Carbon-reinforced Ni3S2/Ti3C2Tx MXene composite as an anode for superior-performance lithium-ion capacitors.

Lithium ion capacitors (LICs) are a new generation of energy storage devices that combine the super energy storage capability of lithium ion batteries with the satisfactory power density of supercapacitors. The development of high-performance LICs still faces great challenges due to the unbalanced reaction kinetics at the anode and cathode. Therefore, it is an inevitable need to enhance the electron/ion transfer capability of the anode materials. In this paper, to obtain a superior-rate and high-capacity Ni3S2-based anode, highly conductive Ti3C2Tx MXene sheets were introduced to sever as the carrier of Ni3S2 nanoparticles and simultaneously an amorphous carbon layer which coats onto the surface of Ni3S2 nanoparticles was in-situ generated by the carbonization of dopamine reactant. The as-synthesized Ni3S2/Ti3C2Tx/C composite exhibits a high specific surface area (112.6 m2/g) because of the addition of Ti3C2Tx that can reduce the aggregation of Ni3S2 nanoparticles and the in-situ generated amorphous carbon layer that can suppress the growth of Ni3S2 nanoparticles. The Ni3S2/Ti3C2Tx/C anode possesses a remarkable reversible discharge specific capacity (626.0 mAh/g under 0.2 A/g current density), which increases to 1150.8 mAh/g after 400-cycle charge/discharge measurement at the same measurement condition indicating eminent cyclability, along with superior rate capability. To construct a superior-performance LIC device, a sterculiae lychnophorae derived porous carbon (SLPC) cathode with an average discharge specific capacity of 73.4 mAh/g@0.1A/g was prepared. The Ni3S2/Ti3C2Tx/C//SLPC LIC device with optimal cathode/anode mass ratio has a satisfactory energy density ranging from 32.8 to 119.1 Wh kg-1 at the corresponding power density of 8799.4 to 157.5 W kg-1, together with a prominent capacity retention (95.5 %@1 A/g after 10,000 cycles).

Amorphous Co-Mo-S nanospheres fabricated via room-temperature vulcanization for asymmetric supercapacitors.

Ternary metal sulfides employed in supercapacitors exhibit better electrochemical performances than their counterpart oxides due to their superior conductivity. However, the insertion/extraction of electrolyte ions can lead to a significant volume change in electrode materials, which can result in poor cycling stability. Herein, novel amorphous Co-Mo-S nanospheres were fabricated through a facile room-temperature vulcanization method. It involves the conversion of crystalline CoMoO4 by reacting it with Na2S at room temperature. In addition to the conversion of the crystalline state into an amorphous structure with more grain boundaries, which is beneficial for the transport of electron/ion and can accommodate the volume change generated by the insertion/extraction of electrolyte ions, the production of more pores led to an increased specific surface area. The electrochemical results indicate that the as-prepared amorphous Co-Mo-S nanospheres had a specific capacitance of up to 2049.7F/g@1 A/g together with good rate capability. The amorphous Co-Mo-S nanospheres can be used as the cathode of supercapacitors and assembled with an activated carbon anode into an asymmetric supercapacitor possessing a satisfactory energy density of 47.6 Wh kg-1@1012.9 W kg-1. One of the prominent features exhibited by this asymmetric device is its remarkable cyclic stability, with a capacitance retention of 107% after 10,000 cycles.

[Effect of Suanzaoren Decoction on molecular levels of bile acids in serum, liver, and ileum of insomnia mice].

To explore the mechanism of Suanzaoren Decoction in the treatment of insomnia from endogenous bile acid regulation, the present study investigated the hepatoprotective effect of Suanzaoren Decoction and the molecular changes of bile acids in the serum, liver, and ileum of insomnia model mice and Suanzaoren Decoction treated mice. The insomnia model in mice was established by the sleep deprivation method. After Suanzaoren Decoction(48.96 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)) intervention by gavage for 7 days, the related indicators, such as water consumption, food intake, body weight, aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine transaminase(ALT), and total bile acid(TBA) were detected, and the pathological changes of the liver and ileum were observed. The molecular levels and distribution of 23 bile acids in the serum, liver, and ileum were analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS combined with principal component analysis(PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis(PLS-DA). The results showed that Suanzaoren Decoction could improve the decreased water consumption and food intake, weight loss, and increased AST and ALT in the model group, and effectively reverse the injury and inflammation in the liver and ileum. The bile acids in the liver of the insomnia model mice were in the stage of decompensation, and the bile acids in the serum, liver, and ileum of the mice decreased or increased. Suanzaoren Decoction could regulate the anomaly of some bile acids back to normal. Seven bile acids including glycoursodeoxycholic acid(GUDCA), glycodesoxycholic acid(GDCA), tauro-α-MCA(T-α-MCA), α-MCA, taurodeoxycholate(TDCA), T-ß-MCA, and LCA were screened out as the main discriminant components by PLS-DA. It is concluded that Suanzaoren Decoction possesses the hepatoprotective effect and bile acids could serve as the biochemical indicators to evaluate the drug efficacy in the treatment of abnormal liver functions caused by insomnia. The mechanism of Suanzao-ren Decoction in soothing the liver, resolving depression, tranquilizing the mind, and improving sleep may be related to the molecular regulation of bile acid signals.

Jiaotai Pill () Alleviates Insomnia through Regulating Monoamine and Organic Cation Transporters in Rats.

OBJECTIVE: To reveal the effect and mechanism of Jiaotai Pill (, JTP) on insomniac rats. METHODS: The insomniac model was established by intraperitoneal injection of p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA). In behavioral experiments, rats were divided into control, insomniac model, JTP [3.3 g/(kg•d)], and diazepam [4 mg/(kg•d)] groups. The treatment effect of JTP was evaluated by weight measurement (increasement of body weight), open field test (number of crossings) and forced swimming test (immobility time). A high performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD) method was built to determine the concentration of monoamine transmitters in hypothalamus and peripheral organs from normal, model, JTP, citalopram [30 mg/(kg•d)], maprotiline [40 mg/(kg•d)] and bupropion [40 mg/(kg•d)] groups. Expressions of serotonin transporter (SERT), dopamine transporter (DAT), and norepinephrine transporter (NET) were analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot in normal, model and JTP groups. A high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) method was established to determine the pharmacokinetics, urine cumulative excretion of metformin in vivo, and tissue slice uptake in vitro, which were applied to assess the activity of organic cation transporters (OCTs) in hypothalamus and peripheral organs. RESULTS: Compared with the insomniac model group, the body weight and spontaneous locomotor were increased, and the immobility time was decreased after treatment with JTP (P<0.01). Both serotonin and dopamine contents in hypothalamus and peripheral organs were increased (P<0.01). The norepinephrine content was increased in peripheral organs and decreased in hypothalamus (P<0.05 or P<0.01). At the same time, SERT, DAT, OCT1, OCT2, and OCT3 were down-regulated in hypothalamus and peripheral organs (P<0.05). NET was down-regulated in peripheral organs and up-regulated in hypothalamus (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Moreover, the activity of OCTs in hypothalamus and peripheral organs was inhibited (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: JTP alleviates insomnia through regulation of monoaminergic system and OCTs in hypothalamus and peripheral organs.

[Regulatory effect of Jiaotai Pills on central and peripheral neurotransmitters in rats with heart-kidney imbalance insomnia].

To explore the pathogenesis of heart and kidney imbalance insomnia and the regulatory effect of Jiaotai Pills, in order to study the changes of central and peripheral neurotransmitters in rat. Insomnia rats with heart and kidney imbalance were induced through intraperitoneal injection with p-chlorophenylalanine(PCPA, 400 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), and the model rats were intragastrically administrated with Jiaotai Pills(3.3 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)) for 7 days. Nine neurotransmitters were determined by UPLC-MS/MS and principal component analysis(PCA) method in serum, urine, brain, heart, liver, kidney and adrenal gland of rats. The results showed that the ratio of 5-HT and 5-HIAA in platelet of insomnia rats was significantly lower than that in the normal group, and Jiaotai Pills had a significant up-regulatory or down-regulatory effect. Compared with the normal group, the changed neurotransmitters in blood of insomnia rats were 5-HIAA, E, NE, DA, Glu and ACH, and except ACH, the changes of 7 kinds of neurotransmitters in urine were more significant, Jiaotai Pills had a significant up-regulatory or down-regulatory effect. Compared with the normal group, all of the 8 neurotransmitters in insomnia rats except HVA were changed. Jiaotai Pills could regulate the neurotransmitters in each tissue of insomnia rats, especially in brain, liver and adrenal gland. In conclusion, insomnia is caused by not only a change of neurotransmitters in brain, but also a series of changes in peripheral tissues. It indicates that insomnia is a systematic imbalance of neurotransmitters. Jiaotai Pills not only regulates the central nervous system, but also has a certain protective effect on other organs, reflecting the multi-target and systematic effect of Jiaotai Pills in the treatment of insomnia.

[Simultaneous rapid detection of eight neurotransmitters in rat tissues,blood and urine samples by UPLC-MS/MS].

Ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry( UPLC-MS/MS) was used to establish the simultaneous determination method of eight neurotransmitters in brain,liver,kidney,adrenal gland,serum and urine,including serotonin,5-hydroxyindole acetic acid,epinephrine,norepinephrine,dopamine,glutamic acid,γ-aminobutyric acid,and acetylcholine,and then investigate the distribution characteristics of neurotransmitters in rat tissues,blood and urine. Waters ACQUITY UPLC BEH C_(18) column( 2. 1 mm×100 mm,1. 7 µm) was used,with 0. 3% formic acid solution-acetonitrile as the mobile phase for gradient elution.Multiple reaction monitoring( MRM) scanning method under positive mode by atmospheric pressure electrospray ion source( ESI) was also performed to establish the detection method of neurotransmitters for methodological research. The plasma,urine and tissues of normal rats were pre-treated including homogenization,centrifuging,and protein removal,then the 2 µL supernatant was injected for analysis. The results showed that eight kinds of neurotransmitters could be accurately determined within 7 min,with linear correlation coefficients all greater than 0. 99. This method showed high accuracy and good precision,with specificity,stability,extraction recovery and matrix effects all complying with the biological sample analysis requirements. The most abundant transmitters in the brain,liver,kidney,kidney gland,blood and urine were γ-aminobutyric acid,glutamic acid,glutamic acid,adrenaline,glutamic acid and dopamine.The method is sensitive,rapid,precise,accurate and specific,and can be used for simultaneous quantitative analysis of eight neurotransmitters in biological samples. The investigation of the distribution ratio of transmitters in rats is of important significance to disease prevention and treatment.

The ligand-mediated affinity of brain-type fatty acid-binding protein for membranes determines the directionality of lipophilic cargo transport.

The intracellular transport of lipophilic cargoes is a highly dynamic process. In eukaryotic cells, the uptake and release of long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) are executed by fatty-acid binding proteins. However, how these carriers control the directionality of cargo trafficking remains unclear. Here, we revealed that the unliganded archetypal Drosophila brain-type fatty acid-binding protein (dFABP) possesses a stronger binding affinity than its liganded counterpart for empty nanodiscs (ND). Titrating unliganded dFABP and nanodiscs with LCFAs rescued the broadening of FABP cross-peak intensities in HSQC spectra from a weakened protein-membrane interaction. Two out of the 3 strongest LCFA contacting residues in dFABP identified by NMR HSQC chemical shift perturbation (CSP) are also part of the 30 ND-contacting residues (out of the total 130 residues in dFABP), revealed by attenuated TROSY signal in the presence of lipid ND to apo-like dFABP. Our crystallographic temperature factor data suggest enhanced αII helix dynamics upon LCFA binding, compensating for the entropic loss in the ßC-D/ßE-F loops. The aliphatic tail of bound LCFA impedes the charge-charge interaction between dFABP and the head groups of the membrane, and dFABP is prone to dissociate from the membrane upon ligand binding. We therefore conclude that lipophilic ligands participate directly in the control of the functionally required membrane association and dissociation of FABPs.

Hydrothermal Synthesis of Co-Doped NiSe2 Nanowire for High-Performance Asymmetric Supercapacitors.

Co@NiSe2 electrode materials were synthesized via a simple hydrothermal method by using nickel foam in situ as the backbone and subsequently characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and a specific surface area analyzer. Results show that the Co@NiSe2 electrode exhibits a nanowire structure and grows uniformly on the nickel foam base. These features make the electrode show a relatively high specific surface area and electrical conductivity, and thus exhibit excellent electrochemical performance. The obtained electrode has a high specific capacitance of 3167.6 F·g-1 at a current density of 1 A·g-1. To enlarge the potential window and increase the energy density, an asymmetric supercapacitor was assembled by using a Co@NiSe2 electrode and activated carbon acting as positive and negative electrodes, respectively. The prepared asymmetrical supercapacitor functions stably under the potential window of 0⁻1.6 V. The asymmetric supercapacitor can deliver a high energy density of 50.0 Wh·kg-1 at a power density of 779.0 W·kg-1. Moreover, the prepared asymmetric supercapacitor exhibits a good rate performance and cycle stability.

(N,N-Diethyl-dithio-carbamato-κS,S')iodido(1,10-phenanthroline-κN,N')copper(II).

The copper(II) atom in the title compound, [Cu(C(5)H(10)NS(2))I(C(12)H(8)N(2))], is chelated by the N-heterocycle and the dithio-carbamate anion in a slightly distorted tetragonal coordination. The tetragonal-pyramidal coorination is completed by the iodine atom in the apical position. One ethyl group is disordered over two positions with site occupancies of 0.31 (2) and 0.69 (2).