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Using untargeted metabolomics (n = 1,162 subjects), the plasma metabolite (m/z = 265.1188) phenylacetylglutamine (PAGln) was discovered and then shown in an independent cohort (n = 4,000 subjects) to be associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and incident major adverse cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke, or death). A gut microbiota-derived metabolite, PAGln, was shown to enhance platelet activation-related phenotypes and thrombosis potential in whole blood, isolated platelets, and animal models of arterial injury. Functional and genetic engineering studies with human commensals, coupled with microbial colonization of germ-free mice, showed the microbial porA gene facilitates dietary phenylalanine conversion into phenylacetic acid, with subsequent host generation of PAGln and phenylacetylglycine (PAGly) fostering platelet responsiveness and thrombosis potential. Both gain- and loss-of-function studies employing genetic and pharmacological tools reveal PAGln mediates cellular events through G-protein coupled receptors, including α2A, α2B, and β2-adrenergic receptors. PAGln thus represents a new CVD-promoting gut microbiota-dependent metabolite that signals via adrenergic receptors.

AimsCarnitine and choline are major nutrient precursors for gut microbiota-dependent generation of the atherogenic metabolite, trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). We performed randomized-controlled dietary intervention studies to explore the impact of chronic dietary patterns on TMAO levels, metabolism and renal excretion.Methods and resultsVolunteers (N = 113) were enrolled in a randomized 2-arm (high- or low-saturated fat) crossover design study. Within each arm, three 4-week isocaloric diets (with washout period between each) were evaluated (all meals prepared in metabolic kitchen with 25% calories from protein) to examine the effects of red meat, white meat, or non-meat protein on TMAO metabolism. Trimethylamine N-oxide and other trimethylamine (TMA) related metabolites were quantified at the end of each diet period. A random subset (N = 13) of subjects also participated in heavy isotope tracer studies. Chronic red meat, but not white meat or non-meat ingestion, increased plasma and urine TMAO (each >two-fold; P

Developing solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) with superior electrochemical performance that are compatible with lithium metal is one of the most promising strategies for solid-state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs). The widely used polyethylene oxide (PEO)-based solid-state electrolyte is compatible with lithium metal. However, the ionic conductivity of PEO is unsatisfactory, and the poor mechanical performance is not ideal in suppressing lithium dendrites. The bare ether oxygen also causes decomposition under high voltage. Many filler strategies to address these issues have been studied, but the mixed ionic/electronic conductors (MIECs) with electrochemical activity have rarely been investigated due to their fatal electronic conductivity and redox behavior. Herein, a composite solid electrolyte incorporating Li4Ti5O12 (LTO), which is used as an electrochemically active anode for lithium-ion batteries, into PEO was studied and optimized for the electrochemical stable window (ESW), ionic conductivity, interface dynamics and lithium deposition. It is noteworthy that PEO with 60 wt% LTO shows faster ionic transport with a wider ESW. The lithiophilic layer on the surface induces a dendrite-free anode with lower lithium nucleation energy and interface impedance, realizing a much longer stable cycling of Li/Li symmetric cells. The Li/LiFePO4 button cells present a specific discharge capacity of 154.1 mA h g−1 at 0.5C with the retention of 79.1% after 600 cycles. The Li/LiMn0.6Fe0.4PO4 button and pouch cells also show superior electrochemical behavior. This work confirms the multiple improvements of LTO filler in composite solid electrolytes (CSEs) and demonstrates the potential application value of LTO, providing a novel direction for selecting fillers for CSEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on Bass' leadership theory and Bandura's social cognitive theory, we tested the direct relationship between head teacher transformational leadership behavior, head teacher transactional leadership behavior, and junior high school students' school adjustment as well as explored the role of class collective efficacy in mediating this relationship. Surveying 5,083 junior high school students in 168 classes and controlling for grade, head teacher gender, and class size, the hypothesized relationships were tested through a 2-2-1 mediation model using multilevel structural equation modeling. The results indicated that there was not only a direct relationship between head teacher transformational leadership behavior and school adjustment (b =.326, 95% confidence interval [CI] [.218,.434]), but also an indirect relationship through class collective efficacy (.047, 95% CI [.007,.087]), although the direct link was stronger. Moreover, there was only an indirect relationship between head teacher transactional leadership behavior and school adjustment through class collective efficacy (.051, 95% CI [.007,.096]), and the link between head teacher transformational leadership behavior and school adjustment was stronger than the link between head teacher transactional leadership behavior and school adjustment (diff =.351, 95% CI [.126,.577]). This study extended Bass' leadership theory to a class organization, and the relationship between head teacher leadership behavior and school adjustment was explored at the class level in a junior high school. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium-ion batteries are widely applied in the form of new energy electric vehicles and large-scale battery energy storage systems to improve the cleanliness and greenness of energy supply systems. Accurately estimating the state of power (SOP) of lithium-ion batteries ensures long-term, efficient, safe and reliable battery operation. Considering the influence of the parameter identification accuracy on the results of state of power estimation, this paper presents a systematic review of model parameter identification and state of power estimation methods for lithium-ion batteries. The parameter identification methods include the voltage response curve analysis method, the least squares method and so on. On this basis, the methods used for modeling and estimating the SOP of battery cells and battery packs are classified and elaborated, focusing on summarizing the research progress observed regarding the joint estimation method for multiple states of battery cells. In conclusion, future methods for estimating the SOP of lithium-ion batteries and their improvement targets are envisioned based on the application requirements for the safe management of lithium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]