Objective:To investigate the potential targets and mechanisms of Draconis Sanguis(DS),a valuable traditional Chinese medicine derived from the resin of the palm tree Daemonorops draco Bl(D.Sanguis,Xue Jie),in the trea...Objective:To investigate the potential targets and mechanisms of Draconis Sanguis(DS),a valuable traditional Chinese medicine derived from the resin of the palm tree Daemonorops draco Bl(D.Sanguis,Xue Jie),in the treatment of myocardial infarction(MI).Methods:We explored the potential mechanisms of DS in the treatment of MI using network pharmacology,bioinformatic techniques,and transcriptomic analysis,followed by validation through in vivo and in vitro experiments.Results:Network pharmacology and bioinformatic analyses identified five genes(Fpr1,Glul,Mme,Mmp9,and Pla2g7)as potential targets for MI treatment.Moreover,DS significantly ameliorated cardiac function,inflammatory responses,and MI-induced myocardial fibrosis in vivo.Transcriptomic and bioinformatic analyses identified Pla2g7 as the most critical target in the DS treatment of MI.Molecular docking revealed that the key active ingredient in DS has a strong affinity for this gene.Furthermore,DS reduced the expression of Pla2g7(P=.0009),NLRP3(P=.003),interleukin-18(P<.001),and interleukin-1b(P=.004)mRNAs in vivo.Conclusions:The results indicate that DS can downregulate the expression of Pla2g7 and reduce the inflammatory response.This demonstrates the potential therapeutic target of DS and the mechanism underlying its cardioprotective effects.展开更多
The process of entrainment-mixing between cumulus clouds and the ambient air is important for the development of cumulus clouds.Accurately obtaining the entrainment rate(λ)is particularly important for its parameteri...The process of entrainment-mixing between cumulus clouds and the ambient air is important for the development of cumulus clouds.Accurately obtaining the entrainment rate(λ)is particularly important for its parameterization within the overall cumulus parameterization scheme.In this study,an improved bulk-plume method is proposed by solving the equations of two conserved variables simultaneously to calculateλof cumulus clouds in a large-eddy simulation.The results demonstrate that the improved bulk-plume method is more reliable than the traditional bulk-plume method,becauseλ,as calculated from the improved method,falls within the range ofλvalues obtained from the traditional method using different conserved variables.The probability density functions ofλfor all data,different times,and different heights can be well-fitted by a log-normal distribution,which supports the assumed stochastic entrainment process in previous studies.Further analysis demonstrate that the relationship betweenλand the vertical velocity is better than other thermodynamic/dynamical properties;thus,the vertical velocity is recommended as the primary influencing factor for the parameterization ofλin the future.The results of this study enhance the theoretical understanding ofλand its influencing factors and shed new light on the development ofλparameterization.展开更多
Objective:To evaluate the anti-fatigue effects of different extracts from Cistanche tubulosa(Schenk)Wight(C.tubulosa,Rou Cong Rong),focusing on central and exercise-induced fatigue in mice.This study investigated the ...Objective:To evaluate the anti-fatigue effects of different extracts from Cistanche tubulosa(Schenk)Wight(C.tubulosa,Rou Cong Rong),focusing on central and exercise-induced fatigue in mice.This study investigated the pharmacological effects of the total oligosaccharides,polysaccharides,and phenylethanoid glycosides(CPhGs)extracted from C.tubulosa.Methods: Models of sleep deprivation and forced swimming fatigue were established to simulate central and exercise-induced fatigue.The mice were treated with different extracts of C.tubulosa,and their effects were assessed using behavioral tests to measure exercise capacity,learning,and memory function.Biochemical analyses were performed to evaluate the changes in serum and brain neurotransmitter levels,liver and muscle glycogen storage,and various fatigue-related biomarkers.Results: This study found that treatment with C.tubulosa extract improved exercise capacity,learning,and memory in mice.Total oligosaccharides from C.tubulosa enhanced adrenocorticotropic hormone,cholinesterase,and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels,reduced cortisol levels in central fatigue models,and ameliorated biochemical markers of exercise-induced fatigue,including lowering lactic acid,blood urea nitrogen,and malondialdehyde levels.Among the tested extracts,the total oligosaccharides showed the most comprehensive anti-fatigue effects.Conclusion: The anti-fatigue effects of C.tubulosa,particularly those of its total oligosaccharides,are pronounced in both central and exercise-induced fatigue.These effects are mediated by the regulation of neurotransmitter levels,enhancement of glycogen storage,and improvement of antioxidant enzyme activity,suggesting potential therapeutic benefits in fatigue-related conditions.展开更多
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreve rsible blindness wo rldwide,and previous studies have shown that,in addition to affecting the eyes,it also causes abnormalities in the brain.However,it is not yet clear how the pr...Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreve rsible blindness wo rldwide,and previous studies have shown that,in addition to affecting the eyes,it also causes abnormalities in the brain.However,it is not yet clear how the primary visual cortex(V1)is altered in glaucoma.This study used DBA/2J mice as a model for spontaneous secondary glaucoma.The aim of the study was to compare the electrophysiological and histomorphological chara cteristics of neurons in the V1between 9-month-old DBA/2J mice and age-matched C57BL/6J mice.We conducted single-unit recordings in the V1 of light-anesthetized mice to measure the visually induced responses,including single-unit spiking and gamma band oscillations.The morphology of layerⅡ/Ⅲneurons was determined by neuronal nuclear antigen staining and Nissl staining of brain tissue sections.Eighty-seven neurons from eight DBA/2J mice and eighty-one neurons from eight C57BL/6J mice were examined.Compared with the C57BL/6J group,V1 neurons in the DBA/2J group exhibited weaker visual tuning and impaired spatial summation.Moreove r,fewer neuro ns were observed in the V1 of DBA/2J mice compared with C57BL/6J mice.These findings suggest that DBA/2J mice have fewer neurons in the VI compared with C57BL/6J mice,and that these neurons have impaired visual tuning.Our findings provide a better understanding of the pathological changes that occur in V1 neuron function and morphology in the DBA/2J mouse model.This study might offer some innovative perspectives regarding the treatment of glaucoma.展开更多
To the Editor:Currently,most research on the relationships between lipids,immune cells,and intracranial aneurysms(IAs),including unruptured intracranial aneurysms(uIAs)and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage(aSAH),orig...To the Editor:Currently,most research on the relationships between lipids,immune cells,and intracranial aneurysms(IAs),including unruptured intracranial aneurysms(uIAs)and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage(aSAH),originates from observational studies.[1]There are inevitable confounding factors in the research design,thus the research conclusions cannot reveal the causal relationship between lipids,immune cells,and IAs.More importantly,it remains unclear whether immune responses mediate the relationship between lipids and IAs.Thus,we performed a Mendelian randomization(MR)analysis,a method that can avoid the interference of confounding factors and determine the correct causal relationships.[2]The purposes of this study are:(1)to determine the causal relationships between gene-mediated serum lipids and IAs;(2)to identify the causal relationships between immune cells and IAs;and(3)to investigate whether immune cells mediate the relationships between lipids and IAs.展开更多
Rationally modulating the adsorption configuration of the key*CO intermediate could facilitate carbon±carbon(C±C)coupling to generate multi-carbon products in the electrochemical CO_(2) reduction reaction.In...Rationally modulating the adsorption configuration of the key*CO intermediate could facilitate carbon±carbon(C±C)coupling to generate multi-carbon products in the electrochemical CO_(2) reduction reaction.In this work,theoretical calculations reveal that C±C coupling via atopadsorbed*CHO and hollow-adsorbed*CO over Cu sites is an energetically favorable pathway.As a proof of concept,a tandem trimetallic AuAgCu heterojunction(Au@Ag/Cu)was prepared,where the atop-adsorbed*CO over Au@Ag sites could migrate to Cu sites with hollow adsorption configuration,and then the asymmetric C±C coupling via transferred hollow-adsorbed*CO and existed atop-adsorbed*CHO over Cu sites facilitates the formation of the ethanol product,exhibiting a maximum Faraday efficiency of 65.9%at a low potential of−0.3 V vs.reverse hydrogen electrode.Our work provides new insights into the intrinsic understanding of tandem catalysis by regulating adsorption configuration of the intermediate products.展开更多
Water splitting is recognized as an environmentally friendly and feasible method to produce hydrogen.However, the high cost, low storage capacity, and poorstability of traditional noble metal-based electrocatalysts ha...Water splitting is recognized as an environmentally friendly and feasible method to produce hydrogen.However, the high cost, low storage capacity, and poorstability of traditional noble metal-based electrocatalysts haveseverely limited the industrial application of electrocatalyticwater splitting. The utilization of seawater splitting not onlyfacilitates the production of high-purity hydrogen on a largescale but also concurrently promotes the desalination process.Over the past decades, transition metal borides (TMBs) havebeen widely used in the field of water splitting due to theadvantages of simple preparation process, good stability, andeasily adjustable composition. This review summarizes therecent progress of TMBs in the electrolysis of water and seawater.Firstly, the influencing factors of electrocatalytic performance and related evaluations are introduced. The basicprinciples of hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen evolutionreaction, and chlorine evolution reaction in seawater electrolysisare discussed in detail, pointing out the various problemscaused by chloride ions (Cl^(−)) in the process of hydrogenproduction from seawater splitting. In addition, the preparation and optimization strategies of TMBs are emphasized.Finally, the development, challenges, and prospects of electrolytic seawater hydrogen production technology are presented. This review aims to furnish deeper insights intoenhancing the electrocatalytic performance of TMBs in thiscritical area of research.展开更多
Electrocatalytic CO_(2) reduction reaction(CO_(2) RR) can store and transform the intermittent renewable energy in the form of chemical energy for industrial production of chemicals and fuels,which can dramatically re...Electrocatalytic CO_(2) reduction reaction(CO_(2) RR) can store and transform the intermittent renewable energy in the form of chemical energy for industrial production of chemicals and fuels,which can dramatically reduce CO_(2) emission and contribute to carbon-neutral cycle. E cient electrocatalytic reduction of chemically inert CO_(2) is challenging from thermodynamic and kinetic points of view. Therefore,low-cost,highly e cient,and readily available electrocatalysts have been the focus for promoting the conversion of CO_(2). Very recently,interface engineering has been considered as a highly e ective strategy to modulate the electrocatalytic performance through electronic and/or structural modulation,regulations of electron/proton/mass/intermediates,and the control of local reactant concentration,thereby achieving desirable reaction pathway,inhibiting competing hydrogen generation,breaking binding-energy scaling relations of intermediates,and promoting CO_(2) mass transfer. In this review,we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of current developments in interface engineering for CO_(2) RR from both a theoretical and experimental stand-point,involving interfaces between metal and metal,metal and metal oxide,metal and nonmetal,metal oxide and metal oxide,organic molecules and inorganic materials,electrode and electrolyte,molecular catalysts and electrode,etc. Finally,the opportunities and challenges of interface engineering for CO_(2) RR are proposed.展开更多
The increase of atmospheric CO_(2)concentration has caused many environmental issues.Electrochemi-cal CO_(2)reduction reaction(CO_(2)RR)has been considered as a promising strategy to mitigate these chal-lenges.The ele...The increase of atmospheric CO_(2)concentration has caused many environmental issues.Electrochemi-cal CO_(2)reduction reaction(CO_(2)RR)has been considered as a promising strategy to mitigate these chal-lenges.The electrocatalysts with a low overpotential,high Faradaic efficiency,and excellent selectivity are of great significance for the CO_(2)RR.Carbon-based materials including metal-free carbon catalysts and metal-based carbon catalysts have shown great potential in the CO_(2)RR,owing to the tailorable porous structures,abundant natural resources,resistance to acids and bases,high-temperature stability,and en-vironmental friendliness.In this review,various carbon materials including graphene,carbon nanotubes,quantum dots,porous carbon,and MOF-derived catalysts,etc.,for the CO_(2)RR have been summarized.Particularly,recent progress in terms of the mechanism and pathway of CO_(2)conversion has been com-prehensively reviewed.Finally,the opportunities and challenges of carbon-based electrocatalysts for the CO_(2)RR are proposed.展开更多
Different from traditional metal-support heterogenous catalysts,inverse heterogeneous catalysts,in which the surface of metal is decorated by metal oxide,have recently attracted increasing interests owing to the uniqu...Different from traditional metal-support heterogenous catalysts,inverse heterogeneous catalysts,in which the surface of metal is decorated by metal oxide,have recently attracted increasing interests owing to the unique interracial effect and electronic structure.However,a deep insight into the effect of metaloxide interaction on the catalytic performance still remains a great challenge.In our work,an inverse hematite/palladium(Fe_(2) O_(3)/Pd) hybrid nanostructure,i.e.,the active Fe_(2) O_(3) ultrathin oxide layers partially covering on the surface of Pd nanoparticles(NPs),exhibited superior electrocatalytic performance towards methanol oxidation reaction(MOR) as compared to the bare Pd NPs based on density functional theory calculation.The charge could transfer from Pd to Fe_(2) O_(3) driven by the built-in potential at the interface of Pd and Fe_(2) O_(3),which favors the downshift of d band center of Pd.With the assistance of interfacial hydroxyl OH*,the cleavage of O—H and C—H in CH_(3) OH could take place much easily with lower barrier ene rgy on Fe_(2) O_(3)/Pd than that on pure Pd via two electrons transferring reaction pathways.Our results highlight that the syne rgy of Pd and Fe_(2) O_(3) at the interface could facilitate the electrochemical transformation of methanol into formaldehyde assisted with interfacial hydroxyl OH*.展开更多
Electrochemical CO_(2) reduction reaction(CO_(2) RR),powered by renewable energy sources,provides an appealing approach to convert emitted CO_(2) to value-added chemicals and fuels and achieve a carbon-neutral cycle.A...Electrochemical CO_(2) reduction reaction(CO_(2) RR),powered by renewable energy sources,provides an appealing approach to convert emitted CO_(2) to value-added chemicals and fuels and achieve a carbon-neutral cycle.Among various carbon-based products,formic acid(HCOOH) has been considered as a promising liquid hydrogen storage material due to its high energy density and hydrogen content.However,so far,the reported HCOOH-selective catalysts(e.g.,Bi,Sn,In,Pb and Pd) have failed in either activity(<500 mA cm^(-2)) or stability(<20 h),which significantly inhibits the industrialized feasibility of CO_(2) RR.In contrast,Cu takes the advantages of excellent activity and low cost,making it more commercially viable.To date,one of the most challenging issues of Cu-based catalysts lies in unsatisfactory selectivity,that is,tending to produce mixed products rather than specific one,due to the complicated reaction paths involved.Very recently,Zheng et al.have developed a single-atom alloy(SAAs) strategy for the exclusive CO_(2)-to-formate conversion over Cu-based catalysts.The as-prepared Pb single-atom alloyed Cu catalyst(Pb_(1)Cu)(Fig.la) exhibited near unity selectivity towards HCOOH and impressive stability,providing the prospect of industrial production of HCOOH from CO_(2).展开更多
The conversion of chemical feedstock materials into high value-added products accompanied with dehydrogenation is of great value in the chemical industry.However,the catalytic dehydrogenation reaction is inhibited by ...The conversion of chemical feedstock materials into high value-added products accompanied with dehydrogenation is of great value in the chemical industry.However,the catalytic dehydrogenation reaction is inhibited by a limited number of expensive noble metal catalysts and lacks understanding of dehydrogenation mechanism.Here,we report the use of heterogeneous non-noble metal iron nanoparticles(NPs) incorporated mesoporous nitrogen-doped carbon to investigate the dehydrogenation mechanism based on experiment observation and density functional theory(DFT) method.Fe NPs catalyst displays excellent performance in the dehydrogenation of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline(THQ)with 100% selectivity and 100% conversion for 10-12 h at room temperature.The calculated adsorption energy implies that THQ prefers to adsorb on Fe NPs as compared with absence of Fe NPs.What is more,the energy barrier of transition state is relatively low,illustrating the dehydrogenation is feasible.This work provides an atomic scale mechanism guidance for the catalytic dehydrogenation reaction and points out the direction for the design of new catalysts.展开更多
This highlight indicates that the local electrostatic interactions between metal cations and key intermediates facilitate the electrocatalytic CO_(2) reduction reaction.Electrocatalytic CO_(2) reduction reaction(CO_(2...This highlight indicates that the local electrostatic interactions between metal cations and key intermediates facilitate the electrocatalytic CO_(2) reduction reaction.Electrocatalytic CO_(2) reduction reaction(CO_(2)RR)has been considered as a promising strategy to achieve a carbon-neutral cycle and produce valuable fuels and feedstocks.展开更多
The osteochondral defects(OCDs)resulting from the treatment of giant cell tumors of bone(GCTB)often present two challenges for clinicians:tumor residue leading to local recurrence and non-healing of OCDs.Therefore,thi...The osteochondral defects(OCDs)resulting from the treatment of giant cell tumors of bone(GCTB)often present two challenges for clinicians:tumor residue leading to local recurrence and non-healing of OCDs.Therefore,this study focuses on developing a double-layer PGPC-PGPH scaffold using shell-core structure nanofibers to achieve“spatiotemporal control”for treating OCDs caused by GCTB.It addresses two key challenges:eliminating tumor residue after local excision and stimulating osteochondral regeneration in non-healing OCD cases.With a shell layer of protoporphyrin IX(PpIX)/gelatin(GT)and inner cores containing chondroitin sulfate(CS)/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)(PLGA)or hydroxyapatite(HA)/PLGA,coaxial electrospinning technology was used to create shell-core structured PpIX/GT-CS/PLGA and PpIX/GT-HA/PLGA nanofibers.These nanofibers were shattered into nano-scaled short fibers,and then combined with polyethylene oxide and hyaluronan to formulate distinct 3D printing inks.The upper layer consists of PpIX/GT-CS/PLGA ink,and the lower layer is made from PpIX/GT-HA/PLGA ink,allowing for the creation of a double-layer PGPC-PGPH scaffold using 3D printing technique.After GCTB lesion removal,the PGPC-PGPH scaffold is surgically implanted into the OCDs.The sonosensitizer PpIX in the shell layer undergoes sonodynamic therapy to selectively damage GCTB tissue,effectively eradicating residual tumors.Subsequently,the thermal effect of sonodynamic therapy accelerates the shell degradation and release of CS and HA within the core layer,promoting stem cell differentiation into cartilage and bone tissues at the OCD site in the correct anatomical position.This innovative scaffold provides temporal control for anti-tumor treatment followed by tissue repair and spatial control for precise osteochondral regeneration.展开更多
Cloud microphysical properties are significantly affected by entrainment and mixing processes.However,it is unclear how the entrainment rate affects the relative dispersion of cloud droplet size distribution.Previousl...Cloud microphysical properties are significantly affected by entrainment and mixing processes.However,it is unclear how the entrainment rate affects the relative dispersion of cloud droplet size distribution.Previously,the relationship between relative dispersion and entrainment rate was found to be positive or negative.To reconcile the contrasting relationships,the Explicit Mixing Parcel Model is used to determine the underlying mechanisms.When evaporation is dominated by small droplets,and the entrained environmental air is further saturated during mixing,the relationship is negative.However,when the evaporation of big droplets is dominant,the relationship is positive.Whether or not the cloud condensation nuclei are considered in the entrained environmental air is a key factor as condensation on the entrained condensation nuclei is the main source of small droplets.However,if cloud condensation nuclei are not entrained,the relationship is positive.If cloud condensation nuclei are entrained,the relationship is dependent on many other factors.High values of vertical velocity,relative humidity of environmental air,and liquid water content,and low values of droplet number concentration,are more likely to cause the negative relationship since new saturation is easier to achieve by evaporation of small droplets.Further,the signs of the relationship are not strongly affected by the turbulence dissipation rate,but the higher dissipation rate causes the positive relationship to be more significant for a larger entrainment rate.A conceptual model is proposed to reconcile the contrasting relationships.This work enhances the understanding of relative dispersion and lays a foundation for the quantification of entrainment-mixing mechanisms.展开更多
Boron is an essential microelement for plant growth.Tomato is one of the most cultivated fruits and vegetables in the world,and boron deficiency severely inhibits its yield and quality.However,the mechanism of tomato ...Boron is an essential microelement for plant growth.Tomato is one of the most cultivated fruits and vegetables in the world,and boron deficiency severely inhibits its yield and quality.However,the mechanism of tomato in response to boron deficiency remains largely unclear.Here,we investigated the physiological and molecular bases of the boron deficiency response in hydroponically grown tomato seedlings.Boron deficiency repressed the expression of genes associated with nitrogen metabolism,while it induced the expression of genes related to the pentose phosphate pathway,thereby altering carbon flow to provide energy for plants to cope with stress.Boron deficiency increased the accumulation of copper,manganese and iron,thereby maintaining chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency at the early stage of stress.In addition,boron deficiency downregulated the expression of genes involved in cell wall organization and reduced the contents of pectin and cellulose in roots,ultimately retarding root growth.Furthermore,boron deficiency markedly altered phytohormone levels and signaling pathways in roots.The contents of jasmonic acid,jasmonoy1-L-isoleucine,trans-zeatin riboside,abscisic acid,salicylic acid,and SA glucoside were decreased;in contrast,the contents of isopentenyladenine riboside and ethylene precursor 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid were increased in the roots of boron-deficient tomato plants.These results collectively indicate that tomato roots reprogram carbon/nitrogen metabolism,alter cell wall components and modulate phytohormone pathways to survive boron deficiency.This study provides a theoretical basis for further elucidating the adaptive mechanism of tomato in response to boron deficiency.展开更多
Copper(Cu)has been regarded as a highly efficient electrocatalyst for the conversion of CO_(2) into a multicarbon product.However,the catalytic mechanism and the active sites of Cu catalysts under operating conditions...Copper(Cu)has been regarded as a highly efficient electrocatalyst for the conversion of CO_(2) into a multicarbon product.However,the catalytic mechanism and the active sites of Cu catalysts under operating conditions still remain elusive.Yang's team applied systematic operando characterization techniques to provide a quantitative analysis of the valence states and the chemical environment of Cu nanocatalysts under electrochemical reaction conditions,which clearly reveal the evolution of Cu nanocatalysts before and after the entire electrochemical CO_(2) reduction.展开更多
The Tibetan Plateau(TP)plays a key role in both Asian and global climates.TP is one of the regions with the largest precipitation deviations in numerical models.The biases in precipitation simulations over the TP are ...The Tibetan Plateau(TP)plays a key role in both Asian and global climates.TP is one of the regions with the largest precipitation deviations in numerical models.The biases in precipitation simulations over the TP are closely related to its distinctive convective processes and complex topographic effects.This study uses the Weather Research and Forecasting(WRF)model to conduct a two-month simulation over the TP during the summer of 2019,aiming to investigate the combined impact of a cumulus scheme with optimized entrainment process and a turbulent orographic form drag(TOFD)scheme on cloud and precipitation simulations.The results show that the optimized cumulus scheme reduces the wet bias,while the TOFD scheme adjusts the spatial distribution of precipitation simulation,bringing it closer to the observations,especially by reducing the wet bias on the southern slope of the TP.The optimized cumulus scheme increases the simulated convective entrainment rate,leading to reduced convective cloud depth,convective precipitation frequency,and convective precipitation intensity,thereby decreasing the amount of convective precipitation.The TOFD scheme reduces precipitation on the southern slope of the TP by weakening moisture transport toward the TP,wind speed,vertical velocity,and cloud physical processes.The combined use of the two schemes integrates their advantages and jointly improves the accuracy of precipitation simulation over the TP.The results reduce the bias in summer precipitation simulations over the TP and provide a reliable scientific reference for weather and climate research,as well as precipitation forecasting in this region.展开更多
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82222075).
文摘Objective:To investigate the potential targets and mechanisms of Draconis Sanguis(DS),a valuable traditional Chinese medicine derived from the resin of the palm tree Daemonorops draco Bl(D.Sanguis,Xue Jie),in the treatment of myocardial infarction(MI).Methods:We explored the potential mechanisms of DS in the treatment of MI using network pharmacology,bioinformatic techniques,and transcriptomic analysis,followed by validation through in vivo and in vitro experiments.Results:Network pharmacology and bioinformatic analyses identified five genes(Fpr1,Glul,Mme,Mmp9,and Pla2g7)as potential targets for MI treatment.Moreover,DS significantly ameliorated cardiac function,inflammatory responses,and MI-induced myocardial fibrosis in vivo.Transcriptomic and bioinformatic analyses identified Pla2g7 as the most critical target in the DS treatment of MI.Molecular docking revealed that the key active ingredient in DS has a strong affinity for this gene.Furthermore,DS reduced the expression of Pla2g7(P=.0009),NLRP3(P=.003),interleukin-18(P<.001),and interleukin-1b(P=.004)mRNAs in vivo.Conclusions:The results indicate that DS can downregulate the expression of Pla2g7 and reduce the inflammatory response.This demonstrates the potential therapeutic target of DS and the mechanism underlying its cardioprotective effects.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.42175099,42027804,42075073)the Innovative Project of Postgraduates in Jiangsu Province in 2023(Grant No.KYCX23_1319)+3 种基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.42205080)the Natural Science Foundation of Sichuan(Grant No.2023YFS0442)the Research Fund of Civil Aviation Flight University of China(Grant No.J2022-037)supported by the National Key Scientific and Technological Infrastructure project“Earth System Science Numerical Simulator Facility”(Earth Lab)。
文摘The process of entrainment-mixing between cumulus clouds and the ambient air is important for the development of cumulus clouds.Accurately obtaining the entrainment rate(λ)is particularly important for its parameterization within the overall cumulus parameterization scheme.In this study,an improved bulk-plume method is proposed by solving the equations of two conserved variables simultaneously to calculateλof cumulus clouds in a large-eddy simulation.The results demonstrate that the improved bulk-plume method is more reliable than the traditional bulk-plume method,becauseλ,as calculated from the improved method,falls within the range ofλvalues obtained from the traditional method using different conserved variables.The probability density functions ofλfor all data,different times,and different heights can be well-fitted by a log-normal distribution,which supports the assumed stochastic entrainment process in previous studies.Further analysis demonstrate that the relationship betweenλand the vertical velocity is better than other thermodynamic/dynamical properties;thus,the vertical velocity is recommended as the primary influencing factor for the parameterization ofλin the future.The results of this study enhance the theoretical understanding ofλand its influencing factors and shed new light on the development ofλparameterization.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2017YFC1702400).
文摘Objective:To evaluate the anti-fatigue effects of different extracts from Cistanche tubulosa(Schenk)Wight(C.tubulosa,Rou Cong Rong),focusing on central and exercise-induced fatigue in mice.This study investigated the pharmacological effects of the total oligosaccharides,polysaccharides,and phenylethanoid glycosides(CPhGs)extracted from C.tubulosa.Methods: Models of sleep deprivation and forced swimming fatigue were established to simulate central and exercise-induced fatigue.The mice were treated with different extracts of C.tubulosa,and their effects were assessed using behavioral tests to measure exercise capacity,learning,and memory function.Biochemical analyses were performed to evaluate the changes in serum and brain neurotransmitter levels,liver and muscle glycogen storage,and various fatigue-related biomarkers.Results: This study found that treatment with C.tubulosa extract improved exercise capacity,learning,and memory in mice.Total oligosaccharides from C.tubulosa enhanced adrenocorticotropic hormone,cholinesterase,and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels,reduced cortisol levels in central fatigue models,and ameliorated biochemical markers of exercise-induced fatigue,including lowering lactic acid,blood urea nitrogen,and malondialdehyde levels.Among the tested extracts,the total oligosaccharides showed the most comprehensive anti-fatigue effects.Conclusion: The anti-fatigue effects of C.tubulosa,particularly those of its total oligosaccharides,are pronounced in both central and exercise-induced fatigue.These effects are mediated by the regulation of neurotransmitter levels,enhancement of glycogen storage,and improvement of antioxidant enzyme activity,suggesting potential therapeutic benefits in fatigue-related conditions.
基金supported by the STI 2030-Major Projects 2022ZD0208500(to DY)the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82072011(to YX),82121003(to DY),82271120(to YS)+2 种基金Sichuan Science and Technology Program,No.2022ZYD0066(to YS)a grant from Chinese Academy of Medical Science,No.2019-12M-5-032(to YS)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,No.ZYGX2021YGLH219(to KC)。
文摘Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreve rsible blindness wo rldwide,and previous studies have shown that,in addition to affecting the eyes,it also causes abnormalities in the brain.However,it is not yet clear how the primary visual cortex(V1)is altered in glaucoma.This study used DBA/2J mice as a model for spontaneous secondary glaucoma.The aim of the study was to compare the electrophysiological and histomorphological chara cteristics of neurons in the V1between 9-month-old DBA/2J mice and age-matched C57BL/6J mice.We conducted single-unit recordings in the V1 of light-anesthetized mice to measure the visually induced responses,including single-unit spiking and gamma band oscillations.The morphology of layerⅡ/Ⅲneurons was determined by neuronal nuclear antigen staining and Nissl staining of brain tissue sections.Eighty-seven neurons from eight DBA/2J mice and eighty-one neurons from eight C57BL/6J mice were examined.Compared with the C57BL/6J group,V1 neurons in the DBA/2J group exhibited weaker visual tuning and impaired spatial summation.Moreove r,fewer neuro ns were observed in the V1 of DBA/2J mice compared with C57BL/6J mice.These findings suggest that DBA/2J mice have fewer neurons in the VI compared with C57BL/6J mice,and that these neurons have impaired visual tuning.Our findings provide a better understanding of the pathological changes that occur in V1 neuron function and morphology in the DBA/2J mouse model.This study might offer some innovative perspectives regarding the treatment of glaucoma.
文摘To the Editor:Currently,most research on the relationships between lipids,immune cells,and intracranial aneurysms(IAs),including unruptured intracranial aneurysms(uIAs)and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage(aSAH),originates from observational studies.[1]There are inevitable confounding factors in the research design,thus the research conclusions cannot reveal the causal relationship between lipids,immune cells,and IAs.More importantly,it remains unclear whether immune responses mediate the relationship between lipids and IAs.Thus,we performed a Mendelian randomization(MR)analysis,a method that can avoid the interference of confounding factors and determine the correct causal relationships.[2]The purposes of this study are:(1)to determine the causal relationships between gene-mediated serum lipids and IAs;(2)to identify the causal relationships between immune cells and IAs;and(3)to investigate whether immune cells mediate the relationships between lipids and IAs.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China (22071172 and 22375142)2022 Subsidized Project of Tianjin University Graduate Arts and Science Excellence Innovation Award Program (B2-2022-002)+3 种基金Innovation Funding Project of Science and Technology,China National Petroleum Corporation(2022DQ02-0408)financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (52373233)SIAT International Joint Lab Project (E3G113)Shenzhen Science and Technology Program (KQTD20221101093647058)。
文摘Rationally modulating the adsorption configuration of the key*CO intermediate could facilitate carbon±carbon(C±C)coupling to generate multi-carbon products in the electrochemical CO_(2) reduction reaction.In this work,theoretical calculations reveal that C±C coupling via atopadsorbed*CHO and hollow-adsorbed*CO over Cu sites is an energetically favorable pathway.As a proof of concept,a tandem trimetallic AuAgCu heterojunction(Au@Ag/Cu)was prepared,where the atop-adsorbed*CO over Au@Ag sites could migrate to Cu sites with hollow adsorption configuration,and then the asymmetric C±C coupling via transferred hollow-adsorbed*CO and existed atop-adsorbed*CHO over Cu sites facilitates the formation of the ethanol product,exhibiting a maximum Faraday efficiency of 65.9%at a low potential of−0.3 V vs.reverse hydrogen electrode.Our work provides new insights into the intrinsic understanding of tandem catalysis by regulating adsorption configuration of the intermediate products.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (22071172, 22375142)CNPC Innovation Fund (2022DQ02-0408)2022 Subsidized Project of Tianjin University Graduate Arts and Science Excellence Innovation Award Program (B2-2022002)。
文摘Water splitting is recognized as an environmentally friendly and feasible method to produce hydrogen.However, the high cost, low storage capacity, and poorstability of traditional noble metal-based electrocatalysts haveseverely limited the industrial application of electrocatalyticwater splitting. The utilization of seawater splitting not onlyfacilitates the production of high-purity hydrogen on a largescale but also concurrently promotes the desalination process.Over the past decades, transition metal borides (TMBs) havebeen widely used in the field of water splitting due to theadvantages of simple preparation process, good stability, andeasily adjustable composition. This review summarizes therecent progress of TMBs in the electrolysis of water and seawater.Firstly, the influencing factors of electrocatalytic performance and related evaluations are introduced. The basicprinciples of hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen evolutionreaction, and chlorine evolution reaction in seawater electrolysisare discussed in detail, pointing out the various problemscaused by chloride ions (Cl^(−)) in the process of hydrogenproduction from seawater splitting. In addition, the preparation and optimization strategies of TMBs are emphasized.Finally, the development, challenges, and prospects of electrolytic seawater hydrogen production technology are presented. This review aims to furnish deeper insights intoenhancing the electrocatalytic performance of TMBs in thiscritical area of research.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (22071172)the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (2016YFB0401100,2017YFA0204503,and 2018YFA0703200)Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation (No. ZR2019BB025)。
文摘Electrocatalytic CO_(2) reduction reaction(CO_(2) RR) can store and transform the intermittent renewable energy in the form of chemical energy for industrial production of chemicals and fuels,which can dramatically reduce CO_(2) emission and contribute to carbon-neutral cycle. E cient electrocatalytic reduction of chemically inert CO_(2) is challenging from thermodynamic and kinetic points of view. Therefore,low-cost,highly e cient,and readily available electrocatalysts have been the focus for promoting the conversion of CO_(2). Very recently,interface engineering has been considered as a highly e ective strategy to modulate the electrocatalytic performance through electronic and/or structural modulation,regulations of electron/proton/mass/intermediates,and the control of local reactant concentration,thereby achieving desirable reaction pathway,inhibiting competing hydrogen generation,breaking binding-energy scaling relations of intermediates,and promoting CO_(2) mass transfer. In this review,we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of current developments in interface engineering for CO_(2) RR from both a theoretical and experimental stand-point,involving interfaces between metal and metal,metal and metal oxide,metal and nonmetal,metal oxide and metal oxide,organic molecules and inorganic materials,electrode and electrolyte,molecular catalysts and electrode,etc. Finally,the opportunities and challenges of interface engineering for CO_(2) RR are proposed.
基金supported by the National Natural Sci-ence Foundation of China(No.22071172)the Strategic Prior-ity Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(No.XDB12030300)the Ministry of Science and Technology of China(Nos.2017YFA0204503 and 2018YFA0703200).
文摘The increase of atmospheric CO_(2)concentration has caused many environmental issues.Electrochemi-cal CO_(2)reduction reaction(CO_(2)RR)has been considered as a promising strategy to mitigate these chal-lenges.The electrocatalysts with a low overpotential,high Faradaic efficiency,and excellent selectivity are of great significance for the CO_(2)RR.Carbon-based materials including metal-free carbon catalysts and metal-based carbon catalysts have shown great potential in the CO_(2)RR,owing to the tailorable porous structures,abundant natural resources,resistance to acids and bases,high-temperature stability,and en-vironmental friendliness.In this review,various carbon materials including graphene,carbon nanotubes,quantum dots,porous carbon,and MOF-derived catalysts,etc.,for the CO_(2)RR have been summarized.Particularly,recent progress in terms of the mechanism and pathway of CO_(2)conversion has been com-prehensively reviewed.Finally,the opportunities and challenges of carbon-based electrocatalysts for the CO_(2)RR are proposed.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos.21805191,21866032)the Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation (No.2020A151501982)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (No.2020M672811)。
文摘Different from traditional metal-support heterogenous catalysts,inverse heterogeneous catalysts,in which the surface of metal is decorated by metal oxide,have recently attracted increasing interests owing to the unique interracial effect and electronic structure.However,a deep insight into the effect of metaloxide interaction on the catalytic performance still remains a great challenge.In our work,an inverse hematite/palladium(Fe_(2) O_(3)/Pd) hybrid nanostructure,i.e.,the active Fe_(2) O_(3) ultrathin oxide layers partially covering on the surface of Pd nanoparticles(NPs),exhibited superior electrocatalytic performance towards methanol oxidation reaction(MOR) as compared to the bare Pd NPs based on density functional theory calculation.The charge could transfer from Pd to Fe_(2) O_(3) driven by the built-in potential at the interface of Pd and Fe_(2) O_(3),which favors the downshift of d band center of Pd.With the assistance of interfacial hydroxyl OH*,the cleavage of O—H and C—H in CH_(3) OH could take place much easily with lower barrier ene rgy on Fe_(2) O_(3)/Pd than that on pure Pd via two electrons transferring reaction pathways.Our results highlight that the syne rgy of Pd and Fe_(2) O_(3) at the interface could facilitate the electrochemical transformation of methanol into formaldehyde assisted with interfacial hydroxyl OH*.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (22071172)。
文摘Electrochemical CO_(2) reduction reaction(CO_(2) RR),powered by renewable energy sources,provides an appealing approach to convert emitted CO_(2) to value-added chemicals and fuels and achieve a carbon-neutral cycle.Among various carbon-based products,formic acid(HCOOH) has been considered as a promising liquid hydrogen storage material due to its high energy density and hydrogen content.However,so far,the reported HCOOH-selective catalysts(e.g.,Bi,Sn,In,Pb and Pd) have failed in either activity(<500 mA cm^(-2)) or stability(<20 h),which significantly inhibits the industrialized feasibility of CO_(2) RR.In contrast,Cu takes the advantages of excellent activity and low cost,making it more commercially viable.To date,one of the most challenging issues of Cu-based catalysts lies in unsatisfactory selectivity,that is,tending to produce mixed products rather than specific one,due to the complicated reaction paths involved.Very recently,Zheng et al.have developed a single-atom alloy(SAAs) strategy for the exclusive CO_(2)-to-formate conversion over Cu-based catalysts.The as-prepared Pb single-atom alloyed Cu catalyst(Pb_(1)Cu)(Fig.la) exhibited near unity selectivity towards HCOOH and impressive stability,providing the prospect of industrial production of HCOOH from CO_(2).
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.21866032,21805191)China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(No.2020M672811)+1 种基金the Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation(No.2020A151501982)the“Explorer 100”cluster system of Tsinghua National Laboratory for Information Science and Technology。
文摘The conversion of chemical feedstock materials into high value-added products accompanied with dehydrogenation is of great value in the chemical industry.However,the catalytic dehydrogenation reaction is inhibited by a limited number of expensive noble metal catalysts and lacks understanding of dehydrogenation mechanism.Here,we report the use of heterogeneous non-noble metal iron nanoparticles(NPs) incorporated mesoporous nitrogen-doped carbon to investigate the dehydrogenation mechanism based on experiment observation and density functional theory(DFT) method.Fe NPs catalyst displays excellent performance in the dehydrogenation of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline(THQ)with 100% selectivity and 100% conversion for 10-12 h at room temperature.The calculated adsorption energy implies that THQ prefers to adsorb on Fe NPs as compared with absence of Fe NPs.What is more,the energy barrier of transition state is relatively low,illustrating the dehydrogenation is feasible.This work provides an atomic scale mechanism guidance for the catalytic dehydrogenation reaction and points out the direction for the design of new catalysts.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(22071172).
文摘This highlight indicates that the local electrostatic interactions between metal cations and key intermediates facilitate the electrocatalytic CO_(2) reduction reaction.Electrocatalytic CO_(2) reduction reaction(CO_(2)RR)has been considered as a promising strategy to achieve a carbon-neutral cycle and produce valuable fuels and feedstocks.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82302395 and 82001979)Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai(22YF1437400)+6 种基金Young Elite Scientists Sponsorship Program by CAST(2023QNRC001)Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation(Major Basic Research Program,ZR2019ZD38)Taishan Scholar Program of Shandong Province(To Huitang Xia,202211333)Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province(ZR2020MH381)Academic Promotion Program of Shandong First Medical University(2019LJ005)Shandong First Medical University Culture Foundation(202201-09)Social Science Planning and Research Project of Shandong Province(21CTQJ08).
文摘The osteochondral defects(OCDs)resulting from the treatment of giant cell tumors of bone(GCTB)often present two challenges for clinicians:tumor residue leading to local recurrence and non-healing of OCDs.Therefore,this study focuses on developing a double-layer PGPC-PGPH scaffold using shell-core structure nanofibers to achieve“spatiotemporal control”for treating OCDs caused by GCTB.It addresses two key challenges:eliminating tumor residue after local excision and stimulating osteochondral regeneration in non-healing OCD cases.With a shell layer of protoporphyrin IX(PpIX)/gelatin(GT)and inner cores containing chondroitin sulfate(CS)/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)(PLGA)or hydroxyapatite(HA)/PLGA,coaxial electrospinning technology was used to create shell-core structured PpIX/GT-CS/PLGA and PpIX/GT-HA/PLGA nanofibers.These nanofibers were shattered into nano-scaled short fibers,and then combined with polyethylene oxide and hyaluronan to formulate distinct 3D printing inks.The upper layer consists of PpIX/GT-CS/PLGA ink,and the lower layer is made from PpIX/GT-HA/PLGA ink,allowing for the creation of a double-layer PGPC-PGPH scaffold using 3D printing technique.After GCTB lesion removal,the PGPC-PGPH scaffold is surgically implanted into the OCDs.The sonosensitizer PpIX in the shell layer undergoes sonodynamic therapy to selectively damage GCTB tissue,effectively eradicating residual tumors.Subsequently,the thermal effect of sonodynamic therapy accelerates the shell degradation and release of CS and HA within the core layer,promoting stem cell differentiation into cartilage and bone tissues at the OCD site in the correct anatomical position.This innovative scaffold provides temporal control for anti-tumor treatment followed by tissue repair and spatial control for precise osteochondral regeneration.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 41822504, 42175099, 42027804, 42075073 and 42075077)the National Center of Meteorology, Abu Dhabi, UAE under the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science+4 种基金LIU is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy Atmospheric System Research (ASR) Program (DE-SC00112704)Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) under Award 33504LUO is supported by Research Fund of Civil Aviation Flight University of China (J2022-037)LI is supported by Research Fund of Civil Aviation Flight University of China (09005001)WU is supported by Research on Key of Manmachine Ring in Plateau Flight (FZ2020ZZ03)
文摘Cloud microphysical properties are significantly affected by entrainment and mixing processes.However,it is unclear how the entrainment rate affects the relative dispersion of cloud droplet size distribution.Previously,the relationship between relative dispersion and entrainment rate was found to be positive or negative.To reconcile the contrasting relationships,the Explicit Mixing Parcel Model is used to determine the underlying mechanisms.When evaporation is dominated by small droplets,and the entrained environmental air is further saturated during mixing,the relationship is negative.However,when the evaporation of big droplets is dominant,the relationship is positive.Whether or not the cloud condensation nuclei are considered in the entrained environmental air is a key factor as condensation on the entrained condensation nuclei is the main source of small droplets.However,if cloud condensation nuclei are not entrained,the relationship is positive.If cloud condensation nuclei are entrained,the relationship is dependent on many other factors.High values of vertical velocity,relative humidity of environmental air,and liquid water content,and low values of droplet number concentration,are more likely to cause the negative relationship since new saturation is easier to achieve by evaporation of small droplets.Further,the signs of the relationship are not strongly affected by the turbulence dissipation rate,but the higher dissipation rate causes the positive relationship to be more significant for a larger entrainment rate.A conceptual model is proposed to reconcile the contrasting relationships.This work enhances the understanding of relative dispersion and lays a foundation for the quantification of entrainment-mixing mechanisms.
基金This research was supported by the China National Natural Sciences Foundation(32070314)to J.X.the Science and Technology Innovation Fund project of Shanxi Agricultural University(2020BQ24)to P.Z.the Basic Research Program of Shanxi Province(Free Exploration)(20210302124369)to L.S.
文摘Boron is an essential microelement for plant growth.Tomato is one of the most cultivated fruits and vegetables in the world,and boron deficiency severely inhibits its yield and quality.However,the mechanism of tomato in response to boron deficiency remains largely unclear.Here,we investigated the physiological and molecular bases of the boron deficiency response in hydroponically grown tomato seedlings.Boron deficiency repressed the expression of genes associated with nitrogen metabolism,while it induced the expression of genes related to the pentose phosphate pathway,thereby altering carbon flow to provide energy for plants to cope with stress.Boron deficiency increased the accumulation of copper,manganese and iron,thereby maintaining chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency at the early stage of stress.In addition,boron deficiency downregulated the expression of genes involved in cell wall organization and reduced the contents of pectin and cellulose in roots,ultimately retarding root growth.Furthermore,boron deficiency markedly altered phytohormone levels and signaling pathways in roots.The contents of jasmonic acid,jasmonoy1-L-isoleucine,trans-zeatin riboside,abscisic acid,salicylic acid,and SA glucoside were decreased;in contrast,the contents of isopentenyladenine riboside and ethylene precursor 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid were increased in the roots of boron-deficient tomato plants.These results collectively indicate that tomato roots reprogram carbon/nitrogen metabolism,alter cell wall components and modulate phytohormone pathways to survive boron deficiency.This study provides a theoretical basis for further elucidating the adaptive mechanism of tomato in response to boron deficiency.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.22071172).
文摘Copper(Cu)has been regarded as a highly efficient electrocatalyst for the conversion of CO_(2) into a multicarbon product.However,the catalytic mechanism and the active sites of Cu catalysts under operating conditions still remain elusive.Yang's team applied systematic operando characterization techniques to provide a quantitative analysis of the valence states and the chemical environment of Cu nanocatalysts under electrochemical reaction conditions,which clearly reveal the evolution of Cu nanocatalysts before and after the entire electrochemical CO_(2) reduction.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.42325503&42075067)supported by the Ministry of Education of Singapore Academic Research Fund Tier 2(Grant No.MOET2EP50124-0018)。
文摘The Tibetan Plateau(TP)plays a key role in both Asian and global climates.TP is one of the regions with the largest precipitation deviations in numerical models.The biases in precipitation simulations over the TP are closely related to its distinctive convective processes and complex topographic effects.This study uses the Weather Research and Forecasting(WRF)model to conduct a two-month simulation over the TP during the summer of 2019,aiming to investigate the combined impact of a cumulus scheme with optimized entrainment process and a turbulent orographic form drag(TOFD)scheme on cloud and precipitation simulations.The results show that the optimized cumulus scheme reduces the wet bias,while the TOFD scheme adjusts the spatial distribution of precipitation simulation,bringing it closer to the observations,especially by reducing the wet bias on the southern slope of the TP.The optimized cumulus scheme increases the simulated convective entrainment rate,leading to reduced convective cloud depth,convective precipitation frequency,and convective precipitation intensity,thereby decreasing the amount of convective precipitation.The TOFD scheme reduces precipitation on the southern slope of the TP by weakening moisture transport toward the TP,wind speed,vertical velocity,and cloud physical processes.The combined use of the two schemes integrates their advantages and jointly improves the accuracy of precipitation simulation over the TP.The results reduce the bias in summer precipitation simulations over the TP and provide a reliable scientific reference for weather and climate research,as well as precipitation forecasting in this region.
