A Sustainable and Regenerative Process for the Treatment of Textile Effluents Using Nonphotocatalytic Water Splitting by Nanoporous Oxygen-Deficient Ferrite.

Water is crucial for life. Being the world's third-largest industry, the textile industry pollutes 93 billion cubic meters of water each year. Only 28% of textile wastewater is treated by lower- to middle-income countries due to the costly treatment methods. The present work demonstrates the utilization of surface oxygen defects and nanopores in Mg0.8Li0.2Fe2O4 (Li-MgF) to treat textile effluents by a highly economical, scalable, and eco-friendly process. Nanoporous, oxygen-deficient Li-MgF splits water by a nonphotocatalytic process at room temperature to produce green electricity as hydroelectric cell. The adsorbent Li-MgF can be easily regenerated by heat treatment. A 70-90% reduction in the UV absorption intensity of adsorbent-treated textile effluents was observed by UV-visible spectroscopy. The oxygen defects on Li-MgF surface and nanopores were confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) measurements, respectively. To analyze the adsorption mechanism, three known organic water-soluble dyes, brilliant green, crystal violet, and congo red, were treated with nanoporous Li-MgF. The dye decolorization efficiency of Li-MgF was recorded to be 99.84, 99.27, and 99.31% at 250 µM concentrations of brilliant green, congo red, and crystal violet, respectively. The results of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the presence of dyes on the material surface attached through hydroxyl groups generated by water splitting on the surface of the material. Total organic carbon analysis confirmed the removal of organic carbon from the dye solutions by 82.8, 77.0, and 46.5% for brilliant green, Congo red, and crystal violet, respectively. Based on the kinetic and isotherm models, the presence of a large number of surface hydroxyl groups on the surface of the material and OH- ions in solutions generated by water splitting was found to be responsible for the complete decolorization of all of the dyes. Adsorption of chemically diverse dyes by the nanoporous, eco-friendly, ferromagnetic, economic, and reusable Li-MgF provides a sustainable and easy way to treat textile industry effluents in large amounts.

Interplay between MYZUS PERSICAE-INDUCED LIPASE 1 and OPDA signaling in limiting green peach aphid infestation on Arabidopsis thaliana.

MYZUS PERSICAE-INDUCED LIPASE1 (MPL1) encodes a lipase in Arabidopsis thaliana that is required for limiting infestation by the green peach aphid (GPA; Myzus persicae), an important phloem sap-consuming insect pest. Previously, we demonstrated that MPL1 expression was up-regulated in response to GPA infestation, and GPA fecundity was higher on the mpl1 mutant, compared with the wild-type (WT), and lower on 35S:MPL1 plants that constitutively expressed MPL1 from the 35S promoter. Here, we show that the MPL1 promoter is active in the phloem and expression of the MPL1 coding sequence from the phloem-specific SUC2 promoter in mpl1 is sufficient to restore resistance to GPA. The GPA infestation-associated up-regulation of MPL1 requires CYCLOPHILIN 20-3 (CYP20-3), which encodes a 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid (OPDA)-binding protein that is involved in OPDA signaling, and is required for limiting GPA infestation. OPDA promotes MPL1 expression to limit GPA fecundity, a process that requires CYP20-3 function. These results along with our observation that constitutive expression of MPL1 from the 35S promoter restores resistance to GPA in the cyp20-3 mutant, and MPL1 acts in a feedback loop to limit OPDA levels in GPA-infested plants, suggest that an interplay between MPL1, OPDA, and CYP20-3 contributes to resistance to GPA.

Audiological, Phonatory and Cardiac Correlates of Individuals Exposed to Low-Frequency Noise or at Risk of Vibroacoustic Disease

Abstract Introduction Low-frequency noise (LFN) is hazardous to hearing. Long-term exposure to LFN may lead to vibroacoustic disease (VAD), which not only affects a specific organ but the physiological function of entire systems, such as the auditory, phonatory, respiratory, and cardiac systems. Moreover, VAD may lead to many psychological problems and hence affect the quality of life. Objective To investigate the adverse effects of LFN on hearing, acoustic and perceptual correlates of the voice, blood pressure, cardiac rate, and anxiety level. Method A total of 20 subjects exposed to LFN and 20 not exposed to LFN were included, and a detailed case history was recorded. The patients were submitted to pure tone audiometry, otoscopic examination, acoustic and perceptual analyses of the voice, maximum phonation time, and an assessment of the s/z ratio. We also assessed blood pressure, and the results of a voice-related quality of life questionnaire and of the Hamilton anxiety rating scale. Results The results indicate that LFN had an adverse impact on the high-frequency threshold. The present study found a significant difference in shimmer and harmonics-to-noise ratio (HNR) values. Few subjects had high blood pressure and showed the sign of anxiety on the Hamilton anxiety rating scale. Conclusion Low-frequency noise has adverse effects on entire systems of the body and causes many psychological issues, which, in turn negatively affect quality of life.

Audiological, Phonatory and Cardiac Correlates of Individuals Exposed to Low-Frequency Noise or at Risk of Vibroacoustic Disease.

Introduction Low-frequency noise (LFN) is hazardous to hearing. Long-term exposure to LFN may lead to vibroacoustic disease (VAD), which not only affects a specific organ but the physiological function of entire systems, such as the auditory, phonatory, respiratory, and cardiac systems. Moreover, VAD may lead to many psychological problems and hence affect the quality of life. Objective To investigate the adverse effects of LFN on hearing, acoustic and perceptual correlates of the voice, blood pressure, cardiac rate, and anxiety level. Method A total of 20 subjects exposed to LFN and 20 not exposed to LFN were included, and a detailed case history was recorded. The patients were submitted to pure tone audiometry, otoscopic examination, acoustic and perceptual analyses of the voice, maximum phonation time, and an assessment of the s/z ratio. We also assessed blood pressure, and the results of a voice-related quality of life questionnaire and of the Hamilton anxiety rating scale. Results The results indicate that LFN had an adverse impact on the high-frequency threshold. The present study found a significant difference in shimmer and harmonics-to-noise ratio (HNR) values. Few subjects had high blood pressure and showed the sign of anxiety on the Hamilton anxiety rating scale. Conclusion Low-frequency noise has adverse effects on entire systems of the body and causes many psychological issues, which, in turn negatively affect quality of life.

Correction: Vu et al. Specific Changes in Arabidopsis thaliana Rosette Lipids during Freezing Can Be Associated with Freezing Tolerance. Metabolites 2022, 12, 385.

There was an error in the original publication [...].

Tin Oxide (SnO2)-Decorated Reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO)-Based Hydroelectric Cells to Generate Large Current.

Nonphotocatalytic water splitting through oxygen-deficient, mesoporous metal oxide design-based hydroelectric cells (HECs) is a well-known phenomenon. To exploit more power from HECs, a metal oxide with more oxygen deficiency is desirable. In this study, oxygen-deficient mesoporous SnO2 via a sol-gel method and its composites with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) have been presented. Raman spectra of SnO2-rGO nanocomposites revealed an increase in the oxygen vacancies, while the X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern confirmed the strain formation in the nanocomposite lattice owing to defect formation. The X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) results also indicated the presence of oxygen vacancies on the surface of SnO2, whereas Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) measurements revealed that adding rGO into SnO2 increased the surface area from 44.54 to 84.00 m2 g-1. The water molecules are chemidissociated on the oxygen-deficient mesoporous surface of the pellet followed by physiodissociation at the mesopores. The redox reaction of the dissociated ions at the Zn anode and the Ag inert cathode produces current in the outer circuit. Interestingly, adding few drops of water into a SnO2-rGO-based HEC resulted in a short-circuit current of 148 mA with an open-cell voltage of 1.0 V. The maximum power delivered by the SnO2-rGO-based HEC is 148 mW. The addition of rGO into SnO2 boosts the peak current remarkably from 68 to 148 mA, which is the highest reported current generated by a hydroelectric cell.

Lipidomic Analysis of Arabidopsis T-DNA Insertion Lines Leads to Identification and Characterization of C-Terminal Alterations in FATTY ACID DESATURASE 6.

Mass-spectrometry-based screening of lipid extracts of wounded and unwounded leaves from a collection of 364 Arabidopsis thaliana T-DNA insertion lines produced lipid profiles that were scored on the number and significance of their differences from the leaf lipid profiles of wild-type plants. The analysis identified Salk_109175C, which displayed alterations in leaf chloroplast glycerolipid composition, including a decreased ratio between two monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) molecular species, MGDG(18:3/16:3) and MGDG(18:3/18:3). Salk_109175C has a confirmed insertion in the At5g64790 locus; the insertion did not co-segregate with the recessive lipid phenotype in the F2 generation of a wild-type (Columbia-0) × Salk_109175C cross. The altered lipid compositional phenotype mapped to the At4g30950 locus, which encodes the plastidial ω-6 desaturase FATTY ACID DESATURASE 6 (FAD6). Sequencing revealed a splice-site mutation, leading to the in-frame deletion of 13 amino acids near the C-terminal end of the 448 amino acid protein. Heterologous expression in yeast showed that this deletion eliminates desaturase activity and reduces protein stability. Sequence comparison across species revealed that several amino acids within the deletion are conserved in plants and cyanobacteria. Individual point mutations in four conserved residues resulted in 77-97% reductions in desaturase activity, while a construct with all four alanine substitutions lacked activity. The data suggest that the deleted region of FAD6, which is on the C-terminal side of the four putative transmembrane segments and the histidine boxes putatively involved in catalysis, is critical for FAD6 function.

Specific Changes in Arabidopsis thaliana Rosette Lipids during Freezing Can Be Associated with Freezing Tolerance.

While the roles of a few specific lipids in plant freezing tolerance are understood, the effect of many plant lipids remains to be determined. Acclimation of plants to non-freezing cold before exposure to freezing temperatures improves the outcome of plants, compared to plants exposed to freezing without acclimation. Arabidopsis thaliana plants were subjected to one of three treatments: (1) "control", i.e., growth at 21 °C, (2) "non-acclimated", i.e., 3 days at 21 °C, 2 h at -8 °C, and 24 h recovery at 21 °C, and (3) "acclimated", i.e., 3 days at 4 °C, 2 h at -8 °C, and 24 h recovery at 21 °C. Plants were harvested at seven time points during the treatments, and lipid levels were measured by direct-infusion electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Ion leakage was measured at the same time points. To examine the function of lipid species in relation to freezing tolerance, the lipid levels in plants immediately following the freezing treatment were correlated with the outcome, i.e., ion leakage 24-h post-freezing. Based on the correlations, hypotheses about the functions of specific lipids were generated. Additionally, analysis of the lipid levels in plants with mutations in genes encoding patatin-like phospholipases, lipoxygenases, and 12-oxophytodienoic acid reductase 3 (opr3), under the same treatments as the wild-type plants, identified only the opr3-2 mutant as having major lipid compositional differences compared to wild-type plants.

Phloem: At the center of action in plant defense against aphids.

The location of the phloem deep inside the plant, the high hydrostatic pressure in the phloem, and the composition of phloem sap, which is rich in sugar with a high C:N ratio, allows phloem sap feeding insects to occupy a unique ecological niche. The anatomy and physiology of aphids, a large group of phytophagous insects that use their mouthparts, which are modified into stylets, to consume large amounts of phloem sap, has allowed aphids to successfully exploit this niche, however, to the detriment of agriculture and horticulture. The ability to reproduce asexually, a short generation time, the development of resistance to commonly used insecticides, and their ability to vector viral diseases makes aphids among the most damaging pests of plants. Here we review how plants utilize their ability to occlude sieve elements and accumulate antibiotic and antinutritive factors in the phloem sap to limit aphid infestation. In addition, we summarize progress on understanding how plants perceive aphids to activate defenses in the phloem.

Opposing effects of MYZUS PERSICAE-INDUCED LIPASE 1 and jasmonic acid influence the outcome of Arabidopsis thaliana-Fusarium graminearum interaction.

Fusarium graminearum (Fg) is an important fungal pathogen of small grain cereals that can also infect Arabidopsis thaliana. In Arabidopsis, jasmonic acid (JA) signalling involving JASMONATE RESISTANT 1 (JAR1), which synthesizes JA-isoleucine, a signalling form of JA, promotes susceptibility to Fg. Here we show that Arabidopsis MYZUS PERSICAE-INDUCED LIPASE 1 (MPL1), via its influence on limiting JA accumulation, restricts Fg infection. MPL1 expression was up-regulated in response to Fg infection, and MPL1-OE plants, which overexpress MPL1, exhibited enhanced resistance against Fg. In comparison, disease severity was higher on the mpl1 mutant than the wild type. JA content was lower in MPL1-OE and higher in mpl1 than in the wild type, indicating that MPL1 limits JA accumulation. Pharmacological experiments confirmed the importance of MPL1-determined restriction of JA accumulation on curtailment of Fg infection. Methyl-JA application attenuated the MPL1-OE-conferred resistance, while the JA biosynthesis inhibitor ibuprofen enhanced resistance in mpl1. Also, the JA biosynthesis-defective opr3 mutant was epistatic to mpl1, resulting in enhanced resistance in mpl1 opr3 plants. In comparison, JAR1 was not essential for the mpl1-conferred susceptibility to Fg. Considering that methyl-JA promotes Fg growth in culture, we suggest that in part MPL1 curtails disease by limiting the availability of a plant-derived Fg growth-promoting factor.

Cavity surface residues of PAD4 and SAG101 contribute to EDS1 dimer signaling specificity in plant immunity.

Arabidopsis pathogen effector-triggered immunity (ETI) is controlled by a family of three lipase-like proteins (EDS1, PAD4, and SAG101) and two subfamilies of HET-S/LOB-B (HeLo)-domain "helper" nucleotide-binding/leucine-rich repeats (ADR1s and NRG1s). EDS1-PAD4 dimers cooperate with ADR1s, and EDS1-SAG101 dimers with NRG1s, in two separate defense-promoting modules. EDS1-PAD4-ADR1 and EDS1-SAG101-NRG1 complexes were detected in immune-activated leaf extracts but the molecular determinants for specific complex formation and function remain unknown. EDS1 signaling is mediated by a C-terminal EP domain (EPD) surface surrounding a cavity formed by the heterodimer. Here we investigated whether the EPDs of PAD4 and SAG101 contribute to EDS1 dimer functions. Using a structure-guided approach, we undertook a comprehensive mutational analysis of Arabidopsis PAD4. We identify two conserved residues (Arg314 and Lys380) lining the PAD4 EPD cavity that are essential for EDS1-PAD4-mediated pathogen resistance, but are dispensable for the PAD4-mediated restriction of green peach aphid infestation. Positionally equivalent Met304 and Arg373 at the SAG101 EPD cavity are required for EDS1-SAG101 promotion of ETI-related cell death. In a PAD4 and SAG101 interactome analysis of ETI-activated tissues, PAD4R314A and SAG101M304R EPD variants maintain interaction with EDS1 but lose association, respectively, with helper nucleotide-binding/leucine-rich repeats ADR1-L1 and NRG1.1, and other immune-related proteins. Our data reveal a fundamental contribution of similar but non-identical PAD4 and SAG101 EPD surfaces to specific EDS1 dimer protein interactions and pathogen immunity.

Patients' perspective about speech, swallowing and hearing status post-SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) recovery: E-survey.

OBJECTIVE: The present study investigates the COVID-19 survivors' perspective on speech, swallowing, and hearing-related issues post-COVID-19. We further investigate the recovery duration for speech, swallowing, and hearing-related symptoms post-COVID. DESIGN: Survey study; E-survey. METHODOLOGY: A total of 78 subjects (35.78 years ± 11.93) participated in the survey. All the participants were diagnosed with the RTPCR method. To understand the recovery duration for the speech, swallowing and hearing issues post-COVID-19, we conducted a three-phase study. RESULTS: In the first phase of the survey, 68 subjects reported symptoms related to speech, swallowing, and hearing issues 15 days of post-COVID recovery. A total of 76.4% of subjects reported only swallowing-related issues, 4.41% only speech-related issues, whereas 1.47% reported the problem in speech and hearing functions. The 2nd phase of the study was conducted after the first phase of the study. Only 22 subjects reported the presence of swallowing, speech and hearing-related issues from the 68 subjects. During the last phase, only 12 subjects reported speech, swallowing, and hearing issues. All subjects recovered from the olfaction and gustation impairment, whereas 50% of subjects reported the presence of xerostomia. CONCLUSION: From the present study, we conclude that the SARC-CoV-2 virus directly affects the respiratory system and affects the aero-digestive system and laryngeal system physiology. Individuals with comorbid conditions admitted in ICU during COVID-19 treatment and prolonged hospital stay were at higher risk of developing speech, swallowing, and hearing-related issues post-COVID-19. The present study indicated that all COVID-19 survivors should be screened for speech, swallowing, and hearing-related issues for early rehabilitation if needed.

Effects of Menopause on Sexual Function in Indian Women: A McCoy's Questionnaire-Based Assessment.

BACKGROUND: Menopause is associated with physical, physiological, psychological changes and may lead to sexual dysfunction (SD) effecting woman's health and well-being. Scientific research in the area of female sexuality in India is scant. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate female sexual function at perimenopause and menopause and determine the association between sociodemographic and physiological factors with sexual function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional hospital-based study carried out in perimenopausal and menopausal women. Study participant's details were collected by gynecologists and clinical research professionals following the participant's informed consent. The case report and McCoy female sexuality questionnaire were used. The association between sociodemographic status and sexual function was determined. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics for portraying profile of the participants and t-test for comparison. RESULTS: A total of 129 women in the menopausal (SD - 3.26) and 112 in the premenopausal group (SD - 6.01) were enrolled. The sociodemographic parameters did not significantly affect the sexual function scores in both groups. In terms of vaginal atrophy, a significant increase in urgency was noted in the postmenopause group. The general domain of sexual function was significantly lower in menopausal than and perimenopausal with a P < 0.001. Looking at individual domains of sexual function, for sexual interest, satisfaction, vaginal lubrication, and orgasm, the mean value of perimenopausal participants was significantly higher when compared to menopausal women; for a primary partner domain, no significant differences between the two groups were noted. CONCLUSION: Overall, the sociodemographic profile did not impact sexual function in this study. Compared with menopausal women, perimenopausal women showed better, more complete sexual function based on McCoy's score except partner-related domain that is constant from perimenopause to menopause in a monogamous relationship.

Digitally Enabled, Patient-Centric Clinical Trials: Shifting the Drug Development Paradigm.

The rapidly advancing field of digital health technologies provides a great opportunity to radically transform the way clinical trials are conducted and to shift the clinical trial paradigm from a site-centric to a patient-centric model. Merck's (Kenilworth, NJ) digitally enabled clinical trial initiative is focused on introduction of digital technologies into the clinical trial paradigm to reduce patient burden, improve drug adherence, provide a means of more closely engaging with the patient, and enable higher quality, faster, and more frequent data collection. This paper will describe the following four key areas of focus from Merck's digitally enabled clinical trials initiative, along with corresponding enabling technologies: (i) use of technologies that can monitor and improve drug adherence (smart dosing), (ii) collection of pharmacokinetic (PK), pharmacodynamic (PD), and biomarker samples in an outpatient setting (patient-centric sampling), (iii) use of digital devices to collect and measure physiological and behavioral data (digital biomarkers), and (iv) use of data platforms that integrate digital data streams, visualize data in real-time, and provide a means of greater patient engagement during the trial (digital platform). Furthermore, this paper will discuss the synergistic power in implementation of these approaches jointly within a trial to enable better understanding of adherence, safety, efficacy, PK, PD, and corresponding exposure-response relationships of investigational therapies as well as reduced patient burden for clinical trial participation. Obstacle and challenges to adoption and full realization of the vision of patient-centric, digitally enabled trials will also be discussed.

CYP720A1 function in roots is required for flowering time and systemic acquired resistance in the foliage of Arabidopsis.

Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) is an inducible defense mechanism that systemically enhances resistance against pathogens in foliar tissues. SAR, which engages salicylic acid (SA) signaling, shares molecular components with the autonomous pathway, which is involved in controlling flowering time in Arabidopsis thaliana. FLOWERING LOCUS D (FLD) is one such autonomous pathway component that is required for flowering time and the systemic accumulation of SA during SAR. Here, we show that CYP720A1, a putative cytochrome P450 monoxygenase, controls FLD expression and is required for the timing of flowering and the manifestation of SAR. The delayed flowering time in the cyp720a1 mutant correlated with the elevated transcript level of the floral repressor FLC, while the SAR deficiency phenotype of the cyp720a1 mutant correlated with the inability to systemically accumulate SA. CYP720A1 transcript abundance in shoots is poor compared with roots. Reciprocal root-shoot grafting confirmed that CYP720A1 function in the roots is critical for flowering time and SAR. We therefore suggest that root to shoot communication involving a CYP720A1-dependent factor contributes to the timing of reproductive development and defense in the foliage.

Leaf Lipid Alterations in Response to Heat Stress of Arabidopsis thaliana.

In response to elevated temperatures, plants alter the activities of enzymes that affect lipid composition. While it has long been known that plant leaf membrane lipids become less unsaturated in response to heat, other changes, including polygalactosylation of galactolipids, head group acylation of galactolipids, increases in phosphatidic acid and triacylglycerols, and formation of sterol glucosides and acyl sterol glucosides, have been observed more recently. In this work, by measuring lipid levels with mass spectrometry, we confirm the previously observed changes in Arabidopsis thaliana leaf lipids under three heat stress regimens. Additionally, in response to heat, increased oxidation of the fatty acyl chains of leaf galactolipids, sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerols, and phosphatidylglycerols, and incorporation of oxidized acyl chains into acylated monogalactosyldiacylglycerols are shown. We also observed increased levels of digalactosylmonoacylglycerols and monogalactosylmonoacylglycerols. The hypothesis that a defect in sterol glycosylation would adversely affect regrowth of plants after a severe heat stress regimen was tested, but differences between wild-type and sterol glycosylation-defective plants were not detected.

Dehydroabietinal promotes flowering time and plant defense in Arabidopsis via the autonomous pathway genes FLOWERING LOCUS D, FVE, and RELATIVE OF EARLY FLOWERING 6.

Abietane diterpenoids are tricyclic diterpenes whose biological functions in angiosperms are largely unknown. Here, we show that dehydroabietinal (DA) fosters transition from the vegetative phase to reproductive development in Arabidopsis thaliana by promoting flowering time. DA's promotion of flowering time was mediated through up-regulation of the autonomous pathway genes FLOWERING LOCUS D (FLD), RELATIVE OF EARLY FLOWERING 6 (REF6), and FVE, which repress expression of FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC), a negative regulator of the key floral integrator FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT). Our results further indicate that FLD, REF6, and FVE are also required for systemic acquired resistance (SAR), an inducible defense mechanism that is also activated by DA. However, unlike flowering time, FT was not required for DA-induced SAR. Conversely, salicylic acid, which is essential for the manifestation of SAR, was not required for the DA-promoted flowering time. Thus, although the autonomous pathway genes FLD, REF6, and FVE are involved in SAR and flowering time, these biological processes are not interdependent. We suggest that SAR and flowering time signaling pathways bifurcate at a step downstream of FLD, REF6, and FVE, with an FLC-dependent arm controlling flowering time, and an FLC-independent pathway controlling SAR.

Fabrication of a SnO2-Based Hydroelectric Cell for Green Energy Production.

The generation of electricity by dissociating water into H3O+ and OH- ions through a hydroelectric cell (HEC) without liberating any toxic waste has achieved a groundbreaking feat. Nanoporous magnesium-doped SnO2 and cobalt-doped SnO2 materials have been prepared via a novel sol-gel method. The X-ray diffraction patterns of Mg-doped SnO2 and Co-doped SnO2 completely match with those of pure SnO2, which confirms the interstitial substitution of Mg and Co in the pristine SnO2. The results shown by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller theory curves illustrate the surface area of Mg-doped SnO2 and Co-doped SnO2 to be 46.22 and 46.81 m2/g, respectively, with their pore radii being ∼3 nm. The synthesized nanoparticles were pressed into square pellets of area 4.08 cm2. A zinc electrode was pasted on one side of each pellet and silver was painted on the other side to develop the HECs. The fabricated HECs of Mg-doped SnO2 and Co-doped SnO2 with 4.08 cm2 area deliver short-circuit current, open-circuit voltage, and off-load output power of 41.69 mA, 0.787 V, and 32.81 mW and 77.52 mA, 0.454 V, and 35.19 mW, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry of both materials exhibited cathodic and anodic peaks in relation to the redox reactions taking place at Zn and silver electrodes. Nyquist curves of both HECs in the wet state confirm the ionic diffusion of split H3O+ and OH- ions as compared to the dry state. An off-load output power of 35.19 mW delivered by the HEC of Co-doped SnO2 with 4.08 cm2 area is quite promising and has great potential to replace other green energy sources.

The Arabidopsis PAD4 Lipase-Like Domain Is Sufficient for Resistance to Green Peach Aphid.

Plants have evolved mechanisms to protect themselves against pathogenic microbes and insect pests. In Arabidopsis, the immune regulator PAD4 functions with its cognate partner EDS1 to limit pathogen growth. PAD4, independently of EDS1, reduces infestation by green peach aphid (GPA). How PAD4 regulates these defense outputs is unclear. By expressing the N-terminal PAD4 lipase-like domain (PAD4LLD) without its C-terminal EDS1-PAD4 (EP) domain, we interrogated PAD4 functions in plant defense. Here, we show that transgenic expression of PAD4LLD in Arabidopsis is sufficient for limiting GPA infestation but not for conferring basal and effector-triggered pathogen immunity. This suggests that the C-terminal PAD4 EP domain is necessary for EDS1-dependent immune functions but is dispensable for aphid resistance. Moreover, PAD4LLD is not sufficient to interact with EDS1, indicating the PAD4-EP domain is required for stable heterodimerization. These data provide molecular evidence that PAD4 has domain-specific functions.