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[Display omitted] Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are regarded as highly prospective energy storage devices. However, problems such as low sulfur utilization, poor cycle performance, and insufficient rate capability hinder the commercial development of Li-S batteries. Three-dimensional (3D) structure materials have been applied to modify the separator of Li-S batteries to suppress the diffusion of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and inhibit the transmembrane diffusion of Li+. A vanadium sulfide/titanium carbide (VS 4 /Ti 3 C 2 T x) MXene composite with a 3D conductive network structure has been synthesized in situ by a simple hydrothermal reaction. VS 4 is uniformly loaded on the Ti 3 C 2 T x nanosheets through vanadium-carbon(V-C) bonds, which effectively inhibits the self-stacking of Ti 3 C 2 T x. The synergistic action of VS 4 and Ti 3 C 2 T x substantially reduces the shuttle of LiPSs, improves interfacial charge transfer, and boosts the kinetics of LiPSs conversion, consequently increasing the rate performance and cycle stability of the battery. The assembled battery has a specific discharge capacity of 657 mAh g -1 after 500 cycles at 1C, with a high capacity retention rate of 71%. The construction of VS 4 /Ti 3 C 2 T x composite with a 3D conductive network structure provides a feasible strategy for the application of polar semiconductor materials in Li-S batteries. It also provides an effective solution for the design of high-performance Li-S batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance the thermal stability, electrochemical compatibility, and overshoot protection of separators, it is common practice to incorporate inorganic particles for separator modification. In this work, we discussed a polypropylene (PP) separator that was coated with a combination of hydrothermal boehmite (AlOOH) and ammonium polyphosphate (APP). The coating layer can greatly reduce the thermal shrinkage rate of the separator, enabling the modified separator to retain its original size at 180 °C. In addition, part of the material formed by the decomposition of the coating material at high temperatures can be well-diluted oxygen, thus reducing the risk of combustion. Furthermore, the presence of the coating layer increases the ionic conductivity and electrolyte wettability, thereby improving the cycle stability of the battery. This study utilizes inexpensive, lightweight, and eco-friendly materials to enhance a commercially available polypropylene separator. This modification not only increases the efficiency of material usage but also enhances the economic and environmental advantages of the improved separator. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries assembled with gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) are predicted to increase battery energy density while maintaining battery safety. In this work, poly (vinylidene fluoride- co -hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) is successfully used as a polymer matrix to prepare a new kind of GPE (PHHNT) by ultraviolet (UV) curing technology. The polymer network structure formed by photopolymerization technology significantly enhances the tensile properties of the electrolyte. Lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) improves the concentration and transport efficiency of lithium ions in the electrolyte as well as the ionic conductivity (1.22 × 10−3 S cm−1) of the GPEs. In addition, the unique tubular structure of the halloysite nanotube (HNT) and the opposite charges carried by the inner and outer surfaces provide additional channels for the lithium salt and facilitate its dissociation. This enhances the expedited movement of Li+ inside the electrolyte, while simultaneously improving the electrochemical and thermal durability of the electrolyte. The assembled LiFePO 4 (LFP)/PHHNT/Li battery has an initial discharge-specific capacity of 140.5 mAhg−1 at a current density of 0.5C, showing a high capacity retention rate of 89 % after 120 cycles. The design of this composite material significantly improves the overall performance of the electrolyte and is more suitable for flexible and safe solid-state Li-ion batteries. [Display omitted] • UV-cured P(BA-co-EGDMA) copolymer enhances the stretchability of the electrolyte. • LiTFSI increases the Li + concentration and transport efficiency in the electrolyte. • HNT with opposite charges provides unique transport pathways for lithium salts. • Thermal stability of the electrolyte is improved. • The growth of lithium dendrites is inhibited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Machine learning model is proposed to accurately predict ARGs abundance. • Physicochemical factors strongly influence the removal of ARGs from TH-AD. • DT model accurately predicts ARGs with an R2 value of 87% against validation data. • The genes int I2 was found to be the most important variables by SHAP. Anaerobic digestion holds promise as a method for removing antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) from dairy waste. However, accurately predicting the efficiency of ARG removal remains a challenge. This study introduces a novel appproach utilizing machine learning to forecast changes in ARG abundances following thermal hydrolysis-anaerobic digestion (TH-AD) treatment. Through network analysis and redundancy analyses, key determinants of affect ARG fluctuations were identified, facilitating the development of machine learning models capable of accurately predicting ARG changes during TH-AD processes. The decision tree model demonstrated impressive predictive power, achieving an impessive R2 value of 87% against validation data. Feature analysis revealed that the genes int I2 and int I1 had a critical impact on the absolute abundance of ARGs. The predictive model developed in this study offers valuable insights for improving operational and managerial practices in dairy waste treatment facilities, with the ultimate goal of mitigating the spread of antibiotic resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐capacity O3‐type lithium‐rich manganese‐based (LRM) materials exhibit significant structural instability and severe voltage decay, which limit their practical applications. In contrast, the O2‐type LRM materials demonstrate remarkable structural stability despite offering lower capacity. In this study, a composite material, O3@O2‐LRM is designed, by coating the main structure of O3‐type LRM with a minor amount of O2‐type LRM to combine the high capacity of the O3 phase with the superior stability of the O2 phase. Electrochemical tests demonstrate that O3@O2‐LRM exhibits both high specific capacity and reduced voltage decay. Furthermore, a series of characterizations after different cycles confirm its enhanced structure stability compared to O3‐LRM. This novel structure holds great promise for developing advanced cathode materials capable of meeting the demanding requirements of next‐generation Li‐ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LaSrNiO nanoparticles with different doping amount of strontium are synthesized through sol-gel method accompanied by high-temperature calcination. With the increase of Sr content, the crystal structure of samples changes from perovskite to spinel phase that promote both oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) property. As a cathode catalyst for Li-O 2 battery, LaSrNiO nanoparticles show a capacity performance of 9000 mAh·g−1 and significantly enhanced cyclability. The improved battery performance with Sr-doped nanoparticles can be ascribed to the high surface area of Sr-doped LaSrNiO nanoparticles combined with mixed spinel and perovskite phased structure which facilitate specific capacity and OER performance obviously. This research work is believed to shed light on a new thought to boost the performance of Li-O 2 battery. • LaSrNiO are prepared via sol-gel way accompanied by high-temperature calcination. • LaSrNiO nanoparticles possess mixed perovskite and spinel phase for Sr doping. • Unique crystal structure of LaSrNiO effectively boost Li-O 2 battery performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel structure NiO-graphene foam (NiO-GF) and Ni-graphene foam (Ni-GF) were synthesized via a simple hydrothermal method combined with high-temperature calcination. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results proved that NiO and Ni nanoparticles were uniformly distributed on the reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and the particle size was about 10 nm. Graphene foam (GF) was made by rGO with a three-dimensional reticular structure. NiO-GF and Ni-GF were used as cathode catalysts for lithium-oxygen battery and showed a specific capacity performance of 25,986 mA h g −1 and 22,035 mA h g −1 at a current density of 100 mA g −1 , respectively. As a three-dimensional reticular material, GF can improve the efficiency of electron transfer and provide higher surface area for NiO and Ni to grow on, which offers more active sites for catalyst. Meanwhile, NiO and Ni are capable of reducing the energy barrier of the reaction from Li and O 2 to Li 2 O 2 . Three dimensional reticular material, which is made by combining rGO and NiO or Ni together, is suitable for the catalyst of lithium-oxygen battery. The research provides a new way for developing catalyst for high performance lithium-oxygen battery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To solve the "deadliest" shuttle effect in Li-S battery, the design of appropriate separator become more and more important for better electrochemical performance. CoS 2 /CNTs composites were obtained by loading cobalt disulfide on the surface of CNTs through two-step pyrolysis. Through morphological analysis and physical property characterization, CoS 2 was proved to be well loaded on CNT, and there was a good contact between the composite and PP separator. Inorganic metal sulfides in the modified layer of CoS 2 /CNTs can enhance the utilization of active sulfur materials through the enhanced chemical adsorption of LiPSs, which is further enhanced by the high electrical conductivity of CNTs. Moreover, the composite material can also accelerate the catalytic conversion of LiPSs, accelerate the ion diffusion rate, weaken the reaction polarization, effectively weaken the capacity decline caused by the shuttle effect, and enhance the electrochemical performance of the system. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indotertine A (1), a hybrid isoprenoid with a condensed pentacyclic skeleton, together with two related hybrid isoprenoids, drimentines F (2) and G (3), were isolated from a reeds rhizosphere soil derived actinomycete Streptomycessp. CHQ-64. Their structures including absolute configurations were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, X-ray single crystal diffraction analysis, and TDDFT ECD calculations. Drimentines G (3) showed strong cytotoxicity against human cancer cells lines with IC50's down to 1.01 μM, while 1and 2showed no significant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel sorbicillinoid named sorbiterrin A (1), possessing an unprecedented skeleton was isolated from a marine sediment derived fungus Penicillium terrestre. The structure including absolute stereochemistries was elucidated by analysis of NMR, MS data and TDDFT CD calculations. Sorbiterrin A showed moderate acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory effect with IC50 25μg/mL. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Four polyketides, leptosphaerone C (1), penicillenone (2), arugosin I (3) and 9-demethyl FR-901235 (4), as well as five known compounds, bacillosporin A (5), bacillosporin C (6), sequoiamonascin D (7), sequoiatone A (8), and sequoiatone B (9) were isolated from the Penicillium sp. JP-1, an endophytic fungus isolated from Aegiceras corniculatum. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods, mainly by 2D NMR spectroscopic analyses. Compound 1 showed cytotoxicity against A-549 cells with an IC50 value of 1.45μM, while compound 2 showed cytotoxicity against P388 cells with an IC50 value of 1.38μM. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Aspergiolide A (1), an anthraquinone derivative with naphtho[1,2,3-de]chromene-2,7-dione skeleton, has been isolated from cultures of a marine-derived fungus Aspergillus glaucus. The structure and stereochemistry of 1 was determined by NMR and X-ray diffraction analyses. Compound 1 showed selective cytotoxicities against A-549, HL-60, BEL-7402, and P388 cell lines. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Schematic diagrams illustrating the principle of improving batteries performance by modifying separator with NSC/PP and MS@NSC/PP. [Display omitted] • Expanding aids in distributing metal sulfides uniformly via impregnation. • Carbon material covers large pores and improves interface impedance. • Composite separators anchor polysulfides and enhancing reaction kinetics. Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries, renowned for high energy density and abundant sulfur reserves, are recognized as a research hotspot. However, the commercial implementing of Li-S batteries is confronted with scientific and technical challenges, including the shuttle effect resulting in low active material utilization, and slow reaction kinetics leading to poor cycle stability. To optimize the structure and composition of carbon composite materials based to meet the application requirements for long cycle life and high utilization of active substances has become the focus and difficulty. In this study, a composite separator MS@NSC/PP by coting nanosheet carbon (NSC) material loaded with amounts of metal sulfide (MS) was prepared via expansion technology and sulfurization impregnation. The combination of two processes greatly increases interaction area between MS@NSC and polysulfides and achieves uniform loading of MS, fully enhancing the mitigation of shuttle effect through strong chemical adsorption, and further hastening the conversion reaction of polysulfides deposited on the surface. Compared with NSC/PP and NiS 2 @NSC/PP separators, the batteries with CoS 2 @NSC/PP separator display a high initial discharge capacity of 1135 mAh g−1 at 0.2C, maintaining more improved cycle stability at 2C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is designed to undertake a comprehensive review on state-of-the-art maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods of photovoltaic (PV) systems under partial shading condition (PSC). Particularly, the exploitation and utilization of various MPPT control approaches are of great significance to ensure a reliable and efficient maximum power extracting of PV systems. Hence, this paper systematically summarizes and discusses various MPPT algorithms utilized in PV systems under PSC, in which a total of 62 MPPT algorithms are elaborated, together with their modifications. Besides, they are categorized into seven groups, e.g., conventional algorithms, meta-heuristic algorithms, hybrid algorithms, mathematics-based algorithms, artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, algorithms based on exploitation of characteristics curves, and other algorithms. Particularly, there are 25 meta-heuristic algorithms further divided into three categories for a more detailed discussion, namely, biology-based algorithms, physics-based algorithms, and sociology-based algorithms. In general, readers can make the most suitable choices according to application requirements and system specifications. This review can be regarded as a one-stop handbook for further studies in related field. • A total of 62 original algorithms with their modifications are introduced. • Basic principles and simulation results of each approach are discussed. • A comprehensive table summarizes and compares all the algorithms. • Some constructive perspectives are given for future studies in related field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study attempts to develop a novel nonlinear robust fractional-order control (NRFOC) of a battery/superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) hybrid energy storage system (BSM-HESS) used in electric vehicles (EVs), of which rule-based strategy (RBS) is adopted to optimally assign the power demand. Based on the online perturbation estimation via a high-gain perturbation observer (HGPO), NRFOC is devised as the underlying controller which is able to fully compensate nonlinearities and modelling uncertainties of BSM-HESS through a fractional-order PID controller as the additional input. Here, the introduced fractional differentiator and fractional integrator can considerably improve the control performance while only two states, e.g., the battery current and DC bus voltage, need to be measured, in which no accurate system model is required. Case studies are undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness and merits of NRFOC to other control schemes. Moreover, the control costs of NRFOC required in heavy load condition is just 79.00%, 87.11%, and 82.96% to that of PID control, feedback linearization control (FLC), and sliding-mode control (SMC), respectively. At last, its implementation feasibility is validated by hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) experiment based on dSpace platform. • A novel NRFOC is designed for BSM-HESS used in EVs application. • RBS is used to optimally assign power between battery and SMES. • Bio-inspired MSSA is used to optimally tune the NRFOC parameters. • NRFOC owns the highest robustness with only 8.79% power variation. • DSpace based HIL experiment validates the implementation feasibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dimeric indole‐containing diketopiperazines (di‐DKPs) are a diverse group of natural products produced through cytochrome P450‐catalyzed C–C or C–N coupling reactions. The regio‐ and stereoselectivity of these reactions plays a significant role in the structural diversity of di‐DKPs. Despite their pivotal role, the mechanisms governing the selectivity in fungi are not fully understood. Employing bioinformatics analysis and heterologous expression experiments, five undescribed P450 enzymes (AmiP450, AcrP450, AtP450, AcP450, and AtuP450) responsible for the regio‐ and stereoselective dimerization of diketopiperazines (DKPs) in fungi are identified. The function of these P450s is consistent with phylogenetic analysis, highlighting their dominant role in controlling the dimerization modes. Combinatorial biosynthesis‐based pathway reconstitution of non‐native gene clusters expands the chemical space of fungal di‐DKPs and reveals that the regioselectivity is influenced by the substrate. Furthermore, multiple sequence alignment and molecular docking of these enzymes demonstrate a C‐terminal variable region near the substrate tunnel entrance in AtuP450 that is crucial for its regioselectivity. These findings not only reveal the secret of fungal di‐DKPs diversity but also deepen understanding of the mechanisms and catalytic specificity involved in P450‐catalyzed dimerization reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclo-diphenylalanine (cFF) is a symmetrical aromatic diketopiperazine (DKP) found wide-spread in microbes, plants, and resulting food products. As different bioactivities continue being discovered and relevant food and pharmaceutical applications gradually emerge for cFF, there is a growing need for establishing convenient and efficient methods to access this type of compound. Here, we present a robust cFF production system which entailed stepwise engineering of the filamentous fungal strain Aspergillus nidulans A1145 as a heterologous expression host. We first established a preliminary cFF producing strain by introducing the heterologous nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) gene penP1 to A. nidulans A1145. Key metabolic pathways involving shikimate and aromatic amino acid biosynthetic support were then engineered through a combination of gene deletions of competitive pathway steps, over-expressing feedback-insensitive enzymes in phenylalanine biosynthesis, and introducing a phosphoketolase-based pathway, which diverted glycolytic flux toward the formation of erythrose 4-phosphate (E4P). Through the stepwise engineering of A. nidulans A1145 outlined above, involving both heterologous pathway addition and native pathway metabolic engineering, we were able to produce cFF with titers reaching 611 mg/L in shake flask culture and 2.5 g/L in bench-scale fed-batch bioreactor culture. Our study establishes a production platform for cFF biosynthesis and successfully demonstrates engineering of phenylalanine derived diketopiperazines in a filamentous fungal host. • Heterologous cyclo-diphenylalanine (cFF) production using Aspergillus nidulans. • Fungal-derived diketopiperazine synthetase penP1 identified by genome mining. • Systemic metabolic engineering of the shikimate pathway in A. nidulans. • A cFF titer of 611 mg/L achieved in amino acid-free culture conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine natural products (MNPs) remain promising drug sources with several marine-derived drugs having been successfully approved. Nevertheless, it is never a smooth sailing to seek bioactive compounds from marine environments, during which many challenges are need to be faced to, for example, discovering unique marine resources, reviving unculturable organisms outside the marine environment, distinguishing novel compounds from the known ones, and disclosing the function of MNPs and optimizing their pharmacological use. Herein we review some advanced techniques and methodologies that can be employed to deal with above challenges with the intent of inspiring the forthcoming efforts in MNPs discovery pipelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the speedy development of high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), safety issues associated with LIBs are in major demand. Exploring new electrodes is the most efficient method to improving the energy density of LIBs, various materials is proposed, but the safety issue is generally ignored. Herein, a composite Sb@C/FG comprising antimony (Sb), pitch carbon, and flake graphite (FG) has been developed, which exhibiting improved electrochemical performance and enhanced safety properties for LIBs. The carbon coating could provide an electronic network between Sb nanoparticles and FG, and boost Li+ diffusion. As a result, the Sb@C/FG demonstrates a high reversible capacity of 473 mAh g−1, excellent durability (delivers reversible capacity of 497 mAh g−1 at after 1000 cycles), a high Coulombic efficiency of 99.7 %, and a relatively low average delithiation potential of 0.14 V. Besides, the Sb@C/FG electrode exhibits synergistic flame retardancy with PVDF binder. Compared with FG, the Sb@C/FG electrode exhibits a decreased and delayed peak heat release rate (HRR), and the total heat release (THR) has been significantly reduced from 6769.4 W g−1 to 1964.9 W g−1, therefore improving flame retardancy in case of thermal runaway of LIBs. Differing from the conventional safety strategies, the Sb@C/FG electrode not only improves the fireproof property of LIBs, but also enhances the energy density of the anode. • Utilization of Sb-graphite composite and PVDF binder as flame-retardant. • Carbon coating alleviate the volume expansion, boost Li+ diffusion, and decrease the working potential. • Sb@C/FG electrode improves the fireproof property of LIBs and enhances the energy density of the anode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The layered oxide Li 1.2 Mn 0.54 Ni 0.13 Co 0.13 O 2 with little lattice oxygen vacancies and abundant surface oxygen vacancies are synthesized. [Display omitted] • Swing-like non-isothermal sintering technique is adopted to stabilize the lattice oxygen. • NH 3 is employed to introduce the surface oxygen vacancies. • The layered oxide with controllable oxygen vacancies is synthesized. • Spinel phase is found in the surface of layered oxide. Li-rich Mn-Based layered oxide is defined as a potential cathode material for its high specific capacity while several significant drawbacks such as inferior cycling stability and voltage decay limit its wide application. In this work, a suite of characterization techniques is employed to comprehensively investigate the crystal structure, surface morphology and chemical state of materials. The results suggest the successful preparation of layered oxide with controllable oxygen vacancies. Specifically, 1) Surface oxygen vacancies can act as a deterrent to irreversible oxygen release, consequently suppressing the voltage decay. 2) Stable lattice oxygen can enhance structural stability during cycling. 3) Swing-like sintering methodology and inducing surface oxygen vacancies technique are connected to synthesize the layered oxide with little lattice oxygen vacancies and abundant surface oxygen vacancies. The as-prepared cathode exhibits a commendable capacity retention of 85 %, and managed to alleviate the voltage attenuation significantly to 3.81 mV/cycle over 150 cycles at 0.5C. This concept of pre-constructing controllable oxygen vacancies provides important groundwork for developing Li-rich cathode with mitigated voltage decay and enhanced cycle life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Two highly oxygenated polyketides, penilactones A and B (1 and 2), containing a new carbon skeleton formed from two 3,5-dimethyl-2,4-diol-acetophenone units and a γ-butyrolactone moiety, together with five known compounds (3–7) were isolated from an Antarctic deep-sea derived fungus Penicillium crustosum PRB-2. Penilactones A and B possess antipodal absolute stereochemistries. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, and their absolute configurations were assigned by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and CD analyses. A plausible biogenetic pathway for 1–2 is proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Two novel chlorinated sorbicillinoids named chloctanspirones A (1) and B (2), possessing an unprecedented bicyclo[2.2.2]octane-2-spiro cyclohexane skeleton, together with their quasi-precursors terrestrols K (3) and L (4), two additional new chlorinated compounds, were isolated from a marine sediment derived fungus Penicillium terrestre. Their structures including absolute stereochemistries were elucidated by analysis of NMR, MS data, and TDDFT CD calculations. The cytotoxic effects of 1–4 were preliminarily evaluated in HL-60 and A-549 cells. Compound 1 was active against both HL-60 and A-549 cells with IC50s 9.2 and 39.7 μM, respectively, while 2 showed weaker activity only against HL-60 cells (IC50 37.8 μM). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Chemical investigation of the endophytic fungus Emericella sp. (HK-ZJ) isolated from the mangrove plant Aegiceras corniculatum led to isolation of six isoindolones derivatives termed as emerimidine A and B and emeriphenolicins A and D, and six previously reported compounds named aspernidine A and B, austin, austinol, dehydroaustin, and acetoxydehydroaustin, respectively. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of NMR spectroscopic evidence while the anti-influenza A viral (H1N1) activities of eight compounds were also evaluated using the cytopathic effect (CPE) inhibition assay. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Eighteen sorbicillonoids, including three new sorbicillin trimers, trisorbicillinones B (2), C (3), and D (4), were isolated from a deep ocean sediment derived fungus, Phialocephala sp. FL30r. Their structures were determined by IR, MS, CD, and NMR spectral data. The cytotoxic activities of the new trisorbicillinones B (2), C (3), and D (4) were tested against both P388 and K562 cell lines. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Four new alkaloids, including two new meleagrin analogs, meleagrins B (2) and C (3), and two new diketopiperazines, roquefortines F (5) and G (6), together with six new diterpenes, conidiogenones B–G (7–12), were isolated from a deep ocean sediment derived fungus Penicillium sp. The structures and stereochemistry of the new compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. The cytotoxicity of the new compounds against the HL-60, A-549, BEL-7402, and MOLT-4 cell lines was evaluated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Seven new prenylated indole diketopiperazine alkaloids, including compound 1, 3 spirotryprostatins C–E (2–4), 2 derivatives of fumitremorgin B (5 and 6), and 13-oxoverruculogen (7), have been isolated from the holothurian-derived fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, along with 12 known ones (8–19). The structures of the new compounds were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic data and amino acid analysis. All new compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities on MOLT-4, A549, HL-60, and BEL-7420 cell lines by the MTT and SRB methods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • Terpenoids make the largest group of natural products that contribute significantly to human disease therapy. • Heterologous expression and metabolic engineering tools play important roles in refining production of terpenoids. • More eukaryotic and photosynthetic chassis are required for the heterologous production of plant and fungi derived terpenoids. • Bioinformatics and synthetic biology techniques will play growing roles in heterologous expression of terpenoids. Terpenoids, also referred to as isoprenoids, are the largest group of natural compounds which have contributed significantly to the pharmaceutical industry. The challenges in producing bioactive terpenoids from their original host or by organic synthesis methods spurred the endeavors of producing terpenoids in heterologous host. Modern advances utilizing synthetic biology and biological engineering tools have provided a variety of pharmaceutical terpenoids in large-scale and with diversified structures. In this review, we will summarize the progress in production of typical terpenoids skeletons using heterologous expression method assisted by metabolic engineering techniques, with the purpose of enlightening further efforts in developing advanced cell factories for producing terpenoid based pharmaceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The ion behavior of Na+ and Li+ is explained in terms of activation energy of chemical reaction and Gibbs free energy. • A layered sodium transition metal oxide electrode with ordered mixing of Na/Li ions was prepared by ion exchange method. • The priorities of Na+ and Li+ deblock reactions are is determined by thermodynamic analysis and material characterization. • The competition mechanism of alkali metal ions and the double gain effect of Li are revealed by electrochemical experiments. Dual alkali metal ion battery is expected to apply in future high-efficiency energy storage applications as it can skillfully combine the advantages of Li+ and Na+. However, the specific insertion and extraction processes of the two ions are not well explained. Herein, a layered sodium transition metal oxide electrode with ordered mixing of Na/Li ions is prepared by ion exchange method. The ion behavior is explained in terms of activation energy of chemical reaction and Gibbs free energy. Based on thermodynamic analysis and material characterizations, the priorities of Na+ and Li+ deblock reactions are determined. The competition mechanism of alkali metal ions and the double gain effect of Li are revealed by electrochemical experiments. This work is expected to provide a positive impact on the future design of multifunctional cathodes for advanced rechargeable batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Seven compounds including four undescribed fusaric acid derivatives, namely fusaricates H-K, and two undescribed γ -pyrone derivatives, named fusolanones A-B, as well as a known compound fusaric acid, were isolated from a mangrove endophytic fungus Fusarium solani. Fusaricates H-K represent the first cases of fusaric acid butanediol esters and are diastereoisomers. Their structures including absolute configurations were elucidated based on NMR, MS, chemical synthesis, chiral HPLC analysis and ECD calculations. The antibacterial activity of all undescribed compounds were tested and fusolanone B showed the best activity with MIC value 6.25 μg/mL on Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Graphical abstract Four undescribed fusaric acid derivatives and two undescribed γ -pyrone derivatives as well as fusaric acid were isolated from an endophytic fungus Fusarium solani , with fusolanone B showed the best antibacterial activity. Image 1 Highlights • Seven previously undescribed compounds were isolated from a mangrove endophytic fungus Fusarium solani. • Fusaricates H-K represent the first cases of fusaric acid butanediol esters and are diastereoisomers. • Fusolanone B showed antibacterial activity on Vibrio parahaemolyticus with MIC value 6.25 μg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development and design of anti-influenza drugs with novel mechanisms is of great significance to combat the ongoing threat of influenza A virus (IAV). Hemagglutinin (HA) is regarded as a potential target for the therapy of IAV. Our previous research led to the discovery of penindolone (PND), a new diclavatol indole adduct, as an HA targeting leading compound exhibited anti-IAV activity. To enhance the bioactivity and understand the structure-activity relationships (SARs), 65 PND derivatives were designed and synthesized, and the anti-IAV activities as well as the HA targeting effects were systematically investigated in this study. Among them, compound 5g possessed high affinity to HA and was more effective than PND in terms of inhibiting HA-mediated membrane fusion. Compound 5g may act on the trypsin cleavage site of HA to exhibit a strong inhibition on membrane fusion. In addition, oral administration of 5g can significantly reduce the pulmonary virus titer, attenuate the weight loss, and improve the survival of IAV-infected mice, superior to the effects of PND. These findings suggest that the HA inhibitor 5g has potential to be developed into a novel broad-spectrum anti-IAV agent in the future. [Display omitted] • Detailed structure-activity relationships were conducted. • 5g possessed significant inhibition effect on IAV in vitro and in vivo. • 5g exhibited a strong inhibition on membrane fusion through acting on the trypsin cleavage site of HA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel antimycin alkaloid antimycin A2c (AE) was isolated from the culture of a marine derived Streptomyces sp. THS-55. We elucidated its chemical structure by extensive spectra and clarified the specific mechanism in HPV infected-cervical cancer. Colony formation assay, cell cycle analysis, hoechst 33342 staining assay, et.al were used to detect the inhibitory effect of AE on cervical cancer cells. Meanwhile, flow cytometry, western blotting, immunoprecipitation, RNA interference and molecular docking were used to analyze the mechanism of AE. AE exhibited potent cytotoxicity in vitro against HPV-transformed cervical cancer HeLa cell line. AE inhibited the proliferation, arrested cell cycle distribution, and triggered caspase dependent apoptosis in HeLa cells. Further studies revealed AE-induced apoptosis is mediated by the degradation of E6/E7 oncoproteins. Molecular mechanic investigation showed that AE degraded the levels of E6/E7 oncoproteins through reactive oxygen (ROS)-mediated ubiquitin-dependent proteasome system activation, and the increased ROS generation was due to the disruption of the mitochondrial function. This present work revealed that this novel marine derived antimycin alkaloid could target the mitochondria and subsequently degrade HPV E6/E7 oncoproteins, and have potential application in the design and development of lead compound for cervical cancer cells, as well as the development for tool compounds to dissect E6/E7 functions. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• PNSA is a C-terminal Hsp90 inhibitor that inhibited colon cancer growth. • PNSA improves T cells immune sensitivity to colon cancer cells. • PNSA increased CD8+ T cell infiltration in tumors. Penisuloxazin A (PNSA), a new compound from the fungus, is a novel C-terminal Hsp90 inhibitor reported by us before. It has been reported to possess antitumor activity and suppresses metastasis of breast cancer cells. However, the influence of PNSA on T cells is not fully understood. Here, we found that PNSA was much less toxic to lymphocytes than to tumor cells and it had no significant effect on populations of CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes. We discovered that PNSA directly enhanced the killing capacities of the CD8+ T and CD3+CD25- to CT26 cells, but not that of CD3+ cells due to the increase of Treg cells. What's more, PNSA pretreated tumor cells increase the sensitivity to CD8+ T cells mainly through the degradation of client protein of Hsp90 and declination of PD-L1 expression. Eventually, PNSA enhanced the killing ability of CD8+ and CD3+ T cells by simultaneously acting on lymphocytes and cancer cells. In vivo experiments, PNSA exhibited inhibition effects in the colon adenocarcinoma with increase of CD8 T cell infiltration in tumor tissues. All these results indicate that the novel Hsp90 C-terminal inhibitor-PNSA can promote lytic T cell immunological function to improve anticancer effect of PNSA, which provides a better foundation for anticancer drug development of PNSA in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract High-performance and cost-effective electrocatalysts are vital for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) during water splitting process. Herein, we demonstrate the first report on the facile synthesis of (NiFe)S 2 nanoparticles grown on graphene (abbr. (NiFe)S 2 -GN, where GN stands for graphene), through a simple sulfidation process of the NiFe LDH-GO composites (GO is graphene oxide). Characterization of the as-prepared (NiFe)S 2 -GN is carried out in details by XRD, FESEM, TEM and HRTEM, XPS, and Raman spectra. Under 400 °C, the NiFe LDH nanosheets decorated on GO surface react with sulfur and transform into (NiFe)S 2 nanoparticles with the size of 30–50 nm, simultaneously, GO is reduced to GN, forming the (NiFe)S 2 -GN nanocomposites. By changing the concentrations of the added salts, various (NiFe)S 2 -GN- x composites (x is the starting salt concentrations such as 0.16, 0.2 and 0.40 M added into GO suspension) are obtained. The (NiFe)S 2 in (NiFe)S 2 -GN is formed as a single phase by crystal lattice doping of Ni and Fe, showing an exact composition of (Ni 0.75 Fe 0.25)S 2. Among the composites, the (NiFe)S 2 -GN-0.2 exhibits optimized electrocatalytic activity. It presents superior OER performance with an overpotential of 320 mV to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in 1 M KOH, and the Tafel slope of 61 mV/dec is smaller than that (68 mV/dec) of the commercial RuO 2. The electrode also maintains strong durability during long-term electrolysis process at the fixed current density of 10 mA cm−2. It is expected that the (NiFe)S 2 -GN material can serve as a promising non-noble metal electrocatalyst for OER. Graphical abstract Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA topoisomerase I (Topo I) is an important anticancer drug target, and xanthone dimers are considered to be a new kind of Topo I inhibitor chemotypes. Based on the characteristics of dimeric xanthone structures, five new dimeric xanthones ( 1 – 5 ) and two known SAD isomers ( 6 and 7 ) were isolated from the mangrove-derived fungus Aspergillus vericolor . The absolute configurations of compounds 1 – 7 , entailing both central and axial chirality elements, were established by a combination of ECD comparison, chemical conversions, and biogenetic considerations. Compounds 1 – 7 possessed high structural diversity and exhibited cytotoxicity at different levels. The selected new compounds 1 , 2 , and 5 showed Topo I inhibition properties and the most potent compound 1 , an atropisomer of compound 2 , was confirmed to inhibit Topo I-mediated DNA relaxation by targeting Topo I, thereby, arresting the cell cycle process and inducing necrosis in cancer cells. Molecular docking studies showed that compound 1 could bind DNA by π-π interaction and DNA Topo I by hydrogen bonds to form a ternary complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Chemical investigation of cold-seep Bacillus sp. HDN20-1259 led to the isolation of three new compounds, and this was the first report of secondary metabolites obtained from cold-seep-derived Bacillus sp. • Compounds 1 , 2 , 5 , and 6 showed broad antibacterial activity, among which 1 and 2 showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with MIC value of 50 µg/ mL. One new glycosylated macrolactin compound, 6′- O -succinyl methyl ester macrolactin O (1), two new hydroxy unsaturated fatty acids (3 and 4), together with three known compounds succinyl macrolactin O (2), macrolactin O and F (5 and 6), were isolated from the liquid culture of Bacillus sp. HDN20-1259. The chemical structures of 1 – 6 were elucidated by extensive NMR, MS, ECD, Mosher's method and thiocarbamoyl-thiazolidine derivatization with reversed-phase HPLC analysis. Compounds 1 , 2 , 5 , and 6 showed extensive antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus , Staphylococcus aureus , and Escherichia coli , among which 1 and 2 showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with MIC value of 50 µ g/ mL. This is the first report of secondary metabolites obtained from cold-seep-derived Bacillus sp.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two pairs of epimers, campyridones A and B ( 1 and 2 ) and campyridones C and D ( 3 and 4 ), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Campylocarpon sp. HDN13-307, as well as the biogenetically related known ilicicolin H ( 5 ). Their structures including absolute configurations were elucidated on the basis of the spectroscopic analysis and ECD calculations. The new compounds 1 – 4 possess unprecedented ring systems featured by the appearance of an additional spiro-furanone ( 1 / 2 ) or γ -pyrone ( 3 / 4 ) moieties (C ring), which represents a new family of 4-hydroxy-2-pyridone alkaloids. Compounds 4 and 5 were cytotoxic against Hela cell with IC 50 values of 8.8 μM and 4.7 μM, respectively. A plausible biosynthetic pathway for 1 – 4 is also elucidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the discovery of penicillin, fungi have been an important source of bioactive natural products. However, as a specific resource, the bioactive potentiality and specificity of fungal metabolites from the Antarctic region have had little attention. In this paper, we investigated the diversity patterns and biological activities of cultivable fungi isolated from soil samples in Fildes Peninsula, King George Island, Antarctica. Fungal communities showed low abundance and diversity; a total of 150 cultivable fungi were isolated from eight soil samples. After being dereplicated by morphological characteristics and chemical fingerprints, 47 fungal isolates were identified by ITS-rDNA sequencing. We confirmed that these isolates belonged to at least 11 different genera and clustered into nine groups corresponding to taxonomic orders in the phylogenetic analysis. Using two different fermentation conditions, 94 crude extracts acquired from the abovementioned different metabolite characteristic isolates were screened by bioactivity assay and 18 isolates produced biologically active compounds. Compared with HPLC-DAD-UV fingerprint analysis of culture extracts and standard compounds, two bioactive components secalonic acid and chetracins were identified. Our research suggests that the abundance and diversity of Antarctic cultivable fungal communities exhibit unique ecological characteristics and potential producers of novel natural bioactive products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) are regarded as promising energy storage devices due to their high theoretical capacity. However, LSBs face great challenge in commercial uses due to their "shuttle effect". In this work, a composite material consisting of N and O heteroatoms dispersed on three-dimensional macroporous glycine anhydride (3DMPGA) inverse opal structure is designed and synthesized by the one-step method. Compared with high temperature graphitization, low temperature pyrolysis of 3DMPGA consumes less energy. And precursor glycine is renewable, which is significant for reducing carbon emissions. The results show that 3DMPGA has an ordered porous inverse opal structure and uniform heteroatoms distribution. Lithium polysulfides are not only stored in the pores with spatial confinement but also anchored on the surface of pores via chemical adsorption, confirmed by adsorption tests and density functional theory calculation, respectively. The initial capacity of the 3DMPGA cathode at 0.5C is 848 mAh g−1, and the average attenuation rate for 300 cycles is only 0.14%. At a higher C-rate, the enhanced electrochemical performance of 3DMPGA is more obvious due to the dual-effect on mitigating the "shuttle effect". • Both spatial confinement and chemical adsorption of 3DMPGA are designed to have an improvement of mitigating the "shuttle effect". • Raw material glycine, easily available and renewable, has cost-competitive advantage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new C12 polyketides, cladospolides E and F ( 1 and 2 ), together with four known derivatives seco -patulolides A and C ( 3 and 4 ), 11-hydroxy-γ-dodecalactone ( 5 ) and iso -cladospolide B ( 6 ), were isolated from a soft coral-derived fungus Cladosporium sp. TZP-29. Their structures, including the absolute configurations, were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis, modified Mosher’s method, and the analysis of their biogenesis. All compounds were non-cytotoxic while compounds 1 and 3 – 5 showed potent lipid-lowering activity in HepG2 hepatocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new indole diketopiperazine alkaloids, okaramines S–U ( 1 – 3 ), with two ( 1 and 2 ) of them prenylated, were obtained from the Aspergillus taichungensis ZHN-7-07. Their structures including the absolute configurations were determined by combination of NMR, MS, TDDFT ECD calculation, and Marfey's analysis. Okaramine S ( 1 ) showed the best cytotoxic activity against HL-60 cell with IC 50 value of 0.78 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new highly oxygenated hexacyclic cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) alkaloids, speradines B and C ( 1 and 2 ), together with one new related tetracyclic oxindole alkaloid, speradine D ( 3 ), were isolated from the sponge derived fungus Aspergillus flavus MXH-X104. Among them, speradine C ( 2 ) possesses unprecedented 6/5/6/5/5/6 hexacyclic ring system and 4-oxo-1, 3-oxazinane ring. The structures including absolute configurations of 1 – 3 were deduced from the spectroscopic data, X-ray diffraction analysis and the computational method including the calculation of the chemical shifts and the electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Chemical investigation of a marine-derived fungus Alternaria sp. HDN19-690 led to the isolation of three new perylenequinone derivatives. • Xanalterate A (1) possesses a unique pyran ring at E ring with only 4 cases have been reported so far and altertoxin VIII (2) is a third example of chlorinated perylenequinone derivative. • Compounds 1 – 4 showed broad antibacterial activity with compound 1 the best (MIC values ranging from 3.13 to 12.5 µM). Three new perylenequinone derivatives, namely xanalterate A (1), altertoxin VIII and IX (2 and 3), together with one known analogue, stemphyperylenol (4), were isolated from the extract of the Antarctic sponge-derived fungus Alternaria sp. HDN19-690. The structures of compounds 1 – 3 , including absolute configurations, were confirmed based on the analysis of MS, NMR and ECD data. Compound 1 exhibited promising antimicrobial activity against the tested strains with MIC values ranging from 3.13 to 12.5 µ M. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

isolation, structural elucidation and cytotoxicity of a new and unusual pyrrolyl 4-quinolinone alkaloid, penicinoline E(I), and three known derivatives [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three prenylated indole alkaloids with a rare antibicyclo-[2.2.2]diazaoctane core ring (5–7) were isolated from Aspergillus taichungensis. The structures including absolute configurations were elucidated based on NMR, X-ray, and CD methods. ()-Versicolamides B and C (8–9) which contain a spiro-center, together with seven analogues (7, 10–15), were isolated as photoinduced conversion products of 6. Biological evaluation indicated that 6and 7exhibited significant cytotoxicities with IC50values in the low micromolar range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Three novel carbon-bridged citrinin dimers, dicitrinones A–C (1–3), were isolated from a volcano ash-derived fungus Penicillium citrinum. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. Dicitrinone A (1) and B (2) are two atropisomeric mixtures, which were verified by both NMR and quantum chemical calculations. Their cytotoxicity against four tumor cell lines (HL-60, MOLT-4, A-549, and BEL-7402) was evaluated by SRB and MTT methods. Dicitrinone B (2) arrested the HL-60 cell cycle at the G2/M phase, which was analyzed using flow cytometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aspergiolide A, a novel antitumor compound, was produced by a marine-derived filamentous fungus Aspergillus glaucus. The biosynthesis of it was unambiguously determined by feeding experiments using [l-13C]sodium acetate, [2-13C]sodium acetate, and [1,2-13C2]sodium acetate precursors followed by 13C NMR spectroscopic investigation of the isolated products. Analysis of the patterns of 13C-enrichment revealed that all 25 carbon atoms in skeleton of aspergiolide A were derived from labeled acetate. And among them, 12 carbon atoms were labeled from the carboxylic group of acetate, while the other 13 carbon atoms were labeled from the methylic group of acetate. Besides, the labeling pattern of [1,2-13C2]sodium acetate feeding experiment demonstrated that 12 intact acetate units were incorporated in aspergiolide A by polyketide pathway. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Stachybotrin G ( 1 ), a new sulfate meroterpenoid possessing a unique farnesylated [1,3]diazepino[2,1- a ]isoindole skeleton, was discovered from sponge derived fungus Stachybotrys chartarum (MXH-X73). The structure was elucidated on the basis of NMR spectroscopic data and X-ray analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]