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In the spinel oxide cathode family, LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO) shows a high operating voltage (≈4.7 V vs Li/Li+) and excellent Li‐ion mobility with stable 3D conducting channels. Ni/Mn cation disordered and ordered phases usually coexist in LNMO materials, and they have distinct structural and electrochemical properties, resulting in different battery performances for LNMO materials with different phase compositions. Identifying the correlation between phase compositions and electrochemical properties is of significance to the improvement of battery performance and understanding of degradation mechanisms. Herein, the disordered/ordered phase compositions in LNMO materials are tailored by post‐annealing strategies and their impacts on electrochemical performance and degradation mechanisms from the surface to the bulk are systematically investigated. The ordered phase increases rapidly as Mn3+ is oxidized to Mn4+ through a post‐annealing process. LNMO with an intermediate fraction of disordered and ordered phases gives rise to improved cycling stability. This article further reports that a high ordered phase fraction can preferentially protect Ni from dissolution during cycling. However, these results suggest that the transition metal dissolution and surface structural change of LNMO do not exhibit a direct correlation with cycling stability. These results indicate the capacity fading mainly correlates with the bulk structural distortion, leading to decreased Li‐ion kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waterlogged wood conservation is a complex and challenging task. Detailed knowledge about the interactions between the applied chemicals and wood is necessary to ensure the effective and safe conservation of wooden artifacts. The present research aims to determine the mechanism of dimensional stabilization of archeological wood by organosilicon compounds using the combination of synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) and nanoindentation. Archeological oak wood was treated with methyltrimethoxysilane, (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane, or 1,3-bis-[(diethylamino)-3-(propoxy)propan-2-ol]-1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxane, which in previous studies were found to be more effective than other organosilicons in stabilizing wood dimensions. The XFM and nanoindentation results showed that all three organosilicons infiltrated wood cell walls and enhanced their mechanical properties. The XFM also showed that part of the chemicals filled some void spaces like cell lumina. Based on the results obtained here and in our previous research, it is determined that the mechanism of archeological wood dimensional stabilization by organosilicon treatment is complex and likely involves both filling cell lumina and infiltration into cell walls where organosilicons interact with wood polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving the peak of carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions requires a large amount of green and low-carbon investment. Whether the green finance system can efficiently support the capital need for achieving the CO 2 emissions target in the context of the COVID-19 epidemic is a matter of concern. This paper constructs a system dynamics model (SD model) to illustrate the quantitative relationship between the green finance system and CO 2 emissions and introduce the COVID-19 epidemic as a variable to analyze ten simulation scenarios regarding the carbon emissions commitment realization under different green finance and economic growth status. It is shown that: (1) Regardless of the impact of COVID-19, China can meet its commitment by reaching its CO 2 emissions peak in 2030 and realizing a 20% non-fossil energy proportion in 2025; (2) Under the impact of the epidemic, the goal can not be obtained in all energy consumption scenarios when the government expenditure on the environment is low. The target year of reaching CO 2 emissions peak becomes 2033, 2037, and 2040. The results indicate that reducing government expenditure on environment protection makes the CO 2 emissions peak target less likely to be achieved within a given time frame. We also concluded with important policy implications according to the result of the simulations. Overall, this study makes a reference for other economies and researchers to quantitatively predict the interaction relationship between the green finance system and CO 2 emissions in the context of COVID-19, which provides policymakers with insights into a joint power of energy consumption upgrading and green capital guidance. • Providing empirical studies regarding the mechanism of the inhibitory effect of green finance on CO 2 emissions. • Using systems dynamics model to address the missing data problem. • Making solid suggestions under COVID-19 Epidemic. • Building the relationship between the green finance system and CO 2 emissions and making forecasts for "3060" mission result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with detrimental effects on neurodevelopmental progress in childhood and higher risk of degenerative diseases in adulthood. Placental 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD11B2) is a key gene involved in glucocorticoid metabolism, which in turn seems to be related to fetal growth impairment. As reduction of placental HSD11B2 gene expression has been associated with reduced human fetal growth, and methylation of HSD11B2 gene promoter has been shown to have an important role in HSD11B2 gene repression, we seek to investigate the relationship between IUGR and HSD11B2 gene promoter methylation in human placentas. We found that methylation levels of all studied CpG sites were significantly higher in IUGR newborns than those in controls. Further, methylation levels of the first and the third CpG sites were inversely associated with measures of fetal growth (birth weight and ponderal index). In addition, consistent with the above negative correlation, methylation levels of the first and the third CpG sites were inversely associated with HSD11B2 gene expression. These results together show a link between the site-specific methylation of placental HSD11B2 promoter and the development of IUGR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Dopant low-n Rydberg states perturbed by dense CF4 and CH4 were investigated using vacuum ultraviolet photoabsorption spectroscopy at noncritical temperatures and on an isotherm near (+0.5°C) the perturber critical temperature. A full analysis of these data using semi-classical line shape theory was performed. The perturber induced energy shift was extracted from the simulated bands and demonstrates a perturber critical point effect on the energy of low-n Rydberg states in these molecular fluids. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Vacuum ultraviolet photoabsorption spectra of CH3I 6s and 6s′ Rydberg states doped into supercritical argon, krypton, and xenon perturbers were measured from low density to the density of the triple point liquid at noncritical temperatures and on an isotherm near the perturber critical temperature. A full line shape analysis of these spectra was performed using a single set of intermolecular potential parameters for each dopant/perturber system. The resulting perturber induced shift of the simulated adiabatic transition of the 6s and 6s′ Rydberg states is presented as a function of perturber number density, and this shift illustrates a perturber critical point effect on the excitation energies of the molecular low-n Rydberg states. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) are increasingly encouraged to enhance their environmental friendliness and safety while maintaining optimal energy density and cost‐effectiveness. Although various electrolytes using greener and safer glyme solvents have been reported, the low charge voltage (usually lower than 4.0 V vs Li/Li+) restricts the energy density of LIBs. Herein, tetraglyme, a less‐toxic, non‐volatile, and non‐flammable ether solvent, is exploited to build safer and greener LIBs. It is demonstrated that ether electrolytes, at a standard salt concentration (1 m), can be reversibly cycled to 4.5 V vs Li/Li+. Anchored with Boron‐rich cathode‐electrolyte interphase (CEI) and mitigated current collector corrosion, the LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811) cathode delivers competitive cyclability versus commercial carbonate electrolytes when charged to 4.5 V. Synchrotron spectroscopic and imaging analyses show that the tetraglyme electrolyte can sufficiently suppress the overcharge behavior associated with the high‐voltage electrolyte decomposition, which is advantageous over previously reported glyme electrolytes. The new electrolyte also enables minimal transition metal dissolution and deposition. NMC811||hard carbon full cell delivers excellent cycling stability at C/3 with a high average Coulombic efficiency of 99.77%. This work reports an oxidation‐resilient tetraglyme electrolyte with record‐high 4.5 V stability and enlightens further applications of glyme solvents for sustainable LIBs by designing Boron‐rich interphases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypoxic postconditioning (HPC) has been reported to enhance Parkin-catalyzed mitochondrial ubiquitination to restore mitophagy in hippocampal CA1 against transient global cerebral ischemia (tGCI). However, the molecular mechanism leading ubiquitinated mitochondria to final clearance during HPC-mediated mitophagy after tGCI is unclear. This study aims to investigate whether HPC restores mitophagy after tGCI through Parkin-induced K63-linked poly-ubiquitination (K63-Ub) to activate tumor necrosis factor associated factor family member associated nuclear factor κB activator -binding kinase 1 (TBK1) in CA1 of male rats. We found that HPC maintained TBK1 expression, promoted p62 and TBK1 phosphorylation in mitochondria, and enhanced their recruitments to mitochondria in CA1 after tGCI. However, these effects were partially abolished by TBK1 inhibitor BX795. K63-Ub of mitochondrial TBK1 was disturbed at 26 h of reperfusion after tGCI, which was reversed by HPC. The maintenance of K63-Ub of mitochondrial TBK1 induced by HPC was counteracted under Parkin knockdown with AAV-mediated Prkn small-interfering RNA, accompanied by the suppression on TBK1 activation and the reduction of mitochondrial p62 phosphorylation. This innovative study indicated that HPC maintained K63-Ub of TBK1 in a Parkin-dependent manner to promote TBK1 phosphorylation, and then phosphorylated TBK1 activated p62 to restore mitophagy, thereby alleviating neuronal damage in CA1 after tGCI. • TBK1 phosphorylation influences mitophagy after tGCI. • HPC promotes TBK1 phosphorylation via K63-linked poly-ubiquitination after tGCI. • HPC restores mitophagy via Parkin-induced TBK1 activation after tGCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biobanks containing formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues from animals and human atomic-bomb survivors exposed to radioactive particulates remain a vital resource for understanding the molecular effects of radiation exposure. These samples are often decades old and prepared using harsh fixation processes which limit sample imaging options. Optical imaging of hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained tissues may be the only feasible processing option, however, H&E images provide no information about radioactive microparticles or radioactive history. Synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) is a robust, non-destructive, semi-quantitative technique for elemental mapping and identifying candidate chemical element biomarkers in FFPE tissues. Still, XFM has never been used to uncover distribution of formerly radioactive micro-particulates in FFPE canine specimens collected more than 30 years ago. In this work, we demonstrate the first use of low-, medium-, and high-resolution XFM to generate 2D elemental maps of ~ 35-year-old, canine FFPE lung and lymph node specimens stored in the Northwestern University Radiobiology Archive documenting distribution of formerly radioactive micro-particulates. Additionally, we use XFM to identify individual microparticles and detect daughter products of radioactive decay. The results of this proof-of-principle study support the use of XFM to map chemical element composition in historic FFPE specimens and conduct radioactive micro-particulate forensics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study is to explore the prevalence, associated risk factors, and the influence of urbanization on the epidemiology of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME)., Methods: This study utilized a cross-sectional design to survey residents aged 50 and older in the Beichen community, Tianjin. Participants underwent thorough examinations, including questionnaire surveys, laboratory blood tests, eye assessments, fundus photography, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans. DR was diagnosed using the retinopathy severity scale from fundus photographs based on the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) classification system. DME was identified through medical history records and OCT evaluations. In this study, we analyzed and assessed the prevalence and risk factors associated with DR and DME., Results: The study included 5,648 participants, and 1,182 of these were diagnosed with diabetes. Among the diabetic individuals, the prevalence of DR was 28.8%. Among the eyes of those diagnosed with DR, 37.12% had mild non-proliferative DR (NPDR), 54.81% had moderate NPDR, 6.35% (33 eyes) showed severe NPDR, and 1.73% had proliferative DR (PDR). The prevalence of DME among diabetic patients was 14.13%. Age was negatively correlated with DR (OR, 0.924), while blood glucose levels (OR, 1.123) and the duration of diabetes (OR, 1.090) were positively correlated. Additionally, blood glucose levels (OR, 1.121) and the duration of diabetes (OR, 1.070) were positively associated with DME., Conclusion: In this study, the prevalence of DR and DME was high in the Beichen District of Tianjin than in other parts of China. Maintaining effective glycemic control is the most important modifiable factor in reducing the risk of DR and DME progression and minimizing the risk of vision loss., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors disclose no relevant interests., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Citrus yellow vein clearing virus (CYVCV) is a worldwide and highly destructive disease of citrus, but the mechanisms involved in CYVCV-inhibited plant growth are not well understood. This study examined nutrient levels and their cellular distribution in different organs of healthy and CYVCV-affected citrus (Citrus reticulata 'Kanpei') plants. We found that CYVCV-infected plants exhibit characteristic symptoms, including a significant reduction in iron (Fe) and other elemental nutrients in the shoots. Our data suggest that CYVCV-induced chlorosis in citrus leaf veins is primarily due to iron deficiency, leading to reduced chlorophyll synthesis. Further analysis revealed a marked decrease in iron concentration within the pith and xylem of citrus petioles post-CYVCV infection, contrasting with increased Fe and zinc (Zn) concentrations in the phloem. Moreover, a substantial accumulation of starch granules was observed in the pith, xylem, and phloem vessels of infected plants, with vessel blockage due to starch accumulation reaching up to 81%, thus significantly obstructing Fe transport in the xylem. Additionally, our study detected an upregulation of genes associated with nicotinamide metabolism and Fe and Zn transport following CYVCV infection, leading to increased levels of nicotinamide metabolites. This suggests that CYVCV-infected citrus plants may induce nicotinamide synthesis in response to Fe deficiency stress, facilitating the transport of Fe and Zn in the phloem as nicotinamide-bound complexes. Overall, our findings provide insight into the mechanisms of long-distance Fe and Zn transport in citrus plants in response to CYVCV infection and highlight the role of nutritional management in mitigating the adverse effects of CYVCV, offering potential strategies for cultivating CYVCV-resistant citrus varieties., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of American Society of Plant Biologists. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)