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Potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) demonstrate significant potential for future renewable energy storage systems, given the high natural richness and economic benefits of potassium resources. Nevertheless, the primary challenge hindering the development of PIBs is the scarcity of appropriate anode materials capable of delivering high performance. Using first-principles calculations, we theoretically design a two-dimensional graphene allotrope, termed TTH-graphene, constructed from assembled tetracyclo[6.6.0.02,6.010,14]tetradeca-1(8),2,4,6,9,11,13-heptaene (C14H8) structural units, which demonstrates good dynamical, thermal, and mechanical stability. The non-hexagonal symmetry can enhance the surface reactivity, making TTH-graphene a high-performance anode for PIBs with a low K migration barrier (0.22 eV), a moderate average open-circuit voltage (0.42 V), a high theoretical capacity (956.33 mA h g−1), and a small lattice expansion (1.2%). Furthermore, the appearance of vacancy defects enhances the K adsorption strength but induces the decrease in ionic diffusivity. Compared with the monolayer, the TTH-graphene bilayer exhibits an enhancement of the adsorption and diffusion performance of K on the outer surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Scrub typhus is a life-threatening zoonotic infection. In recent years, the endemic areas of scrub typhus have been continuously expanding, and the incidence rate has been increasing. However, it remains a globally neglected disease. Yunnan Province is a major infected area, and the study of spatiotemporal and seasonal variation scrub typhus in this region is crucial for the prevention and control of the disease. Methods/Results: We collected surveillance data on scrub typhus cases in Yunnan Province from 2006 to 2022. Using methods such as spatial trend analysis, Moran's I, and retrospective temporal scan statistics, the spatial and seasonal changes of scrub typhus were analyzed. The study period recorded 71,068 reported cases of scrub typhus in Yunnan Province, with the annual incidence rate sharply increasing (P<0.001). Approximately 93.38% of cases are concentrated in June to November (P = 0.001). Nearly 98.0% of counties were affected. The center of gravity of incidence migrates in a south and west direction. The incidence of scrub typhus was positively correlated spatially, and the spatial clustering distribution was significant. The most likely spatial cluster of cases (relative risk = 14.09, P<0.001) was distributed in Lincang, Dehong, Baoshan, Banna, and Puer. Significant positive correlations between the number of scrub typhus cases and average temperature, precipitation and relative humidity. Conclusions: In Yunnan Province, scrub typhus is widely transmitted, with an increasing incidence, and it exhibits distinct seasonal characteristics (from June to November). The center of gravity of incidence has shifted to the south and west, with higher incidence rates observed in border regions. The risk clustering regions encompass all border prefectures. This pattern is significantly correlated with climatic factors such as average temperature, precipitation, and relative humidity. The relevant departments should strengthen the monitoring of scrub typhus, formulate prevention and control strategies, and provide health education to local residents. Author summary: Scrub typhus is an acute infectious disease of natural epidemic origin caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi. Scrub typhus is spread primarily through the bite of a chigger mite larva that carries Orientia tsutsugamushi. It's clinical manifestations mainly include non-specific symptoms such as headache, fever, rash, cough, vomiting, muscle pain, and swollen lymph nodes. It can lead to a variety of complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and myocarditis, which can be life-threatening in severe cases. Scrub typhus is prevalent globally in Southeast Asia, the Southwest Pacific Islands, Japan, and China, and is expanding. However, it remains a neglected infectious disease. We aim to understand the temporal and seasonal variations of scrub typhus in Yunnan Province, discover the high prevalence areas of scrub typhus and their seasonal patterns, so as to provide a basis for conducting targeted surveillance and health education in Yunnan Province, especially in high-risk areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deciphering the linkage between ecological stoichiometry and ecosystem functioning under anthropogenic nitrogen (N) deposition is critical for understanding the impact of afforestation on terrestrial carbon (C) sequestration. However, the specific changes in above‐ versus belowground stoichiometric asymmetry with stand age in response to long‐term N addition remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated changes in stoichiometry following a decadal addition of three levels of N (control, no N addition; low N addition, 20 kg N ha−1 year−1; high N addition, 50 kg N ha−1 year−1) in young, intermediate, and mature stands in three temperate larch plantations (Larix principis‐rupprechtii) in North China. We found that low N addition had no impact on both above‐ (leaf and litter) and belowground (soil and microbe) stoichiometry. In contrast, high N addition resulted in significant asymmetry in above‐ versus belowground stoichiometry, which then diminished during stand development. Following 10 years of N inputs, the young and intermediate plantations transitioned from a state of relative N limitation to co‐limitation by both N and phosphorus (P), whereas the mature plantation continued to experience relative N limitation. Conversely, soil microorganisms exhibited relative P limitation in all three plantations. Broader niche differentiation (N limitation for trees, but P limitation for microorganisms) under long‐term N input may have been responsible for the faster attainment of stoichiometric homeostasis in mature plantations than in young plantations. Our findings provide stoichiometric‐based insight into the operating mechanisms of large C sinks in young forests, particularly above‐ versus belowground C stock asymmetry, and highlight the need to consider the role of flexible stoichiometry when forecasting future forest C sinks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of pyroptosis and ferroptosis hybrid cell death induction to augment immune activation represents a promising avenue for anti‐tumor treatment, but there is a lack of research. Herein, we developed two iridium (III)‐triphenylamine photosensitizers, IrC and IrF, with the capacity to disrupt redox balance and induce photo‐driven cascade damage to DNA and Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 (KEAP1). The activation of the absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2)‐related cytoplasmic nucleic acid‐sensing pathway, triggered by damaged DNA, leads to the induction of gasdermin D (GSDMD)‐mediated pyroptosis. Simultaneously, iron homeostasis, regulated by the KEAP1/nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (NRF2)/heme oxygenase 1 (HO‐1) pathway, serves as a pivotal bridge, facilitating not only the induction of gasdermin E (GSDME)‐mediated non‐canonical pyroptosis, but also ferroptosis in synergy with glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) depletion. The collaborative action of pyroptosis and ferroptosis generates a synergistic effect that elicits immunogenic cell death, stimulates a robust immune response and effectively inhibits tumor growth in vivo. Our work introduces the first metal‐based small molecule dual‐inducers of pyroptosis and ferroptosis for potent cancer immunotherapy, and highlights the significance of iron homeostasis as a vital hub connecting synergistic effects of pyroptosis and ferroptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Machine learning, as a significant branch of artificial intelligence, has provided effective guidance for material design by establishing virtual mappings between data and desired features, thereby reducing the cycle of material discovery and synthesis. However, the application of machine learning in materials science is hindered by data scarcity. Few-shot learning methods, an effective approach for improving the performance of machine learning models under data scarcity, have achieved significant development in the field of materials science. In this review, the recent advancements in few-shot learning methods in materials science are discussed, and the application workflow of machine learning algorithms is elucidated. Methods for dataset expansion are discussed from the perspective of data acquisition, including databases, natural language processing, and high-throughput experiments, while collating commonly used materials science databases in the process. The application of algorithms, such as transfer learning and data augmentation in materials science, was analyzed in few-shot environments in materials science. Finally, the challenges faced by the application of machine learning in materials science are summarized, and the related future prospects are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abiotic stress affects the growth and development of maize (Zea mays). The regulator of chromosome condensation 1 (RCC1)-containing proteins (RCPs) plays crucial roles in plant growth and development and response to abiotic stresses. However, a comprehensive analysis of the maize RCP family has not been reported in detail. This study presents a systematic bioinformatics analysis of the ZmRCP family, identifying a total of 30 members distributed across nine chromosomes. The physicochemical properties and cis-acting elements in the promoters of ZmRCP members are predicted. The results of subcellular localization showed that ZmRCP3 and ZmRCP10 are targeted to mitochondria and ZmRCP2 is localized in the nucleus. A heatmap of expression levels among family members under abiotic stress conditions revealed varying degrees of induced expression, and the expression levels of 10 ZmRCP members were quantified using RT-qPCR under abiotic stress and plant hormone treatments. The results showed that ZmRCP members exhibit induced or inhibited responses to these abiotic stresses and plant hormones. These results contribute to a better understanding of the evolutionary history and potential role of the ZmRCP family in mediating responses to abiotic stress in maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metamaterials enable the modulation of elastic waves or acoustic waves in unprecedented ways and have a wide range of potential applications. This paper achieves the simultaneous manipulation of surface elastic waves (SEWs) and surface acoustic waves (SAWs) using two-dimensional acousto-elastic metamaterials (AEMMs). The proposed AEMMs are composed of periodic hollow cylinders on the surface of a semi-infinite substrate. The band diagrams and the frequency responses of the AEMMs are numerically calculated through the finite element approach. The band diagrams exhibit simultaneous bandgaps for the SEWs and SAWs, which can also be effectively tuned by the modification of AEMM geometry. Furthermore, we construct the AEMM waveguide by the introduction of a line defect and hence demonstrate its ability to guide the SEWs and SAWs simultaneously. We expect that the proposed AEMMs will contribute to the development of multi-functional wave devices, such as filters for dual waves in microelectronics or liquid sensors that detect more than one physical property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Pleurogenoides japonicus (Trematoda: Microphalloidea) is an important parasite in wood frogs with high infection rates and significant ecological, economic, and societal importance. The scarcity of molecular data for these parasites severely limits population genetics and phylogenetic studies. In the present study, for the first time, we determined and described the entire mitochondrial (mt) genome of P. japonicus as the first representative of the family Pleurogenidae. The entire mt genome of P. japonicus was circular, with 15,043 bp (GenBank accession number OR900118), containing 36 genes, comprising 12 protein‐coding genes (cox1–3, nad1–6, nad4L, cytb, and atp6), two ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and two non‐coding regions. There were 23 intergenic spacers, ranging from 2 to 162 bp, and only one 40 bp overlap between nad4L and nad4 genes in the P. japonicus mt genome. The nucleotide composition of P. japonicus mt genome exhibited a strong AT bias with a 63.75% A + T content, while the AT‐ and GC‐skews were − 0.435 and 0.407, respectively. Comparative analysis demonstrated that the P. japonicus mt genome shared the most common characteristics with Microphalloidea trematodes, and the cox1 gene was the longest and most conserved gene in Microphalloidea trematodes. The gene arrangements of Xiphidiata trematodes were of the same order based on protein‐coding genes and rRNA genes, except for tRNA. More than two gene arrangement types exist in Echinostomata and Xiphidiata, and the gene rearrangement events mainly occurred in "trnE‐trnG" and "trnG‐trnE". Phylogenetic analysis suggested that trematodes of the family Pleurogenidae clustered more with Prosthogonimidae than Eucotylidae. The mt genome data of P. japonicus provide an accurate genetic marker for further studies of Xiphidiata trematodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid and effective simultaneous removal of algal and extracellular organic matter (EOM) is essential for algal blooms water emergency treatment. In this study, a composite material was prepared by physical and chemical interaction between La-montmorillonite (La-MMT) and Mg/Al-layered double hydroxide (LDHs), and its removal effect of algal and extracellular organic matters (EOM) was investigated. The results showed that the removal rate of chlorophyll a (chl-a) was 96.8% within 2 h when the LDHs/La-MMT2:1 dosage was 1.0 g/L. Three-dimensional fluorescence characteristic spectra and parallel factor analysis showed that the removal of EOM by composite material mainly reflected in the removal of humus-like substances. The reaction heat of composite material for the algal solution was −32.7 J/g. Zeta potential changed from −25.7 mV to −16.9 mV, the main treatment mechanisms of composite material were surface adsorption, complexation precipitation, charge neutralisation, and ion exchange. These findings herein proposed that composite material was a potential and proper treating agent for removing algal cells and EOM from algal blooms water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct seawater hydrogen production via electrolysis would be a transformative technology for large‐scale pathways for future sustainable energy systems. However, prohibiting the formation of insoluble hydroxides and promoting proton supply at the electrode‐seawater interface are extremely desirable but remain challenging. Herein, inspired by the dual‐metal pair sites in natural enzyme, the de novo design of an efficient, robust, and precise electron‐donating Cu‐modulated ruthenium clusters on porous carbon matrix (Cu@Runc‐C) is reported as a high proton supply and anti‐poisoning cathode material for superior direct seawater hydrogen production. Benefitting from the unique Cu@Runc pair sites, the cathode exhibits particularly high hydrogen evolution activities with ultralow overpotentials to reach a high current density of 300 mA cm−2 in both alkaline (115 mV) and seawater (459 mV) electrolytes, and notably, the cathode can maintain superior long‐lasting stability in seawater electrolysis. The mechanism exploration demonstrates that the ruthenium cathode with Cu@Runc pair sites exhibits low oxophilic and fast proton‐transferring local reaction environments to prohibit the formation of insoluble precipitates and provide efficient proton supply within the electrode‐seawater interface. It is expected that the proposed bioinspired regulation strategy offers a new pathway for constructing efficient, robust, and selective cathode materials for scalable seawater hydrogen production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of Borrelia miyamotoi on human health, facilitated by the expanding geographical distribution and increasing population of Ixodes ticks, remains obscure in the context of global climate change. We employed multiple models to evaluate the effect of global climate change on the risk of B. miyamotoi worldwide across various scenarios. The habitat suitability index of four primary vector tick species for B. miyamotoi, including Ixodes persulcatus, Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes pacificus and Ixodes scapularis, was projected using a boosted regression tree model, considering multiple shared socio‐economic pathway scenarios over various time periods. The modelling analysis reveals that, apart from I. scapularis, future global warming will result in a northward shift in the other three vector tick species and a gradual reduction in suitable habitats. Random forest models indicate consistent changes in B. miyamotoi and its primary tick species, with potential risk areas shrinking and shifting northward, particularly in the eastern USA, northeastern and northern Europe and northeast Asia. These findings highlight the urgent need for enhanced active surveillance of B. miyamotoi infection in primary vector tick species across projected potential risk areas. The effect of climate change on B. miyamotoi distribution might have significant implications for public health decision‐making regarding tick‐borne pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]