ABSTRACT
Two-dimensional (2D) metal oxides and chalcogenides (MOs & MCs) have been regarded as a new class of promising electro- and photocatalysts for many important chemical reactions such as hydrogen evolution reaction, CO2 reduction reaction and N2 reduction reaction in virtue of their outstanding physicochemical properties. However, pristine 2D MOs & MCs generally show the relatively poor catalytic performances due to the low electrical conductivity, few active sites and fast charge recombination. Therefore, considerable efforts have been devoted to engineering 2D MOs & MCs by rational structural design and chemical modification to further improve the catalytic activities. Herein, we comprehensively review the recent advances for engineering technologies of 2D MOs & MCs, which are mainly focused on the intercalation, doping, defects creation, facet design and compositing with functional materials. Meanwhile, the relationship between morphological, physicochemical, electronic, and optical properties of 2D MOs & MCs and their electro- and photocatalytic performances is also systematically discussed. Finally, we further give the prospect and challenge of the field and possible future research directions, aiming to inspire more research for achieving high-performance 2D MOs & MCs catalysts in energy storage and conversion fields.
ABSTRACT
AIM To study the antithrombotic effects and mechanism of ethyl acetate fraction of Curcuma kwangsiensis S.G.Lee et C.F.Liang (CKEAF).METHODS To observe the antithrombotic effects of CKEAF on tail thrombotic mouse models and arteriovenous bypass thrombotic rat models induced by carrageenan,and in vivo thrombosis rat models induced by FeCl3.The serum levels of ET-1,6-keto-PGF1α,TXB2 in rats were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA),and the level of NO was determined by nitrate reductase method.Rat models of acute blood stasis were further established for hemorheological study.RESULTS CKEAF significantly decreased the number and length of blackened thrombotic tail of carrageenan-treated mice.Rat models shared significant wet weight loss in arteriovenous bypass thrombosis and in vivo thrombosis,increased levels of NO,6-keto-PGF1α,decreased levels of ET-1,TXB2,and decreased whole blood and plasma viscosity (rats of acute blood stasis model).CONCLUSION Significant antithrombotic effects by CKEAF may contribute to elevated levels of NO,6-keto-PGF1α,and decreased levels of ET-1,TXB2,and lowered whole blood and plasma viscosity.
ABSTRACT
Components with self-propelling abilities are important building blocks of small autonomous systems and the characteristics of liquid metals are capable of fulfilling self-propulsion criteria. To date, there has been no exploration regarding the effect of electrolyte ionic content surrounding a liquid metal for symmetry breaking that generates motion. Here we show the controlled actuation of liquid metal droplets using only the ionic properties of the aqueous electrolyte. We demonstrate that pH or ionic concentration gradients across a liquid metal droplet induce both deformation and surface Marangoni flow. We show that the Lippmann dominated deformation results in maximum velocity for the self-propulsion of liquid metal droplets and illustrate several key applications, which take advantage of such electrolyte-induced motion. With this finding, it is possible to conceive the propulsion of small entities that are constructed and controlled entirely with fluids, progressing towards more advanced soft systems.
ABSTRACT
Unique in vivo tests were conducted through the use of a fistulated ruminant, providing an ideal environment with a diverse and vibrant microbial community. Utilizing such a procedure can be especially invaluable for investigating the performance of antimicrobial materials related to human and animal related infections. In this pilot study, it is shown that the rumen of a fistulated animal provides an excellent live laboratory for assessing the properties of antimicrobial materials. We investigate microbial colonization onto model nanocomposites based on silver (Ag) nanoparticles at different concentrations into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). With implantable devices posing a major risk for hospital-acquired infections, the present study provides a viable solution to understand microbial colonization with the potential to reduce the incidence of infection through the introduction of Ag nanoparticles at the optimum concentrations. In vitro measurements were also conducted to show the validity of the approach. An optimal loading of 0.25 wt% Ag is found to show the greatest antimicrobial activity and observed through the in vivo tests to reduce the microbial diversity colonizing the surface.
