Enhanced generation of internal tides under global warming.

A primary driver of deep-ocean mixing is breaking of internal tides generated via interactions of barotropic tides with topography. It is important to understand how the energy conversion from barotropic to internal tides responds to global warming. Here we address this question by applying a linear model of internal tide generation to coupled global climate model simulations under a high carbon emission scenario. The energy conversion to high-mode internal tides is projected to rise by about 8% by the end of the 21st century, whereas the energy conversion to low-mode internal tides remains nearly unchanged. The intensified near-bottom stratification under global warming increases energy conversion into both low and high-mode internal tides. In contrast, the intensified depth-averaged stratification reduces the modal horizontal wavenumber of internal tides, leading to increased (decreased) energy conversion into high (low)- mode internal tides. Our findings imply stronger mixing over rough topography under global warming, which should be properly parameterized in climate models for more accurate projections of future climate changes.

GABAergic Retinal Ganglion Cells Projecting to the Superior Colliculus Mediate the Looming-Evoked Flight Response.

The looming stimulus-evoked flight response to approaching predators is a defensive behavior in most animals. However, how looming stimuli are detected in the retina and transmitted to the brain remains unclear. Here, we report that a group of GABAergic retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) projecting to the superior colliculus (SC) transmit looming signals from the retina to the brain, mediating the looming-evoked flight behavior by releasing GABA. GAD2-Cre and vGAT-Cre transgenic mice were used in combination with Cre-activated anterograde or retrograde tracer viruses to map the inputs to specific GABAergic RGC circuits. Optogenetic technology was used to assess the function of SC-projecting GABAergic RGCs (scpgRGCs) in the SC. FDIO-DTA (Flp-dependent Double-Floxed Inverted Open reading frame-Diphtheria toxin) combined with the FLP (Florfenicol, Lincomycin & Prednisolone) approach was used to ablate or silence scpgRGCs. In the mouse retina, GABAergic RGCs project to different brain areas, including the SC. ScpgRGCs are monosynaptically connected to parvalbumin-positive SC neurons known to be required for the looming-evoked flight response. Optogenetic activation of scpgRGCs triggers GABA-mediated inhibition in SC neurons. Ablation or silencing of scpgRGCs compromises looming-evoked flight responses without affecting image-forming functions. Our study reveals that scpgRGCs control the looming-evoked flight response by regulating SC neurons via GABA, providing novel insight into the regulation of innate defensive behaviors.

Geometric and Electronic Structure Modulation to Optimize the Charge Transfer of TiO2 for Ultrasensitive and Stable SERS Sensing.

Exploring the relationship between semiconductor structure and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activity was essential for the development of ultrasensitive SERS substrates. Herein, we report an ytterbium atomic doping strategy to render TiO2 (Yb-TiO2) highly SERS sensitive superior to pure TiO2, with a detection limit as low as 1 × 10-9 M for 4-mercaptobenzoic acid. First-principles density functional theory calculations reveal that ytterbium doping leads to high electrostatic properties, allowing for significant charge transfer from molecules to semiconductors. Theoretical and experimental results indicate that Yb-TiO2 has a smaller band gap and higher density of states, which effectively enhance charge transfer between molecules and substrates, resulting in significant SERS activity. More importantly, Yb-TiO2 was particularly stable in air and acid solution and can be used for trace molecule detection in extreme environments. We demonstrate a promising approach to construct ultrasensitive SERS by optimizing the electronic structure induced by geometric structures.

Midlatitude mesoscale thermal Air-sea interaction enhanced by greenhouse warming.

The influence of greenhouse warming on mesoscale air-sea interactions, crucial for modulating ocean circulation and climate variability, remains largely unexplored due to the limited resolution of current climate models. Additionally, there is a lack of theoretical frameworks for assessing changes in mesoscale coupling due to warming. Here, we address these gaps by analyzing eddy-resolving high-resolution climate simulations and observations, focusing on the mesoscale thermal interaction dominated by mesoscale sea surface temperature (SST) and latent heat flux (LHF) coupling in winter. Our findings reveal a consistent increase in mesoscale SST-LHF coupling in the major western boundary current regions under warming, characterized by a heightened nonlinearity between warm and cold eddies and a more pronounced enhancement in the northern hemisphere. To understand the dynamics, we develop a theoretical framework that links mesoscale thermal coupling changes to large-scale factors, which indicates that the projected changes are collectively determined by historical background wind, SST, and the rate of SST warming. Among these factors, the large-scale SST and its warming rate are the primary drivers of hemispheric asymmetry in mesoscale coupling intensification. This study introduces a simplified approach for assessing the projected mesoscale thermal coupling changes in a warming world.

Depression and the risk of non-alcohol fatty liver disease: Results from a cross-sectional study and a Mendelian randomization analysis.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have suggested that psychiatric factors may be pathogenic for NAFLD. However, the association between depression and NAFLD is not been consistent, and whether depression plays a causal role in the development of NAFLD remains unclear. METHODS: We extracted data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2018 to assess the correlation between depression and NAFLD risk. Based on previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) meta-analyses on NAFLD and depression, we performed a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore the causal effect of depression on NAFLD. The primary analysis method used in the MR analysis was inverse variance weighted. RESULTS: We ultimately extracted the data from 3878 individuals in the NHANES database to perform the cross-sectional study. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression showed that depressed individuals had a higher risk of NAFLD than controls (odds ratio [OR] 1.33, 95 % CI 1.03-1.72, p = 0.027) among women. Based on GWAS data, we included 36 genetic variants as instrumental variables to estimate the causal effect of depression on NAFLD risk. The MR analysis revealed a causal association between genetically predicted depression and an increased risk of NAFLD (OR = 1.504, 95 % CI 1.13-2.00, p = 0.005). LIMITATIONS: The consistency of these findings in Eastern populations requires further longitudinal studies. CONCLUSIONS: This cross-sectional study suggested that depression might increase the risk of NAFLD in women. The MR analysis demonstrated that there exists a causal association between genetically predicated depression and NAFLD risk.

Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Patients with HBV-Related Acute on Chronic Liver Failure.

BACKGROUND: We aim to investigate the characteristics of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in patients with HBV-related acute on chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF). METHODS: A total of 44 patients with probable IPA were selected as the case group, and another 88 patients without lung infections were chosen as the control group. RESULTS: HBV-ACLF patients with probable IPA had more significant 90-day mortality (38.6% vs. 15.9%, p = 0.0022) than those without. The white blood cell (WBC) count was the independent factor attributed to the IPA development [odds ratio (OR) 1.468, p = 0.027]. Respiratory failure was associated with the mortality of HBV-ACLF patients with IPA [OR 26, p = 0.000]. Twenty-seven patients received voriconazole or voriconazole plus as an antifungal treatment. Plasma voriconazole concentration measurements were performed as therapeutic drug monitoring in 55.6% (15/27) of the patients. The drug concentrations exceeded the safe range with a reduced dosage. CONCLUSIONS: The WBC count might be used to monitor patients' progress with HBV-ACLF and IPA. The presence of IPA increases the 90-day mortality of HBV-ACLF patients mainly due to respiratory failure. An optimal voriconazole regimen is needed for such critical patients, and voriconazole should be assessed by closely monitoring blood levels.

Disseminated Mycobacterium tilburgii infection in a person with AIDS: A case report.

Background: Mycobacterium tilburgii is a nonculturable, nontuberculous mycobacterium that occasionally causes serious infections in individuals with immune deficiencies. Owing to its nonculturable nature, its antimicrobial susceptibility has not been assessed, and the optimal treatment regimen is unclear. Herein, we report a case of disseminated M. tilburgii infection in a person with AIDS, identified using metagenomics next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Case presentation: A 33-year-old man presented with a 3-month history of abdominal pain, lymphadenopathy, intermittent night hot flashes, night sweats, and weight loss. No pathogen was detected during initial routine investigations. M. tilburgii was subsequently identified in a left cervical lymph node sample using mNGS. Furthermore, M. tilburgii infection was detected in a bone marrow sample based on PCR of 16S rRNA and hsp65 gene sequencing. The person was treated with a combination of moxifloxacin, clarithromycin, ethambutol, rifabutin, and amikacin. The laboratory results improved, and the patient's symptoms resolved. Conclusion: M. tilburgii may be missed in diagnostic tests because it cannot be grown using routine culture techniques. Early diagnosis and timely and effective treatment are critical in patients with M. tilburgii infection; therefore, molecular techniques are recommended for patients with suspected M. tilburgii infection.

Cut-off voltage influencing the voltage decay of single crystal lithium-rich manganese-based cathode materials in lithium-ion batteries.

The voltage decay of Li-rich layered oxide cathode materials results in the deterioration of cycling performance and continuous energy loss, which seriously hinders their application in the high-energy-density lithium-ion battery (LIB) market. However, the origin of the voltage decay mechanism remains controversial due to the complex influences of transition metal (TM) migration, oxygen release, indistinguishable surface/bulk reactions and the easy intra/inter-crystalline cracking during cycling. We investigated the direct cause of voltage decay in micrometer-scale single-crystal Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 (SC-LNCM) cathode materials by regulating the cut-off voltage. The redox of TM and O2- ions can be precisely controlled by setting different voltage windows, while the cracking can be restrained, and surface/bulk structural evaluation can be monitored because of the large single crystal size. The results show that the voltage decay of SC-LNCM is related to the combined effect of cation rearrangement and oxygen release. Maintaining the discharge cutoff voltage at 3 V or the charging cutoff voltage at 4.5 V effectively mitigates the voltage decay, which provides a solution for suppressing the voltage decay of Li-rich and Mn-based layered oxide cathode materials. Our work provides significant insights into the origin of the voltage decay mechanism and an easily achievable strategy to restrain the voltage decay for Li-rich and Mn-based cathode materials.

GhHAM regulates GoPGF-dependent gland development and contributes to broad-spectrum pest resistance in cotton.

Cotton is a globally cultivated crop, producing 87% of the natural fiber used in the global textile industry. The pigment glands, unique to cotton and its relatives, serve as a defense structure against pests and pathogens. However, the molecular mechanism underlying gland formation and the specific role of pigment glands in cotton's pest defense are still not well understood. In this study, we cloned a gland-related transcription factor GhHAM and generated the GhHAM knockout mutant using CRISPR/Cas9. Phenotypic observations, transcriptome analysis, and promoter-binding experiments revealed that GhHAM binds to the promoter of GoPGF, regulating pigment gland formation in cotton's multiple organs via the GoPGF-GhJUB1 module. The knockout of GhHAM significantly reduced gossypol production and increased cotton's susceptibility to pests in the field. Feeding assays demonstrated that more than 80% of the cotton bollworm larvae preferred ghham over the wild type. Furthermore, the ghham mutants displayed shorter cell length and decreased gibberellins (GA) production in the stem. Exogenous application of GA3 restored stem cell elongation but not gland formation, thereby indicating that GhHAM controls gland morphogenesis independently of GA. Our study sheds light on the functional differentiation of HAM proteins among plant species, highlights the significant role of pigment glands in influencing pest feeding preference, and provides a theoretical basis for breeding pest-resistant cotton varieties to address the challenges posed by frequent outbreaks of pests.

Quercetin Alleviates Insulin Resistance and Repairs Intestinal Barrier in db/db Mice by Modulating Gut Microbiota.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disease which seriously affects public health. Gut microbiota remains a dynamic balance state in healthy individuals, and its disorder may affect health status and even results in metabolic diseases. Quercetin, a natural flavonoid, has been shown to have biological activities that can be used in the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases. This study aimed to explore the mechanism of quercetin in alleviating T2DM based on gut microbiota. db/db mice were adopted as the model for T2DM in this study. After 10 weeks of administration, quercetin could significantly decrease the levels of body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum insulin (INS), the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), D-lactic acid (D-LA), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in db/db mice. 16S rRNA gene sequencing and untargeted metabolomics analysis were performed to compare the differences of gut microbiota and metabolites among the groups. The results demonstrated that quercetin decreased the abundance of Proteobacteria, Bacteroides, Escherichia-Shigella and Escherichia_coli. Moreover, metabolomics analysis showed that the levels of L-Dopa and S-Adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) were significantly increased, but 3-Methoxytyramine (3-MET), L-Aspartic acid, L-Glutamic acid, and Androstenedione were significantly decreased under quercetin intervention. Taken together, quercetin could exert its hypoglycemic effect, alleviate insulin resistance, repair the intestinal barrier, remodel the intestinal microbiota, and alter the metabolites of db/db mice.

Edible bird's nest alleviates pneumonia caused by tobacco smoke inhalation through the TNFR1/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway.

Exposure to cigarette smoke directly damages the lungs and causes lung inflammation. The anti-inflammatory properties of edible bird's nest (EBN) have been reported. We aimed to determine the effect of EBN on pneumonia in a mouse model exposed to cigarette smoke. Fifty BALB/c mice were randomly divided into control, model, positive drug, low-dose EBN, and high-dose EBN groups (n = 10 each). Except for the control group, the mice in each group were exposed to four cigarettes once a day for 8 days. In addition, we validated the effects of EBN on A549 cells and investigated the mechanism by which EBN alleviates lung inflammation. Edible bird's nest (EBN) could alleviate the structural damage of lung tissue and the smoke-induced inflammatory response in mice. The best effect was observed at the high dose of EBN (0.019 g). The mice treated with EBN had a stronger ability than those in the model group to resist cigarette smoke stimulation, as indicated by a decrease in serum and lung inflammatory markers (interleukin 6 [IL-6], tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α], and interleukin 8 [IL-8]), an increase in serum interleukin 10 (IL-10) levels, and a decrease in the expression of inflammasome NOD-like receptor pyrin 3 (NLRP3). In addition, our cell experiments showed that EBN attenuated cigarette smoke-induced pulmonary inflammation mainly by inhibiting the tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)/NLRP3 pathway. These findings provide theoretical evidence for the positive nutritional qualities of EBN for the lung by demonstrating that it inhibits the TNFR1/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway, which prevents the development of cigarette smoke-induced pulmonary inflammation.

Influence of administration timing of San-Huang-Xie-Xin-Tang treatment on attenuating Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium infection.

Salmonella infections are a serious global health concern, particularly in developing countries, and are further exacerbated by the emergence of antibiotic resistance. San-Huang-Xie-Xin-Tang (SHXXT), a traditional herbal medicine with potent anti-inflammatory properties, has recently gained attention as an alternative treatment. Our study emphasizes on the importance of precise timing in accordance with traditional Chinese medicine principles. A mouse infection model was established while different administration times of SHXXT were recorded for the body weight, clinical scores, bacterial counts in blood, and organs. Additionally, cytokine levels, fatty acids, and amino acids in the serum were also monitored. We found that administering SHXXT 1 day after Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) infection (T1 group) leads to positive outcomes. This includes restoration of body weight, improved clinical scores, and reduced bacterial counts in blood and vital organs. Interferon-gamma levels remained consistently high across all treatment groups 6 days post-infection. However, the T1 group showed exclusive suppression of serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß). The timing of administration significantly influenced serum fatty acid concentrations, countering Salmonella-induced disruptions, aligning with TNF-α and IL-1ß levels. SHXXT had also restored amino acid profiles disrupted by the infection, with notable effects when administered at the correct timing. Our research highlights SHXXT's potential in treating S. Typhimurium infection, emphasizing the importance of precise timing in line with traditional Chinese medicine principles for effective treatment at different disease stages.

Advancing kidney xenotransplantation with anesthesia and surgery - bridging preclinical and clinical frontiers challenges and prospects.

Xenotransplantation is emerging as a vital solution to the critical shortage of organs available for transplantation, significantly propelled by advancements in genetic engineering and the development of sophisticated immunosuppressive treatments. Specifically, the transplantation of kidneys from genetically engineered pigs into human patients has made significant progress, offering a potential clinical solution to the shortage of human kidney supply. Recent trials involving the transplantation of these modified porcine kidneys into deceased human bodies have underscored the practicality of this approach, advancing the field towards potential clinical applications. However, numerous challenges remain, especially in the domains of identifying suitable donor-recipient matches and formulating effective immunosuppressive protocols crucial for transplant success. Critical to advancing xenotransplantation into clinical settings are the nuanced considerations of anesthesia and surgical practices required for these complex procedures. The precise genetic modification of porcine kidneys marks a significant leap in addressing the biological and immunological hurdles that have traditionally challenged xenotransplantation. Yet, the success of these transplants hinges on the process of meticulously matching these organs with human recipients, which demands thorough understanding of immunological compatibility, the risk of organ rejection, and the prevention of zoonotic disease transmission. In parallel, the development and optimization of immunosuppressive protocols are imperative to mitigate rejection risks while minimizing side effects, necessitating innovative approaches in both pharmacology and clinical practices. Furthermore, the post-operative care of recipients, encompassing vigilant monitoring for signs of organ rejection, infectious disease surveillance, and psychological support, is crucial for ensuring post-transplant life quality. This comprehensive care highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach involving transplant surgeons, anesthesiologists, immunologists, infectiologists and psychiatrists. The integration of anesthesia and surgical expertise is particularly vital, ensuring the best possible outcomes of those patients undergoing these novel transplants, through safe procedural practices. As xenotransplantation moving closer to clinical reality, establishing consensus guidelines on various aspects, including donor-recipient selection, immunosuppression, as well as surgical and anesthetic management of these transplants, is essential. Addressing these challenges through rigorous research and collective collaboration will be the key, not only to navigate the ethical, medical, and logistical complexities of introducing kidney xenotransplantation into mainstream clinical practice, but also itself marks a new era in organ transplantation.

YTE-17 inhibits colonic carcinogenesis by resetting antitumor immune response via Wnt5a/JNK mediated metabolic signaling.

The density and composition of lymphocytes infiltrating colon tumors serve as predictive factors for the clinical outcome of colon cancer. Our previous studies highlighted the potent anti-cancer properties of the principal compounds found in Garcinia yunnanensis (YTE-17), attributing these effects to the regulation of multiple signaling pathways. However, knowledge regarding the mechanism and effect of YTE-17 in the prevention of colorectal cancer is limited. In this study, we conducted isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) analysis on intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) exposed YTE-17, both in vitro and invivo, revealing a significant inhibition of the Wnt family member 5a (Wnt5a)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway. Subsequently, we elucidated the influence and mechanism of YTE-17 on the tumor microenvironment (TME), specifically focusing on macrophage-mediated T helper 17 (Th17) cell induction in a colitis-associated cancer (CAC) model with Wnt5a deletion. Additionally, we performed the single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on the colonic tissue from the Wnt5a-deleted CAC model to characterize the composition, lineage, and functional status of immune mesenchymal cells during different stages of colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. Remarkably, our findings demonstrate a significant reduction in M2 macrophage polarization and Th17 cell phenotype upon treatment with YTE-17, leading to the restoration of regulatory T (Treg)/Th17 cell balance in azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) model. Furthermore, we also confirmed that YTE-17 effectively inhibited the glycolysis of Th17 cells in both direct and indirect co-culture systems with M2 macrophages. Notably, our study shed light on potential mechanisms linking the non-canonical Wnt5a/JNK signaling pathway and well-established canonical ß-catenin oncogenic pathway in vivo. Specifically, we proposed that Wnt5a/JNK signaling activity in IECs promotes the development of cancer stem cells with ß-catenin activity within the TME, involving macrophages and T cells. In summary, our study undergoes the potential of YTE-17 as a preventive strategy against CRC development by addressing the imbalance with the immune microenvironment, thereby mitigating the risk of malignancies.

Graphene-doped silicon-carbon materials with multi-interface structures for lithium-ion battery anodes.

The carbon nanomaterials are usually used to improve the electrical conductivity and stability of silicon (Si) anodes for lithium-ion batteries. However, the Si-based composites containing carbon nanomaterials generally show large specific surface area, leading to severe side reactions that generate large amounts of solid electrolyte interphase films. Herein, we embedded graphene oxide (GO) and silicon nanoparticles (Si NPs) uniformly in pitch matrix by solvent dispersion. The internally doped GO reduces the exposed surface and improves the electrical conductivity of the composite. Meanwhile, the multi-interface structures are constructed inside to limit the domains of Si NPs and improve the structural stability of the material. When evaluated as anodes, the Si/graphene/pitch-based carbon composite anode exhibits the outstanding electrochemical properties, delivering a reversible capacity of 820.8 mAh/g at 50 mA g-1, as well as a capacity retention of 93.6 % after 1000 cycles at 2 A/g. In addition, when assembled with the LiFePO4 cathode, the full cell exhibits an impressive capacity retention of 95 % after 100 cycles at 85 mA g-1. This work provides a valuable design concept for the development of Si/carbon anodes.

Vitamin B6 alleviates chronic sleep deprivation-induced hippocampal ferroptosis through CBS/GSH/GPX4 pathway.

Several studies have found that sleep deprivation (SD) can lead to neuronal ferroptosis and affect hippocampal function. However, there are currently no effective interventions. Vitamin B6 is a co-factor for key enzymes in the transsulfuration pathway which is critical for maintaining cell growth in the presence of cysteine deprivation. The results showed that SD inhibited cystine-glutamate antiporter light chain subunit xCT protein expression and caused cysteine deficiency, which reduced the synthesis of the glutathione (GSH) to trigger neuronal ferroptosis. Nissl staining further revealed significant neuronal loss and shrinkage in the CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus in SD mice. Typical ferroptotic indicators characterized by lipid peroxidation and iron accumulation were showed in the hippocampus after sleep deprivation. As expected, vitamin B6 could alleviate hippocampal ferroptosis by upregulating the expression of cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) in the transsulfuration pathway, thereby replenishing the intracellular deficient GSH and restoring the expression of GPX4. Similar anti-ferroptotic effects of vitamin B6 were demonstrated in HT-22 cells treated with ferroptosis activator erastin. Furthermore, vitamin B6 had no inhibitory effect on erastin-induced ferroptosis in CBS-knockout HT22 cells. Our findings suggested chronic sleep deprivation caused hippocampal ferroptosis by disrupting the cyst(e)ine/GSH/GPX4 axis. Vitamin B6 alleviated sleep deprivation-induced ferroptosis by enhancing CBS expression in the transsulfuration pathway.

Spatial-temporal differentiation of urban eco-efficiency and its driving factors: A comparison of five major urban agglomerations in China.

This paper utilizes an improved undesirable output DEA model to measure the eco-efficiency of cities in five major urban agglomerations in China during 2006-2020. It employs the Theil Index and Geodetector to investigate the spatial-temporal distribution differentiation characteristics and driving factors of urban eco-efficiency. The main findings are as follows. Firstly, the eco-efficiency of all urban agglomerations showed a fluctuating upward trend, but the eco-efficiency performance of different urban agglomerations in China shows a stratification characteristic. Specifically, the Pearl River Delta urban agglomeration consistently ranks first in China, while the mean values of the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration, Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration, and Chengdu-Chongqing urban agglomeration are lower than the national average. Secondly, the overall differences in the urban eco-efficiency of all sample cities show a consistently fluctuating downward trend. The factor that affects the level differences of eco-efficiency in different cities is the intra-regional differences. Last but not least, the top three factors affecting the spatial distribution difference of urban eco-efficiency in the whole sample are environmental pollution control investments, innovation level, and environmental infrastructure investments. In the end, this paper proposes that reducing the intra-regional differences is the primary task to achieve the coordinated improvement of urban eco-efficiency in urban agglomerations, and then puts forward some policy suggestions to improve eco-efficiency for the five major urban agglomerations.

Understanding Defects in Perovskite Solar Cells through Computation: Current Knowledge and Future Challenge.

Lead halide perovskites with superior optoelectrical properties are emerging as a class of excellent materials for applications in solar cells and light-emitting devices. However, perovskite films often exhibit abundant intrinsic defects, which can limit the efficiency of perovskite-based optoelectronic devices by acting as carrier recombination centers. Thus, an understanding of defect chemistry in lead halide perovskites assumes a prominent role in further advancing the exploitation of perovskites, which, to a large extent, is performed by relying on first-principles calculations. However, the complex defect structure, strong anharmonicity, and soft lattice of lead halide perovskites pose challenges to defect studies. In this perspective, on the basis of briefly reviewing the current knowledge concerning computational studies on defects, this work concentrates on addressing the unsolved problems and proposing possible research directions in future. This perspective particularly emphasizes the indispensability of developing advanced approaches for deeply understanding the nature of defects and conducting data-driven defect research for designing reasonable strategies to further improve the performance of perovskite applications. Finally, this work highlights that theoretical studies should pay more attention to establishing close and clear links with experimental investigations to provide useful insights to the scientific and industrial communities.

Prunella vulgaris polysaccharide inhibits herpes simplex virus infection by blocking TLR-mediated NF-κB activation.

BACKGROUND: Prunella vulgaris polysaccharide extracted by hot water and 30% ethanol precipitation (PVE30) was reported to possess potent antiviral effects against herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. However, its anti-HSV mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the potential mechanisms of PVE30 against HSV infection. METHODS: Antiviral activity was evaluated by a plaque reduction assay, and the EC50 value was calculated. Immunofluorescence staining and heparin bead pull-down assays confirmed the interactions between PVE30 and viral glycoproteins. Real-time PCR was conducted to determine the mRNA levels of viral genes, including UL54, UL29, UL27, UL44, and US6, and the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α. The protein expression of viral proteins (ICP27, ICP8, gB, gC, and gD), the activity of the TLR-NF-κB signalling pathway, and necroptotic-associated proteins were evaluated by Western blotting. The proportion of necroptotic cells was determined by flow cytometric analysis. RESULTS: The P. vulgaris polysaccharide PVE30 was shown to compete with heparan sulfate for interaction with HSV surface glycoprotein B and gC, thus strongly inhibiting HSV attachment to cells. In addition, PVE30 downregulated the expression of IE genes, which subsequently downregulated the expression of E and L viral gene products, and thus effectively restricted the yield of progeny virus. Further investigation confirmed that PVE30 inhibited TLR2 and TLR3 signalling, leading to the effective suppression of NF-κB activation and IL-6 and TNF-α expression levels, and blocked HSV-1-induced necroptosis by reducing HSV-1-induced phosphorylation of MLKL. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that the P. vulgaris polysaccharide PVE30 is a potent anti-HSV agent that blocks TLR-mediated NF-κB activation.

Electro-Responsive Breathing Transition of Conductive Hydrogel for Broadband Kinetic Energy Harvesting.

Reclaiming kinetic energy from vibrating machines holds great promise for sustainable energy harvesting technologies. Nevertheless, the impulsive current induced by vibrations is incompatible with conventional energy storage devices. The energy-management system necessitates novel designs of soft materials for lightweight, miniaturized, and integrated high-frequency electrochemical devices. Here, this work develops a conductive hydrogel with an electro-responsive polymeric network. The electro-responsive breathing transition of the crosslinking points facilitates the expeditious formation of a localized electrolyte layer. This layer features an exceedingly high local charge density, surpassing that of a saturated electrolyte solution by an order of magnitude, and thus enabling rapid charge transport under the influence of an applied voltage. The micro-capacitor based on the gel exhibits record-high capacitance of ≈2 mF cm-2 when the frequency of energy input reaches up to 104  Hz. This work also demonstrates a prototype battery charger that harvests energy from a running car engine. This study presents a feasible strategy for waste energy recycling using integrated electrochemical devices, opening a new avenue for ambient energy management.