The safety aspect of sodium ion batteries for practical applications

Sodium-ion batteries(SIBs)with advantages of abundant resource and low cost have emerged as promising candidates for the next-generation energy storage systems.However,safety issues existing in electrolytes,anodes,and cathodes bring about frequent accidents regarding battery fires and explosions and impede the development of high-performance SIBs.Therefore,safety analysis and high-safety battery design have become prerequisites for the development of advanced energy storage systems.The reported reviews that only focus on a specific issue are difficult to provide overall guidance for building high-safety SIBs.To overcome the limitation,this review summarizes the recent research progress from the perspective of key components of SIBs for the first time and evaluates the characteristics of various improvement strategies.By orderly analyzing the root causes of safety problems associated with different components in SIBs(including electrolytes,anodes,and cathodes),corresponding improvement strategies for each component were discussed systematically.In addition,some noteworthy points and perspectives including the chain reaction between security issues and the selection of improvement strategies tailored to different needs have also been proposed.In brief,this review is designed to deepen our understanding of the SIBs safety issues and provide guidance and assistance for designing high-safety SIBs.

竞争环境下制造商的产品共享策略

传统制造商可以通过共享平台将产品出租给消费者,从而参与共享经济。提出了由两个制造商和一个共享平台组成的分析框架,研究产品共享对竞争环境下的制造商进入策略和定价策略优化。一方面,当高质量制造商与共享平台合作时,如果消费者租用高质量产品的感知质量大于购买低质量产品的感知质量,高质量制造商应在租赁价格适中时进入共享市场并从中获益。但是,如果消费者租用高质量产品的感知质量小于购买低质量产品的感知质量,那么两个制造商都会因为共享市场而蒙受损失。此时,高质量制造商不应该提供共享产品。因此,当高质量制造商进入共享市场时,应保持其质量优势。另一方面,当低质量制造商与共享平台合作时,低质量制造商只有在租赁价格适中的情况下才能从共享中获益。这意味着,当租赁高质量产品的感知质量小于购买低质量产品的感知质量时,低质量制造商会对提供产品共享更有兴趣。

Overexpression of MdFRK2 enhances apple drought resistance by promoting carbohydrate metabolism and root growth under drought stress

Soluble sugars function not only as the energy and structural blocks supporting plants,but also as osmoregulators and signal molecules during plant adaptation to water deficit.Here,we investigated drought resistance in transgenic apple(Malus×domestica)overexpressing MdFRK2,a key gene regulating fructose content and sugar metabolism.There is no obvious phenotypic difference between MdFRK2-overexpressing transgenic plants and WT plants under the well-watered condition.However,the transgenic plants and the grafted plants using MdFRK2-overexpressing rootstock exhibited improved tolerance to drought stress.Overexpression of MdFRK2 significantly promoted the growth of root system under drought stress.RNA sequencing showed that under drought stress,genes involved in sugar metabolism,transcription regulation,signal transduction or hormone metabolism were differentially expressed in MdFRK2 transgenic plants.Consistent with the gene expression profile,the activities of enzyme(SDH,FRK and NI)involved in sugar metabolism in the roots of MdFRK2 transgenic plants were significantly higher than those of untransformed control plants after drought stress.Under drought stress,overexpression of MdFRK2 promoted the accumulation of IAA,and decreased the contents of ABA and CK in apple root system.In conclusion,these results suggest that MdFRK2 can promote the growth of apple roots under drought stress by regulating sugar metabolism and accumulation,hormone metabolism and signal transduction,and then resist drought stress.

5mC DNA methylation modification-mediated regulation in tissue functional differentiation and important flavor substance synthesis of tea plant (Camellia sinensis L.)

In plants,5mC DNA methylation is an important and conserved epistatic mark involving genomic stability,gene transcriptional regulation,developmental regulation,abiotic stress response,metabolite synthesis,etc.However,the roles of 5mC DNA methylation modification(5mC methylation)in tea plant growth and development(in pre-harvest processing)and flavor substance synthesis in pre-and post-harvest processing are unknown.We therefore conducted a comprehensive methylation analysis of four key pre-harvest tissues(root,leaf,flower,and fruit)and two processed leaves during oolong tea post-harvest processing.We found that differential 5mC methylation among four key tissues is closely related to tissue functional differentiation and that genes expressed tissue-specifically,responsible for tissue-specific functions,maintain relatively low 5mC methylation levels relative to non-tissue-specifically expressed genes.Importantly,hypomethylation modifications of CsAlaDC and TS/GS genes in roots provided the molecular basis for the dominant synthesis of theanine in roots.In addition,integration of 5mC DNA methylationomics,metabolomics,and transcriptomics of post-harvest leaves revealed that content changes in flavor metabolites during oolong tea processing were closely associated with transcription level changes in corresponding metabolite synthesis genes,and changes in transcript levels of these important synthesis genes were strictly regulated by 5mC methylation.We further report that some key genes during processing are regulated by 5mC methylation,which can effectively explain the content changes of important aroma metabolites,includingα-farnesene,nerolidol,lipids,and taste substances such as catechins.Our results not only highlight the key roles of 5mC methylation in important flavor substance synthesis in pre-and post-harvest processing,but also provide epimutation-related gene targets for future improvement of tea quality or breeding of whole-tissue high-theanine varieties.

The high-resolution three-dimensional(3D)chromatin map of the tea plant(Camellia sinensis)

Dear Editor,Tea plant(Camellia sinensis(L.)O.Kuntze)is one of the world’s most important non-alcoholic beverages,with great economic,health,and cultural value.Recently,several genomes of C.sinensis var.assamica(CSA)(Yunkang 10),C.sinensis var.sinensis(CSS)(Shuchazao,Biyun,Longjing 43,Tieguanyin,Huangdan),and ancient tea plant(DASZ)have been deciphered[1-3].

“Qingfei Paidu Decoction”—A Possible Choice of Phytotherapy for Severe Acute Respiratory Infection Caused by Coronavirus Disease-19

This work is aimed to study the therapeutics and pharmacology of the treatment of severe acute respiratory infection caused by coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) “Qingfei Paidu Decoction”. We analyze the “Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia” (Version I to Version VII) made by China, “Clinical management of severe acute respiratory infection when novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infection is suspected—Interim guidance” made by World Health Organization (WHO), “Therapeutic Guidelines: Respiratory” published by Australia, and the origin of classical prescription of Qingfei Paidu Decoction: “Shanghan Lun (Treatise on Febrile Diseases)” and “Jinkui Yaolue (Synopsis of Golden Chamber)”. We search the dictionary of traditional Chinese medicine (Version II) manually. We search literatures from 2001 to 2020 on Wiley online library. We conduct a comparative study on the therapeutic options and indications among Qingfei Paidu Decoction, COVID-19 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). And we carry out pharmacological inquiry of Qingfei Paidu Decoction. The therapeutic options and indications of Qingfei Paidu Decoction in China, COVID-19 and COPD are considered to be basically consistent. Qingfei Paidu Decoction has a definite therapeutic effect on the symptoms, basic diseases and complications for COVID-19 and COPD. Qingfei Paidu Decoction is a possible choice of phytotherapy for severe acute respiratory infection caused by COVID-19.

Detoxification and Inflammation Control—“Hanshi Zufei Decoction”, a Possible Effective Phytotherapy for Mild Cases by Coronavirus Disease 19

Object: This work explains the theoretical basis of “Hanshi Zufei Decoction” for the treatment of Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) through Western medical theories. Methods: We analyze the guideline of the “Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia” (Version I to Version VII) made by China, “Clinical Management of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection When Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Infection is Suspected—Interim Guidance” made by WHO, “Therapeutic Guidelines: Gastroenteropathy Section (Version V of Original)” and “Therapeutic Guidelines: Antibiotics Section (Version XV of Original)” published by Australia, and the origin of classical prescription of “Hanshi Zufei Decoction”: “Shanghan Lun (Treatise on Febrile Diseases)”, “Jinkui Yaolue (Synopsis of Golden Chamber)” and “Wenyi Lun (Treatise on Plague). We search the dictionary of traditional Chinese medicine (Version II) manually. Literature is searched from 2001 to 2020 on the Wiley online library. We conduct a comparative study on the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes of “Hanshi Zufei Decoction”, the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of respiratory system diseases and acute gastrointestinal inflammation by COVID-19. And we conduct the pharmacological inquiry of “Hanshi Zufei Decoction”. Results: The respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms of COVID-19 and the basis of the “Hanshi Zufei Decoction” are basically considered to be consistent. “Hanshi Zufei Decoction” can relieve respiratory symptoms, protect gastrointestinal mucosa, promote intestinal emptying, and have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects in the form of clusters. The dosage form and dosage used are in line with the range of pharmacological activity of the drug. Conclusions: “Hanshi Zufei Decoction” may have a good performance in reducing toxicity and controlling inflammation through intestinal emptying, and may play an active role in the treatment of COVID-19.

A Cogwheel WGM Resonator Based on Spoof Surface Plasmon Polaritons

The optical WGM resonator plays an important role in modern physics due to its ultra-high quality factor and small volume mode. In optics, SPPs modes can effectively confine electromagnetic waves at the interface between metal and dielectric, providing extremely high sensitivity. New interesting WGM phenomena will emerge when the WGM is combined with the SPPs. In this paper, a cogwheel resonator based on spoof SPPs was designed, which can generate multi-order WGM modes. The transmission coefficients, dispersion relations and resonance modes of the WGM resonator were analyzed. The proposed resonator extends the WGM mode from optical band to microwave band, providing a new perspective for the applications of WGM mode at microwave band.

聚己内酯对左旋聚乳酸结晶行为的影响

采用端羟基聚己内酯(PCL)并控制丙交酯(L-LA)的质量合成不同嵌段长度的PLLA-PCL-PLLA三嵌段共聚物;使用相对分子质量相近的左旋聚乳酸(PLLA)与PCL均聚物共混得到PLLA/PCL共混物。红外光谱测试和核磁共振氢谱测试确定了共聚物结构。差示扫描量热(DSC)测试结果表明,PCL的引入有效提高了PLLA嵌段共聚物和PLLA均聚物的结晶速率。利用DSC考察总结晶速率,热台偏光显微镜考察生长速率,结果表明当共聚物中PLLA嵌段相对分子质量与共混物中PLLA均聚物相对分子质量相当时,PLLA嵌段与PLLA均聚物结晶速率相当。PCL的加入使得PLLA最大结晶速率所对应的温度降低,其加入方式对PLLA的结晶形貌有一定的影响,无论以共聚或共混的方式引入PCL均对PLLA结晶速率的提高有积极作用。

含硼聚碳硅烷的制备及热解行为

为制备陶瓷产率高、高温性能优良的碳化硅(SiC)陶瓷先驱体,利用频那醇硼烷(PINB)与聚碳硅烷(PCS)的脱氢偶合反应,对聚碳硅烷进行化学改性。改变PINB与PCS的质量比(1∶20、1∶10、1∶5),制备了一系列不同硼(B)含量的含硼聚碳硅烷(PBCS)。通过傅里叶变换红外光谱分析、核磁共振氢谱分析、热重分析以及X射线衍射分析等手段研究了PBCS的组成、结构及热解行为。结果表明,通过B-H键的反应将B元素以PINB骨架形式引入PCS结构;引入B元素可以将PCS的陶瓷产率从78%提高至92%;另外,B元素的引入引起PCS的交联,PBCS的热解过程分3个阶段。同时B元素的引入抑制了SiC晶体的生长,将材料的耐温性能提高至1400℃。

基于AVR单片机的轮式机器人硬件设计与实现

本文详细介绍了一种基于AVR ATmega128的轮式机器人硬件设计。本设计的机器人可实现在由挡板组成的迷宫中自主行走并记忆路线的功能。选用Atmega128作为微处理器,红外线发射接收对管作为避障模块,DRV8833作为微型直流电机控制芯片,并设计了电压转换和充电模块。微控制器控制红外线模块的发射和接收,计算机器人和迷宫挡板的距离;采用PWM信号控制微型直流电机的转速和转向;通过电机编码器反馈的脉冲信号计算机器人的转速和前进方向。本文详细介绍了各模块的工作原理和具体实现电路。

The crosstalk between autophagy and ferroptosis:what can we learn to target drug resistance in cancer?

Autophagy is a conserved intracellular degradation system that plays a dual role in cell death;thus,therapies targeting autophagy in cancer are somewhat controversial.Ferroptosis is a new form of regulated cell death featured with the iron-dependent accumulation of lethal lipid ROS.This pathway is morphologically,biochemically and genetically distinct from other forms of cell death.Accumulating studies have revealed crosstalk between autophagy and ferroptosis at the molecular level.In this review,we summarize the mechanisms of ferroptosis and autophagy,and more importantly,their roles in the drug resistance of cancer.Numerous connections between ferroptosis and autophagy have been revealed,and a strong causal relationship exists wherein one process controls the other and can be utilized as potential therapeutic targets for cancer.The elucidation of when and how to modulate their crosstalk using therapeutic strategies depends on an understanding of the fine-tuned switch between ferroptosis and autophagy,and approaches designed to manipulate the intensity of autophagy might be the key.

Increased activity of MdFRK2, a high-affinity fructokinase, leads to upregulation of sorbitol metabolism and downregulation of sucrose metabolism in apple leaves

To investigate the functions of fructokinase(FRK)in apple(Malus domestica)carbohydrate metabolism,we cloned the coding sequences of MdFRK1 and MdFRK2 from the‘Royal Gala’apple.The results showed that MdFRK2 expression was extremely high in shoot tips and young fruit.Analyses of heterologously expressed proteins revealed that MdFRK2 had a higher affinity for fructose than did MdFRK1,with Km values of 0.1 and 0.62 mM for MdFRK2 and MdFRK1,respectively.The two proteins,however,exhibited similar Vmax values when their activities were significantly inhibited by high concentrations of fructose.MdFRK2 ectopic expression was associated with a general decrease in fructose concentration in transgenic lines.In leaves,increased FRK activity similarly resulted in reduced concentrations of glucose and sucrose but no alterations in sorbitol concentration.When compared with those in the untransformed control,genes involved in sorbitol synthesis(A6PR)and the degradation pathway(SDH1/2)were significantly upregulated in transgenic lines,whereas those involved in sucrose synthesis(SPS1)and other degradation processes(SUSY4,NINV1/2,and HxK2)were downregulated.The activity of enzymes participating in carbohydrate metabolism was proportional to the level of gene expression.However,the growth performance and photosynthetic efficiency did not differ between the transgenic and wild-type plants.These results provide new genetic evidence to support the view that FRK plays roles in regulating sugar and sorbitol metabolism in Rosaceae plants.

Genetic relationship and pedigree of Chinese watermelon varieties based on diversity of perfect SNPs

Watermelon(Citrullus lanatus)is one of the world’s most important fruit crops,and China produces the most watermelons in the world.Recently,a watermelon variome consisting of 414 key resequenced accessions was reported.However,the genetic relationships and pedigree of Chinese watermelon varieties in the seed market remain unclear.In this study,241 evenly distributed perfect single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)derived from the watermelon variome were selected for variety identification.The diversity of 247 Chinese watermelon varieties was identified based on their SNP genotypes.The 247 watermelon varieties were clustered into five subpopulations:the East Asian ecotype,intermediate ecotype,small fruit with red flesh ecotype,small fruit with yellow flesh ecotype,and American ecotype.We further established the pedigree of four subpopulations,of which JingXinNo.1,ZaoChunHongYu,HuangXiaoYu and XiaoLan,and Sugarlee were the main doner of the East Asian ecotype,small fruit with red flesh ecotype,small fruit with yellow flesh ecotype,and American ecotype,respectively.Thirty-two core SNPs were selected and applied in watermelon variety identification.They were also validated by the Kompetitive allele-specific PCR(KASPar)platform.The present study furthered our understanding of the genetic relationships and pedigree of watermelon varieties in China,and will help to manage the plant variety protection in watermelon.

Comparison of DUS testing and SNP fingerprinting for variety identification in cucumber

Variety identification plays an important role in protecting the intellectual property of varieties,ensuring seed quality,and encouraging breeding innovation.Currently,morphological evaluation in the field,such as distinctness,uniformity,and stability(DUS)testing,and DNA fingerprinting in the laboratory using molecular markers are two dominant methods used for variety identification.Few studies have compared the results of these approaches,and the relationship between the two methods is obscure.In this study,134 dominant cucumber varieties were evaluated using 50 DUS testing traits and genotyped by 40 single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs).The 40 SNPs were developed in our previous study and arewell suited for variety identification.In the DUS testing,significant positive or negative correlations among 50 DUS traits were observed,and 20 core traits,including 15 fruit traits,were further selected to increase field inspection efficiency.This suggested that fruit shape plays an important role in variety identification.The ratio of fruit length/diameter was themost important trait,explaining 9.2%of the phenotypic variation.In the DNA fingerprinting test,the 40 SNPs were highly polymorphic and could distinguish all of the 134 cucumber varieties,and 14 core SNPs were selected to improve the identification rate.Interestingly,the population structure analysis of 134 cucumber varieties by phenotypic data in the DUS test was in accordance with the genotypic data from the DNA fingerprinting,indicating that all varieties could be divided into the same four subgroups:European type,North China type,South China type,and hybrids of the North China and South China types.Moreover,linear correlativity of distinguishment for each pair of varieties was observed between the DUS test and the DNA fingerprinting.These results indicated that these two methods have good application in future research,especially for the scaled-up analysis of hundreds of varieties.

分子间相互作用对复合固态聚合物电解质离子电导率的影响机制

以聚氧化乙烯(PEO)为基体、埃洛石纳米管(HNTs)为填料,采用溶液浇铸法制备了系列聚氧化乙烯/高氯酸锂/埃洛石(PEO/LiClO4/HNTs)固态聚合物电解质。系统研究了HNTs经表面改性前后对PEO结晶性能、锂盐解离度及离子电导率的影响机制。透射电子显微镜和比表面积表征结果表明,HNTs经硫酸处理后(A-HNTs),可在保持纳米管形貌的基础上使其比表面积从33.15 m^(2)/g增加到104.73 m^(2)/g;X射线衍射和差示扫描量热法分析结果表明,HNTs经表面改性处理,可增加分子间的相互作用,进一步降低PEO的结晶度;光学显微镜结果证明,HNTs的加入可使PEO球晶尺寸减小,表面改性处理可进一步使PEO结晶细化;傅里叶变换红外光谱和离子电导率测试结果表明,通过对HNTs纳米管表面基团的控制,可以提高LiClO4解离程度,获得的电解质膜在40℃的离子电导率高达1.35×10^(-4) S/cm。

LsAP2 regulates leaf morphology by inhibiting CIN-like TCP transcription factors and repressing LsKAN2 in lettuce

Leaf size and flatness directly affect photosynthesis and are closely related to agricultural yield.The final leaf size and shape are coordinately determined by cell proliferation,differentiation,and expansion during leaf development.Lettuce(Lactuca sativa L.)is one of the most important leafy vegetables worldwide,and lettuce leaves vary in shape and size.However,the molecular mechanisms of leaf development in lettuce are largely unknown.In this study,we showed that the lettuce APETALA2(LsAP2)gene regulates leaf morphology.LsAP2 encodes a transcriptional repressor that contains the conserved EAR motif,which mediates interactions with the TOPLESS/TOPLESS-RELATED(JPL/TPR)corepressors.Overexpression of LsAP2 led to small and crinkly leaves,and many bulges were seen on the surface of the leaf blade.LsAP2 physically interacted with the CINCINNATA(CIN)-like TEOSINTE BRANCHED1/CYCLOIDEA/PROLIFERATING CELL FACTOR(TCP)transcription factors and inhibited their transcriptional activation activity.RNA sequencing analysis showed that LsAP2 affected the expression of auxin-and polarity-related genes.In addition,LsAP2 directly repressed the abaxial identity gene KANAD12(LsKAN2).Together,these results indicate that LsAP2 regulates leaf morphology by inhibiting CIN-like TCP transcription factors and repressing LsKAN2,and our work provides insights into the regulatory mechanisms of leaf development in lettuce.

Time-course transcriptome landscape of achene development in lettuce

Lettuce(Lactuca sativa L.),which belongs to the large Asteraceae(Compositae)family,breeds by sexual reproduction and produces seeds.Actually,lettuce seeds are achenes,which are defined as fruits.However,few studies have described the morphological characteristics of the lettuce achenes,and genes essential for achene development are largely unknown in lettuce.To investigate the gene activity during achene development and determine the possible mechanisms that influence achene development in lettuce,we performed a time-course transcriptome analysis of lettuce achenes.A total of 27,390 expressed genes were detected at the five achene development stages.We investigated the gene expression patterns during achene development and identified the enriched biological processes at the corresponding stages.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Gene Ontology analyses revealed a variety of transcriptomic similarities and differences at different achene development stages.Further,transcription factors and phytohormones were found to play important roles during achene development.Finally,we proposed a working model to illustrate the gene expression modules and possible molecular mechanisms underlying achene development.Our time-course transcriptome data also provide a foundation for future functional studies to reveal the genetic control of achene development in lettuce.

Comparison of nitrous oxide(N2O)emissions calculations at a Swedish wastewater treatment plant based on water concentrations versus off-gas concentrations

Total nitrous oxide(N_2O) emissions from a conventional active sludge process were calculated using a mathematical emission model and dissolved N_2O in the water phase by a N_2O water sensor. Calculated emissions showed good agreement with measured emissions based on concentrations and air?ow in the off-gas ventilation system from the covered process. Various tests for a wide range of potentially affecting parameters indicated robust and reliable emission estimations by the model. Thus, common uncertainties in input data would still provide good emission estimations. Measurements of dissolved N_2O required low maintenance and N_2O emission monitoring based on such measurements might therefore be considered as a signi?cant practical improvement. This would be advantageous especially in non-enclosed wastewater treatment plants(WWTPs) otherwise requiring complex off-gas measurements. As the sensor is connected directly to the WWTPs monitoring and control system, emissions calculations could be incorporated.

Enhanced Removal of Phosphates by the Adsorbent Consisting of Iron Oxide Loaded on Porous Chitosan/Cellulose Acetate Particle

The effective and economical removal of phosphates from aqueous solution, mostly applied in waste water treatment, is one of the significant issues globally. Removal of phosphates ions in aqueous solution was analysed by chitosan blended with cellulose acetate, and iron oxide loaded chitosan-cellulose acetate adsorbents. The adsorbents were made in the form of beads. Batch experiments were performed to investigate the performance of the beads under various conditions on phosphate adsorption. Contact time, effect of initial phosphate concentration, adsorbent dosage, pH and temperature were investigated. Zeta potential measurements were also undertaken. The results showed that the adsorption process was highly pH dependent. The adsorption kinetics data were modelled with the application of adsorption reaction models and adsorption diffusion models. The results revealed that the pseudo 2nd order model was the best fitting in all cases. The experimental data were tested with Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The equilibrium data were well fitted to the Langmuir isotherm model with a maximum adsorption capacity of 958 μg/g. The Freundlich isotherm model also had a close fit with a maximum adsorption of 233 μg/g, which was very close to the experimental maximum adsorption. The mechanism of adsorption followed two stages in which the first one was fast followed by a slower gradual stage. SEM images showed that the adsorbent was macroporous. Fourier Transform Infrared Red (FT-IR) Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction Spectroscopy (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) showed that the phosphate adsorption on the HFO-CS/CA beads was due to surface complexes, and mainly involved Nitrogen atoms. HFO loading also increased surface area.