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The transmission of infectious diseases on a particular network is ubiquitous in the physical world. Here, we investigate the transmission mechanism of infectious diseases with an incubation period using a networked compartment model that contains simplicial interactions, a typical high-order structure. We establish a simplicial SEIRS model and find that the proportion of infected individuals in equilibrium increases due to the many-body connections, regardless of the type of connections used. We analyze the dynamics of the established model, including existence and local asymptotic stability, and highlight differences from existing models. Significantly, we demonstrate global asymptotic stability using the neural Lyapunov function, a machine learning technique, with both numerical simulations and rigorous analytical arguments. We believe that our model owns the potential to provide valuable insights into transmission mechanisms of infectious diseases on high-order network structures, and that our approach and theory of using neural Lyapunov functions to validate model asymptotic stability can significantly advance investigations on complex dynamics of infectious disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a lithium-ion battery cathode material with high theoretical capacity, the application of V2O5 is limited by its unstable structure and low intrinsic conductivity. In this paper, we report a Fe doped V2O5 nanowire with a layered structure of 200–300 nm diameter prepared by electrostatic spinning technique. The 3Fe-V2O5 electrode exhibited a superb capacity of 436.9 mAh g−1 in the first cycle when tested in the voltage range of 2.0–4.0 V at current density of 100 mA g–1, far exceeding its theoretical capacity (294 mAh g−1), and the high capacity of 312 mAh g−1 was still maintained after 50 cycles. The superb performance is mainly attributed to its unique layered nanowire structure and the enhanced electrical conductivity as well as optimized structure brought by Fe-doping. This work made the homogeneous doping and nanosizing of the material easily achieved through electrostatic spinning technology, leading to an increase in the initial capacity of the V2O5 cathode material and the cycling stability compared to the pure V2O5, which is an extremely meaningful exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To study the prediction of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in high-risk pregnant women by testing fasting blood glucose, 1-h(1hPG) and 2-h plasma glucose (2hPG) after an oral glucose tolerance test, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in early pregnancy (6–14 weeks). Methods: We recruited 1311 pregnant women at high risk for diabetes from the Obstetrics Clinic of Daxing District People's Hospital between June 2017 and December 2019. The tests performed during the first trimester included fasting blood glucose (FPG), HbA1c, and 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) with 1hPG and 2hPG. Seventy-three pregnant women diagnosed with pregestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM) early in pregnancy and 36 who were missed in the second trimester were excluded. A total of 1202 women were followed up until 24–28 weeks for GDM. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and area under the ROC curve (AUC) were calculated to determine the predictive values of FPG, 1hPG, 2hPG, and HbA1c for GDM in early pregnancy in high-risk pregnant women. Results: The AUC for 1hPG for the prediction of GDM in high-risk pregnant women was greater than those for FPG, 2hPG, and HbA1c. All differences were significant. The AUCs for the predictive values of FPG, 1hPG, 2hPG, and HbA1c in high-risk pregnant women were 0.63, 0.76, 0.71, and 0.67, respectively. The prevalence of PGDM among pregnant women at high risk of diabetes was 5.6%. Conclusion: First-trimester levels of FPG, 1hPG, 2hPG, and HbA1c in high-risk women are significant predictors of GDM, with 1hPG having the most significant predictive value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial photocatalysis offers a clean approach for producing H2O2. However, the poor selectivity and activity of H2O2 production hamper traditional industrial applications and emerging photodynamic therapy (PDT)/chemodynamic therapy (CDT). Herein, we report a C5N2 photocatalyst with a conjugated C=N linkage for selective and efficient non‐sacrificial H2O2 production in both normoxic and hypoxic systems. The strengthened delocalization of π‐electrons by linkers in C5N2 downshifted the band position, thermodynamically eliminating side H2 evolution reaction and kinetically promoting water oxidation. As a result, C5N2 had a competitive solar‐to‐chemical conversion efficiency of 0.55 % in overall H2O2 production and exhibited by far the highest activity under hypoxic conditions (698 μM h−1). C5N2 was further applied to hypoxic PDT/CDT with outstanding performance in apparent cancer cell death and synchronous bioimaging. The study sheds light on the photosynthesis of H2O2 by carbon nitrides for health applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial photocatalysis offers a clean approach for producing H2O2. However, the poor selectivity and activity of H2O2 production hamper traditional industrial applications and emerging photodynamic therapy (PDT)/chemodynamic therapy (CDT). Herein, we report a C5N2 photocatalyst with a conjugated C=N linkage for selective and efficient non‐sacrificial H2O2 production in both normoxic and hypoxic systems. The strengthened delocalization of π‐electrons by linkers in C5N2 downshifted the band position, thermodynamically eliminating side H2 evolution reaction and kinetically promoting water oxidation. As a result, C5N2 had a competitive solar‐to‐chemical conversion efficiency of 0.55 % in overall H2O2 production and exhibited by far the highest activity under hypoxic conditions (698 μM h−1). C5N2 was further applied to hypoxic PDT/CDT with outstanding performance in apparent cancer cell death and synchronous bioimaging. The study sheds light on the photosynthesis of H2O2 by carbon nitrides for health applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The difluorobenzothiadizole (ffBT) unit is one of the most classic electron‐accepting building blocks used to construct D‐A copolymers for applications in organic solar cells (OSCs). Historically, ffBT‐based polymers have achieved record power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) in fullerene‐based OSCs owing to their strong temperature‐dependent aggregation (TDA) characteristics. However, their excessive miscibility and rapid aggregation kinetics during film formation have hindered their performance with state‐of‐the‐art non‐fullerene acceptors (NFAs). Herein, we synthesized two ffBT‐based copolymers, PffBT‐2T and PffBT‐4T, incorporating different π‐bridges to modulate intermolecular interactions and aggregation tendencies. Experimental and theoretical studies revealed that PffBT‐4T exhibits reduced electrostatic potential differences and miscibility with L8‐BO compared to PffBT‐2T. This facilitates improved phase separation in the active layer, leading to enhanced molecular packing and optimized morphology. Moreover, PffBT‐4T demonstrated a prolonged nucleation and crystal growth process, leading to enhanced molecular packing and optimized morphology. Consequently, PffBT‐4T‐based devices achieved a remarkable PCE of 17.5 %, setting a new record for ffBT‐based photovoltaic polymers. Our findings underscore the importance of conjugate backbone modulation in controlling aggregation behavior and film formation kinetics, providing valuable insights for the design of high‐performance polymer donors in organic photovoltaics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlling complex dynamical systems has garnered significant attention within academic circles in recent decades. While most existing works have focused on closed-loop control schemes with infinite-time durations, this paper introduces a novel finite-time, closed-loop stochastic controller that considers control time, energy consumption, and their dependence on system parameters. This stochastic control technique not only enables finite-time control in chaotic dynamical systems but also facilitates finite-time synchronization in unidirectionally coupled systems. Importantly, our proposed scheme offers several advantages over existing deterministic finite-time controllers, particularly in terms of time and energy consumption. Through numerical experiments utilizing random ecosystems, neural networks, and Lorenz systems, we provide evidence of the effectiveness of our analytical results. We anticipate that this stochastic scheme will find wide-ranging applications in the control of complex dynamical systems and in achieving network synchronization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The CaTi (1-x) (Al 0.5 Nb 0.5) x SiO 5 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1) ceramics were prepared by the conventional solid-state method. Al and Nb co-doping improved the high temperature stability of the CaTiSiO 5 material and no obvious phase transition was found at temperature up to 623 K for x ≥ 0.03. A dielectric constant of 53, dielectric loss of 0.001, resistivity of 8.5 × 1013 Ω cm, and breakdown strength of 1064.7 kV/cm was obtained for the CaTi 0.97 (Al 0.5 Nb 0.5) 0.03 SiO 5 ceramics at room-temperature. The dielectric constant is stable over a wide temperature range and a resistivity of 9.0 × 1010 Ω cm could still be achieved up to 573 K. The P-E loops measurements showed that energy storage efficiencies of 96% and 88.6% could be obtained at room-temperature and 453 K, respectively, for the CaTi 0.97 (Al 0.5 Nb 0.5) 0.03 SiO 5 ceramics. The excellent dielectric properties at elevated temperature indicate that titanite based ceramics stabilized by Al and Nb co-doping could be promising candidates for high temperature ceramic capacitors application. • The pure high-temperature monoclinic A2 1 /a phase of doped CaTiSiO 5 was obtained. • Co-doping of Al3+ and Nb5+ ions stabilizes the crystal phase at elevated temperatures up to 623 K. • Stable dielectric constant and high resistivity are achieved over a wide temperature range up to 573 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Berberine hydrochloride (BHC), a natural isoquinoline alkaloid, is widely applied as a an agent in traditional Chinese medicine. Almost all the traditional methods for BHC detection require complicated preprocessing steps or expensive instruments. In this article, we report a simple, rapid, sensitive, and selective method for BHC detection using fluorescent gold nanoclusters (F-AuNCs) as the fluorescent probe with a large Stokes shift of 237 nm. The F-AuNCs prepared with citrate-stabilized stannous chloride and hydrogen tetrachloroaurate(III) as raw materials in an aqueous medium display strong and stable fluorescence at 566 nm. When F-AuNCs are mixed with BHC, the fluorescence of F-AuNCs is effectively quenched. Under optimized conditions, this method allows sensitive and selective measurements of BHC in a concentration ranging from 1.0 × 10-6 to 1.0 × 10-4 mol L-1 with a detection limit of 7.5 × 10-8 mol L-1, which is relatively low among reported spectral methods. This method provides excellent selectivity for the detection of BHC against inorganic anions and natural amino acids. In addition, the BHC content in two different types of berberine tablets was successfully determined by this method and the results showed high accuracy.ᅟ [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the complex structure and large size of multiple axes rotary spindle heads and the small workspace of parallel modules, a 5-degree of freedom (DOF) hybrid robot is proposed, which is a symmetrical 4-limb parallel module in series with a single axis rotary spindle head. Screw theory was used to analyze the mobility and kinematics of the hybrid mechanism. The singularity of the symmetrical 4-limb parallel module was studied, and the analysis results were verified by the Grassmann linear geometry principle. According to the singularity analysis results, the kinematic pairs' positions of the robot were determined, so the hybrid robot model was constructed. Considering the workspace volume, and optimizing the Latin hypercube sample algorithm, a combinatorial numerical optimization algorithm is proposed to optimize dimension parameters of this hybrid robot, which combines non-linear programming by quadratic Lagrangian (NLPQL) algorithm with the optimized Latin hypercube sampling (Opt LHS) algorithm. Through this optimization algorithm, the workspace volume of the robot is increased by 1.93 times. The research method in this paper is also suitable for the analysis and optimization of other hybrid robots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thiophosphate (SPO3) was recently shown to promote cysteine insertion at Sec (selenocysteine)-encoding UGA codons during selenoprotein synthesis. We reported previously that irreversible targeting by cDDP [cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) or cisplatin] of the Sec residue in TrxR1 (thioredoxin reductase 1) contributes to cDDP cytotoxicity. This effect could possibly be attenuated in cells expressing less reactive Sec-to-cysteinesubstituted TrxR1 variants, or pronounced in cells with higher levels of Sec-containing TrxR1. To test this, we supplemented cells with either SPO3 or selenium and subsequently determined total as well as specific activities of cellular TrxR1, together with extent of drug-induced cell death. We found that cDDP became less cytotoxic after incubation of A549 or HCT116 cells with lower SPO3 concentrations (100-300 µM), whereas higher SPO3 (>300 µM) had pronounced direct cytotoxicity. NIH 3T3 cells showed low basal TrxR1 activity and high susceptibility to SPO3 cytotoxicity, or to glutathione depletion. Supplementing NIH 3T3 cells with selenite, however, gave increased cellular TrxR1 activity with concomitantly decreased dependence on glutathione, whereas the susceptibility to cDDP increased. The results suggest molecular mechanisms by which the selenium status of cells can affect their glutathione dependence while modulating the cytotoxicity of drugs that target TrxR1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to explore the wear mechanism of single cBN-WC-10Co fiber cutter in machining of Ti-6Al-4V alloy, this study performs scratch tests, and develops a theoretical model based on the evaluation of cutting performance. The scratch and wear morphologies of the fiber cutter are analyzed by an optical profilometer and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The wear behavior of the fiber cutter is evaluated comprehensively in terms of cutting forces, the wear morphology of fiber and the profile of scratches with respect to cutting passes. The presented study finds that the wear of the single fiber cutter shows three types, i.e., (1) wear at the cutting edge; (2) abrasion on the local flank face; and (3) abrasion on the new flank face. The identified types of the wear are progressed at three wear stages with different cutting passes. Furthermore, when the number of cutting passes is increased from 1 to 65, the pile-up ratio is increased from 0.11% to 9.95%; while the surface roughness over the scratch is increased from 1.30 μm to 3.73 μm. Accompanying by the increase of cutting passes and the growth of the fiber wear, the cutting force and the normal to tangential force ratio are gradually increased. The machining efficiency and the quality of the machined surfaces are decreased when the local flank face or the new flank face is developed. The mechanical model of the single fiber cutter is established for the machining of Ti-6Al-4V alloy, and a theoretical wear model is developed to give the rationales of the acquired data of wear and cutting forces from experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To evaluate the effect of hemp cotton sanitary pads on the vaginal microecology. Methods. A randomized controlled field trial was used to recruit 1002 community-based women of childbearing age. The women were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group used hemp cotton sanitary pads, while the control group used two types of cotton sanitary randomly chosen from the top five sanitary pads in terms of market share in China. The vaginal microecology was compared between the two groups after three months. Results. According to the vaginal microecologic examination results at baseline, 1002 women were included in 3 groups: normal vaginal microecologic, vaginal microecological disorders, and suspected vaginal infections. The number of patients in three groups were 39 (3.9%), 652 (65.1%), and 311 (31%), respectively. Three months later, the vaginal microecologic status and vaginal pH value of the suspected vaginal infection group were not significantly different between the experimental group and control group. The experimental group outperformed the control group with respect to vaginal cleanliness and vaginal microecology status in the women without a vaginal infection (normal vaginal microecology or microecological disorders group). The rate of abnormal cleanliness in the experimental group was lower than the control group (31.95% [108/338] vs. 43.62% [154/353]). The incidence of suspected vaginitis in the experimental group was lower than the control group (15.29% [51/338] vs. 23.51% [83/353]). Conclusion. For women without vaginal inflammation, the use of hemp cotton sanitary pads during menstruation can help maintain the balance of the vaginal microecology to prevent reproductive tract infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dual-band stealth fabric was prepared by the specific procedure, as stated below: firstly, doping the polyaniline-plated hollow glass microspheres (PANI/HGMs) with the ZnO nanoparticles; subsequently, coating the aforesaid obtained substance on the Ag-deposited cellulose fabric. PANI/HGMs were produced via the in-situ polymerization of the polyaniline (PANI). And besides, the Ag-deposited cellulose fabric was prepared by the magnetron sputtering system. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to characterize the surface morphology of the coated fabric. Intended for the evaluation of the stealth effect, the infrared thermal imaging instrument and electromagnetic stealth tester were employed. The micro-structure during the reaction of coated fabric was verified through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and x-ray diffraction (XRD). Not only the temperature difference between upper and lower surfaces but also the results of thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) further express the thermal stability. The coated fabric shows favorable infrared (IR) stealth effect and excellent electromagnetic interference (EMI) stealth effect, under the synergy of PANI, Ag mirror structure and ZnO nanoparticles. In addition, the EMI effect of − 50 dB can be realized at the band of 0–3 GHZ, that's because the PANI absorbs the microwaves and the silver reflects a large number of microwaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aimed to determine the association between serum receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (sRANKL) levels and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in Chinese patients. Methods: The PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Chinese Biomedical Database, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP, and Wan Fang databases were searched for studies conducted before October 1, 2020, without language restrictions. STATA version 12.0 and Revman version 5.3 were used to analyze the data. The standard mean differences (SMDs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated. Results: Twelve clinical case–control studies, including 585 patients with AS and 423 healthy controls, were included. The combined SMD for sRANKL suggested that the sRANKL level was significantly higher in Chinese patients with AS than in healthy controls (SMD: 3.27, 95% CI 2.11–4.43, P < 0.00001). Serum RANKL-related factor osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels (SMD: 0.86, 95% CI 0.09–1.64, P < 0.03) were lower in the Chinese patients with AS than in healthy controls, and the RANKL/OPG ratio (SMD = 1.05, 95% CI 0.64–1.46, P < 0.00001) in Chinese patients with AS was approximately the same as that of healthy controls. Subgroup analysis indicated that patients from North and South China had higher sRANKL levels than controls; the sRANKL levels of patients from South China were higher in the subgroup with a Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) of > 4 than those of patients in other subgroups. In terms of duration, patients with AS for > 8 years had higher sRANKL levels than health controls. Other subgroup analyses were conducted by region, language, source of control, age, and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI). In these subgroups, the sRANKL levels were significantly higher in the patients with AS than in healthy controls. The BASFI and BASDAI were sources of heterogeneity. Conclusions: The sRANKL levels are higher in Chinese patients with AS, especially among those from South China. sRANKL levels may be positively correlated with the pathogenesis of AS among Chinese patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We evaluated the association between monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and osteoarthritis. Methods: We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP (Chinese database), and Wan Fang (Chinese database) (before May 10, 2020), with no language limitations. STATA version 12.0 and Revman version 5.3 were used for data analysis. The standard mean difference (SMD) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated. Nine clinical studies, including 376 patients with osteoarthritis and 306 healthy controls, were evaluated. Results: The combined SMDs of MCP-1 expression levels suggested that MCP-1 expression was significantly higher in patients with osteoarthritis than healthy controls (SMD = 1.97, 95% CI = 0.66–3.28, p = 0.003). Moreover, subgroup analysis implied that osteoarthritis patients from both Asians and mixed populations had higher MCP-1 expression levels than controls, whereas Caucasians did not (p > 0.05). Serum MCP-1 levels (SMD = 2.83, 95% CI = 1.07–4.6, p < 0.00001) were significantly higher in patients with osteoarthritis than in controls; however, this difference was not significant in synovial fluid and cartilage tissue. Subgroup analysis for ethnicity showed that MCP-1 levels were significantly higher in Chinese, Dutch, and Brazilian patients with osteoarthritis than in control groups, although significant differences were not observed for American and Italian subgroups. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis demonstrated that MCP-1 expression levels were higher in patients with osteoarthritis than in healthy controls and that MCP-1 may play important roles in the progression of osteoarthritis. Serum MCP-1 levels may serve as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of osteoarthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) is an α-arrestin that can bind to and inhibit the antioxidant protein thioredoxin (TXN). TXNIP expression is induced by glucose and promotes β-cell apoptosis in the pancreas, and deletion of its gene in mouse models protects against diabetes. TXNIP is currently studied as a potential new target for antidiabetic drug therapy. In this study, we describe a family with a mutation in the TXNIP gene leading to nondetectable expression of TXNIP protein. Symptoms of affected family members include lactic acidosis and low serum methionine levels. Using patient-derived TXNIP-deficient fibroblasts and myoblasts, we show that oxidative phosphorylation is impaired in these cells when given glucose and pyruvate but normalized with malate. Isolated mitochondria from these cells appear to have normal respiratory function. The cells also display a transcriptional pattern suggestive of a high basal activation of the Nrf2 transcription factor. We conclude that a complete lack of TXNIP in human is nonlethal and leads to specific metabolic distortions that are, at least in part, linked to a deficient respiration on pyruvate. The results give important insights into the impact of TXNIP in humans and thus help to further advance the development of antidiabetic drugs targeting this protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benefiting from its unique high theoretical capacity and energy density, V 6 O 13 is considered an outstanding cathode candidate. Nevertheless, the lithium ions will form Li x V 6 O 13 when embedded in V 6 O 13 , resulting in volume expansion and crystal structure instability. For that reason, the construction of three-dimensional nanostructures is an awfully serviceable method to resolve the above problems. Herein, we adopt a green and convenient hydrothermal method to synthesize three-dimensional microsphere structure composed of nanoflakes, and flower-like V 6 O 13 microspheres are synthesized by adjusting the concentration of nitric acid (HNO 3). Meanwhile, the formation mechanism of flower-like V 6 O 13 microspheres is investigated by controlling the hydrothermal reaction time and the concentration of HNO 3. As a lithium-ion cathode material, flower-like V 6 O 13 microspheres show an initial discharge specific capacity of up to 368.1 mAh/g at a current density of 0.1 A/g. There was still a discharge specific capacity of up to 313.1 mAh/g after 50 charge/discharge cycles, with a capacity retention rate of 85.1%. The flower-like V 6 O 13 microsphere electrode also combines an excellent rate performance with a satisfactory cycling stability, which achieves a cycle retention rate of 80.2% even after 200 charge/discharge cycles, and an initial discharge specific capacity of 216.9 mA/g even at a high current density of 1 A/g. The results show that, benefitting from its large specific surface area and robust three-dimensional structure, the flower-like V 6 O 13 microsphere electrode material exhibits excellent cycling performance, and the lithium-ion batteries which use it as the cathode material perform equally well in terms of high capacity and high rate. • The flower-like V 6 O 13 microsphere simple and green hydrothermal method. • The flower-like V 6 O 13 microsphere possesses a stable structure a larger specific surface area. • The flower-like V 6 O 13 microsphere electrode exhibits a high specific capacity of 368.1 mAh/g for Li-ion battery. • Even after 200 cycles at 1000 mA/g, the capacity retention rate still retains 80.2%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Mn and K co-doped LiFePO 4 were synthesized by a rapid solvothermal method. • The contribution of doping elements is discussed in detail in conjunction with density functional theory (DFT). • A failure model for Mn dissolution was constructed to discuss the synergistic effect of double doping. • Mn and K co-doped LFP (KLMFP) exhibit excellent electrochemical properties. Mn and K co-doped lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode materials are obtained by an expedient solvothermal method. The contributions of the two doped elements to the LFP are discussed in detail by density functional theory (DFT) calculations and several characterizations. The presence of Mn improves the energy band and diffusion kinetics, while the stabilized structure and the widened diffusion channel are attributed to K. Benefiting from the expanded ion channels and stable structure that resulting from the doping treatment, the LFP cathode exhibits a remarkable capacity of 145 mAh·g−1 at 5 C and demonstrates a 96% retention rate after 400 cycles. In particular, the interaction between the two doping elements, which is less mentioned in other literature is discussed by building a failure model of the control group. The samples co-doped with K and Mn (KLMFP) showed better electrochemical performance than the other groups in cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and charge–discharge cycling tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heteroatom doping has always been a common modification method for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) cathodes. The addition of guest heteroatoms to the material can adjust the microstructure of the host material, and enlarge the lattice spacing or form the vacancy defect of oxygen, which can effectively improve the Electrochemical performance of materials. Herein, CO 2 -modified VO 2 (B) nanorods were synthesized via a simple one-step hydrothermal method. Thanks to the extended layer spacing in VO 2 (B) that results from CO 2 small molecules, the synthesized CO 2 -VO 2 electrode exhibits a high initial capacity of 251.1 mA g−1 at 100 mA g−1, and a capacity retention of 81.8 % after 80 cycles. It is worth noting that the CO 2 -VO 2 electrode also has a high rate capacity (170.0 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1), and the capacity recovery rate can reach 84.5 % even under the condition of variable current. Further studies showed that the role of CO 2 small molecules as a pillar in the interlayer of VO 2 (B) and a weak electrostatic attraction between O CO2 and Li+ existed, resulting in a robust crystal structure and convenient Li-ion diffusion conditions during the (de)intercalation of lithium ions in VO 2 (B). This study opens the way for further exploration of the application of small molecule doping in the field of lithium-ion batteries. [Display omitted] • CO 2 -VO 2 nanobelts are synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal method. • CO 2 -VO 2 nanobelts electrode exhibits a high specific capacity of 251 mAh/g for Li-ion battery. • The embedding of CO 2 enlarges the interplanar spacing of VO 2 (B) and diffusion coefficient. • O CO2 and Li+ form a weak electrostatic force between them, accelerating the diffusion of the Li+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vanadium oxide V 2 O 5 •4VO 2 cathode material has aroused significant interest due to its high theoretical capacity and wide availability. However, the poor rate and cycle performance of the V 2 O 5 •4VO 2 electrode severely hindered its further application in high-energy density lithium-ion batteries. Herein, a kind of Al/Mn co-doped V 2 O 5 •4VO 2 prepared via facile solvothermal method combined with annealing process was reported. Theoretical and experimental results reveal that [AlO 6 ] and [MnO 6 ] not only serve as an octahedral pillar to extend the interlayer spacing, but introduce oxygen vacancies that provide more lithium ion active sites and higher ionic and electronic conductivity in lithium ion (de)intercalation process. Paired with lithium metal anode, Al/Mn co-doped V 2 O 5 •4VO 2 cathode exhibits better performance metrics of 322.5 mAh/g at 0.1 A/g, 91.7% capacity retention after 50 cycles, and 195.8 mAh/g after 200 cycles at a current density of 1 A/g, while the values corresponding to the pure phase V 2 O 5 •4VO 2 are 248.7 mAh/g, 66.9% as well as 97.7 mAh/g respectively. Actually, the insight into the performance of potential electrode materials improved by double ion doping was provided in the present work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Selenoproteins are rare proteins among all kingdoms of life containing the 21 st amino acid, selenocysteine. Selenocysteine resembles cysteine, differing only by the substitution of selenium for sulfur. Yet the actual advantage of selenolate- versus thiolate-based catalysis has remained enigmatic, as most of the known selenoproteins also exist as cysteine-containing homologs. Here, we demonstrate that selenolate-based catalysis of the essential mammalian selenoprotein GPX4 is unexpectedly dispensable for normal embryogenesis. Yet the survival of a specific type of interneurons emerges to exclusively depend on selenocysteine-containing GPX4, thereby preventing fatal epileptic seizures. Mechanistically, selenocysteine utilization by GPX4 confers exquisite resistance to irreversible overoxidation as cells expressing a cysteine variant are highly sensitive toward peroxide-induced ferroptosis. Remarkably, concomitant deletion of all selenoproteins in Gpx4 cys/cys cells revealed that selenoproteins are dispensable for cell viability provided partial GPX4 activity is retained. Conclusively, 200 years after its discovery, a specific and indispensable role for selenium is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenoproteins, present in various organisms, including man, are rare proteins containing the 21 st amino acid selenocysteine. Since selenocysteine and cysteine differ only by the substitution of selenium to sulfur, the actual advantage of selenolate- versus thiolate-based catalysis has remained enigmatic, as most of the known selenoproteins exist as Cys-containing homologs in varying organisms. It has been proposed that the main advantage of selenocysteine is the inherently higher nucleophilicity of selenium allowing a higher enzymatic activity compared to thiol-based catalysis yet this has been a matter of controversy. Here we show that a selenocysteine to cysteine substitution in glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), an essential selenoprotein in mammals, unexpectedly allows proper embryogenesis in mice. Yet, the loss of parvalbumin-positive interneurons causes early death of animals and development of severe epileptic seizures, demonstrating that this specific type of interneurons exclusively depends on selenolate-based catalysis in GPX4. Mechanistic studies provided evidence that unlike wildtype GPX4 the GPX4-cys variant is inherently sensitive to overoxidation by hydroperoxides. Specifically, hydroperoxides were able to trigger ferroptosis in GPX4-cys mutants but not in wildtype GPX4. Remarkably, a cellular system devoid of any selenoproteins could be generated in the GPX4-cys background, revealing that selenoprotein expression is not required for cell viability when partial GPX4 activity is provided. Conclusively, this study presents a new perspective to the biological role of selenium in mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]