Electron Divergence of Cuδ- and Pdδ+ in Cu3Pd Alloy-Based Heterojunctions Boosts Concerted C≡C Bond Binding and the Volmer Step for Alkynol Semihydrogenation.

Electrocatalytic semihydrogenation of alkynols presents a sustainable alternative to conventional thermal methodologies for the high-value production of alkenols. The design of efficient catalysts with superior catalytic and energy efficiency for semihydrogenation poses a significant challenge. Here, we present the application of an electron-divergent Cu3Pd alloy-based heterojunction in promoting the electrocatalytic semihydrogenation of alkynols to alkenols using water as the proton source. The tunable electron divergence of Cuδ- and Pdδ+, modulated by rectifying contact with nitrogen-rich carbons, enables the concerted binding of active H species from the Volmer step of water dissociation and the C≡C bond of alkynols on Pdδ+ sites. Simultaneously, the pronounced electron divergence of Cu3Pd facilitates the universal adsorption of OH species from the Volmer step and alkynols on the Cuδ- sites. The electron-divergent dual-center substantially boosts water dissociation and inhibition of completing hydrogen evolution to give a turnover frequency of 2412 h-1, outperforming the reported electrocatalysts' value of 7.3. Moreover, the continuous production of alkenols at industrial-related current density (-200 mA cm-2) over the efficient and durable Cu3Pd-based electrolyzer could achieve a cathodic energy efficiency of 45 mol kW·h-1, 1.7 times the bench-marked reactors, promising great potential for sustainable industrial synthesis.

Highly Stable Lithium Metal Batteries Enabled by Tuning the Molecular Polarity of Diluents in Localized High-Concentration Electrolytes.

Electrolyte plays a crucial role in ensuring stable operation of lithium metal batteries (LMBs). Localized high-concentration electrolytes (LHCEs) have the potential to form a robust solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) and mitigate Li dendrite growth, making them a highly promising electrolyte option. However, the principles governing the selection of diluents, a crucial component in LHCE, have not been clearly determined, hampering the advancement of such a type of electrolyte systems. Herein, the diluents from the perspective of molecular polarity are rationally designed and developed. A moderately fluorinated solvent, 1-(1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethoxy)propane (TNE), is employed as a diluent to create a novel LHCE. The unique molecular structure of TNE enhances the intrinsic dipole moment, thereby altering solvent interactions and the coordination environment of Li-ions in LHCE. The achieved solvation structure not only enhances the bulk properties of LHCE, but also facilitates the formation of more stable anion-derived SEIs featured with a higher proportion of inorganic species. Consequently, the corresponding full cells of both Li||LiFePO4 and Li||LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cells utilizing Li thin-film anodes exhibit extended long-term stability with significantly improved average Coulombic efficiency. This work offers new insights into the functions of diluents in LHCEs and provides direction for further optimizing the LHCEs for LMBs.

EGR1 modulates EPHB4-induced trophoblast dysfunction in recurrent spontaneous abortion†.

Recurrent spontaneous abortion, defined as at least three unexplained abortions occurring before the 20-24 week of pregnancy, has a great impact on women's quality of life. Ephrin receptor B4 has been associated with trophoblast function in preeclampsia. The present study aimed to verify the hypothesis that ephrin receptor B4 regulates the biological functions of trophoblasts in recurrent spontaneous abortion and to explore the upstream mechanism. Ephrin receptor B4 was overexpressed in mice with recurrent spontaneous abortion. Moreover, ephrin receptor B4 inhibited trophoblast proliferation, migration, and invasion while promoting apoptosis. Downregulation of early growth response protein 1 expression in mice with recurrent spontaneous abortion led to ephrin receptor B4 overexpression. Poor expression of WT1-associated protein in mice with recurrent spontaneous abortion reduced the modification of early growth response protein 1 mRNA methylation, resulting in decreased early growth response protein 1 mRNA stability and expression. Overexpression of WT1-associated protein reduced the incidence of recurrent spontaneous abortion in mice by controlling the phenotype of trophoblasts, which was reversed by early growth response protein 1 knockdown. All in all, our findings demonstrate that dysregulation of WT1-associated protein contributes to the instability of early growth response protein 1, thereby activating ephrin receptor B4-induced trophoblast dysfunction in recurrent spontaneous abortion. Our study provides novel insights into understanding the molecular pathogenesis of recurrent spontaneous abortion.

Magnetic-free polarization rotation in an atomic vapor cell.

Magnetic-free nonreciprocal optical devices have attracted great attention in recent years. Here, we investigated the magnetic-free polarization rotation of light in an atom vapor cell. Two mechanisms of magnetic-free nonreciprocity have been realized in ensembles of hot atoms, including electromagnetically induced transparency and optically-induced magnetization. For a linearly polarized input probe light, a rotation angle up to 86.4° has been realized with external control and pump laser powers of 10 mW and is mainly attributed to the optically-induced magnetization effect. Our demonstration offers a new approach to realize nonreciprocal devices, which can be applied to solid-state atom ensembles and may be useful in photonic integrated circuits.

Advances in the investigation of N6-isopentenyl adenosine i6A RNA modification.

Prenylation (isopentenylation), a key post-transcriptional modification with a hydrophobic prenyl group onto the biomacromolecules such as RNA and proteins, influences their localization and function. Prenyltransferases mediate this process, while cytokinin oxidases degrade the prenylated adenosine in plants. This review summarizes current progress in detecting prenylation modifications in RNA across species and their effects on protein synthesis. Advanced methods have been developed to label and study these modifications in vitro and in vivo, despite challenges posed by the inert chemical properties of prenyl groups. Continued advancements in bioorthogonal chemistry promise new tools for understanding the precise biological functions of prenylated RNA modifications and other related proteins.

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of Bsr-d1 enhances the blast resistance of rice in Northeast China.

KEY MESSAGE: The blast resistance allele of OsBsr-d1 does not exist in most japonica rice varieties of Jilin Province in China. The development of Bsr-d1 knockout mutants via CRISPR/Cas9 enhances broad-spectrum resistance to rice blast in Northeast China. Rice blast is a global disease that has a significant negative impact on rice yield and quality. Due to the complexity and variability of the physiological races of rice blast, controlling rice blast is challenging in agricultural production. Bsr-d1, a negative transcription factor that confers broad-spectrum resistance to rice blast, was identified in the indica rice cultivar Digu; however, its biological function in japonica rice varieties is still unclear. In this study, we analyzed the blast resistance allele of Bsr-d1 in a total of 256 japonica rice varieties from Jilin Province in Northeast China and found that this allele was not present in these varieties. Therefore, we generated Bsr-d1 knockout mutants via the CRISPR/Cas9 system using the japonica rice variety Jigeng88 (JG88) as a recipient variety. Compared with those of the wild-type JG88, the homozygous Bsr-d1 mutant lines KO#1 and KO#2 showed enhanced leaf blast resistance at the seedling stage to several Magnaporthe oryzae (M. oryzae) races collected from Jilin Province in Northeast China. Physiological and biochemical indices revealed that the homozygous mutant lines produced more hydrogen peroxide than did JG88 plants when infected with M. oryzae. Comparative RNA-seq revealed that the DEGs were mainly involved in the synthesis of amide compounds, zinc finger proteins, transmembrane transporters, etc. In summary, our results indicate that the development of Bsr-d1 knockout mutants through CRISPR/Cas9 can enhance the broad-spectrum resistance of rice in Northeast China to rice blast. This study not only provides a theoretical basis for disease resistance breeding involving the Bsr-d1 gene in Northeast China, but also provides new germplasm resources for disease-resistance rice breeding.

Nicotinate-curcumin improves NASH by inhibiting the AKR1B10/ACCα-mediated triglyceride synthesis.

BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a prevalent chronic liver condition. However, the potential therapeutic benefits and underlying mechanism of nicotinate-curcumin (NC) in the treatment of NASH remain uncertain. METHODS: A rat model of NASH induced by a high-fat and high-fructose diet was treated with nicotinate-curcumin (NC, 20, 40 mg·kg- 1), curcumin (Cur, 40 mg·kg- 1) and metformin (Met, 50 mg·kg- 1) for a duration of 4 weeks. The interaction between NASH, Cur and Aldo-Keto reductase family 1 member B10 (AKR1B10) was filter and analyzed using network pharmacology. The interaction of Cur, NC and AKR1B10 was analyzed using molecular docking techniques, and the binding energy of Cur and NC with AKR1B10 was compared. HepG2 cells were induced by Ox-LDL (25 µg·ml- 1, 24 h) in high glucose medium. NC (20µM, 40µM), Cur (40µM) Met (150µM) and epalrestat (Epa, 75µM) were administered individually. The activities of ALT, AST, ALP and the levels of LDL, HDL, TG, TC and FFA in serum were quantified using a chemiluminescence assay. Based on the changes in the above indicators, score according to NAS standards. The activities of Acetyl-CoA and Malonyl-CoA were measured using an ELISA assay. And the expression and cellular localization of AKR1B10 and Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCα) in HepG2 cells were detected by Western blotting and immunofluorescence. RESULTS: The results of the animal experiments demonstrated that NASH rat model induced by a high-fat and high-fructose diet exhibited pronounced dysfunction in liver function and lipid metabolism. Additionally, there was a significant increase in serum levels of FFA and TG, as well as elevated expression of AKR1B10 and ACCα, and heightened activity of Acetyl-CoA and Malonyl-CoA in liver tissue. The administration of NC showed to enhance liver function in rats with NASH, leading to reductions in ALT, AST and ALP levels, and decrease in blood lipid and significant inhibition of FFA and TG synthesis in the liver. Network pharmacological analysis identified AKR1B10 and ACCα as potential targets for NASH treatment. Molecular docking studies revealed that both Cur and NC are capable of binding to AKR1B10, with NC exhibiting a stronger binding energy to AKR1B10. Western blot analysis demonstrated an upregulation in the expression of AKR1B10 and ACCα in the liver tissue of NASH rats, accompanied by elevated Acetyl-CoA and Malonyl-CoA activity, and increased levels of FFA and TG. The results of the HepG2 cell experiments induced by Ox-LDL suggest that NC significantly inhibited the expression and co-localization of AKR1B10 and ACCα, while also reduced levels of TC and LDL-C and increased level of HDL-C. These effects are accompanied by a decrease in the activities of ACCα and Malonyl-CoA, and levels of FFA and TG. Furthermore, the impact of NC appears to be more pronounced compared to Cur. CONCLUSION: NC could effectively treat NASH and improve liver function and lipid metabolism disorder. The mechanism of NC is related to the inhibition of AKR1B10/ACCα pathway and FFA/TG synthesis of liver.

Numerical analysis of on-chip acousto-optic modulators for visible wavelengths.

On-chip acousto-optic modulators that operate at an optical wavelength of 780 nm and a microwave frequency of 6.835 GHz are proposed. The modulators are based on a lithium-niobate-on-sapphire platform and efficiently excite surface acoustic waves and exhibit strong interactions with tightly confined optical modes in waveguides. In particular, a high-efficiency phase modulator and single-sideband mode converter are designed. We found that for both microwave and optical wavelengths below 1 µm, the interactions at the cross-sections of photonic waveguides are sensitive to the waveguide width and are significantly different from those in previous studies. Our designed devices have small footprints and high efficiencies, making them suitable for controlling rubidium atoms and realizing hybrid photonic-atomic chips. Furthermore, our devices have the potential to extend the acousto-optic modulators to other visible wavelengths for other atom transitions and for visible light applications, including imaging and sensing.

Transition from electromagnetically-induced transparency to absorption in a single microresonator.

Electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) and absorption (EIA) are two phenomena that can be observed in whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) optical microresonators. Transition from EIT to EIA has potential applications in optical switching, filtering and sensing. In this paper an observation of the transition from EIT to EIA in a single WGM microresonator is presented. A fiber taper is used to couple light into and out of a sausage-like microresonator (SLM) that contains two coupled optical modes with significantly different quality factors. By stretching the SLM axially the resonance frequencies of the two coupled modes are tuned to the same, a transition from EIT to EIA is then observed in the transmission spectra when the fiber taper is moved closer to the SLM. It is the special spatial distribution of the optical modes of the SLM that provide a theoretical basis for the observation.

Generation of robust optical entanglement in cavity optomagnonics.

We propose a scheme to realize robust optical entanglement in cavity optomagnonics, where two optical whispering gallery modes (WGMs) couple to a magnon mode in a yttrium iron garnet (YIG) sphere. The beam-splitter-like and two-mode squeezing magnon-photon interactions can be realized simultaneously when the two optical WGMs are driven by external fields. Entanglement between the two optical modes is then generated via their coupling with magnons. By exploiting the destructive quantum interference between the bright modes of the interface, the effects of initial thermal occupations of magnons can be eliminated. Moreover, the excitation of the Bogoliubov dark mode is capable of protecting the optical entanglement from thermal heating effects. Therefore, the generated optical entanglement is robust against thermal noise and the requirement of cooling the magnon mode is relaxed. Our scheme may find applications in the study of magnon-based quantum information processing.

Effects of a multilevel intervention of resistance training with or without beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate in medical ICU patients during entire hospitalisation: a four-arm multicentre randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) is a prevalent and severe issue among ICU patients. Resistance training and beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) intervention have demonstrated the potential to enhance muscle function in patients with sarcopenia and in older adults. The purpose of this study was to determine whether resistance training and/or HMB administration would improve physical function, muscle strength, and quality of life in medical ICU patients. METHODS: In this multicentre, four-arm, single-blind randomised control trial, a total of 112 adult patients with internal medical diagnoses admitted to the ICU were enrolled. These participants were then randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups: the resistance training group received protocol-based multilevel resistance exercise, the HMB group received 3 g/day of HMBCa, combination group and control groups received standard care, from the ICU to the general ward until discharge. The primary outcomes assessed at discharge included six-minute walking distance (6MWD) and short physical performance battery (SPPB). Secondary outcomes measured included muscle mass, MRC score, grip strength, and health reports quality of life at different time points. Data analysis was performed using a generalised linear mixed model, adhering to the principles of intention-to-treat analysis. RESULTS: Resistance training and combination treatment groups exhibited significant increases in SPPB scores (3.848 and 2.832 points, respectively) compared to the control group and substantial improvements in 6WMD (99.768 and 88.577 m, respectively) (all with P < 0.01). However, no significant changes were observed in the HMB group. Muscle strength, as indicated by MRC and grip strength tests conducted at both ICU and hospital discharge, showed statistically significant improvements in the resistance training and combination groups (P < 0.05). Nevertheless, no significant differences were found between the treatment groups and usual care in terms of 60-day mortality, prevalence of ICU-AW, muscle mass, quality of life, or other functional aspects. CONCLUSIONS: Resistance training with or without beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate during the entire hospitalisation intervention improves physical function and muscle strength in medical ICU patients, but muscle mass, quality of life, and 60-day mortality were unaffected. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR2200057685 was registered on March 15th, 2022.

Understanding the origin of the improved sodium ion storage performance of the transition metal oxide@carbon nanocomposite anodes.

Transition metal oxide (TMO) anodes show inferior sodium ion storage performance compared with that of lithium ion storage owing to the larger radium size and heavier elemental mass of Na+ than Li+. Effective strategies are highly desired to improve the Na+ storage performance of TMOs for applications. In this work, using ZnFe2O4@xC nanocomposites as model materials for investigation, we found that by manipulating the particle sizes of the inner TMOs core and the features of outer carbon coating, the Na+ storage performance can be significantly improved. The ZnFe2O4@1C with a diameter of the inner ZnFe2O4 core of around 200 nm coated by a thin carbon layer of around 3 nm shows a specific capacity of only 120 mA h g-1. The ZnFe2O4@6.5C with a diameter of the inner ZnFe2O4 core of around 110 nm embedding in a porous interconnected carbon matrix displays a significantly improved specific capacity of 420 mA h g-1 at the same specific current. Furthermore, the latter shows an excellent cycling stability of 1000 cycles with a capacity retention of 90% of the initial 220 mA h g-1 specific capacity at 1.0 A g-1. TEM, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and kinetic analysis show that the inner ZnFe2O4 core with reduced particle size and the outer thicker and interconnected carbon matrix synergistically improve the active reaction sites, integrity, electric conductivity, and pseudocapacitive-controlled contribution of ZnFe2O4@xC nanocomposites, thus leading to an overall enhanced Na+ storage performance. Our findings create a universal, facile, and effective method to enhance the Na+ storage performance of the TMO@C nanomaterials.

Effects of Cathepsin K Inhibitors on Dentin Erosion: An in vitro Study.

Cathepsin K (catK) modulates the degradation of dentin collagen. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of catK inhibitors on dentin erosion. Dentin beams were eroded (4 times/d for 5 days) and immersed in deionized water (negative control), 0.1 M NaCl, 0.3 M NaCl, 0.5 M NaCl, or 1 µm odanacatib (each n = 16) for 30 min after each erosive challenge. Erosive dentin loss (EDL) and demineralized organic matrix (DOM) thickness were evaluated profilometrically. Additionally, dentin beams were demineralized, immersed in the respective solutions for 30 min each (n = 5), and then incubated in artificial saliva for 5 days. Dentin collage degradation was evaluated by quantifying the levels of the C-terminal peptide of type I collagen (CTX), C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP), and hydroxyproline (HYP) in the incubation media. Significantly lower EDL and dentin collagen degradation (CTX, ICTP, and HYP) and thicker DOM layers were observed in the samples treated with 0.3 m NaCl and 1 µm odanacatib than in those treated with deionized water (all p < 0.05). The samples treated with 1 µm odanacatib showed significantly lower levels of CTX and HYP than those treated with 0.3 M NaCl (all p < 0.05). The present findings support the potential use of catK inhibitors in controlling dentin erosion.

Effects of protease inhibitors on dentin erosion: an in situ study.

OBJECTIVE: This in situ study aimed to evaluate the effects of the inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cysteine cathepsins on dentin erosion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten volunteers participated in this study. Each volunteer wore an intraoral appliance containing 4 dentin specimens subjected to different treatments: deionized water as a control, 1 mM 1,10-phenanthroline (an MMP inhibitor), 50 µM E-64 (a cysteine cathepsin inhibitor), and 1 mM 1,10-phenanthroline + 50 µM E-64. The specimens were dipped in 5 ml of the respective solutions for 30 min at room temperature and then exposed to in vivo erosive challenges by rinsing with 150 ml of a cola drink (4 × 5 min/day) for 7 days. The substance loss of the specimens was measured by profilometry. The transverse sections of the specimens were examined using scanning electron microscopy. Thereafter, the demineralized organic matrix (DOM) of the specimens was removed using type I collagen enzyme and assessed by performing profilometry. The differences in substance loss and DOM thickness among the groups were analyzed by one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni's test at a level of P < 0.05. RESULTS: Protease inhibitors significantly reduced substance loss in comparison to that of the control group (all P < 0.05). A significantly thicker DOM was observed for the specimens treated with protease inhibitors than for the control specimens (all P < 0.05). No significant differences in substance loss or DOM thickness were found among the MMP inhibitor, cysteine cathepsin inhibitor, and MMP + cysteine cathepsin inhibitor groups. CONCLUSIONS: The use of MMP and cysteine cathepsin inhibitors was shown to increase the acid resistance of human dentin, which may be due to the preservation of the DOM. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The application of protease inhibitors could be considered an appropriate preventive strategy for dentin erosion.

In Situ Probe of the Hydrogen Oxidation Reaction Intermediates on PtRu a Bimetallic Catalyst Surface by Core-Shell Nanoparticle-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy.

In situ monitoring of the evolution of intermediates and catalysts during hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) processes and elucidating the reaction mechanism are crucial in catalysis and energy science. However, spectroscopic information on trace intermediates on catalyst surfaces is challenging to obtain due to the complexity of interfacial environments and lack of in situ techniques. Herein, core-shell nanoparticle-enhanced Raman spectroscopy was employed to probe alkaline HOR processes on representative PtRu surfaces. Direct spectroscopic evidence of an OHad intermediate and RuOx (Ru(+3)/Ru(+4)) surface oxides is simultaneously obtained, verifying that Ru doping onto Pt promotes OHad adsorption on the RuOx surface to react with Had adsorption on the Pt surface to form H2O. In situ Raman, XPS, and DFT results reveal that RuOx coverage tunes the electronic structure of PtRuOx to optimize the adsorption energy of OHad on catalyst surfaces, leading to an improvement in HOR activity. Our findings provide mechanistic guidelines for the rational design of HOR catalysts with high activity.

Boosting Mass Exchange between Pd/NC and MoC/NC Dual Junctions via Electron Exchange for Cascade CO2 Fixation.

Merging existing catalysts together as a cascade catalyst may achieve "one-pot" synthesis of complex but functional molecules by simplifying multistep reactions, which is the blueprint of sustainable chemistry with low pollutant emission and consumption of energy and materials only when the smooth mass exchange between different catalysts is ensured. Effective strategies to facilitate the mass exchange between different active centers, which may dominate the final activity of various cascade catalysts, have not been reached until now, even though charged interfaces due to work function driven electron exchange have been widely observed. Here, we successfully constructed mass (reactants and intermediates) exchange paths between Pd/N-doped carbon and MoC/N-doped carbon induced by interfacial electron exchange to trigger the mild and cascade methylation of amines using CO2 and H2. Theoretical and experimental results have demonstrated that the mass exchange between electron-rich MoC and electron-deficient Pd could prominently improve the production of N,N-dimethyl tertiary amine, which results in a remarkably high turnover frequency value under mild conditions, outperforming the state-of-the-art catalysts in the literature by a factor of 5.9.

Targeting NQO1/GPX4-mediated ferroptosis by plumbagin suppresses in vitro and in vivo glioma growth.

BACKGROUND: Ferroptosis has attracted increasing interest in cancer therapy. Emerging evidences suggest that naturally occurring naphthoquinones exhibit potent anti-glioma effects via various mechanisms. METHODS: The anti-glioma effects of plumbagin were evaluated by in vitro and in vivo experiments. Anti-glioma mechanism of plumbagin was studied by proteomics, flow cytometry, MDA assay, western blot, and RT-PCR. Gene knockdown/overexpression, molecular docking, PharmMappper database, and coimmunoprecipitation were used to study the targets of plumbagin. RESULTS: Plumbagin showed higher blood-brain barrier penetration ability than that of lapachol and shikonin and elicited significant growth inhibitory effects in vitro and in vivo. Ferroptosis was the main mechanism of plumbagin-induced cell death. Mechanistically, plumbagin significantly downregulated the protein and mRNA levels of xCT and decreased GPX4 protein levels. NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) was revealed as a plumbagin predictive target using PharmMappper database and molecular docking. Plumbagin enhanced NQO1 activity and decreased xCT expression, resulting in NQO1-dependent cell death. It also induced GPX4 degradation via the lysosome pathway and caused GPX4-dependent cell death. CONCLUSIONS: Plumbagin inhibited in vitro and in vivo glioma growth via targeting NQO1/GPX4-mediated ferroptosis, which might be developed as a novel ferroptosis inducer or anti-glioma candidate.

Rapid and Simple Analysis of the Human Pepsin Secondary Structure Using a Portable Raman Spectrometer.

Human pepsin is a digestive protease that plays an important role in the human digestive system. The secondary structure of human pepsin determines its bioactivity. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of human pepsin secondary structure changes is particularly important for the further improvement of the efficiency of human pepsin biological function. However, the complexity and diversity of the human pepsin secondary structure make its analysis difficult. Herein, a convenient method has been developed to quickly detect the secondary structure of human pepsin using a portable Raman spectrometer. According to the change of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) signal intensity and activity of human pepsin at different pH values, we analyze the change of the human pepsin secondary structure. The results show that the content of the ß-sheet gradually increased with the increase in the pH in the active range, which is in good agreement with circular dichroism (CD) measurements. The change of the secondary structure improves the sensitivity of human pepsin SERS detection. Meanwhile, human pepsin is a commonly used disease marker for the noninvasive diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); the detection limit of human pepsin we obtained is 2 µg/mL by the abovementioned method. The real clinical detection scenario is also simulated by spiking pepsin solution in saliva, and the standard recovery rate is 80.7-92.3%. These results show the great prospect of our method in studying the protein secondary structure and furthermore promote the application of SERS in clinical diagnosis.

Facilitating Hot Electron Injection from Graphene to Semiconductor by Rectifying Contact for Vis-NIR-Driven H2 O2 Production.

Solar-driven production of hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ), as an important industrial chemical oxidant with an extensive range of applications, from oxygen reduction is a sustainable alternative to mainstream anthraquinone oxidation and direct hydrogenation of dioxygen methods. The efficiency of solar to hydrogen peroxide over semiconductor-based photocatalysts is still largely limited by the narrow light absorption to visible light. Here, the authors proposed and demonstrate the proof-of-concept application of light-generated hot electrons in a graphene/semiconductor (exemplified with widely used TiO2 ) dyad to largely extend visible light spectra up to 800 nm for efficient H2 O2 production. The well-designed graphene/semiconductor heterojunction has a rectifying interface with a zero barrier for the hot electron injection, largely boosting excited hot electrons with an average lifetime of ≈0.5 ps into charge carriers with a long fluorescent lifetime (4.0 ns) for subsequent H2 O2 production. The optimized dyadic photocatalyst can provide an H2 O2 yield of 0.67 mm g-1  h-1 under visible light irradiation (λ ≥ 400 nm), which is 20 times of the state-of-the-art noble-metal-free titanium oxide-based photocatalyst, and even achieves an H2 O2 yield of 0.14 mm g-1  h-1 upon photoexcitation by near-infrared-region light (≈800 nm).

Dissipation-driven entanglement between two microwave fields in a four-mode hybrid cavity optomechanical system.

The generation and manipulation of highly pure and strongly entangled steady state in a quantum system are vital tasks in the standard continuous-variable teleportation protocol. Especially, the manipulation implemented in integrated devices is even more crucial in practical quantum information applications. Here we propose an effective approach for creating steady-state entanglement between two microwave fields in a four-mode hybrid cavity optomechanical system. The entanglement can be achieved by combining the processes of three beam-splitter interactions and two parametric-amplifier interactions. Due to the dissipation-driven and cavity cooling processes, the entanglement obtained can go far beyond the entanglement limit based on coherent parametric coupling. Moreover, our proposal allows the engineered bath to cool both Bogoliubov modes almost simultaneously. In this way, a highly pure and strongly entangled steady state of two microwave modes is obtained. Our finding may be significant for using the hybrid opto-electro-mechanical system fabricated on chips in various quantum tasks, where the strong and pure entanglement is an important resource.