High-Entropy Spinel Ferrites with Broadband Wave Absorption Synthesized by Simple Solid-Phase Reaction.

In this work, high-entropy (HE) spinel ferrites of (FeCoNiCrM)xOy (M = Zn, Cu, and Mn) (named as HEO-Zn, HEO-Cu, and HEO-Mn, respectively) were synthesized by a simple solid-phase reaction. The as-prepared ferrite powders possess a uniform distribution of chemical components and homogeneous three-dimensional (3D) porous structures, which have a pore size ranging from tens to hundreds of nanometers. All three HE spinel ferrites exhibited ultrahigh structural thermostability at high temperatures even up to 800 °C. What is more, these spinel ferrites showed considerable minimum reflection loss (RLmin) and significantly enhanced effective absorption bandwidth (EAB). The RLmin and EAB values of HEO-Zn and HEO-Mn are about -27.8 dB at 15.7 GHz, 6.8 GHz, and -25.5 dB at 12.9 GHz, 6.9 GHz, with the matched thickness of 8.6 and 9.8 mm, respectively. Especially, the RLmin of HEO-Cu is -27.3 dB at 13.3 GHz with a matched thickness of 9.1 mm, and the EAB reaches about 7.5 GHz (10.5-18.0 GHz), which covers almost the whole X-band range. The superior absorbing properties are mainly attributed to the dielectric energy loss involving interface polarization and dipolar polarization, the magnetic energy loss referring to eddy current and natural resonance loss, and the specific functions of 3D porous structure, indicating a potential application prospect of the HE spinel ferrites as EM absorbing materials.

A Critical Review on Nanowire-Motors: Design, Mechanism and Applications.

Nanowire-motors (NW-Ms) are promoting the rapid development of emerging biomedicine and environmental governance, and are an important branch of micro-nano motors in the development of nanotechnology. In recent years, huge research breakthroughs have been made in these fields in terms of the fascinating microstructure, conversion efficiency and practical applications of NW-Ms. This review article introduces the latest milestones in NW-Ms research, from production methods, driving mechanisms, control methods to targeted drug delivery, sewage detection, sensors and cell capture. The dynamics and physics of micro-nano devices are reviewed, and finally the current challenges and future research directions in this field are discussed. This review further aims to provide certain guidance for the driving of NW-Ms to meet the urgent needs of emerging applications.

Degradation performance and mechanism toward methyl orange via nanoporous copper powders fabricated by dealloying of ZrCuNiAl metallic glassy precursors.

The catalyst of nanoporous Cu (NP-Cu) powders, with the chemical composition of Cu79.63Ni6.85O13.53(at%), was successfully fabricated by dealloying of Zr-Cu-Ni-Al metallic glassy precursors. The as-prepared NP-Cu powders, co-existing with Cu2O phase on Cu ligament surface, had a three-dimensional network porous structure. The NP-Cu powders/H2O2system showed superior catalytic degradation efficiency toward azo dyes in both acidic (pH 2) and neutral (pH 7) environments. Moreover, the cyclic tests indicated that this powder catalyst also exhibited good durability. A novel degradation mechanism of NP-Cu powders/H2O2was proposed: the high degradation performance in acidic environment was mainly derived from heterogeneous reaction involved with a specific pathway related to Cu3+to produce HO·, while in neutral environment it was primarily resulted from homogeneous reaction with the generation of HO· from the classical Cu-based Fenton-like process. This work indicates that the NP-Cu powders have great potential applications as catalysts for wastewater treatments.

Janus Ga2SeTe/In2SSe heterostructures: tunable electronic, optical, and photocatalytic properties.

Vertically stacking two-dimensional materials into van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures (HS) is deemed to be an effective strategy to tailor their physical properties and enrich their applications in modern nanoelectronics. Here, we study the geometry, electronic, and optical properties of Janus Ga2SeTe/In2SSe heterostructures by using first-principles calculations. We consider four models of Ga2SeTe/In2SSe heterostructures with an alternative chalcogen atom layer sequence and five potential stacking configurations, and find that the most energy favorable stacking pattern is AB stacking for each model. The heterostructures form type II alignment with a direct band gap. Moreover, the band gap values are highly dependent on the magnitude of the electric dipole, which is related to the sublayer intrinsic dipole direction and interface charge transfer. Additionally, the optical absorption of the heterostructures is intensified in the visible and ultraviolet regime. Furthermore, we predict two heterostructures with the band edge straddling the water redox potential level. These findings can help in understanding the tailored properties of the heterostructures based on Janus two-dimensional materials, and guide experiments in designing novel optoelectronic devices.

Enhanced electro-catalytic performance of Pd-based hierarchical nanoporous structures fabricated by micropatterning and dealloying of Pd-Ni-P metallic glass.

Pd-based catalysts are of significance for their application in direct alcohol fuel cells, due to the superior electro-catalytic performance and CO poisoning resistance. In this work, using Pd32Ni48P20 metallic glassy ribbon as precursor, micro/nano hierarchical nanoporous structure was constructed by the hybrid approach of thermal plastic micropatterning and subsequently electrochemical dealloying at 0.88 V for 120 min in 0.5 M H2SO4 and 0.5 M H3PO4. This hierarchical structure was composed of the periodical micro-rods and nanoporous structure, where the chemical constituent was 80.33 at% Pd, 4.87 at% Ni, 4.96 at% P, and 9.84 at% O. The nanoporous structures showed an enhanced methanol electro-oxidation performance in alkaline medium, owing to their enlarged specific surface area. Compared to single nanoporous structure, the hierarchical nanoporous structure exhibited much better electro-catalysis, mainly attributed to the large surface area and high mass transfer efficiency, indicating a promising perspective for the application in alkaline direct alcohol fuel cells.

Simplified panicle fertilization is applicable to japonica cultivars, but splits are preferred in indica rice for a higher paddy yield under wheat straw return.

Introduction: The panicle fertilization strategy for japonica and indica rice under wheat straw return (SR) has not been updated, especially on the elaboration of their impacts on spikelet differentiation and degeneration. This study aimed to verify the hypothesis that SR increases spikelet number by reducing spikelet degeneration and to explore the possibility of simplifying panicle fertilization. Methods: In three consecutive years, four varieties of japonica and indica rice were field-grown in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, China. Six panicle fertilization rates and split treatments were applied to SR and no straw return (NR) conditions. Results: The results showed that SR promoted rice yield significantly by 3.77%, and the highest yields were obtained under the T2 (split panicle fertilization at the panicle initiation (PI) and spikelet primordium differentiation (SPD) stages) and T1 (panicle fertilization only at the PI stage) treatments, for indica and japonica rice, respectively. Correlation and path analysis revealed that the number of spikelets per panicle was the most attributable to yield variation. SR significantly increased the concentration of alkali hydrolyzable N in the soil 40 days after rice transplantation, significantly increased the nitrogen accumulation per stem (NA) during the SPD-pollen mother cell meiosis (PMC) stage, and increased the brassinosteroids level in the young panicles at the PMC stage. SR also reduced the degeneration rate of spikelets (DRS) and increased the number of surviving spikelets (NSS). The dry matter accumulation per stem was more important to increasing the NA in japonica rice at the PMC stage, whereas NA was more affected by the N content than the dry matter accumulation in indica rice. In japonica rice, panicle N application once only at the PI stage combined with the N released from SR was enough to improve the plant N content, reduce the DRS, and increase the NSS. For indica rice, split application of N panicle fertilization at both the PI and SPD stages was still necessary to achieve a maximum NSS. Discussion: In conclusion, under wheat SR practice, panicle fertilization could be simplified to once in japonica rice with a significant yield increase, whereas equal splits might still be optimal for indica rice.

In vitro effects of Pueraria extract on ethanol-exposed microglia and neurons.

Predominant health impacts from alcoholism are chronic neurologic deficits and hepatic dysfunction. Pueraria extract (PE) is a solution obtained from the dried root of Pueraria lobate and can reverse alcohol-induced hepatic damage. The present study aimed to elucidate the effects of PE on ethanol-induced injury in microglia and neurons. To confirm the reliability of the experimental approach, an in vivo demonstration of PE activity was used to verify its impact on hepatic damage in mice exposed to ethanol (ETOH). Subsequently, an in vitro assay was used to verify the effects of PE on ETOH-exposed microglia and neurons.PE reversed fibrosis and hyperplasia, adipocyte infiltration, hepatomegaly, hepatic function, lipid metabolism, indicators of oxidative stress, and morphological changes in hepatic cells, induced by ETOH exposure. The reliability of the experimental approach was thus confirmed. PE also reversed the activation of microglia and inflammatory-related cytokines and proteins induced by ETOH exposure. PE showed protective effects on neurons via inhibition of mitochondrial fission. in vivo and in vitro evidence indicated that PE might be useful in the treatment of both hepatic injury and neurologic deficits commonly observed in chronic alcoholism.

In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Various Cefoperazone/Sulbactam Products.

: This study aims to assess the in vitro activity of different samples of cefoperazone/sulbactam (CFP/SUL) against multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). Clinical isolates of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-Escherichia coli, ESBL-Klebsiella pneumoniae, carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CR-AB), and carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CR-PA) were collected. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and time-killing methods were used to assess and compare the in vitro activities of different samples of cefoperazone/sulbactam (CFP/SUL) against these MDROs. For ESBL-E. coli, ESBL-K. pneumoniae, and CR-PA, product C had smaller variations than product A and B (p < 0.05). For CR-AB, product B had the largest variation compared to the other two products (p < 0.05). In the time-killing studies, significant differences among the products when used at 16/16 µg/mL were noted for ESBL-E. coli, ESBL-K. pneumoniae, and CR-AB isolates. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the significantly different activity of different products of CFP/SUL against MDROs.

Fabrication of novel nanoporous copper powder catalyst by dealloying of ZrCuNiAl amorphous powders for the application of wastewater treatments.

The nanoporous copper (Cu) powders (NPCPs) co-existing with Cu2O was fabricated by dealloying of atomized Zr-Cu-Ni-Al amorphous powders. The as-fabricated NPCPs, with an inner core and outer shell, showed a large specific surface area of 7.52m2g-1 and exhibited significantly superior degradation ability in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for the complete elimination of methyl orange (MO) under both acidic and neutral environments. The enhanced catalytic decomposition properties of H2O2 by NPCPs were mainly attributed to the large specific surface area and three-dimensional continuous nanoporous structure with unique atomic steps on the ligament surfaces. The mechanistic investigations revealed that Cu2O/H2O2 reactions in acidic environment and Cu0/H2O2 reactions in neutral environment, respectively, were responsible for the high degradability of azo dyes, indicating that NPCPs/H2O2 could be a good Fenton-like reagent in application of wastewater treatments.

Phytic acid-assisted electrochemically synthesized three-dimensional O, P-functionalized graphene monoliths with high capacitive performance.

Three-dimensional functionalized graphene monoliths (3DFGMs) have attracted intensive attention as energy storage materials due to their unique interconnected porous structure, good electrical conductivity, excellent mechanical strength, and pseudocapacitive characteristic. Herein, we report a facile, green and low-cost strategy through a simple, one-step electrochemical process in a phytic acid solution to fabricate a 3DFGM. The 3D porous structure and functionalization of graphene can be obtained simultaneously. The as-obtained 3DFGM that consists of 3D porous O, P-functionalized few-layer graphene shows high specific surface area and good electrical conductivity. The 3DFGM with these characteristics exhibits excellent electrochemical performance, including an ultrahigh specific areal capacitance of 485 mF cm-2, superior rate performance, and outstanding cycling stability. Most importantly, the assembled 3DFGM//3DFGM symmetric supercapacitor exhibits a high specific areal capacitance of 225 mF cm-2 and delivers a maximum energy density of 1.2 W h L-1 and a power density of 560 W L-1 in aqueous electrolyte. Therefore, this work provides a promising method for the future design and fabrication of high performance 3D functionalized graphene-based electrodes for energy storage devices.

Clinical manifestations and prognostic factors in cancer patients with bacteremia due to extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli or Klebsiella pneumoniae.

BACKGROUND: Clinical information about bacteremia due to extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing pathogens in cancer patients was limited. The study was aimed to identify the clinical manifestations and risk factors for mortality in ESBL-producer bacteremia in cancer patients. METHODS: A retrospective study of bacteremia caused by ESBL-producing Escherichia coli or Klebsiella pneumoniae in adults with cancer in National Cheng Kung University Hospital and National Taiwan University Hospital from July 2002 to August 2007 was conducted. Clinical characteristics, initial manifestations, and antimicrobial therapy were analyzed for their association with crude mortality at 14 days after bacteremia onset. RESULTS: A total 113 episodes of bacteremia caused by E coli (59.3%), K pneumoniae (39.8%) or both (0.9%) were included. Patients with hematological malignancy were younger (55 ± 22 vs. 69 ± 14 years, p < 0.003) and had less co-morbidity, but were more likely to have neutropenia (73.1% vs. 4.6%, p < 0.001) than those with solid tumor. By the univariate analysis in 113 episodes of ESBL-producer bacteremia, several risk factors, including pneumonia or soft-tissue infection as the bacteremia source, initial manifestations with high Pitt bacteremia scores, shock, respiratory failure or severe sepsis, and inappropriate definitive therapy were associated with 14-day crude mortality. By multivariate analysis, only pneumonia [adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 5.2; 95% confident interval (CI), 1.3-21.0; p = 0.021], severe sepsis (AOR, 24.3; 95% CI, 5.6-105.0; p < 0.001), and inappropriate definitive therapy (AOR, 11.3; 95% CI, 1.7-72.8; p = 0.011) were independently associated with a fatal outcome. CONCLUSION: The presence of neutropenia or underlying hematological malignancy in cancer patients with ESBL-producer bacteremia was not associated with an increase in the mortality rate. Appropriate definitive antimicrobial therapy will be beneficial in improving clinical outcome.