Guangzhou Experimental Station

Novel NiCo₂O₄NSs@HNRAs are fabricated<italic>via</italic>a simple and environmental friendly template-assisted electrodeposition followed by thermal annealing and they exhibit predominant electrochemical properties and long-term cycle stability.

X-Ray single-crystal diffraction has been the most straightforward and important technique in structural determination of crystalline materials for understanding their structure-property relationships. This powerful tool can be used to directly visualize the precise and detailed structural information of porous coordination polymers or metal-organic frameworks at different states, which are unique for their flexible host frameworks compared with conventional adsorbents. With a series of selected recent examples, this review gives a brief overview of single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies and single-crystal to single-crystal transformations of porous coordination polymers under various chemical and physical stimuli such as solvent and gas sorption/desorption/exchange, chemical reaction and temperature change.

A complex hydroxide/metal Ni(OH)₂@Ni core–shell electrode was developed for a high-performance and flexible pseudocapacitor.

BACKGROUND: Gene expression profiling is being widely applied in cancer research to identify biomarkers for clinical endpoint prediction. Since RNA-seq provides a powerful tool for transcriptome-based applications beyond the limitations of microarrays, we sought to systematically evaluate the performance of RNA-seq-based and microarray-based classifiers in this MAQC-III/SEQC study for clinical endpoint prediction using neuroblastoma as a model. RESULTS: We generate gene expression profiles from 498 primary neuroblastomas using both RNA-seq and 44 k microarrays. Characterization of the neuroblastoma transcriptome by RNA-seq reveals that more than 48,000 genes and 200,000 transcripts are being expressed in this malignancy. We also find that RNA-seq provides much more detailed information on specific transcript expression patterns in clinico-genetic neuroblastoma subgroups than microarrays. To systematically compare the power of RNA-seq and microarray-based models in predicting clinical endpoints, we divide the cohort randomly into training and validation sets and develop 360 predictive models on six clinical endpoints of varying predictability. Evaluation of factors potentially affecting model performances reveals that prediction accuracies are most strongly influenced by the nature of the clinical endpoint, whereas technological platforms (RNA-seq vs. microarrays), RNA-seq data analysis pipelines, and feature levels (gene vs. transcript vs. exon-junction level) do not significantly affect performances of the models. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that RNA-seq outperforms microarrays in determining the transcriptomic characteristics of cancer, while RNA-seq and microarray-based models perform similarly in clinical endpoint prediction. Our findings may be valuable to guide future studies on the development of gene expression-based predictive models and their implementation in clinical practice.

Abstract Complex continuous optimization problems widely exist nowadays due to the fast development of the economy and society. Moreover, the technologies like Internet of things, cloud computing, and big data also make optimization problems with more challenges including M any-dimensions, M any-changes, M any-optima, M any-constraints, and M any-costs. We term these as 5-M challenges that exist in large-scale optimization problems, dynamic optimization problems, multi-modal optimization problems, multi-objective optimization problems, many-objective optimization problems, constrained optimization problems, and expensive optimization problems in practical applications. The evolutionary computation (EC) algorithms are a kind of promising global optimization tools that have not only been widely applied for solving traditional optimization problems, but also have emerged booming research for solving the above-mentioned complex continuous optimization problems in recent years. In order to show how EC algorithms are promising and efficient in dealing with the 5-M complex challenges, this paper presents a comprehensive survey by proposing a novel taxonomy according to the function of the approaches, including reducing problem difficulty , increasing algorithm diversity , accelerating convergence speed , reducing running time , and extending application field . Moreover, some future research directions on using EC algorithms to solve complex continuous optimization problems are proposed and discussed. We believe that such a survey can draw attention, raise discussions, and inspire new ideas of EC research into complex continuous optimization problems and real-world applications.

Preorganization in a covalent organic framework leads to the generation of a more conductive mixed-valence state upon doping.

Sulfonic acid-functionalized metal–organic frameworks are efficiently used as recyclable solid acid catalysts for the fructose-to-HMF transformation.

The progress in the field of graphene has aroused a renaissance of keen research interest in layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). Tungsten disulfide (WS2), a typical TMD with favorable semiconducting band gap and strong light-matter interaction, exhibits great potential for highly-responsive photodetection. However, WS2-based photodetection is currently unsatisfactory due to the low optical absorption (2%-10%) and poor carrier mobility (0.01-0.91 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1)) of the thin WS2 layers grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Here, we introduce pulsed-laser deposition (PLD) to prepare multilayered WS2 films. Large-area WS2 films of the magnitude of cm(2) are achieved. Comparative measurements of a WS2-based photoresistor demonstrate its stable broadband photoresponse from 370 to 1064 nm, the broadest range demonstrated in WS2 photodetectors. Benefiting from the large optical absorbance (40%-85%) and high carrier mobility (31 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1)), the responsivity of the device approaches a high value of 0.51 A W(-1) in an ambient environment. Such a performance far surpasses the CVD-grown WS2-based photodetectors (μA W(-1)). In a vacuum environment, the responsivity is further enhanced to 0.70 A W(-1) along with an external quantum efficiency of 137% and a photodetectivity of 2.7 × 10(9) cm Hz(1/2) W(-1). These findings stress that the PLD-grown WS2 film may constitute a new paradigm for the next-generation stable, broadband and highly-responsive photodetectors.

BACKGROUND: Tea trees originated in southwest China 60 million or 70 million years ago. Written records show that Chinese ancestors had begun drinking tea over 3000 years ago. Nowadays, with the aging of populations worldwide and more people suffering from non-communicable diseases or poor health, tea beverages have become an inexpensive and fine complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy. At present, there are 3 billion people who like to drink tea in the world, but few of them actually understand tea, especially on its development process and the spiritual and cultural connotations. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, CNKI, and other relevant platforms with the key word "tea", and reviewed and analyzed tea-related literatures and pictures in the past 40 years about tea's history, culture, customs, experimental studies, and markets. RESULTS: China is the hometown of tea, tea trees, tea drinking, and tea culture. China has the oldest wild and planted tea trees in the world, fossil of a tea leaf from 35,400,000 years ago, and abundant tea-related literatures and art works. Moreover, tea may be the first Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) used by Chinese people in ancient times. Tea drinking has many benefits to our physical health via its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immuno-regulatory, anticancer, cardiovascular-protective, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesity activities. At the moment, COVID-19 is wreaking havoc across the globe and causing severe damages to people's health and lives. Tea has anti-COVID-19 functions via the enhancement of the innate immune response and inhibition of viral growth. Besides, drinking tea can allow people to acquire a peaceful, relaxed, refreshed and cheerful enjoyment, and even longevity. According to the meridian theory of traditional Chinese medicine, different kinds of tea can activate different meridian systems in the human body. At present, black tea (fermented tea) and green tea (non-fermented tea) are the most popular in the world. Black tea accounts for over 90% of all teas sold in western countries. The world's top-grade black teas include Qi Men black in China, Darjeeling and Assam black tea in India, and Uva black tea in Sri Lanka. However, all top ten famous green teas in the world are produced in China, and Xi Hu Long Jing tea is the most famous among all green teas. More than 700 different kinds of components and 27 mineral elements can be found in tea. Tea polyphenols and theaflavin/thearubigins are considered to be the major bioactive components of black tea and green tea, respectively. Overly strong or overheated tea liquid should be avoided when drinking tea. CONCLUSIONS: Today, CAM provides an array of treatment modalities for the health promotion in both developed and developing countries all over the world. Tea drinking, a simple herb-based CAM therapy, has become a popular man-made non-alcoholic beverage widely consumed worldwide, and it can improve the growth of economy as well. Tea can improve our physical and mental health and promote the harmonious development of society through its chemical and cultural elements.

Broadband photodetection is central to various technological applications including imaging, sensing and optical communications. On account of their Dirac-like surface state, Topological insulators (TIs) are theoretically predicted to be promising candidate materials for broadband photodetection from the infrared to the terahertz. Here, we report a vertically-constructed ultra-broadband photodetector based on a TI Bi2Te3-Si heterostructure. The device demonstrated room-temperature photodetection from the ultraviolet (370.6 nm) to terahertz (118 μm) with good reproducibility. Under bias conditions, the visible responsivity reaches ca. 1 A W(-1) and the response time is better than 100 ms. As a self-powered photodetector, it exhibits extremely high photosensitivity approaching 7.5 × 10(5) cm(2) W(-1), and decent detectivity as high as 2.5 × 10(11) cm Hz(1/2) W(-1). In addition, such a prototype device without any encapsulation suffers no obvious degradation after long-time exposure to air, high-energy UV illumination and acidic treatment. In summary, we demonstrate that TI-based heterostructures hold great promise for addressing the long lasting predicament of stable room-temperature high-performance broadband photodetectors.

Palladium precursors were encapsulated through ligand design prior to the MOF assembly, achieving uniformly distributed Pd NPs inside the cavities of MOFs. The embedded Pd NPs exhibited significantly improved catalytic efficiencies as compared to those synthesized by traditional impregnation method, due to the nano-confinement and electron-donation effects offered by MOFs.

Abstract The rapid spread of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 greatly threatens global public health but no prophylactic vaccine is available. Here, we report the generation of a replication-incompetent recombinant serotype 5 adenovirus, Ad5-S-nb2, carrying a codon-optimized gene encoding Spike protein (S). In mice and rhesus macaques, intramuscular injection with Ad5-S-nb2 elicits systemic S-specific antibody and cell-mediated immune (CMI) responses. Intranasal inoculation elicits both systemic and pulmonary antibody responses but weaker CMI response. At 30 days after a single vaccination with Ad5-S-nb2 either intramuscularly or intranasally, macaques are protected against SARS-CoV-2 challenge. A subsequent challenge reveals that macaques vaccinated with a 10-fold lower vaccine dosage (1 × 10 10 viral particles) are also protected, demonstrating the effectiveness of Ad5-S-nb2 and the possibility of offering more vaccine dosages within a shorter timeframe. Thus, Ad5-S-nb2 is a promising candidate vaccine and warrants further clinical evaluation.

Optical density (OD) is widely used to estimate the density of cells in liquid culture, but cannot be compared between instruments without a standardized calibration protocol and is challenging to relate to actual cell count. We address this with an interlaboratory study comparing three simple, low-cost, and highly accessible OD calibration protocols across 244 laboratories, applied to eight strains of constitutive GFP-expressing E. coli. Based on our results, we recommend calibrating OD to estimated cell count using serial dilution of silica microspheres, which produces highly precise calibration (95.5% of residuals <1.2-fold), is easily assessed for quality control, also assesses instrument effective linear range, and can be combined with fluorescence calibration to obtain units of Molecules of Equivalent Fluorescein (MEFL) per cell, allowing direct comparison and data fusion with flow cytometry measurements: in our study, fluorescence per cell measurements showed only a 1.07-fold mean difference between plate reader and flow cytometry data.

Regulated cell death (RCD) refers to the form of cell death that can be regulated by various biomacromolecules. Each cell death modalities have their distinct morphological changes and molecular mechanisms. However, intense evidences suggest that lipid peroxidation can be the common feature that initiates and propagates the cell death. Excessive lipid peroxidation alters the property of membrane and further damage the proteins and nucleic acids, which is implicated in various human pathologies. Here, we firstly review the classical chain process of lipid peroxidation, and further clarify the current understanding of the myriad roles and molecular mechanisms of lipid peroxidation in various RCD types. We also discuss how lipid peroxidation involves in diseases and how such intimate association between lipid peroxidation-driven cell death and diseases can be leveraged to develop rational therapeutic strategies.

The in vivo pathogenicity, transmissibility, and fitness of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant are not well understood. We compared these virological attributes of this new variant of concern (VOC) with those of the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant in a Syrian hamster model of COVID-19. Omicron-infected hamsters lost significantly less body weight and exhibited reduced clinical scores, respiratory tract viral burdens, cytokine and chemokine dysregulation, and lung damage than Delta-infected hamsters. Both variants were highly transmissible through contact transmission. In noncontact transmission studies Omicron demonstrated similar or higher transmissibility than Delta. Delta outcompeted Omicron without selection pressure, but this scenario changed once immune selection pressure with neutralizing antibodies-active against Delta but poorly active against Omicron-was introduced. Next-generation vaccines and antivirals effective against this new VOC are therefore urgently needed.

Solution-processed BHJ solar cells based on a porphyrin small molecule as the donor material exhibit a PCE of up to 7.23%.

For phosphor-converted white LEDs based on UV chips, it is essential to search high efficient phosphors that better feature with broadly tunable emission and particularly have no or less excitation in visible ranges.

Abstract Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) materials, enabling energy storage by capturing of charge carriers and then the energy conversion to light via photostimulation, can find many advanced applications in various fields, spanning from radiation dosimetry, optical data storage and security, environmental monitoring, biomedicine, clinical diagnostic, to archaeology and geology. At present, there are some blocks, including the development of nanocrystallization approaches, the tailoring of optical transitions, the control of trap distribution, and the understanding of OSL mechanisms, on the road to the exploration of OSL materials. This review gives an overview of the design, preparation, characterization, optimization, application, mechanism, and prospect of OSL materials. A short introduction of the fundamental principle and history of OSL materials is presented, followed by a summary of preparation and design methods, and a survey of OSL materials reported to date. The trap engineering, mechanism, and study methodologies of OSL are summarized, after which the widespread applications of OSL materials, in traditional and newly emerging fields, are reviewed. Finally, the merits and drawbacks of the OSL materials according to the relevant reports currently available are examined. The challenges and outlooks are highlighted and discussed in terms of five important aspects that merit future research.

Irradiation of hydrazines and 2-isocyanobiphenyls with visible-light in the presence of organic dye eosin B generates various 6-substituted phenanthridines in good yields.

Intratumoral delivery of chemotherapeutic agents may permit the localization of drugs in tumors, decrease nonspecific targeting and increase efficacy. The pH-responsive peptide hydrogel is considered a suitable carrier for chemotherapeutics via intratumoral injection. Thus, a study was carried out to develop a paclitaxel (PTX) drug delivery system using a pH-responsive FER-8 peptide hydrogel for tumor targeting. The pH-sensitive hydrogel system was characterized for loading capacity, acid sensitivity, structure, rheology, morphology, drug release, in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo efficacy in H22 tumor-bearing mice. The stable FER-8 peptide hydrogel with high drug-loading capacity was formed at pH 7.4 by the self-assembly of peptide, whereas higher degradation was observed at an acidic pH. Circular dichroism and rheology confirmed the suitable meshwork structure and enhanced mechanical properties of the hydrogel. The FER-8 peptide hydrogel fibers were found to have an average size less than 500 nm at pH 7.4, which was confirmed by TEM and DLS analysis. Sustained release of PTX at pH 5.5 was observed for the FER-8 peptide hydrogel (HG-PTX) for almost 1 week. In vitro cytotoxicity studies indicated that the FER-8 peptide hydrogel increased the drug accumulation in HepG2 cells and effectively inhibited the growth of HepG2 tumor cells compared with free drugs. Furthermore, in vivo studies using H22-bearing mice indicated that the paclitaxel-loaded FER-8 peptide hydrogel significantly increased the amount of drugs in tumor tissues and showed prolonged retention (96 hours) at the tumor site by intratumoral injection. The in vivo anti-tumor studies confirmed the pH-sensitive properties of HG-PTX, which allowed the drug to be triggered by the acidic pH environment at tumor sites, provided sustained delivery of the drug and enhanced tumor inhibition. In conclusion, HG-PTX provides an attractive strategy and potential vehicle for efficient anti-cancer drug delivery. The carrier can enhance tumor targeting, prolong retention, reduce systemic side effects and increase the accumulation of drugs at the tumor site.