The convergence of spintronics and multiferroics has enabled unprecedented control of charge and spin degrees of freedom,opening new avenues for multifunctional tunnel junctions.This review provides a systematic overv...The convergence of spintronics and multiferroics has enabled unprecedented control of charge and spin degrees of freedom,opening new avenues for multifunctional tunnel junctions.This review provides a systematic overview of multiferroic materials and their integration into tunnel junction devices.First,we categorize multiferroics into type-Ⅰ,type-Ⅱ,and heterostructures,discussing synthesis strategies,material design,and approaches for tuning ferroic properties and magnetoelectric coupling.Next,we examine tunnel junctions,including magnetic and ferroelectric types,and focus on multiferroic tunnel junctions(MFTJs),highlighting the mechanisms underlying tunneling magnetoresistance(TMR)and tunneling electroresistance(TER),as well as the roles of interfacial engineering,electrode asymmetry,and multifield control.Special attention is given to emerging two-dimensional van der Waals MFTJs,which offer multi-level data storage,ultralow-power operation,and efficient spin filtering.Finally,we discuss challenges and future directions,emphasizing the importance of room-temperature,strongly coupled 2D multiferroics,scalable fabrication,and interface optimization for next-generation nonvolatile memory and multifunctional spintronic applications.展开更多
Control over charge transport in molecular–scale devices requires a deep understanding of how minute structural changes influence electronic properties.Here,we demonstrate dual transport regimes in tunnel junctions o...Control over charge transport in molecular–scale devices requires a deep understanding of how minute structural changes influence electronic properties.Here,we demonstrate dual transport regimes in tunnel junctions of n-alk-1-yne(CnA)molecules with gold electrodes driven by conformational bifurcation—the emergence of two nearly isoenergetic(planar and skewed)molecular conformers(dihedral anglesα=180°andα≈65°at the alkyne terminus in the gas phase).Although the energy differences are small,these subtle conformational differences manifest as distinct transport behaviors,uncovered through unsupervised machine learning,which identified two junction groups:“short”and“long”chains,with distinct attenuation factors(βshort≈1.0 vs.βlong≈0.74)and contact conductances(Gc,short≈200μS vs.Gc,long≈8μS).This dramatic impact of the dihedral angle exceeds the impact of the inter-ring twist angle in biphenyl-based junctions and rivals changes induced by switching from gold to platinum electrodes or from monothiol to dithiol anchors in oligoacene and oligophenylene junctions.X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS)confirmed this bifurcation,linking the“short”and“long”groups to planar and skewed conformers,with dihedrals remarkably agreeing with the gas-phase values.This work establishes conformational bifurcation as a promising route for designing programmable nanotransport properties through anchor-group control.展开更多
Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are widely regarded as primary drivers of aging and are associated with several neurodegenerative diseases.The degeneration of motor neurons during aging is a critical pa...Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are widely regarded as primary drivers of aging and are associated with several neurodegenerative diseases.The degeneration of motor neurons during aging is a critical pathological factor contributing to the progression of sarcopenia.However,the morphological and functional changes in mitochondria and their interplay in the degeneration of the neuromuscular junction during aging remain poorly understood.A defined systematic search of the Pub Med,Web of Science and Embase databases(last accessed on October 30,2024)was conducted with search terms including'mitochondria','aging'and'NMJ'.Clinical and preclinical studies of mitochondrial dysfunction and neuromuscular junction degeneration during aging.Twentyseven studies were included in this systematic review.This systematic review provides a summary of morphological,functional and biological changes in neuromuscular junction,mitochondrial morphology,biosynthesis,respiratory chain function,and mitophagy during aging.We focus on the interactions and mechanisms underlying the relationship between mitochondria and neuromuscular junctions during aging.Aging is characterized by significant reductions in mitochondrial fusion/fission cycles,biosynthesis,and mitochondrial quality control,which may lead to neuromuscular junction dysfunction,denervation and poor physical performance.Motor nerve terminals that exhibit redox sensitivity are among the first to exhibit abnormalities,ultimately leading to an early decline in muscle strength through impaired neuromuscular junction transmission function.Parg coactivator 1 alpha is a crucial molecule that regulates mitochondrial biogenesis and modulates various pathways,including the mitochondrial respiratory chain,energy deficiency,oxidative stress,and inflammation.Mitochondrial dysfunction is correlated with neuromuscular junction denervation and acetylcholine receptor fragmentation,resulting in muscle atrophy and a decrease in strength during aging.Physical therapy,pharmacotherapy,and gene therapy can alleviate the structural degeneration and functional deterioration of neuromuscular junction by restoring mitochondrial function.Therefore,mitochondria are considered potential targets for preserving neuromuscular junction morphology and function during aging to treat sarcopenia.展开更多
Objective:To assess whether electroacupuncture(EA)can facilitate the restoration of the intestinal mucosal barrier in rats with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome(IBS-D)by regulating adherens junctions thro...Objective:To assess whether electroacupuncture(EA)can facilitate the restoration of the intestinal mucosal barrier in rats with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome(IBS-D)by regulating adherens junctions through mast cells(MCs)and micro RNAs.Methods:Forty Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into control group and IBS-D group.Rats were given Senna solution via gavage and subjected to a 14-day chronic unpredictable mild stress procedure.Subsequently,rats in the IBS-D group were assigned to a model group,an EA group,and an EA+MC agonist group.Visceral pain threshold and diarrhea index(DI)were measured.Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of MCs.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to measure tryptase and diamine oxidase(DAO)levels.Western blotting and quantitative polymerase chain reaction(q PCR)techniques were used to evaluate the quantities of E-cadherin and acatenin.Immunohistochemistry and ELISA were used to assess the levels of F-actin and vinculin.micro RNAs from the colon were sequenced,and q PCR was used to validate the sequencing results.In vitro,Caco-2 cells were used to establish the intestinal epithelium model.After transfection with mi R-494-3p mimics,q PCR was performed to measure the expression of micro RNAs,E-cadherin and acatenin;the transmittance of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran was detected to measure permeability of the cell layer.Results:In the model group,DI,and tryptase and DAO concentration increased;body weight,visceral pain threshold and the expression of E-cadherin,a-catenin,F-actin and vinculin were significantly decreased compared to the control group.This pattern was reversed in the EA group.No significant difference was found between the EA+MC agonist group and the model group.Sequencing revealed that the expression of mi R-541-5p and mi R-494-3p was significantly higher in the model group and lower in the EA group.Enrichment analyses revealed that the majority of enrichments were associated with adherens junctions.Spearman's correlation tests indicated that the expression of mi R-541-5p and mi R-494-3p had a positive correlation with serum DAO and colonic tryptase levels,while showing a negative correlation with E-cadherin level.After micro RNA mimic transfection,the expression of mi R-494-3p and the barrier permeability were significantly increased,and the expression of E-cadherin was significantly decreased.Conclusion:In rats with IBS-D,EA may help repair the intestinal barrier function by modulating adherens junctions and cytoskeletal components through the inhibition of MCs;mi R-494-3p may play pivotal roles in this process.展开更多
This study presents a unified framework for analyzing electric circuits and Josephson junctions using a fractional action integral that incorporates memory effects and nonlocal behavior.Unlike classical integer-order ...This study presents a unified framework for analyzing electric circuits and Josephson junctions using a fractional action integral that incorporates memory effects and nonlocal behavior.Unlike classical integer-order models,the method extends the action principle to fractional orders,leading to fractional Euler-Lagrange equations that better describe currents,voltages,and phase evolution.It is particularly effective for Josephson junctions,where tunneling currents and phase dynamics show long-term correlations and dissipation.By including fractional-order elements,the framework captures anomalous damping,power-law relaxation,and persistent memory effects in complex circuits.Using a dissipative fractional standard map,the study investigates chaos and the influence of memory on system stability.Numerical results reveal strong sensitivity to fractional parameters,including bifurcations and chaotic attractors.These findings link the classical circuit theory with fractional dynamics,offering new insights for superconducting electronics and the design of nonlinear systems.展开更多
Multiferroic tunnel junctions(MFTJs),which combine tunneling magnetoresistance(TMR)and electroresistance(TER)efects,have emerged as key candidates for data storage.Two-dimensional van der Waals(vdW)MFTJs,in particular...Multiferroic tunnel junctions(MFTJs),which combine tunneling magnetoresistance(TMR)and electroresistance(TER)efects,have emerged as key candidates for data storage.Two-dimensional van der Waals(vdW)MFTJs,in particular,are promising spintronic devices for the post-Moore era.However,these vdW MFTJs are typically based on multiferroics composed of ferromagnetic and ferroelectric materials or multilayer magnetic materials with sliding ferroelectricity,which increases device fabrication complexity.In this work,we design a vdW MFTJ using bilayer MoPtGe2S6,a material with homologous multiferroicity in each monolayer,combined with symmetric PtTe2electrodes.Using frst-principles calculations based on density functional theory and nonequilibrium Green's functions,we theoretically explore the spin-polarized electronic transport properties of this MFTJ.By controlling the ferroelectric and ferromagnetic polarization directions of bilayer MoPtGe2S6,the MFTJ can exhibit six distinct non-volatile resistance states,with maximum TMR(137%)and TER(1943%)ratios.Under biaxial strain,TMR and TER can increase to 265%and 4210%,respectively.The TER ratio also increases to 2186%under a 0.1 V bias voltage.Remarkably,the MFTJ exhibits a pronounced spin-fltering and a signifcant negative diferential resistance efect.These fndings not only highlight the potential of monolayer multiferroic MoPtGe2S6for MFTJs but also ofer valuable theoretical insights for future experimental investigations.展开更多
Rational engineering of semiconductor photocatalysts for efficient hydrogen production is of great significance but still challenging,primarily due to the limitations in charge transfer kinetics.Herein,a fascinating p...Rational engineering of semiconductor photocatalysts for efficient hydrogen production is of great significance but still challenging,primarily due to the limitations in charge transfer kinetics.Herein,a fascinating plasmonic tandem heterojunction with the hc-CdS/Mo2C@C heterostructure is aimfully prepared for effectively promoting the charge separation kinetics of the CdS photocatalyst via the synergistic strategy of phase junction,Schottky junction,and photothermal effect.The difference in atomic configuration between cubic-CdS (c-CdS) and hexagonal-CdS (h-CdS) leads to effective charge separation through a typical Ⅱ charge transfer mechanism,and plasmonic Schottky junction further extracts the electrons in the hc-CdS phase junction to realize gradient charge transfer.Besides,the photothermal effect of Mo2C@C helps to expand the light absorption,accelerate charge transfer kinetics,and reduce the hydrogen evolution energy barrier.The carbon layer provides a fast channel for charge transfer and protects the photocatalyst from photocorrosion.As a result,the optimized hc-CMC photocatalyst exhibits a significantly high photocatalytic H2production activity of 28.63 mmol/g/h and apparent quantum efficiency of 61.8%,surpassing most of the reported photocatalysts.This study provides a feasible strategy to enhance the charge transfer kinetics and photocatalytic activity of CdS by constructing plasmonic tandem heterogeneous junctions.展开更多
With an extensive range of distinctive features at nano meter-scale thicknesses,two-dimensional(2D)materials drawn the attention of the scientific community.Despite tremendous advancements in exploratory research on 2...With an extensive range of distinctive features at nano meter-scale thicknesses,two-dimensional(2D)materials drawn the attention of the scientific community.Despite tremendous advancements in exploratory research on 2D materials,knowledge of 2D electrical transport and carrier dynamics still in its infancy.Thus,here we highlighted the electrical characteristics of 2D materials with electronic band structure,electronic transport,dielectric constant,carriers mobility.The atomic thinness of 2D materials makes substantially scaled field-effect transistors(FETs)with reduced short-channel effects conceivable,even though strong carrier mobility required for high performance,low-voltage device operations.We also discussed here about factors affecting 2D materials which easily enhanced the activity of those materials for various applications.Presently,Those 2D materials used in state-of-the-art electrical and optoelectronic devices because of the extensive nature of their electronic band structure.2D materials offer unprecedented freedom for the design of novel p-n junction device topologies in contrast to conventional bulk semiconductors.We also,describe the numerous 2D p-n junctions,such as homo junction and hetero junction including mixed dimensional junctions.Finally,we talked about the problems and potential for the future.展开更多
Magnetic skyrmions are recognized as potential information carriers for building the next-generation spintronic memory and logic devices.Towards functional device applications,efficient electrical detection of skyrmio...Magnetic skyrmions are recognized as potential information carriers for building the next-generation spintronic memory and logic devices.Towards functional device applications,efficient electrical detection of skyrmions at room temperature is one of the most important prerequisites.展开更多
Quantum interference effect serves as a critical strategy for addressing incorrect energy level alignment between frontier molecular orbitals and electrodes in molecular junctions. Weak-coupling structures offer an ef...Quantum interference effect serves as a critical strategy for addressing incorrect energy level alignment between frontier molecular orbitals and electrodes in molecular junctions. Weak-coupling structures offer an effective approach to suppress phonon thermal conductance. The thermoelectric properties of pure C3N4 nanoribbon devices and C3N4-C20 molecular junctions are systematically investigated based on density functional theory(DFT) combined with nonequilibrium Green's function(NEGF) formalism. The results show that pure C3N4 nanoribbon devices have superior charge transport capabilities and excellent Seebeck coefficients. A remarkable thermoelectric figure of merit(ZT = 0.98)is achieved near 0.09 e V. The pronounced scattering effect induced by embedding a C20 molecule in the center of the C3N4 nanoribbon significantly suppresses phonon transport. A maximum ZT value of 1.68 is observed at 0.987 e V. The electron mobility of C3N4-C20-par is effectively increased due to quantum interference effect which greatly improves the alignment between the C20 molecule's frontier orbital energy level and C3N4 electrodes. The C3N4-C20-van der Waals(vd W) molecular junction allows very few phonons to pass through the C20 molecule from the left electrode to the right electrode. As a result, the C3N4-C20-vd W junction achieves an excellent ZT value of 3.82 near the Femi level.展开更多
This article primarily establishes a two-soliton system and employs the Lewis-Riesenfeld invariant inverse control method to achieve shortcuts to adiabaticity(STA)technology.We study an atomic soliton Josephson juncti...This article primarily establishes a two-soliton system and employs the Lewis-Riesenfeld invariant inverse control method to achieve shortcuts to adiabaticity(STA)technology.We study an atomic soliton Josephson junctions(SJJs)device and subsequently compare and analyze it with atomic bosonic Josephson junctions.Moreover,we use higher-order expressions of the auxiliary equations to optimize the results and weaken the detrimental effect of the sloshing amplitude.We find that in the adiabatic shortcut evolution of two systems with time-containing tunnelling rates,the SJJs system is more robust over a rather short time evolution.In comparison with linear ramping,the STA technique is easier to achieve with the precise modulation of the quantum state in the SJJs system.展开更多
The exploration of novel multivariate heterostructures has emerged as a pivotal strategy for developing high-performance electromagnetic wave(EMW)absorption materials.However,the loss mechanism in traditional heterost...The exploration of novel multivariate heterostructures has emerged as a pivotal strategy for developing high-performance electromagnetic wave(EMW)absorption materials.However,the loss mechanism in traditional heterostructures is relatively simple,guided by empirical observations,and is not monotonous.In this work,we presented a novel semiconductor-semiconductor-metal heterostructure sys-tem,Mo-MXene/Mo-metal sulfides(metal=Sn,Fe,Mn,Co,Ni,Zn,and Cu),including semiconductor junctions and Mott-Schottky junctions.By skillfully combining these distinct functional components(Mo-MXene,MoS2,metal sulfides),we can engineer a multiple heterogeneous interface with superior absorption capabilities,broad effective absorption bandwidths,and ultrathin matching thickness.The successful establishment of semiconductor-semiconductor-metal heterostructures gives rise to a built-in electric field that intensifies electron transfer,as confirmed by density functional theory,which collaborates with multiple dielectric polarization mechanisms to substantially amplify EMW absorption.We detailed a successful synthesis of a series of Mo-MXene/Mo-metal sulfides featuring both semiconductor-semiconductor and semiconductor-metal interfaces.The achievements were most pronounced in Mo-MXene/Mo-Sn sulfide,which achieved remarkable reflection loss values of-70.6 dB at a matching thickness of only 1.885 mm.Radar cross-section calculations indicate that these MXene/Mo-metal sulfides have tremendous potential in practical military stealth technology.This work marks a departure from conventional component design limitations and presents a novel pathway for the creation of advanced MXene-based composites with potent EMW absorption capabilities.展开更多
Low frequency noise has been investigated at room temperature for asymmetric double barrier magnetic tunnel junctions(DBMTJs), where the coupling between the top and middle CoFeB layers is antiferromagnetic with a 0...Low frequency noise has been investigated at room temperature for asymmetric double barrier magnetic tunnel junctions(DBMTJs), where the coupling between the top and middle CoFeB layers is antiferromagnetic with a 0.8-nm thin top Mg O barrier of the CoFeB/MgO/CoFe/CoFeB/MgO/CoFe B DBMTJ. At enough large bias, 1/f noise dominates the voltage noise power spectra in the low frequency region, and is conventionally characterized by the Hooge parameter αmag.With increasing external field, the top and bottom ferromagnetic layers are aligned by the field, and then the middle free layer rotates from antiparallel state(antiferromagnetic coupling between top and middle ferromagnetic layers) to parallel state. In this rotation process αmag and magnetoresistance-sensitivity-product show a linear dependence, consistent with the fluctuation dissipation relation. With the magnetic field applied at different angles(θ) to the easy axis of the free layer,the linear dependence persists while the intercept of the linear fit satisfies a cos(θ) dependence, similar to that for the magnetoresistance, suggesting intrinsic relation between magnetic losses and magnetoresistance.展开更多
The forming processes of 4,40-dipyridyl-based single-molecule junctions and mechanically induced conductance switching as well as the side-group effects are systematically investigated by applying the ab initio-based ...The forming processes of 4,40-dipyridyl-based single-molecule junctions and mechanically induced conductance switching as well as the side-group effects are systematically investigated by applying the ab initio-based adiabatic geometric optimization method and the one-dimensional transmission combined with three-dimensional correction approximation(OTCTCA)method.The numerical results show that for the 4,40-dipyridyl with a p-conjugated phenyl-phosphoryl or diphenylsilyl side group,the pyridyl vertically anchors on the second atomic layer of the pyramid-shaped Au tip electrode at small inter-electrode distances by laterally pushing the apical Au atom aside,which induces stronger pyridyl-electrode coupling and high-conductance state of the formed junctions.As the inter-electrode distance increases,the pyridyl shifts to the apical Au atom of the tip electrode.This apical Au atom introduces additional scatterings to the tunneling electrons and significantly decreases the conductance of the junctions.Furthermore,for the 4,40-dipyridyl with a phenyl-phosphoryl side group,the probability of manifesting the high-conductance state is decreased due to the oxygen atom reducing the probability of the pyridyl adsorbing on the second layer of Au tip electrode.In contrast,for the 4,40-dipyridyl with a nonconjugated cyclohexyl-phosphoryl side group,the steric hindrance from the bulky cyclohexyl group leads the molecule to preferentially form the O-Au contact,which prevents both the high conductance and mechanically induced conductance switching of the junction.Our results provide a theoretical understanding of the side-group effects on electronic transport properties of single-molecule junctions,offering an alternative explanation for the experimental observations.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the effects of moxibustion on down-regulation of the colonic epithelial cell apoptosis and repair of the tight junctions in rats with Crohn's disease(CD).METHODS:Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats w...AIM:To investigate the effects of moxibustion on down-regulation of the colonic epithelial cell apoptosis and repair of the tight junctions in rats with Crohn's disease(CD).METHODS:Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal control(NC)group,a model control(MC)group,an herbs-partitioned moxibustion(HPM)group,a mild-warm moxibustion(MWM)group and a salicylazosulphapyridine(SASP)group,with 12 rats in each group.The CD model rats were treated with trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid to induce intestinal inflammation.The rats in the HPM and MWM groups were treated at the Tianshu(ST25)and Qihai(CV6)acupoints once daily for 14 d,and the SASP group was fed SASP twice daily for 14 d.No additional treatment was given to the MC and NC groups.Themicrostructure of the colonic epithelium was observed under a transmission electron microscope,the transepithelial resistance was measured using a shortcircuit current,colonic epithelial cell apoptosis was determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferasemediated dUTP-biotin nick end labelling assay,and the expression of occludin,claudin-1 and zonula occludens-l(ZO-1)in the colonic epithelial junction was determined by Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining.RESULTS:Compared with the MC group,the microstructure of the colonic epithelial barrier was signifi-cantly improved in rats treated with HPM,MWM or SASP,meanwhile,the current flow was reduced signifi-cantly,with values of 168.20±6.14 vs 99.70±3.13,99.10±4.28 and 120.30±3.65 mA,respectively(P=0.001).However,the HPM and MWM groups had higher current flow rates than the SASP group(99.70±3.13,99.10±4.28 vs 120.30±3.65 mA,P=0.001).The number of the apoptotic colonic epithelial cells in HPM,MWM and SASP groups was largely reduced(61.5±16.91 vs 15.5±8.89,14.8±6.27 and 24.7±9.68,respectively(P=0.001);and the expression of occlu-din,claudin-1 and ZO-1 in the MWM and HPM groups was signifi cantly enhanced(0.48±0.10,0.64±0.09 vs 0.18±0.05 for occludin,0.12±0.02,0.17±0.03 vs 0.05±0.01 for claudin-1,and 0.08±0.01,0.11±0.01 vs 0.02±0.01 for ZO-1).And in SASP group,the expression of occludin and ZO-1 was also signifi cantly increased(0.27±0.04 vs 0.18±0.05 for occludin and 0.05±0.01 vs 0.02±0.01 for ZO-1),but there was no significant difference for claudin-1.The HPM and MWM groups had higher expression of occludin,claudin-1 and ZO-1 than the SASP group.CONCLUSION:HPM and MWM treatment can down-regulate apoptosis of colonic epithelial cells,repair tight junctions and enhance colonic epithelial barrier function in rats with CD.展开更多
Background:The intestinal epithelium is an important barrier that depends on a complex mixture of proteins and these proteins comprise different intercellular junctions.The purpose of this study was to investigate the...Background:The intestinal epithelium is an important barrier that depends on a complex mixture of proteins and these proteins comprise different intercellular junctions.The purpose of this study was to investigate the postnatal and developmental changes in morphology,intercellular junctions and voltage-gated potassium(Kv)channels in the intestine of piglets during the suckling and post-weaning periods.Results:Samples of the small intestine were obtained from 1-,7-,14-,and 21-d-old suckling piglets and piglets on d 1,3,5,and 7 after weaning at 14 d of age.The results showed that the percentage of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA)-positive cells and alkaline phosphatase(AKP)activity,as well as the abundances of E-cadherin,occludin,and Kv1.5 m RNA and claudin-1,claudin-3,and occludin protein in the jejunum were increased from d 1to d 21 during the suckling period(P〈0.05).Weaning induced decreases in the percentage of PCNA-positive cells,AKP activity and the abundances of E-cadherin,occludin and zonula occludens(ZO)-1 m RNA or protein in the jejunum on d 1,3 and 5 post-weaning(P〈0.05).There were lower abundances of E-cadherin,occludin and ZO-1m RNA as well as claudin-1,claudin-3 and ZO-1 protein in the jejunum of weanling piglets than in 21-d-old suckling piglets(P〈0.05).The abundances of E-cadherin,occludin,ZO-1 and integrin m RNA were positively related to the percentage of PCNA-positive cells.Conclusion:Weaning at 14 d of age induced damage to the intestinal morphology and barrier.While there was an adaptive restoration on d 7 post-weaning,the measured values did not return to the pre-weaning levels,which reflected the impairment of intercellular junctions and Kv channels.展开更多
The rapid recombination of photo-generated electron-hole pairs,insufficient active sites,and strong photocorrosion have considerably restricted the practical application of Cd S in photocatalytic fields.Herein,we desi...The rapid recombination of photo-generated electron-hole pairs,insufficient active sites,and strong photocorrosion have considerably restricted the practical application of Cd S in photocatalytic fields.Herein,we designed and constructed a 2D/2D/2D layered heterojunction photocatalyst with cascaded 2D coupling interfaces.Experiments using electron spin resonance spectroscopy,ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy,and in-situ irradiation X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were conducted to confirm the 2D layered CdS/WO3 step-scheme(S-scheme)heterojunctions and CdS/MX ohmic junctions.Impressively,it was found that the strong interfacial electric fields in the S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts could effectively promote spatially directional charge separation and transport between CdS and WO3 nanosheets.In addition,2D Ti3C2 MXene nanosheets with a smaller work function and excellent metal conductivity when used as a co-catalyst could build ohmic junctions with Cd S nanosheets,thus providing a greater number of electron transfer pathways and hydrogen evolution sites.Results showed that the highest visible-light hydrogen evolution rate of the optimized MX-Cd S/WO3 layered multi-heterostructures could reach as high as 27.5 mmol/g/h,which was 11.0 times higher than that of pure CdS nanosheets.Notably,the apparent quantum efficiency reached 12.0% at 450 nm.It is hoped that this study offers a reliable approach for developing multifunctional photocatalysts by integrating S-scheme and ohmic-junction built-in electric fields and rationally designing a 2D/2D interface for efficient light-to-hydrogen fuel production.展开更多
Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1), a G protein-coupled recep (GPCR). controls vasct stability by stabilizing vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin junctional localization and inhibiting vascular endothelia...Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1), a G protein-coupled recep (GPCR). controls vasct stability by stabilizing vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin junctional localization and inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2(VEGFR2) signaling. However, the molecular mechanisms that link S1PR1 signaling to intracellular effectors remain unknown.In this study,we demonstrate that the heterotrimeric G protein subfamily member Gαs, encoded by GNAS,acts as a relay mediator of S1PR1 signaling to control vascular integrity by stabilizing VE-cadherin at endothelial junctions. The endothelial cell -spectific deletion of Gαs in mice causes early embryonic lethality with massive hemorrhage and a disorganized Vaseuiature.The immunostaining results revealed that Gαs deletion remarkably reduces the junctional localization of VE-cadherin, whereas the mull cell coverage of the vessels is not impaired.In addition, we found-that Gαs depletion blocks the S1PR1-activation induced VE-cadherin stabilization at junctons,supporting that Gαs acts downstream of S1PR1 signaling ThuS, our results demonstrate that Gαs is an essential mediator to relay S1PR1 signaling and maintain vascular integrity.展开更多
Background:Bacillus cereus is an important pathogen that causes human food poisoning,specifically diarrhea and vomiting.B.cereus can also induce mastitis in dairy cows and has a strong survival ability in milk,as it c...Background:Bacillus cereus is an important pathogen that causes human food poisoning,specifically diarrhea and vomiting.B.cereus can also induce mastitis in dairy cows and has a strong survival ability in milk,as it cannot be inactivated by high-temperature short-time pasteurization.Therefore,B.cereus can enter the market through pasteurized milk and other dairy products,imposing enormous hidden dangers on food safety and human health.Results:In this study,B.cereus 2101(BC)was isolated from milk samples of cows with mastitis.BC grew rapidly with strong hemolysis,making it difficult to prevent mastitis and ensure food security.MAC-T cells were treated with BC and/or Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1(LGR-1).Pretreatment with LGR-1 protected the integrity of tight junctions and the expression of zonula occludens-1(ZO-1)and occludin destroyed by BC.Furthermore,LGR-1 pretreatment reduced the expression of NOD-like receptor family member pyrin domain-containing protein 3(NLRP3),caspase recruitment and activation domain(ASC),Caspase-1 p20,gasdermin D(GSDMD)p30,inflammatory factors(interleukin(IL)-1βand IL-18),and cell death induced by BC.Moreover,LGR-1 pretreatment reduced NLRP3 inflammasome activity and increased expressions of ZO-1 and occludin induced by lipopolysaccharides(LPS)+ATP stimulation.MAC-T cells were transfected with NLRP3 si RNA or MCC950 and/or treated with BC and/or LGR-1.NLRP3-si RNA transfection and MCC950 attenuated BC-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activity.Expression of inflammatory cytokines and cell death suggested that the inflammatory pathway might play an important role in the induction of the NLRP3 inflammasome by BC and the protection of LGR-1.Conclusions:These results suggest that LGR-1 might be a probiotic alternative to antibiotics and could be administered to prevent mastitis in dairy cows,thus ensuring food security.展开更多
Nb/Al-AlOx/Nb tunnel junctions with controllable critical current density Jc are fabricated using the standard selective Nb etching process. Tunnel barriers are formed in different oxygen exposure conditions (oxygen ...Nb/Al-AlOx/Nb tunnel junctions with controllable critical current density Jc are fabricated using the standard selective Nb etching process. Tunnel barriers are formed in different oxygen exposure conditions (oxygen pressure P and oxidation time t), giving rise to Jc ranging from 100A/cm^2 to above 2000A/cm^2. Jc shows a familiar linear dependence on P×t in logarithmic scales. We calculate the energy levels of the phase- and flux-type qubits using the achievable junction parameters and show that the fabricated Nb/Al-AlOx/Nb tunnel junctions can be used conveniently for quantum computation applications in the future.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China Regional Innovation and Development Joint Fund Key Program(Grant No.U24A6002)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.12304148)the Shanxi Natural Science Basic Research Program(Grant No.202203021222219)。
摘要The convergence of spintronics and multiferroics has enabled unprecedented control of charge and spin degrees of freedom,opening new avenues for multifunctional tunnel junctions.This review provides a systematic overview of multiferroic materials and their integration into tunnel junction devices.First,we categorize multiferroics into type-Ⅰ,type-Ⅱ,and heterostructures,discussing synthesis strategies,material design,and approaches for tuning ferroic properties and magnetoelectric coupling.Next,we examine tunnel junctions,including magnetic and ferroelectric types,and focus on multiferroic tunnel junctions(MFTJs),highlighting the mechanisms underlying tunneling magnetoresistance(TMR)and tunneling electroresistance(TER),as well as the roles of interfacial engineering,electrode asymmetry,and multifield control.Special attention is given to emerging two-dimensional van der Waals MFTJs,which offer multi-level data storage,ultralow-power operation,and efficient spin filtering.Finally,we discuss challenges and future directions,emphasizing the importance of room-temperature,strongly coupled 2D multiferroics,scalable fabrication,and interface optimization for next-generation nonvolatile memory and multifunctional spintronic applications.
基金financial support from the National Key R&D Program of China(2023YFA1407100)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(22373026)+1 种基金Guangdong Science and Technology Department(2021B0301030005,STKJ2023072,GDZX2304005,GDZX2504001,and 2021QN02X538)Ioan Bâldea gratefully acknowledges computational support by the state of Baden-Württemberg through bwHPC and the German Research Foundation through Grant Nos.INST 40/575-1,35/1597-1,and 35/1134-1(JUSTUS 2,bwUniCluster 2/3,and bwForCluster/MLS&WISO/HELIX 2).
摘要Control over charge transport in molecular–scale devices requires a deep understanding of how minute structural changes influence electronic properties.Here,we demonstrate dual transport regimes in tunnel junctions of n-alk-1-yne(CnA)molecules with gold electrodes driven by conformational bifurcation—the emergence of two nearly isoenergetic(planar and skewed)molecular conformers(dihedral anglesα=180°andα≈65°at the alkyne terminus in the gas phase).Although the energy differences are small,these subtle conformational differences manifest as distinct transport behaviors,uncovered through unsupervised machine learning,which identified two junction groups:“short”and“long”chains,with distinct attenuation factors(βshort≈1.0 vs.βlong≈0.74)and contact conductances(Gc,short≈200μS vs.Gc,long≈8μS).This dramatic impact of the dihedral angle exceeds the impact of the inter-ring twist angle in biphenyl-based junctions and rivals changes induced by switching from gold to platinum electrodes or from monothiol to dithiol anchors in oligoacene and oligophenylene junctions.X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS)confirmed this bifurcation,linking the“short”and“long”groups to planar and skewed conformers,with dihedrals remarkably agreeing with the gas-phase values.This work establishes conformational bifurcation as a promising route for designing programmable nanotransport properties through anchor-group control.
基金supported by grants from Collaborative Research Fund(Ref:C4032-21GF)General Research Grant(Ref:14114822)+1 种基金Group Research Scheme(Ref:3110146)Area of Excellence(Ref:Ao E/M-402/20)。
摘要Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are widely regarded as primary drivers of aging and are associated with several neurodegenerative diseases.The degeneration of motor neurons during aging is a critical pathological factor contributing to the progression of sarcopenia.However,the morphological and functional changes in mitochondria and their interplay in the degeneration of the neuromuscular junction during aging remain poorly understood.A defined systematic search of the Pub Med,Web of Science and Embase databases(last accessed on October 30,2024)was conducted with search terms including'mitochondria','aging'and'NMJ'.Clinical and preclinical studies of mitochondrial dysfunction and neuromuscular junction degeneration during aging.Twentyseven studies were included in this systematic review.This systematic review provides a summary of morphological,functional and biological changes in neuromuscular junction,mitochondrial morphology,biosynthesis,respiratory chain function,and mitophagy during aging.We focus on the interactions and mechanisms underlying the relationship between mitochondria and neuromuscular junctions during aging.Aging is characterized by significant reductions in mitochondrial fusion/fission cycles,biosynthesis,and mitochondrial quality control,which may lead to neuromuscular junction dysfunction,denervation and poor physical performance.Motor nerve terminals that exhibit redox sensitivity are among the first to exhibit abnormalities,ultimately leading to an early decline in muscle strength through impaired neuromuscular junction transmission function.Parg coactivator 1 alpha is a crucial molecule that regulates mitochondrial biogenesis and modulates various pathways,including the mitochondrial respiratory chain,energy deficiency,oxidative stress,and inflammation.Mitochondrial dysfunction is correlated with neuromuscular junction denervation and acetylcholine receptor fragmentation,resulting in muscle atrophy and a decrease in strength during aging.Physical therapy,pharmacotherapy,and gene therapy can alleviate the structural degeneration and functional deterioration of neuromuscular junction by restoring mitochondrial function.Therefore,mitochondria are considered potential targets for preserving neuromuscular junction morphology and function during aging to treat sarcopenia.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(no.82074558)。
摘要Objective:To assess whether electroacupuncture(EA)can facilitate the restoration of the intestinal mucosal barrier in rats with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome(IBS-D)by regulating adherens junctions through mast cells(MCs)and micro RNAs.Methods:Forty Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into control group and IBS-D group.Rats were given Senna solution via gavage and subjected to a 14-day chronic unpredictable mild stress procedure.Subsequently,rats in the IBS-D group were assigned to a model group,an EA group,and an EA+MC agonist group.Visceral pain threshold and diarrhea index(DI)were measured.Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of MCs.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to measure tryptase and diamine oxidase(DAO)levels.Western blotting and quantitative polymerase chain reaction(q PCR)techniques were used to evaluate the quantities of E-cadherin and acatenin.Immunohistochemistry and ELISA were used to assess the levels of F-actin and vinculin.micro RNAs from the colon were sequenced,and q PCR was used to validate the sequencing results.In vitro,Caco-2 cells were used to establish the intestinal epithelium model.After transfection with mi R-494-3p mimics,q PCR was performed to measure the expression of micro RNAs,E-cadherin and acatenin;the transmittance of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran was detected to measure permeability of the cell layer.Results:In the model group,DI,and tryptase and DAO concentration increased;body weight,visceral pain threshold and the expression of E-cadherin,a-catenin,F-actin and vinculin were significantly decreased compared to the control group.This pattern was reversed in the EA group.No significant difference was found between the EA+MC agonist group and the model group.Sequencing revealed that the expression of mi R-541-5p and mi R-494-3p was significantly higher in the model group and lower in the EA group.Enrichment analyses revealed that the majority of enrichments were associated with adherens junctions.Spearman's correlation tests indicated that the expression of mi R-541-5p and mi R-494-3p had a positive correlation with serum DAO and colonic tryptase levels,while showing a negative correlation with E-cadherin level.After micro RNA mimic transfection,the expression of mi R-494-3p and the barrier permeability were significantly increased,and the expression of E-cadherin was significantly decreased.Conclusion:In rats with IBS-D,EA may help repair the intestinal barrier function by modulating adherens junctions and cytoskeletal components through the inhibition of MCs;mi R-494-3p may play pivotal roles in this process.
基金supported by the Ministry of Education,Youth and Sport of the Czech Republic as a part of the Quantum Engineering and Nanotechnology project QUEENTEC under Grant No.reg.nr.CZ.02.01.01/00/22008/0004649 from Chiang Mai University.
摘要This study presents a unified framework for analyzing electric circuits and Josephson junctions using a fractional action integral that incorporates memory effects and nonlocal behavior.Unlike classical integer-order models,the method extends the action principle to fractional orders,leading to fractional Euler-Lagrange equations that better describe currents,voltages,and phase evolution.It is particularly effective for Josephson junctions,where tunneling currents and phase dynamics show long-term correlations and dissipation.By including fractional-order elements,the framework captures anomalous damping,power-law relaxation,and persistent memory effects in complex circuits.Using a dissipative fractional standard map,the study investigates chaos and the influence of memory on system stability.Numerical results reveal strong sensitivity to fractional parameters,including bifurcations and chaotic attractors.These findings link the classical circuit theory with fractional dynamics,offering new insights for superconducting electronics and the design of nonlinear systems.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(Grant No.2022YFB3505301)the National Key R&D Program of Shanxi Province(Grant No.202302050201014)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.12304148)the Natural Science Basic Research Program of Shanxi Province(Grant No.202203021222219)。
摘要Multiferroic tunnel junctions(MFTJs),which combine tunneling magnetoresistance(TMR)and electroresistance(TER)efects,have emerged as key candidates for data storage.Two-dimensional van der Waals(vdW)MFTJs,in particular,are promising spintronic devices for the post-Moore era.However,these vdW MFTJs are typically based on multiferroics composed of ferromagnetic and ferroelectric materials or multilayer magnetic materials with sliding ferroelectricity,which increases device fabrication complexity.In this work,we design a vdW MFTJ using bilayer MoPtGe2S6,a material with homologous multiferroicity in each monolayer,combined with symmetric PtTe2electrodes.Using frst-principles calculations based on density functional theory and nonequilibrium Green's functions,we theoretically explore the spin-polarized electronic transport properties of this MFTJ.By controlling the ferroelectric and ferromagnetic polarization directions of bilayer MoPtGe2S6,the MFTJ can exhibit six distinct non-volatile resistance states,with maximum TMR(137%)and TER(1943%)ratios.Under biaxial strain,TMR and TER can increase to 265%and 4210%,respectively.The TER ratio also increases to 2186%under a 0.1 V bias voltage.Remarkably,the MFTJ exhibits a pronounced spin-fltering and a signifcant negative diferential resistance efect.These fndings not only highlight the potential of monolayer multiferroic MoPtGe2S6for MFTJs but also ofer valuable theoretical insights for future experimental investigations.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 22371165, 22209098 and 21971143)111 Project (D20015)Opening Found of Hubei Three Gorges Laboratory (SC232001, SK213002)。
摘要Rational engineering of semiconductor photocatalysts for efficient hydrogen production is of great significance but still challenging,primarily due to the limitations in charge transfer kinetics.Herein,a fascinating plasmonic tandem heterojunction with the hc-CdS/Mo2C@C heterostructure is aimfully prepared for effectively promoting the charge separation kinetics of the CdS photocatalyst via the synergistic strategy of phase junction,Schottky junction,and photothermal effect.The difference in atomic configuration between cubic-CdS (c-CdS) and hexagonal-CdS (h-CdS) leads to effective charge separation through a typical Ⅱ charge transfer mechanism,and plasmonic Schottky junction further extracts the electrons in the hc-CdS phase junction to realize gradient charge transfer.Besides,the photothermal effect of Mo2C@C helps to expand the light absorption,accelerate charge transfer kinetics,and reduce the hydrogen evolution energy barrier.The carbon layer provides a fast channel for charge transfer and protects the photocatalyst from photocorrosion.As a result,the optimized hc-CMC photocatalyst exhibits a significantly high photocatalytic H2production activity of 28.63 mmol/g/h and apparent quantum efficiency of 61.8%,surpassing most of the reported photocatalysts.This study provides a feasible strategy to enhance the charge transfer kinetics and photocatalytic activity of CdS by constructing plasmonic tandem heterogeneous junctions.
摘要With an extensive range of distinctive features at nano meter-scale thicknesses,two-dimensional(2D)materials drawn the attention of the scientific community.Despite tremendous advancements in exploratory research on 2D materials,knowledge of 2D electrical transport and carrier dynamics still in its infancy.Thus,here we highlighted the electrical characteristics of 2D materials with electronic band structure,electronic transport,dielectric constant,carriers mobility.The atomic thinness of 2D materials makes substantially scaled field-effect transistors(FETs)with reduced short-channel effects conceivable,even though strong carrier mobility required for high performance,low-voltage device operations.We also discussed here about factors affecting 2D materials which easily enhanced the activity of those materials for various applications.Presently,Those 2D materials used in state-of-the-art electrical and optoelectronic devices because of the extensive nature of their electronic band structure.2D materials offer unprecedented freedom for the design of novel p-n junction device topologies in contrast to conventional bulk semiconductors.We also,describe the numerous 2D p-n junctions,such as homo junction and hetero junction including mixed dimensional junctions.Finally,we talked about the problems and potential for the future.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(Grant No.2022YFA1405100)the NSFC distinguished Young Scholar program(Grant No.12225409)+6 种基金the Basic Science Center Project of National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC)(Grant No.52388201)the NSFC general program(Grant Nos.52271181,51831005,and 12421004)the Innovation Program for Quantum Science and Technology(Grant No.2023ZD0300500)Beijing Natural Science Foundation(Grant No.Z240006)supported by the KAUST Office of Sponsored Research(OSR)under Award Nos.ORA-CRG102021-4665 and ORA-CRG11-2022-5031supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2024YFA1408503)Sichuan Province Science and Technology Support Program(No.2025YFHZ0147)。
摘要Magnetic skyrmions are recognized as potential information carriers for building the next-generation spintronic memory and logic devices.Towards functional device applications,efficient electrical detection of skyrmions at room temperature is one of the most important prerequisites.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 12164046)。
摘要Quantum interference effect serves as a critical strategy for addressing incorrect energy level alignment between frontier molecular orbitals and electrodes in molecular junctions. Weak-coupling structures offer an effective approach to suppress phonon thermal conductance. The thermoelectric properties of pure C3N4 nanoribbon devices and C3N4-C20 molecular junctions are systematically investigated based on density functional theory(DFT) combined with nonequilibrium Green's function(NEGF) formalism. The results show that pure C3N4 nanoribbon devices have superior charge transport capabilities and excellent Seebeck coefficients. A remarkable thermoelectric figure of merit(ZT = 0.98)is achieved near 0.09 e V. The pronounced scattering effect induced by embedding a C20 molecule in the center of the C3N4 nanoribbon significantly suppresses phonon transport. A maximum ZT value of 1.68 is observed at 0.987 e V. The electron mobility of C3N4-C20-par is effectively increased due to quantum interference effect which greatly improves the alignment between the C20 molecule's frontier orbital energy level and C3N4 electrodes. The C3N4-C20-van der Waals(vd W) molecular junction allows very few phonons to pass through the C20 molecule from the left electrode to the right electrode. As a result, the C3N4-C20-vd W junction achieves an excellent ZT value of 3.82 near the Femi level.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant nos.12075145 and 12211540002)the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipal(Grant no.2019SHZDZX01-ZX04)。
摘要This article primarily establishes a two-soliton system and employs the Lewis-Riesenfeld invariant inverse control method to achieve shortcuts to adiabaticity(STA)technology.We study an atomic soliton Josephson junctions(SJJs)device and subsequently compare and analyze it with atomic bosonic Josephson junctions.Moreover,we use higher-order expressions of the auxiliary equations to optimize the results and weaken the detrimental effect of the sloshing amplitude.We find that in the adiabatic shortcut evolution of two systems with time-containing tunnelling rates,the SJJs system is more robust over a rather short time evolution.In comparison with linear ramping,the STA technique is easier to achieve with the precise modulation of the quantum state in the SJJs system.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.22269010,52231007,12327804,T2321003,22088101)the Jiangxi Provincial Natural Science Foundation(No.20224BAB214021)+1 种基金the Major Research Program of Jingdezhen Ceramic Industry(No.2023ZDGG002)the Ministry of Science and Technology of China(973 Project No.2021YFA1200600).
摘要The exploration of novel multivariate heterostructures has emerged as a pivotal strategy for developing high-performance electromagnetic wave(EMW)absorption materials.However,the loss mechanism in traditional heterostructures is relatively simple,guided by empirical observations,and is not monotonous.In this work,we presented a novel semiconductor-semiconductor-metal heterostructure sys-tem,Mo-MXene/Mo-metal sulfides(metal=Sn,Fe,Mn,Co,Ni,Zn,and Cu),including semiconductor junctions and Mott-Schottky junctions.By skillfully combining these distinct functional components(Mo-MXene,MoS2,metal sulfides),we can engineer a multiple heterogeneous interface with superior absorption capabilities,broad effective absorption bandwidths,and ultrathin matching thickness.The successful establishment of semiconductor-semiconductor-metal heterostructures gives rise to a built-in electric field that intensifies electron transfer,as confirmed by density functional theory,which collaborates with multiple dielectric polarization mechanisms to substantially amplify EMW absorption.We detailed a successful synthesis of a series of Mo-MXene/Mo-metal sulfides featuring both semiconductor-semiconductor and semiconductor-metal interfaces.The achievements were most pronounced in Mo-MXene/Mo-Sn sulfide,which achieved remarkable reflection loss values of-70.6 dB at a matching thickness of only 1.885 mm.Radar cross-section calculations indicate that these MXene/Mo-metal sulfides have tremendous potential in practical military stealth technology.This work marks a departure from conventional component design limitations and presents a novel pathway for the creation of advanced MXene-based composites with potent EMW absorption capabilities.
基金supported by the National Basic Research Program of China(Grant Nos.2011CBA00106,2012CB927400,2010CB934401,and 2014AA032904)the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.2014AA032904)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.11434014 and 11104252)
摘要Low frequency noise has been investigated at room temperature for asymmetric double barrier magnetic tunnel junctions(DBMTJs), where the coupling between the top and middle CoFeB layers is antiferromagnetic with a 0.8-nm thin top Mg O barrier of the CoFeB/MgO/CoFe/CoFeB/MgO/CoFe B DBMTJ. At enough large bias, 1/f noise dominates the voltage noise power spectra in the low frequency region, and is conventionally characterized by the Hooge parameter αmag.With increasing external field, the top and bottom ferromagnetic layers are aligned by the field, and then the middle free layer rotates from antiparallel state(antiferromagnetic coupling between top and middle ferromagnetic layers) to parallel state. In this rotation process αmag and magnetoresistance-sensitivity-product show a linear dependence, consistent with the fluctuation dissipation relation. With the magnetic field applied at different angles(θ) to the easy axis of the free layer,the linear dependence persists while the intercept of the linear fit satisfies a cos(θ) dependence, similar to that for the magnetoresistance, suggesting intrinsic relation between magnetic losses and magnetoresistance.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.12474286,22173052,and 12204281).
摘要The forming processes of 4,40-dipyridyl-based single-molecule junctions and mechanically induced conductance switching as well as the side-group effects are systematically investigated by applying the ab initio-based adiabatic geometric optimization method and the one-dimensional transmission combined with three-dimensional correction approximation(OTCTCA)method.The numerical results show that for the 4,40-dipyridyl with a p-conjugated phenyl-phosphoryl or diphenylsilyl side group,the pyridyl vertically anchors on the second atomic layer of the pyramid-shaped Au tip electrode at small inter-electrode distances by laterally pushing the apical Au atom aside,which induces stronger pyridyl-electrode coupling and high-conductance state of the formed junctions.As the inter-electrode distance increases,the pyridyl shifts to the apical Au atom of the tip electrode.This apical Au atom introduces additional scatterings to the tunneling electrons and significantly decreases the conductance of the junctions.Furthermore,for the 4,40-dipyridyl with a phenyl-phosphoryl side group,the probability of manifesting the high-conductance state is decreased due to the oxygen atom reducing the probability of the pyridyl adsorbing on the second layer of Au tip electrode.In contrast,for the 4,40-dipyridyl with a nonconjugated cyclohexyl-phosphoryl side group,the steric hindrance from the bulky cyclohexyl group leads the molecule to preferentially form the O-Au contact,which prevents both the high conductance and mechanically induced conductance switching of the junction.Our results provide a theoretical understanding of the side-group effects on electronic transport properties of single-molecule junctions,offering an alternative explanation for the experimental observations.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30772831National Basic Research Program of China,973program,No.2009CB522900Shanghai Leading Discipline Project,No.S30304
摘要AIM:To investigate the effects of moxibustion on down-regulation of the colonic epithelial cell apoptosis and repair of the tight junctions in rats with Crohn's disease(CD).METHODS:Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal control(NC)group,a model control(MC)group,an herbs-partitioned moxibustion(HPM)group,a mild-warm moxibustion(MWM)group and a salicylazosulphapyridine(SASP)group,with 12 rats in each group.The CD model rats were treated with trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid to induce intestinal inflammation.The rats in the HPM and MWM groups were treated at the Tianshu(ST25)and Qihai(CV6)acupoints once daily for 14 d,and the SASP group was fed SASP twice daily for 14 d.No additional treatment was given to the MC and NC groups.Themicrostructure of the colonic epithelium was observed under a transmission electron microscope,the transepithelial resistance was measured using a shortcircuit current,colonic epithelial cell apoptosis was determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferasemediated dUTP-biotin nick end labelling assay,and the expression of occludin,claudin-1 and zonula occludens-l(ZO-1)in the colonic epithelial junction was determined by Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining.RESULTS:Compared with the MC group,the microstructure of the colonic epithelial barrier was signifi-cantly improved in rats treated with HPM,MWM or SASP,meanwhile,the current flow was reduced signifi-cantly,with values of 168.20±6.14 vs 99.70±3.13,99.10±4.28 and 120.30±3.65 mA,respectively(P=0.001).However,the HPM and MWM groups had higher current flow rates than the SASP group(99.70±3.13,99.10±4.28 vs 120.30±3.65 mA,P=0.001).The number of the apoptotic colonic epithelial cells in HPM,MWM and SASP groups was largely reduced(61.5±16.91 vs 15.5±8.89,14.8±6.27 and 24.7±9.68,respectively(P=0.001);and the expression of occlu-din,claudin-1 and ZO-1 in the MWM and HPM groups was signifi cantly enhanced(0.48±0.10,0.64±0.09 vs 0.18±0.05 for occludin,0.12±0.02,0.17±0.03 vs 0.05±0.01 for claudin-1,and 0.08±0.01,0.11±0.01 vs 0.02±0.01 for ZO-1).And in SASP group,the expression of occludin and ZO-1 was also signifi cantly increased(0.27±0.04 vs 0.18±0.05 for occludin and 0.05±0.01 vs 0.02±0.01 for ZO-1),but there was no significant difference for claudin-1.The HPM and MWM groups had higher expression of occludin,claudin-1 and ZO-1 than the SASP group.CONCLUSION:HPM and MWM treatment can down-regulate apoptosis of colonic epithelial cells,repair tight junctions and enhance colonic epithelial barrier function in rats with CD.
基金funded by the National Key Basic Research Program of China(2013CB127302)National Natural Science Foundation of China(31330075,31372326,31301988,31301989)+4 种基金the State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition(2004DA125184F1401)the Spark Program of Jiangxi Province(20142BBF061051)Changsha Lvye Biotechnology Limited Company Academician Expert WorkstationGuangdong Wangda Group Academician Workstation for Clean Feed Technology Research and Development in SwineGuangdong Hinapharm Group Academician Workstation for Biological Feed and Feed Additives and Animal Intestinal Health
摘要Background:The intestinal epithelium is an important barrier that depends on a complex mixture of proteins and these proteins comprise different intercellular junctions.The purpose of this study was to investigate the postnatal and developmental changes in morphology,intercellular junctions and voltage-gated potassium(Kv)channels in the intestine of piglets during the suckling and post-weaning periods.Results:Samples of the small intestine were obtained from 1-,7-,14-,and 21-d-old suckling piglets and piglets on d 1,3,5,and 7 after weaning at 14 d of age.The results showed that the percentage of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA)-positive cells and alkaline phosphatase(AKP)activity,as well as the abundances of E-cadherin,occludin,and Kv1.5 m RNA and claudin-1,claudin-3,and occludin protein in the jejunum were increased from d 1to d 21 during the suckling period(P〈0.05).Weaning induced decreases in the percentage of PCNA-positive cells,AKP activity and the abundances of E-cadherin,occludin and zonula occludens(ZO)-1 m RNA or protein in the jejunum on d 1,3 and 5 post-weaning(P〈0.05).There were lower abundances of E-cadherin,occludin and ZO-1m RNA as well as claudin-1,claudin-3 and ZO-1 protein in the jejunum of weanling piglets than in 21-d-old suckling piglets(P〈0.05).The abundances of E-cadherin,occludin,ZO-1 and integrin m RNA were positively related to the percentage of PCNA-positive cells.Conclusion:Weaning at 14 d of age induced damage to the intestinal morphology and barrier.While there was an adaptive restoration on d 7 post-weaning,the measured values did not return to the pre-weaning levels,which reflected the impairment of intercellular junctions and Kv channels.
摘要The rapid recombination of photo-generated electron-hole pairs,insufficient active sites,and strong photocorrosion have considerably restricted the practical application of Cd S in photocatalytic fields.Herein,we designed and constructed a 2D/2D/2D layered heterojunction photocatalyst with cascaded 2D coupling interfaces.Experiments using electron spin resonance spectroscopy,ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy,and in-situ irradiation X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were conducted to confirm the 2D layered CdS/WO3 step-scheme(S-scheme)heterojunctions and CdS/MX ohmic junctions.Impressively,it was found that the strong interfacial electric fields in the S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts could effectively promote spatially directional charge separation and transport between CdS and WO3 nanosheets.In addition,2D Ti3C2 MXene nanosheets with a smaller work function and excellent metal conductivity when used as a co-catalyst could build ohmic junctions with Cd S nanosheets,thus providing a greater number of electron transfer pathways and hydrogen evolution sites.Results showed that the highest visible-light hydrogen evolution rate of the optimized MX-Cd S/WO3 layered multi-heterostructures could reach as high as 27.5 mmol/g/h,which was 11.0 times higher than that of pure CdS nanosheets.Notably,the apparent quantum efficiency reached 12.0% at 450 nm.It is hoped that this study offers a reliable approach for developing multifunctional photocatalysts by integrating S-scheme and ohmic-junction built-in electric fields and rationally designing a 2D/2D interface for efficient light-to-hydrogen fuel production.
基金partially supported by the grants from the Ministry of Science & Technology-China (Nos.2014CB964600 and 2012CB966800)the National Science Foundation of China (Nos. 31301125 and 31071283)+2 种基金Shenzhen Peacock Plan (No. KQCX20130628112914292)Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Neural Development (No. ZDSY20120617112838879)SIAT Innovation Program for Excellent Young Researchers (No. 201404)
摘要Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1), a G protein-coupled recep (GPCR). controls vasct stability by stabilizing vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin junctional localization and inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2(VEGFR2) signaling. However, the molecular mechanisms that link S1PR1 signaling to intracellular effectors remain unknown.In this study,we demonstrate that the heterotrimeric G protein subfamily member Gαs, encoded by GNAS,acts as a relay mediator of S1PR1 signaling to control vascular integrity by stabilizing VE-cadherin at endothelial junctions. The endothelial cell -spectific deletion of Gαs in mice causes early embryonic lethality with massive hemorrhage and a disorganized Vaseuiature.The immunostaining results revealed that Gαs deletion remarkably reduces the junctional localization of VE-cadherin, whereas the mull cell coverage of the vessels is not impaired.In addition, we found-that Gαs depletion blocks the S1PR1-activation induced VE-cadherin stabilization at junctons,supporting that Gαs acts downstream of S1PR1 signaling ThuS, our results demonstrate that Gαs is an essential mediator to relay S1PR1 signaling and maintain vascular integrity.
基金the following funds:the National Key R&D Program of China(Project No.2017YFD0502200)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Project No.31960721)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Project No.31873034)。
摘要Background:Bacillus cereus is an important pathogen that causes human food poisoning,specifically diarrhea and vomiting.B.cereus can also induce mastitis in dairy cows and has a strong survival ability in milk,as it cannot be inactivated by high-temperature short-time pasteurization.Therefore,B.cereus can enter the market through pasteurized milk and other dairy products,imposing enormous hidden dangers on food safety and human health.Results:In this study,B.cereus 2101(BC)was isolated from milk samples of cows with mastitis.BC grew rapidly with strong hemolysis,making it difficult to prevent mastitis and ensure food security.MAC-T cells were treated with BC and/or Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1(LGR-1).Pretreatment with LGR-1 protected the integrity of tight junctions and the expression of zonula occludens-1(ZO-1)and occludin destroyed by BC.Furthermore,LGR-1 pretreatment reduced the expression of NOD-like receptor family member pyrin domain-containing protein 3(NLRP3),caspase recruitment and activation domain(ASC),Caspase-1 p20,gasdermin D(GSDMD)p30,inflammatory factors(interleukin(IL)-1βand IL-18),and cell death induced by BC.Moreover,LGR-1 pretreatment reduced NLRP3 inflammasome activity and increased expressions of ZO-1 and occludin induced by lipopolysaccharides(LPS)+ATP stimulation.MAC-T cells were transfected with NLRP3 si RNA or MCC950 and/or treated with BC and/or LGR-1.NLRP3-si RNA transfection and MCC950 attenuated BC-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activity.Expression of inflammatory cytokines and cell death suggested that the inflammatory pathway might play an important role in the induction of the NLRP3 inflammasome by BC and the protection of LGR-1.Conclusions:These results suggest that LGR-1 might be a probiotic alternative to antibiotics and could be administered to prevent mastitis in dairy cows,thus ensuring food security.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos 10534060 and 10874231)the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (Grant Nos 2006CB601007, 2006CB921107, and 2009CB929102)
摘要Nb/Al-AlOx/Nb tunnel junctions with controllable critical current density Jc are fabricated using the standard selective Nb etching process. Tunnel barriers are formed in different oxygen exposure conditions (oxygen pressure P and oxidation time t), giving rise to Jc ranging from 100A/cm^2 to above 2000A/cm^2. Jc shows a familiar linear dependence on P×t in logarithmic scales. We calculate the energy levels of the phase- and flux-type qubits using the achievable junction parameters and show that the fabricated Nb/Al-AlOx/Nb tunnel junctions can be used conveniently for quantum computation applications in the future.