of heat pipes predominates the flow field in the rolling motion condition. It mixes the fuel salt and strengthens the heat transfer of heat pipes. This implies that the basic design and operation of the MSR are robust when situated in an oceanic environment. On the other hand, this study also reveals that the surface heat flux of heat pipes at certain positions within the core is considerably influenced by the fuel salt flow. This means that while the overall reactor performance remains stable, specific components within the system may experience more significant impacts due to the ocean motion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • NIR-II excitation semiconductor polymer with NIR-IIa fluorescence imaging ability. • NIR-II excitation phototheranostic nanomedicine by coordination self-assembly. • Aptamer mediated active targeting and multimodal theranostics towards TNBC. • NIR-II PTT and GSH depletion amplified oxidative stress and cuproptosis sensitization. Owing to easy copper efflux, the deficiency of targeting delivery and limited tissue penetration depth of light, the combination therapy of cuproptosis and phototheranostics remains enormous challenges towards triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). To overcome these obstacles, a NIR-II excitation multifunctional nanomedicine is prepared by self-assembly of targeting aptamers (AS1411) utilizes metallic copper ions as coordination nodes, followed by coated with ultrasmall NIR-II polymer dots (Pdots) with excellent optical performances, forming a carrier-free hybrid nanosystem. After positive targeting into TNBC through specific recognition of aptamer towards cell surface nucleolin, Pdots loaded in nanomedicine enable NIR-IIa fluorescence/NIR-II photoacoustic imaging-guided NIR-II photothermal therapy (PTT) under NIR-II (1064 nm) light excitation, achieving precise phototheranostics of TNBC tumors. The loaded Cu(II) is reduced to cytotoxic Cu(I) by intracellular glutathione (GSH) and ferredoxin 1 (FDX1), synchronously enabling chemodynamic therapy (CDT) and inducing cuproptosis against TNBC. NIR-II PTT and GSH depletion further enhance therapeutic efficiency of CDT and cuprptosis through cell sensitization. This work provides a new attempt to integrate NIR-II phototheranostics and cuproptosis into a single nanoplatform with targeting capability for synergistic therapy of TNBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pickering emulsions stabilized by polysaccharide particles have received increasing attention because of their potential applications in three-dimensional (3D) printing. In this study, the citrus pectins (citrus tachibana , shaddock, lemon, orange) modified with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) were used to stabilize Pickering emulsions reaching the requirements of 3D printing. In terms of pectin chemical structure, the steric hindrance provided by the RG I regions was more conducive to the stability of the complex particles. The modification of pectin by β-CD provided the complexes a better double wettability (91.14 ± 0.14°-109.43 ± 0.22°) and a more negative ζ-potential, which was more beneficial for complexes to anchor at oil-water interface. In addition, the rheological properties, texture properties and stability of the emulsions were more responsive to the ratios of pectin/β-CD (R β/C). The results showed that the emulsions stabilized at a φ = 65 % and a R β/C = 2:2 achieved the requirements (shear thinning behavior, self-supporting ability, and stability) of 3D printing. Furthermore, the application in 3D printing demonstrated that the emulsions under the optimal condition (φ = 65 % and R β/C = 2:2) displayed excellent printing appearance, especially for the emulsions stabilized by β-CD/LP particles. This study provides a basis for the selection of polysaccharide-based particles to prepare 3D printing inks which may be utilized in food manufacturing. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work provides a real-time power allocation algorithm to address uncertain actual driving situations for fuel cell hybrid vehicles. To predict the vehicle speed under nondeterministic driving conditions, a fusion prediction model is developed based on the advantages of the Markov chain and neural network. The optimal power splitting decision in each receding horizon is then solved using the Pontryagin's minimum principle (PMP) method, considering fuel consumption, State of Charge (SOC), and performance degradation. A degradation model of electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) based on Pt catalyst dissolution was developed. Then the effect of the energy management algorithm on fuel cell degradation was evaluated using the degradation model. Compared with the two conventional real-time power splitting strategies, the approach suggested in this research can better reduce the fuel consumption and maintain the stability of battery SOC with a lower fluctuation while taking into account the degradation of the fuel cell. • Real-time power allocation for FC hybrid vehicle under non-deterministic conditions. • Model fusion velocity prediction based on historical datas. • Power optimization in rolling prediction horizon using PMP method. • Using ECSA to assess the effect of power allocation strategies on FC durability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Binary particle fluidization system with the same aerodynamic diameters was studied. • Digital image analysis (DIA) was employed to measure bubble size and bubble rise velocity. • Bed expansion and the distribution of particle composition were investigated. • Dense phase composition was tacked and the overall bed density was estimated. In order to gain a more fundamental understanding of binary particle systems, a two-dimensional (2D) fluidized bed was used to study the bubble dynamics and dense phase composition. Digital image analysis (DIA) was employed to measure bubble diameter, bubble rise velocity, bed expansion, and the distribution of the two types of particles in the bed. Magnetite and sand particles as the single components and binary mixtures were used as the bed materials. The bubble diameter and bubble rise velocity both increased with the distance above the gas distributor and the excess gas velocity. The bubble rise velocity also increased while bubbles ascending in the bed due to an increase in bubble size and buoyancy. Both mono particle systems had higher average bubble sizes than that of the system with nearly identical particle composition, which had the smallest bubble size and the lowest bubble rise velocity. The bubble coalescence and splitting processes were also imaged and the total bubble volume was found to increase after coalescence and decrease after splitting due to some uncaptured smaller bubbles. In addition, a preliminary experiment was carried out to trace dense the phase composition and the overall bed density was estimated based on the dense phase composition and bed expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive antibiotic residues increased the environmental damage and safety of animal products, leading to serious health threats. In this study, a dual-mode probe was developed and applied as an electrochemical/fluorescence sensor for tetracycline (TET) detection. The probe, comprising a fluorescent covalent organic framework, electroactive methylene blue, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and single-stranded DNA, was synthesized by self-assembly. A glassy carbon electrode was functionalized with molybdenum disulfide nanosheets, AuNPs, and aptamers. The probe exhibited fluorescent signals in solution and electrochemical signals after being specifically connected to the electrode via hybridization. In the presence of TET, the probe is be competitively expelled from the modified electrode, resulting in an increase in the fluorescent signal and a decrease in the electrochemical signal. The developed electrochemical/fluorescence dual-mode sensor enabled sensitive TET detection in the concentration range of 10 nM–10 mM, with minimum detection limits of 0.03 nM (electrochemical) and 0.05 nM (fluorescence). With its high selectivity, superior reproducibility, and excellent stability, the proposed dual-mode sensor demonstrates high reliability, and excellent application prospects for TET detection in milk and river water samples. • An electrochemical/fluorescent dual-mode probe based on covalent organic framework. • Opposite signals of fluorescent on and electrochemical off for tetracycline detection. • Electrode conductivity was improved by AuNPs@MoS 2 NS. • Constructed biosensor showed good performance for tetracycline detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there is a body of research indicating the potential impact of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) exposure on male infertility, the understanding of how PAH might affect female infertility is still limited. This study aimed to evaluate associations of PAHs, both individually and as a mixture, with female infertility using multiple logistic regression, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), and quantile g-computation (QGC) models based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2016. The study included 729 female participants. Multiple logistic regression results indicated that there was a significant association between the third tertile of 2-hydroxy fluorene (2-OHFLU) and female infertility, and the OR was 2.84 (95% CI: 1.24–6.53, P value = 0.015) compared with the first tertile after adjusting for the potential covariates. The BKMR model revealed a positive overall trend between mixed PAH exposure and female infertility, particularly when the mixture was at or above the 55th percentile, where 2-hydroxynaphthalene (2-OHNAP) and 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHPYR) were the primary influences of the mixture. The univariate exposure-response function indicated positive associations between individual PAH exposure, specifically 2-OHNAP, 2-OHFLU, and 1-OHPYR, and female infertility. The QGC model also indicated a positive trend between exposure to a mixture of PAHs and female infertility, although it did not reach statistical significance (OR = 1.33, 95%CI: 0.86–2.07), with 1-OHPYR having the greatest positive effect on the outcome. This study suggested that exposure to PAHs may be associated with female infertility and further research is needed to consolidate and confirm these findings. • Lack of data on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and female infertility. • This study assessed the impacts of mixed exposure to PAHs on female infertility. • 1-OHPYR and 2-OHNAP were found to play major roles in the mixture effect of PAHs. • This study suggested that PAHs may be associated with female infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel fluorescent sensor for the detection of E. coli O157:H7 was constructed. • The fluorescent sensor was able to detect E. coli O157:H7 quickly and sensitively. • Design of the sensor based on the fluorescence resonance energy transfer principle. • The sensor has a high potential for real-world sample detection. The combination of carbon dots (CDs) with covalent organic frameworks (COFs) was used to design an innovative sensor based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) for the detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157:H7) in food samples. Carbon dots were used as fluorescence donors, covalent organic frameworks as fluorescence acceptors. The antibody (Ab) specific to E. coli O157:H7 was used to form a CD-Ab-COF immunosensor by linking CDs and COFs. The antibody was specifically bound with E. coli O157:H7, which caused the connection between CDs and COFs to be interrupted, and the carbon dots exhibited fluorescence restoration. The sensor exhibited a linear detection range spanning from 0 to 106 CFU/mL, with the limit of detection (LOD) of 7 CFU/mL. The analytical performance of the developed immunosensor was evaluated using spiked food samples with different concentrations of E. coli O157:H7, validating the capability of assessing risks in food testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The therapeutic efficacy of cuproptosis combined with phototheranostics is still hindered by easy copper efflux, nonspecific accumulation and limited light penetration depth. Here, a high-performance NIR-II semiconductor polymer was first synthesized through dual-donor engineering. Then a biomimetic cuproptosis amplifier (PCD@CM) was prepared by Cu(II)-mediated coordinative self-assembly of NIR-II ultrasmall polymer dots and the chemotherapeutic drug DOX, followed by camouflaging of tumor cell membranes. After homologous targeting delivery to tumor cells, overexpressed GSH in the tumor microenvironment (TME) triggers the disassembly of the amplifier and the release of therapeutic components through the reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I), which enable NIR-II fluorescence/photoacoustic imaging-guided NIR-II photothermal therapy (PTT) and chemotherapy. The released Cu(I) induces the aggregation of lipoylated mitochondrial proteins accompanied by the loss of iron-sulfur proteins, leading to severe proteotoxic stress and eventually cuproptosis. NIR-II PTT and GSH depletion render tumor cells more sensitive to cuproptosis. The amplified cuproptosis sensitization provokes significant immune surveillance, triggering the immunogenic cell death (ICD) to promote cytotoxic T lymphocyte infiltration together with aPD-L1-mediated immune checkpoint blockade. This work proposes a new strategy to develop cuproptosis sensitization systems enhanced by NIR-II phototheranostics with homologous targeting and anti-tumor immune response capabilities. [Display omitted] • High-performance NIR-II semiconductor polymer synthesized by dual-donor engineering. • Cuproposis amplifier by coordination self-assembly and tumor cell membrane camouflage. • Tumor microenvironment responsive drug release and NIR-II photoimmunotherapy. • NIR-II PTT and GSH depletion sensitize cuproptosis, provoking immunogenic cell death. • Enhanced immunotherapy combined with aPD-L1 mediated immune checkpoint blockade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an emerging power source for new energy vehicles, the proton exchange membrane fuel cell-lithium battery hybrid power system still faces challenges such as difficulty in remaining life prediction and unreasonable energy allocation management. This study investigates how electrochemical surface area degradation and carbon corrosion in the catalyst layer affect the proton exchange membrane fuel cell output power. An integrated assessment system combining electrochemical surface area degradation and carbon corrosion, which could effectively evaluate degradation in the proton exchange membrane fuel cell degradation is proposed. To assess the lifespan of proton exchange membrane fuel cells, the electrochemical surface area degradation and carbon corrosion are utilized as key indicators, which in turn lead to the development of a semi-empirical model. To solve the problem of energy allocation management, this paper proposes a predictive-feedback optimization method that combines data-driven and model-driven approaches. The method includes a hybrid prediction model of a long short-term memory-convolutional neural network, an improved rapid optimization strategy of grey wolf optimizer-particle swarm optimization, and an attention-enhanced fuzzy neural network controller. The inference capability of the convolutional neural network is utilized to correct the larger prediction error of long short-term memory during short-term drastic changes, realizing the maximization of energy utilization efficiency, minimal hydrogen consumption, minimization of operation cost, and optimization objectives for information containing a wide time horizon. Tests of experiments show that the implementation of this control scheme effectively postponed the deterioration of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell-lithium battery hybrid power system, resulting in an extended lifespan. [Display omitted] • Integrating ECSA and carbon corrosion data for a holistic system understanding. • Pioneering a PEMFC model, merging ECSA degradation and carbon corrosion. • Introducing predictive optimization for broad-time performance maximization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purified polysaccharides from Hericium erinaceus fermented mycelium entitled with PHEB was analyzed and it was mainly composed of six glycosidic bonds. It has been confirmed to show the relieving activity against Alzheimer's Disease (AD)- just as behaviors of B6C3-Tg (APPswePSEN1d E9)/Nju double transgenic [Genotype: (Appswe)T, (Psen1) T] (APP/PS1) mice. Six-week PHEB administration significantly improved the cognitive behavior of mice. Brain injury, amyloid beta deposition and tau hyperphosphorylation were alleviated in PHEB-treated AD mice without changes in other tissues. PHEB alleviated the oxidative stress in brains of AD mice via regulation the Nrf2 and its downstream kinase, which further improved the cholinergic system function. Proteomics and bioinformatics analysis showed that the therapeutic effect of PHEB is achieved by regulating calcium homeostasis mediated by oxidative stress. Furthermore, PHEB regulated the CaMK II/IV to achieve the calcium homeostasis in brains; and ultimately to show the anti-AD property. • The polysaccharide (PHEB) is first purified from Hericium erinaceus mycelium. • Clear structure of PHEB with the molecular weight of 36.1 kDa has been confirmed. • PHEB has the anti-Alzheimer's disease activities in APP/PS1 mice. • Oxidative stress-mediated calcium homeostasis is related to anti-AD effect of PHEB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a superconducting kinetic inductance memory (SKIM) element, which can be controlled exclusively by the bias supercurrent, without involving magnetic fields and heating elements. The SKIM is nonvolatile memory. The device is made of two Nb Dayem bridges, and it can operate reliably up to 2.8 K. The achieved error rate is as low as one in 105 operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The non-homogenous AuPd alloy was synthesized by the LSPR effect of Au NPs within 250 s, and it exhibits excellent EOR activity in alkaline media. • The effective Pd precursor reduction is confined within a 2.5 nm shell region due to the large temperature gradient and ultra-short pulse duration. • The formation mechanism of AuPd alloy is investigated by experiment, FEM and MD simulations. Improving electrocatalyst performance is key to the large-scale application of fuel cells. Here, we constructed non-homogeneous AuPd alloy nanoparticles with excellent electrocatalytic activity based on the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect of Au nanoparticles for the first time. The mass activity and specific activity of the non-homogeneous AuPd alloy for ethanol oxidation reaction can reach 18.14 A/mg Pd and 20.28 mA cm−2, respectively, 10.67 and 3.75 times higher than that of commercial Pd/C. Experimental characterizations and theoretical simulations show that Pd precursor is reduced and deposited on the surface of Au NPs, and the localized temperature field drives the atomic interdiffusion. Finite element simulation results indicate a large temperature gradient around the laser-irradiated Au NPs, and the effective reduction of the Pd precursor is confined to the 2.5 nm thick shell region. This work demonstrates the heterogeneous nucleation and growth of nanocrystals driven by LSPR, providing a promising strategy for the rational design of bimetal nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The Pt/Bi 2 O 3 interfaces undergo structural reconstruction during CV process and form highly dispersed Bi0 species on the surface of Pt aerogel. • Higher MOR activity in alkaline media was obtained for Bi0 decorated Pt aerogel. • The reaction kinetics is investigated by In-suit FTIR measurement and DFT calculations. Improving the activity and stability of electrocatalysts for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) is key important for the large-scale application of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). Herein, we provide a novel scheme to firstly build Bi-decorated Pt aerogel through the structural reconstruction of Pt/Bi 2 O 3 interface, which demonstrates an excellent mass activity of 7.99 A mg-1 Pt in MOR (8-fold higher than that of commercial Pt/C). Experimental results show that the synergistic effect between Bi0 species and Pt aerogel is the major cause of the improvement of the catalytic activity. In-suit Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy results indicated that the generation and transformation of HCOO– intermediate are accelerated. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that the decorated Bi enhances the adsorption of OH species on the adjacent Pt site, which can facilitate the dehydrogenation of methanol and the removal of poisonous CO species. Thus, the electro-catalytic performance can be improved. This strategy can be extended to construct other types of interfaces, which may open new routes for the synthesis of highly efficient electrocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel dual-signal fluorescent sensor was constructed for tetracycline (TET) detection. • MoS 2 quantum dots (QDs) and CdTe QDs were used to fabricate a dual-signal fluorescent sensor. • Dual-signal nanosensor significantly enhanced the reproducibility and stability. • The sensor exhibited strong application potential for TET detection in milk samples. A dual-signal fluorescent sensor was developed for tetracycline (TET) detection in milk with excellent reproducibility and stability. In this protocol, molybdenum disulfide quantum dots (MoS 2 QDs) with blue fluorescence and cadmium telluride quantum dots (CdTe QDs) with yellow fluorescence were synthesized to establish the MoS 2 /CdTe-based sensor with two fluorescence emission peaks at 433 nm and 573 nm. With the addition of TET, the fluorescence of MoS 2 /CdTe were quenched by photoinduced electron transfer (PET), and the fluorescence of CdTe QDs were quenched more obvious than MoS 2 QDs. With the strategy, a calibration curve was established between the TET concentration in the range of 0.1–1 μM and the ratio of fluorescence intensity at 573 nm and 433 nm (F 573 /F 433). Furthermore, the dual-signal sensor was applied for TET detection in milk samples with the recovery of 95.53–104.22% and the relative standard deviation (RSD) less than 5%, indicating the strong application potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A low-cost smartphone-based colorimetric sensor array system was fabricated. • Volatile compounds of rice varieties were identified using GC–MS. • Sensor array system and SPME-GC–MS were able to effectively differentiate rice varieties. • Developed system could offer a viable option for field applications of laboratory-based smart technique. A smartphone-based colorimetric sensor array system was established for discrimination of rice varieties having different geographical origins. Purposely, aroma profiling of nine rice varieties was performed using solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Alcohols, aldehydes, alkanes, ketones, heterocyclic compounds, and organic acids represent the abundant compounds. Colorimetric sensor array system produced a characteristic color difference map upon its exposure to volatile compounds of rice. Discrimination of rice varieties was subsequently achieved using principal component analysis, hierarchical clustering analysis, and k-nearest neighbors. Rice varieties from same geographical source were clustered together in the scatter plot of principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis dendrogram. The k-nearest neighbors algorithm delivered optimal results with discrimination rate of 100% for both calibration and prediction sets using sensor array system. The smartphone-based colorimetric sensor array system and gas chromatography technique were able to effectively differentiate rice varieties with the advantage of being simple, rapid, and low-cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CQDs and GNPs were synthesized as fluorescence and colorimetric nanomaterials, respectively. • CQDs-GNPs-based dual-mode nanosensor was applied for malathion detection. • Standard arrays were fabricated by a smartphone and used for visual detection of malathion. • Cabbages adulterated by malathion were detected by the established calibration curves and standard arrays. A dual-mode fluorescence/colorimetric sensor based on carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and gold nanoparticles (GNPs) was developed for visual detection of malathion in cabbage. The CQDs-GNPs nanocomposite exhibited emission wavelength at 527 nm and absorption wavelength at 524 nm. The fluorescence intensity increased and absorption decreased with addition of malathion. Fluorescence and colorimetric calibration curves were established based on fluorescence intensity (R2 = 0.9914) and absorbance (R2 = 0.9608) in the range of 1 × 10−9–1 × 10−2 M, respectively. Furthermore, fluorescence and colorimetric standard arrays were prepared for visual detection of malathion according to the change of fluorescence brightness and color. Finally, the approximate concentrations of malathion in cabbage samples were estimated by the standard arrays and naked eyes. The calibration curves were used for accurate detection in cabbage samples with recoveries of 89.9%–103.4% (fluorescence) and 88.7%–107.6% (colorimetric). The established sensor for visual malathion detection in cabbage was accurate with strong application potential, especially for rapid screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The polysaccharide (PHEA) is first purified from Paecilomyces hepiali mycelium. • PHEA has the sequence of →4)-α-D-Rha p -(1→6)-α-D-Glc p -(1→4)-α-D-Rha p -(1→. • PHEA has the hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and anti-diabetic nephropathic activities. • Nrf2-meadited NF-κB signaling is involved in PHEA-mediated hyperglycemic effects. Type 2 diabetes mellitus plagues many people in China and the world, and its nephritis complication is the leading cause of death for patients. Paecilomyces hepiali contained various functional components, especially polysaccharides, which possesses well pharmacological activities. In this study, polysaccharide purified from Paecilomyces hepiali fermented mycelium entitled PHEA was obtained, and its structure was systemically characterized using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). In C57BL/KsJ (BKS).Cg-Dock7m +/+ Leprdb/JNju mice (db/db mice), via detecting the alternations on biochemical criterions, pathological indicators and protein expressions related to nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling in serum and/or tissues including muscle, liver and kidney after 8-week PHEA administration, the hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and anti-diabetic nephropathic activities of PHEA were confirmed. The purified P. Hepiali polysaccharide with the anti-diabetic and -nephritic properties was first reported in this study via regulating Nrf2-meadited NF-κB signaling in db/db mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]