Some limit theorems for negatively associated random variables

Let {X _n , n ≥ 1} be a sequence of negatively associated random variables. The aim of this paper is to establish some limit theorems of negatively associated sequence, which include the L ^p -convergence theorem and Marcinkiewicz–Zygmund strong law of large numbers. Furthermore, we consider the strong law of sums of order statistics, which are sampled from negatively associated random variables.     

Reaction mechanism of NH3-SCR denitrification over rare-earth concentrate

Research on Chemical Intermediates - A rare-earth concentrate obtained from Bayan Obo tailings was used as catalyst for low-temperature selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx. X-ray powder...     

First Total Synthesis of (±)-Kenusanone B

The first total synthesis of a natural prenylflavanone, (±)-kenusanone B (1) has been achieved by condensation of acetophenone 4 and benzaldehyde 6 followed by cyclization and deprotection. Chloromethyl methyl ether was used as a facile protecting reagent of free hydroxy groups for the synthesis of polyhydroxylated flavanones.     

Recent Progress on 2D Transition Metal Compounds-based Electrocatalysts for Efficient Nitrogen Reduction

Ammonia is a commodity chemical with high added value. Electrochemical reduction of nitrogen has great promise for the sustainable synthesis of ammonia in recent years. Because of its rich resources and unique electronic structure and characteristics, 2D transition metal compounds have been used as electrocatalysts for electrochemical reduction of nitrogen for clean and sustainable production of ammonia. This review outlines the latest development in the use of 2D transition metal compounds as high-efficiency electrocatalysts for nitrogen reduction reaction(NRR). First, we introduce the N₂ reduction mechanism, and briefly summarize the performance indicators of the catalyst. Then, we focused on the functionalization of unique 2D materials to design high-performance 2D electrocatalysts in respect of simulation calculation and experimental development. Finally, the current challenges and future opportunities for NRR electrocatalysts are introduced.     

A sensitive immunosorbent bio-barcode assay combining PCR with icELISA for detection of gonyautoxin 2/3

In the current study, we developed a nanosphere bio-barcode technology to detect trace gonyautoxin 2/3 (GTX 2/3). GTX 2/3-glucose oxidase (GOX) conjugates were first prepared as the coating antigen in a periodate reaction. Subsequently, gold nanoparticles (NP) dual-labeled with anti-GTX 2/3 monoclonal antibodies (Mab) and DNA oligonucleotides were synthesized via a one-step preparation method. Combining PCR with indirect competitive ELISA (icELISA), a novel immunosorbent bio-barcode assay was established utilizing the Mab-NP-dsDNA complex to convert enzymatic signals to DNA signals. Importantly, the limit of detection of the method was lower than 0.74 μg mL⁻¹. Thus, the immunosorbent bio-barcode assay is a rapid and high-throughput screening tool to detect GTX 2/3 in aquatic products.     

Large Strain Tensile Deformation and Failure in Oriented Isotactic Polypropylene/Clay Nanocomposite: Role of Voiding and Molecular Orientation

Plane strain compression of isotactic polypropylene iPP)/clay nanocomposite in a channel die at 140 and 160°C, respectively, has been adopted to prepare oriented samples with well-controlled structure for comparative studies. Molecular orientation in the amorphous phase, independent of clay loadings, decreases with increasing preparation temperature, whereas crystallographic orientation is nearly the same for all oriented samples. Severer voiding and void coalescence during stretching, mostly induced by the crystals and inter-chain sliding in the amorphous phase, respectively, is suggested to be responsible for higher volume dilatation and lower failure strain in the oriented samples prepared at higher temperature (e.g., 160°C). Fracture toughness is well correlated with the molecular orientation and crystal-dependent voiding in the oriented samples with respect to preparation temperatures. Furthermore, debonding of clay in the iPP matrix, especially in the oriented samples prepared at 140°C, is another contributor to the enhanced toughness.     

Morphological and structural evolution of Si-Cu nanocomposites by an instantaneous vapor-liquid-solid growth and the electrochemical lithiation/delithiation performances

Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry - Polymorphic Si-Cu nanocomposites of Si@Cu3Si nanowires, Si@Cu3Si nanorods, and Si@Cu3Si(Cu) nanocapsules are synthesized via the high-energy arc-discharge...     

Metal-coupled folding of Cys2His2 zinc-finger

Zinc-fingers, which widely exist in eukaryotic cell and play crucial roles in life processes, depend on the binding of zinc ion for their proper folding. To computationally study the zinc-coupled folding of the zinc-fingers, charge transfer and metal induced protonation/deprotonation effects have to be considered. Here, by attempting to implicitly account for such effects in classical molecular dynamics and performing intensive simulations with explicit solvent for the peptides with and without zinc binding, we investigate the folding of the Cys2His2-type zinc-finger motif and the coupling between the peptide folding and zinc binding. We find that zinc ion not only stabilizes the native structure but also participates in the whole folding process. It binds to the peptide at an early stage of folding and directs or modulates the folding and stabilizations of the component beta-hairpin and alpha-helix. Such a crucial role of zinc binding is mediated by the packing of the conserved hydrophobic residues. We also find that the packing of the hydrophobic residues and the coordination of the native ligands are coupled. Meanwhile, the processes of zinc binding, mis-ligation, ligand exchange, and zinc induced secondary structure conversion as well as the water behavior due to the involvement of zinc ion are characterized. Our results are in good agreement with related experimental observations and provide significant insight into the general mechanisms of the metal cofactor dependent protein folding and other metal-induced conformational changes of biological importance.     

Flash Nanoprecipitation Fabrication of PEI@Amorphous Calcium Carbonate Hybrid Nanoparticles for siRNA Delivery

RNA interference (RNAi) is a promising approach for disease treatments. But the development of safe and effective delivery carriers remains a major challenge. Organic–inorganic hybrid nanoparticles (NPs), with the integration of functions from distinct materials, show great potential in small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery. Herein, pH responsive amorphous calcium carbonate NPs (ACC NPs) are prepared using flash nanoprecipitation and hybrid NPs are constructed by coating ACC NPs with polyethyleneimine (PEI) for efficient siRNA delivery. PEI/ACC NPs show robust pH responsiveness and stability as well as effective siRNA loading and protection. Furthermore, siRNA-loaded PEI/ACC NPs demonstrate enhanced cellular uptake and efficient endosomal escape, mediating improved siRNA delivery compared to pure PEI. These findings suggest that PEI/ACC NPs may have great potential in siRNA delivery for RNAi-based therapy.