Pore structure and oxygen content design of amorphous carbon toward a durable anode for potassium/sodium-ion batteries

Both sodium-ion batteries(SIBs)and potassium-ion batteries(PIBs)are considered as promising candidates in grid-level energy storage devices.Unfortunately,the larger ionic radii of K+and Na+induce poor diffusion kinetics and cycling stability of carbon anode materials.Pore structure regulation is an ideal strategy to promote the diffusion kinetics and cyclic stability of carbon materials by facilitating electrolyte infiltration,increasing the transport channels,and alleviating the volume change.However,traditional pore-forming agent-assisted methods considerably increase the difficulty of synthesis and limit practical applications of porous carbon materials.Herein,porous carbon materials(Ca-PC/Na-PC/K-PC)with different pore structures have been prepared with gluconates as the precursors,and the amorphous structure,abundant micropores,and oxygen-doping active sites endow the Ca-PC anode with excellent potassium and sodium storage performance.For PIBs,the capacitive contribution ratio of Ca-PC is 82%at 5.0 mV s^(-1) due to the introduction of micropores and high oxygen-doping content,while a high reversible capacity of 121.4 mAh g^(-1) can be reached at 5 A g^(-1) after 2000 cycles.For SIBs,stable sodium storage capacity of 101.4 mAh g^(-1) can be achieved at 2 A g^(-1) after 8000 cycles with a very low decay rate of 0.65%for per cycle.This work may provide an avenue for the application of porous carbon materials in the energy storage field.

Design of highly active and durable oxygen evolution catalyst with intrinsic chlorine inhibition property for seawater electrolysis

High-efficiency seawater electrolysis is impeded by the low activity and low durability of oxygen evolution catalysts due to the complex composition and competitive side reactions in seawater.Herein,a heterogeneousstructured catalyst is constructed by depositing NiFe-layered double hydroxides(NiFe-LDH)on the substrate of MXene(V_(2)CT_(x))modified Ni foam(NF),and abbreviated as NiFe-LDH/V_(2)CT_(x)/NF.As demonstrated,owing to the intrinsic negative charge characteristic of V_(2)CT_(x),chlorine ions are denied entry to the interface between NiFeLDH and V_(2)CT_(x)/NF substrate,thus endowing NiFe-LDH/V_(2)CT_(x)/NF catalyst with high corrosion resistance and durable stability for 110 h at 500 mA cm^(-2).Meanwhile,the two-dimensional structure and high electrical conductivity of V_(2)CT_(x) can respectively enlarge the electrochemical active surface area and guarantee fast charge transfer,thereby synergistically promoting the catalytic performance of NiFe-LDH/V_(2)CT_(x)/NF in both deionized water electrolyte(261 m V at 100 m A cm^(-2))and simulated seawater electrolyte(241 mV at 100 mA cm^(-2)).This work can guide the preparation of oxygen evolution catalysts and accelerate the industrialization of seawater electrolysis.

Highly Dispersed Cobalt Nanoparticles Embedded in Nitrogen-Doped Graphitized Carbon for Fast and Durable Potassium Storage

Potassium-ion batteries(KIBs)have great potential for applications in large-scale energy storage devices.However,the larger radius of K+leads to sluggish kinetics and inferior cycling performance,severely restricting its practical applicability.Herein,we propose a rational strategy involving a Prussian blue analogue-derived graphitized carbon anode with fast and durable potassium storage capability,which is constructed by encapsulating cobalt nanoparticles in nitrogen-doped graphitized carbon(Co-NC).Both experimental and theoretical results show that N-doping effectively promotes the uniform dispersion of cobalt nanoparticles in the carbon matrix through Co-N bonds.Moreover,the cobalt nanoparticles and strong Co-N bonds synergistically form a threedimensional conductive network,increase the number of adsorption sites,and reduce the diffusion energy barrier,thereby facilitating the adsorption and the diffusion kinetics.These multiple effects lead to enhanced reversible capacities of 305 and 208.6 mAh g^−1 after 100 and 300 cycles at 0.05 and 0.1 A g^−1,respectively,demonstrating the applicability of the Co-NC anode for KIBs.

Layered hydrated vanadium oxide as highly reversible intercalation cathode for aqueous Zn-ion batteries

Aqueous Zn-ion batteries(ZIBs)hold great potential in large-scale energy storage systems due to the merits of low-cost and high safety.However,the unstable structure of cathode materials and sluggish(de)intercalation kinetics of Zn2+pose challenges for further development.Herein,highly reversible aqueous ZIBs are constructed with layered hydrated vanadium oxide as a cathode material.The electrochemical performances are further tested with the optimized electrolyte of 3M Zn(CF3SO3)2 and a cut-off voltage of 0.4 to 1.3 V,exhibiting a remarkable capacity of 290mAh g−1 at 0.5Ag−1,and long-term cycling stability at high current density.Furthermore,the Zn2+storage mechanism of V3O7⋅H2O is recognized as a highly reversible(de)intercalation process with good structural stability,implying the potential application in the field of large-scale energy storage.

Study on Polyphenol Oxidase Activity and Total Phenol Content of Docynia indica

[Objectives] To study the polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity and total phenol content of Docynia indica .[Methods] The tender branches and petioles of the medicinal and edible plant D. indica were used as experimental materials, and the annual changes of total phenol content and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity were analyzed.[Results] pH 7.0 was the optimum value of polyphenol oxidase activity in D. indica plants;the best substrate was catechol with the concentration of 0.15 mol/L;the optimum temperature was 25 ℃.[Conclusions] The total phenol content of D. indica plants was the lowest in April, May and September of each year. The polyphenol oxidase activity of D. indica plants at flowering and fruiting stage was significantly higher than that at pre-flowering stage.

Research Progress in the Regulation of Tumor Cells and Tumor Stem Cells at Multiple Targets by Antrodia camphorata

Extensive in vitro and in vivo research reveals multiple intracellular molecular targets of Antrodia camphorata,and these targets affect growth,apoptosis,angiogenesis,invasion and metastasis of cells.These targets include tumor suppressor,cell cycle regulator,transcription factor,angiogenesis and metastasis factor,apoptosis and survival regulator,etc.Additionally,more and more attention has been paid to the molecular mechanism of A.camphorata on the regulation of tumor stem cells.Meanwhile,there is evidence that the immunoregulation of A.camphorata is enhanced,which may lead cell cycle arrest or apoptosis.In this paper,molecular mechanism of tumor cells and tumor stem cells regulated at multiple targets by A.camphorata in vitro and in vivo in the past decade is summarized.

Analysis of Seed Phenotypic and Metabolic Characteristics of Diploid and Tetraploid Tartary Buckwheat

Polyploid plants grow well,are stress tolerant,and are rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds.Thus,they are useful for improving crop quality and yield.In this study,we compared the seed characteristics and metabolite profiles of diploid and tetraploid tartary buckwheat,which was developed via an artificially induced chromosome doubling event.The length,width,area,and thousand-grain weight were greater for the tetraploid seeds than for the diploid seeds.However,the germination rate decreased for the tetraploid seeds.Additionally,there was a gap between the shell and kernel of the tetraploid seeds.Moreover,the water absorption rate was higher for the tetraploid than for the diploid seeds.Chromosome doubling increased the seed total flavonoid content and deepened the seed color.A principal component analysis of the ultrahigh-pressure liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry data revealed the clear separation between the diploid and tetraploid samples.An orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis and other multivariate statistical analyses identified 83 differentially abundant compounds,with most of the flavonoid metabolites more abundant in the tetraploid than in the diploid seeds.Research on tartary buckwheat polyploidy may result in enhanced germplasm resources and may clarify the mechanism underlying the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds.

Cambering of Four High Cold Mill with the View of Reducing Roller Ends Contact and Preventing Complex Waves

Based on lots of field experiments and theoretical research, fully thinking the equipment and production craft characters of four high cold mill, a new cambering scheme for four high cold mill is advanced in this paper. This scheme considered the need of production of multi-specification products, as well as the control of roller ends contact. The most homogeneous transverse distribution of front tension is the control target and the homogeneous pressure distribution between rollers is the constraint condition. In this technology, working roll curve adapt the combination of cosine curve and high order curve, backup roll adapt the combination of cosine curve, straight line and high order curve. The cosine subentry of working roll and the high order curve subentry are used to control edge wave, the high order curve subentry of working roll is used to control the roll contact, the cosine subentry of backup roll is used to reduce the center wave. That’s the features of this technology. On-site testing shows that the new cambering and combination can not only manage the complex waves of normal four high cold mill effectively, but also will reduce the contact between roller ends and minish roll consumption. This technology has created economic benefits for enterprises.

Curcumin inhibits beta-amyloid protein 40/42 expression in the brain in a concentration-and time-dependent manner

Several studies have demonstrated that the amount of beta-amyloid （Aβ） protein in the brain can be lowered by down-regulating Aβ production, promoting Aβ degradation, reducing Aβ oligomerization or deposition, thereby alleviating symptoms of Alzheimer＇s disease. Curcumin has been known to be a peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma （PPARy） agonist and can obviously inhibit Aβ production and oligomerization. This study investigated the effects of curcumin on the G-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 （BACE1） activity and PPARy expression in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, and validated the inhibitory effects of curcumin on Aβ40/42 expression in the brain. Results revealed that PPARy mRNA and protein expression in the human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells significantly increased with increasing curcumin concentration and time course （P 〈 0.05）; BACE1 mRNA and protein expression and Aβ40/42 production significantly decreased with increasing curcumin concentration and time course （P 〈 0.05）. The changes in PPARy and BACE1 expression during Aβ production could be reversed by the PPARy antagonist GW9662. These findings indicate that curcumin reduced Aβ production by activating PPARy expression and inhibiting BACE1 expression in a concentration- and time-dependent manner.

Deep sequencing of Magnoliae officinalis reveals upstream genes related to the lignan biosynthetic pathway

Magnoliae officinalis is the plant source of houpo, a widely used traditional Chinese medicine to treat symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases. Its main active components, magnolol (MG) and honokiol (HK), have excellent pharmacological actions, but little research has focused on the functional genes involved in the MG and HK metabolic pathways. In this study, using RNA-seq and gene expression profile, we present the first transcriptome characterization of M. officinalis leaves, twigs and stems. Based on similarity search against nonredundant protein databases, 30,660 contigs had at least a significant alignment to existing public database. Pathway analysis showed that 8707 contigs were assigned to 317 KEGG pathways. A second skeleton pathway with 14 putative homologous genes was also identified as involved in lignan biosynthesis. Expression profiles of these 14 genes showed that leaves and twigs seem to have higher transcript levels for lignan components than in stem tissue; this result was then verified by qRT-PCR. Our work will immensely facilitate metabolic research on lignan biosynthesis in M. officinalis.

Study on Callus Induction and Tissue Culture Regeneration System of Malus toringoides

[Objectives]To study the culture of callus produced by the leaves of the ethnic medicine‘E Se’,the induction of adventitious buds and the regeneration system of tissue culture seedlings.[Methods]Multi-factor orthogonal experiment was used to design and analyze.[Results]The best medium for callus induction was MS+2.0 mg/L 6-BA+0.1 mg/L 2,4-D.By comparing the effects of cytokinin 6-BA,KT and TDZ on induction of adventitious bud differentiation,it was found that the optimum medium for adventitious bud regeneration was MS+0.5 mg/L 6-BA+0.5 mg/L KT+0.15 mg/L IBA.Finally,adding 0.2 mg/L IBA(0.1 or 0.2 mg/L)to MS medium could effectively make regenerated seedlings produce roots,and the efficiency was more than 70%.[Conclusions]It laid a foundation for the large-scale cultivation of the seedlings of the ethnic medicine‘E Se’and the promotion of their artificial cultivation.

Comparative Analysis of the Transcriptome and Metabolome in Leaves of Diploid and Tetraploid Fagopyrum tataricum

Tartary buckwheat(Fagopyrum tataricum)is a dual-purpose medicinal and food crop grown for its high contents of functional compounds and abundant nutrients.Although studies have shown the differences of total flavonoid content in Tartary buckwheat at different ploidy levels,the composition of flavonoid and its regulatory mechanisms are largely unknown.In this study,the leaf metabolome and transcriptome of diploid and tetraploid accessions of Tartary buckwheat were analyzed to gain insight into the impact of polyploidization on comparative secondary metabolite composition and molecular regulatory mechanism.Based on a widely targeted metabolomics analysis,a total of 792 metabolites were identified,including 127 flavonoids.The accumulation of 127 metabolites and expression of 3871 genes differed significantly between diploid and tetraploid Tartary buckwheat.Integrated metabolomics and transcriptome analysis revealed that chromosome doubling up-regulated the expression of upstream genes in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway to promote the accumulation of flavonoids.The present results contribute to elucidation of the molecular mechanism of phenotypic variation associated with polyploidy in Tartary buckwheat.The findings provide a reference for further studies on phenotypic traits in polyploid Tartary buckwheat,the cloning of crucial regulatory genes,and utilization of genetic engineering technologies in the breeding of Tartary buckwheat.

Characteristic Analysis and Comprehensive Control for the Horizontal Stripes of High-Grade Automotive Panels in Continuous Annealing

As to the horizontal stripes defect which exist on the surface of the high-grade automotive panels in continuous annealing process, an effective comprehensive control method is proposed on the basis of full consideration of the equipment and technological features of continuous annealing line. With five field tests as basis, the generation mechanism of the defect was analysised in detail and the comprehensive control measures were put forward. According to actual situation, a detailed technical plan was worked out .Then the relevant technologies were applied to a 1850 continuous annealing line. The statistics shows that this program acquired good effects. The incidence of horizontal stripes defect decreased from 100% to 2.78%. Meanwhile, the surface quality of strip also improved effectively, which created a larger economic benefit.

Development of Roller Ends Forced-Contact Model and Cambering Technology for UCM Temper Mill (II)——Development of cambering technology for UCM temper mill

Roller ends forced-contact and overmuch roll consumption are the widespread problems in temper rolling process of thin strip for two-stand UCM temper mill. Fully thinking the equipment and technology characteristics of UCM temper mill, we took the newly-built 1220 UCM temper mill of Baosteel as the research object in this paper. A model of roller ends forced-contact and a calculation model of flatness for UCM temper mill are established after a great deal of site tracing and theoretical researches. On this basis, an optimal mathematical model of roll shape which is suited for UCM temper mill is developed. Working roll curve is the combination of cosine curve and high order curve. The cosine subentry is used to control edge wave, the high order curve subentry is used to control roller ends forced-contact. Furthermore, the chamfering curve of middle roller end is optimized. Those are the innovations. Through the above-mentioned technology, pressure distribution between rollers caused by the shift of middle roll becomes more homogeneous, pressure peak disappeared, working life of roll is improved effectively as well. Relevant technologies have been used to the practice of 1220 UCM temper mill of Baosteel and have achieved good use effects, which is of further extending application value.

Development of Roller Ends Forced-Contact Model and Cambering Technology for UCM Temper Mill (I)——Development of Roller Ends Forced-Contact Model and the Computational Model of Flatness for UCM temper mill

Roller ends forced-contact and overmuch roll consumption are the widespread problems in temper rolling process of thin strip for two-stand UCM temper mill. Fully thinking the equipment and technology characteristics of UCM temper mill, we took the newly-built 1220 UCM temper mill of Baosteel as the research object in this paper. A model of roller ends forced-contact and a calculation model of flatness for UCM temper mill are established after a great deal of site tracing and theoretical researches. On this basis, an optimal mathematical model of roll shape which is suited for UCM temper mill is developed. Working roll curve is the combination of cosine curve and high order curve. The cosine subentry is used to control edge wave, the high order curve subentry is used to control roller ends forced-contact. Furthermore, the chamfering curve of middle roller end is optimized. Those are the innovations. Through the above-mentioned technology, pressure distribution between rollers caused by the shift of middle roll becomes more homogeneous, pressure peak disappeared, working life of roll is improved effectively as well. Relevant technologies have been used to the practice of 1220 UCM temper mill of Baosteel and have achieved good use effects, which is of further extending application value [1].

Investigation of carbon emission in slurry shield tunnel construction based on modified process analysis method

Underground engineering,including shield tunnel construction,is a significant contributor to carbon dioxide emissions in infrastructure engineering projects.To better predict and control the carbon emissions associated with shield tunnel construction,this paper presents a novel calculation method:the modified process analysis method based on inputoutput and process analysis methods.To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method,a specific shield tunnel construction project was selected as a case study.The modified process analysis method was used to analyze the various factors that influence carbon emissions during the project’s construction phase.In addition,a neural network approach was applied to validate the accuracy of the calculation using the LSTM and BP neural network.The results demonstrate that the proposed method not only combines the strengths of traditional methods but also offers high accuracy and acceptable error rates.Based on these findings,several measures to reduce carbon emissions during shield tunnel construction are suggested,providing valuable insights for reducing CO_(2) emissions associated with infrastructure engineering projects.This study highlights the importance of adopting innovative approaches to reduce carbon emissions and promotes the implementation of sustainable practices in the construction industry.Through the use of advanced analytical methods,such as the proposed modified process analysis method,we can effectively mitigate the environmental impact of construction activities and make significant contributions to the global effort to combat climate change.

Role of post-hepatectomy portal hypertension in predicting the outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma after curative resection

Aims:Portal venous pressure frequently increases after a major hepatectomy.We aimed to assess the outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)with different post-hepatectomy portal pressure statuses and the predictive factors correlated with prognosis and post-hepatectomy portal hypertension(PHPH).Methods:Data from consecutive patients who underwent curative-intent hepatectomy for HCC at the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital and Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University between January 2008 and December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed.Patients were followed up until March 1,2022.PHPH was defined as new-onset portal hypertension(PH)in patients without preoperative PH within 1 month of hepatectomy.Patients were classified into two groups according to the presence or absence of PHPH:non-PH and PHPH.The clinicopathological characteristics were compared between the two groups.Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify independent risk factors for early and late recurrence of HCC,overall survival(OS),and PHPH.Results:Disease-free survival rates were significantly higher in the non-PH group(n=1068)than those in the PHPH group(n=423)(62.0%,39.0%,and 31.0%vs.46.2%,24.5%,and 19.3%at 1,3,and 5 years,respectively;all p<0.001).The 1-,3-,and 5-year OS rates were 91.0%,66.4%,and 51.4%in the non-PH group and 80.0%,48.9%,and 32.6%in the PHPH group,respectively(all p<0.001).Multivariate analysis revealed that PHPH was independently associated with early recurrence of HCC and poor OS(hazard ratio[HR]1.476,95%confidence interval[CI]1.279–1.704,p<0.001 and HR 1.601,95%CI 1.383–1.853,p<0.001,respectively).Furthermore,hepatitis B virus infection,cirrhosis,preoperative alanine aminotransferase>40 U/L,and major hepatectomy were identified as independent risk factors for PHPH.Conclusions:PHPH was associated with early recurrence of HCC and poor OS but not with late recurrence.Therefore,PHPH may be an attractive target for therapeutic interventions and follow-up surveillance to improve prognosis.

Integrated Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Analysis for the Mechanism Underlying White-to-Pink Petal Color Transition in Hibiscus mutabilis Flowers

Cotton rose(Hibiscus mutabilis)is a well-known ornamental plant that produces large flowers of vibrant colors.However,metabolites in H.mutabilis flowers with vibrant color have not been fully understood.By performing a combined analysis of metabolomics and transcriptomics data,we here explored mechanisms for the production of primary active compounds in this plant.Multivariate statistics unveiled differences in flavonoid metabolism between white and pink flowers,with pink flowers exhibiting a greater flavonoid abundance.The white-to-pink transition of cotton rose flowers may be attributed to pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside formation.On examining the expression of genes related to the structure of flavonoids,pink flowers were found to have a higher number of upregulated genes than white flowers,which resulted in higher flavonoid accumulation in the pink flowers.These results underscore the potential applications and development value of cotton rose flowers.Our study provides relevant insights into the regulation of key active components and the theoretical basis for the efficient utilization of cotton rose flowers.

nterferon alpha （IFNα）-induced TRIM22 interrupts HCV ＇eplication by ubiquitinating NS5A

TRIM22, a tripartite-motif （TRIM） protein, is upregulated upon interferon alpha （IFNa） administration to hepatitis C virus （HCV）-infected patients. However, the physiological role of TRIM22 upregulation remains unclear. Here, we describe a potential antiviral function of TRI M22＇s targeting of the HCV NSSA protein. NS5A is important for HCV replication and for resistance to I FNa therapy. During the first 24 h following the initiation of I FNa treatment, upregulation of TRIM22 in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells （PBMCs） of HCV patients correlated with a decrease in viral titer. This phenomenon was confirmed in the hepatocyte-derived cell line Huh-7, which is highly permissive for HCV infection. TRIM22 over-expression inhibited HCV replication, and Small interfering RNA （siRNA）-mediated knockdown of TRIM22 diminished IFNα-induced anti-HCV function. Furthermore, we determined that TRIM22 ubiquitinates NS5A in a concentration-dependent manner. In summary, our results suggest that TRIM22 upregulation is associated with HCV decline during IFNα treatment and Dlavs an important role in controlling HCV replication in vitro.

H. pylori Escape Host Immunoreaction Through Inhibiting ILK Expression by VacA

Helicobacter pylori （H. pylori） persistently colonizes the gastric mucosa despite a vigorous immune response. Vacuolating cytotoxin secreted by H. pylori has turned out to be a potent immunomodulatory toxin, but the signal transduction pathways involved has not been studied in macrophages. We observed in this study that vacA-deficient H. pylori induced significantly higher expression of integrin-linked kinase （ILK） and endothelial nitric oxygen synthase （eNOS）, and significantly more production of reactive oxygen species （ROS） in monocyte/macrophage-like U937 cells, as compared with isogenic vacA^＋ H. pylori. The expression of eNOS mRNA in U937 cells overexpressing ILK was markedly increased compared with those transfected with empty vectors. Thus, vacA-deficient H. pylori appears to upregulate ILK expression, which modulates the expression of eNOS and as a result, stimulates the production of ROS. It is VacA that prevents such a process by inhibiting ILK expression, helping H. pylori escape host immunoreaction. This mechanism explains, at least in part, persistent infection of H. pylori in the stomach.