Objective To investigate effects of aging on spermatogenesis in testis, sperm maturation in epididymis, and fertility in mice. Methods Testicular specimens, caput epididymal sperm and cauda epididymal sperm were ob...Objective To investigate effects of aging on spermatogenesis in testis, sperm maturation in epididymis, and fertility in mice. Methods Testicular specimens, caput epididymal sperm and cauda epididymal sperm were obtained from Kuming mice (18-month aged group, n =15; 6-month young group as control, n=15). The testicular histological examinations and quantitative evaluations on spermatogenesis were performed. Sperm parameters including sperm density, sperm viability, sperm motility, and normal morphological rate were assessed. The fertilization rate and embryo development were measured by in vitro fertilization and embryo culture. Results The histological changes of testes in aged mice were mainly seminiferous tubule atrophy and hypospermatogenesis. In aged testes, a significant decline was .found in the numbers of round spermatids and elongated spermatids per Sertoli cell (P 〈0.01). Sperm density, sperm motility and normal morphological rate in caput epididymis and cauda epididymis in aged mice significantly decreased (P〈0.05). The fertilization rate and embryo development of aged group were lower than those in the control(P〈0. 01). Conclusions Spermatogenesis and sperm functions could be maintained in the aging male. However, aging affects spermatogenesis and sperm maturation, which leads to lower the quality of sperm, including sperm fertilizing capacity. The development of embryo from aging sperm would have more abnormalities.展开更多
Electrocatalysis is an efficient green process for energy conversion.However,for gas-related electrocatalytic reaction,sluggish gas transport has inhibited significantly the promotion of electrocatalytic performances....Electrocatalysis is an efficient green process for energy conversion.However,for gas-related electrocatalytic reaction,sluggish gas transport has inhibited significantly the promotion of electrocatalytic performances.Herein,hierarchical monolithic material 3 DPC-650 and 3 DPC-650@Ni/Ni(OH)_(2) were prepared by3 D printing polyethyleneimine cross-linking oxygenated carbon nanotube and following nickel electrodeposition.3 DPC-650 and 3 DPC-650@Ni/Ni(OH)_(2) have regular pore structure in consistence with3 D printing design and uniform dispersed elements.Amide bonds and carbon defects are presented on the surface of 3 DPC-650 and 3 DPC-650@Ni/Ni(OH)_(2) as well as uniformly distributed β-Ni(OH)_(2) on3 DPC-650@Ni/Ni(OH)_(2).3 DPC-650 and 3 DPC-650@Ni/Ni(OH)_(2) present lower overpotentials of 322 and160 mV for hydrogen evolution reaction in 1.0 M KOH at 50 mA cm^(-2),respectively.The ordered channel,high turnover frequency and electrochemically active surface area,hydrophilic and aerophobic properties result in the higher performance of 3 DPC-650 and 3 DPC-650@Ni/Ni(OH)_(2) than traditional supports(carbon paper,carbon cloth,and nickel foam) and electrocatalysts.This work provides an efficient pathway for design and preparation of the monolithic electrocatalyst and electrode used for electrochemical reactions where gas is involved.展开更多
Electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction(NO_(3)RR)towards ammonia,as an emerging and appealing technology alternative to the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process and inefficient nitrogen reduction reaction,has recen...Electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction(NO_(3)RR)towards ammonia,as an emerging and appealing technology alternative to the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process and inefficient nitrogen reduction reaction,has recently aroused wide concern and research.However,the current research of the NO_(3)RR towards ammonia lacks the overall performance comparison of various electrocatalysts.Given this,we here make a comparison of 12 common transition metal oxide catalysts for the NO_(3)RR under a high cathodic current density of 0.25 A·cm^(-2),wherein Co_(3)O_(4) catalyst displays the highest ammonia Faradaic efficiency(85.15%)and moderate activity(ca.-0.25 V vs.reversible hydrogen electrode).Other external factors,such as nitrate concentrations in the electrolyte and applied potential ranges,have also been specifically investigated for the NO_(3)RR.展开更多
Ni-based transition metal nitrides(TMNs)have been regarded as promising substitutes for noble-metal electrocatalysts towards the hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)due to their low cost,excellent chemical stability,high ...Ni-based transition metal nitrides(TMNs)have been regarded as promising substitutes for noble-metal electrocatalysts towards the hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)due to their low cost,excellent chemical stability,high electronic conductivity,and unique electronic structure.However,facile green synthesis and rational microstructure design of Ni-based TMNs electrocatalysts with high HER activity remain challenging.In this work,we report the fabrication of Ni/Ni_(3)N heterostructure nanoarrays on carbon paper via a one-step magnetron sputtering method under low temperature and N2 atmosphere.The Ni/Ni_(3)N hierarchical nanoarrays exhibit an excellent HER catalytic activity with a low overpotential of 37 mV at 10 mA·cm^(−2)and robust long-term durability over 100 h.Furthermore,the Ni/Ni_(3)N||NiFeOH(NiFeOH=NiFe bimetallic hydroxide)electrolyzer requires a small voltage of 1.54 V to obtain 10 mA·cm^(−2)for water electrolysis.Density functional theory(DFT)calculations reveal that the heterointerface between Ni and Ni_(3)N could directly induce electron redistribution to optimize the electronic structure,which accelerates the dissociation of water molecules and the subsequent hydrogen desorption,and thus boosting the HER kinetics.展开更多
Fluorescent materials have received more and more attention in the past few decades because of their great potentials in the fields of luminescent devices,sensing,data storage,bioimaging,and other optical applications...Fluorescent materials have received more and more attention in the past few decades because of their great potentials in the fields of luminescent devices,sensing,data storage,bioimaging,and other optical applications.Fluorescent materials comprising organic molecules are of broad interest owing to their highly tunable emission.Initial studies on organic fluorescent materials were mainly focused on the design and covalent modification of fluorophores in order to improve their photophysical properties at the molecular level,whereas in recent decades,many studies have revealed that the intermolecular or intramolecular noncovalent interactions also play a crucial role in luminescence.For example,the modulation of noncovalent interactions in aggregates and selfassemblies was proven to be capable of adjusting aggregation-induced emission(AIE)-active fluorophores by the restriction of intramolecular motions(RIM).In addition,in the crystalline state,intermolecular noncovalent interactions are able to promote phosphorescence by decreasing nonradiative decays.Introducing supramolecular macrocycles into organic fluorescent materials is an intriguing prospect because multiple noncovalent interactions are incorporated.On one hand,the photophysical properties of fluorophores can be changed upon inclusion within the macrocycles,providing unforeseen luminescence.On the other hand,the dynamic and reversible features of host−guest recognition endow the materials with controllability and stimuli-responsiveness,which is beneficial to the fabrication of smart materials.Among numerous supramolecular macrocycles,pillararenes are promising candidates that can be included in fluorescent materials.The advantages of pillararenes are their easy functionalization and planar chirality.After modification with proper substituents,pillararene derivatives possess high solubility and stability in both organic and aqueous media,and reversible guest binding remains.Such features make pillararenes versatile hosts in different environments.Additionally,pillararenes are planar chiral,and the interconversion between enantiomers can be adjusted with different-sized substituents and external stimuli,which are favorable to the construction of chiroptical materials.In this Account,we summarize research progress in the field of pillararene-based luminescent materials,which mainly includes the contributions made by our group.Using pillararenes as building blocks can facilitate the fabrication of high-performance fluorescent materials,in solution or the solid state,with different functions and mechanisms.Therefore,we categorize pillararene-based luminescent materials as those in solution or in the solid state.The applications and the advantages of pillararenes are discussed in detail.For example,in the solid state,pillararene-based host−guest complexation is capable of minimizing the aggregation-caused quenching(ACQ)of fluorophores.This broadens the application of fluorophores in crystalline materials.In solution,the host−guest complexes of pillararenes and fluorophores can self-assemble into well-defined nanostructures,which not only adjust the photophysical properties but also enable functions such as bioimaging.The remaining challenges and future perspectives are outlined at the end.It is expected that this Account will inspire new researchers in different fields and offer new opportunities for the construction of novel luminescent materials with pillararenes and other macrocycles.展开更多
基金This study was supported by Nature Science Foundation of Guangdong Province, China (No.010399).
文摘Objective To investigate effects of aging on spermatogenesis in testis, sperm maturation in epididymis, and fertility in mice. Methods Testicular specimens, caput epididymal sperm and cauda epididymal sperm were obtained from Kuming mice (18-month aged group, n =15; 6-month young group as control, n=15). The testicular histological examinations and quantitative evaluations on spermatogenesis were performed. Sperm parameters including sperm density, sperm viability, sperm motility, and normal morphological rate were assessed. The fertilization rate and embryo development were measured by in vitro fertilization and embryo culture. Results The histological changes of testes in aged mice were mainly seminiferous tubule atrophy and hypospermatogenesis. In aged testes, a significant decline was .found in the numbers of round spermatids and elongated spermatids per Sertoli cell (P 〈0.01). Sperm density, sperm motility and normal morphological rate in caput epididymis and cauda epididymis in aged mice significantly decreased (P〈0.05). The fertilization rate and embryo development of aged group were lower than those in the control(P〈0. 01). Conclusions Spermatogenesis and sperm functions could be maintained in the aging male. However, aging affects spermatogenesis and sperm maturation, which leads to lower the quality of sperm, including sperm fertilizing capacity. The development of embryo from aging sperm would have more abnormalities.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 22078270)。
文摘Electrocatalysis is an efficient green process for energy conversion.However,for gas-related electrocatalytic reaction,sluggish gas transport has inhibited significantly the promotion of electrocatalytic performances.Herein,hierarchical monolithic material 3 DPC-650 and 3 DPC-650@Ni/Ni(OH)_(2) were prepared by3 D printing polyethyleneimine cross-linking oxygenated carbon nanotube and following nickel electrodeposition.3 DPC-650 and 3 DPC-650@Ni/Ni(OH)_(2) have regular pore structure in consistence with3 D printing design and uniform dispersed elements.Amide bonds and carbon defects are presented on the surface of 3 DPC-650 and 3 DPC-650@Ni/Ni(OH)_(2) as well as uniformly distributed β-Ni(OH)_(2) on3 DPC-650@Ni/Ni(OH)_(2).3 DPC-650 and 3 DPC-650@Ni/Ni(OH)_(2) present lower overpotentials of 322 and160 mV for hydrogen evolution reaction in 1.0 M KOH at 50 mA cm^(-2),respectively.The ordered channel,high turnover frequency and electrochemically active surface area,hydrophilic and aerophobic properties result in the higher performance of 3 DPC-650 and 3 DPC-650@Ni/Ni(OH)_(2) than traditional supports(carbon paper,carbon cloth,and nickel foam) and electrocatalysts.This work provides an efficient pathway for design and preparation of the monolithic electrocatalyst and electrode used for electrochemical reactions where gas is involved.
基金supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,China(No.20720210010)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.22001081,22075236)the Science and Technology Projects of Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province(IKKEM,No.HRTP-[2022]-7).
文摘Electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction(NO_(3)RR)towards ammonia,as an emerging and appealing technology alternative to the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process and inefficient nitrogen reduction reaction,has recently aroused wide concern and research.However,the current research of the NO_(3)RR towards ammonia lacks the overall performance comparison of various electrocatalysts.Given this,we here make a comparison of 12 common transition metal oxide catalysts for the NO_(3)RR under a high cathodic current density of 0.25 A·cm^(-2),wherein Co_(3)O_(4) catalyst displays the highest ammonia Faradaic efficiency(85.15%)and moderate activity(ca.-0.25 V vs.reversible hydrogen electrode).Other external factors,such as nitrate concentrations in the electrolyte and applied potential ranges,have also been specifically investigated for the NO_(3)RR.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.51601163,22001081,and 22075236)the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province(No.2021J011211)+1 种基金the Xiamen Municipal Bureau of Science and Technology(No.3502Z20206070)the Open Fund of Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional Materials and Applications(No.fma2018012),and Xiamen University.
文摘Ni-based transition metal nitrides(TMNs)have been regarded as promising substitutes for noble-metal electrocatalysts towards the hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)due to their low cost,excellent chemical stability,high electronic conductivity,and unique electronic structure.However,facile green synthesis and rational microstructure design of Ni-based TMNs electrocatalysts with high HER activity remain challenging.In this work,we report the fabrication of Ni/Ni_(3)N heterostructure nanoarrays on carbon paper via a one-step magnetron sputtering method under low temperature and N2 atmosphere.The Ni/Ni_(3)N hierarchical nanoarrays exhibit an excellent HER catalytic activity with a low overpotential of 37 mV at 10 mA·cm^(−2)and robust long-term durability over 100 h.Furthermore,the Ni/Ni_(3)N||NiFeOH(NiFeOH=NiFe bimetallic hydroxide)electrolyzer requires a small voltage of 1.54 V to obtain 10 mA·cm^(−2)for water electrolysis.Density functional theory(DFT)calculations reveal that the heterointerface between Ni and Ni_(3)N could directly induce electron redistribution to optimize the electronic structure,which accelerates the dissociation of water molecules and the subsequent hydrogen desorption,and thus boosting the HER kinetics.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32271551)Jiangsu Social Development Project (BE2022792)the Metasequoia funding of Nanjing Forestry University。
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2021YFA0910100)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(22035006)+1 种基金the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(LD21B020001)the Starry Night Science Fund of Zhejiang University Shanghai Institute for Advanced Study(SN-ZJU-SIAS-006).
文摘Fluorescent materials have received more and more attention in the past few decades because of their great potentials in the fields of luminescent devices,sensing,data storage,bioimaging,and other optical applications.Fluorescent materials comprising organic molecules are of broad interest owing to their highly tunable emission.Initial studies on organic fluorescent materials were mainly focused on the design and covalent modification of fluorophores in order to improve their photophysical properties at the molecular level,whereas in recent decades,many studies have revealed that the intermolecular or intramolecular noncovalent interactions also play a crucial role in luminescence.For example,the modulation of noncovalent interactions in aggregates and selfassemblies was proven to be capable of adjusting aggregation-induced emission(AIE)-active fluorophores by the restriction of intramolecular motions(RIM).In addition,in the crystalline state,intermolecular noncovalent interactions are able to promote phosphorescence by decreasing nonradiative decays.Introducing supramolecular macrocycles into organic fluorescent materials is an intriguing prospect because multiple noncovalent interactions are incorporated.On one hand,the photophysical properties of fluorophores can be changed upon inclusion within the macrocycles,providing unforeseen luminescence.On the other hand,the dynamic and reversible features of host−guest recognition endow the materials with controllability and stimuli-responsiveness,which is beneficial to the fabrication of smart materials.Among numerous supramolecular macrocycles,pillararenes are promising candidates that can be included in fluorescent materials.The advantages of pillararenes are their easy functionalization and planar chirality.After modification with proper substituents,pillararene derivatives possess high solubility and stability in both organic and aqueous media,and reversible guest binding remains.Such features make pillararenes versatile hosts in different environments.Additionally,pillararenes are planar chiral,and the interconversion between enantiomers can be adjusted with different-sized substituents and external stimuli,which are favorable to the construction of chiroptical materials.In this Account,we summarize research progress in the field of pillararene-based luminescent materials,which mainly includes the contributions made by our group.Using pillararenes as building blocks can facilitate the fabrication of high-performance fluorescent materials,in solution or the solid state,with different functions and mechanisms.Therefore,we categorize pillararene-based luminescent materials as those in solution or in the solid state.The applications and the advantages of pillararenes are discussed in detail.For example,in the solid state,pillararene-based host−guest complexation is capable of minimizing the aggregation-caused quenching(ACQ)of fluorophores.This broadens the application of fluorophores in crystalline materials.In solution,the host−guest complexes of pillararenes and fluorophores can self-assemble into well-defined nanostructures,which not only adjust the photophysical properties but also enable functions such as bioimaging.The remaining challenges and future perspectives are outlined at the end.It is expected that this Account will inspire new researchers in different fields and offer new opportunities for the construction of novel luminescent materials with pillararenes and other macrocycles.