MELK aggravates lung adenocarcinoma by regulating EZH2 ubiquitination and H3K27me3 histone methylation of LATS2.

We tried to elucidate the possible roles of maternal embryonic leucine pull chain kinase (MELK) in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) growth and metastasis. Differentially expressed genes in LUAD samples were analysed by the GEPIA database. Clinical tissue samples and cells were collected for MELK, EZH2 and LATS2 expression determination. Co-IP assay was used to verify the interaction between EZH2 and MELK; CHX tracking assay and ubiquitination assay detected the degradation of MELK on EZH2 ubiquitination. ChIP assay detected the enrichment of EZH2 and H3K27me3 on the LATS2 promoter region. LUAD cells were selected for in vitro validation, and the tumorigenic ability of LUAD cells was also observed in a transplantation tumour model of LUAD nude mice. MELK and EZH2 were highly expressed in LUAD samples, while LATS2 was lowly expressed. MELK interacted with EZH2 to inhibit its ubiquitination degradation; EZH2 elevated H3K27me3 modification in the LATS2 promoter to lower LATS2 expression. Silencing MELK or EZH2 or overexpressing LATS2 restrained LUAD cell proliferation and invasion, and facilitated their apoptosis. Silencing MELK or EZH2 or overexpressing LATS2 suppressed tumour formation in nude mice. This study demonstrated that MELK aggravated LUAD by upregulating EZH2 and downregulating LATS2.

Evaluating the role of salinity in enhanced biogas production from two-stage anaerobic digestion of food waste by zero-valent iron.

Salts including NaCl are the most common food flavoring agents so they are often accumulated in food waste (FW) and have potential impact on anaerobic digestion (AD) of FW. In this study, the enhanced biogas production from two-stage anaerobic digestion (TSAD) of FW by microscale zero-valent iron (ZVI) under different salinity (3, 6, 9, and 15 g NaCl/L) was evaluated. Under salinity stress, ZVI becomes a continue-release electron donor due to the enhanced corrosion and dissolution effect and the slow-down surface passivation, further improving the performance of TSAD. Experimental results revealed that the biogas production including H2 and CH4 from TSAD with 10 g/L ZVI addition was promoted under salinity stress. The maximum H2 and CH4 yield (303.38 mL H2/g-VS and 253.84 mL CH4/g-VS) were observed at the salinity 9 g NaCl/L. Compared with that of zero salinity, they increased by 40.94% and 318.46%, respectively. Additionally, Sedimentibacter, an exoelectrogen that can participate in the direct interspecies electron transfer, also exhibited the highest relative abundance (34.96%) at the salinity 9 g NaCl/L. These findings obtained in this study might be of great importance for understanding the influence of salinity on the enhanced AD by ZVI.

3D Co-Doping α-Ni(OH)2 Nanosheets for Ultrastable, High-Rate Ni-Zn Battery.

The α-Ni(OH)2 is regarded as one promising cathode for aqueous nickel-zinc batteries due to its high theoretical capacity of ≈480 mAh g-1 , its practical deployment however suffers from the poor stability in strong alkaline solution, intrinsic low electrical conductivity as well as the retarded ionic diffusion. Herein, a 3D (three dimensional) macroporous α-Ni(OH)2 nanosheets with Co doping is designed through a facile and easily scalable electroless plating combined with electrodeposition strategy. The unique micrometer-sized 3D pores come from Ni substrate and rich voids between Co-doping α-Ni(OH)2 nanosheets can synergistically afford facile, interconnected ionic diffusion channels, sufficient free space for accommodating its volume changes during cycling; meanwhile, the Co-doping can stabilize the structural robustness of the α-Ni(OH)2 in the alkaline electrolyte during cycling. Thus, the 3D α-Ni(OH)2 shows a high capacity of 284 mAh g-1 at 0.5 mA cm-2 with an excellent retention of 78% even at 15 mA cm-2 , and more than 2000 stable cycles at 6 mA cm-2 , as well as the robust cycling upon various flexible batteries. This work provides a simple and efficient pathway to enhance the electrochemical performance of Ni-Zn batteries through improving ionic transport kinetics and stabilizing crystal structure of cathodes.

Significance of circulating tumor cells detection in tumor diagnosis and monitoring.

To detect circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the peripheral blood of patients with tumor, and to analyze the significance of CTC detection in tumor diagnosis and monitoring. In the present study, peripheral blood was collected from 125 patients with tumor, and CTCs were isolated and identified. Differences in CTC number and subtype detection were analyzed for different tumor diseases and stages. CTCs were detected in 122 of the 125 patients with tumor, with a positive rate of 97.6%. The number of CTCs increases in patients with vascular metastasis. The number of mesenchymal CTCs increases in patients with lymph node or vascular metastasis. The average ratio of epithelial CTCs in each positive sample decreases in the later stages of cancer compared with the earlier stages, while the average ratio of mesenchymal CTCs increases in the later stages of cancer compared with the earlier stages. The results showed that CTCs with mesenchymal phenotypes are closely related to lymph node or vascular metastasis. CTC detection can help with early diagnosis of tumor diseases. Continuous monitoring of changes in CTCs number and subtypes can assist clinical judgment of tumor disease development status and prognosis.

AtHDA6 functions as an H3K18ac eraser to maintain pericentromeric CHG methylation in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Pericentromeric DNA, consisting of high-copy-number tandem repeats and transposable elements, is normally silenced through DNA methylation and histone modifications to maintain chromosomal integrity and stability. Although histone deacetylase 6 (HDA6) has been known to participate in pericentromeric silencing, the mechanism is still yet unclear. Here, using whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) and chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP-Seq), we mapped the genome-wide patterns of differential DNA methylation and histone H3 lysine 18 acetylation (H3K18ac) in wild-type and hda6 mutant strains. Results show pericentromeric CHG hypomethylation in hda6 mutants was mediated by DNA demethylases, not by DNA methyltransferases as previously thought. DNA demethylases can recognize H3K18ac mark and then be recruited to the chromatin. Using biochemical assays, we found that HDA6 could function as an 'eraser' enzyme for H3K18ac mark to prevent DNA demethylation. Oxford Nanopore Technology Direct RNA Sequencing (ONT DRS) also revealed that hda6 mutants with H3K18ac accumulation and CHG hypomethylation were shown to have transcriptionally active pericentromeric DNA.

Genetic polymorphisms of 19 X-STRs in populations of Hubei Han and Guangxi Zhuang and their comparisons with 13 other Chinese populations.

BACKGROUND: A prerequisite for applying short tandem repeat (STR) kits is obtaining population allele and/or haplotype frequencies and forensic parameters. AIM: Firstly, we aimed to investigate the population data of 19 X-chromosomal STRs (X-STRs) included in the AGCU X19 STR kit in the Han people residing in Hubei Province, Central China, and the Zhuang people residing in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of South China. Furthermore, we compared these population data with those for other Chinese populations. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In total, 509 unrelated Han males and 266 unrelated Zhuang males were genotyped using the AGCU X19 STR kit. Allele frequencies, haplotype frequencies, and forensic parameters were computed, and genetic differences among 15 Chinese populations were analysed. RESULTS: The 19 X-STRs showed a high power of discrimination and high mean chance of exclusion, whether calculated using allele or haplotype frequencies. Major differences were found between Han and Oroqen, Uyghur, Mongolian, Tibetan, Li, and Yi populations. Aberrant biallelic patterns at DXS10159, DXS10134, and DXS10079 and allelic dropouts at DXS10164 were observed. CONCLUSION: The 19 X-STRs were highly polymorphic in the Hubei Han and Guangxi Zhuang populations, and the AGCU X19 STR kit was shown to be suitable for forensic casework.

Computer-Vision-Based Dielectrophoresis Mobility Tracking for Characterization of Single-Cell Biophysical Properties.

Fast and precise measurements of live single-cell biophysical properties is significant in disease diagnosis, cytopathologic analysis, etc. Existing methods still suffer from unsatisfied measurement accuracy and low efficiency. We propose a computer vision method to track cell dielectrophoretic movements on a microchip, enabling efficient and accurate measurement of biophysical parameters of live single cells, including cell radius, cytoplasm conductivity, and cell-specific membrane capacitance, and in situ extraction of cell texture features. We propose a prediction-iteration method to optimize the cell parameter measurement, achieving high accuracy (less than 0.79% error) and high efficiency (less than 30 s). We further propose a hierarchical classifier based on a support vector machine and implement cell classification using acquired cell physical parameters and texture features, achieving high classification accuracies for identifying cell lines from different tissues, tumor and normal cells, different tumor cells, different leukemia cells, and tumor cells with different malignancies. The method is label-free and biocompatible, allowing further live cell studies on a chip, e.g., cell therapy, cell differentiation, etc.

New insights into Arabidopsis transcriptome complexity revealed by direct sequencing of native RNAs.

Arabidopsis thaliana transcriptomes have been extensively studied and characterized under different conditions. However, most of the current 'RNA-sequencing' technologies produce a relatively short read length and demand a reverse-transcription step, preventing effective characterization of transcriptome complexity. Here, we performed Direct RNA Sequencing (DRS) using the latest Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) with exceptional read length. We demonstrate that the complexity of the A. thaliana transcriptomes has been substantially under-estimated. The ONT direct RNA sequencing identified novel transcript isoforms at both the vegetative (14-day old seedlings, stage 1.04) and reproductive stages (stage 6.00-6.10) of development. Using in-house software called TrackCluster, we determined alternative transcription initiation (ATI), alternative polyadenylation (APA), alternative splicing (AS), and fusion transcripts. More than 38 500 novel transcript isoforms were identified, including six categories of fusion-transcripts that may result from differential RNA processing mechanisms. Aided by the Tombo algorithm, we found an enrichment of m5C modifications in the mobile mRNAs, consistent with a recent finding that m5C modification in mRNAs is crucial for their long-distance movement. In summary, ONT DRS offers an advantage in the identification and functional characterization of novel RNA isoforms and RNA base modifications, significantly improving annotation of the A. thaliana genome.

Membrane Proteomic Profiling of Soybean Leaf and Root Tissues Uncovers Salt-Stress-Responsive Membrane Proteins.

Cultivated soybean (Glycine max (L.)), the world's most important legume crop, has high-to-moderate salt sensitivity. Being the frontier for sensing and controlling solute transport, membrane proteins could be involved in cell signaling, osmoregulation, and stress-sensing mechanisms, but their roles in abiotic stresses are still largely unknown. By analyzing salt-induced membrane proteomic changes in the roots and leaves of salt-sensitive soybean cultivar (C08) seedlings germinated under NaCl, we detected 972 membrane proteins, with those present in both leaves and roots annotated as receptor kinases, calcium-sensing proteins, abscisic acid receptors, cation and anion channel proteins, proton pumps, amide and peptide transporters, and vesicle transport-related proteins etc. Endocytosis, linoleic acid metabolism, and fatty acid biosynthesis pathway-related proteins were enriched in roots whereas phagosome, spliceosome and soluble NSF attachment protein receptor (SNARE) interaction-related proteins were enriched in leaves. Using label-free quantitation, 129 differentially expressed membrane proteins were found in both tissues upon NaCl treatment. Additionally, the 140 NaCl-induced proteins identified in roots and 57 in leaves are vesicle-, mitochondrial-, and chloroplast-associated membrane proteins and those with functions related to ion transport, protein transport, ATP hydrolysis, protein folding, and receptor kinases, etc. Our proteomic results were verified against corresponding gene expression patterns from published C08 RNA-seq data, demonstrating the importance of solute transport and sensing in salt stress responses.

Measurement of Electric Double Layer Capacitance Using Dielectrophoresis-Based Particle Manipulation.

An electric double layer (EDL) generally exists at the interface between a conductive electrode and its adjacent liquid electrolyte. Accurate measurement of the capacitance of EDL is requisite but a great challenge due to the complexity of its variation mechanism correlated with the magnitude and frequency of applied signals and the difficulty in measuring the inner layer potentials across the EDL. Herein, a novel dielectrophoresis (DEP)-based approach is proposed to measure the capacitance of an EDL at a microelectrode/electrolyte interface. The measurement is achieved by employing DEP manipulation to micro polystyrene (PS) spheres suspended in a liquid electrolyte and determining the capacitance of EDL on the microelectrodes from the moving velocities of spheres. This method allows measurement of the capacitances of EDL under alternating current (AC) signals with different magnitudes and frequencies, so that the capacitance change with the magnitude and frequency of the applied signal can be characterized. The method avoids the impedance interference from the liquid electrolyte, external measuring systems, and other crosstalks, enabling an accurate measurement of double layer capacitance. In addition, the inner layer potentials across EDL under different magnitudes and frequencies of applied signals are comprehensively investigated, which facilitates an understanding of the ion behavior at the interfacial boundary that governs external observations of electrochemical reactions. The accurate measurement of the capacitance of EDL is of significance to explore the mechanism of interfacial functioning of electrochemical and bioelectrical devices and systems.

A rare Waxy allele coordinately improves rice eating and cooking quality and grain transparency.

In rice (Oryza sativa), amylose content (AC) is the major factor that determines eating and cooking quality (ECQ). The diversity in AC is largely attributed to natural allelic variation at the Waxy (Wx) locus. Here we identified a rare Wx allele, Wxmw , which combines a favorable AC, improved ECQ and grain transparency. Based on a phylogenetic analysis of Wx genomic sequences from 370 rice accessions, we speculated that Wxmw may have derived from recombination between two important natural Wx alleles, Wxin and Wxb . We validated the effects of Wxmw on rice grain quality using both transgenic lines and near-isogenic lines (NILs). When introgressed into the japonica Nipponbare (NIP) background, Wxmw resulted in a moderate AC that was intermediate between that of NILs carrying the Wxb allele and NILs with the Wxmp allele. Notably, mature grains of NILs fixed for Wxmw had an improved transparent endosperm relative to soft rice. Further, we introduced Wxmw into a high-yielding japonica cultivar via molecular marker-assisted selection: the introgressed lines exhibited clear improvements in ECQ and endosperm transparency. Our results suggest that Wxmw is a promising allele to improve grain quality, especially ECQ and grain transparency of high-yielding japonica cultivars, in rice breeding programs.

Characterisation, verification and genetic basis of anomalous STR patterns: a report of four cases of X-chromosome STR biallelic patterns in human males.

Analysis of the characteristics and genetic basis of the anomalous short tandem repeat (STR) pattern encountered in forensic cases has been shown to be useful for analysing STR profiles in routine forensic casework. Here, we report biallelic patterns at several X-chromosome STR (X-STR) loci in human males revealed by forensic parameters investigation using the commercial AGCU X19 Kit. The presence of these patterns was verified by reanalysis using new samples and bidirectional Sanger sequencing of the singleplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products. And the genetic basis for their production was inferred based on the relative peak heights at the amelogenin locus and the affected locus (DXS10159, DXS10134 and DXS10079) and the normalised peak height ratios between the affected locus and adjacent loci relative to the control sample 9947A. The inference results suggested that two cases of biallelic pattern at the DXS10159 locus would be caused by local duplications, while in the other two cases, both the biallelic patterns at loci DXS10134 and DXS10079 would be due to somatic mutations. One case where the male showed a biallelic pattern at the DXS10159 locus (Xp11.21) was further analysed. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) revealed a microduplication (< 0.2 Mb) spanning at least 13.9 kb in Xp11.21 encompassing the DXS10159 locus. Finally, a workflow for analysing anomalous STR patterns was summarised. In conclusion, this study is a detailed report of X-STR biallelic patterns in human males, which serves as an effective complement to the database and provides an example for the analysis of anomalous STR patterns.

Roles of MYC-targeting long non-coding RNA MINCR in cell cycle regulation and apoptosis in non-small cell lung Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the leading causes of cancer death in the world, and has a relatively low survival rate. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been demonstrated to modulate cancer progression through a variety of molecular mechanisms. We sought to investigate the role and potential mechanism of MYC-induced long non-coding RNA (MINCR) in NSCLC. METHODS: Expression levels of MINCR was first identified using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), further confirmed with specimens from 29 NSCLC patients and three cell lines using qRT-PCR. Overexpression and knockdown of MINCR were performed in NSCLC cell lines through MINCR overexpression vectors and synthesized siRNAs, respectively. The roles of MINCR in NSCLC cell lines, such as cell proliferation, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis, were identified by MTT, flow cytometry, and Western blot. The modulation of MINCR-regulated genes, including c-Myc and its downstream effectors, as well as apoptosis-associated genes, was analyzed using Western blot. RESULTS: MINCR expression was increased in NSCLC patients from TCGA datasets, and was also significantly increased in our collected specimens from NSCLC patients and NSCLC cell lines. Knocking down of MINCR greatly inhibited the growth of NSCLC cell lines PC9 and A549. In addition, silencing of MINCR induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Furthermore, silencing of MINCR reduced the expression levels of oncogene c-Myc and its downstream cyclin A, cyclin D, CD4, and CDK2, as well as apoptosis-associated Bcl-2, while significantly increased the expression levels of cleaved PARP-1. In the meantime, overexpression of MINCR remarkably enhanced cell proliferation of PC9 cells and activated c-Myc and its downstream effectors. CONCLUSION: MINCR exerted inhibitory effects on the cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of NSCLC cells by activating c-Myc and its downstream effectors, suggesting that this lncRNA could be used as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of NSCLC.

Increased IL-27/IL-27R expression in association with the immunopathology of murine ocular toxoplasmosis.

Interleukin 27 (IL-27) is a member of the IL-6/IL-12 family, and IL-27 receptor (IL-27R) consists of WSX-1 (the IL-27Rα subunit) and the signal-transducing subunit gp130. Human and mouse mast cells (MCs) express the IL-27R. To explore the expressions of IL-27/IL-27R subunits (WSX-1 and gp130) during acute ocular toxoplasmosis (OT), we established mouse model by intraocular injection of 500 Toxoplasma gondii RH strain tachyzoites. Histopathological changes were analyzed, MCs were counted by toluidine blue staining, and tryptase+/IL-27+ MCs were examined by immunofluorescence double-staining in the eyes and cervical lymph nodes (CLNs) of T. gondii-infected mice. The mRNA expressions of IL-27p28, WSX-1, gp130, and tachyzoite specific surface antigen 1 (SAG1) in the eyes and CLNs of T. gondii-infected mice, and the expressions of WSX-1 and gp130 in the murine mastocytoma cell line P815 infected with T. gondii tachyzoites in vitro were examined by using quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Our results showed that, after T. gondii infection, severe histopathological changes, increased numbers of total MCs and degranulated MCs, elevated expressions of IL-27p28, WSX-1, and gp130 were found in the eyes and CLNs, and significant correlations between the levels of IL-27 and SAG1 existed in the eyes and CLNs of T. gondii-infected mice. In addition, increased levels of WSX-1 and gp130 were examined in T. gondii-infected P815 cells. Our data suggested that IL-27/IL-27R expression induced by T. gondii infection may regulate MC-mediated immune response during acute OT in mouse model.

Mast cell activator compound 48/40 is not an effective adjuvant for UV-attenuated Toxoplasma gondii vaccine.

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii, Tg) is a globally distributed parasitic protozoan causing different forms of toxoplasmosis in humans. Mast cells (MCs) play a role during T. gondii infection. Several studies suggest that MC activator compound 48/80 (C48/80) may be an effective vaccine adjuvant resulting in a potent and protective antigen-specific immune response against bacteria or virus infections. The present study was performed to determine whether C48/80 had adjuvant activity for ultraviolet (UV)-attenuated T. gondii vaccine to induce protective immune responses against T. gondii in mouse model. Kunming mice were divided into the following groups: naive mice, naive mice administrated with C48/80 intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection, mice infected by i.p. injection of 104 T. gondii RH strain alone (Tg group), mice infected with 104 RH tachyzoites plus C48/80 administration (Tg + C48/80), mice immunized with UV-Tg alone, and mice immunized with UV-Tg plus C48/80 administration (UV-Tg + C48/80). All the vaccinated mice were challenged with 104 tachyzoites of T. gondii RH strain at the same time as the primary infection. The survival rates, liver histopathologies, liver parasite burdens, and mRNA expression levels of Th1 and Th2 cytokines in the livers and spleens detected by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were compared among the aforementioned groups after primary infection or challenge infection. The results showed that, compared to the Tg group or Tg + C48/80 group, the UV-Tg + Tg group and UV-Tg + C48/80 + Tg group had significantly prolonged survival time, lower liver histopathological scores, decreased liver parasite burdens, and increased levels of Th1 and Th2 cytokines in the livers and spleens. There was no significant difference of survival time between the UV-Tg + Tg group and the UV-Tg + C48/80 + Tg group; however, the UV-Tg + C48/80 + Tg group showed higher parasite burden, more severe liver histopathology, and decreased IL-4 level compared to the UV-Tg + Tg group. These results indicate that C48/80 had no adjuvant activity for the immunization induced by UV-attenuated T. gondii vaccine.

Up-regulated TLR2 and TLR4 expressions in liver and spleen during acute murine T. gondii infection.

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a central role in the pathogen clearance and pathological processes. The liver is an important innate immune organ, in which Kupffer cells and hepatocytes are important innate immune cells. However, the role of TLR2 and TLR4 in the liver caused by Toxoplasma gondii infection remains less clear. In this study, mice were infected with T. gondii RH strain and the grades of liver and spleen injuries were histopathologically evaluated. TLR2+ and TLR4+ cells in the livers and spleens were detected by immunohistochemistry, and their messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions were detected using quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The pathological severities in the livers and spleens were increased with time in T. gondii-infected mice. Compared with uninfected controls, obvious TLR2+ and TLR4+ cells were observed in the livers and spleens infected with T. gondii at 8 days post-infection, accompanied with significantly over-expressed mRNA levels of TLR2 and TLR4 in the livers and spleens after infection. Our data indicated that increased levels of TLR2 and TLR4 in the liver and spleen may play an important role during acute T. gondii infection.

Biophysical phenotyping of single-cell based on impedance and application for individualized precision medicine.

Single-cell biophysical characterization based on impedance measurement is an advantageous approach due to its label-free, high-efficiency, cost-effective and real-time capability. Biophysical phenotyping can yield timely and rich information on physiological and pathological state of cells for disease diagnosis, drug screening, precision medicine, etc. However, precise measurement on single-cell impedance is challenging, particularly hard to figure out the detailed biophysical parameters of single cell due to coupling and complexity of impedance model. Here, we propose an analytic determination method to decode single-cell electrophysiological parameters (including cell-substrate interface capacitance, cell membrane capacitance, cell membrane conductivity, and cytoplasm conductivity) from the impedances measured at optimized frequencies by using analytic solution rather than spectrum fitting. With this simple and fast analytic solution method, the physiological parameters of single cell in natural adhesion state can be accurately determined in real time. We validate this cell parameter determination method in monitoring the change of cell adhesion under hydraulic effects and exploring electrophysiological differences among MCF-7, HeLa, Huh7, and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Particularly, we apply the approach to optimize tumor treating fields (TTFields) therapy, realizing individualized precision medicine. Our work provides an accurate and efficient approach for characterizing single-cell biophysical properties with real-time, in-situ, label-free, and less invasive advantages.

Efficient electrocardiogram generation based on cardiac electric vector simulation model.

This study introduces a novel Cardiac Electric Vector Simulation Model (CEVSM) to address the computational inefficiencies and low fidelity of traditional electrophysiological models in generating electrocardiograms (ECGs). Our approach leverages CEVSM to efficiently produce reliable ECG samples, facilitating data augmentation essential for the computer-aided diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI). Significantly, experimental results show that our model dramatically reduces computation time compared to conventional models, with the self-adapting regression transformation matrix method (SRTM) providing clear advantages. SRTM not only achieves high fidelity in ECG simulations but also ensures exceptional consistency with the gold standard method, greatly enhancing MI localization accuracy by data augmentation. These advancements highlight the potential of our model to generate dependable ECG training samples, making it highly suitable for data augmentation and significantly advancing the development and validation of intelligent MI diagnostic systems. Furthermore, this study demonstrates the feasibility of applying life system simulations in the training of medical big models.

Large-Scale Fabrication of Stable Silicon Anode in Air for Sulfide Solid State Batteries via Ionic-Electronic Dual Conductive Binder.

The construction of a continuous ionic/electronic pathway is critical for Si-based sulfide all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) with the advantages of high-energy density and high-cycle stability. However, a significant impediment arises from the parasitic reaction occurring between the ionic sulfide solid-state electrolyte and electronic carbon additive, posing a formidable challenge. Additionally, the fabrication of electrodes necessitates stringent operational conditions, further limiting practical applicability. Herein, an ionic-electronic dual conductive binder for the fabrication of robust silicon anode under ambient air conditions in the absence of high-cost and air-sensitive sulfide solid-state electrolyte for ASSBs is reported. This binder incorporates in situ reduced silver nanoparticles into a high-strength polymer rich in ether bonds, establishing a conductive pathway for lithium ions and electrons. With the binder-composited Si anode, the half-cell exhibits a remarkable capacity of 1906.9 mAh g-1 and stable cycling for 500 cycles at a current density of 2 C (4.4 mA cm-2) under a low stack pressure of 5 MPa. The full cell using Ni0.9Co0.075Mn0.025O2 (NCM90) exhibits a remark cycling stability within 2000 cycles at 5 C (8 mA cm-2). This work presents an inspired design of functional binders for large-scale manufacture and mild operation in a low-cost way for Si anodes in ASSBs.

Electrochemical reductive removal of trichloroacetic acids by a three-dimensional binderless carbon nanotubes/ CoP/Co foam electrode: Performance and mechanism.

Numerous chlorinated disinfection by-products (DBPs) are produced during the chlorination disinfection of water. Among them, chloroacetic acids (CAAs) are of great concern due to their potential human carcinogenicity. In this study, effective electrocatalytic dechlorination of trichloroacetic acids (TCAA), a typical CAAs, was achieved in the electrochemical system with the three-dimensional (3D) self-supported CoP on cobalt foam modified by carbon nanotubes (CNT/CoP/CF) as the cathode. At a 10 mA cm-2 current density, 74.5% of TCAA (500 µg L-1) was converted into AA within 100 min. In-situ growth of CoP increased the effective electrochemical surface area of the electrode. Electrodeposited CNT promoted electron transfer from the electrode surface to TCAA. Therefore, the production of surface-adsorbed atomic hydrogen (H*) on CNT/CoP/CF was improved, further resulting in excellent electrochemical dechlorination of TCAA. The dechlorination pathway of TCAA proceeded into acetic acids via direct electronic transfer and H*-mediated reduction on CNT/CoP/CF electrode. Additionally, the electroreduction efficiency of CNT/CoP/CF for TCAA exceeded 81.22% even after 20 cycles. The highly efficient TCAA reduction performance (96.57%) in actual water revealed the potential applicability of CNT/CoP/CF in the complex water matrix. This study demonstrated that the CNT/CoP/CF is a promising non-noble metal cathode to remove chlorinated DBPs in practice.