| 1. |
- Chen, Shi-Peng, et al.
(author)
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Guanidine-based protic ionic liquids as highly efficient intermolecular scissors for dissolving natural cellulose
- 2023
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In: Green Chemistry. - : Royal Society of Chemistry. - 1463-9262 .- 1463-9270. ; 25:22, s. 9322-9334
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The development of highly efficient and environmentally friendly solvents for dissolving cellulose, which is the most abundant natural polymer on Earth, remains a challenge, hindering its full utilization. Herein, a green protic ionic liquid, 1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidinium methoxyacetate ([TMGH][MAA]), was found to exhibit attractive capacity to dissolve natural cellulose with an appropriate TMG/MAA molar ratio of 7 : 3 at 80 degrees C. The solubility of cotton linter and ultra-high molecular weight cotton fibers reached 13% (w/w) and 3% (w/w), respectively, surpassing that of most solvent systems currently used for the dissolution of cellulose. The experimental and simulation results verified that the excellent dissolution ability of [TMGH][MAA] for cellulose is mainly attributed to the destruction of the intrinsic hydrogen-bond networks in cellulose by the synergistic interactions of the [TMGH] cations and [MAA] anions with the hydroxyl groups in the cellulose chains, acting as highly efficient "intermolecular scissors". The superiority of this novel dissolution system was further demonstrated by the remarkable comprehensive properties of the regenerated cellulose film including satisfactory thermostability, high transparency, and excellent mechanical properties. Furthermore, the satisfactory recovery performance of this solvent highlights its significant feasibility for large-scale industrial manufacturing. The proposed [TMGH][MAA] in this study exhibits great potential as a next-generation processing solvent for dissolving, and thus processing cellulose, promoting the sustainable development of high-value-added cellulose materials.
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| 2. |
- Pecunia, Vincenzo, et al.
(author)
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Roadmap on energy harvesting materials
- 2023
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In: Journal of Physics. - : IOP Publishing. - 2515-7639. ; 6:4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Ambient energy harvesting has great potential to contribute to sustainable development and address growing environmental challenges. Converting waste energy from energy-intensive processes and systems (e.g. combustion engines and furnaces) is crucial to reducing their environmental impact and achieving net-zero emissions. Compact energy harvesters will also be key to powering the exponentially growing smart devices ecosystem that is part of the Internet of Things, thus enabling futuristic applications that can improve our quality of life (e.g. smart homes, smart cities, smart manufacturing, and smart healthcare). To achieve these goals, innovative materials are needed to efficiently convert ambient energy into electricity through various physical mechanisms, such as the photovoltaic effect, thermoelectricity, piezoelectricity, triboelectricity, and radiofrequency wireless power transfer. By bringing together the perspectives of experts in various types of energy harvesting materials, this Roadmap provides extensive insights into recent advances and present challenges in the field. Additionally, the Roadmap analyses the key performance metrics of these technologies in relation to their ultimate energy conversion limits. Building on these insights, the Roadmap outlines promising directions for future research to fully harness the potential of energy harvesting materials for green energy anytime, anywhere.
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| 3. |
- Dan, Meng, et al.
(author)
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A dual-interfacial system with well-defined spatially separated redox-sites for boosting photocatalytic overall H2S splitting
- 2021
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In: Chemical Engineering Journal. - : Elsevier BV. - 1385-8947. ; 423
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Integration of high activity, selectivity, and stability is urgently desired to achieve more ideal photocatalysts. Herein, we reported the rational design of MoS2-MnS@(InxCu1-x)2S3 (M-M@IC) catalysts with dual interface to integrate separated redox sites for boosting photocatalytic hydrogen sulphide (H2S) splitting and the resource utilization of sacrificial reagents (Na2S/Na2SO3). The spatially separated reduction (MnS) and oxidation (In2S3) sites in MnS/In2S3 heterojunction, on which MoS2 and Cu were selectively loaded, can drive electrons and holes near the surface to flow along opposite directions, while the heterojunction between MnS and In2S3 inhibits the bulk charge recombination. Furthermore, the introduction of Cu atoms creates a d-band center, which favours mass diffusion of reactants/products species and greatly facilitates sunlight response. The MoS2 serves to provide abundant sites for proton reduction due to the unsaturated-sulfur-edge-rich (US-rich) nature. As a result, the M−M@IC shows a state-of-the-art visible-light photocatalytic H2 evolution rate (126.5 mmol g-1h−1), inspiring stability of >50 h, and nearly 100% selectivity toward value-added Na2S2O3 production under optimized condition. This work opens up new opportunities for the construction and design of spatially separated catalytic site in photocatalysts.
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| 4. |
- Dan, Meng, et al.
(author)
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Beyond hydrogen production : Solar−driven H2S−donating value−added chemical production over MnxCd1−xS/CdyMn1−yS catalyst
- 2021
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In: Applied Catalysis B: Environmental. - : Elsevier BV. - 0926-3373. ; 284
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Simultaneous hydrogen (H2) evolution and value−added chemicals production are highly attractive but have not drawn enough attention. Here, we demonstrate a hydrogen sulphide (H2S)−induced product−targeting (HIPT) strategy for the coproduction of H2 and valuable chemical feedstocks from Na2S/Na2SO3 via overall H2S splitting using a MnxCd1−xS/CdyMn1−yS catalyst driven by visible light excitation. With this chemistry, 113 mmol g−1 h−1 of hydrogen evolution rate is achieved, surpassing most of the previously reported state-of-the-art photocatalyst, together with the production of value−added Na2S2O3 with nearly 100% selectivity. This work not only provides a good example for solar energy conversion via overall H2S splitting, but also offers new insights into the resource utilization of sacrificial donor (Na2S/Na2SO3) in various catalytic fields such as H2O splitting and CO2 reduction.
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| 5. |
- Ding, Xue Bing, et al.
(author)
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Impaired meningeal lymphatic drainage in patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease
- 2021
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In: Nature Medicine. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1078-8956 .- 1546-170X. ; 27:3, s. 411-418
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Animal studies implicate meningeal lymphatic dysfunction in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, there is no direct evidence in humans to support this role1–5. In this study, we used dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging to assess meningeal lymphatic flow in cognitively normal controls and patients with idiopathic PD (iPD) or atypical Parkinsonian (AP) disorders. We found that patients with iPD exhibited significantly reduced flow through the meningeal lymphatic vessels (mLVs) along the superior sagittal sinus and sigmoid sinus, as well as a notable delay in deep cervical lymph node perfusion, compared to patients with AP. There was no significant difference in the size (cross-sectional area) of mLVs in patients with iPD or AP versus controls. In mice injected with α-synuclein (α-syn) preformed fibrils, we showed that the emergence of α-syn pathology was followed by delayed meningeal lymphatic drainage, loss of tight junctions among meningeal lymphatic endothelial cells and increased inflammation of the meninges. Finally, blocking flow through the mLVs in mice treated with α-syn preformed fibrils increased α-syn pathology and exacerbated motor and memory deficits. These results suggest that meningeal lymphatic drainage dysfunction aggravates α-syn pathology and contributes to the progression of PD.
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| 6. |
- Jones, Geraint H., et al.
(author)
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The Comet Interceptor Mission
- 2024
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In: Space Science Reviews. - : Springer Nature. - 0038-6308 .- 1572-9672. ; 220:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Here we describe the novel, multi-point Comet Interceptor mission. It is dedicated to the exploration of a little-processed long-period comet, possibly entering the inner Solar System for the first time, or to encounter an interstellar object originating at another star. The objectives of the mission are to address the following questions: What are the surface composition, shape, morphology, and structure of the target object? What is the composition of the gas and dust in the coma, its connection to the nucleus, and the nature of its interaction with the solar wind? The mission was proposed to the European Space Agency in 2018, and formally adopted by the agency in June 2022, for launch in 2029 together with the Ariel mission. Comet Interceptor will take advantage of the opportunity presented by ESA’s F-Class call for fast, flexible, low-cost missions to which it was proposed. The call required a launch to a halo orbit around the Sun-Earth L2 point. The mission can take advantage of this placement to wait for the discovery of a suitable comet reachable with its minimum Δ V capability of 600 ms − 1 . Comet Interceptor will be unique in encountering and studying, at a nominal closest approach distance of 1000 km, a comet that represents a near-pristine sample of material from the formation of the Solar System. It will also add a capability that no previous cometary mission has had, which is to deploy two sub-probes – B1, provided by the Japanese space agency, JAXA, and B2 – that will follow different trajectories through the coma. While the main probe passes at a nominal 1000 km distance, probes B1 and B2 will follow different chords through the coma at distances of 850 km and 400 km, respectively. The result will be unique, simultaneous, spatially resolved information of the 3-dimensional properties of the target comet and its interaction with the space environment. We present the mission’s science background leading to these objectives, as well as an overview of the scientific instruments, mission design, and schedule.
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| 7. |
- Li, Sirui, et al.
(author)
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Glioma grading, molecular feature classification, and microstructural characterization using MR diffusional variance decomposition (DIVIDE) imaging
- 2021
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In: European Radiology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0938-7994 .- 1432-1084. ; 31:11, s. 8197-8207
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: To evaluate the potential of diffusional variance decomposition (DIVIDE) for grading, molecular feature classification, and microstructural characterization of gliomas. Materials and methods: Participants with suspected gliomas underwent DIVIDE imaging, yielding parameter maps of fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), anisotropic mean kurtosis (MKA), isotropic mean kurtosis (MKI), total mean kurtosis (MKT), MKA/MKT, and microscopic fractional anisotropy (μFA). Tumor type and grade, isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) 1/2 mutant status, and the Ki-67 labeling index (Ki-67 LI) were determined after surgery. Statistical analysis included 33 high-grade gliomas (HGG) and 17 low-grade gliomas (LGG). Tumor diffusion metrics were compared between HGG and LGG, among grades, and between wild and mutated IDH types using appropriate tests according to normality assessment results. Receiver operating characteristic and Spearman correlation analysis were also used for statistical evaluations. Results: FA, MD, MKA, MKI, MKT, μFA, and MKA/MKT differed between HGG and LGG (FA: p = 0.047; MD: p = 0.037, others p < 0.001), and among glioma grade II, III, and IV (FA: p = 0.048; MD: p = 0.038, others p < 0.001). All diffusion metrics differed between wild-type and mutated IDH tumors (MKI: p = 0.003; others: p < 0.001). The metrics that best discriminated between HGG and LGGs and between wild-type and mutated IDH tumors were MKT and FA respectively (area under the curve 0.866 and 0.881). All diffusion metrics except FA showed significant correlation with Ki-67 LI, and MKI had the highest correlation coefficient (rs = 0.618). Conclusion: DIVIDE is a promising technique for glioma characterization and diagnosis. Key Points: • DIVIDE metrics MKIis related to cell density heterogeneity while MKAand μFA are related to cell eccentricity. • DIVIDE metrics can effectively differentiate LGG from HGG and IDH mutation from wild-type tumor, and showed significant correlation with the Ki-67 labeling index. • MKIwas larger than MKAwhich indicates predominant cell density heterogeneity in gliomas. • MKAand MKIincreased with grade or degree of malignancy, however with a relatively larger increase in the cell eccentricity metric MKAin relation to the cell density heterogeneity metric MKI.
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| 8. |
- Li, Zhiyang, et al.
(author)
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Magnetic carbon nanotube modified S-scheme TiO2-x/g-C3N4/CNFe heterojunction coupled with peroxymonosulfate for effective visible-light-driven photodegradation via enhanced interfacial charge separation
- 2023
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In: Separation and Purification Technology. - : Elsevier. - 1383-5866 .- 1873-3794. ; 308
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To remediate water bodies contaminated with organic micropollutants, recyclable and visible-light-driven coupled photocatalysis-peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation systems were established by synthesizing magnetic-carbon-nanotubes (CNFe) modified TiO2-x/g-C3N4/CNFe (TCNCNFe) S-scheme heterojunction with oxygen vacancies (O-v) by a simple hydrothermal-calcination approach. The introduction of O-v and CNFe enhances the visible-light-harvesting efficiency and the internal electric field across the heterojunction accompanying favorable energy band bending could effectively migrate the photoexcited electrons along the S-scheme mechanism, thus highly suppressing in situ recombination and improving charge separation. Therefore the TCNCNFe-(30-500)/PMS/Vis system achieved 95.4% removal efficiency of atrazine after 30 min irradiation, meanwhile exhibited excellent recyclability without metal ion leaching due to the unique pod-like nanostructure of CNFe. Moreover, the impacts of certain various reaction variables on pollutant removal were explored to evaluate the practical application potential. Interestingly, the biotoxicity of the treated reaction filtrate was significantly alleviated compared to that of ATZ solution. Furthermore, the exploration of photocatalytic reaction mechanism revealed that the dominant reactive oxidizing species contributed in the following order: h(+) > (OH)-O-center dot > O-center dot(2)- > (SO4-)-S-center dot, and the feasible photodegradation pathway of atrazine was presented based on the determined in-termediates. Hence, this research work holds great promise in ecological environment protection using sustainable solar energy.
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| 9. |
- Liu, Xiaoyan, et al.
(author)
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Physicochemical characterization of a polysaccharide from Agrocybe aegirita and its anti-ageing activity
- 2020
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In: Carbohydrate Polymers. - : ELSEVIER SCI LTD. - 0144-8617 .- 1879-1344. ; 236
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of the present study is to characterize the structure of a novel natural polysaccharide from Agrocybe aegirita (AAPS) and evaluate its anti-aging activity. The MALLS and GC-MS analysis indicated that the AAPS with molecular weights of 1.81 x 10(4) Da was mainly composed by rhamnose, fucose, mannose, and glucose in a molar ratio of 2.90:10.25:3.70:38.27. The FT-IR and NMR analysis showed that the backbone of AAPS was alpha-L-Rhap-(1 -> 6)-beta-D-Glcp-(1 -> 2)-alpha-L-Fucp-(1 -> 6)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1 -> 5)-alpha-L-Araf-(1 -> 4)-beta-D-GlcpA-(1 -> 5)-alpha-L-Araf-(1 -> 6)-alpha-D-Manp-(1 -> 6)-alpha-D-Manp-(1 -> 2)-alpha-L-Fucp-(1 -> 6)-beta-D-Glap-(1 -> 2)-alpha-L-Rhap-(1 -> 6)-beta-D-Galp-(1 -> which linked with two side chains alpha-L-Fucp-(1 -> 6)-beta-D-Glcp-(1 -> 6)-beta-D-Manp-(1 -> and alpha-D-Xylp-(1 -> 2)-alpha-L-Fucp-(1 -> 5) -alpha-D-Araf-(1.6)-beta-D-Galp-(1 -> at O-H2 at H-4-arabinose and the terminal Galp residues, respectively. The MRC-5 cells induced by H2O2 were used to explore the anti-ageing effect and its underlying mechanism of AAPS. It showed a potent anti-ageing activity, representing by the increased cell viability and beta-Gal viability, prevented G1-phase cell-cycle arrest, and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. The polysaccharides extracted from A. aegirita might be applied in functional food as anti-ageing ingredient.
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| 10. |
- Lo Faro, Valeria, Postdoc, et al.
(author)
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Novel ancestry-specific primary open-angle glaucoma loci and shared biology with vascular mechanisms and cell proliferation
- 2024
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In: Cell Reports Medicine. - : Elsevier. - 2666-3791. ; 5:2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Primary open -angle glaucoma (POAG), a leading cause of irreversible blindness globally, shows disparity in prevalence and manifestations across ancestries. We perform meta -analysis across 15 biobanks (of the Global Biobank Meta -analysis Initiative) (n = 1,487,441: cases = 26,848) and merge with previous multiancestry studies, with the combined dataset representing the largest and most diverse POAG study to date (n = 1,478,037: cases = 46,325) and identify 17 novel significant loci, 5 of which were ancestry specific. Gene -enrichment and transcriptome-wide association analyses implicate vascular and cancer genes, a fifth of which are primary ciliary related. We perform an extensive statistical analysis of SIX6 and CDKN2B-AS1 loci in human GTEx data and across large electronic health records showing interaction between SIX6 gene and causal variants in the chr9p21.3 locus, with expression effect on CDKN2A/B. Our results suggest that some POAG risk variants may be ancestry specific, sex specific, or both, and support the contribution of genes involved in programmed cell death in POAG pathogenesis.
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| 11. |
- Ma, Dan, et al.
(author)
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Water–rock two-phase flow model for water inrush and instability of fault rocks during mine tunnelling
- 2023
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In: International Journal of Coal Science and Technology. - : Springer Nature. - 2095-8293 .- 2198-7823. ; 10:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Water inrush hazard is one of the major threats in mining tunnel construction. Rock particle migration in the seepage process is the main cause of water inrush pathway and rock instability. In this paper, a radial water–rock mixture flow model is established to study the evolution laws of water inrush and rock instability. The reliability of the proposed model is verified by the experimental data from a previous study. Through the mixture flow model, temporal-spatial evolution laws of different hydraulic and mechanical properties are analysed. And the proposed model’s applicability and limitations are discussed by comparing it with the existing water inrush model. The result shows that this model has high accuracy both in temporal evolution and spatial distribution. The accuracy of the model is related to the fluctuation caused by particle migration and the deviation of the set value. During the seepage, the porosity, permeability, volume discharge rate and volume concentration of the fluidized particle increase rapidly due to the particle migration, and this phenomenon is significant near the fluid outlet. As the seepage progresses, the volume concentration at the outlet decreases rapidly after reaching the peak, which leads to a decrease in the growth rate of permeability and porosity, and finally a stable seepage state can be maintained. In addition, the pore pressure is not fixed during radial particle migration and decreases with particle migration. Under the effect of particle migration, the downward radial displacement and decrease in effective radial stress are observed. In addition, both cohesion and shear stress of the rock material decreased, and the rock instability eventually occurred at the outlet.
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| 12. |
- Zhang, Dan-Yang, et al.
(author)
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Highly Conductive Topologically Chiral Molecular Knots as Efficient Spin Filters
- 2023
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In: Journal of the American Chemical Society. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 0002-7863 .- 1520-5126. ; 145:49, s. 26791-26798
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Knot-like structures were found to have interesting magnetic properties in condensed matter physics. Herein, we report on topologically chiral molecular knots as efficient spintronic chiral material. The discovery of the chiral-induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect opens the possibility of manipulating the spin orientation with soft materials at room temperature and eliminating the need for a ferromagnetic electrode. In the chiral molecular trefoil knot, there are no stereogenic carbon atoms, and chirality results from the spatial arrangements of crossings in the trefoil knot structures. The molecules show a very high spin polarization of nearly 90%, a conductivity that is higher by about 2 orders of magnitude compared with that of other chiral small molecules, and enhanced thermal stability. A plausible explanation for these special properties is provided, combined with model calculations, that supports the role of electron-electron interaction in these systems.
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