High-Energy Symmetric Li-Ion Battery Enabled by Binder-Free FeOF-MXene Heterostructure with Doubly Matched Capacity and Kinetics.

Fluorides are viewed as promising conversion-type Li-ion battery cathodes to meet the desired high energy density. FeOF is a typical member of conversion-type fluorides, but its major drawback is sluggish kinetics upon deep discharge. Herein, a heterostructured FeOF-MXene composite (FeOF-MX) is demonstrated to overcome this limitation. The rationally designed FeOF-MX electrode features a microsphere morphology consisting of closely packed FeOF nanoparticles, providing fast transport pathways for lithium ions while a continuous wrapping network of MXene nanosheets ensures unobstructed electron transport, thus enabling high-rate lithium storage with enhanced pseudocapacitive contribution. In/ex situ characterization techniques and theoretical calculations, both reveal that the lithium storage mechanism in FeOF arises from a hybrid intercalation-conversion process, and strong interfacial interactions between FeOF and MXene promote Li-ion adsorption and migration. Remarkably, through demarcating the conversion-type reaction with a controlled potential window, a symmetric full battery with prelithiated FeOF-MX as both cathode and anode is fabricated, achieving a high energy density of 185.5 Wh kg-1 and impressive capacity retention of 88.9% after 3000 cycles at 1 A g-1. This work showcases an effective route toward high-performance MXene engineered fluoride-based electrodes and provides new insights into constructing symmetric batteries yet with high-energy/power densities.

First Report of Sweet Potato Virus E(SPVE) Infecting Sweet Potato in China.

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam.) is a versatile crop, cultivated in the subtropical and tropical areas, as food, fodder, and industrial raw material crop. In China, sweet potato has been used as a health-care food in recent years, as it contains a wide range of nutrients and xenobiotic phytochemicals. However, viral diseases are major constraint for the sweet potato yield and quality, especially the seed production and quality. Over 30 species of viruses infect sweet potato worldwide (Clark et al. 2012). More recently, a few new viruses infected sweet potato were identified, such as sweet potato virus E (SPVE), which was reported in Korea(Jo et al. 2020). In May 2022, a sweet potato sample (JSXZ1) with virus-like symptom, such as mosaic and vein clearing were collected from sweet potato germplasm Xuzhou resource nursery, Jiangsu Province, China (N34˚16', E117˚18') (Fig. S1A). To investigate the virus disease, the sample JSXZ1 showing the typical symptoms of disease was prepared for Small-RNA (sRNA) deep-sequencing. The sRNA library was constructed using TruSeq™ Small RNA Sample Prep Kits (Illumina, San Diego, USA) and sequenced using the Illumine Hiseq 2500 platform by LC-Bop Technologies (Hangzhou) CO., LTD. The sample was sequenced to obtain 26, 358, 439 raw reads and 22, 969, 139 clean reads after quality control trimming and analysis. The Velvet 1.0.5 software was used to de novo assemble the clean reads (18 to 28 nt) into larger contigs, which were then compared with the nucleotide sequences in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database using the BLASTn algorithm. Viruses found in the sample were sweet potato latent virus (SPLV), sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV), sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (SPCSV), sweet potato badnavirus A (SPBV-A) and sweet potato badnavirus B (SPBV-B). Surprisingly, besides the viruses listed above, 28 contigs matched sequences of SPVE isolate GS (MH388502). To verify the result, total RNA was extracted from the sample JSXZ1 and from other leave samples (JSXZ2-JSXZ5) that contained SPFMV, SPVC, SPLV, SPVG respectively stored in lab using FastPure Universal Plant Total RNA Isolation Kit (Vazyme Biotech Co., LTD, Nanjing, China). cDNA was synthesized using random primer (hexadeoxyribonucleotide mixture; pd(N)6). The cDNA serves as template in PCR using a newly designed primer pairs based on SPVE p1 gene (SPVE-F: 5'- TCACCAAAAAGAATGCTACAAC-3'/SPVE-R: 5'-GAAATCCTCCCACTCTCCATA-3'). An expected ~500-bp PCR fragment was obtained in JSXZ1, while none of the fragment was obtained from JSXZ2-JSXZ5 (Fig. S1B). The PCR fragment was cloned into pMD18-T vector (Takara Bio Inc., Beijing, China) and plasmid DNA from transformed Escherichia coli DH5α cell (n=3) were commercially sequenced by Sangon Biotech (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. The sequences of the three fragment clones we obtained were 100% identical when compared. A BLASTN analysis of the sequences revealed that they are specific to SPVE and shared 98.62% nucleotide identity to SPVE GS isolate (MH388502) and one sequence was submitted to GenBank (Accession number OQ948331). To determine the occurrence of SPVE in infected sweet potato plants, a total of 37 leaves samples with viral symptom collected from Shandong Province (n=6) and Jiangsu Province (n=31) were indexed by RT-PCR as described before. Only 9 (24.3%) out of 37 from Shandong (n=1) and Jiangsu (n=8) were positive to SPVE respectively. In addition, five additional viruses (SPFMV, SPVC, SPVG, SPLV, SPCSV) were detected among these 37 samples and always in a mixed infection of two or more viruses. To our knowledge, this is the first report of SPVE infecting sweet potato in China. Sweet potato is an important crop in China and other countries (Zhang et al. 2023). China is the largest sweet potato producer all over the world. In addition, as sweet potato is produced through the vegetative propagation mode, thus, more attention should be paid to detection and monitoring of occurrence of SPVE in China.

Design of heterostructured hydrangea-like FeS2/MoS2 encapsulated in nitrogen-doped carbon as high-performance anode for potassium-ion capacitors.

The means of structural hybridization such as heterojunction construction and carbon-coating engineering for facilitating charge transfer and electron transport are considered viable strategies to address the challenges associated with the low rate capability and poor cycling stability of sulfide-based anodes in potassium-ion batteries (PIBs). Motivated by these concepts, we have successfully prepared a hydrangea-like bimetallic sulfide heterostructure encapsulated in nitrogen-doped carbon (FMS@NC) using a simple solvothermal method, followed by poly-dopamine wrapping and a one-step sulfidation/carbonization process. When served as an anode for PIBs, this FMS@NC demonstrates a high specific capacity (585 mAh g-1 at 0.05 A/g) and long cycling stability. Synergetic effects of mitigated volume expansions and enhanced conductivity that are responsbile for such high performance have been verified to originate from the heterostructured sulfides and the N-doped carbon matrix. Meanwhile, comprehensive characterization reveals existence of an intercalation-conversion hybrid K-ion storage mechanism in this material. Impressively, a K-ion capacitor with the FMS@NC anode and a commercial activated carbon cathode exhibits a superior energy density of up to 192 Wh kg-1, a high power density, and outstanding cycling stability. This study provides constructive guidance for designing high-performance and durable potassium-ion storage anodes for next-generation energy storage devices.

Sulfur-bridged bonds enabled structure modulation and space confinement of MnS for superior sodium-ion capacitors.

Manganese sulfide (MnS) is a promising converion-type anode for sodium storage, owing to the virtues of high theoretical capacity, coupled with it crustal abundance and cost-effectiveness. Nevertheless, MnS suffers from inadequate electronic conductivity, sluggish Na+ reaction kinetics and considerable volume variation during discharge/charge process, thereby impeding its rate capability and capacity retention. Herein, a novel lamellar heterostructured composite of Fe-doped MnS nanoparticles/positively charged reduced graphene oxide (Fe-MnS/PG) was synthesized to overcome these issues. The Fe-doping can accelerate the ion/electron transfer, endowing fast electrochemical kinetics of MnS. Meanwhile, the graphene space confinement with strong MnSC bond interactions can facilite the interfacial electron transfer, hamper volume expansion and aggregation of MnS nanoparticles, stabilizing the structural integrity, thus improving the Na+ storage reversibility and cyclic stability. Combining the synergistic effect of Fe-doping and space confinement with strong MnSC bond interactions, the as-produced Fe-MnS/PG anode presents a remarkable capacity of 567 mAh/g at 0.1 A/g and outstanding rate performance (192 mAh/g at 10 A/g). Meanwhile, the as-assembled sodium-ion capacitor (SIC) can yield a high energy density of 119 Wh kg-1 and a maximum power density of 17500 W kg-1, with capacity retention of 77 % at 1 A/g after 5000 cycles. This work offers a promising strategy to develop MnS-based practical SICs with high energy and long lifespan, and paves the way for fabricating advanced anode materials.

Warming enhances the negative effects of shrub removal on phosphorus mineralization potential.

Shrubs have developed various mechanisms for soil phosphorus utilization. Shrub encroachment caused by climate warming alters organic phosphorus mineralization capability by promoting available phosphorus absorption and mediating root exudates. However, few studies have explored how warming regulates the effects of dominant shrubs on soil organic phosphorus mineralization capability. We provide insights into warming, dominant shrub removal, and their interactive effects on the soil organic phosphorus mineralization potential in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to quantify the soil microbial phosphatase genes (phoC and phoD), which can characterize the soil organic phosphate mineralization potential. We found that warming had no significant effect on the soil organic phosphate-mineralized components (total phosphate, organic phosphate, and available phosphate), genes (phoC and phoD), or enzymes (acid and alkaline phosphatases). Shrub removal negatively influenced the organic phosphate-mineralized components and genes. It significantly decreased soil organic phosphate mineralization gene copy numbers only under warming conditions. Warming increased fungal richness and buffered the effects of shrub removal on bacterial richness and gene copy numbers. However, the change in the microbial community was not the main factor affecting organic phosphate mineralization. We found only phoC copy number had significant correlation to AP. Structural equation modelling revealed that shrub removal and the interaction between warming and shrub removal had a negative direct effect on phoC copy numbers. We concluded that warming increases the negative effect of shrub removal on phosphorus mineralization potential, providing a theoretical basis for shrub encroachment on soil phosphate mineralization under warming conditions.

Efficient Ion Percolating Network for High-Performance All-Solid-State Cathodes.

All-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) face critical challenges of low cathode loading and poor rate performances, which handicaps their energy/power densities. The widely-accepted aim of high ionic conductivity and low interfacial resistance seems insufficient to overcome these challenges. Here, it is revealed that an efficient ion percolating network in the cathode exerts a more critical influence on the electrochemical performance of ASSLBs. By constructing vertical alignment of Li0.35 La0.55 TiO3 nanowires (LLTO NWs) in solid-state cathode through magnetic manipulation, the ionic conductivity of the cathode increases twice compared with the cathode consisted of randomly distributed LLTO NWs. The all-solid-state LiFePO4 /Li cells using poly(ethylene oxide) as the electrolyte is able to deliver high capacities of 151 mAh g-1 (2 C) and 100 mAh g-1 (5 C) at 60 °C, and a room-temperature capacity of 108 mAh g-1 can be achieved at a charging rate of 2 C. Furthermore, the cell can reach a high areal capacity of 3 mAh cm-2 even with a practical LFP loading of 20 mg cm-2 . The universality of this strategy is also presented showing the demonstration in LiNi0.8 Co0.1 Mn0.1 O2 cathodes. This work offers new pathways for designing ASSLBs with improved energy/power densities.

Heterostructured CoS2/SnS2 encapsulated in sulfur-doped carbon exhibiting high potassium ion storage capacity.

Metallic sulfides are currently considered as ideal anode materials for potassium-ion batteries by virtue of their high specific capacities. However, their low intrinsic electronic conductivity, large volume variation and dissolution of polysulfides in electrochemical reactions hinder their further development toward practical applications. Here, we propose an effective structural design strategy by encapsulating CoS2/SnS2 in sulfur-doped carbon layers, in which internal voids are created to relieve the strain in the CoS2/SnS2 core, while the sulfur-doped carbon layer serves to improve the electron transport and inhibit the dissolution of polysulfides. These features enable the as-designed anode to deliver a high specific capacity (520 mAh/g at 0.1 A/g), a high rate capability (185 mA h g-1 at 10 A/g) and lifespan (0.016 % capacity loss per cycle up to 1500 cycles). Our comprehensive electrochemical characterization reveals that the heterostructure of CoS2/SnS2 not only promotes charge transfer at its interfaces, but also enhances the rate of K+ diffusion. Additionally, potassium-ion capacitors based on this novel anode are able to attain an energy density up to 162 Wh kg-1 and âˆ¼ 96 % capacity retention after 3000 cycles at 10 A/g.The demonstrated design rule combining morphological and structural engineering strategies sheds light on the development of advanced electrodes for high performance potassium-based energy storage devices.

Breakthrough application of electrochromism: Multifunctional artificial muscle.

In the article (Advanced Materials 2023; 2305914, https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202305914) reported by Wang et al., electrochemically driven multifunctional electrochromic artificial muscles (EAMs) are demonstrated with intricate actuation and eye-catching color-change behaviors, which were assembled from V2O5 nanowires-carbon nanotube fibers-based high-twist electrochromic artificial muscle yarn (EAMY). With combined wet winding and wet twisting, excellent mechanical properties and uniform color change were achieved in the core-sheath EAMYs. Followed by hot pouring and molding of gel electrolyte, the contact problem between electrode and electrolyte was resolved and EAMs were fabricated with stable operation in the air, harvesting a high shrinkage stroke of 12% and a high reflectivity contrast of 51%. The judicious device architecture design and integration of multifunctionality will open new avenues for electrochromic technology.

Mitochondrial KATP channel-mediated autophagy contributes to angiotensin II-induced vascular dysfunction in mice.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The present study aimed to investigate whether the mitochondrial KATP channel contributes to angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced vascular dysfunction, the development of hypertension, and atherosclerosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: ApoE (-/-) mice fed a high-fat diet were chronically infused with Ang II for eight weeks and concomitantly treated with losartan (ARB), apocynin, or 5-hydroxy decanoate (5-HD), or 3-methyladenine (3-MA). Systolic blood pressure was measured, and pathological changes of aortic or liver tissue were observed. Nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) levels and vasorelaxation rate were measured, and protein and mRNA expressions were examined by western blot and RT-PCR. Ang II-induced development of hypertension was suppressed not only by ARB, and apocynin but also by 5-HD or 3-MA. Ang II infusion decreased aortic NO production and relaxation, as well as SOD2 activity in liver, which were improved by all treatments. In addition, Ang II-induced activation of autophagy was suppressed by 5-HD in aortic tissue, furthermore, Ang II increases the atherosclerotic index in plasma and exacerbates the development of atherosclerosis by increases of fat deposition in the aorta and liver. Lipid metabolism-related mRNA expressions (LXR-α, LDLR, SRBI, Acca, and FASN) were changed by Ang II. Similarly, not only ARB, and apocynin, but also 5-HD and 3-MA suppressed Ang II-induced these changes. CONCLUSIONS: Our present findings evidence that mitochondrial KATP channel-mediated autophagy contributes to Ang II-induced vascular dysfunction, development of hypertension, and atherosclerosis.

PI3K/AKT signaling pathway associates with pyroptosis and inflammation in patients with endometriosis.

Endometriosis (EMS) is known to be closely associated with inflammation. We evaluate the possible mechanism linking the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway with pyroptosis and inflammation in EMS. We collected 30 patients undergoing laparoscopic for endometriosis as the EMS group and those undergoing surgery for uterine fibroids as the control group, from whom we collected serum, normal endometrium, eutopic endometrium and ectopic endometrium. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the internal structure of endometrial cells. Western Blot was used to detect the protein expression of PI3K, P-PI3K, AKT, P-AKT, NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, and GSDMD-N. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining was used to detect the expression of PI3K, AKT, NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, and GSDMD-N proteins. Immunofluorescence (IF) staining was used to observe the expression of GSDMD-N. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to analyze the mRNA levels of PI3K, AKT, NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, and GSDMD-N. ELISA was used to detect serum levels of IL-1ß, IL-18, TLR4, and NF-κB. We found that activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in endometriosis significantly increased the level of cellular pyroptosis and inflammatory factors. Our results suggest that there is a positive correlation between the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and pyroptosisas well as inflammation in EMS patients.

The Development of Carbon/Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells through Interface Passivation.

Passivating contactsin heterojunction (HJ) solar cells have shown great potential in reducing recombination losses, and thereby achieving high power conversion efficiencies in photovoltaic devices. In this direction, carbon nanomaterials have emerged as a promising option for carbon/silicon (C/Si) HJsolar cells due to their tunable band structure, wide spectral absorption, high carrier mobility, and properties such as multiple exciton generation. However, the current limitations in efficiency and active area have hindered the industrialization of these devices. In this review, they examine the progress made in overcoming these constraints and discuss the prospect of achieving high power conversion efficiency (PCE) C/Si HJ devices. A C/Si HJ solar cell is also designed by introducing an innovative interface passivation strategy to further boost the PCE and accelerate the large area preparationof C/Si devices. The physical principle, device design scheme, and performanceoptimization approaches of this passivated C/Si HJ cells are discussed. Additionally, they outline potential future pathways and directions for C/Si HJ devices, including a reduction in their cost to manufacture and their incorporation intotandem solar cells. As such, this review aims to facilitate a deeperunderstanding of C/Si HJ solar cells and provide guidance for their further development.

Contrasting responses of α- and ß-multifunctionality to aboveground plant community in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

The aboveground plant communities are crucial in driving ecosystem functioning, particularly being the primary producers in terrestrial ecosystems. Numerous studies have investigated the impacts of aboveground plant communities on multiple ecosystem functions at α-scale. However, such critical effects have been unexplored at ß-scale and the comparative assessment of the effects and underlying mechanisms of aboveground plant communities on α- and ß-multifunctionality has been lacking. In this study, we examined the effects of aboveground plant communities on soil multifunctionality both at α- and ß-scale in the alpine meadow of the Tibetan Plateau. Additionally, we quantified the direct effects of aboveground plant communities, as well as the indirect effects mediated by changes in biotic and abiotic factors, on soil multifunctionality at both scales. Our findings revealed that: 1) Aboveground plant communities had significantly positive effects on α-multifunctionality whereas, ß-multifunctionality was not affected significantly. 2) Aboveground plant communities directly influence α- and ß-multifunctionality in contrasting ways, with positive and negative effects, respectively. Apart from the direct effects of plant community, we found that soil water content and bacterial ß-diversity serving as the primary predictors for the responses of α- and ß-multifunctionality to the presence of aboveground plant communities, respectively. And ß-soil biodiversity appeared to be a stronger predictor of multifunctionality relative to α-soil biodiversity. Our findings provide novel insights into the drivers of ecosystem multifunctionality at different scales, highlight the importance of maintaining biodiversity at multiple scales and offer valuable knowledge for the maintenance of ecosystem functioning and the restoration of alpine meadow ecosystems.

Induction of Phosphorylated Tau Accumulation and Memory Impairment by Bisphenol A and the Protective Effects of Carnosic Acid in In Vitro and In Vivo.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a component of polycarbonate plastics that has been implicated in memory impairment. The present study investigated the effect of carnosic acid (CA) on memory deficit induced by BPA and the role of Akt in this mechanism. First, SH-SY5Y cells were treated with 20 nM BPA and 1 µM CA for 12 h. The results showed that treatment of CA with BPA improved the alternation of IRS-1/Akt/GSK-3ß as well as the induction of ApoE and Ser396p-tau. Moreover, treatment of CA with BPA restored the signaling involved in long-term potentiation (LTP) effect, leading to induction of synaptic-related proteins, such as PSD-95, synapsin1a, and pro-BDNF. Wortmannin treatment alleviated the reversal by CA. Then, C57BL/6 J male mice were orally administered with CA to test the memory function in BPA treatment. The results showed that CA and RE can improve BPA-induced impairment of motor, recognition, and spatial memory by using open-field test (OFT), novel objective recognition test (NOR), and Y-maze test, respectively. Moreover, CA and RE improved the phosphorylation of tau and the reduction of PSD-95, synapsin1a, and pro-BDNF proteins induced by BPA. Therefore, the results indicated that CA decreased the phosphorylated tau and memory impairment induced by BPA through Akt pathway.

A hydrophobic alloy-coated Zn anode for durable electrochromic devices.

To mitigate Zn corrosion, dendrite growth and hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) in Zn-anode based electrochromic devices, hydrophobic CuZn5 alloy was coated on Zn@CuZn with lower nucleation potential, high coulombic efficiency, inhibited HER, and prolonged reversibility, enabling improved switching kinetics and cycling stability in an electrochromic Zn@CuZn||Prussian Blue (PB) device.

Atomic Zincophilic Sites Regulating Microspace Electric Fields for Dendrite-Free Zinc Anode.

Aqueous Zn metal batteries are promising candidates for large-scale energy storage due to their intrinsic advantages. However, Zn tends to deposit irregularly and forms dendrites driven by the uneven space electric field distribution near the Zn-electrolyte interphase. Herein it is demonstrated that trace addition of Co single atom anchored carbon (denoted as CoSA/C) in the electrolyte regulates the microspace electric field at the Zn-electrolyte interphase and unifies Zn deposition. Through preferential adsorption of CoSA/C on the Zn surface, the atomically dispersed Co-N3 with strong charge polarization effect can redistribute the local space electric field and regulate ion flux. Moreover, the dynamic adsorption/desorption of CoSA/C upon plating/stripping offers sustainable long-term regulation. Therefore, Zn||Zn symmetric cells with CoSA/C electrolyte additive deliver stable cycling up to 1600 h (corresponding to a cumulative plated capacity of 8 Ah cm-2 ) at a high current density of 10 mA cm-2 , demonstrating the sustainable feature of microspace electric field regulation at high current density and capacity.

Structural Engineering of Hard-Soft Carbon Hybrid Anodes for Ultrafast and Ultradurable Potassium-Ion Storage.

Hard-soft carbon hybrid materials, harvesting the expanded interlayer spacing of hard carbon and the high conductivity of soft carbon, hold great promise as anode materials for potassium-ion batteries, but efficient and precise structural control remains a major challenge. Herein, hollow porous bowl-like hard-soft carbon hybrid materials (BHSCs) are facilely synthesized by an in situ hard-template strategy. It is found that the outer and inner walls of the hard carbon bowls are uniformly wrapped by graphene-like soft carbon, which accelerates electron transport and promotes the insertion of potassium ions. Finite element simulation further reveals that the soft-hard-soft carbon shell structure releases stress during the insertion of potassium ions. As a result, BHSC anode exhibits an extraordinary rate capability (209 mAh g-1 at 10 A g-1 ) and excellent cycle stability with a capacity of 208 mAh g-1 after 5000 cycles at 2 A g-1 . Impressively, the as-assembled potassium-ion hybrid capacitor based on BHSC anode delivers a great energy/power density (116 Wh kg-1 /12980 W kg-1 ) and outstanding capacity retention of 83% after 8000 cycles. This work provides guidance for rational structural design of hard-soft carbon hybrid materials to improve their potassium-ion storage performance.

Thermal Induced Conversion of CoFe Prussian Blue Analogs Nanocubes Wrapped by Doped Carbon Network Exhibiting Fast and Stable Potassium Ion Storage as Anode.

Prussian blue analogs (PBAs) show great promise as anode materials for potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) due to their high specific capacity. However, PBAs still suffer from the drawbacks of low electronic conductivity and poor structural stability, leading to inadequate rate and cyclic performance. To address these limitations, CoFe PBA nanocubes wrapped with N/S doped carbon network (CoFe PBA@NSC) as anode for PIBs is designed by using thermal-induced in situ conversion strategy. As expected, the structural advantages of nanosized PBA cubes, such as abundant interfaces and large surface area, enable the CoFe PBA@NSC electrode to demonstrate superior rate properties (557 and 131 mAh g-1 at 0.05 and 10 A g-1 ) and low capacity degradation (0.093% per cycle over 1000 cycles at 0.5 A g-1 ). Furthermore, several ex situ characterizations revealed the K-ion storage mechanism. Fe+ and Co0 are generated during potassicization, followed by a completely reversible chemical state of iron while some cobalt monomers remained during depotassication. Additionally, the as-built potassium-ion hybrid capacitor based on CoFe PBA@NSC anode exhibits a high energy density of 118 Wh kg-1 . This work presents an alternative but promising synthesis route for Prussian blue analogs, which is significant for the advancement of PIBs and other related energy storage devices.

Transparent metal oxide interlayer enabling durable and fast-switching zinc anode-based electrochromic devices.

Growing energy and environmental challenges have imposed higher requirements for the development of novel multifunctional energy storage and energy-saving devices. Electrochromic devices having similar configurations and working mechanisms with secondary batteries exhibit promising applications in dual-functional electrochromic-energy storage (ECES) devices. Electrochromic Prussian blue (PB) as typical battery cathodes are of great interest for ECES devices although they suffer from poor stability and limited capacity. In this study, a transparent metal oxide (NiO nanosheets) interlayer was incorporated to enhance the structural stability and capacity of PB while offering enlarged optical modulation (ΔT) and accelerated switching kinetics in the NiO/PB film. Impressively, the NiO/PB nanocomposite film exhibited a high areal capacity of 50 mA h m-2 and excellent electrochemical stability, simultaneously manifesting a large ΔT (73.2% at 632.8 nm), fast switching time (tc = 1.4 s, tb = 2.6 s) and higher coloration efficiency (CE = 54.9 cm2 C-1), surpassing those of the bare PB film (ΔT = 69.1% at 632.8 nm, tc = 1.6 s, tb = 4.1 s, CE = 50.9 cm2 C-1). Finally, a prototype zinc anode-based electrochromic device assembled with NiO/PB nanocomposite film exhibited a self-bleaching function and ΔT retention of up to 92% after 1000 cycles, and a 100 cm2 large area device was also demonstrated for high performance. Such a transparent metal oxide interlayer has enabled the construction of durable and fast-switching dual-functional zinc anode-based electrochromic devices and will inspire more efforts in designing novel multifunctional ECES devices.

IbINV Positively Regulates Resistance to Black Rot Disease Caused by Ceratocystis fimbriata in Sweet Potato.

Black rot disease, caused by Ceratocystis fimbriata Ellis & Halsted, severely affects both plant growth and post-harvest storage of sweet potatoes. Invertase (INV) enzymes play essential roles in hydrolyzing sucrose into glucose and fructose and participate in the regulation of plant defense responses. However, little is known about the functions of INV in the growth and responses to black rot disease in sweet potato. In this study, we identified and characterized an INV-like gene, named IbINV, from sweet potato. IbINV contained a pectin methylesterase-conserved domain. IbINV transcripts were most abundant in the stem and were significantly induced in response to C. fimbriata, salicylic acid, and jasmonic acid treatments. Overexpressing IbINV in sweet potato (OEV plants) led to vigorous growth and high resistance to black rot disease, while the down-regulation of IbINV by RNA interference (RiV plants) resulted in reduced plant growth and high sensitivity to black rot disease. Furthermore, OEV plants contained a decreased sucrose content and increased hexoses content, which might be responsible for the increased INV activities; not surprisingly, RiV plants showed the opposite effects. Taken together, these results indicate that IbINV positively regulates plant growth and black rot disease resistance in sweet potato, mainly by modulating sugar metabolism.

Three sesquiterpene lactones suppress lung adenocarcinoma by blocking TMEM16A-mediated Ca2+-activated Cl- channels.

Transmembrane protein TMEM16A, which encodes calcium-activated chloride channel has been implicated in tumorigenesis. Overexpression of TMEM16A is associated with poor prognosis and low overall survival in multiple cancers including lung adenocarcinoma, making it a promising biomarker and therapeutic target. In this study, three structure-related sesquiterpene lactones (mecheliolide, costunolide and dehydrocostus lactone) were extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Aucklandiae Radix and identified as novel TMEM16A inhibitors with comparable inhibitory effects. Their effects on the proliferation and migration of lung adenocarcinoma cells were examined. Whole-cell patch clamp experiments showed that these sesquiterpene lactones potently inhibited recombinant TMEM16A currents in a concentration-dependent manner. The half-maximal concentration (IC50) values for three tested sesquiterpene lactones were 29.9 ± 1.1 µM, 19.7 ± 0.4 µM, and 24.5 ± 2.1 µM, while the maximal effect (Emax) values were 100.0% ± 2.8%, 85.8% ± 0.9%, and 88.3% ± 4.6%, respectively. These sesquiterpene lactones also significantly inhibited the endogenous TMEM16A currents and proliferation, and migration of LA795 lung cancer cells. These results demonstrate that mecheliolide, costunolide and dehydrocostus lactone are novel TMEM16A inhibitors and potential candidates for lung adenocarcinoma therapy.