Near 100% Conversion of Acetylene to High-purity Ethylene at Ampere-Level Current.

Direct production of high-purity ethylene from acetylene using renewable energy through electrocatalytic semi-hydrogenation presents a promising alternative to traditional thermocatalytic processes. However, the low conversion of acetylene results in a significant amount of acetylene impurities in the product, necessitating additional purification steps. Herein, a tandem electrocatalytic system that integrates acetylene electrolyzer and zinc-acetylene battery units for high-purity ethylene production is designed. The ultrathin CuO nanoribbons with enriched oxygen vacancies (CuO1-x NRs) as electrocatalysts achieve a remarkable 93.2% Faradaic efficiency of ethylene at an ampere-level current density of 1.0 A cm-2 in an acetylene electrolyzer, and the power density reaches 3.8 mW cm-2 in a zinc-acetylene battery under acetylene stream. Moreover, the tandem electrocatalysis system delivers a single-pass acetylene conversion of 99.998% and ethylene selectivity of 96.1% at a high current of 1.4 A. Experimental data and calculations demonstrate that the presence of oxygen vacancies accelerates water dissociation to produce active hydrogen atoms while preventing the over-hydrogenation of ethylene. Furthermore, techno-economic analysis reveals that the tandem system can dramatically reduce the overall ethylene production cost compared to the conventional thermocatalytic processes. A novel strategy for complete acetylene-to-ethylene conversion under mild conditions, establishing a non-petroleum route for the production of ethylene is reported.

Relationship between jejunum ATPase activity and antioxidant function on the growth performance, feed conversion efficiency, and jejunum microbiota in Hu sheep (Ovis aries).

BACKGROUND: ATPase activity and the antioxidant function of intestinal tissue can reflect intestinal cell metabolic activity and oxidative damage, which might be related to intestinal function. However, the specific influence of intestinal ATPase activity and antioxidant function on growth performance, feed conversion efficiency, and the intestinal microbiota in sheep remains unclear. RESULTS: This study analyzed the correlation between ATPase activity and antioxidant function in the jejunum of 92 Hu sheep and their growth performance and feed conversion efficiency. Additionally, individuals with the highest (H group) and lowest (L group) jejunum MDA content and Na+ K+-ATPase activity were further screened, and the effects of jejunum ATPase activity and MDA content on the morphology and microbial community of sheep intestines were analyzed. There was a significant correlation between jejunum ATPase and SOD activity and the initial weight of Hu sheep (P < 0.01). The H-MDA group exhibited significantly higher average daily gain (ADG) from 0 to 80 days old and higher body weight (BW) after 80 days. ATPase and SOD activities, and MDA levels correlated significantly and positively with heart weight. The jejunum crypt depth and circular muscle thickness in the H-ATP group were significantly higher than in the L-ATP group, and the villus length, crypt depth, and longitudinal muscle thickness in the H-MDA group were significantly higher than in the L-MDA group (P < 0.01). High ATPase activity and MDA content significantly reduced the jejunum microbial diversity, as indicated by the Chao1 index and observed species, and affected the relative abundance of specific taxa. Among species, the relative abundance of Olsenella umbonata was significantly higher in the H-MDA group than in the L-MDA group (P < 0.05), while Methanobrevibacter ruminantium abundance was significantly lower than in the L-MDA group (P < 0.05). In vitro culture experiments confirmed that MDA promoted the proliferation of Olsenella umbonata. Thus, ATPase and SOD activities in the jejunum tissues of Hu sheep are predominantly influenced by congenital factors, and lambs with higher birth weights exhibit lower Na+ K+-ATPase, Ca2+ Mg2+-ATPase, and SOD activities. CONCLUSIONS: The ATPase activity and antioxidant performance of intestinal tissue are closely related to growth performance, heart development, and intestinal tissue morphology. High ATPase activity and MDA content reduced the microbial diversity of intestinal tissue and affect the relative abundance of specific taxa, representing a potential interaction between the host and its intestinal microbiota.

Conductive Polymer Coated Layered Double Hydroxide as a Novel Sulfur Reservoir for Flexible Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

Lithium-sulfur battery (LSB) is widely regarded as the most promising next-generation energy storage system owing to its high theoretical capacity and low cost. However, the practical application of LSBs is mainly hampered by the low electronic conductivity of the sulfur cathode and the notorious "shuttle effect", which lead to high voltage polarization, severe over-charge behavior, and rapid capacity decay. To address these issues, a novel sulfur reservoir is synthesized by coating polypyrrole (PPy) thin film on hollow layered double hydroxide (LDH) (PPy@LDH). After compositing with sulfur, such PPy@LDH-S cathode shows a multi-functional effect to reserve lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). In addition, the unique architecture provides sufficient inner space to encapsulate the volume expansion and enhances the reaction kinetics of sulfur-based redox chemistry. Theoretical calculations have illustrated that the PPy@LDH has shown stronger chemical adsorption capability for LiPSs than those of porous carbon and LDH, preventing the shuttling of LiPSs and enhancing the nucleation affinity of liquid-solid conversion. As a result, the PPy@LDH-S electrode delivers a stable cycling performance and a superior rate capability. Flexible battery has demonstrated this PPy@LDH-S electrode can work properly with treatments of bending, folding, and even twisting, paving the way for wearable devices and flexible electronics.

Efficacy and Safety of Apatinib for Elderly Patients with Advanced or Metastatic Gastric Cancer After Failure of at Least First-Line Chemotherapy: A Multi-Center, Single-Arm, Phase II Study.

BACKGROUND: Apatinib improves progression-free survival and overall survival with an acceptable safety profile in Chinese patients with chemotherapy-refractory advanced or metastatic gastric cancer. However, the efficacy and safety of apatinib are unclear for elderly patients. This study was undertaken to prospectively investigate the efficacy and safety of apatinib for elderly patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic gastric cancer, who experienced progression to at least one lines of chemotherapy. METHODS: This open-label, single-arm, phase II study enrolled patients aged ≥60 years with advanced gastric cancer, who experienced progression to one or more lines of chemotherapy at five centers in China. Patients received apatinib in an oral dose of 500mg or 250mg daily according to the research physicians' decision. The primary end point was progression-free survival, and the secondary end points were objective response rate, disease control rate, overall survival, and safety. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients were enrolled between June 2017 and September 2019. The median age was 65.5 years (range 60-80 years). Twenty-seven patients (56.3%) started treatment with an initial dose of 500 mg and 21 patients (43.7%) with 250 mg. The median progression-free survival and overall survival were 3.00 months (95% confidence interval, 2.17-3.84) and 8.10 months (95% confidence interval, 4.35-11.85), respectively. The objective response rate and disease control rate assessed by the investigators were 16.7% and 72.9%, respectively. The common side effects were fatigue (58.3%), hypertension (47.9%), abdominal pain (33.3%), proteinuria (29.2%), leukopenia (22.9%), and neutropenia (20.8%). Hypertension (22.9%) was the major grade 3/4 toxicity. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that apatinib is effective and relatively tolerable for elderly patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic gastric cancer who have received at least first-line chemotherapy.

Atomic-scale regulation of anionic and cationic migration in alkali metal batteries.

The regulation of anions and cations at the atomic scale is of great significance in membrane-based separation technologies. Ionic transport regulation techniques could also play a crucial role in developing high-performance alkali metal batteries such as alkali metal-sulfur and alkali metal-selenium batteries, which suffer from the non-uniform transport of alkali metal ions (e.g., Li+ or Na+) and detrimental shuttling effect of polysulfide/polyselenide anions. These drawbacks could cause unfavourable growth of alkali metal depositions at the metal electrode and irreversible consumption of cathode active materials, leading to capacity decay and short cycling life. Herein, we propose the use of a polypropylene separator coated with negatively charged Ti0.87O2 nanosheets with Ti atomic vacancies to tackle these issues. In particular, we demonstrate that the electrostatic interactions between the negatively charged Ti0.87O2 nanosheets and polysulfide/polyselenide anions reduce the shuttling effect. Moreover, the Ti0.87O2-coated separator regulates the migration of alkali ions ensuring a homogeneous ion flux and the Ti vacancies, acting as sub-nanometric pores, promote fast alkali-ion diffusion.

BODIPY-Appended Pt(II) Complexes with High Toxicities and Anti-chemoresistance Performances in a Cisplatin Resistant In Vivo Model.

Two novel fluorophore (BODIPY)-bearing complexes, pyriplatin (mCBP) and pyrimidine-chelated cisplatin (dCBP), were synthesized and characterized. The additional BODIPY-pyridine/pyridimine motifs of the two Pt(II) complexes resulted in stronger interactions with DNA in comparison with those of cisplatin. mCBP and cisplatin caused relative decreases in life span and body length in a cisplatin resistant in vivo model, N2 (wild-type) Caenorhabditis elegans. In contrast, dCBP resulted in a dramatic reduction in the two physiological parameters in N2 C. elegans, indicating high toxicity and sensitivity. The resistance factors (RF) of cisplatin, mCBP, and dCBP were determined to be 2.46, 1.04, and 0.91, respectively. The increasing RF folds for mCBP and dCBP against cisplatin were 2.36 and 2.70, respectively. This suggested they were featured with improved anti-chemoresistance capabilities. It is noteworthy that dCBP showed lowest lethal concentration (LC50) values of 0.56 and 0.61 mM in cisplatin resistant and sensitive in vivo models, respectively. Upregulation of several evolutionary conservation genes that regulate cisplatin chemoresistance through cisplatin effluxing, the DNA damage response, the unfolded protein response, and detoxification (asna-1, parp-1, enpl-1, and skn-1) was observed upon exposure to cisplatin but not to mCBP and dCBP. This could explain the improved anti-chemoresistance performances of synthesized Pt(II) complexes.

Ultraefficiently Calming Cytokine Storm Using Ti3C2T x MXene.

During the global outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, "cytokine storm" conditions are regarded as the fatal step resulting in most mortality. Hemoperfusion is widely used to remove cytokines from the blood of severely ill patients to prevent uncontrolled inflammation induced by a cytokine storm. This article discoveres, for the first time, that 2D Ti3C2T x MXene sheet demonstrates an ultrahigh removal capability for typical cytokine interleukin-6. In particular, MXene shows a 13.4 times higher removal efficiency over traditional activated carbon absorbents. Molecular-level investigations reveal that MXene exhibits a strong chemisorption mechanism for immobilizing cytokine interleukin-6 molecules, which is different from activated carbon absorbents. MXene sheet also demonstrates excellent blood compatibility without any deleterious side influence on the composition of human blood. This work can open a new avenue to use MXene sheets as an ultraefficient hemoperfusion absorbent to eliminate the cytokine storm syndrome in treatment of severe COVID-19 patients.

Constructing Atomic Heterometallic Sites in Ultrathin Nickel-Incorporated Cobalt Phosphide Nanosheets via a Boron-Assisted Strategy for Highly Efficient Water Splitting.

Identification of active sites for highly efficient catalysts at the atomic scale for water splitting is still a great challenge. Herein, we fabricate ultrathin nickel-incorporated cobalt phosphide porous nanosheets (Ni-CoP) featuring an atomic heterometallic site (NiCo16-xP6) via a boron-assisted method. The presence of boron induces a release-and-oxidation mechanism, resulting in the gradual exfoliation of hydroxide nanosheets. After a subsequent phosphorization process, the resultant Ni-CoP nanosheets are implanted with unsaturated atomic heterometallic NiCo16-xP6 sites (with Co vacancies) for alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The optimized Ni-CoP exhibits a low overpotential of 88 and 290 mV at 10 mA cm-2 for alkaline HER and OER, respectively. This can be attributed to reduced free energy barriers, owing to the direct influence of center Ni atoms to the adjacent Co/P atoms in NiCo16-xP6 sites. These provide fundamental insights on the correlation between atomic structures and catalytic activity.

A Garnet-Type Solid-Electrolyte-Based Molten Lithium-Molybdenum-Iron(II) Chloride Battery with Advanced Reaction Mechanism.

Solid-electrolyte-based molten-metal batteries have attracted considerable attention for grid-scale energy storage. Although ZEBRA batteries are considered one of the promising candidates, they still have the potential concern of metal particle growth and ion exchange with the ß"-Al2 O3 electrolyte. Herein, a Li6.4 La3 Zr1.4 Ta0.6 O12 solid-electrolyte-based molten lithium-molybdenum-iron(II) chloride battery (denoted as Li-Mo-FeCl2 ) operated at temperature of 250 °C, comprising a mixture of Fe and LiCl cathode materials, a Li anode, a garnet-type Li-ion ceramic electrolyte, and Mo additive, is designed to overcome these obstacles. Different from conventional battery reaction mechanisms, this battery revolutionarily synchronizes the reversible Fe-Mo alloying-dealloying reactions with the delithiation-lithiation processes, meaning that the porous Mo framework derived from Fe-Mo alloy simultaneously suppresses the growth of pure Fe particles. By adopting a Li anode and a Li-ion ceramic electrolyte, the corrosion problem between the cathode and the solid electrolyte is overcome. With similar battery cost ($12 kWh-1 ), the theoretical energy density of Li-Mo-FeCl2 battery surpasses that of a Na-FeCl2 ZEBRA battery over 25%, to 576 Wh kg-1 and 2216 Wh L-1 , respectively. Experimental results further prove this cell has excellent cycling performance (472 mAh gLiCl -1 after 300 cycles, 50 mg active material) and strong tolerance against the overcharge-overdischarge (3-1.6 V) and freezing-thawing (25-250 °C) incidents.

Lycium barbarum polysaccharide alleviates IL-1ß-evoked chondrogenic ATDC5 cell inflammatory injury through mediation of microRNA-124.

Background: Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) is a promising therapeutic drug in inflammation-related injuries, nevertheless the mechanism of LBP's action is still elusive. The study is to explore the effect of LBP on IL-1ß-evoked ATDC5 cell inflammatory injury. Methods: ATDC5 cells were administrated with 10 ng/mL interleukin (IL)-1ß to establish an in vitro model of cartilage damage. After management, cell viability was tested through CCK8 assay. The pro-inflammatory cytokines and cyclooxygenase (Cox)-2 were assessed through ELISA, western blot and qRT-PCR. MiR-124 expression in ATDC5 cells was silenced by transfecting with miR-124 inhibitor, and the pro-inflammatory cytokines and Cox-2 were re-assessed. NF-κB and JNK pathways were measured through western blot. Results: IL-1ß stimulation accelerated the release of IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α, elevated Cox-2 expression. LBP significantly eased IL-1ß-induced inflammation. MiR-124 expression was observed to enhance by LBP, and the impacts of LBP on ATDC5 cells were lightened via transfection with miR-124 inhibitor. NF-κB and JNK pathways were activated after IL-1ß stimulation, nevertheless were inactivated by LBP administration. Besides, LBP-evoked the repression of NF-κB and JNK pathways were overturned by miR-124 inhibitor. Conclusions: Our study suggests that LBP protects ATDC5 cells from IL-1ß-evoked injury through up-regulating miR-124 via blocking NF-κB and JNK pathways.

Long non-coding RNA Mirt2 relieves lipopolysaccharide-induced injury in PC12 cells by suppressing miR-429.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in the pathogenesis of spinal cord injury (SCI). This study investigated the effects of lncRNA Mirt2 and miR-429 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced injuries in PC12 cells. Serum samples were collected from 36 patients with SCI and the healthy controls. The expression of lncRNA Mirt2 in serum samples was measured by qRT-PCR. The in vitro model of SCI was established by treating PC12 cells with LPS. The effects of lncRNA Mirt2 and miR-429 on the cell model were evaluated by CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, western blot, qRT-PCR, and ELISA. Further, the activation of NF-κB and p38MAPK pathways was tested by western blot. LPS induced obvious cell injuries in PC12 cells, as cell viability was reduced, apoptosis rate was increased, caspase-3 and -9 were cleaved, and the release of TNF-α and IL-6 was induced. lncRNA Mirt2 was up-regulated in LPS-stimulated PC12 cells and serum samples derived from SCI patients. Overexpression of lncRNA Mirt2 protected PC12 cells against LPS-induced injuries. Further studies found that lncRNA Mirt2 acted as the molecular sponge of miR-429 and miR-34a-5p. lncRNA Mirt2 did not protect PC12 cells when miR-429 was overexpressed. Moreover, the inhibitory effects of lncRNA Mirt2 on NF-κB and p38MAPK pathways were abolished when miR-429 was overexpressed. lncRNA Mirt2 exerts protective effects in an in vitro model of SCI by down-regulating miR-429. This study shed light on the treatment of SCI by using the lncRNA-miRNA regulation network.

"Superaerophobic" Nickel Phosphide Nanoarray Catalyst for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution at Ultrahigh Current Densities.

The design of highly efficient non-noble-metal electrocatalysts for large-scale hydrogen production remains an ongoing challenge. We report here a Ni2P nanoarray catalyst grown on a commercial Ni foam substrate, which demonstrates an outstanding electrocatalytic activity and stability in basic electrolyte. The high catalytic activity can be attributed to the favorable electron transfer, superior intrinsic activity, and the intimate connection between the nanoarrays and their substrate. Moreover, the unique "superaerophobic" surface feature of the Ni2P nanoarrays enables a remarkable capability to withstand internal and external forces and release the in situ generated H2 bubbles in a timely manner at large current densities (such as >1000 mA cm-2) where the hydrogen evolution becomes vigorous. Our results highlight that an aerophobic structure is essential to catalyze gas evolution for large-scale practical applications.

High-Energy and High-Power Nonaqueous Lithium-Ion Capacitors Based on Polypyrrole/Carbon Nanotube Composites as Pseudocapacitive Cathodes.

The energy density of present lithium-ion capacitors (LICs) is greatly hindered by the limited specific capacities of porous carbon electrodes. Herein, we report the development of a nonaqueous LIC system by integrating two reversible electrode processes, that is, anion doping/undoping in a core-shell structured polypyrrole/carbon nanotube (Ppy@CNT) composite cathode and Li+ intercalation/deintercalation in a Fe3O4@carbon (C) anode. The hybrid Ppy@CNT is utilized as a promising pseudocapacitive cathode for nonaqueous LIC applications. The Ppy provides high pseudocapacitance via the doping/undoping reaction with PF6- anions. Meanwhile, the CNT backbone significantly enhances the electrical conductivity. The as-developed composite delivers noteworthy capacities with exceptional stability (98.7 mA h g-1 at 0.1 A g-1 and retains 89.7% after cycling at 3 A g-1 for 1000 times in Li-half cell), which outperforms state-of-art porous carbon cathodes in present LICs. Furthermore, when paired with Fe3O4@C anodes, the as-developed LICs demonstrate a superior energy density of 101.0 W h kg-1 at 2709 W kg-1 and still maintain 70 W h kg-1 at an increased power density of 17 186 W kg-1. The findings of this work provides new knowledge on the cathode materials for LICs.

Mxene-Directed Dual Amphiphilicity at Liquid, Solid, and Gas Interfaces.

MXenes represent a category of two-dimensional functional nanomaterials with remarkable structural and chemical properties, which have been manipulated into different architectures for versatile applications. These manipulation processes generally take place at the interfaces between liquid, solid, and gas; and therefore, the investigation of the interfacial property of MXenes is the key. Here we show that MXenes exhibit amphiphilic behaviours at interfaces. Different from common amphiphiles, MXenes have the dual function of both colloidal and molecular activities owing to their two abrupt structural length scales: their large lateral sheet size allows for behaving like colloidal amphiphiles for creating emulsions, while their small sheet thickness allows for serving as molecular amphiphiles for dispersing solid substances. Further, such dual colloidal-molecular amphiphility has driven MXenes to accumulate at the interfaces of water and nitrogen gas, and the assembly into thin film electrodes for electrochemical energy storage. All these findings open up enormous opportunities for processing various MXenes-related functional materials and devices.

Phase II study of adjuvant chemotherapy with S1 plus oxaliplatin for Chinese patients with gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: S-1 plus oxaliplatin(SOX) has been demonstrated to be effective and well tolerated for patients with metastatic gastric cancer. We conducted this phase II study to evaluate the feasibility of SOX as adjuvant chemotherapy for gastric cancer after curative resection. METHODS: Adjuvant chemotherapy consisted of six to eight cycles of S-1 plus oxaliplatin. Oxaliplatin was administered intravenously at a dose of 130 mg/m2 on day 1. S-1 was administered orally at a dose of 70 mg/m2 daily from day 1 to 14 of a 3-week cycle. A total of 58 patients were enrolled in this study. The primary end point of the trial was the treatment completion rate for six cycles. Secondary endpoints were safety, 1-year and 3-year of disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: A total of 58 patients were enrolled and 54 patients have been analysed. The completion rate of six cycles was 72.2%. Grade 4 toxicities included neutropenia (1.9%) and thrombocytopenia (3.7%). Grade 3 toxicities included leukopenia (5.6%), neutropenia (24.1%), thrombocytopenia (13.0%), nausea (7.4%), vomiting 13.0%), and diarrhea (13.0%). There was no grade 3 or higher peripheral sensory neuropathy and treatment-related death. The median follow-up time was 42.4 months. 1-year and 3-year DFS rate were 85.2 and 75.9%, respectively.1-year and 3-year OS were 98.1 and 85.2%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Adjuvant chemotherapy for GC with S-1 plus oxaliplatin is safe and feasible in Chinese patients. The optimal dose of oxaliplatin and optimal cycles of treatment still need to be further investigated. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT01542294 . Trial registration date: 03/02/2012.

C-type lectin interacting with ß-integrin enhances hemocytic encapsulation in the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera.

The encapsulation reaction in invertebrates is analogous to granuloma formation in vertebrates, and this reaction is severely compromised when ecdysone signaling is blocked. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the encapsulation reaction and its regulation by ecdysone remains obscure. In our previous study, we found that the C-type lectin HaCTL3, from the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera, is involved in anti-bacterial immune response, acting as a pattern recognition receptor (PRR). In the current study, we demonstrate that HaCTL3 is involved in defense against parasites and directly binds to the surface of nematodes. Our in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that HaCTL3 enhances hemocytic encapsulation and melanization, whereas H. armigera ß-integrin (Haß-integrin), located on the surface of hemocytes, participates in encapsulation. Additionally, co-immunoprecipitation experiments reveal HaCTL3 interacts with Haß-integrin, and knockdown of Haß-integrin leads to reduced encapsulation of HaCTL3-coated beads. These results indicate that Haß-integrin serves as a hemocytic receptor of HaCTL3 during the encapsulation reaction. Furthermore, we demonstrate that 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) treatment dramatically induces the expression of HaCTL3, and knockdown of the 20E receptor (EcR)/ultraspiracle (USP), abrogates this response. Overall, this study provides the first evidence of the presence of a hemocytic receptor (Haß-integrin), that interacts with the PRR HaCTL3 to facilitate encapsulation reaction in insects and demonstrates the regulation of this process by the steroid hormone ecdysone.

Identification of Host-Plant Volatiles and Characterization of Two Novel General Odorant-Binding Proteins from the Legume Pod Borer, Maruca vitrata Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Crambidae).

Chemoreception is a key feature in selection of host plant by phytophagous insects, and odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) are involved in chemical communication of both insects and vertebrates. The legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is one of the key pest species of cowpea and widely distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions, causing up to 80% of yield loss. In this study, we investigated the electrophysiological responses of female M. vitrata to floral volatiles from V. unguiculata. Seventeen electroantennogram-active compounds were identified from floral volatiles of V. unguiculata by coupled gas chromatography-electroantennography (GC-EAD) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Then, we cloned two novel full-length GOBP genes (MvitGOBP1 and MvitGOBP2) from the antennae of M. vitrata using reverse transcription PCR. Protein sequence analysis indicated that they shared high sequence similarity with other Pyralididae insect GOBPs and had the typical six-cysteine signature. Real-time PCR analysis indicated that MvitGOBP1-2 mRNA was highly expressed in the antennae of female adult with several thousands-fold difference compare to other tissue. Next, the recombinant MvitGOBP1-2 was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified using Ni ion affinity chromatography. Fluorescence binding assays demonstrated that MvitGOBP1-2 had different binding affinities with 17 volatile odorant molecules including butanoic acid butyl ester, limonene, 4-ethylpropiophenone, 1H-indol-4-ol, butanoic acid octyl ester and 2-methyl-3-phenylpropanal. In the field trapping experiment, these six floral volatiles could effectively attract female moths and showed significant difference compared with the blank lure. These results suggested that MvitGOBPs and the seventeen floral volatiles are likely to function in the olfactory behavior response of female moths, which may have played crucial roles in the selection of oviposition sites. The six compounds that we have identified from the volatiles of V. unguiculata may provide useful information for exploring efficiency monitoring and integrated pest management strategies of this legume pod borer in the field.

Polypyrrole hollow nanospheres: stable cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries.

Hollow polypyrrole (PPy) nanospheres with high sodium storage capacity as cathode materials for Na-ion batteries were reported. PPy hollow nanospheres demonstrated high current rate capacity and good cyclability. It was revealed by electrochemical testing and DFT calculation that the as-prepared PPy hollow nanospheres participate in reversible doping/de-doping reactions.

Single-walled carbon nanotube-based polymer monoliths for the enantioselective nano-liquid chromatographic separation of racemic pharmaceuticals.

Single-walled carbon nanotubes were encapsulated into different polymer-based monolithic backbones. The polymer monoliths were prepared via the copolymerization of 20% monomers, glycidyl methacrylate, 20% ethylene glycol dimethacrylate and 60% porogens (36% 1-propanol, 18% 1,4-butanediol) or 16.4% monomers (16% butyl methacrylate, 0.4% sulfopropyl methacrylate), 23.6% ethylene glycol dimethacrylate and 60% porogens (36% 1-propanol, 18% 1,4-butanediol) along with 6% single-walled carbon nanotubes aqueous suspension. The effect of single-walled carbon nanotubes on the chiral separation of twelve classes of pharmaceutical racemates namely; α- and ß-blockers, antiinflammatory drugs, antifungal drugs, dopamine antagonists, norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors, catecholamines, sedative hypnotics, diuretics, antihistaminics, anticancer drugs and antiarrhythmic drugs was investigated. The enantioselective separation was carried out under multimodal elution to explore the chiral recognition capabilities of single-walled carbon nanotubes using reversed phase, polar organic and normal phase chromatographic conditions using nano-liquid chromatography. Baseline separation was achieved for celiprolol, chlorpheniramine, etozoline, nomifensine and sulconazole under multimodal elution conditions. Satisfactory repeatability was achieved through run-to-run, column-to-column and batch-to-batch investigations. Our findings demonstrate that single-walled carbon nanotubes represent a promising stationary phase for the chiral separation and may open the field for a new class of chiral selectors.

CuO single crystal with exposed {001} facets--a highly efficient material for gas sensing and Li-ion battery applications.

Single crystal copper oxide nanoplatelets with a high percentage of {001} facets were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal approach. The as-prepared materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and high resolution transmission microscopy. Via density functional theory calculations, it was found that the {001} facets are active crystal planes. When the single crystal CuO nanoplatelets were applied as an anode material in Li-ion batteries, they demonstrated outstanding electrochemical performance with high lithium storage capacity, satisfactory cyclability, and excellent high rate capacity. When used as a sensing material in gas sensors, they exhibited a superior sensitivity towards toxic and flammable gases.