Jiaxing University

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are key signalling pathways that regulate a wide variety of cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and stress responses. The MAPK pathway includes three main kinases, MAPK kinase kinase, MAPK kinase and MAPK, which activate and phosphorylate downstream proteins. The extracellular signal-regulated kinases ERK1 and ERK2 are evolutionarily conserved, ubiquitous serine-threonine kinases that regulate cellular signalling under both normal and pathological conditions. ERK expression is critical for development and their hyperactivation plays a major role in cancer development and progression. The Ras/Raf/MAPK (MEK)/ERK pathway is the most important signalling cascade among all MAPK signal transduction pathways, and plays a crucial role in the survival and development of tumour cells. The present review discusses recent studies on Ras and ERK pathway members. With respect to processes downstream of ERK activation, the role of ERK in tumour proliferation, invasion and metastasis is highlighted, and the role of the ERK/MAPK signalling pathway in tumour extracellular matrix degradation and tumour angiogenesis is emphasised.

Low-dimensional materials have been examined as electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Among them, two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2D-TMDs) such as MoS2 have been identified as potential candidates. However, the performance of TMDs toward HER in both acidic and basic media remains inferior to that of noble metals such as Pt and its alloys. This calls for investigating the influence of controlled defect engineering of 2D TMDs on their performance toward hydrogen production. Here, we explored the HER activity from defective multilayered MoS2 over a large range of surface S vacancy concentrations up to 90%. Amorphous MoS2 and 2H MoS2 with ultrarich S vacancies demonstrated the highest HER performance in acid and basic electrolytes, respectively. We also report that the HER performance from multilayered MoS2 can be divided into two domains corresponding to “point defects” at low concentrations of surface S vacancies (Stage 1) and large regions of undercoordinated Mo atoms for high concentrations of surface S vacancies (Stage 2). The highest performance is obtained for Stage 2 in the presence of undercoordinated Mo atoms with a TOF of ∼2 s–1 at an overpotential of 160 mV in 0.1 M KOH which compares favorably to the best results in the literature. Overall, our work provides deeper insight on the HER mechanism from defected MoS2 and provides guidance for the development of defect-engineered TMD-based electrocatalysts.

Introducing O vacancies into the lattice of a semiconductor photocatalyst can alter its intrinsic electronic properties and band gap, thus enhancing the visible light absorption, promoting the separation/transfer of photogenerated charge carriers, and resultantly elevating the photocatalytic activity of oxide semiconductors. Moreover, O vacancies can help adsorb and activate CO2 on photocatalyst surfaces, which, however, are prone to being filled by O atoms during the photoreduction reaction. In this work, Cu was introduced to increase the O vacancy concentration in CeO2–x and promote the photocatalytic activity of CeO2–x. The sample Cu/CeO2–x-0.1 showed the highest photocatalytic activity with a CO yield of 8.25 μmol g–1 under 5 h irradiation, which is ∼26 times that on CeO2–x. According to the analysis of Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra, it has been evidenced that Cu introduction benefits the chemical stabilization of O vacancies in CeO2–x during photocatalytic CO2 reduction, which is responsible for the improved and sustained photocatalytic activity.

The synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and carbon dioxide using metal-free catalyst systems is critically reviewed.

Owing to the unique structural features and facile tunability of the subcomponents and channels, chiral COFs show great potential in heterogeneous catalysis, enantioselective separation, and recognition.

Abstract Photocatalytic two-electron oxygen reduction to produce high-value hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) is gaining popularity as a promising avenue of research. However, structural evolution mechanisms of catalytically active sites in the entire photosynthetic H 2 O 2 system remains unclear and seriously hinders the development of highly-active and stable H 2 O 2 photocatalysts. Herein, we report a high-loading Ni single-atom photocatalyst for efficient H 2 O 2 synthesis in pure water, achieving an apparent quantum yield of 10.9% at 420 nm and a solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency of 0.82%. Importantly, using in situ synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy we directly observe that initial Ni-N 3 sites dynamically transform into high-valent O 1 -Ni-N 2 sites after O 2 adsorption and further evolve to form a key *OOH intermediate before finally forming HOO-Ni-N 2 . Theoretical calculations and experiments further reveal that the evolution of the active sites structure reduces the formation energy barrier of *OOH and suppresses the O=O bond dissociation, leading to improved H 2 O 2 production activity and selectivity.

As a two-dimensional (2D) material, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) exhibits unique electronic and optical properties useful for a variety of optoelectronic applications including light harvesting. In this article, we review recent progress in the synthesis, properties and applications of MoS2 and related heterostructures. Heterostructured materials are developed to add more functionality or flexibility compared to single component materials. Our focus is on their novel properties and functionalities as well as emerging applications, especially in the areas of light energy harvesting or conversion. We highlight the correlation between structural properties and other properties including electronic, optical, and dynamic. Whenever appropriate, we also try to provide fundamental insight gained from experimental as well as theoretical studies. Finally, we discuss some current challenges and opportunities in technological applications of MoS2.

Abstract Alginate fibers are made from sodium alginate, which is a natural polymer extracted from brown seaweeds. Over the last two decades, alginate fibers have become well established in the wound management industry where their ion‐exchange and gel‐forming abilities are particularly useful for the treatment of exuding wounds. In order to deliver functional performances for advanced wound management products, many improvements have been made in recent years to enhance the absorption and gel‐forming capabilities and the anti‐microbial properties of alginate fibers. In addition, attempts have been made to use alginate fibers as a carrier to deliver zinc, silver and other active ingredients that are beneficial to wound healing. This paper reviews the development in the production of various fibers from alginate, and summarizes the production processes for calcium alginate, calcium/sodium alginate, sodium alginate, zinc alginate, silver alginate and other types of alginate fibers containing novel functional ingredients. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry

Astroglia are a broad class of neural parenchymal cells primarily dedicated to homoeostasis and defence of the central nervous system (CNS). Astroglia contribute to the pathophysiology of all neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders in ways that can be either beneficial or detrimental to disorder outcome. Pathophysiological changes in astroglia can be primary or secondary and can result in gain or loss of functions. Astroglia respond to external, non-cell autonomous signals associated with any form of CNS pathology by undergoing complex and variable changes in their structure, molecular expression, and function. In addition, internally driven, cell autonomous changes of astroglial innate properties can lead to CNS pathologies. Astroglial pathophysiology is complex, with different pathophysiological cell states and cell phenotypes that are context-specific and vary with disorder, disorder-stage, comorbidities, age, and sex. Here, we classify astroglial pathophysiology into (i) reactive astrogliosis, (ii) astroglial atrophy with loss of function, (iii) astroglial degeneration and death, and (iv) astrocytopathies characterised by aberrant forms that drive disease. We review astroglial pathophysiology across the spectrum of human CNS diseases and disorders, including neurotrauma, stroke, neuroinfection, autoimmune attack and epilepsy, as well as neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, metabolic and neuropsychiatric disorders. Characterising cellular and molecular mechanisms of astroglial pathophysiology represents a new frontier to identify novel therapeutic strategies.

A Z-scheme g-C 3 N 4 /Ag/MoS 2 ternary plasmonic photocatalyst in a flowerlike architecture of diameter about 0.4–0.6 μm is successfully synthesized by a reliable and effective method. The as-synthesized g-C 3 N 4 /Ag/MoS 2 photocatalyst showed excellent improvement for visible-light absorption and separation efficiency of photoinduced electron–hole pairs. The g-C 3 N 4 /Ag/MoS 2 system exhibits optimum visible-light-induced photocatalytic activity in degrading Rhodamin B (RhB), which is 9.43-fold and 3.56-fold of Ag/MoS 2 and g-C 3 N 4 /MoS 2 systems, and 8.78-fold and 2.08-fold in the production of hydrogen (H 2 ) out of water, respectively. The excellent photocatalytic activities are attributed to the synergetic effects of Ag, g-C 3 N 4, and MoS 2 nanophase structures in the g-C 3 N 4 /Ag/MoS 2 composites, which result in a Z-scheme-mechanism-assisted fast separation and slow recombination of photoinduced electron–hole pairs and thereby higher photocatalytic activity.

A review on the fundamental understanding and rational design of ideal, dopant-free HTMs for fabricating efficient and stable perovskite solar cells.

In vivo fluorescence imaging in the second near-infrared window (NIR-II) has been considered as a promising technique for visualizing mammals. However, the definition of the NIR-II region and the mechanism accounting for the excellent performance still need to be perfected. Herein, we simulate the photon propagation in the NIR region (to 2340 nm), confirm the positive contribution of moderate light absorption by water in intravital imaging and perfect the NIR-II window as 900-1880 nm, where 1400-1500 and 1700-1880 nm are defined as NIR-IIx and NIR-IIc regions, respectively. Moreover, 2080-2340 nm is newly proposed as the third near-infrared (NIR-III) window, which is believed to provide the best imaging quality. The wide-field fluorescence microscopy in the brain is performed around the NIR-IIx region, with excellent optical sectioning strength and the largest imaging depth of intravital NIR-II fluorescence microscopy to date. We also propose 1400 nm long-pass detection in off-peak NIR-II imaging whose performance exceeds that of NIR-IIb imaging, using bright fluorophores with short emission wavelength.

This review is focused on the recent advances in the chemistry of sulfur dioxide fixation through a radical process. Diverse sulfonyl compounds can be obtained efficiently under mild conditions.

The long-term development of mobile banking (m-banking) relies on users’ continued usage. Motivated by the need to better understand the motivations and barriers of users’ continuance intention towards m-banking, this study develops a research model based on the incorporation of the technology acceptance model (TAM): task-technology fit model (TTF) and perceived risk into the expectance-confirmation model (ECM). Empirical data from 434 users who had prior experience with m-banking were tested against the proposed research model by using structural equation modeling (SEM). The results indicate that satisfaction, perceived usefulness, perceived task-technology fit, and perceived risk are the main predictors of continuance intention, satisfaction, in turn, is determined by confirmation, perceived usefulness, and perceived risk. Perceived usefulness is affected by confirmation, perceived ease of use, and perceived task-technology fit. However, the direct effect of perceived ease of use to continuance intention is not significant. The results also show that gender significantly moderates the effect of perceived risk to continuance intention. Implications of the findings and future research directions are discussed.

Chitosan, a naturally occurring polysaccharide with abundant resources, has been extensively exploited for various biomedical applications, typically as wound dressings owing to its unique biocompatibility, good biodegradability and excellent antibacterial properties. In this work, composite nanofibrous membranes of chitosan (CS) and silk fibroin (SF) were successfully fabricated by electrospinning. The morphology of electrospun blend nanofibers was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the fiber diameters decreased with the increasing percentage of chitosan. Further, the mechanical test illustrated that the addition of silk fibroin enhanced the mechanical properties of CS/SF nanofibers. The antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli (Gram negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive) were evaluated by the turbidity measurement method; and results suggest that the antibacterial effect of composite nanofibers varied on the type of bacteria. Furthermore, the biocompatibility of murine fibroblast on as-prepared nanofibrous membranes was investigated by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and MTT assays in vitro, and the membranes were found to promote the cell attachment and proliferation. These results suggest that as-prepared chitosan/silk fibroin (CS/SF) composite nanofibrous membranes could be a promising candidate for wound healing applications.

Abstract The realization of light–chemical energy conversion using solar light is an ideal goal in renewable energy studies. Many reports are concerned with extracting energy from solar light and the use/storage of the converted energy. Due to the progress in solar light absorption with various photocatalysts, the various energy conversion mechanisms using different photonic energies should be summarized. Therefore, the photocatalytic work that light can achieve with a certain photonic energy range, from UV light to visible light to near‐infrared light, is summarized in this review, including the most recent progress concerning light–chemical conversion mechanisms, classified as photocatalytic redox and photothermal catalysis. This review mostly concerns the mechanisms and specific strategies of light–chemical energy conversion based on various photonic energies.

Mesoporous zeolites are useful solid catalysts for conversion of bulky molecules because they offer fast mass transfer along with size and shape selectivity. We report here the successful synthesis of mesoporous aluminosilicate zeolite Beta from a commercial cationic polymer that acts as a dual-function template to generate zeolitic micropores and mesopores simultaneously. This is the first demonstration of a single nonsurfactant polymer acting as such a template. Using high-resolution electron microscopy and tomography, we discovered that the resulting material (Beta-MS) has abundant and highly interconnected mesopores. More importantly, we demonstrated using a three-dimensional electron diffraction technique that each Beta-MS particle is a single crystal, whereas most previously reported mesoporous zeolites are comprised of nanosized zeolitic grains with random orientations. The use of nonsurfactant templates is essential to gaining single-crystalline mesoporous zeolites. The single-crystalline nature endows Beta-MS with better hydrothermal stability compared with surfactant-derived mesoporous zeolite Beta. Beta-MS also exhibited remarkably higher catalytic activity than did conventional zeolite Beta in acid-catalyzed reactions involving large molecules.

The introduction of microstructure to the metal-free graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) photocatalyst holds promise in enhancing its catalytic performance. However, producing such microstructured g-C3N4 remains technically challenging due to a complicated synthetic process and high cost. In this study, we develop a facile and in-air chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method that produces onion-ring-like g-C3N4 microstructures in a simple, reliable, and economical manner. This method involves the use of randomly packed 350 nm SiO2 microspheres as a hard template and melamine as a CVD precursor for the deposition of a thin layer of g-C3N4 in the narrow space between the SiO2 microspheres. After dissolution of the microsphere template, the resultant g-C3N4 exhibits uniquely uniform onion-ring-like microstructures. Unlike previously reported g-C3N4 powder morphologies that show various degrees of agglomeration and irregularity, the onion-ring-like g-C3N4 is highly dispersed and uniform. The calculated band gap for onion-ring-like g-C3N4 is 2.58 eV, which is significantly narrower than that of bulk g-C3N4 at 2.70 eV. Experimental characterization and testing suggest that, in comparison with bulk g-C3N4, onion-ring-like g-C3N4 facilitates charge separation, extends the lifetime of photoinduced carriers, exhibits 5-fold higher photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, and shows great potential for photocatalytic applications.

The goal of spectral imaging is to capture the spectral signature of a target. Traditional scanning method for spectral imaging suffers from large system volume and low image acquisition speed for large scenes. In contrast, computational spectral imaging methods have resorted to computation power for reduced system volume, but still endure long computation time for iterative spectral reconstructions. Recently, deep learning techniques are introduced into computational spectral imaging, witnessing fast reconstruction speed, great reconstruction quality, and the potential to drastically reduce the system volume. In this article, we review state-of-the-art deep-learning-empowered computational spectral imaging methods. They are further divided into amplitude-coded, phase-coded, and wavelength-coded methods, based on different light properties used for encoding. To boost future researches, we've also organized publicly available spectral datasets.

We investigate the use of chitosan (CS) as a new cross-linkable and water-soluble binder for the Si anode of Li-ion batteries. In contrast to the traditional binder utilizing a hydrogen bond and/or van der Waals force-linked anode electrodes, CS can easily form a 3D network to limit the movement of Si particles through the cross-linking between the amino groups of CS and the dialdehyde of glutaraldehyde (GA). Chemical, mechanical, and morphological analyses are conducted by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, tensile testing, and scanning electron microscopy. The cross-linked Si/CS-GA anode exhibits an initial discharge capacity of 2782 mAh g(-1) with a high initial Coulombic efficiency of 89% and maintained a capacity of 1969 mAh g(-1) at the current density of 500 mA g(-1) over 100 cycles.