2D MXene-based catalysts, such as Ti 3 C 2 T x have unique, excellent properties and show extraordinary advantages in many catalytic reactions. However, as cocatalysts for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), MXene has insufficient catalytic activity because the active metal sites of H þ binding are hidden by passivation ÀF/ÀO termination, which hinders postreaction desorption of H 2 . A simple ultrasonic treatment method is used to expose more active sites and adjust the surface work function of Ti 3 C 2 T x , and additionally inactive ÀF/ÀO terminal groups are replaced with diaminoethanethiol, denoted as Ti 3 C 2 -A x , as the surface terminal group through covalent bonds (TiÀS). The optimized photocatalyst (Cd 0.4 Zn 0.6 S/Ti 3 C 2 -A 40 ) demonstrates excellent catalytic activity (HER: 13.44 mmol h À1 g À1 ), which is about 5.8 and 1.9 times higher than that of pristine Cd 0.4 Zn 0.6 S and Cd 0.4 Zn 0.6 S/Ti 3 C 2 with stability (24 h of cycle experiments), outperforming most of the reported MXene-based photocatalysts. The results of relevant experiments and density functional theory calculations reveal that the excellent conductivity of Ti 3 C 2 -A 40 , well-structured Cd 0.4 Zn 0.6 S/ Ti 3 C 2 -A 40 Schottky junction, and the efficient interfacial charge transfer are major factors that contribute to the improved photocatalytic mechanism. This promotes application of surface-modified MXene as an efficient cocatalyst and provides a new idea for design and synthesis of heterojunction materials.

BackgroundAutophagy occurs in cells that undergoing nutrient deprivation. Glycolysis rapidly supplies energy for the proliferation of cancer cells. Cardamonin inhibits proliferation and enhances autophagy by mTORC1 suppression in ovarian cancer cells. Here, we investigate the relationship between cardamonin-triggered autophagy and glycolysis inhibition via mTORC1 suppression.MethodsTreated with indicated compounds, ATP content and the activity of hexokinase (HK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were analyzed by the assay kits. Autophagy was detected by monodansylcadaverin (MDC) staining. The relationship between cardamonin-triggered autophagy and glycolysis inhibition via mTORC1 suppression was analyzed by Western blot.ResultsWe found that cardamonin inhibited the lactate secretion, ATP production, and the activity of HK and LDH. The results demonstrated that cardamonin enhanced autophagy in SKOV3 cells, as indicated by acidic compartments accumulation, microtubule-associated protein 1 Light Chain 3-II (LC3-II) and lysosome associated membrane protein 1 up-regulation. Our results showed that the activation of mTORC1 signaling and the expression HK2 were reduced by cardamonin; whereas the phosphorylation of AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) was increased. We also confirmed that the AMPK inhibitor, Compound C, reversed cardamonin-induced upregulation of LC3-II.ConclusionThese results suggest that cardamonin-induced autophagy is associated with inhibition on glycolysis by down-regulating the activity of mTORC1 in ovarian cancer cells.

PurposeCardamonin inhibits the proliferation of SKOV3 cells by suppressing the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). However, the mechanism of cardamonin on mTORC1 inhibition has not been well demonstrated. The regulatory-associated protein of TOR (Raptor) is an essential component of mTORC1. Here, we investigated the role of Raptor in the mTORC1 inhibition effect of cardamonin in SKOV3 cells.MethodsThe expression of Raptor was knockdown by small interfering RNA (siRNA). The expressions of specific binding proteins of mTORC1 were analyzed by Western blotting, and the cell proliferation was detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay.ResultsRapamycin, AZD8055, and cardamonin inhibited the activity of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Different from rapamycin and AZD8055, cardamonin suppressed the phosphorylation and protein expression of Raptor. Transfected with Raptor siRNA, the mTOR activation and proliferation of SKOV3 cells were decreased, and these effects were strengthened by cardamonin in Raptor siRNA SKOV3 cells. Cardamonin interfered with the lysosomal colocalization of mTOR with lysosomal associated membrane protein 2 (LAMP2), which was also hindered by Raptor siRNA. Furthermore, cardamonin strengthened the inhibitory effect on the lysosomal localization of mTOR in Raptor siRNA cells.ConclusionOur results suggested that Raptor mainly mediated the inhibition of cardamonin on mTORC1 in SKOV3 cells.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of organizational culture (OC) on talent management (TM) by a case study of a real estate company. Design/methodology/approach The method of case study is adopted in the present study. Findings The authors present four propositions. The first is OC has an effect on TM. The second is a new conceptual model of TM. The third is a 4-P pattern to identify and develop the talent. The fourth is to adopt both the spiritual and material satisfactions that retain the talent. Research limitations/implications The primary limitation of this study is embedded in the case study method, which is not sufficient to represent the totality. The other limitation is that the issue of cohesion and team efficacy of talents is not considered. This study argues the relationship between OC and TM and expands the existing TM and OC theory. The effect of professional idealism is emphasized on in the process of TM. Talent can be retained firmly within the organization through the methods of rebuilding and strengthening OC. Originality/value A conceptual model of TM, 4-P pattern of evaluation and the operational mean to retain the talent is introduced.

Background: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is one of the most common type of kidney malignancy. The proline-rich Akt substrate of 40 kDa (PRAS40) plays an important role in tumor growth.The present study aimed to analysis the prognostic value of PRAS40 mRNA expression in ccRCC. Methods:We analyzed the PRAS40 mRNA expression using the data from TCGA-KIRC cohort. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to assessed the diagnostic value of PRAS40 mRNA expression in ccRCC. Chi-square test was used to analyzed the correlation between clinical characteristics and PRAS40 mRNA expression. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox analysis were performed to determine the prognostic value of PRAS40 mRNA expression in ccRCC. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted using TCGA database.Results: Our results revealed that PRAS40 mRNA expression was higher in ccRCC tissues than in normal tissues. PRAS40 presented a moderate diagnostic value in ccRCC. High PRAS40 mRNA expression was correlated with histological grade, clinical stage, T classification, distant metastasis and vital status of ccRCC.High PRAS40 mRNA expression was associated with poor overall survival. Furthermore, Multivariate analysis revealed that PRAS40 was an independent risk factor for ccRCC patients. Myc targets, DNA repair, oxidative phosphorylation, glycolysis, adipogenesis, p53 pathway, reactive oxygen species pathway, myogenesis were differentially enriched in the phenotype that positively correlated with PRAS40. Conclusions:In conclusion, our results suggest that PRAS40 was a promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for ccRCC.