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Simple Summary: Diluent plays an important role in sperm storage. The various components of the diluent provide nutrition for sperm survival, maintain the stability of the preserved environment, and prolong the survival time of sperm. However, for the preservation of semen at 4 °C, diluent formulations are currently lacking or existing diluent formulations are not sufficient. Therefore, the effect of four diluents on semen preservation was studied through an assessment of sperm motility and functional integrity. Diluent D (Tris–Fructose–Citric acid–Egg yolk) was found to greatly improve semen quality during storage at 4 °C. This study aimed to investigate the effects of various diluents on the quality of Hu ram sperm stored at 4 °C. Semen samples were collected from three Hu rams and diluted with diluents A (Sodium citrate–Glucose–Egg yolk), B (Sodium citrate–Glucose), C (Fructose–Skimmed milk powder–Soy lecithin), and D (Tris–Fructose–Citric acid–Egg yolk). Total motility (TM), straight-line velocity (VSL), average path velocity (VAP), curvilinear velocity (VCL), average motion degree (MAD), acrosome integrity, membrane integrity, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated. The results showed that diluent D had better preservation in terms of the sperm TM, VSL, VCL, VAP, MAD, and membrane and acrosome integrity. On the third day of the storage, the sperm PM of diluent D was higher than that of other diluents (p < 0.05). The ROS level of diluent D was lower than that of other diluents on the fifth day (p < 0.05). On the seventh day of the storage, the sperm TM in diluent D reached 50%, which was the highest in all diluent groups. On the seventh day of the storage, the integrity of the sperm membrane and the integrity of the acrosome of the sperm in diluent D were the highest in all diluent groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, these results indicated that diluent D improved the semen quality during storage at 4 °C. In this study, diluent D was the best diluent formula for Hu ram semen stored at 4 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the context of rapid aging, "empty nest syndrome" is becoming a major public health concern. The causal effects of empty nest on depressive symptoms have been studied in developed countries, but the mediating mechanism of depressive symptoms in the association between empty nest and cognitive impairments has not been studied. This study estimated the causal association of empty nest with depressive symptoms and cognitive impairments in China, and then estimated how depression mediates the association between empty nest and cognitive impairments.Methods: Using data of 23,614 urban older adults (65+) obtained from the Shandong Province Aging and Mental Health Survey in 2020, a weighted linear regression model combined with instrumental variable was applied to explore the causal effects of empty nest, and a four-step mediation model was run to test the mediator of depressive symptoms. The Ascertain Dementia 8-item Questionnaire and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 were used to measure cognitive impairments and depressive symptoms.Results: Empty nest was associated with 0.13 (95%CI: 0.04-0.23) and 0.23 (95%CI: 0.14-0.33) increases in the Ascertain Dementia 8-item Questionnaire and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scores, respectively. The association between empty nest and the Ascertain Dementia 8-item Questionnaire scores was mediated by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scores.Conclusions: Empty nest affected depression in adulthood with cognitive impairments. A focus on integrative intervention for empty nesters is recommended, taking depression and cognition into account.Limitations: It is a cross-sectional study and the data is not nationally representative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is strongly associated with the progressive aggregation of a 42-amino-acid fragment derived from the amyloid-β precursor protein (Aβ 1-42). Therefore, it is crucial to establish a versatile platform that can effectively detect Aβ 1-42 to aid in the early-stage preclinical diagnosis of AD. Herein, we introduce a specialized split-type analytical platform that enables sensitive and accurate monitoring of Aβ 1-42 based on a self-corrected photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensing system. To realize this design, gelatinized Ti 3 C 2 @Bi 2 WO 6 Schottky heterojunctions were prepared and served as photoelectrodes for tackling the photoinduced charge carriers. Functionalized CaCO 3 @CuO 2 nanocomposites were used as signal converters to detect Aβ 1-42 and amplify the signal further. Benefiting from the glucose oxidation induced acid microenvironment and H 2 O 2 output, the nanocomposites are able to rapidly decompose, producing Ca2+ and Fenton-like catalyst Cu2+. The Cu2+-driven Fenton-like reaction generated ·OH, which accelerated the 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) oxidation. Additionally, Ca2+ was cross-linked with alginate inducing gelation on the surface of Ti 3 C 2 @Bi 2 WO 6 Schottky heterojunctions, influencing mass transfer and light absorption. Eventually results in the shift of photocurrent, allowing for precise quantification with a detection limit of 0.06 pg mL−1. The combination of colorimetric variation and the photoelectric effect provide a more accurate and reliable result. This research opens up new possibilities for constructing PEC platforms and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this experiment was to explore whether coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) improves the quality of sheep semen stored at room temperature by attenuating oxidative stress. Semen was diluted without (control group), and with antioxidants (5, 50, 250, and 500 μmol/L CoQ10). Sperm kinetic parameters and plasma membrane integrity were determined, and the reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), total antioxidant capacity (TAOC), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were evaluated on the fifth day of semen preservation. The results showed that compared with the control group, the progressive motility in the 50 μmol/L group was higher (p < 0.05) within 2–5 days, and the plasma membrane integrity of sperm was higher in the 50 μmol/L group. The ROS content in the 5 and 50 μmol/L groups was reduced. The MDA level was reduced in the CoQ10 supplementation groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, the CAT, SOD, TAOC, ATP and MMP levels in the 50 μmol/L group were higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, CoQ10 improved the quality of ram semen by alleviating oxidative stress, and 50 μmol/L CoQ10 was the optimum concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) has wide potential for applications in various marine activities. This paper studies the robust formation protocol design problem for multiple UUVs, whose dynamics are subject to nonlinearity, parametric uncertainties, and external disturbances. A robust distributed formation control scheme is proposed, which yields a control structure involving a position loop and an attitude loop to govern the translational motion and rotational motion, respectively. Theoretical analysis is given to show the robustness properties of the global closed-loop control system. Simulation results are provided to validate the effectiveness of the proposed formation control method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The overall incidence of schizophrenia decreased from 9.61 per 100 000 in 2016 to 4.40 per 100 000 in 2020. • The overall prevalence and mortality showed a relatively stable tendency between 2016 and 2020 in Shandong, China. • The incidence, prevalence and mortality were higher in rural areas and women than urban areas and men, respectively. • Female had a higher incidence than male in most of the ages, with an exception of 18–34 age group between 2016 and 2020. The epidemiology of schizophrenia has been reported in many countries. However, due to the limitations of those studies, the findings cannot be generalized to other parts of the world, especially in China. In this study, the incidence, prevalence, and mortality of schizophrenia in Shandong, China were calculated using data from the National Severe Mental Disorder Registration System collected between 2016 and 2020 and census data from 2010 to 2020. The overall incidence decreased from 9.61 per 100,000 in 2016 to 4.40 per 100,000 in 2020, the aggregate prevalence was approximately 3.20 per 1000, and the overall mortality ranged from 6.17 per 100,000 to 7.71 per 100,000. The evidence from this study indicated that the incidence, prevalence, and mortality of schizophrenia were higher in rural areas than in urban areas. Females had higher incidence, prevalence, and mortality than males. This study provided epidemiological information on schizophrenia and opened avenues for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract A quasi-solid-state tandem photoelectrochemical fuel cell that yields an open circuit voltage of 0.78 V and a maximum power density of 130 μW·cm−2 was assembled by utilizing hydrogel electrolyte, Au-TiO 2 NRAs photoanode and pTTh-Cu 2 O pohotocathode. The pTTh-layer protected Cu 2 O exhibited remarkably improved photostability as well as achieved significantly accelerated oxygen reduction reaction performance. Highlights • A quasi-solid-state tandem photoelectrochemical fuel cell was fabricated. • Polyterthiophene coated p-type cuprous oxide was prepared as photocathode. • Photocathode exhibited improved anti-photocorrosion and photocatalytic activity. • Gold nanoparticles decorated TiO 2 nanorod arrays was presented as photoanode. Abstract Photoelectrochemical fuel cells (PFCs) serve as a model system for harvesting electric energy from solar and biomass based on anodic fuel oxidation and cathodic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). However, the sluggish ORR thereby limits the performance of PFC. Herein, we present a novel photocathode with polyterthiophene (pTTh) coated p-type cuprous oxide (Cu 2 O) (pTTh-Cu 2 O) that achieves boosted ORR kinetics, as well as exhibits remarkably improved photostability. By utilizing a hydrogel electrolyte which can avoid the leakage and volatilization of liquid electrolyte, a quasi-solid-state PFC device with eminent stability that consists of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) decorated TiO 2 nanorod arrays (Au-TiO 2 NRAs) photoanode and pTTh-Cu 2 O photocathode can be assembled. And the fabricated PFC exhibits outstanding performance that yields an open circuit voltage of 0.78 V and a maximum power density of 130 μW·cm−2 utilizing glucose as feeding under illumination. Furthermore, the as-prepared quasi-solid-state PFC demonstrates its potential for practical application by lighting a commercial light-emitting diode (LED). It is our believe that such rational design not only can be expanded for organic wastes degradation and water splitting, but also shed a light on the development of portable electronics driven by solar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper models a point-mass load tethered to a single autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) and proposes a quantitative control strategy, which is able to drive the load to track the desired trajectory closely. The AUV-tow-load system is modeled as three connected subsystems: load position subsystem, cable direction subsystem, and AUV attitude subsystem. Improving on the current prescribed performance control methods, where the transient-state and steady-state tracking behaviors cannot be preassigned accurately, a quantitative controller is designed for the point-mass load position, achieving predefined tracking performance without violating user-defined quantitative indices including overshoot, convergence time, and steady-state accuracy. An uncertainties and disturbances estimator (UDE) is designed and incorporated into the control inputs to compensate for the effects of uncertain dynamics and external disturbances. Rigorous theoretical proof is presented, showing that all tracking errors converge to the neighborhood of zero with quantitatively designed tracking behaviors, obtaining uniformly ultimately boundedness. Simulation results are provided to validate the efficiency of the proposed method. • Designing a general framework that transforms the AUV-tow-load system into three connected subsystems. • Providing a design paradigm for the AUV-tow-load system to assign some quantitative indices on tracking performance. • Employing uncertainties and disturbances estimator to online estimate the lumped disturbances for AUV-tow-load system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The construction of a photoelectrochemical (PEC) strategy for multi-component detection represents a great challenge in the field of sensing. To address these challenges, herein we presented a hollow-channel paper-based PEC analytical platform based on chemiluminescence (CL) addressable strategies excited PEC strategy for multiplexed sensing application. Sandwich-structured CdS quantum dots (QDs)/reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/ZnO nanorods arrays (NRAs) heterostructure where CdS serves as visible light sensitizers, RGO acts as an electron relay between ZnO NRAs and CdS QDs, were simply assembled on the gold nanoparticles modified paper working photoelectrode (Au-PWE). The PEC performance of the CdS/RGO/ZnO can be greatly improved benefiting from the formation of type II band alignment between CdS QDs and ZnO NR as well as the super charge collection and shuttling property of RGO. Multiplexed CL emission could be achieved through controlling the CL co-reagents transport. By the virtue of CL addressable technique and the excellent PEC activity of CdS/RGO/ZnO, a highly sensitive, and selective multiple microRNAs (miRNAs) quantification method was achieved. Such a tailored strategy would break the bottleneck of the current PEC detection techniques in multiplex tracing, as well as serve as a novel concept for designing multi-channel PEC sensing method. Highlights • A high-throughput photoelectrochemical device was constructed on hollow-channel paper based device. • Sandwich-structured CdS quantum dots/reduced graphene oxide /ZnO nanorods heterostructure was prepared. • Functionalized hollow-channel with different capillary forces was created to control the fluids flow rate. • Successive chemiluminescence emission can be realized to excite the photoactive materials based on the flow rate controlling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photoelectrochemical (PEC) technique has resulted in substantial progress in chemical sensing applications. However the complicated photoelectrode modification procedures would enable undesired background noise and decreasing sensitivity. Hence, it is important to explore a new approach alternative to inconvenient substrate modification. Herein, inspired by the stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems, an innovative PEC system is developed for efficiently microRNA-21 (miRNA-21) tracing. Hierarchical nanocomposites based on hematite (α-Fe 2 O 3 ) coated self-ordered titanium dioxide nanorod arrays (TiO 2 NRAs) exhibited enhanced response to solar light, promoted charge carrier separation and transfer efficiency was adopted as photoelectrode directly. Functional mesoporous silica nanomaterial (MSN) is prepared as nanocarriers for efficient loading of Cu 2+ , further capped with miRNA-21 responsive capture RNA probe. Thereafter, the capture RNA probe endows the functional MSN with responsiveness to miRNA-21. With the presence of miRNA-21, this system is thus triggered and a quickly release of capped Cu 2+ occurs due to the dissociation of capture RNA probe presented on the MSN surface via base-pair hybridization. The released Cu 2+ was then served as electron acceptor reduced to Cu° at the counter electrode to enhance electron-hole pair separation efficiency, leading to a promoted photocurrent response. Consequently, the miRNA-21 can be accurately quantified. Taking advantage of its sensitivity and specificity, this versatile strategy demonstrates a new route for the design PEC sensing approach without any photoelectrode modification procedure, and holds great potential for biosensing and clinical diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new metal–organic aerogel (MOA-Rh-2) containing dirhodium paddle-wheels has been prepared from the reaction of dirhodium(ii) tetracarboxylate (Rh2(OAc)4) and tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin (TCPP) in a mixed solvent of DMF and water, followed by supercritical CO2 extraction. MOA-Rh-2 has been fully characterized by ICP-OES, EDS, XPS, PXRD, SEM, TEM and TGA. Its porosity has been confirmed by N2 adsorption isotherms at 77 K, and the Barrett–Joyner–Halenda pore size is centered at 3.5 nm. The existence of mesopores has been further verified by dye adsorption tests using methylene blue (14.4 × 6.1 Å2) and rhodamine B (15.8 × 11.8 × 6.8 Å3). MOA-Rh-2 is air and moisture-stable. The catalytic results show that, under an air atmosphere and at ambient temperature, a low loading (0.1–0.4 mol%) of MOA-Rh-2 can efficiently promote the hydrosilylation of aldehydes and ketones with the commercially available silane of PhSiH3. After catalytic reactions, MOA-Rh-2 can be recycled and reused for 5 runs without significant loss of the activity, and the reaction conversions are in the range of 89–99%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD) was simply constructed for highly sensitive detection of L -glutamic acid and L -cysteine. The μPAD featured with two functional zones on one strip of paper achieved by preferable multi-plate ZnO nanoflowers (ZnO NFs) and molecularly imprinting polymer (MIP) membranes. The as-designed μPAD was established based on the inherent relation between the photo-oxidation products and photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance with the highly sensitive detection of biomolecules. The ZnO NFs were utilized to produce photo-oxidation products by driving the reaction between ferrocenemethanol and photogenerated holes under ultraviolet light. The photo-oxidation products easily flowed to MIP membranes along the hydrophilic channel via capillary action. MIP membranes as the receptors specifically recognized the analytes as well as decreased the electron loss by blocking the reduction reaction between electrons and photo-oxidation products. The PEC response was obtained in the processes of electrons transfer and exhibited the direct relationships corresponding to the concentrations of target analytes. The μPAD showed the detection limits toward L -glutamic acid and L -cysteine as low as 9.6 pM and 24 pM, respectively. Moreover, it is interesting to point out that ZnO NFs nanostructure shows superior PEC signal compared with those of ZnO nanospheres, nanosheets, and nanorod arrays. In current work, photo-oxidation products are utilized to achieve highly sensitive PEC detection for biomolecules under ultraviolet light as well as avoid the effects of multiple modifications in the same region on the reproducibility, which is beneficial for opening up rich possibility for designing more efficient analytical strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors describe an electrochemiluminescent (ECL) DNA biosensor that is based on the use of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) modified with graphite-like carbon nitride nanosheets (g-CN NSs) and carrying a DNA probe. In parallel, nanoparticles prepared from gold-platinum (Au/Pt) alloy and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were placed on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Once the g-CN NHs hybridize with DNA-modified AuNPs, they exhibit strong and stable cathodic ECL activity. The Au/Pt-CNTs were prepared by electrochemical deposition of Au/Pt on the surface of the CNTs in order to warrant good electrical conductivity. On hybridization of immobilized capture probe (S), target DNA (S) and labeled signal probe (S), a sandwich-type DNA complex is formed that produces a stable ECL emission at a typical applied voltage of −1.18 V and in the presence of peroxodisulfate. Under optimized conditions, the method has a response to target DNA that is linearly related to the logarithm of its concentration in the range between 0.04 f. and 50 pM, with a 0.018 f. detection limit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichinellosis is caused by Trichinella spiralis , a meat-borne zoonotic disease transmitted to humans through the consumption of infected undercooked or raw meat. Surveillance using safe and precise diagnostic tools to diagnose T. spiralis in sheep is needed to assess the incidence and probability of transmission from sheep to humans. In this study, we developed a real-time PCR assay to detect T. spiralis DNA in ovine muscle samples that can be used as an alternative surveillance tool to ensure food safety using newly designed primers. The assay is specific for the Scfld4 gene of Trichinella (T1) and enables the detection of larvae in ovine muscle tissue samples with high sensitivity and specificity. Trichuris ovis, Oesophagostomum dentatum, Haemonchus contortus, and Bunostomum trigonocephalum showed no nonspecific amplification. The assay could detect Trichinella DNA concentrations as low as 0.0026 ng/μL, equivalent to 0.0064 larvae, indicating a high sensitivity for T. spiralis detection. We used this real-time PCR to detect 73 ovine muscle samples from an ovine abattoir, and five samples tested positive via real-time PCR but negative via microscopy. This assay may provide a more specific and sensitive method for rapidly detecting Trichinella larvae in ovine muscle tissues. [Display omitted] • Trichinella larvae can be detected quickly in ovine muscle tissues using qPCR. • The qPCR is an alternative food safety surveillance tool. • The qPCR is more sensitive and specific to other methods of detection. • No specific amplification signal for other parasites, including T. ovis, O. dentatum, H. contortus, and B. trigonocephalum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, hyperbranched polyethyleneimine-protected silver nanoclusters (hPEI-AgNCs) with excellent electrochemiluminescence (ECL) emission in the presence of coreactant K2S2O8 were prepared by chemical reduction of silver ions (silver nitrate) coordinated with dendrigraft polymer, and successfully used for the construction of an ECL immunosensor. Polyaniline (PANI)/polypyrrole (PPy)-silver (Ag) dendrites with good electrical conductivity and biocompatibility were electropolymerized on the surface of indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode as carriers. Porous ZnO sphere-loaded hPEI-AgNCs-induced signal amplification strategies were integrated exquisitely and applied sufficiently. Taking carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) as an example, under optimal conditions, the CEA concentration was determined to be in the range of 10−3 ng mL−1–100 ng mL−1 and with a detection limit of 0.4 pg mL−1 using this method; it exhibited excellent selectivity, high stability, and acceptable fabrication reproducibility. It was anticipated that hPEI-AgNCs would have promising applications in green, selective, and sensitive detection of target analytes in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel microfluidic paper-based colorimetric sensor for the detection of bisphenol A (BPA) was developed based on the intrinsic peroxidase activity of ZnFe 2 O 4 magnetic nanoparticles (ZnFe 2 O 4 MNPs) and the adsorption capacity of molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) membranes. In the process, ZnFe 2 O 4 MNPs and cellulose fibers in paper were wrapped by MIP membranes (ZnFe 2 O 4 @MIP membranes) successfully. Novel MIP membranes for the recognition of BPA were prepared in polar solvent using acrylamide as the functional monomer and BPA as the template by bulk polymerization, which resulted in a new type of BPA imprinted polymer membranes. Adsorption isotherms model of MIP membranes was employed to describe the isotherms, and maximum adsorption capacity was evaluated. In the presence of 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB), the as-prepared ZnFe 2 O 4 MNPs peroxidase mimetics was used to catalyze chromogenic reactions and showed the color with respective intensity. Under optimized conditions, the grey intensity was found to be proportional to the BPA concentrations in the range of 10 nM–1000 nM (R 2 = 0.9945) with a detection limit of 6.18 nM. With the advantages of highly reproducible response, good selectivity and excellent regeneration, the colorimetric sensor holds great potential for portable detection of targets in environmental monitoring, security inspection and complicated matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work described that one–step synthesis three dimensional anatase hierarchically cactus–like TiO 2 arrays (AHCT) and their application in constructing a novel photoelectrochemical (PEC) and visualized sensing platform based on molecular imprinting technique, which reports its result with the prussian blue (PB) electrode served as the electrochromic indicator for the detection of glycoprotein (RNase B). The AHCT arrays were perpendicularly grown on FTO substrate with tunable sizes, offering many advantages, such as large contact area, rapid charge electron separation and transport. A possible formation process of the interesting AHCT arrays has been investigated based on time–dependent experiment. In addition, the PEC and visualized sensing platform was constructed based on the molecularly imprinted polymer modified AHCT arrays. Specifically, in the proposed system, the more RNase B being, the more insulating layer was formed on the surface of AHCT arrays that impeded the harvesting of light and electron transfer, resulting in the reduction of photocurrent. When upon light illumination, the photogenerated electrons flow through an external circuit to PB, leading to the reduction of PB to prussian white (PW), which is transparent. The rate of decolourization of PB is proportional to the concentration of RNase B. In this way, a visualized PEC sensing platform that gives its quantitative information could be performed by monitoring the change of color intensity. Under optimal conditions, the protocol possessed a detection range of 0.5 pM to 2 μM (r=0.997) and the limit of detection was 0.12 pM toward RNase B. Our method eliminates the need for sophisticated instruments and high detection expenses, making it possible to be a reliable alternative in resource–constrained regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, based on in situ generation of CdS quantum dots (QDs) on the surface of branched TiO 2 (B-TiO 2 ) nanorods, an solar innovative photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensing platform was constructed for real-time, and sensitive detection of cellular H 2 S. Specifically, B-TiO 2 nanorods arrays consisting of TiO 2 nanorods directly grown on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) further using TiCl 3 mediated surface treatment of TiO 2 nanorods are designed and fabricated as a new type of photoelectrode. CdS quantum dots (QDs) was formed on the surface of B-TiO 2 nanorods arrays through the reaction between Cd 2+ and S 2- . And a significant enhancement in the photocurrent was obtained that ascribed to the formation of CdS-B-TiO 2 heterostructures, thus leading to sensitive PEC recording of the H 2 S level in buffer and cellular environments. By using Prussian blue (PB) a electrochromic material to capture the photoelectron generated from the photoelectrode, a new visual system was proposed due to the formation of Prussian white (PW), which could be used to visualize the quantum photoelectric effect. This novel PEC sensing platform not only achieved satisfied analysis results toward S 2- , but also showed excellent sensitivity, selectivity, low cost, and portable features. The strategy through the in situ generation of semiconductor nanoparticles on the surface of wide band-gap semiconductor paves the way for the improvements of PEC analytical performance. Meanwhile, the quantitative read-out electrochromic display paves a facile avenue and initiates new opportunities for creation of cheap, miniaturization sensors for other relevant analytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By incorporating the Prussian Blue (PB) electrochromic display as cathode, a solar-driven photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell was constructed through combining sandwich-structured graphite-like carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 )-Au-branched-titanium dioxide (B-TiO 2 ) nanorods as photoanode for self-powered hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) sensing, which exhibits both direct photoelectrochemical and electrochromic response. The gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) sandwiched between the B-TiO 2 nanorods and the g-C 3 N 4 layer served as electron relay as well as plasmonic photosensitizer to enhance the solar-to-chemical energy conversion efficiency. Owing to the effective disproportionation of H 2 O 2 and specific recognition of mannose on cell surface, concanavalin-A conjugated porous AuPd alloy nanoparticles were introduced as the catalytically active nanolabels promoting generation of hydroxyl radicals (·OH). Based on the cleavage of DNA with the participation of ·OH radicals generated by the decomposition of H 2 O 2 under the catalysis of AuPd alloy result in the disassembly of cancer cells to achieve further signal enhancement. The multiple-signal-output sensing response not only provides a promising strategy for different analytical purposes based on novel stimuli-responsive materials, but also enhances the reliability in the analyte detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A platelike tungsten trioxide (WO 3 ) sensitized with CdS quantum dots (QDs) heterojunction is developed for solar-driven, real-time, and selective photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensing of H 2 O 2 in the living cells. The structure is synthesized by hydrothermally growing platelike WO 3 on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) and subsequently sensitized with CdS QDs. The as-prepared WO 3 -CdS QDs heterojunction achieve significant photocurrent enhancement, which is remarkably beneficial for light absorption and charge carrier separation. Based on the enzymatic etching of CdS QDs enables the activation of quenching the charge transfer efficiency, thus leading to sensitive PEC recording of H 2 O 2 level in buffer and cellular environments. The results indicated that the proposed method will pave the way for the development of excellent PEC sensing platform with the quantum dot sensitization. This study could also provide a new train of thought on designing of self-operating photoanode in PEC sensing, promoting the application of semiconductor nanomaterials in photoelectrochemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a plasma arc additive manufacturing technique with a double-wire feedback mechanism was used to manufacture Inconel 625 Ni–Cu functionally graded materials. The microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion properties of the deposited alloy were evaluated. Microstructure observation and tensile testing of parts with different element contents indicated that functionally graded materials were obtained through the manufacturing process. The results have shown that due to the very high growth restriction factor Q of Cu, its addition can increase the constitutional supercooling zone, resulting in a decrease in columnar and dendrites and an increase in equiaxed crystals in the Inconel 625 Ni–Cu functionally graded material, as well as changing the Schmid factor (SF) distribution. The tensile strength and ductility of the Inconel 625 Ni–Cu functionally graded materials increased with increasing Cu content, while the corrosion resistance of the alloy decreased with increasing Cu content during electrochemical corrosion tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a “signal-off” photoelectrochemical DNA sensing strategy was proposed on the basis of the DNA hybridization induced conformational conversion using CdS quantum dots (QDs) sensitized titanium oxide (TiO 2 ) nanorod array as photoactive material. Highly oriented, single-crystalline TiO 2 nanorod arrays were grown directly on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate by the hydrothermal method and employed as matrix for immobilization of capturing hairpin DNA probe, whereas CdS QDs as visible light antennae were successively labeled on the terminal of capturing hairpin DNA probe. Compared with pure TiO 2 nanorods array, CdS QDs sensitized TiO 2 nanorods array evidently extended the absorption edge and exhibited enhanced photoelectrochemical response in the visible region. In the absence of the target DNA, the direct attachment of CdS QDs to TiO 2 nanorod array could reduce charge recombination and hence amplify photocurrent intensity. While in the presence of target DNA, the specific recognition of the target DNA with the capturing hairpin DNA–CdS probe would trigger the conformational conversion of capturing hairpin DNA–CdS probe leading to the quenching of photocurrent. Under optimized conditions, this “signal-off” photoelectrochemical sensing strategy shows a linear relationship between photocurrent variation and the logarithm of target DNA concentration in the range from 10 aM to 100 pM with a detection limit of 5.2 aM. Moreover, it exhibits good performance of excellent specificity, high stability, and acceptable fabrication reproducibility. This present strategy opens an alternative avenue for photoelectrochemical signal transduction and expands the applications of photoelectrochemical biosensing and clinical diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dual functional analytical device performing both energy conversion and electric energy storage based on biofuel cells to implement self-powered point-of-care testing was developed based on a piece of Ti foil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A chemiluminescent (CL) excited photoelectrochemical (PEC) immunosensor for detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was introduced into microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μ-PADs) integrated with a paper supercapacitor (PS) amplifier, and a terminal digital multi-meter (DMM) detector, based on CdS/TiO 2 hybrid modified porous Au-paper electrode. The effective matching of energy levels between the conduction bands of CdS and TiO 2 allowed for fast electron injection from excited CdS to TiO 2 upon irradiation, which inhibited the recombination process of electron–hole pairs and prompted PEC performance. Using CEA/ABEI-AuNPs-GOx bioconjugates as signal labels which featured CEA, N-(aminobutyl)-N-(ethylisoluminol) (ABEI) and glucose oxidase (GOx) linked to Au nanoparticles for signal amplification could greatly enhance the sensitivity. GOx could catalyze glucose to produce H 2 O 2 , which acted as a co-reactant in the ABEI-AuNPs-H 2 O 2 - p -iodophenol (PIP) CL system as well as sacrificial electron donor to scavenge the photogenerated holes in the valence band of CdS QDs, further causing an enhanced photocurrent. The quantification mechanism of this strategy is based on the charging of this PS by the photocurrent. The generated photocurrent could be stored by the PS and released instantaneously through a low cost, portable, and simple DMM to obtain an amplified current for the quantification of CEA. Under the optimal conditions, this analytical platform could detect CEA at concentrations at picomole level. This work offers a new route to highly selective and sensitive detection of biologically important small molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a mediator-less and compartment-less glucose/air enzymatic biofuel cell (BFC) was introduced into microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μ-PADs) with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs)-modified paper electrode as the anodic and cathodic substrate, respectively, to implement self-powered, sensitive, low-cost and simple DNA detection. As a further development of the analytical equipment, an all-solid-state paper supercapacitor (PS) was designed and integrated into the BFC for current amplification, and a terminal digital multi-meter detector (DMM) was introduced for the current detection. A highly sensitive DNA sensor was fabricated by covalently immobilizing the capture DNA in the AuNPs-modified anode. The nanoporous gold conjugated with bienzymes, glucose oxidase and horseradish peroxidase, which were used as electrochemical labels. The electrons generated at the anode flow through an external circuit to the PtNPs-modified cathode that catalyzed the reduction of oxygen with the participation of protons. In addition, the generated current could be collected and stored by the PS. After that, the PS was automatically shorted under the control of a switch to output an instantaneously amplified current, which could be sensitively detected by the terminal DMM. At the optimal conditions, the paper-based analytical platform can detect DNA at the femtomole level. This approach also shows excellent specificity toward single nucleotide mismatches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the paper, a simple and sensitive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) DNA sensor based on graphene-modified porous Au-paper working electrode (GR/Au-PWE) and calcium carbonate/carboxymethyl chitosan (CaCO3/CMC) hybrid microspheres @ luminescent silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) composites was developed. The GR/Au-PWE with excellent conductivity was successfully prepared for the immobilization of capture probe. The CaCO3/CMC hybrid microspheres were prepared by the precipitation of calcium carbonate in an aqueous solution containing CMC. The AgNPs was synthesized by thermal reduction of silver ions in glycine matrix, taking advantage of the solid-state matrix to control the nucleation and migration of reduced silver atoms. The CaCO3/CMC@AgNPs composites exhibited 3.6 times higher ECL intensity than the pure AgNPs-labeled reporter DNA. Taking advantage of dual-amplification effects, the paper-based DNA sensor could detect the target DNA quantitatively, in the range of 4.0×10−17–5.0×10−11 M, with a limit of detection as low as 8.5×10−18 M, and perform excellent selectivity. The simple, low-cost, sensitive device could be easily applied for point-of-care testing, public health and environmental monitoring in remote regions, developing or developed countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Sheep sperm is extremely sensitive to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and can produce a large amount of ROS during chilling storage, leading to a decline in semen quality. Adding antioxidants is an important method to improve semen quality. Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a kind of plant extract with an antioxidant capacity, which can effectively eliminate free radicals and improve the antioxidant capacity of semen. However, its role in the chilling storage of Hu ram semen is not clear. Therefore, CGA with different concentrations was added to chilling storage extender to investigate its effect on chilled ram sperm. The results of this study revealed that CGA with proper concentration had a positive effect on chilled Hu ram sperm and 0.8 mg/mL CGA had the best effect. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the addition of chlorogenic acid (CGA) to a sheep semen extender could improve the quality of chilled sheep sperm. Ejaculates (n = 80) were collected from five Hu rams with an artificial vagina. The ejaculates were mixed and divided into five equal parts, diluted with a CGA-free Tris–egg yolk extender (control), or supplemented with 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.2 mg/mL. The sperm kinematic parameters (viability, progressive motility), functional integrity of plasma membrane and acrosome, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentration and antioxidant parameters (Catalase (CAT), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), ROS level and Malondialdehyde (MDA) content) were evaluated during storage of the semen. The results indicated that: PM, plasmatic membrane integrity and acrosomal integrity in 0.8 mg/mL CGA were higher (p < 0.05) from day 1 to 5. The ROS level in CGA groups was lower than the control (p < 0.05). CAT, SOD, ATP, and T-AOC were highest at 0.8 mg/mL concentration within 1 to 5 days. The above results indicated that the right concentration of CGA improved the quality of Hu ram sperm during chilling storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A sandwich-type photoelectrochemical immunosensor was fabricated. [•] Highly crystalline rhombic TiO2 NCs was prepared through solvothermal method. [•] Ru complex was used as the photoelectrochemical signal-generating molecule. [•] Ru complex hybridized RGO was prepared and used as signal amplification label. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a simple and sensitive sandwich-type photoelectrochemical (PEC) immunosensor for measurement of biomarkers on a gold nanoparticle-modified indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode through electrodeposition for point-of-care testing was developed by using a tin dioxide quantum dot–graphene nanocomposite (G–SnO2) as an excellent label with amplification techniques. The capture antibody (Ab1) was firstly immobilized on the gold nanoparticle-modified ITO electrode due to the covalent conjugation, then the antigen and the AuNP/PDDA–G–SnO2 nanocomposite nanoparticle labeled signal antibody (Ab2) were conjugated successively to form a sandwich-type immunocomplex through a specific interaction. Under irradiation with a common ultraviolet lamp (∼365 nm, price $50), the SnO2 NPs were excited and underwent charge-separation to yield electrons (e−) and holes (h+). As the holes were scavenged by ascorbic acid (AA), the electrons were transferred to the ITO electrode through RGO to generate a photocurrent. The photocurrents were proportional to the CEA concentrations, and the linear range of the developed immunosensor was from 0.005 to 10 ng mL−1 with a detection limit of 0.036 pg mL−1. The proposed sensor shows high sensitivity, stability, reproducibility, and can become a promising platform for other biomolecular detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sequence-specific detection of DNA hybridization has attracted considerable interest in numerous fields. Although traditional DNA biosensors have been widely explored due to their high sensitivity, it is still challenging to develop a low-cost, portable, disposable, fast, and easy-to-use DNA detection method for public use at home or in the field. To address these challenges, herein, we report a novel microfluidic photoelectrochemical (PEC) paper-based analytical platform, integrated with an internal chemiluminescent light source, a novel paper supercapacitor (PS) amplifier, and a terminal digital multi-meter (DMM) detector, for sensitive DNA detection using a graphene-modified porous Au-paper electrode as the working electrode to obtain enhanced PEC responses. The quantification mechanism of this strategy is based on the charging of this PS, which was constructed on a paper-based analytical platform through a simple “drawing and soaking” method, by the generated photocurrent. After a fixed period, the PS was automatically shorted under the control of a novel built-in fluidic delay-switch to output an instantaneously amplified current, which could be sensitively detected by the DMM. At optimal conditions, this paper-based analytical platform can detect DNA at concentrations at femtomolar level. This approach also shows excellent specificity toward single nucleotide mismatches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Driven by the urgent demand of high-selectively point-of-care testing device for pesticide, molecular imprinting-photoelectrochemistry (MI-PEC) was introduced into microfluidic paper-based analytical strategy to design a novel paper-based photoelectrochemical (paper-based PEC) protocol. The MI-PEC strategy was constructed based on CdTe quantum dots dotted molecular imprinted polymers (CdTe QDs@MIPs), and triggered by a common ultraviolet lamp (∼365nm, 50$). The paper-based PEC sensor was fabricated by immobilizing CdTe QDs@MIPs on paper-based screen-printed working electrodes (WEs) via gold nanoparticles (Au NPs), which was electrodeposited on the surface of WE to improve the electron transfer efficiency for high sensitivity. Using S-fenvalerate as model analyte, the produced photocurrent from the proposed paper-based MI-PEC sensor upon ultraviolet radiation decreased with the increasing concentrations of S-fenvalerate solution, and the quenched paper-based MI-PEC showed a low detection limit of 3.2×10−9 molL−1. This study has made a successful attempt in the development of highly selective and sensitive photoelectrochemical sensor for S-fenvalerate monitoring. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Simple Summary: Hu sheep sperm is highly susceptible to ROS during storage at room temperature. It is very important to use an antioxidant to ameliorate oxidative damage. Tau is an important amino acid peptide antioxidant with a wide range of biological effects. It can effectively scavenge free radicals, regulate reproductive function, improve immunity, and enhance its antioxidant capacity. However, the effects of Tau in the preservation of Hu sheep semen at room temperature are unclear. Therefore, Tau was added to Hu sheep semen preserved at room temperature to explore its effect on semen. The results showed that adding an appropriate concentration of Tau had a positive effect on Hu sheep semen preserved at room temperature; in particular, 20 mM Tau performed best. The present study aimed to investigate whether the presence of Tau protected Hu sheep sperm from ROS stress during storage at room temperature. The semen was diluted with extender (Tris-based) at room temperature, supplemented with different concentrations of Tau (0, 10, 20, 40, 80, or 100 mM), and stored at 15 °C. Sperm quality parameters (sperm progressive motility, kinetic parameters, plasma membrane integrity rate, acrosome integrity rate, and MMP) and antioxidant parameters (ROS, MDA, SOD, CAT, and T-AOC) were evaluated during the preservation of semen. The addition of Tau, especially at a concentration of 20 mM, exerted positive effects on sperm quality parameters and antioxidant parameters compared to the sperm without Tau treatment (control group). The addition of Tau, especially at a concentration of 100 mM, exerted negative effects on sperm quality parameters and antioxidant parameters compared to the control group. Interestingly, the results indicated that the sperm acrosome integrity rate did not change during storage time. In conclusion, the addition of Tau to sperm preserved at room temperature can enhance the antioxidant ability of sperm, reduce the LPO on the 5th day, and improve the quality of semen preserved at room temperature. These results implied that Tau had potential to enhance Hu sheep sperm reproductive performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Exciton-plasmon interactions gated self-checking functional PEC system was developed. • A BiVO 4 -BP p-n heterojunction was explored. • Exciton-plasmon interactions triggered energy transfer between BiVO 4 -BP and Au NPs. • Dual-signal output guarantees accuracy. Current photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensing system usually suffers from false-positive readout caused by the environmental factor. Herein, a PEC sensing platform with wide spectrum responsive based on exciton-plasmon interactions gated energy transfer between photoelectrode and Au NPs was designed for ultrasensitive detection of adenosine by coupling with self-checking function. Specifically, 2D black phosphorus (BP) nanosheets sensitized nanoporous BiVO 4 (BiVO 4 -BP) acted as photoelectrode could harness light from ultraviolet to near infrared and accelerate charge separation, thus obviously promoted PEC performance. The detection mechanism was designed by controlling exciton-plasmon interaction on the influence of energy transfer between photoelectrode and dispersed Au NPs. Taking advantage of the disaggregation of Au NPs aggregates upon the addition of adenosine, which leads to a shift in the plasmonic band of the Au NPs accompanied by a color change of the solution from blue to purplish red enables a naked-eye readout semiquantitation of the adenosine. Meanwhile, the plasmonic shift gates the photocurrent response of photoelectrode for accurate quantitation of the adenosine exposure ranged from 0.1 nM to 1 μM with acceptable reliability. Enabled by the unique mechanism, this approach provides a new horizon for designing multi-functional PEC sensing platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• a coreactant-free electrochemiluminescence sensing platform was developed. • 2D black phosphorus nanoflakes were exploited as new luminophores. • Ag/AgCl nanocubes were prepared as electrochemiluminescence acceptor. • electrochemiluminescence resonance energy transfer system was presented. As a nondegradable environmental pollutant, lead ion (Pb2+) has been proven to be deleterious for environmental and health. Conveniently, quickly and accurately on-site detection of Pb2+ is of paramount importance. Herein, an electrochemiluminescence (ECL) assay protocol using two-dimensional black phosphorus (2D BP) nanoflakes as new ECL emitter for highly sensitive and selective trace Pb2+ was designed on the basis of Pb2+ induced ECL resonance energy transfer (ECL-RET) between 2D BP nanoflakes and Ag/AgCl nanocubes. Anodic green ECL emission of BP nanoflakes without any coreactants was achieved. It is noteworthy that the possible ECL mechanism and the influence of coreactants on the ECL behaviour of BP nanoflakes were further investigated. Benefitting from the well match between the ECL emission spectrum of BP nanoflakes (∼510 nm) and the absorption spectrum of Ag/AgCl nanocubes (200−300 nm and 400−700 nm), effective energy transfer yielded. The introduction of Pb2+ would lead to the detachment of Ag/AgCl nanocubes then result in an enhanced ECL emission. Based on this, the proposed method could accurately quantify the Pb2+ in the range from 0.5 pM to 5 nM, which exhibited comparative performance to previous work. Furthermore, this study presents the example of employing 2D BP nanoflakes as ECL emitters and constructing a coreactant-free ECL sensing platform, which might open up a promising route for the potential design and implement in clinical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates a completely distributed adaptive formation control protocol for networked quadrotors under switching communication topologies, where the dynamics of each quadrotor involves seriously nonlinearity and uncertainty simultaneously. For the switching communication topologies case, the adaptive formation control protocol is proposed to guarantee that the translational and rotational tracking errors of the global closed-loop system can converge into a priori set neighborhood of the origin ultimately. Furthermore, the proposed formation control protocol is completely distributed, which means that the controller of each quadrotor only needs the information from itself and its neighbors. Numerical simulation results on the quadrotor team are provided to confirm the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed adaptive formation control protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A tandem photoelectrochemical cell was designed for bias-free overall solar water splitting. • ZIF-67 decorated WO 3 photoanode exhibited superior photoelectrochemical performance. • Z-scheme black phosphorus/BiVO 4 photocathode was presented. • The pseudo-capacitive WO 3 photoanode makes it possible to realize round-the-clock hydrogen production. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell, representing as one of the most promising candidates to implement solar-driven unassisted overall water splitting, still remains a bottleneck in the construction of technology strategies for efficient solar energy utilization due to the intermittent nature of sunlight. Herein, we demonstrate an approach to realize round-the-clock hydrogen production by a solar rechargeable tandem PEC cell with two photoactive electrodes, where the photoanode is composed of a pseudocapacitive WO 3 nanoflakes film sensitized with visible-light responsive zeolitic-imidazolate-framework-67 (ZIF-67), and the photocathode is constituted with a Z-scheme BiVO 4 -black phosphorus (BP) heterojunctions that can broaden the light absorption to near-infrared (NIR) region as well as maintain the strong redox ability to fasten hydrogen evolution reactions by the effective charge separation. Deliberately, the alignment of Fermi level between the as-prepared WO 3 -ZIF-67 photoanode and BiVO 4 -BP photocathode permits us to realize a tandem PEC cell with reversible electron storage property, enabling light-induced charge storing and on-demand release in the dark, for the application of unassisted overall water splitting. The formed tandem PEC cell shows a promising strategy for the conversion of solar power into hydrogen fuel by integrating pseudocapacitive materials into man-made photovoltaic cells, and provides a new guidance for the design of multi-functional PEC device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the top issues in logistics management and related research is to establish an effective distribution system that is adaptive to new retail and capable of lowering the cost of logistics while enhancing consumer satisfaction. Aimed at reversing the weak points of current logistics distribution patterns, a dual-objective bipolar model with optimal logistics cost and consumer satisfaction by restraining distribution time and load is tested in this paper to figure out the proper nodes and vehicle routes. Data from general and front warehouses of PuPu mall, a Fuzhou-based online retail enterprise, are made into a case study. Moreover, the immune algorithm and genetic algorithm are adopted to achieve the model solution. It is found that the immune algorithm is more efficient than the genetic algorithm in searching solutions, thus having better adaptivity and effectiveness, and also that the type of distribution vehicle plays a significant role in determining the total distribution cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofuel cells (BFCs) based on anodic oxidation and cathodic oxygen reduction represent an attractive alternative to self-powered devices. A glucose/oxygen BFC is described for monitoring glucose. It is making use of a piece of paper carrying a glucose oxidase (GOx) based bioanode, and a bilirubin oxidase (BilOx) based biocathode. The performance of the BFC is affected by the generation of H2O2, a byproduct of enzymatic glucose oxidation. Therefore, the removal of H2O2 is a crucial step in terms of BFC performance and stability. In addition, direct, unambiguous visual read-out is an ideal way to provide quantitative information. The colorimetric readout system described here is based on the consumption of undesired H2O2 and to convert the extent of energy generation into recognizable variations in color. As the H2O2 travels along the hydrophilic channel by capillary action, the formation of red gold nanoparticles from AuCl4− leads to the appearance of a red bar that provides distance-based information that can be read visually. The multiply readable information (maximum power density of BFC or visible distance) provides further choices for quantification. It also enhances reliability. The self-powered system based on the BFC exhibits excellent performance. Glucose can be determined by this method in the 1 to 50 mM concentration range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A paper ‐ based self ‐ powered DNA sensor capable of generating signal output without external power sources was developed by using a biofuel cell. Enzymes catalyzed the oxidation of glucose at the anode, and PtNPs grown on cellulose fibers reduced O2 at the cathode. The all ‐ solid ‐ state paper supercapacitor was also integrated for signal amplification. For more information, see the Full Paper by J. Yu et al. on page 12453 ff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A stable and porous porphyrinic metal–organic framework, Ru-PMOF-1(Hf), has been prepared through the self-assembly of [5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrinato](monocarbonyl)ruthenium (Ru(TCPP)(CO)) and HfCl4. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that Ru-PMOF-1(Hf) possesses a three-dimensional (3D) structure with orthogonal 1D open channels of 1.9 × 1.9 nm2. The porous nature has been confirmed by gas adsorption measurements. Its catalytic activity for the carbene insertion into N–H bonds has been investigated. The catalytic results indicate that Ru-PMOF-1(Hf) is efficient for the insertion reactions of ethyl 2-diazoacetate (EDA) into a range of secondary amines with up to 92% yield, 938 TON and 2475 h−1 TOF. As an excellent heterogeneous catalyst, Ru-PMOF-1(Hf) can be recovered and reused for at least ten runs with negligible loss of catalytic activity. Due to its uniform microporosity in three orthogonal directions, Ru-PMOF-1(Hf), of which the particle sizes were carefully controlled by sieving, can induce size selectivity regarding the amine substrates. The reactivities of different unbranched dialkylamines, such as diethylamine (NHEt2), dibutylamine (NHBu2) and dipentylamine (NHPent2), have been compared, and the results display an apparent decreasing trend along the chain lengthening. For comparison, the corresponding nonporous and homogeneous catalyst Ru(TMCPP)(CO) (TMCPP = tetrakis(4-methoxycarbonylphenyl)porphyrin) displays negligible difference towards the reactions with these three amines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a novel sensing platform based on visible light driven biofuel cell (BFC) has been facilely designed for sensitive detection of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) with the photo-response bioanode, realizing the dual route energy conversion of light energy and chemical energy to electricity. The hierarchical branched TiO 2 nanorods (B-TiO 2 NRs) decorated with CdS quantum dots (QDs) act as the substrate to confine glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) for the visible light driven glucose oxidation at the bioanode. Three dimensional flowers like hierarchical carbon/gold nanoparticles/bilirubin oxidase (3D FCM/AuNPs/BOD) bioconjugate served as biocatalyst for O 2 reduction at the biocathode. With an increase in the concentration of PSA, the amount of BOD labels on biocathode increases, thus leading to the higher current output of the as-proposed visible light driven BFC. Based on this, this sensing platform provide great performance in sensitivity and specificity, increasing linear detection range from 0.3 pg mL −1 to 7 μg mL −1 with a detection limit of 0.1 pg mL −1 . Most importantly, our new sensing strategy provided a simple and inexpensive sensing platform for tumor markers detection, suggesting its wide potential applications for clinical diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depression is characterized by debilitating symptoms and high recurrence rates, and there are relatively few large-scale epidemiological surveys of depressive disorders conducted in Shandong since 2005. Data from the largest Epidemiological Survey of Mental Disorders conducted in 2015 in Shandong were collected to investigate the prevalence of depressive disorders and associated demographic characteristics in general adult population.Methods: A multi-stage stratified cluster sampling method was adopted to select residents and a two-stage screening and assessment process was used to define the prevalence and characteristics of depressive disorders. Respondents were initially screened using the General Health Questionnaire followed by a structured clinical interview using the DSM-IV criteria.Results: Among 27,489 respondents who completed the survey, 1277 respondents met the diagnostic criteria for depressive disorders. The adjusted prevalence in the last month was 4.86%, among which the prevalence of major depressive disorder, dysthymia, and unspecified depressive disorder were 2.32%, 1.78%, and 0.75%, respectively. 40.35% of depression patients had moderate or severe functional impairment and only 10.65% of patients had visited a psychiatric service. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that age, gender, occupation, education, marital status, and urban/rural living were associated with the prevalence.Limitations: The key limitation is that this is a cross-sectional survey therefore cannot draw any causal relationship between risk factors and disease progression.Conclusions: Findings from this largest epidemiological study reveal current prevalence of depressive disorders and associated demographic factors and offers opportunities for policy makers and health-care professionals to improve mental health provision in Shandong. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A paper-based portable and disposable cyto-device was fabricated for the purpose of detecting cancer cells and in-situ screening of anticancer drugs. The device was prepared as follows: (a) Au@Pd paper electrodes were prepared by growing Au@Pd nanoparticles on cellulose; (b) the aptamer against MCF-7 cells was immobilized on the paper electrodes; (c) PtNi alloy particles were loaded with carbon dots to form a PtNi@C-dot composite acting as the ECL label, (d) concanavalin A (Con A) was labeled with the ECL label and then dropped on sensor surface carrying cancer cell. Con A can specifically recognize the mannose on the cancer cell surface. The assay is performed in the following way: (1) The aptamer-modified electrode is placed in a solution containing MCF-7 cancer cells; (2) buffer containing peroxodisulfate is added; (3) a potential sweep (from −0.5 to −1.8 V) is applied to the electrode, and ECL intensity is recorded. ECL intensity is related to the number of captured MCF-7 cells in the 480 to 2.0 × 10 cells⋅mL‾ concentration range. The electrode was applied to design a screening method for anti-cancer drugs. This is accomplished by monitoring the number of apoptotic cancer cells after exposing the cells on the electrode to a drug-containing medium. In our perception, the method presented here has a wide range of potential applications in cancer diagnosis and treatment. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-assembly of a new metalloporphyrin tetracarboxylic ligand Ir(TCPP)Cl (TCPP = tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin) with ZrCl4 in the presence of benzoic acid leads to the formation of a three-dimensional (3D) iridium(iii)-porphyrin metal–organic framework (Ir-PMOF) with the formula of [(Zr6(μ3-O)8(OH)2(H2O)10)2(Ir(TCPP)Cl)3]·solvents (Ir-PMOF-1(Zr)), which possesses square-shaped channels of 1.9 × 1.9 nm2 (atom-to-atom distances across opposite Ir metal atoms) in three orthogonal directions as disclosed by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Ir-PMOF-1(Zr) represents the first MOF bearing a self-supporting iridium-porphyrin catalytic framework, featuring high porosity and stability. The catalytic tests disclose that the activated Ir-PMOF-1(Zr) can promote O–H insertion with a turnover frequency (TOF) up to 4260 h−1. Ir-PMOF-1(Zr) can be recycled and reused for 10 runs without significant loss of catalytic activity, and the total turnover number (TON) for O–H insertion after 10 successive runs reaches 875. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• EHEA was successfully prepared using D-WAAM technology for the first time. • Al 20.33 Co 21.60 Fe 30.45 Ni 27.62 EHEA consists of lamellar L1 2 and B2 phases. • EHEAs exhibit excellent strength and plasticity balance. Eutectic high entropy alloys (EHEAs) have received widespread attention due to their excellent mechanical properties. This letter successfully used double-wire arc additive manufacturing technology to prepare a new type of Al 20.33 Co 21.60 Fe 30.45 Ni 27.62 EHEA. Its phase composition, microstructure, and mechanical properties were characterized and studied. The alloy exhibited a biphasic lamellar eutectic microstructure composed of an ordered BCC (B2) phase and an ordered FCC (L1 2) phase. The ultimate tensile strength and elongation at room temperature are as high as 1022 MPa and 13.2 % respectively. Superior to most other EHEAs produced using casting and arc melting technologies. This approach has great potential in engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intelligent traffic light control is one of the modern approaches to solve traffic congestion, where reinforcement learning is a widely used method. Conventionally, reinforcement learning is used to determine whether to change the current phase (or choose a traffic phase) after each small interval. One major drawback of these approaches is that it makes the current traffic light phase duration uncertain before the current phase terminates. Directly determining the duration of the traffic light phase can effectively avoid this shortcoming. An adaptive traffic light timing system is proposed in this paper which can directly control the phase duration. In the proposed system, the Q-learning algorithm is employed and the action space is defined as all possible phase durations. In addition, the reward function is redefined to guide the agent to balance more traffic metrics, and the state is redefined to reduce the state space. Finally, the proposed system is evaluated by equal, unequal, and complex traffic scenarios. Results show that the proposed system has a better performance compared with other methods in controlling traffic lights, even on complex traffic scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Yangtze River Delta white goat is a unique goat species that can produce superior‐quality brush hair. The formation of this brush hair is controlled by a series of critical genes and related signaling pathways. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), are ubiquitous endogenous non‐coding RNAs that regulate many biological and physiological processes in mammals. However, little is known about the potential regulatory role of circRNAs on superior‐quality brush hair formation in Yangtze River Delta white goat. In this study, high‐throughput sequencing technology was used to only detect circRNAs in the neck skin tissue of normal‐quality goats (NHQs) and superior‐quality goats (HQs). A total of 61 803 circRNAs were identified and 32 of them were differentially expressed in the NHQ group vs. the HQ group. Functional enrichment analysis showed that the source gene of differentially expressed circRNAs (DE‐circRNAs) was enriched mostly in platelet activation and the focal adhesion signal pathway. Action mechanism analysis revealed that DE‐circRNAs could sponge to many identified miRNAs, including miR‐31, miR‐125b, miR‐let‐7a and miR‐149‐5p, which have important roles in goat hair follicle stem cell growth, hair follicle development and morphogenesis. Altogether, our findings provide a valuable basis for studying circRNAs involved in superior‐quality brush hair traits and meanwhile advance our understanding of circRNA complex regulation mechanisms in Yangtze River Delta white goat skin hair follicle development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new design strategy for Al-Cr-Co-Ni EMEAs. • A novel Al 17 Cr 17 Co 33 Ni 33 EMEA was prepared by PPA-AM. • The designed alloy exhibits eutectic lamellar structure of L1 2 and B2 phases. • The designed alloy possesses excellent mechanical performance. In this study, a new Al 17 Cr 17 Co 33 Ni 33 eutectic medium entropy alloy (EMEA) is designed and successfully fabricated by powder plasma arc additive manufacturing (PPA-AM). The microstructural investigation reveals that the alloy consists of ordered hard body-centered cubic B2 phase and ordered soft face-centered cubic L1 2 phase. The microhardness of the alloy is 335.54 Hv. And comparing to PPA-AMed AlCoCrFeNi 2.1 alloy, the designed alloy exhibits a high ultimate tensile strength of 1028 MPa and a high ductility of 19.09 % at the room temperature. And this represents a 17.89 %/32.57 % increase in ultimate tensile strength and ductility relative to a PPA-AMed AlCoCrFeNi 2.1 alloy, respectively. This is attributed to the phase interfacial strengthening caused by finer lamellar thickness. And the mechniacal properties reveal the Al 17 Cr 17 Co 33 Ni 33 alloy achieve the synergy of good tensile ductility and high fracture strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]