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[Display omitted] The rational design and synthesis of carbon nanocages with highly complex porous structures are continuously facing challenges in the development of high-performance supercapacitors (SCs). The electrochemical performance characteristics of electrodes rely on their compositions and fabrication methods. Here, we propose a universal and efficient approach for the in-situ synthesis of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) on porous carbonized wood, where the selective utilization of hexacarbonyl molybdenum protects the structural integrity of the ZIF-8 precursor, preventing collapse during thermal treatment. The subsequent pyrolysis process leads to the formation of small-sized molybdenum carbide (MoC) which are embedded in carbon nanocages (CN). The composite electrode consists of MoC/CN embedded in a porous carbonized wood (PCW), and it shows area-specific capacity of 9.7F cm−2 and 9.4 F cm−2 at 5 mA cm−2 and 30 mA cm−2, respectively. Subsequently, the symmetric supercapacitor, with two MoC/CN@PCW electrodes exhibits a areal specific capacitance of 2.7 F cm−2 at 5 mA cm−2. Moreover, this supercapacitor maintains an capacitance retention rate of 98.5 % after 12,000 discharge cycles. The supercapacitor exhibits a power density of 6.5 mW cm−2, resulting in an energy density of 0.864 mWh cm−2. Therefore, the utilization of wood-based electrodes holds promise for energy storage systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The herbicide "fomesafen" causes phytotoxicity to the rotational wheat crop and may reduce its yield. Considering that biochar may improve remediation and biophysical conditions of the contaminated soil environments to benefit plant growth. Here, we investigated the impacts of three levels of the wheat straw-derived biochar (1%, 2%, and 4% (w/w)) on growth, physiological properties, and rhizosphere microbial communities of the wheat (Triticum aestivum) seedlings under the fomesafen stress using high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that biochar amended into soil significantly reduced the uptake of wheat to fomesafen and thereby eliminate its toxicity to wheat seedlings. Moreover, biochar increased the abundance and diversity of plant beneficial bacterial and fungal taxa in the rhizosphere of wheat seedlings. Compared with the three addition amounts, amendment with 2% of biochar has the best effects to reduce the toxicity of fomesafen on wheat seedlings and maintain the balance of soil microbial community structure in soil contaminated with fomesafen (1.0 mg kg−1). Overall, our results suggest that the level of biochar application influences the structure and diversity of soil microbiome (and mycobiome) and plant performance under abiotic stress conditions. Graphical abstract fx1 Highlights • Biochar reduces fomesafen toxicity and improves wheat plant performance. • Biochar reduces the uptake of fomesafen by wheat roots. • Biochar increases soil microbiome and mycobiome diversity. • Biochar promotes beneficial root-microbe interactions under abiotic stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar amendment can be adopted to improve soil substrate, in turn facilitated phytoremediation. However, improvements to the properties of tailings following different feedstocks of biochar amendment in phytoremediation, particularly the impacts on nitrogen cycle and the related nitrogen-fixing microorganisms remain unclear. In this study, a 100-day pot experiment was designed to determine the co-effects of different combinations of woody and non-woody biochar, namely hibiscus cannabinus core biochar (HB), sewage sludge biochar (SB), chicken manure biochar (MB) and two crops (Cassia alata L., Boehmeria nivea L.). It was found that, on the one hand, biochar amendment directly immobilized heavy metal (loid) contamination in the tailings; on the other hand, biochar amendment, particularly non-woody SB, improved soil properties (i.e., the combination of SB with crops increased the total nitrogen content by 4.7–7.5 times). This indirectly improved phytostabilization (i.e., SB increased crop height 1.5–1.8 fold, root length 3.3–3.7 fold, decreased NH 4 NO 3 -extractable Pb, Cu, Cd and also increased the relative abundance of nitrogen-fixing bacteria such as Mesorhizobium , Bradyrhizobium , and Rhizobium). Besides this, redundant analysis shown that the carbon, nitrogen sources, and pH provided by the biochar were identified as the key factors associated with the nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Through the comprehensive evaluation of different biochar amendment in phytoremediation, it was found that the non-woody SB got higher comprehensive score (3.1–3.6) in biochar amendment in phytoremediation, especially in Boehmeria nivea L. Thus, the combination of non-woody SB and Boehmeria nivea L. improved microbial function, while the microorganisms in turn promoted crop growth. Our results revealed the prospect of using non-woody SB assisted Boehmeria nivea L. for phytoremediation in multi-metal mine tailings. [Display omitted] • Sewage sludge biochar assisted Boehmeria nivea L. recovered the tailings ecosystem. • The nitrogen retention and abundance of nitrogen-fixing bacteria was increased. • The C, N, and pH were the key factors associated with the nitrogen-fixing bacteria. • The mechanisms of biochar amendment in phytoremediation are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationships between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure and health effects are complex and incompletely understood. Evidence suggests that PM2.5 exposure alters gut microbiota composition and metabolites, but the connections between these changes remain unclear. The aim of our study was to investigate how gut microbiota are involved in the systemic metabolic changes following PM2.5 gastrointestinal exposure. We used multi-omics approaches, including 16S rRNA sequencing and serum metabolomics, to identify alterations in gut microbes and metabolites of PM2.5-exposed rats. We then explored correlations between perturbed gut microbiota and metabolic changes, and conducted pathway analyses to determine critical metabolic pathways impacted by PM2.5 exposure. To verify links between gut microbiome and metabolome disruptions, we performed fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiment. A total of 30 differential gut microbe taxa were identified between PM2.5 and control groups, primarily in Firmicutes , Acidobacteria , and Proteobacteria phyla. We also identified 30 differential metabolites, including glycerophospholipids, fatty acyls, amino acids and others. Pathway analysis revealed disruptions in glycerophospholipid metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and linoleic acid metabolism. Through FMT, we confirmed PM2.5 altered phosphatidylcholine and linoleic acid metabolism by changing specific gut bacteria. Our results suggest that PM2.5 gastrointestinal exposure triggers systemic metabolic changes by disrupting the gut microbiome, especially glycerophospholipid and linoleic acid metabolism pathways. [Display omitted] • Multi-omics data was used to investigate the toxicity of PM2.5 in rats. • PM2.5 gastrointestinal exposure can disrupt metabolism and gut microbiota. • GPL/linoleic acid metabolism were linked to gut microbiota in PM2.5 exposed rats. • FMT validated that PM2.5 affects host metabolism through gut microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat stress (HS) has become a serious threat to crop growth and yield. Sulfur dioxide (SO 2) is being verified as a signal molecule in regulating the plant stress response. However, it is unknown whether SO 2 plays a significant role in the plant heat stress response (HSR). Herein, maize seedlings were pretreated with various concentrations of SO 2 and then kept at 45 °C for heat stress treatment, aiming to study the effect of SO 2 pretreatment on HSR in maize by phenotypic, physiological, and biochemical analyses. It was found that SO 2 pretreatment greatly improved the thermotolerance of maize seedlings. The SO 2 -pretreated seedlings showed 30–40% lower ROS accumulation and membrane peroxidation, but 55–110% higher activities of antioxidant enzymes than the distilled water-pretreated seedlings under heat stress. Interestingly, endogenous salicylic acid (SA) levels were increased by ∼85% in SO 2 -pretreated seedlings, as revealed by phytohormone analyses. Furthermore, the SA biosynthesis inhibitor paclobutrazol markedly reduced SA levels and attenuated SO 2 -triggered thermotolerance of maize seedlings. Meanwhile, transcripts of several SA biosynthesis and signaling, and heat stress-responsive genes in SO 2 -pretreated seedlings were significantly elevated under HS. These data have demonstrated that SO 2 pretreatment increased endogenous SA levels, which activated the antioxidant machinery and strengthened the stress defense system, thereby improving the thermotolerance of maize seedlings under HS. Our current study provides a new strategy for mitigating heat stress damage for safe crop production. [Display omitted] • SO 2 pretreatment significantly improved the thermotolerance of maize seedlings. • SO 2 -pretreated seedlings had higher salicylic acid (SA) content under heat stress. • The SA inhibitor markedly attenuated the SO 2 -triggered thermotolerance. • Heat-related genes in SO 2 - pretreated seedlings were transcriptionally activated. • SO 2 may be a new signal molecule in mediating plant thermotolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal transport in Joesphson junctions, particularly, based on topological insulators (TIs), has not been extensively studied so far. Herein, we theoretically investigate the magnetoanisotropic thermal transport in a TI-based Josephson hybrid structure with a ferromagnetic insulator sandwiched between two superconductors (SCs). It is shown that the thermal conductance and current both are considerably sensitive to the orientation and magnitude of the exchange field. In particular, the negative differential thermal conductance is exhibited, which is modulated by the exchange field. More interestingly, zero-energy Andreev bound states are confirmed with the help of the thermal conductance, which in turn demonstrates itself to be of significance in the thermal transport. It is expected that these findings could have potential applications for the energy control in various hybridized mesoscopic systems. • Thermal conductance is sensitive to orientation and magnitude of the exchange field. • The NDTC is exhibited and tuned by the magnitude of the exchange field. • The interplay of zero-energy ABSs and thermal transport has been well inferred. • Our findings can apply to the energy control in hybridized mesoscopic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, STO-coated NCM811 cathode materials were obtained through a facile wet chemical method, exhibiting excellent cyclic stability. Additionally, the STO-coated NCM811 could also mitigate the Li 2 CO 3 generation on the cathode surface by effective isolation from H 2 O and CO 2. Thus, higher specific capacity was retained after long-term storage in the air compared to the uncoated NCM811 sample. Our studies proposed an effective surface modification strategy to enhance the electrochemical performance of layered ternary oxides for high performance-cathodes in commercial LIBs. [Display omitted] Ni-rich layered oxides, such as LiNi 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 O 2 (NCM811), are promising cathode materials for high-energy lithium-ion batteries. However, the relatively high reactivity of Ni in NCM811 cathodes results in severe capacity fading originating from the undesired side reactions that occur at the cathode-electrolyte interface during prolonged cycling. Therefore, the trade-off between high capacity and long cycle life can obstruct the commercialization process of Ni-rich cathodes in modern lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In addition, high sensitivity toward air upon storage greatly limits the commercial application. Herein, a facile surface modification strategy is introduced to enhance the cycling and in-air storage stability of NCM811. The NCM811 with a uniform SrTiO 3 (STO) nano-coating layer exhibited outstanding electrochemical performances that could deliver a high discharge capacity of 173.5 mAh⋅g−1 after 200 cycles under 1C with a capacity retention of 90%. In contrast, the uncoated NCM811 only provided 65% capacity retention of 130.8 mAh⋅g−1 under the same conditions. Structural evolution analysis suggested that the STO coating acted as a buffer layer to suppress the dissolution of transition metal ions caused by the HF attack from the electrolyte and promote the lithium diffusion during the charge–discharge process. In addition, the constructed STO layer prevented the exposure of NCM811 to H 2 O and CO 2 and thus effectively improved the in-air storage stability. This work offers an effective way to enhance the performance stability of Ni-rich oxides for high-performance cathodes of lithium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Combining tetragonal BTO nanoparticles and 2D MXene nanosheets creates BTO-MX, which can degrade 90 % of RhB in 15 min. • MXene nanosheets enhance electrical conductivity and energy conversion rate during advanced oxidation process. • The heterogeneous structure of BTO-MX provides sufficient active sites, aiding in the adsorption and degradation of RhB. • The synergistically piezo-photocatalytic properties enabled by efficient carrier generation and separation in BTO-MX. Piezo-photocatalysis combines photocatalysis and piezoelectric effects to enhance catalytic efficiency by creating an internal electric field in the photocatalyst, improving carrier separation and overall performance. This study presents a high-performance piezo-photocatalyst for efficient dye degradation using a synergistic barium titanate (BTO)-MXene composite. The composite was synthesized via a facile method, combining the unique properties of BTO nanoparticles with the high conductivity of MXene. The structural and morphological analysis confirmed the successful formation of the composite, with well-dispersed BTO nanoparticles on the MXene surface. The piezo-photocatalytic activity of the composite was evaluated using a typical dye solution (Rhodamine B: RhB) under ultraviolet irradiation and mechanical agitation. The results revealed a remarkable enhancement in dye degradation (90 % in 15 min for piezo-photocatalysis) compared to individual stimuli (58.2 % for photocatalysis and 95.8 % in 90 min for piezocatalysis), highlighting the synergistic effects between BTO and MXene. The enhanced catalytic performance was attributed to the efficient charge separation and transfer facilitated by the composite's structure, leading to increased reactive species generation and dye molecule degradation. Furthermore, the composite exhibited excellent stability and reusability, showcasing its potential for practical applications in wastewater treatment. Overall, this work represents a promising strategy for designing high-performance synergistic catalysts, addressing the pressing need for sustainable solutions in environmental remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluopyram, as a reasonably good fungicide and nematicide, is widely used to control agricultural pests worldwide. However, its effects on soil microbial communities and plant growth remain controversial. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of three concentrations (0.5, 1.5, and 5.0 mg/kg) of the fluopyram (Lufuda 41.7% a.i., suspension concentrate, SC) on the pepper rhizosphere microorganisms and pepper seedlings growth in a plant growth room. Moreover, we also investigated the dissipation of fluopyram in the soil, pepper roots, and leaves across a time interval of 45 days. The results showed that fluopyram application increased the number of pepper rhizosphere phosphate (P)-solubilizing bacteria, the abundance of nitrogen (N)-fixing nif H genes, and the pepper seedling growth. The results of terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis demonstrated that fluopyram did not alter rhizosphere bacterial community structure and diversity. However, fluopyram did increase the relative abundances of 138 bp and 400 bp T-RFs closely representing Bacillus and Rhizobium genera that were known as efficient plant growth promoting bacteria with P-solubilization and N-fixation properties. Corresponding to the increase of plant growth and beneficial microbes, the half-lives of fluopyram in soil and plant tissues also decreased that nevertheless suggested the role of plant-microbe interactions in the faster removal of fluopyram after application. Our results suggest that short-lived and easily degradable pesticides may have less toxicological effects on soil health while their judicious use may reshape plant-microbe interactions in favor of the plant growth. • The application of fluopyram increased the pepper plant growth. • Fluopyram increased the number of rhizosphere phosphate-solubilizing bacteria. • Fluopyram increased the abundance of rhizosphere nitrogen-fixing (nif H) genes. • Fluopyram did not alter the rhizosphere bacterial community structure and diversity. • The judicious use of fluopyram was safe to the soil microbes and crop plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dual modification enabled by a thermally treated STO layer served multiple beneficial functions: 1) it prevented direct contact between the Ni-rich cathode and the organic electrolyte, thereby minimizing side reactions and enlarging the cathode lifespan; 2) it improved Li+ conductivity by defining clear Li-ion diffusion pathways, leading to low interfacial resistance and excellent electrochemical performance. [Display omitted] • Dual modifications are achieved with optimized thermal treatment of SrTiO 3 coated Ni-rich cathode material. • The specific capacity, cyclic stability and rate performance of Ni-rich cathode materials are significantly improved. • The SrTiO 3 coating not only protects NCM811 from parasitic reactions and facilitates Li+ diffusion enabled by the Ti interfacial doping. • The electrochemical polarization and internal cracking are reduced with the dual modification. Ni-rich layered structure ternary oxides, such as LiNi 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 O 2 (NCM811), are promising cathode materials for high-energy lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, a trade-off between high capacity and long cycle life still obstructs the commercialization of Ni-rich cathodes in modern LIBs. Herein, a facile dual modification approach for improving the electrochemical performance of NCM811 was enabled by a typical perovskite oxide: strontium titanate (SrTiO 3). With a suitable thermal treatment, the modified cathode exhibited an outstanding electrochemical performance that could deliver a high discharge capacity of 188.5 mAh/g after 200 cycles under 1C with a capacity retention of 90%. The SrTiO 3 (STO) protective layer can effectively suppress the side reaction between the NCM811 and the electrolyte. In the meantime, the pillar effect provided by interfacial Ti doping could effectively reduce the Li+/Ni2+ mixing ratio on the NCM811 surface and offer more efficient Li+ migration between the cathode and the coating layer after post-thermal treatment (≥600 °C). This dual modification strategy not only significantly improves the structural stability of Ni-rich layered structure but also enhances the electrochemical kinetics via increasing diffusion rate of Li+. The electrochemical measurement results further disclosed that the 3 wt% STO coated NCM811 with 600 °C annealing exhibits the best performance compared with other control samples, suggesting an appropriate temperature range for STO coated NCM811 cathode is critical for maintaining a stable structure for the whole system. This work may offer an effective option to enhance the electrochemical performance of Ni-rich cathodes for high-performance LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The crystalline and electronic structures are two important factors for the design of electrocatalysts. In this work, Co-doped MnO electrocatalysts grown on nickel foam (NF) were prepared by a facile hydrothermal reaction, followed by H 2 treatment process. The electrocatalytic performance of MnO was significantly improved after doping with Co and the Co 0.1 Mn 0.9 O-NF sample achieved excellent oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance with low overpotential (370 mV at 10 mA cm−2) and reasonable Tafel slope (85.6 mV dec-1). Significantly, the low work function was obtained in the Co 0.1 Mn 0.9 O-NF sample (4.37 eV), which could accelerate the charge transfer process of the OER activity. The excellent OER performance of the Co 0.1 Mn 0.9 O-NF sample is also attributed to the rich active sites, which improved electrical conductivity and enlarged electrochemical surface areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese cherry is an economically significant fruiting cherry species within Rosaceae family. Soluble sugar and organic acid are crucial factors affecting fruit flavor, while the genetic basis for these traits in Chinese cherry remains largely unknown. In this study, we determined sugar and acid components in 190 and 187 representative hybrids from an intraspecific cross of Chinese cherry over two consecutive years. Fructose and glucose were the major sugars in both progeny and parents, but their contents varied considerably between years. Fructose represented a higher proportion in progeny than in parents. Malic acid was the most predominant component, accounting for a relatively stable proportion (∼70%) for both years. The F 1 population exhibited wide phenotypic variations, with coefficient of variation ranging from 6.57% to 108.63%. Regarding inheritance patterns, sugars tended towards smaller values, while malic acid exhibited significant transgressive heterosis. Sugars and acids were primarily governed by 2 MG-AD or 2 MG-EA model. Major gene heritability exceeded 88% for acids but much lower (12%–75%) for sugars. These results suggest that acid contents might be controlled by two major genes, while sugars are mainly governed by polygenes. This study provides a theoretic basis for understanding genetic predisposition underlying sugar-acid fractions in Chinese cherry fruit. • Fructose and glucose were the major sugars, but their contents varied considerably between years in Chinese cherry progeny. • Fructose exhibited a larger proportion, while glucose represented a lower proportion in F 1 progeny than in parental lines. • Malic acid, the most predominant component, consistently accounted for ∼70% of total acids across both years. • Sugar levels tended towards smaller values, while malic acid demonstrated significant transgressive heterosis. • The major gene heritability exceeded 88% for acids, whereas it was lower (12%–75%) for sugars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A dynamic model for coupled unit-plant structure of PSPS is constructed. • The transient process of HGS is integrated into the unit and plant structure. • The kinetic properties of coupled unit-plant structure are scrutinized. • The grounds behind the unsteady state oscillations on structures are explored. • Suppression laws of MRD on vibration in coupled unit-plant structure are elucidated. The versatile regulatory capacity of pumped storage power station (PSPS) stems from the reversible pumped turbine unit switching between multiple operating conditions. Nevertheless, the unit and plant structure experience heightened vibrations owing to the intricate interplay of hydraulic, electrical, and mechanical excitations during transition processes, and the vibration responses fluctuate as operating conditions shift, posing a significant challenge to the safety and high quality operation of power station. To tackle the practical engineering issue, this paper delves into the sudden load-up scenario in power generation situation of pumped turbine, leveraging a finite element model encompassing the coupled hydraulic-mechanical-electrical-structural system (HMES) of PSPS and a mathematical model of unit shaft system, the impacts of dynamic loads induced by various vibration source on the unit and plant structure during transient condition, are meticulously analyzed and discussed through numerical simulations. Additionally, the magnetorheological damper (MRD), is incorporated into the PSPS to explore the effectiveness of MRD in controlling transient vibration in the interconnected unit-plant structure. The results indicate that the system parameters and associated load excitations undergo rapid fluctuations during the load-up process, bringing about noticeable oscillations in vibration amplitudes of rotor and turbine. The floors and fan hood of plant are the most vulnerable areas in terms of structural strength, with associated displacement amplitudes being most noticeable. The incorporation of MRD proves to be highly effective in mitigating the unsteady vibrations in both the unit and the plant structure during load-up course, as well as optimizing the motion patterns of rotor and turbine, promoting a notable reduction in frequency amplitudes of spectrum. Moreover, the maximal transient displacement amplitude of unit is significantly diminished, with the rotor experiencing a decrease of approximately 79%, while the amplitude of turbine declines by 16%. The displacement fluctuation ranges of the plant structure are observably diminished, and the complex frequency components of vibration signal are efficiently controlled. The transient vibration characteristics of the coupled unit-plant structure and the damping behavior of MRD during the transition process are unveiled by the research findings in this paper, which can offer valuable insights for the stability assessment and the research on vibration management of HMES for PSPS under the unsteady operation conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melatonin plays a potential role in preserving the postharvest quality of fresh products. This study investigated the effect of exogenous melatonin on sugar metabolism and quality change in kiwiberries under cold storage. Our results showed that melatonin improved fruit appearance, increased total chlorophyll, carotenoid, and ascorbate accumulation, and inhibited firmness and weight loss during storage. In addition, melatonin treatment increased the ratio of fruit-soluble solids to acid and upregulated the content of sucrose, glucose, fructose, and soluble sugars by regulating the activities of SS, SPS, AI, and NI enzymes as well as their transcript levels. Melatonin application inhibited the activity of AL and upregulated the transcript levels of HK and FK genes to slow down the starch decomposition, thereby delaying the softening of kiwiberries during the storage. These results indicated that melatonin application after the harvest of kiwiberry could improve both the external and internal quality of the fruit and inhibit senescence by modulating sugar metabolism. [Display omitted] • Melatonin maintained quality and delayed senescence of kiwiberry. • Melatonin notably increased sucrose, glucose, and fructose content in kiwiberry. • Melatonin altered enzyme activities and gene expression involving sugar metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]