Postmortem ^(7)Li NMR analysis for assessing the reversibility of lithium metal electrodes in lithium metal batteries

Despite the proficiency of lithium(Li)-7 NMR spectroscopy in delineating the physical and chemical states of Li metal electrodes,challenges in specimen preparation and interpretation impede its progress.In this study,we conducted a comprehensive postmortem analysis utilizing ^(7)Li NMR,employing a stan-dard magic angle spinning probe to examine protective-layer coated Li metal electrodes and LiAg alloy electrodes against bare Li metal electrodes within Li metal batteries(LMBs).Our investigation explores the effects of sample burrs,alignment with the magnetic field,the existence of liquid electrolytes,and precycling on the ^(7)Li NMR signals.Through contrasting NMR spectra before and after cycling,we identi-fied alterations in Li^(0) and Li^(+) signals attributable to the degradation of the Li metal electrode.Our NMR analyses decisively demonstrate the efficacy of the protective layer in mitigating dendrite and solid elec-trolyte interphase formation.Moreover,we noted that Li*ions near the Li metal surface exhibit magnetic susceptibility anisotropy,revealing a novel approach to studying diamagnetic species on Li metal elec-trodes in LMBs.This study provides valuable insights and practical guidelines for characterizing distinct lithium states within LMBs.

Catalpa bignonioides extract improves exercise performance through regulation of growth and metabolism in skeletal muscles

Objective:To evaluate the effects of Catalpa bignonioides fruit extract on the promotion of muscle growth and muscular capacity in vitro and in vivo.Methods:Cell viability was measured using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay.Cell proliferation was assessed using a 5-bromo-2’-deoxyuridine(BrdU)assay kit.Western blot analysis was performed to determine the protein expressions of related factors.The effects of Catalpa bignonioides extract were investigated in mice using the treadmill exhaustion test and whole-limb grip strength assay.Chemical composition analysis was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC).Results:Catalpa bignonioides extract increased the proliferation of C2C12 mouse myoblasts by activating the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.It also induced metabolic changes,increasing the number of mitochondria and glucose metabolism by phosphorylating adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase.In an in vivo study,the extract-treated mice showed improved motor abilities,such as muscular endurance and grip strength.Additionally,HPLC analysis showed that vanillic acid may be the main component of the Catalpa bignonioides extract that enhanced muscle strength.Conclusions:Catalpa bignonioides improves exercise performance through regulation of growth and metabolism in skeletal muscles,suggesting its potential as an effective natural agent for improving muscular strength.

Unravelling the role of the combined effect of metallic charge transfer channel and SiO_(x) overlayer in the Zr/Si-Fe_(2)O_(3):Au:SiO_(x) nanorod arrays to boost photoelectrochemical water splitting

Hematite(α-Fe_(2)O_(3)) based photoanodes have been extensively studied due to various intriguing features that make them viable candidates for a photoelectrochemical(PEC) water splitting photoanode.Herein,we propose a Zr-doped Fe_(2)O_(3) photoanode decorated with facilely spin-coated Au nanoparticles(NPs) and microwave-assisted attached Si co-doping in conjunction with a SiO_(x) overlayer that displayed a remarkable photocurrent density of 2.01 mA/cm^(2) at 1.23 V vs.RHE.The kinetic dynamics at the photoelectrode/-electrolyte interface was examined by employing systematic electrochemical investigations.The Au NPs played a dual role in increasing PEC water splitting.First,the Schottky interface that was formed between Au NPs and Zr-Fe_(2)O_(3) lectrode ensured the prevention of electron flow from the photoanode to the metal,increasing the number of available charges as well as suppressing surface charge recombination.Second,Au extracted photoholes from the bulk of the Zr-Fe_(2)O_(3) and transported them to the outer SiO_(x) overlayer,while the SiO_(x) overlayer efficiently collected the photoholes and promoted the hole injection into the electrolyte.Further,Si co-doping enhanced bulk conductivity by reducing bulk charge transfer resistance and improving charge carrier density.This study outlines a technique to design a metallic charge transfer path with an overlayer for solar energy conversion.

Investigating ischemia and reperfusion-induced organ damage in severe cardiac arrest:A comprehensive proteomics perspective

Cardiac arrest(CA)is a life-threatening condition with complex pathophysiology and limited treatment options.To gain deeper insights into the pathological state of vital organs,we employed a proteomics analysis in rodents to assess proteome alterations in the brain,heart,kidney,and liver using a rat model of CA.The brain displayed severe protein alterations in essential cellular pathways,including three major energy-generating pathways after CA,which worsened after resuscitation,resulting in the most significant overall protein changes among the organs.Conversely,the liver,experiencing the most substantial protein alterations post-CA,demonstrated significant recovery,presenting the least protein changes post-resuscitation.

Exploring the relationship between ambient sulfur dioxide and semen quality parameters:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective:To investigate the relationship between ambient sulfur dioxide(SO2)exposure and semen quality parameters.Methods:A systematic literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies investigating the association between SO2 exposure and semen quality parameters.This search encompassed the timeframe from January 2000 to May 2023 and included electronic databases such as Web of Science,Google Scholar,PubMed,Cochrane,and Scopus.Pooled effect estimates with 95%confidence intervals(CI)were calculated using percent changes(PC).The meta-analysis included seven studies with 6711 participants and 15087 semen samples.Results:The results revealed a significant negative association between ambient SO2 exposure and certain semen quality parameters.In particular,SO2 exposure was associated with a significant decrease in progressive motility(PC=0.032;95%CI:-0.063 to-0.001;P=0.044)and sperm concentration(PC=-0.020;95%CI:-0.036 to-0.005;P=0.012).However,no statistically significant associations were observed for total sperm count(PC=-0.038;95%CI:-0.079 to 0.003;P=0.070),seminal fluid volume(PC=-0.009;95%CI:-0.048 to-0.030;P=0.662)and sperm motility(PC=-0.17;95%CI:-0.363 to 0.022;P=0.830).In addition,the results of the subgroup analysis revealed specific variables that were associated with the decrease in relevant sperm parameters.Conclusions:This systematic review and meta-analysis provides compelling evidence supporting a consistent negative association between exposure to ambient SO2 and semen quality parameters.

Gradient Si-and Ti-doped Fe_(2)O_(3) hierarchical homojunction photoanode for efficient solar water splitting:Effect of facile microwave-assisted growth of Si-FeOOH on Ti-FeOOH nanocorals

The construction of a homojunction is an effective approach for addressing issues such as slow charge separation and charge-transfer kinetics in photoanodes.In the present work,we designed a gradient Si-and Ti-doped Fe_(2)O_(3) homojunction photoanode to improve the photoelectrochemical(PEC)performance of a Ti-doped Fe_(2)O_(3) photoanode.Ti-FeOOH nanocorals were synthesized using a hydrothermal process,and Si-FeOOH was grown on Ti-FeOOH nanocorals using a rapid and facile microwaveassisted(MW)technique.By varying the MW irradiation time,the thickness of the Si/Ti:Fe_(2)O_(3) photoanode was adjusted and an optimized 3-Si/Ti:Fe_(2)O_(3) photoelectrode was achieved with a significantly enhanced photocurrent density(1.37 mA cm^(-2) at 1.23 V vs.RHE)and a cathodic shift of the onset potential(150 mV)compared with that of bare Ti-Fe_(2)O_(3).This enhanced PEC performance can be ascribed to homojunction formation and Si gradient doping.The Si dopant increased the donor concentration and the formation of a homojunction improved the intrinsic built-in electric field,thereby promoting charge separation and charge transfer.Furthermore,the as-formed homojunction passivated the surfacetrapping states,consequently improving the charge transfer efficiency(60%at 1.23 VRHE)at the photoanode/electrolyte interface.These findings could pave the way for the microwave-assisted fabrication of diverse efficient homojunction photoanodes for PEC water splitting applications.

Diffusionless-Like Transformation Unlocks Pseudocapacitance with Bulk Utilization: Reinventing Fe_(2)O_(3) in Alkaline Electrolyte

Energy density can be substantially raised and even maximized if the bulk of an electrode material is fully utilized.Transition metal oxides based on conversion reaction mechanism are the imperative choice due to either constructing nanostructure or intercalation pseudocapacitance with their intrinsic limitations.However,the fully bulk utilization of transition metal oxides is hindered by the poor understanding of atomic-level conversion reaction mechanism,particularly it is largely missing at clarifying how the phase transformation(conversion reaction)determines the electrochemical performance such as power density and cyclic stability.Herein,α-Fe_(2)O_(3) is a case provided to claim how the diffusional and diffusionless transformation determine the electrochemical behaviors,as of its conversion reaction mechanism with fully bulk utilization in alkaline electrolyte.Specifically,the discharge productα-FeOOH diffusional from Fe(OH)2 is structurally identified as the atomic-level arch criminal for its cyclic stability deterioration,whereas the counterpartδ-FeOOH is theoretically diffusionless-like,unlocking the full potential of the pseudocapacitance with fully bulk utilization.Thus,such pseudocapacitance,in proof-of-concept and termed as conversion pseudocapacitance,is achieved via diffusionless-like transformation.This work not only provides an atomic-level perspective to reassess the potential electrochemical performance of the transition metal oxides electrode materials based on conversion reaction mechanism but also debuts a new paradigm for pseudocapacitance.

Utilizing hybrid faradaic mechanism via catalytic and surface interactions for high-performance flexible energy storage system

Improving the capacitance and energy density is a significant challenge while developing practical and flexible energy storage system(ESS).Redox mediators(RMs),as redox-active electrolyte additives,can provide additional energy storing capability via electrochemical faradaic contribution on electrodes for high-performance flexible ESSs.Particularly,determining effective material combinations between electrodes and RMs is essential for maximizing surface faradaic redox reactions for energy-storage performance.In this study,an electrode-RM system comprising heterostructured hybrid(carbon fiber(CF)/MnO_(2)) faradaic electrodes and iodine RMs(I-RMs) in a redox-active electrolyte is investigated.The CF/MnO_(2)with the 1-RMs(CF/MnO_(2)-I) induces dominant catalytic faradaic interaction with the I-RMs,significantly enhancing the surface faradaic kinetics and increasing the overall energy-storage performance.The CF/MnO_(2)-I ESSs show a 12.6-fold(or higher) increased volumetric energy density of 793.81 mWh L^(-1)at a current of 10 μA relative to ESSs using CF/MnO_(2)without I-RMs(CF/MnO_(2)).Moreover,the CF/MnO_(2)-I retains 93.1% of its initial capacitance after 10,000 cycles,validating the excellent cyclability.Finally,the flexibility of the ESSs is tested at different bending angles(180° to 0°),demonstrating its feasibility for flexible and high-wear environments.Therefore,CF/MnO_(2)electrodes present a practical material combination for high-performance flexible energy-storage devices owing to the catalytic faradaic interaction with I-RMs.

Engineering Geometric Electrodes for Electric Field-Enhanced High-Performance Flexible In-Plane Micro-Supercapacitors

In plane micro-supercapacitors that are miniaturized energy storage components have attracted significant attention due to their high power densities for various ubiquitous and sustainable device systems as well as their facile integration on various flexible/wearable platform.To implement the micro-supercapacitors in various practical applications that can accompany solid state or gel electrolyte and flexible substrates,ions must be readily transported to electrodes for achieving high power densities.Herein,we show large enhancement in electrochemical properties of flexible,inplane micro-supercapacitor using sharp-edged interdigitated electrode design,which was simply fabricated through direct laser scribing method.The sharp-edged electrodes allowed strong electric field to be induced at the corners of the electrode fingers which led to the greater accumulation of ions near the surface of electrode,significantly enhancing the energy storage performance of micro-supercapacitors.The electric field-enhanced in-plane micro-supercapacitor showed the volumetric energy density of 1.52 Wh L^(−1)and the excellent cyclability with capacitive retention of 95.4%after 20000 cycles.We further showed various practicability of our sharp-edged design in micro-supercapacitors by showing circuit applicability,mechanical stability,and air stability.These results present an important pathway for designing electrodes in various energy storage devices.

Silencing Bmi-1 enhances the senescence and decreases the metastasis of human gastric cancer cells

AIM:To evaluate the impact of Bmi-1 on cell senescence and metastasis of human gastric cancer cell line BGC823.METHODS:Two pairs of complementary small hairpin RNA(shRNA)oligonucleotides targeting the Bmi-1gene were designed,synthesized,annealed and cloned into the pRNAT-U6.2 vector.After DNA sequencing to verify the correct insertion of the shRNA sequences,the recombinant plasmids were transfected into BGC823 cells.The expression of Bmi-1 mRNA and protein was examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)and Western blotting.The effects of Bmi-1 knockdown on cell senescence and metastasis were determined by theβ-Gal activity assay and Boyden chamber assay,respectively.RESULTS:The double-stranded oligonucleotide fragments of Bmi-1 short interfering RNA(siRNA)cloned into pRNAT-U6.2 vector conformed to the inserted sequence.RT-PCR and Western blotting indicated that the expression levels of Bmi-1 gene mRNA and protein were markedly decreased in transfected BGC823 cells with pRNAT-U6.2-si1104 and pRNATU6.2-si1356,especially in transfected BGC823 cells with pRNAT-U6.2-si1104,compared with two control groups(empty vector and blank group).In particular,Bmi-1 protein expression was almost completely abolished in cells transfected with the recombinant vector harboring shRNA targeting the sequence GGAGGAGGTGAATGATAAA(nt1104-1122).Compared with untransfected cells and cells transfected with the empty vector,the mean percentage of senescent cells increased and the number of cells passing through the Matrigel decreased in cells transfected with the recombinant vectors.CONCLUSION:Silencing Bmi-1 by RNA interference can increase the senescent cell rate and effectively reduce the metastasis of gastric cancer cells.

Hepatoprotective effects of Nigella sativa seed extract against acetaminophen-induced oxidative stress

Objective:To investigate the protective effects of Nigella sativa seed extract(NSSE) against acetaminophen(APAP)-induced hepaloloxicity in TIB-73 cells and rats.Methods:Toxicity in TIB-73 cells was induced with 10 μmol/L APAP and the protective effects of NSSE were evaluated at 25.50.75,100 μg/mL.For in rim examination,a total of 30 rals were equally divided into five experimental groups:normal control(vehicle),APAP(800 mg/kg body weight single IP injection) as a hepatotoxic control,and three APAP and NS pretreated(2 weeks) groups(APAP+NSSE 100 mg:APAP+NSSE 300 mg and APAP+NSSK 900 mg/kg).Results:TIB-73 cell viability was drastically decreased by(49.0±l.9)%after the 10 μmol/L APAP treatment,which also increased reactive oxygen species production.Co-treatment with NSSE at 25.50.75,and 100 μg/mL significantly improved cell viability and suppressed reactive oxygen species generation.In viro the APAP induced alterations in blood lactate levels,pH,anionic gap,and ion levels(HCO_3^-,Mg^(2+) and K^+),which tended to normalize with the NSSE pretreatment.The NSSE also significantly decreased elevated serum levels of alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,lactate dehydrogenase,and alkaline phosphatase induced by APAP,which correlated with decreased levels of hepatic lipid peroxidation(nialondialdehyde),increased superoxide dismutase levels,and reduced glutathione concentrations.Improved hepatic histology was also found in the treatment groups other than APAP group.Conclusions:The in vitro and in vim findings of this study demonstrated that the NSSE has protective effects against APAP-induced hepalotoxicity and metabolic disturbances by improving antioxidant activities and suppressing both lipid peroxidation and ROS generation.

Crystal Facet Engineering of TiO_(2) Nanostructures for Enhancing Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting with BiVO_(4) Nanodots

Although bismuth vanadate(BiVO4)has been promising as photoanode material for photoelectrochemical water splitting,its charge recombination issue by short charge diffusion length has led to various studies about heterostructure photoanodes.As a hole blocking layer of BiVO4,titanium dioxide(TiO_(2)) has been considered unsuitable because of its relatively positive valence band edge and low electrical conductivity.Herein,a crystal facet engineering of TiO_(2) nanostructures is proposed to control band structures for the hole blocking layer of BiVO4 nanodots.We design two types of TiO_(2) nanostructures,which are nanorods(NRs)and nanoflowers(NFs)with different(001)and(110)crystal facets,respectively,and fabricate BiVO4/TiO_(2) heterostructure photoanodes.The BiVO4/TiO_(2) NFs showed 4.8 times higher photocurrent density than the BiVO4/TiO_(2) NRs.Transient decay time analysis and time-resolved photoluminescence reveal the enhancement is attributed to the reduced charge recombination,which is originated from the formation of type II band alignment between BiVO4 nanodots and TiO_(2) NFs.This work provides not only new insights into the interplay between crystal facets and band structures but also important steps for the design of highly efficient photoelectrodes.

Zircon U–Pb geochronology and Hf isotope geochemistry of magmatic and metamorphic rocks from the Hida Belt, southwest Japan

Zircon U–Pb and Hf isotope data integrated in this study for magmatic and metamorphic rocks fromthe Hida Belt,southwest Japan,lead to a new understanding of the evolution of the Cordilleran arc system along the ancestral margins of present-day Northeast Asia.Ion microprobe data for magmatic zircon domains from eight mafic tointermediate orthogneisses in the Tateyama and Tsunogawa areas yielded weighted mean 206Pb/238U ages spanning the entire Permian period(302–254 Ma).Under cathodoluminescence,primary magmatic growth zones in the zircon crystals were observed to be partially or completely replaced by inward-penetrating,irregularly curved featureless or weakly zoned secondary domains that mostly yielded U–Pb ages of 250–240 Ma and relatively high Th/U ratios(>0.2).These secondary domains are considered to have been formed by solid-state recrystallization during thermal overprints associated with intrusions of Hida granitoids.Available whole-rock geochemical and Sr–Nd isotope data as well as zircon age spectra corroborate that the Hida Belt comprises the Paleozoic–Mesozoic Cordilleran arc system built upon the margin of the North China Craton,together with the YeongnamMassif in southern Korea.The arcmagmatismalong this systemwas commenced in the Carboniferous and culminated in the Permian–Triassic transition period.Highly positiveεHf(t)values(>+12)of late Carboniferous to early Permian detrital zircons in the Hida paragneisses indicate that there was significant input from the depleted asthenospheric mantle and/or its crustal derivatives in the early stage of arc magmatism.On the other hand,near-chondriticεHf(t)values(+5 to−2)of magmatic zircons from late Permian Hida orthogneisses suggest a lithospheric mantle origin.Hf isotopic differences between magmatic zircon cores and the secondary rims observed in some orthogneiss samples clearly indicate that the zircons were chemically open to fluids or melts during thermal overprints.Resumed highly positive zirconεHf(t)values(>+9)shared by Early Jurassic granitoids in the Hida Belt and Yeongnam Massif may reflect reworking of the Paleozoic arc crust.

Oxidative stress and antioxidants in diabetes mellitus

Numerous studies have implicated oxidative stress in the development of complications of diabetes.During hyperglycemia,production of oxidant agents such as reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species increases.This process,along with a decrease in the activity of antioxidant enzymes,induces oxidative stress in the body.This redox imbalance causes damage to vital biomolecules such as proteins,lipids and DNA and results in the generation of harmful products for the body.Mechanisms associated with the creation of oxidative stress conditions and subsequently complications of diabetes are explained through several pathways such as flux through the polyol pathway,intracellular production of advanced glycation end products precursors,protein kinase-C activation,and increased activities of the hexosamine pathway.On the other hand,the study of polymorphism in the antioxidant enzymes genes indicates that some of the gene polymorphisms reduce the antioxidant power of the enzymes.This article aims to review various studies to demonstrate the effect of oxidative stress on the pathogenesis of diabetes and the positive role of antioxidants on diabetic complications.

Glial fibrillary acidic protein levels are associated with global histone H4 acetylation after spinal cord injury in rats

Emerging evidence has suggested global histone H4 acetylation status plays an important role in neural plasticity. For instance, the imbalance of this epigenetic marker has been hypothesized as a key factor for the development and progression of several neurological diseases. Likewise, astrocytic reactivity-a wellknown process that markedly influences the tissue remodeling after a central nervous system injury-is crucial for tissue remodeling after spinal cord injury（SCI）. However, the linkage between the above-mentioned mechanisms after SCI remains poorly understood. We sought to investigate the relation between both glial fibrillary acidic protein（GFAP） and S100 calcium-binding protein B（S100B）（astrocytic reactivity classical markers） and global histone H4 acetylation levels. Sixty-one male Wistar rats（aged ~3 months） were divided into the following groups： sham; 6 hours post-SCI; 24 hours post-SCI; 48 hours post-SCI; 72 hours post-SCI; and 7 days post-SCI. The results suggested that GFAP, but not S100B was associated with global histone H4 acetylation levels. Moreover, global histone H4 acetylation levels exhibited a complex pattern after SCI, encompassing at least three clearly defined phases（first phase： no changes in the 6, 24 and 48 hours post-SCI groups; second phase： increased levels in the 72 hours post-SCI group; and a third phase： return to levels similar to control in the 7 days post-SCI group）. Overall, these findings suggest global H4 acetylation levels exhibit distinct patterns of expression during the first week post-SCI, which may be associated with GFAP levels in the perilesional tissue. Current data encourage studies using H4 acetylation as a possible biomarker for tissue remodeling after spinal cord injury.

Microfluidic three-dimensional cell culture of stem cells for high-throughput analysis

Although the recent advances in stem cell engineering have gained a great deal of attention due to their high potential in clinical research,the applicability of stem cells for preclinical screening in the drug discovery process is still challenging due to difficulties in controlling the stem cell microenvironment and the limited availability of high-throughput systems.Recently,researchers have been actively developing and evaluating three-dimensional(3D)cell culture-based platforms using microfluidic technologies,such as organ-on-a-chip and organoid-on-a-chip platforms,and they have achieved promising breakthroughs in stem cell engineering.In this review,we start with a comprehensive discussion on the importance of microfluidic 3D cell culture techniques in stem cell research and their technical strategies in the field of drug discovery.In a subsequent section,we discuss microfluidic 3D cell culture techniques for high-throughput analysis for use in stem cell research.In addition,some potential and practical applications of organ-on-a-chip or organoid-on-a-chip platforms using stem cells as drug screening and disease models are highlighted.

Experimental Status of the HANBIT Facility

HANBIT is a magnetic mirror confinement device. Recent physics experimentshave been mainly focused on identifying discharge characteristics and on getting stable plasmaproduction and operation modes, by using a 500 kW slot antenna system at a fixed RF frequency of 3.5MHz and varying discharge conditions such as fueling rate, RF power, and B-field intensity incentral cell. Two distinct operation modes are found to be very sensitive to the RF power as well asthe ratio of the RF frequency to the ion cyclotron frequency. A MHD interchange mode of m = - 1 isclearly observed and the stabilizing mechanism can be explained by the sideband coupling theory.

Effect of Graphene Nanoribbons (TexasPEG) on locomotor function recovery in a rat model of lumbar spinal cord transection

A sharply transected spinal cord has been shown to be fused under the accelerating influence of membrane fusogens such as polyethylene glycol （PEG） （GEMINI protocol）. Previous work provided evidence that this is in fact possible. Other fusogens might improve current results. In this study, we aimed to assess the effects of PEGylated graphene nanoribons （PEG-GNR, and called ＂TexasPEG＂ when prepared as lwt% dispersion in PEG600） versus placebo （saline） on locomotor function recovery and cellular level in a rat model of spinal cord transection at lumbar segment 1 （L1） level. In vivo and in vitro experiments （n -- 10 per experiment） were designed. In the in vivo experiment, all rats were submitted to full spinal cord transection at L1 level. Five weeks later, behavioral assessment was performed using the Basso Beattie Bresnahan （BBB） locomotor rating scale. Immunohistochemical staining with neuron marker neurofilament 200 （NF200） antibody and astrocyt- ic scar marker glial fibrillary acidic protein （GFAP） was also performed in the injured spinal cord. In the in vitro experiment, the effects of TexasPEG application for 72 hours on the neurite outgrowth of SH-SYSY cells were observed under the inverted microscope. Results of both in vivo and in vitro experiments suggest that TexasPEG reduces the formation of glial scars, promotes the regeneration of neurites, and thereby contributes to the recovery of locomotor function of a rat model of spinal cord transfection.

The KDM4B–CCAR1–MED1 axis is a critical regulator of osteoclast differentiation and bone homeostasis

Bone undergoes a constant and continuous remodeling process that is tightly regulated by the coordinated and sequential actions of bone-resorbing osteoclasts and bone-forming osteoblasts.Recent studies have shown that histone demethylases are implicated in osteoblastogenesis;however,little is known about the role of histone demethylases in osteoclast formation.Here,we identified KDM4B as an epigenetic regulator of osteoclast differentiation.Knockdown of KDM4B significantly blocked the formation of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive multinucleated cells.Mice with myeloid-specific conditional knockout of KDM4B showed an osteopetrotic phenotype due to osteoclast deficiency.Biochemical analysis revealed that KDM4B physically and functionally associates with CCAR1 and MED1 in a complex.Using genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation(ChIP)-sequencing,we revealed that the KDM4B–CCAR1–MED1 complex is localized to the promoters of several osteoclast-related genes upon receptor activator of NF-κB ligand stimulation.We demonstrated that the KDM4B–CCAR1–MED1 signaling axis induces changes in chromatin structure(euchromatinization)near the promoters of osteoclast-related genes through H3K9 demethylation,leading to NF-κB p65 recruitment via a direct interaction between KDM4B and p65.Finally,small molecule inhibition of KDM4B activity impeded bone loss in an ovariectomized mouse model.Taken together,our findings establish KDM4B as a critical regulator of osteoclastogenesis,providing a potential therapeutic target for osteoporosis.

Thick free-standing electrode based on carbon-carbon nitride microspheres with large mesopores for high-energy-density lithium-sulfur batteries

The development of sulfur cathodes with high areal capacity and high energy density is crucial for the practical application of lithium-sulfur batteries(LSBs).LSBs can be built by employing(ultra)high-loading sulfur cathodes,which have rarely been realized due to massive passivation and shuttling.Herein,microspheres of a carbon-carbon nitride composite(C@CN)with large mesopores are fabricated via molecular cooperative assembly.Using the C@CN-based electrodes,the effects of the large mesopores and N-functional groups on the electrochemical behavior of sulfur in LSB cells are thoroughly investigated under ultrahigh sulfur-loading conditions(>15 mgS cm^(-2)).Furthermore,for high-energy-density LSBs,the C@CN powders are pelletized into a thick free-standing electrode(thickness:500^m;diameter:11 mm)via a simple briquette process;here,the total amount of energy stored by the LSB cells is 39 mWh,corresponding to a volumetric energy density of 440 Wh L-1 with an areal capacity of 24.9 and 17.5 mAh cm^(-2) at 0.47 and 4.7 mA cm^(-2),respectively(at 24mgS cm^(-2)).These results have significantly surpassed most recent records due to the synergy among the large mesopores,(poly)sulfide-philic surfaces,and thick electrodes.The developed strategy with its potential for scale-up successfully fills the gap between laboratory-scale cells and practical cells without sacrificing the high areal capacity and high energy density,providing a solid foundation for the development of practical LSBs.