Tongji University

About: Tongji University is a education organization based out in Shanghai, China. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Adsorption. The organization has 76116 authors who have published 81176 publications receiving 1248911 citations. The organization is also known as: Tongji & Tóngjì Dàxué.

Promoting SnTe as an Eco-Friendly Solution for p-PbTe Thermoelectric via Band Convergence and Interstitial Defects

Abstract: Compared to commercially available p-type PbTe thermoelectrics, SnTe has a much bigger band offset between its two valence bands and a much higher lattice thermal conductivity, both of which limit its peak thermoelectric figure of merit, zT of only 0.4. Converging its valence bands or introducing resonant states is found to enhance the electronic properties, while nanostructuring or more recently introducing interstitial defects is found to reduce the lattice thermal conductivity. Even with an integration of some of the strategies above, existing efforts do not enable a peak zT exceeding 1.4 and usually involve Cd or Hg. In this work, a combination of band convergence and interstitial defects, each of which enables a ≈150% increase in the peak zT, successfully accumulates the zT enhancements to be ≈300% (zT up to 1.6) without involving any toxic elements. This opens new possibilities for further improvements and promotes SnTe as an environment-friendly solution for conventional p-PbTe thermoelectrics.

m 6 A facilitates hippocampus-dependent learning and memory through YTHDF1

Abstract: N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most prevalent internal RNA modification on mammalian messenger RNAs, regulates the fates and functions of modified transcripts through m6A-specific binding proteins1–5. In the nervous system, m6A is abundant and modulates various neural functions6–11. Whereas m6A marks groups of mRNAs for coordinated degradation in various physiological processes12–15, the relevance of m6A for mRNA translation in vivo remains largely unknown. Here we show that, through its binding protein YTHDF1, m6A promotes protein translation of target transcripts in response to neuronal stimuli in the adult mouse hippocampus, thereby facilitating learning and memory. Mice with genetic deletion of Ythdf1 show learning and memory defects as well as impaired hippocampal synaptic transmission and long-term potentiation. Re-expression of YTHDF1 in the hippocampus of adult Ythdf1-knockout mice rescues the behavioural and synaptic defects, whereas hippocampus-specific acute knockdown of Ythdf1 or Mettl3, which encodes the catalytic component of the m6A methyltransferase complex, recapitulates the hippocampal deficiency. Transcriptome-wide mapping of YTHDF1-binding sites and m6A sites on hippocampal mRNAs identified key neuronal genes. Nascent protein labelling and tether reporter assays in hippocampal neurons showed that YTHDF1 enhances protein synthesis in a neuronal-stimulus-dependent manner. In summary, YTHDF1 facilitates translation of m6A-methylated neuronal mRNAs in response to neuronal stimulation, and this process contributes to learning and memory. Neuronal stimulation induces protein translation of m6A-methylated neuronal mRNAs facilitated by YTHDF1, and this process contributes to learning and memory.

Iron-copper bimetallic nanoparticles embedded within ordered mesoporous carbon as effective and stable heterogeneous Fenton catalyst for the degradation of organic contaminants

Abstract: Iron-copper bimetallic nanoparticles embedded within ordered mesoporous carbon composite catalyst (CuFe-MC) was synthesized via a “one-pot” block-copolymer self-assembly strategy. The catalyst was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), etc. The results showed the catalyst was ordered 2D hexagonal mesostructure and iron-copper nanoparticles highly dispersed in the matrix of ordered mesoporous carbon. The composite was used as a heterogeneous Fenton catalyst and showed a promising application in the degradation of non-biodegradation organic contaminants. Eight organic compounds were chosen as model contaminants, such as phenol, bisphenol A (BPA), etc. Efficient total organic carbon (TOC) removal of each organic contaminant was achieved by using CuFe-MC as catalyst, which was higher than that by Fe2+ ion at the same reaction condition. BPA was selected to further investigate the high catalytic activity of CuFe-MC. CuFe-MC presented high adsorption capacity for BPA due to its high BET surface area (639 m2 g−1) and mesostructure. The results of BPA degradation showed that the catalytic activity of CuFe-MC was much higher than Fe-MC and Cu-MC. Electron spin resonance (ESR) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) results indicated that the concentration of generated hydroxyl radicals (•OH) with CuFe-MC was much higher than Fe-MC and Cu-MC. The low iron leaching of CuFe-MC suggested its good stability. Moreover, it could be easily separated by using an external magnet after the reaction and remained good activity after being recycled for several times, demonstrating its promising long-term application in the treatment of wastewater.