DNAzyme-Mediated Genetically Encoded Sensors for Ratiometric Imaging of Metal Ions in Living Cells

Genetically encoded fluorescent proteins (FPs) have been used for metal ion detection. However, their applications are restricted to a limited number of metal ions owing to the lack of available metal-binding proteins or peptides that can be fused to FPs and the difficulty in transforming the binding of metal ions into a change of fluorescent signal. We report herein the use of Mg²⁺-specific 10–23 or Zn²⁺-specific 8–17 RNA-cleaving DNAzymes to regulate the expression of FPs as a new class of ratiometric fluorescent sensors for metal ions. Specifically, we demonstrate the use of DNAzymes to suppress the expression of Clover2, a variant of the green FP (GFP), by cleaving the mRNA of Clover2, while the expression of Ruby2, a mutant of the red FP (RFP), is not affected. The Mg²⁺ or Zn²⁺ in HeLa cells can be detected using both confocal imaging and flow cytometry. Since a wide variety of metal-specific DNAzymes can be obtained, this method can likely be applied to imaging many other metal ions, expanding the range of the current genetically encoded fluorescent protein-based sensors.     

(NH4)Bi2(IO3)2F5: An Unusual Ammonium-Containing Metal Iodate Fluoride Showing Strong Second Harmonic Generation Response and Thermochromic Behavior

An ammonium-containing metal iodate fluoride compound, (NH₄)Bi₂(IO₃)₂F₅, featuring a two-dimensional double-layered framework constructed by [BiO₂F₅]⁶⁻ and [BiO₄F₄]⁹⁻ polyhedra, as well as [IO₃]⁻ groups, was successfully synthesized. The well-ordered alignment of these SHG-active units leads to an extraordinary strong SHG response of 9.2 times that of KDP. Moreover, this compound possesses a large birefringence (Δn=0.0690 at 589.3 nm), a wide energy band gap (E_g=3.88 eV), and a high laser damage threshold (LDT; 40.2×AgGaS₂). In particular, thermochromic behavior was observed for the first time in this type of compound. Such multifunctional crystals will expand the application of nonlinear optical materials.     

Design and synthesis of the honeycomb PtSnNa/ZSM-5 monolithic catalyst for propane dehydrogenation

A novel PtSnNa/ZSM-5 monolithic catalyst was designed and synthesized for the propane dehydrogenation reaction, which was a significant transformation in industry. Experimental results showed that although the propane conversion and the propylene selectivity gradually fell down along with the reaction time, the descent speed of the PtSnNa/ZSM-5 monolithic catalyst was slower than that of the granule catalyst and the propane conversion and propylene selectivity of the reaction with monolithic catalyst still remained at a high level after 12 hr. The monolithic catalyst had regular pore structure that facilitated the separation of the product from the catalyst and reduced the limitation on internal and external diffusion and mass transfer, and led to the high catalytic activity and stability. The catalyst could be easily fabricated and was of highly industrial application potential.     

Synthesis of 2-methylacrylamide/high-molecular-weight cellulose using gamma ray irradiation and preparation of cryogels for removing anionic dyes

Cellulose - We report a new method for treating high-molecular-weight cellulose with 60Co gamma rays to simultaneously graft functional groups onto the natural polymer and promote its...     

Nanosized Carbon Macrocycles Based on a Planar Chiral Pseudo Meta-[2.2]Paracyclophane

Structural designs combining cycloparaphenylenes (CPPs) backbone with planar chiral [2.2]paracyclophane ([2.2]PCP) lead to optical-active chiral macrocycles with intriguing properties. X-ray crystal analysis revealed aesthetic necklace-shaped structures and size-dependent packages with long-range channels. The macrocycles exhibit unique photophysical properties with high fluorescence quantum yield of up to 82 %, and the fluorescent color varies with ring size. In addition, size-dependent chiroptical properties with moderately large CPL dissymmetry factor of 10⁻³ and CPL brightness in the range of 30–40 M⁻¹ cm⁻¹ were observed.     

Establishment of the tension stress model considering metal lateral flow for foil rolling

In rolling production, the foil flatness quality is judged by detecting the lateral distribution of the front tension stress. Currently, because of the inaccuracy of the tension control model, there are still many flatness defects in foil rolling production. For the tension stress model of foil rolling, the primary problem is the inaccuracy of the metal lateral flow model. Therefore, based on Fleck’s foil rolling theory, a new model of the lateral displacement in the foil deformation region is established by using the principle of minimum potential energy. Next, a tension stress model is established, which takes the effect of the metal lateral flow into account. Last, using a laboratory 20-high rolling mill as the research object, the finite element model of foil rolling is established, and the accuracy of the new model is demonstrated by comparing the theoretical calculations with the simulation results.

     

黏弹性接触界面端附近的奇异应力场

研究蠕变加载条件下线黏弹性材料接触界面端附近的奇异应力场问题.考虑接触界面的摩擦,假设界面端的滑移方向不改变,相对滑移量微小,且其与位移同量级,由此线性化局部边界条件,根据对应原理得到Laplace变换域中的界面端应力场,导出时域中奇异应力场的卷积积分表达式.对卷积积分核函数进行数值反演,考虑接触材料的两类组合,一是持久模量具有量级上的差异,另一是持久模量接近相同.算例结果证实核函数可以用准弹性法求得的解析式较准确地近似.在此基础上,利用积分中值定理,并引入各应力分量的修正系数,得到黏弹性奇异应力场的简化式.结合核函数的数值反演结果分析修正系数表达式的取值范围,得到如下结论,若两相接触材料的持久模量相差很大,可以采用准弹性解的解析式较准确地描述界面端的奇异应力场;一般情况下,应力场不存在统一的奇异值和应力强度系数,当采用类似于准弹性解的表达式近似给出黏弹性应力场时,可以估计此近似描述的误差限.文中最后采用有限元分析黏弹性板端部嵌入部位的应力场,算例包括了黏弹性板与弹性金属支承、黏弹性板与黏弹性垫层所形成的滑移接触界面端,利用黏弹性有限元的数值结果验证理论分析所得结论的有效性.      

Viscous Shock Wave to an Inflow Problem for Compressible Viscous Gas with Large Density Oscillations

Acta Mathematicae Applicatae Sinica, English Series - This paper is concerned with the inflow problem for one-dimensional compressible Navier-Stokes equations. For such a problem, Huang, Matsumura,...     

Enhanced Thermal Decomposition Properties and Catalytic Mechanism of Ammonium Perchlorate over CuO/MoS2 Composite

In this report, CuO/MoS₂ composites were successfully prepared by the hydrothermal method where nano‐sized CuO was uniformly distributed on the surface of hierarchical MoS₂ substrates (CuO/MoS₂ composites). Their physicochemical properties and catalytic performance in ammonium perchlorate (AP) decomposition were investigated and characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, BET, XPS, TG/DSC and combustion measurement. The results showed that it could decrease AP decomposition temperature at high decomposition stage from 416.5 °C to 323.5 °C and increase the heat release from 378 J/g (pure AP) to 1340 J/g (AP with catalysts), which was better than pure CuO nanoparticles (345.5 °C and 1046 J/g). Meanwhile, it showed excellent performance in combustion reaction either in N₂ or air atmosphere. The results obtained by photocurrent spectra, photoluminescence spectra and time‐resolved fluorescence emission spectra indicated that loading CuO mediated the generation rate and combination rate of electrons and holes, thus tuning the catalytic performance on AP decomposition. This study proved that employing the supports that can synergistically interact with CuO is an efficient strategy to enhance the catalytic performance of CuO.     

Targeted Construction of Amorphous MoSx with an Inherent Chain Molecular Structure for Improved Pseudocapacitive Lithium-Ion Response

Owing to low ion/electron conductivity and large volume change, transitional metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) suffer from inferior cycle stability and rate capability when used as the anode of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). To overcome these disadvantages, amorphous molybdenum sulfide (MoS_x) nanospheres were prepared and coated with an ultrathin carbon layer through a simple one-pot reaction. Combining X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) with theoretical calculations, MoS_x was confirmed as having a special chain molecular structure with two forms of S bonding (S²⁻ and S₂²⁻), the optimal adsorption sites of Li⁺ were located at S₂²⁻. As a result, the MoS_x electrode exhibits superior cycle and rate capacities compared with crystalline 2H-MoS₂ (e.g., delivering a high capacity of 612.4 mAh g⁻¹ after 500 cycles at 1 A g⁻¹). This is mainly attributed to more exposed active S₂²⁻ sites for Li storage, more Li⁺ transfer pathways for improved ion conductivity, and suppressed electrode structure pulverization of MoS_x derived from the inherent chain-like molecular structure. Quantitative charge storage analysis further demonstrates the improved pseudocapacitive contribution of amorphous MoS_x induced by fast reaction kinetics. Moreover, the morphology contrast after cycling demonstrates the dispersion of active materials is more uniform for MoS_x than 2H-MoS₂, suggesting the MoS_x can well accommodate the volume stress of the electrode during discharging. Through regulating the molecular structure, this work provides an effective targeted strategy to overcome the intrinsic issues of TMDs for high-performance LIBs.