Exploration of the Existence Forms and Patterns of Dissolved Oxygen Molecules in Water

The structure of liquid water is primarily composed of three-dimensional networks of water clusters formed by hydrogen bonds,and dis-solved oxygen is one of the most important indicators for assessing water qual-ity.In this work,distilled water with different concentration of dissolved oxygen were prepared,and a clear negative correlation between the size of water clus-ters and dissolved oxygen concentration was observed.Besides,a phenomenon of rapid absorption and release of oxygen at the water interfaces was unveiled,suggesting that oxygen molecules predominantly exist at the interfaces of water clusters.Oxygen molecules can move rapidly through the interfaces among water clusters,allowing dissolved oxygen to quickly reach a saturation level at certain partial pressure of oxygen and temperature.Further exploration into the mechanism by molecular dynamics simulations of oxygen and water clusters found that oxygen molecules can only exist stably at the interfaces among water clusters.A semi-empirical formula relating the average number of water molecules in a cluster(n)to ^(17)O NMR half-peak width(W)was summarized:n=0.1 W+0.85.These findings provide a foundation for exploring the structure and properties of water.

FaSnRK1a mediates salicylic acid pathways to enhance strawberry resistance to Botrytis cinerea

Strawberry is a major fruit crop worldwide because its nutritional and health benefits to human health,but its productivity is limited by Botrytis cinerea.Sucrose nonfermentation 1-related protein kinase 1(SnRK1)has a defense function against pathogens,but the function of SnRK1 in the defense response to B.cinerea in plants is still unclear.In this study,FaSnRK1a-OE and RNAi fruits were constructed and then inoculated with B.cinerea.The result reveals a positive role of Fa SnRK1a in the regulation of resistance to gray mold.FaSnRK1a affects SA content by regulating FaPAL1 and FaPAL2 expressions.The genes related to the SA signaling pathway(FaTGA1 and FaTGA2.1)were significantly increased/decreased in FaSnRK1a-OE or FaSnRK1a-RNAi fruit,respectively.FaSnRK1a interacted with the FaWRKY33.2 protein and negatively regulated FaWRKY33.2 expression,and FaWRKY33.2 acts as a repressor of disease resistance to B.cinerea.Finally,FaSnRK1a regulates the expression of six PR genes and the activities of antioxidant enzymes to boost defense response after B.cinerea inoculation.Our findings showed that FaSnRK1a increases the resistance of strawberry fruit to B.cinerea via SA signaling pathway and interaction with the FaWRKY33.2 transcription factor.

Stability analysis of a slope containing water-sensitive mudstone considering different rainfall conditions at an open-pit mine

Mudstone, as a typical soft rock with wide distribution, has been endangering the slopes containing mudstone by its watersensitivity of swelling and weakening strength when encountering water. To comprehensively understand the water-sensitivity of mudstone and reveal its infuence on slope stability, we took the working slope containing water-sensitive mudstone of Shengli No.1 open-pit coal mine in Xilinhot, Inner Mongolia, China, as an example. Mudstone samples taken from the working slope were remodeled and saturated, and then triaxial tested to obtain the efective cohesion and efective internal friction angle. The flter paper method was used to obtain the soil–water characteristic curve of unsaturated mudstone. The pore structure of mudstone samples with diferent water contents were analyzed using the mercury intrusion porosimetry tests combined with the fractal dimension. The total pore content of the mudstone sample with lower water content is greater than that of the mudstone sample with higher water content. The mesopores are more in the mudstone sample with lower water content, while the small pores are more in the mudstone sample with higher water content. The variation of water content will change the complexity of mudstone pore structure. The higher the water content, the simpler the mudstone pore structure and the smoother the pore surface. Numerical calculations were conducted on the stability of the working slope under diferent rainfall conditions. The efective saturation on the mudstone layer surface changed and the plastic strain all occurred on the mudstone steps under diferent rainfall conditions. The key to preventing landslide of the slope containing water-sensitive mudstone in Shengli No.1 open-pit coal mine is to control the deformation and sliding of the mudstone layer.

Additional Mass: Orthotropic Membrane Material with Four Sides Fixed in Air Flow

When the membrane material in the air field vibrates, it will drive the movement of the surrounding air. The aerodynamic force generated by the moving air will act on the membrane material in turn, resulting in the change of dynamic characteristics such as membrane vibration frequency. In this paper, the additional air mass produced by membrane vibration in air is studied. Firstly, under the assumption that the incoming flow is uniform and incompressible ideal potential flow, the additional air mass acting on the surface is derived by using the thin airfoil theory and potential flow theory respectively. Then, according to the first law of thermodynamics and the principle of aeroelasticity, the analytical expression of the additional air mass is derived. Finally, through a specific example, the variation of the additional air mass with the membrane material parameters and pretension, as well as the influence of the aerodynamic force on the vibration frequency and amplitude of the membrane is obtained.

The Prospective Two-Dimensional Graphene Nanosheets: Preparation, Functionalization, and Applications

Graphene, as an intermediate phase between fullerene and carbon nanotube, has aroused much interests among the scientific community due to its outstanding electronic, mechanical, and thermal properties.With excellent electrical conductivity of 6000 S/cm, which is independent on chirality, graphene is a promising material for high-performance nanoelectronics, transparent conductor, as well as polymer composites. On account of its Young's Modulus of 1 TPa and ultimate strength of 130 GPa, isolated graphene sheet is considered to be among the strongest materials ever measured. Comparable with the single-walled carbon nanotube bundle,graphene has a thermal conductivity of 5000 W/(m·K), which suggests a potential application of graphene in polymer matrix for improving thermal properties of the graphene/polymer composite. Furthermore, graphene exhibits a very high surface area, up to a value of 2630 m^2/g. All of these outstanding properties suggest a wide application for this nanometer-thick, two-dimensional carbon material. This review article presents an overview of the significant advancement in graphene research: preparation, functionalization as well as the properties of graphene will be discussed. In addition, the feasibility and potential applications of graphene in areas, such as sensors, nanoelectronics and nanocomposites materials, will also be reviewed.

High-Performance Li-ion Batteries and Super-capacitors Based on Prospective 1-D Nanomaterials

One-dimensional（1-D） nanomaterials with superior specific capacity, higher rate capability, better cycling peroperties have demonstrated significant advantages for high-performance Li-ion batteries and supercapacitors. This review describes some recent developments on the rechargeable electrodes by using 1-D nanomaterials（such as Li Mn2O4 nanowires, carbon nanofibers, Ni Mo O4 · n H2O nanorods, V2O5 nanoribbons,carbon nanotubes, etc.）. New preparation methods and superior electrochemical properties of the 1-D nanomaterials including carbon nanotube（CNT）, some oxides, transition metal compounds and polymers, and their composites are emphatically introduced. The VGCF/Li Fe PO4/C triaxial nanowire cathodes for Li-ion battery present a positive cycling performance without any degradation in almost theoretical capacity（160 m Ah/g）.The Si nanowire anodes for Li-ion battery show the highest known theoretical charge capacity（4277 m Ah/g）,that is about 11 times lager than that of the commercial graphite（372 m Ah/g）. The SWCNT/Ni foam electrodes for supercapacitor display small equivalent series resistance（ESR, 52 m?） and impressive high power density（20 k W/kg）. The advantages and challenges associated with the application of these materials for energy conversion and storage devices are highlighted.

A Novel Artificial Neuron-Like Gas Sensor Constructed from CuS Quantum Dots/Bi2S3 Nanosheets

Real-time rapid detection of toxic gases at room temperature is particularly important for public health and environmental monitoring.Gas sensors based on conventional bulk materials often suffer from their poor surface-sensitive sites,leading to a very low gas adsorption ability.Moreover,the charge transportation efficiency is usually inhibited by the low defect density of surface-sensitive area than that in the interior.In this work,a gas sensing structure model based on CuS quantum dots/Bi_(2)S_(3) nanosheets(CuS QDs/Bi_(2)S_(3) NSs)inspired by artificial neuron network is constructed.Simulation analysis by density functional calculation revealed that CuS QDs and Bi_(2)S_(3) NSs can be used as the main adsorption sites and charge transport pathways,respectively.Thus,the high-sensitivity sensing of NO_(2) can be realized by designing the artificial neuron-like sensor.The experimental results showed that the CuS QDs with a size of about 8 nm are highly adsorbable,which can enhance the NO_(2) sensitivity due to the rich sensitive sites and quantum size effect.The Bi_(2)S_(3) NSs can be used as a charge transfer network channel to achieve efficient charge collection and transmission.The neuron-like sensor that simulates biological smell shows a significantly enhanced response value(3.4),excellent responsiveness(18 s)and recovery rate(338 s),low theoretical detection limit of 78 ppb,and excellent selectivity for NO_(2).Furthermore,the developed wearable device can also realize the visual detection of NO2 through real-time signal changes.

Highly Enhanced Visible-Light-Driven Photoelectrochemical Performance of ZnO-Modified In_2S_3 Nanosheet Arrays by Atomic Layer Deposition

Photoanodes based on In_2S_3/ZnO heterojunction nanosheet arrays(NSAs) have been fabricated by atomic layer deposition of ZnO over In_2S_3 NSAs, which were in situ grown on fluorine-doped tin oxide glasses via a facile solvothermal process. The as-prepared photoanodes show dramatically enhanced performance for photoelectrochemical(PEC) water splitting, compared to single semiconductor counterparts. The optical and PEC properties of In_2S_3/ZnO NSAs have been optimized by modulating the thickness of the Zn O overlayer. After pairing with ZnO, the NSAs exhibit a broadened absorption range and an increased light absorptance over a wide wavelength region of 250–850 nm. The optimized sample of In_2S_3/ZnO-50 NSAs shows a photocurrent density of 1.642 m A cm^(-2)(1.5 V vs. RHE) and an incident photonto-current efficiency of 27.64% at 380 nm(1.23 V vs.RHE), which are 70 and 116 times higher than those of the pristine In_2S_3 NSAs, respectively. A detailed energy band edge analysis reveals the type-II band alignment of the In_2S_3/ZnO heterojunction, which enables efficient separation and collection of photogenerated carriers,especially with the assistance of positive bias potential, and then results in the significantly increased PEC activity.

High Potential Columnar Nanocrystalline AlN Films Deposited by RF Reactive Magnetron Sputtering

Columnar nanocrystalline aluminum nitride(cnc-AlN) thin films with(002) orientation and uniform texture have been deposited successfully on large silicon wafers by RF reactive magnetron sputtering.At the optimum sputtering parameters, the deposited cnc-AlN thin films show a c-axis preferred orientation with a crystallite size of about 28 nm and surface roughness(RMS) of about 1.29 nm. The cnc-AlN thin films were well transparent with an optical band gap about 4.8 e V, and the residual compressive stress and the defect density in the film have been revealed by Ramon spectroscopy. Moreover, piezoelectric performances of the cnc-AlN thin films executed effectively in a film bulk acoustic resonator structure.

Advances in Conceptual Electronic Nanodevices based on 0D and 1D Nanomaterials

Nanoelectronic devices are being extensively developed in these years with a large variety of potential applications. In this article, some recent developments in nanoelectronic devices, including their principles, structures and potential applications are reviewed. As nanodevices work in nanometer dimensions, they consume much less power and function much faster than conventional microelectronic devices. Nanoelectronic devices can operate in different principles so that they can be further grouped into field emission devices,molecular devices, quantum devices, etc. Nanodevices can function as sensors, diodes, transistors, photovoltaic and light emitting devices, etc. Recent advances in both theoretical simulation and fabrication technologies expedite the development process from device design to prototype demonstration. Practical applications with a great market value from nanoelectronic devices are expected in near future.

C60 Fullerenes Suppress Reactive Oxygen Species Toxicity Damage in Boar Sperm

We report the carboxylated C60 improved the survival and quality of boar sperm during liquid storage at 4°C and thus propose the use of carboxylated C60 as a novel antioxidant semen extender supplement.Our results demonstrated that the sperm treated with 2μg mL?1 carboxylated C60 had higher motility than the control group(58.6%and 35.4%,respectively;P?0.05).Moreover,after incubation with carboxylated C60 for 10 days,acrosome integrity and mitochondrial activity of sperm increased by 18.1%and 34%,respectively,compared with that in the control group.Similarly,the antioxidation abilities and adenosine triphosphate levels in boar sperm treated with carboxylated C60 significantly increased(P?0.05)compared with those in the control group.The presence of carboxylated C60 in semen extender increases sperm motility probably by suppressing reactive oxygen species(ROS)toxicity damage.Interestingly,carboxylated C60 could protect boar sperm from oxidative stress and energy deficiency by inhibiting the ROS-induced protein dephosphorylation via the cAMP-PKA signaling pathway.In addition,the safety of carboxylated C60 as an alternative antioxidant was also comprehensively evaluated by assessing the mean litter size and number of live offspring in the carboxylated C60 treatment group.Our findings confirm carboxylated C60 as a novel antioxidant agent and suggest its use as a semen extender supplement for assisted reproductive technology in domestic animals.

Development of Inorganic Solar Cells by Nanotechnology

Inorganic solar cells, as durable photovoltaic devices for harvesting electric energy from sun light,have received tremendous attention due to the fear of exhausting the earth's energy resources and damaging the living environment due to greenhouse gases. Some recent developments in nanotechnology have opened up new avenues for more relevant inorganic solar cells produced by new photovoltaic conversion concepts and effective solar energy harvesting nanostructures. In this review, the multiple exciton generation effect solar cells, hot carrier solar cells, one dimensional material constructed asymmetrical schottky barrier arrays, noble nanoparticle induced plasmonic enhancement, and light trapping nanostructured semiconductor solar cells are highlighted.

A Facile Route for the Large Scale Fabrication of Graphene Oxide Papers and Their Mechanical Enhancement by Cross-linking with Glutaraldehyde

A facile route for the large scale production of graphene oxide(GO) papers and their mechanical enhancement has been presented in this work. The novel paper-like GO made from individual GO sheets in aqueous suspension can be achieved in large scale by a simple drop casting method on hydrophobic substrates.Significant enhancement in mechanical stiffness(341%) and fracture strength(234%) of GO paper have been achieved upon modification with a small amount(less than 10 wt%) of glutaraldehyde(GA). The cross-linking reaction takes place between hydroxyl groups on the surface of GO and aldehyde groups of GA, through forming hemiacetal structure, which can result in distinct mechanical enhancement of the GO papers.

Unique Characteristics of Vertical Carbon Nanotube Field-effect Transistors on Silicon

A vertical carbon nanotube field-effect transistor(CNTFET) based on silicon(Si) substrate has been proposed and simulated using a semi-classical theory. A single-walled carbon nanotube(SWNT) and an n-type Si nanowire in series construct the channel of the transistor. The CNTFET presents ambipolar characteristics at positive drain voltage(Vd) and n-type characteristics at negative Vd. The current is significantly influenced by the doping level of n-Si and the SWNT band gap. The n-branch current of the ambipolar characteristics increases with increasing doping level of the n-Si while the p-branch current decreases. The SWNT band gap has the same influence on the p-branch current at a positive Vd and n-type characteristics at negative Vd. The lower the SWNT band gap, the higher the current. However, it has no impact on the n-branch current in the ambipolar characteristics. Thick oxide is found to significantly degrade the current and the subthreshold slope of the CNTFETs.

Novel Nanotrees of Crystalline Nickel Formed via Electrolytic Approach

Tree-shaped nickel nanocrystals with long main trunk and highly ordered branches were prepared via electrolytic method in ethylene glycol solution. The morphology and structures of nanotrees of crystalline nickel can be controlled by the processing of the surfactant(PVP) and electrolytic voltage. Magnetic property measurements at room temperature indicated that the as-prepared nanotrees of crystalline nickel possess higher saturation magnetism(MS) and coercivity(HC) than those of corresponding bulk nickel materials.

Small intestine adenocarcinoma associated with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome: a report of 5 cases and literature review

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome(PJS) is a rare autosomal dominant inherited disorder, manifested as multiple hamartomatous polyps of gastrointestinal tract, mucocutaneous pigmentations and increased risk of cancers. In this manuscript, we reported five cases of small intestinal carcinoma associated with the PJS. All the five patients have a history of PJS and postoperative pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of small intestinal carcinoma. Histopathological features and recommended surveillance were additionally discussed.

Improving the Seismic Performance of Staircases in Building Structures with a Novel Isolator

A staircase provides the main escape way from a building in an emergency.Unfortunately,it may suffer severe damages or even collapse during an earthquake.For improving the seismic performance of staircases,this paper proposes an innovative staircase isolator with the features of lightweight,costeffective and ease of construction and replacement,which is formed by suitable engineering plastic shims between rubber layers.A connection construction scheme is also proposed for the isolated staircase.Systematic performance tests have been carried out to characterize the isolator in terms of mechanic behavior and ultimate states.The test results show that mechanical properties of the proposed staircase isolator are excellent and suitable for staircase in building structure.In order to investigate the influence of staircase on building structural responses,time history analyses of a typical building structure without staircase(WS),with fixed staircase(FS)and with isolated staircase(IS)are conducted and compared within the environment of SAP2000.Results show that staircase isolation can effectively eliminate the diagonal bracing effect of staircase slab and make structural components uniformly stressed.When the novel isolator is employed for staircase in a building structure,there is no vulnerable position in staircase and the performance of staircase in building structure can be greatly enhanced.

One-Step Cutting of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Using Nanoscissors

A novel,simple,and effective one-step method has been developed to cut the conventional long and entangled multi-walled carbon nanotubes(MWCNTs) with nanoscissors.The cutting process was carried out by the interactive collision of CNTs with the silicon carbide particles adhered on the abrasive papers.The final cut nanotubes have an average length of 200~300 nm.The statistical length distribution result indicates that cutting by this method achieves high cutting efficiency for short duration of 2 min.Shortened nanotubes are found to be easily dispersed into aqueous and ethanol solutions.The cut MWCNTs/copper composite thin film fabricated by combined electrophoresis and electroplating techniques reveals that MWCNTs after cutting are well distributed and adhered to the Cu matrix.This method is not only fast and efficient but also no chemical waste,which will expand many potential applications of CNTs.

Poly(Glycidyl Methacrylates)-grafted Zinc Oxide Nanowire by Surface-initiated Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization

Poly(glycidyl methacrylates)(PGMA) was grafted from zinc oxide(ZnO) nanowires via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization(SI-ATRP) technique.Firstly,the ZnO nanowires were synthesized by the one-pot hydrothermal technique.Subsequently,the ZnO was functionalized with 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane,which was converted to macroinitiator by the esterification of them with 2-bromopropionyl bromide.PGMA grafted ZnO nanowires(PGMA-ZnO) were then synthesized in an ATRP of the GMA with CuCl/2,2`-bipyridine as the catalyst system.Kinetics studies revealed an approximate linear increase in weight of polymer with reaction time,indicating that the polymerization process owned some "living" character.The structure and composition of PGMA-ZnO were characterized with scanning electron microscope(SEM),energy-dispersive X-ray(EDX) spectrometer,fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR) and thermogravimetric analysis(TGA).

Primary extraosseous Ewing's sarcoma of the lung in a 36-year-old female patient:clinical,imaging,and pathologic findings

Primary extraosseous Ewing's sarcoma is a very rare clinical entity. In the report, we present the case of a 36year-old female patient who underwent resection of lung mass and was diagnosed as having Ewing's sarcoma by pathological examination. The clinical, imaging, and pathologic features of the case are described and discussed.