The distance distributions between two site-specifically anchored spin labels in a protein,measured by pulsed electron-electron double resonance(PELDOR or DEER),provide rich sources of structural and conformational re...The distance distributions between two site-specifically anchored spin labels in a protein,measured by pulsed electron-electron double resonance(PELDOR or DEER),provide rich sources of structural and conformational restraints on the proteins or their complexes.The rigid connection of the nitroxide spin label to the protein improves the accuracy and precision of distance measurement.We report a new spin labelling approach by formation of thioester bond between nitroxide(NO)spin label,NOAI(NO spin labels activated by acetylimidazole),and a protein thiol,and this spin labeling method has demonstrated high performance in DEER distance measurement on proteins.The results showed that NOAI has shorter connection to the protein ligation site than 2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-pyrroline-1-oxyl methanethiosulfonate(MTSL)and 3-maleimido-proxyl(M-Prox)in the respective protein conjugate and produces narrower distance distributions for the tested proteins including ubiquitin(Ub),immunoglobulin-binding b1 domain of streptococcal protein G(GB1),and second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases(Smac).The NOAI protein conjugate connected by a thioester bond is resistant to reducing reagent and offers highfidelity DEER distance measurements in cell lysates.展开更多
Rare earth elements have gained considerable popularity in electronic devices as vital elements in electrical and dielectric materials.In this manuscript,NiCoFe_(2)O_(4)nanocomposite was synthesized using the sol-gel ...Rare earth elements have gained considerable popularity in electronic devices as vital elements in electrical and dielectric materials.In this manuscript,NiCoFe_(2)O_(4)nanocomposite was synthesized using the sol-gel method and doped with the rare earth element lanthanum(La)to improve the structural,morphological and electrochemical properties.First,the structural and morphological characteristics of NiCoFe_(2)O_(4)and La@NiCoFe_(2)O_(4)nanocomposite were measured.Three-and two-electrode setups were used to assess the electrochemical properties of La@NiCoFe_(2)O_(4).At 1.5 A/g,the La@NiCoFe_(2)O_(4)shows a very high specific capacity value of 1622.5 C/g.Next,a two-electrode configuration with a La@NiCoFe_(2)O_(4)and an activated carbon(AC)was designed.With an impressive power density(PD)of 2207 W/kg,a remarkable energy density(ED)of 42.2 Wh/kg,and a specific capacity of 268.0 C/g,the resulting supercapattery device displays exceptional characteristics.Supercapacitor devices,in particular,demonstrate exceptional cycle stability,while the device as a whole has a high capacitive retention(CR)value of 89.0%after 5000 cycles.These results indicate that La@NiCoFe_(2)O_(4)is a possible material for the design of future energy storage system electrodes due to its numerous desirable characteristics.展开更多
Spintronic technology and energy applications benefit greatly from the exceptional characteristics of rare-earth-based spinel chalcogenides.Examining the electrical,magnetic and thermoelectric properties of HgNd_(2)Z_...Spintronic technology and energy applications benefit greatly from the exceptional characteristics of rare-earth-based spinel chalcogenides.Examining the electrical,magnetic and thermoelectric properties of HgNd_(2)Z_(4)(Z=S,Se)in a systematic manner is essential for the strategic advancement of spin polarized current in a spintronic device.In this recent study,the WIEN2K code was employed to comprehensively analyze these properties.The calculated lattice constants,obtained using the generalized gradient approximation(GGAsol-PBE),closely match experimental findings of the similar family compounds.The examination of the stability of ferromagnetic states in the ground state involves comparing energies between anti-ferromagnetic and ferromagnetic states.Moreover,an assessment of the stability of the cubic phase in both spinels was conducted using analyses of the phonon dispersion curve,formation energy and Born stability criteria.The ductility characteristics were examined through the calculation of Poisson's and Pugh's ratios.Furthermore,details regarding the density of states,spin polarization,ex-change coupling and Curie temperature were provided to explore the characteristics associated with ferromagnetism.Potential optoelectronic applications were proposed,leveraging the direct band gaps of 1.4 and 1.0 eV for HgNd_(2)Z_(4)(Z=S,Se)respectively,within the visible spectrum.Particularly noteworthy is the effective light absorption of HgNd2Se4 in the visible range,characterized by prominent peaks that facilitate the transition of electrons from the valence band(VB)to the conduction band(CB).Additionally,the study extends to thermoelectric characteristics,determining various factors such as Seebeck coef-ficient(S),figure of merit(ZT),electrical and thermal conductivities of the evaluated spinels.展开更多
Solar-driven photocatalysis with charge-transfer modulation is a green approach for enhancing the oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)to generate hydrogen peroxide(H_(2)O_(2)).In this study,we introduced a novel method for ...Solar-driven photocatalysis with charge-transfer modulation is a green approach for enhancing the oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)to generate hydrogen peroxide(H_(2)O_(2)).In this study,we introduced a novel method for synthesizing high-valence Sn^(δ+)in SnS_(2),combined with gC_(3)N_(4)to create gC_(3)N_(4)/SnS_(2).Density functional theory(DFT)calculations exhibited that the interface between SnS_(2)and gC_(3)N_(4)creates interband states through strong hybridization,revealing that photoexcited electrons flowed from C in gC_(3)N_(4)to S in SnS_(2),forming a Z-scheme heterojunction.The optimal gC_(3)N_(4)/SnS_(2)-2(2%SnS_(2)loaded)achieved a high H_(2)O_(2)production rate of 7.186 mmol g^(-1)h^(-1)and an apparent quantum efficiency(AQE)of 33.8%at 405 nm with isopropanol(IPA),converting 88.8%IPA to acetone in 2 h.The gC_(3)N_(4)/SnS_(2)composite improved the charge transfer resistance and elongated the non-radiative electron decay time.Notably,SnS_(2)doping of gC_(3)N_(4)decreased the antibonding orbital occupancy and lowered the energy barrier for O_(2) and OOH^(*)adsorption.In situ surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy(SERS)analysis confirmed the generation of OOH^(*)on gC_(3)N_(4)/SnS_(2)during light irradiation.A techno-economic analysis(TEA)was conducted to evaluate the economic viability of photocatalytic H_(2)O_(2)production,revealing that it was not economically feasible owing to challenges in the separation process.This study provides unique perspectives on the approaches to inducing a high valence state of Sn^(δ+)for enhancing photocatalytic H_(2)O_(2)generation and the challenge of commercializing H_(2)O_(2)production via photocatalysis.展开更多
This work aims to develop fast T_(1)mapping methods for preclinical and clinical scanners based on subspace-constrained reconstructions.Two sequences are explored for rapid T_(1)characterizations:1)Interleaved spatiot...This work aims to develop fast T_(1)mapping methods for preclinical and clinical scanners based on subspace-constrained reconstructions.Two sequences are explored for rapid T_(1)characterizations:1)Interleaved spatiotemporal encoding incorporating variable repetition times.2)Inversion recovery gradient echo with random sampling of the phaseencoding(PE)dimension.For both sequences,the subspace reconstruction of the signal recovery was applied,to jointly reconstruct the down-sampled images while characterizing the T_(1)relaxation.In vivo scans on human brains and abdomens confirmed the efficiency of the proposed methods,including compatibility with breath-holding.In addition,Scans on animals with abdominal tumors and dynamic contrast-enhanced T_(1)mapping on kidneys support the applicability of the proposed methods also in preclinical settings.展开更多
Hierarchical networks are frequently encountered in animal groups,gene networks,and artificial engineering systems such as multiple robots,unmanned vehicle systems,smart grids,wind farm networks,and so forth.The struc...Hierarchical networks are frequently encountered in animal groups,gene networks,and artificial engineering systems such as multiple robots,unmanned vehicle systems,smart grids,wind farm networks,and so forth.The structure of a large directed hierarchical network is often strongly influenced by reverse edges from lower-to higher-level nodes,such as lagging birds’howl in a flock or the opinions of lowerlevel individuals feeding back to higher-level ones in a social group.This study reveals that,for most large-scale real hierarchical networks,the majority of the reverse edges do not affect the synchronization process of the entire network;the synchronization process is influenced only by a small part of these reverse edges along specific paths.More surprisingly,a single effective reverse edge can slow down the synchronization of a huge hierarchical network by over 60%.The effect of such edges depends not on the network size but only on the average in-degree of the involved subnetwork.The overwhelming majority of active reverse edges turn out to have some kind of“bunching”effect on the information flows of hierarchical networks,which slows down synchronization processes.This finding refines the current understanding of the role of reverse edges in many natural,social,and engineering hierarchical networks,which might be beneficial for precisely tuning the synchronization rhythms of these networks.Our study also proposes an effective way to attack a hierarchical network by adding a malicious reverse edge to it and provides some guidance for protecting a network by screening out the specific small proportion of vulnerable nodes.展开更多
In order to better understand biatrial conduction,investigate various conduction pathways,and compare the differences between isotropic and anisotropic conductions in human atria,we present a simulation study of biatr...In order to better understand biatrial conduction,investigate various conduction pathways,and compare the differences between isotropic and anisotropic conductions in human atria,we present a simulation study of biatrial conduction with known/assumed conduction pathways using a recently developed human atrial model.In addition to known pathways:(1) Bachmann's bundle(BB),(2) limbus of fossa ovalis(LFO),and(3) coronary sinus(CS),we also hypothesize that there exist two fast conduction bundles that connect the crista terminalis(CT),LFO,and CS.Our simulation demonstrates that use of these fast conduction bundles results in a conduction pattern consistent with experimental data.The comparison of isotropic and anisotropoic conductions in the BB case showed that the atrial working muscles had small effect on conduction time and conduction speed,although the conductivities assigned in anisotropic conduction were two to four times higher than the isotropic conduction.In conclusion,we suggest that the hypothesized intercaval bundles play a significant role in the biatrial conduction and that myofiber orientation has larger effects on the conduction system than the atrial working muscles.This study presents readers with new insights into human atrial conduction.展开更多
At the present,association of mitochondrial dysfunction and progression of neurological disorders has gained significant attention.Defects in mitochondrial network dynamics,point mutations,deletions,and interaction of...At the present,association of mitochondrial dysfunction and progression of neurological disorders has gained significant attention.Defects in mitochondrial network dynamics,point mutations,deletions,and interaction of pathogenomic proteins with mitochondria are some of the possible underlying mechanisms involved in these neurological disorders.Mitochondrial genetics,defects in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation machinery,and reactive oxygen species production might share common crosstalk in the progression of these neurological disorders.It is of significant interests to explore and develop therapeutic strategies aimed at correcting mitochondrial abnormalities.This review provided insights on mitochondrial dysfunction/mutations involved in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease,Huntington’s disease,and epilepsy with a special focus on Parkinson’s disease pathology.Along with the deleterious effects of mitochondrial mutations in aforesaid neurological disorders,this paper unraveled the available therapeutic strategy,specifically aiming to improve mitochondrial dysfunction,drugs targeting mitochondrial proteins,gene therapies aimed at correcting mutant mtDNA,peptide-based approaches,and lipophilic cations.展开更多
Traditional dielectric electrorheological fluid(ER)is based on the interaction of dielectric particle polarization,and the yield stress is low,which cannot meet the application requirements.The giant ER(GER)effect is ...Traditional dielectric electrorheological fluid(ER)is based on the interaction of dielectric particle polarization,and the yield stress is low,which cannot meet the application requirements.The giant ER(GER)effect is caused by orientations and interactions of polar molecules adsorbed on the particle surfaces.Despite the high yield stress,these polar molecules are prone to wear and fall off,resulting in a continuous reduction in shear stress of GER liquid,which is also not suitable for application.Here we introduce a new type of ER fluid called induced dipole dominant ER fluid(ID-ER),of which the particles contain oxygen vacancies or conductor microclusters both prepared by high energy ball milling(HEBM)technique.In the electric field E,oxygen vacancies or conductor microclusters form induced dipoles.Because the local electric field E_(loc) in the gaps between particles can be two to three orders of magnitude larger than E,the induced dipole moments must be large.The strong interactions of these induced dipoles make the yield stress of the ID-ER fluid reaching more than 100 kPa.Since there are oxygen vacancies or conductor microclusters everywhere in the particles,the particles will not lose the function due to surface wear during use.The experimental results show that the ID-ER fluid possesses the advantages of high shear stress,low current density,short response time,good temperature stability,long service life,and anti-settlement,etc.The comprehensive performance is much better than the existing ER materials,and also the preparation method is simple and easy to repeat,thus it should be a new generation of ER fluid suitable for practical applications.展开更多
A striking characteristic of cancer ceLls is their remarkable phenotypic plasticity, which is the ability to switch states or phenotypes in response to environmental fluctuations. Phenotypic changes such as a partial ...A striking characteristic of cancer ceLls is their remarkable phenotypic plasticity, which is the ability to switch states or phenotypes in response to environmental fluctuations. Phenotypic changes such as a partial or complete epithelial to mesenchymal transition （EMT） that play important roles in their survival and proliferation, and development of resistance to therapeutic treatments, are widely believed to arise due to somatic mutations in the genome. However, there is a growing concern that such a deterministic view is not entirely consistent with multiple lines of evidence, which indicate that stochasticity may also play an important role in driving phenotypic plasticity. Here, we discuss how stochasticity in protein interaction networks （PINs） may play a key role in determining phenotypic plasticity in prostate cancer （PCa）. Specifically, we point out that the key players driving transitions among different phenotypes （epithelial, mesenchymal, and hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal）, including ZEB1, SNAIl, OVOL1, and OVOL2, are intrinsically disordered proteins （IDPs） and discuss how plasticity at the molecular level may contribute to stochasticity in phenotypic switching by rewiring PINs. We conclude by suggesting that targeting iDPs implicated in EMT in PCa may be a new strategy to gain additional insights and develop novel treatments for this disease, which is the most common form of cancer in adult men.展开更多
A portable skincare plasma-device with a rechargeable battery is presented here. The device comprises two pads made of thin polyimide film as the dielectric layer, namely, the dielectric barrier discharge pad(DBD-pad)...A portable skincare plasma-device with a rechargeable battery is presented here. The device comprises two pads made of thin polyimide film as the dielectric layer, namely, the dielectric barrier discharge pad(DBD-pad) for skin-touch and a capacitive ground-pad(G-pad) for hand holding. High AC voltage of approximately 1 kV with frequency of 40 kHz is induced in the DBD-pad that contacts the skin, which serves as the floating electrode, while low voltage is induced on the G-pad. Considering the requirement for impedance matching between the DBDpad capacitance and the inverter along with the need for low skin current less than approximately 5 mA for electrical safety, the electrode area of the DBD-pad is minimized to be smaller than that of the G-pad.展开更多
Combined studies of latitudinal and interannual variations of annual phytoplankton bloom peak in East Asian marginal seas(17°–58°N, including the northern South China Sea(SCS), Kuroshio waters, the Sea of J...Combined studies of latitudinal and interannual variations of annual phytoplankton bloom peak in East Asian marginal seas(17°–58°N, including the northern South China Sea(SCS), Kuroshio waters, the Sea of Japan and the Okhotsk Sea) are rarely. Based on satellite-retrieved ten-year(2003–2012) median timing of the annual Chlorophyll a concentration(Chl a) climax, here we report that this annual spring bloom peak generally delays from the SCS in January to the Okhotsk Sea in June at a rate of(21.20±2.86) km/d(decadal median±SD). Spring bloom is dominant feature of the phytoplankton annual cycle over these regions, except for the SCS which features winter bloom. The fluctuation of the annual peak timing is mainly within ±48 d departured from the decadal median peak date, therefore this period(the decadal median peak date ±48 d) is defined as annual spring bloom period. As sea surface temperature rises, earlier spring bloom peak timing but decreasing averaged Chl a biomass in the spring bloom period due to insufficient light is evident in the Okhotsk Sea from 2003 to 2012. For the rest of three study domains, there are no significant interannual variance trend of the peak timing and the averaged Chl a biomass. Furthermore this change of spring phytoplankton bloom timing and magnitude in the Okhotsk Sea challenges previous prediction that ocean warming would enhance algal productivity at high latitudes.展开更多
Amputations of the upper extremity are severely debilitating, current treatments support very basic limb movement, and patients undergo extensive physiotherapy and psychological counseling. There is no prosthesis that...Amputations of the upper extremity are severely debilitating, current treatments support very basic limb movement, and patients undergo extensive physiotherapy and psychological counseling. There is no prosthesis that allows the amputees near normal function. With increasing number of amputees due to injuries sustained in accidents, natural calamities, and international conflicts, there is a growing requirement for novel strategies and new discov- eries. Advances have been made in technological, material, and in prosthesis integration where researchers are now exploring artificial prosthesis that integrate with the residual tissues and function based on signal impulses received from the residual nerves. Efforts are focused on challenging experts in different disciplines to integrate ideas and tech- nologies to allow for the regeneration of injured tissues,recording on tissue signals and feedback to facilitate responsive movements and gradations of muscle force. A fully functional replacement and regenerative or integrated prosthesis will rely on interface of biological process with robotic systems to allow individual control of movement such as at the elbow, forearm, digits, and thumb in the upper extremity. Regenerative engineering focused on the regen- eration of complex tissue and organ systems will be realized by the cross-fertilization of advances over the past 30 years in the fields of tissue engineering, nanotechnology, stem cell science, and developmental biology. The convergence of toolboxes crated within each discipline will allow interdis- ciplinary teams from engineering, science, and medicine to realize new strategies, mergers of disparate technologies, such as biophysics, smart bionics, and the healing power of the mind. Tackling the clinical challenges, interfacing the biological process with bionic technologies, engineering biological control of the electronic systems, and feedback will be the important goals in regenerative engineering over the next two decades.展开更多
Background The cyclic nucleotide-gated channel(CNGC)gene family plays a significant role in the uptake of both essential and toxic cations,and has a role in enhancing tolerance to various forms of abiotic stresses as ...Background The cyclic nucleotide-gated channel(CNGC)gene family plays a significant role in the uptake of both essential and toxic cations,and has a role in enhancing tolerance to various forms of abiotic stresses as well as the modulation of the heavy metal toxicity to plant through the absorption of heavy metals.Results A complete genome-wide identification and functional characterization of the cotton CNGC genes was carried out,in which 55,28,and 29 CNGC genes were identified in Gossypium hirsutum,G.raimondii,and G.arboreum,respectively.The protein encoded by the CNGC genes exhibited GRAVY value below zero,indicating their hydrophilic property.CNGC genes were unevenly distributed in 19 out of 26 chromosomes,in which the highest density were observed on Ah05,with 8 genes.High gene coverage was observed among the diploid cotton species,with CNGC genes mapped on all A chromosomes and on 11 out of 13 of D chromosomes.The majority of CNGC proteins were localized in the endoplasmic reticulum,nucleus,and plasma membrane.Gene expression analysis revealed the up-regulation of Gh_A01G0520(CNGC4)and Gh_D13G1974(CNGC5)across various forms of abiotic stresses.Moreover,down-regulation of Gh_A01G0520(CNGC4)and Gh_D13G1974(CNGC5)in CNGCs silenced plants caused the significantly reduced ability to tolerate drought and salt stresses.All CNGCs silenced plants were recorded to have significantly low content of antioxidants but relatively higher content of oxidant,including MDA and H_(2)O_(2).Furthermore,SPAD,CMS(cell membrane stability),ELWL(excised leaf water loss),SDW(shoot dry matter weight),and RDW(root dry matter weight)were all lower in CNGCs silenced plants compared with the wild type plants.Conclusion Significant reduction in antioxidant content and negative effects of physiological and morphological characters in CNGCs silenced plants has revealed the novel role of CNGC genes in enhancing cell integrity under abiotic stress conditions.These results provide vital information that will expand our understanding of the CNGC gene family in cotton and other plants,thus promoting the integration of these genes in the development of the environmental resilient plants.展开更多
Background:Cotton is a valuable economic crop and the main significant source of natural fiber for textile industries globally.The effects of drought and salt stress pose a challenge to strong fiber and large-scale pr...Background:Cotton is a valuable economic crop and the main significant source of natural fiber for textile industries globally.The effects of drought and salt stress pose a challenge to strong fiber and large-scale production due to the ever-changing climatic conditions.However,plants have evolved a number of survival strategies,among them is the induction of various stress-responsive genes such as the ribosomal protein large(RPL)gene.The RPL gene families encode critical proteins,which alleviate the effects of drought and salt stress in plants.In this study,comprehensive and functional analysis of the cotton RPL genes was carried out under drought and salt stresses.Results:Based on the genome-wide evaluation,26,8,and 5 proteins containing the RPL14B domain were identified in Gossypium hirsutum,G.raimondii,and G.arboreum,respectively.Furthermore,through bioinformatics analysis,key cis-regulatory elements related to RPL14B genes were discovered.The Myb binding sites(MBS),abscisic acid-responsive element(ABRE),CAAT-box,TATA box,TGACG-motif,and CGTCA-motif responsive to methyl jasmonate,as well as the TCA-motif responsive to salicylic acid,were identified.Expression analysis revealed a key gene,Gh_D01G0234(RPL14B),with significantly higher induction levels was further evaluated through a reverse genetic approach.The knockdown of Gh_D01G0234(RPL14B)significantly affected the performance of cotton seedlings under drought/salt stress conditions,as evidenced by a substantial reduction in various morphological and physiological traits.Moreover,the level of the antioxidant enzyme was significantly reduced in VIGS-plants,while oxidant enzyme levels increased significantly,as demonstrated by the higher malondialdehyde concentration level.Conclusion:The results revealed the potential role of the RPL14B gene in promoting the induction of antioxidant enzymes,which are key in oxidizing the various oxidants.The key pathways need to be investigated and even as we exploit these genes in the developing of more stress-resilient cotton germplasms.展开更多
Hybrid dielectric barrier discharges are investigated for plasma generated on the surface of a dielectric layer, where two conducting electrodes of high voltage and ground are formulated on the upper and bottom surfac...Hybrid dielectric barrier discharges are investigated for plasma generated on the surface of a dielectric layer, where two conducting electrodes of high voltage and ground are formulated on the upper and bottom surfaces. Using a flexible thin polyimide-film of a thickness ranging from 25 to 125 μm, a plasma is generated with a voltage of about 1 kV and a frequency of 40 kHz.However, the surface of the dielectric layer was etched through a chemical reaction involving plasma oxygen radical species, and thus the polyimide films failed readily, resulting in dielectric breakdown within short operating time ranging from a few minutes to several tens of minutes,based on the film thicknesses of 25 μm and 125 μm, respectively. These plasma erosions were prevented by coating the polyimide surface with a 25 μm thick silicone paste. The siliconecoated film surface was then reinforced remarkably against plasma erosion as the organic polymer was vulnerable to chemical reaction of the plasma species, while the inorganic silicone exhibited a high chemical resistance against plasma erosion.展开更多
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(22161142018,21991081,22177056,and 22174074)the Ministry of Science and Technology of China(2021YFA1600304).
文摘The distance distributions between two site-specifically anchored spin labels in a protein,measured by pulsed electron-electron double resonance(PELDOR or DEER),provide rich sources of structural and conformational restraints on the proteins or their complexes.The rigid connection of the nitroxide spin label to the protein improves the accuracy and precision of distance measurement.We report a new spin labelling approach by formation of thioester bond between nitroxide(NO)spin label,NOAI(NO spin labels activated by acetylimidazole),and a protein thiol,and this spin labeling method has demonstrated high performance in DEER distance measurement on proteins.The results showed that NOAI has shorter connection to the protein ligation site than 2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-pyrroline-1-oxyl methanethiosulfonate(MTSL)and 3-maleimido-proxyl(M-Prox)in the respective protein conjugate and produces narrower distance distributions for the tested proteins including ubiquitin(Ub),immunoglobulin-binding b1 domain of streptococcal protein G(GB1),and second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases(Smac).The NOAI protein conjugate connected by a thioester bond is resistant to reducing reagent and offers highfidelity DEER distance measurements in cell lysates.
基金funded by the Researchers Supporting Project Number(RSPD2024R763)King Saud University,Riyadh,Saudi Arabia。
文摘Rare earth elements have gained considerable popularity in electronic devices as vital elements in electrical and dielectric materials.In this manuscript,NiCoFe_(2)O_(4)nanocomposite was synthesized using the sol-gel method and doped with the rare earth element lanthanum(La)to improve the structural,morphological and electrochemical properties.First,the structural and morphological characteristics of NiCoFe_(2)O_(4)and La@NiCoFe_(2)O_(4)nanocomposite were measured.Three-and two-electrode setups were used to assess the electrochemical properties of La@NiCoFe_(2)O_(4).At 1.5 A/g,the La@NiCoFe_(2)O_(4)shows a very high specific capacity value of 1622.5 C/g.Next,a two-electrode configuration with a La@NiCoFe_(2)O_(4)and an activated carbon(AC)was designed.With an impressive power density(PD)of 2207 W/kg,a remarkable energy density(ED)of 42.2 Wh/kg,and a specific capacity of 268.0 C/g,the resulting supercapattery device displays exceptional characteristics.Supercapacitor devices,in particular,demonstrate exceptional cycle stability,while the device as a whole has a high capacitive retention(CR)value of 89.0%after 5000 cycles.These results indicate that La@NiCoFe_(2)O_(4)is a possible material for the design of future energy storage system electrodes due to its numerous desirable characteristics.
基金the Deanship of Scientific Research at King Khalid University for funding this work through large group Research Project under grant number RGP2/450/44。
文摘Spintronic technology and energy applications benefit greatly from the exceptional characteristics of rare-earth-based spinel chalcogenides.Examining the electrical,magnetic and thermoelectric properties of HgNd_(2)Z_(4)(Z=S,Se)in a systematic manner is essential for the strategic advancement of spin polarized current in a spintronic device.In this recent study,the WIEN2K code was employed to comprehensively analyze these properties.The calculated lattice constants,obtained using the generalized gradient approximation(GGAsol-PBE),closely match experimental findings of the similar family compounds.The examination of the stability of ferromagnetic states in the ground state involves comparing energies between anti-ferromagnetic and ferromagnetic states.Moreover,an assessment of the stability of the cubic phase in both spinels was conducted using analyses of the phonon dispersion curve,formation energy and Born stability criteria.The ductility characteristics were examined through the calculation of Poisson's and Pugh's ratios.Furthermore,details regarding the density of states,spin polarization,ex-change coupling and Curie temperature were provided to explore the characteristics associated with ferromagnetism.Potential optoelectronic applications were proposed,leveraging the direct band gaps of 1.4 and 1.0 eV for HgNd_(2)Z_(4)(Z=S,Se)respectively,within the visible spectrum.Particularly noteworthy is the effective light absorption of HgNd2Se4 in the visible range,characterized by prominent peaks that facilitate the transition of electrons from the valence band(VB)to the conduction band(CB).Additionally,the study extends to thermoelectric characteristics,determining various factors such as Seebeck coef-ficient(S),figure of merit(ZT),electrical and thermal conductivities of the evaluated spinels.
基金supported by the National Research Foundation of South Korea(NRF)grant funded by the Korean government(Grant No.2021R1A6A1A03038785,2023R1A2C1003464,RS-2024-00512818 and RS-2023-00240726)。
文摘Solar-driven photocatalysis with charge-transfer modulation is a green approach for enhancing the oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)to generate hydrogen peroxide(H_(2)O_(2)).In this study,we introduced a novel method for synthesizing high-valence Sn^(δ+)in SnS_(2),combined with gC_(3)N_(4)to create gC_(3)N_(4)/SnS_(2).Density functional theory(DFT)calculations exhibited that the interface between SnS_(2)and gC_(3)N_(4)creates interband states through strong hybridization,revealing that photoexcited electrons flowed from C in gC_(3)N_(4)to S in SnS_(2),forming a Z-scheme heterojunction.The optimal gC_(3)N_(4)/SnS_(2)-2(2%SnS_(2)loaded)achieved a high H_(2)O_(2)production rate of 7.186 mmol g^(-1)h^(-1)and an apparent quantum efficiency(AQE)of 33.8%at 405 nm with isopropanol(IPA),converting 88.8%IPA to acetone in 2 h.The gC_(3)N_(4)/SnS_(2)composite improved the charge transfer resistance and elongated the non-radiative electron decay time.Notably,SnS_(2)doping of gC_(3)N_(4)decreased the antibonding orbital occupancy and lowered the energy barrier for O_(2) and OOH^(*)adsorption.In situ surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy(SERS)analysis confirmed the generation of OOH^(*)on gC_(3)N_(4)/SnS_(2)during light irradiation.A techno-economic analysis(TEA)was conducted to evaluate the economic viability of photocatalytic H_(2)O_(2)production,revealing that it was not economically feasible owing to challenges in the separation process.This study provides unique perspectives on the approaches to inducing a high valence state of Sn^(δ+)for enhancing photocatalytic H_(2)O_(2)generation and the challenge of commercializing H_(2)O_(2)production via photocatalysis.
基金funded by the Israel Science Foundation(grants 3594/21 and 1874/22)the Clore Institute for High Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy and by the Azrieli Institute for Brain Imaging(Weizmann Institute),by China Scholarship Council(CSC)grant 201806310085+2 种基金the National Key Research and Development Program grant 2023YFE0113300the Magnetic Resonance Technology Alliance of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Scientific Research Instrument and Equipment Development Project grant 2021GZL001the Israel Cancer Research Foundation and by Israel's Planning and Budget Committee(Lingceng Ma,international student fellowship).
文摘This work aims to develop fast T_(1)mapping methods for preclinical and clinical scanners based on subspace-constrained reconstructions.Two sequences are explored for rapid T_(1)characterizations:1)Interleaved spatiotemporal encoding incorporating variable repetition times.2)Inversion recovery gradient echo with random sampling of the phaseencoding(PE)dimension.For both sequences,the subspace reconstruction of the signal recovery was applied,to jointly reconstruct the down-sampled images while characterizing the T_(1)relaxation.In vivo scans on human brains and abdomens confirmed the efficiency of the proposed methods,including compatibility with breath-holding.In addition,Scans on animals with abdominal tumors and dynamic contrast-enhanced T_(1)mapping on kidneys support the applicability of the proposed methods also in preclinical settings.
基金supported in part by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(62225306,U2141235,52188102,and 62003145)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022ZD0119601)+1 种基金Guangdong Basic and Applied Research Foundation(2022B1515120069)the Science and Technology Project of State Grid Corporation of China(5100-202199557A-0-5-ZN).
文摘Hierarchical networks are frequently encountered in animal groups,gene networks,and artificial engineering systems such as multiple robots,unmanned vehicle systems,smart grids,wind farm networks,and so forth.The structure of a large directed hierarchical network is often strongly influenced by reverse edges from lower-to higher-level nodes,such as lagging birds’howl in a flock or the opinions of lowerlevel individuals feeding back to higher-level ones in a social group.This study reveals that,for most large-scale real hierarchical networks,the majority of the reverse edges do not affect the synchronization process of the entire network;the synchronization process is influenced only by a small part of these reverse edges along specific paths.More surprisingly,a single effective reverse edge can slow down the synchronization of a huge hierarchical network by over 60%.The effect of such edges depends not on the network size but only on the average in-degree of the involved subnetwork.The overwhelming majority of active reverse edges turn out to have some kind of“bunching”effect on the information flows of hierarchical networks,which slows down synchronization processes.This finding refines the current understanding of the role of reverse edges in many natural,social,and engineering hierarchical networks,which might be beneficial for precisely tuning the synchronization rhythms of these networks.Our study also proposes an effective way to attack a hierarchical network by adding a malicious reverse edge to it and provides some guidance for protecting a network by screening out the specific small proportion of vulnerable nodes.
基金Project supported by the National Basic Research Program (973) of China (No. 2007CB512100)the National High-Tech R & D Program (863) of China (No. 2006AA02Z307)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 81171421 and 61101046)the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (No. Z1080300)
文摘In order to better understand biatrial conduction,investigate various conduction pathways,and compare the differences between isotropic and anisotropic conductions in human atria,we present a simulation study of biatrial conduction with known/assumed conduction pathways using a recently developed human atrial model.In addition to known pathways:(1) Bachmann's bundle(BB),(2) limbus of fossa ovalis(LFO),and(3) coronary sinus(CS),we also hypothesize that there exist two fast conduction bundles that connect the crista terminalis(CT),LFO,and CS.Our simulation demonstrates that use of these fast conduction bundles results in a conduction pattern consistent with experimental data.The comparison of isotropic and anisotropoic conductions in the BB case showed that the atrial working muscles had small effect on conduction time and conduction speed,although the conductivities assigned in anisotropic conduction were two to four times higher than the isotropic conduction.In conclusion,we suggest that the hypothesized intercaval bundles play a significant role in the biatrial conduction and that myofiber orientation has larger effects on the conduction system than the atrial working muscles.This study presents readers with new insights into human atrial conduction.
文摘At the present,association of mitochondrial dysfunction and progression of neurological disorders has gained significant attention.Defects in mitochondrial network dynamics,point mutations,deletions,and interaction of pathogenomic proteins with mitochondria are some of the possible underlying mechanisms involved in these neurological disorders.Mitochondrial genetics,defects in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation machinery,and reactive oxygen species production might share common crosstalk in the progression of these neurological disorders.It is of significant interests to explore and develop therapeutic strategies aimed at correcting mitochondrial abnormalities.This review provided insights on mitochondrial dysfunction/mutations involved in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease,Huntington’s disease,and epilepsy with a special focus on Parkinson’s disease pathology.Along with the deleterious effects of mitochondrial mutations in aforesaid neurological disorders,this paper unraveled the available therapeutic strategy,specifically aiming to improve mitochondrial dysfunction,drugs targeting mitochondrial proteins,gene therapies aimed at correcting mutant mtDNA,peptide-based approaches,and lipophilic cations.
基金Project supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.2017YFA0403000)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.11874430).
文摘Traditional dielectric electrorheological fluid(ER)is based on the interaction of dielectric particle polarization,and the yield stress is low,which cannot meet the application requirements.The giant ER(GER)effect is caused by orientations and interactions of polar molecules adsorbed on the particle surfaces.Despite the high yield stress,these polar molecules are prone to wear and fall off,resulting in a continuous reduction in shear stress of GER liquid,which is also not suitable for application.Here we introduce a new type of ER fluid called induced dipole dominant ER fluid(ID-ER),of which the particles contain oxygen vacancies or conductor microclusters both prepared by high energy ball milling(HEBM)technique.In the electric field E,oxygen vacancies or conductor microclusters form induced dipoles.Because the local electric field E_(loc) in the gaps between particles can be two to three orders of magnitude larger than E,the induced dipole moments must be large.The strong interactions of these induced dipoles make the yield stress of the ID-ER fluid reaching more than 100 kPa.Since there are oxygen vacancies or conductor microclusters everywhere in the particles,the particles will not lose the function due to surface wear during use.The experimental results show that the ID-ER fluid possesses the advantages of high shear stress,low current density,short response time,good temperature stability,long service life,and anti-settlement,etc.The comprehensive performance is much better than the existing ER materials,and also the preparation method is simple and easy to repeat,thus it should be a new generation of ER fluid suitable for practical applications.
文摘A striking characteristic of cancer ceLls is their remarkable phenotypic plasticity, which is the ability to switch states or phenotypes in response to environmental fluctuations. Phenotypic changes such as a partial or complete epithelial to mesenchymal transition （EMT） that play important roles in their survival and proliferation, and development of resistance to therapeutic treatments, are widely believed to arise due to somatic mutations in the genome. However, there is a growing concern that such a deterministic view is not entirely consistent with multiple lines of evidence, which indicate that stochasticity may also play an important role in driving phenotypic plasticity. Here, we discuss how stochasticity in protein interaction networks （PINs） may play a key role in determining phenotypic plasticity in prostate cancer （PCa）. Specifically, we point out that the key players driving transitions among different phenotypes （epithelial, mesenchymal, and hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal）, including ZEB1, SNAIl, OVOL1, and OVOL2, are intrinsically disordered proteins （IDPs） and discuss how plasticity at the molecular level may contribute to stochasticity in phenotypic switching by rewiring PINs. We conclude by suggesting that targeting iDPs implicated in EMT in PCa may be a new strategy to gain additional insights and develop novel treatments for this disease, which is the most common form of cancer in adult men.
基金supported in part by the Korean Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP)a grant funded by the Ministry of Trade, Industry & Energy (MOTIE) of the Republic of Korea (No. 20173030014460)the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF)grant funded by the Korea government (MSIT) (NRF2018R1A2B6008642)
文摘A portable skincare plasma-device with a rechargeable battery is presented here. The device comprises two pads made of thin polyimide film as the dielectric layer, namely, the dielectric barrier discharge pad(DBD-pad) for skin-touch and a capacitive ground-pad(G-pad) for hand holding. High AC voltage of approximately 1 kV with frequency of 40 kHz is induced in the DBD-pad that contacts the skin, which serves as the floating electrode, while low voltage is induced on the G-pad. Considering the requirement for impedance matching between the DBDpad capacitance and the inverter along with the need for low skin current less than approximately 5 mA for electrical safety, the electrode area of the DBD-pad is minimized to be smaller than that of the G-pad.
基金The scientific research fund of the Second Institute of Oceanography,State Oceanic Administration,China under contract No.JG1417the Public Science and Technology Research Funds Projects of Ocean under contract No.201005030the National Natural Science Foundation of China under contract Nos 41476156 and 41321004
文摘Combined studies of latitudinal and interannual variations of annual phytoplankton bloom peak in East Asian marginal seas(17°–58°N, including the northern South China Sea(SCS), Kuroshio waters, the Sea of Japan and the Okhotsk Sea) are rarely. Based on satellite-retrieved ten-year(2003–2012) median timing of the annual Chlorophyll a concentration(Chl a) climax, here we report that this annual spring bloom peak generally delays from the SCS in January to the Okhotsk Sea in June at a rate of(21.20±2.86) km/d(decadal median±SD). Spring bloom is dominant feature of the phytoplankton annual cycle over these regions, except for the SCS which features winter bloom. The fluctuation of the annual peak timing is mainly within ±48 d departured from the decadal median peak date, therefore this period(the decadal median peak date ±48 d) is defined as annual spring bloom period. As sea surface temperature rises, earlier spring bloom peak timing but decreasing averaged Chl a biomass in the spring bloom period due to insufficient light is evident in the Okhotsk Sea from 2003 to 2012. For the rest of three study domains, there are no significant interannual variance trend of the peak timing and the averaged Chl a biomass. Furthermore this change of spring phytoplankton bloom timing and magnitude in the Okhotsk Sea challenges previous prediction that ocean warming would enhance algal productivity at high latitudes.
基金funding from the Raymond and Beverly Sackler Center for Biomedical,Biological,Physical and Engineering Sciencesthe funding from National Science Foundation Award(Nos.IIP-1311907,IIP-1355327 and EFRI-1332329)+2 种基金the Presidential Faculty Fellowship Award from President William Clintonthe Presidential Award for Excellence in Science,Mathematics,and Engineering Mentorship from President Barack Obamathe NIH Director’s Pioneer Award(No.1DP1AR068147-01)
文摘Amputations of the upper extremity are severely debilitating, current treatments support very basic limb movement, and patients undergo extensive physiotherapy and psychological counseling. There is no prosthesis that allows the amputees near normal function. With increasing number of amputees due to injuries sustained in accidents, natural calamities, and international conflicts, there is a growing requirement for novel strategies and new discov- eries. Advances have been made in technological, material, and in prosthesis integration where researchers are now exploring artificial prosthesis that integrate with the residual tissues and function based on signal impulses received from the residual nerves. Efforts are focused on challenging experts in different disciplines to integrate ideas and tech- nologies to allow for the regeneration of injured tissues,recording on tissue signals and feedback to facilitate responsive movements and gradations of muscle force. A fully functional replacement and regenerative or integrated prosthesis will rely on interface of biological process with robotic systems to allow individual control of movement such as at the elbow, forearm, digits, and thumb in the upper extremity. Regenerative engineering focused on the regen- eration of complex tissue and organ systems will be realized by the cross-fertilization of advances over the past 30 years in the fields of tissue engineering, nanotechnology, stem cell science, and developmental biology. The convergence of toolboxes crated within each discipline will allow interdis- ciplinary teams from engineering, science, and medicine to realize new strategies, mergers of disparate technologies, such as biophysics, smart bionics, and the healing power of the mind. Tackling the clinical challenges, interfacing the biological process with bionic technologies, engineering biological control of the electronic systems, and feedback will be the important goals in regenerative engineering over the next two decades.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31621005,32072023)National Key R&D Program of China(2021YFE0101200)PSF/CRP/18th Protocol(07)。
文摘Background The cyclic nucleotide-gated channel(CNGC)gene family plays a significant role in the uptake of both essential and toxic cations,and has a role in enhancing tolerance to various forms of abiotic stresses as well as the modulation of the heavy metal toxicity to plant through the absorption of heavy metals.Results A complete genome-wide identification and functional characterization of the cotton CNGC genes was carried out,in which 55,28,and 29 CNGC genes were identified in Gossypium hirsutum,G.raimondii,and G.arboreum,respectively.The protein encoded by the CNGC genes exhibited GRAVY value below zero,indicating their hydrophilic property.CNGC genes were unevenly distributed in 19 out of 26 chromosomes,in which the highest density were observed on Ah05,with 8 genes.High gene coverage was observed among the diploid cotton species,with CNGC genes mapped on all A chromosomes and on 11 out of 13 of D chromosomes.The majority of CNGC proteins were localized in the endoplasmic reticulum,nucleus,and plasma membrane.Gene expression analysis revealed the up-regulation of Gh_A01G0520(CNGC4)and Gh_D13G1974(CNGC5)across various forms of abiotic stresses.Moreover,down-regulation of Gh_A01G0520(CNGC4)and Gh_D13G1974(CNGC5)in CNGCs silenced plants caused the significantly reduced ability to tolerate drought and salt stresses.All CNGCs silenced plants were recorded to have significantly low content of antioxidants but relatively higher content of oxidant,including MDA and H_(2)O_(2).Furthermore,SPAD,CMS(cell membrane stability),ELWL(excised leaf water loss),SDW(shoot dry matter weight),and RDW(root dry matter weight)were all lower in CNGCs silenced plants compared with the wild type plants.Conclusion Significant reduction in antioxidant content and negative effects of physiological and morphological characters in CNGCs silenced plants has revealed the novel role of CNGC genes in enhancing cell integrity under abiotic stress conditions.These results provide vital information that will expand our understanding of the CNGC gene family in cotton and other plants,thus promoting the integration of these genes in the development of the environmental resilient plants.
基金The National Natural Science Foundation of China(31621005,31530053,and 31671745)the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences financially sponsored this research program.
文摘Background:Cotton is a valuable economic crop and the main significant source of natural fiber for textile industries globally.The effects of drought and salt stress pose a challenge to strong fiber and large-scale production due to the ever-changing climatic conditions.However,plants have evolved a number of survival strategies,among them is the induction of various stress-responsive genes such as the ribosomal protein large(RPL)gene.The RPL gene families encode critical proteins,which alleviate the effects of drought and salt stress in plants.In this study,comprehensive and functional analysis of the cotton RPL genes was carried out under drought and salt stresses.Results:Based on the genome-wide evaluation,26,8,and 5 proteins containing the RPL14B domain were identified in Gossypium hirsutum,G.raimondii,and G.arboreum,respectively.Furthermore,through bioinformatics analysis,key cis-regulatory elements related to RPL14B genes were discovered.The Myb binding sites(MBS),abscisic acid-responsive element(ABRE),CAAT-box,TATA box,TGACG-motif,and CGTCA-motif responsive to methyl jasmonate,as well as the TCA-motif responsive to salicylic acid,were identified.Expression analysis revealed a key gene,Gh_D01G0234(RPL14B),with significantly higher induction levels was further evaluated through a reverse genetic approach.The knockdown of Gh_D01G0234(RPL14B)significantly affected the performance of cotton seedlings under drought/salt stress conditions,as evidenced by a substantial reduction in various morphological and physiological traits.Moreover,the level of the antioxidant enzyme was significantly reduced in VIGS-plants,while oxidant enzyme levels increased significantly,as demonstrated by the higher malondialdehyde concentration level.Conclusion:The results revealed the potential role of the RPL14B gene in promoting the induction of antioxidant enzymes,which are key in oxidizing the various oxidants.The key pathways need to be investigated and even as we exploit these genes in the developing of more stress-resilient cotton germplasms.
基金supported in part by the Korean Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP)the Ministry of Trade, Industry & Energy (MOTIE) of the Republic of Korea (No. 20173030014460)partly by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (MSIT) (NRF-2018R1A2B6008642)
文摘Hybrid dielectric barrier discharges are investigated for plasma generated on the surface of a dielectric layer, where two conducting electrodes of high voltage and ground are formulated on the upper and bottom surfaces. Using a flexible thin polyimide-film of a thickness ranging from 25 to 125 μm, a plasma is generated with a voltage of about 1 kV and a frequency of 40 kHz.However, the surface of the dielectric layer was etched through a chemical reaction involving plasma oxygen radical species, and thus the polyimide films failed readily, resulting in dielectric breakdown within short operating time ranging from a few minutes to several tens of minutes,based on the film thicknesses of 25 μm and 125 μm, respectively. These plasma erosions were prevented by coating the polyimide surface with a 25 μm thick silicone paste. The siliconecoated film surface was then reinforced remarkably against plasma erosion as the organic polymer was vulnerable to chemical reaction of the plasma species, while the inorganic silicone exhibited a high chemical resistance against plasma erosion.
