Search

Simple Summary: Transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) mediates various biological processes including cell growth, cell death, cellular differentiation and stemness, among others. TGFβ also regulates tumor formation and metastasis in a context-dependent manner. This research aims to investigate and define the role of the TGFβ cell signaling pathway in melanoma, which is a deadly form of skin cancer. Using relevant melanoma cancer cell lines and preclinical models of melanoma, we show that TGFβ acts as a potent tumor suppressor and negative regulator of cancer stemness and metastasis in melanoma. These findings will be instrumental for the future development of targeted therapy in melanoma. The secreted protein transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) plays essential roles, ranging from cell growth regulation and cell differentiation in both normal and cancer cells. In melanoma, TGFβ acts as a potent tumor suppressor in melanoma by blocking cell cycle progression and inducing apoptosis. In the present study, we found TGFβ to regulate cancer stemness in melanoma through the Smad signaling pathway. We discovered that TGFβ/Smad signaling inhibits melanosphere formation in multiple melanoma cell lines and reduces expression of the CD133+ cancer stem cell subpopulation in a Smad3-dependent manner. Using preclinical models of melanoma, we further showed that preventing Smad3/4 signaling, by means of CRISPR knockouts, promoted both tumorigenesis and lung metastasis in vivo. Collectively, our results define new functions for the TGFβ/Smad signaling axis in melanoma stem-cell maintenance and open avenues for new therapeutic approaches to this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbal medicines are frequently blended in the form of multi-drug combinations primarily based on the precept of medicinal compatibility, to achieve the purpose of treating diseases. However, due to the lack of appropriate techniques and the multi-component and multi-target nature of Chinese medicine compounding, it is tough to explain how the drugs interact with each other. As a rising discipline, cyber pharmacology has formed a new approach characterized by using holistic and systematic “network targets” via the cross-fertilization of computer technology, bioinformatics, and different multidisciplinary disciplines. It can broadly screen the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine, enhance the effective utilization of drugs, and elucidate the mechanism of drug action. We will overview the principles of Chinese medicine compounding and dispensing, the research methods of network pharmacology, and the software of network pharmacology in the lookup of compounded Chinese medicines, aiming to supply thoughts for the better application of network pharmacology in the research of Chinese medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have received considerable attention as promising energy storage devices because of their impressive energy densities and inexpensive cost. However, there are still challenges to be addressed regarding the performance and cycling stability of ZIBs. In this work, a straw-sheaf-like AgVO 3 structure assembled from multiple strongly bonded nanowires was successfully synthesized using a one-step hydrothermal route. We investigate the structural advantages offered by the AgVO 3 compound for ZIBs. The AgVO 3 , which is distinguished by one-dimensional nanowires and a straw-sheaf-like architecture, possesses remarkable properties that facilitate efficient zinc ion deintercalation and electron transfer processes. These include the shortened diffusion length caused by the presence of nanowires, which allows for faster ion migration. The tightly bundled nanowires also provide robust structural support, accommodating the significant volume changes caused by repeated electrochemical reactions. Notably, a single crystal structure enables excellent conductivity and electrochemical kinetics. Remarkably, the straw-sheaf-like AgVO 3 electrode exhibited excellent reversible capacity (292.3 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1) and long cycling stability. The remarkable electrochemical properties illuminate the potential of AgVO 3 as a viable material for ZIBs, paving the way for improved performance and durability in this promising energy storage technology. [Display omitted] • The Straw-sheaf-like (SSL) AgVO 3 nanowires are successfully synthesized. • SSL structure can accommodate volume change by repetitive electrochemical reactions. • Nanowires shorten the diffusion length, allowing for faster ion migration. • Single-crystal structure enables good conductivity and electrochemical kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is regarded as a critical component in the water splitting system. Creating vacancies, increasing active surface area, and optimizing electronic structure would improve electrocatalytic performance. Herein, a facile electrochemical reduction method is used to generate sulfur vacancies in nickel iron sulfide (NiFe-S) with a large geometry area of 15 × 16 cm2, which is synthesized using an electrodeposition process assisted with the ion exchange (IOE) method. The X-ray absorption spectroscopies (XAS) are applied for atomic-level structural analysis, verifying that electrochemical desulfurization generates abundant S vacancies. The NiFe-S with abundant sulfur vacancies (NiFe-S-V s) exhibits a low overpotential (252 mV at 100 mA cm−2), and long stability for 260 h at 500 mA cm−2. More importantly, the NiFe-S-V s catalyst also delivers a small overpotential (235 mV at 1000 mA cm−2) and high alkaline tolerance (140 h at 500 mA cm−2) in 6 M KOH at 60 °C), implying a potentially significant industrial application prospect. Finally, theory calculation further illustrates the high performance of as-prepared vacancies-rich catalyst. [Display omitted] • Rich vacancies were created by electrochemical reduction. • Sulfur vacancy can modulate the electronic structure from XAS and DFT results. • Scaled-up sulfides with more than 15 × 16 cm2 were prepared. • NiFe-S-0.6/NF only needs 235 mV to reach 1000 mA cm−2 in industry conditions. • NiFe-S-0.6/NF can maintain over 140 h in industry-like conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The "shuttle effect" caused by polysulfide (LiPSs) dissolution and diffusion is a great challenge for sulfur (S) cathode in lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs). Herein, we have successfully constructed Co/CoV 2 O 6 tandem catalytic heterostructure anchored by N-doped carbon (Co/CoV 2 O 6 /NC) via an impregnation-assisted pyriaolysis method. The "adsorption-transfer-conversion" tandem catalytic mechanism for LiPSs is realized by utilizing the three behaviors of the strong chemical adsorption of CoV 2 O 6 to LiPSs, the strong conversion of Co to LiPSs, and the transport effect of CoV 2 O 6 ←Co interfacial built-in electric field to polysulfide ions. This can effectively suppress the "shuttle effect" by separating the adsorption and conversion process of LiPSs at different active sites. The tandem catalytic characteristic coupled with the interfacial Co-N and V-N bonds among Co, CoV 2 O 6 and NC, the high electrical conductivities of metal Co and NC conducting network, the hierarchical porous structure of polyhedral framework, collectively endow Co/CoV 2 O 6 /NC@S cathode with strong structural stability, weak electrochemical polarization, good electrochemical reversibility and fast electrochemical kinetics. As a result, Co/CoV 2 O 6 /NC@S cathode presents the significantly enhanced electrochemical performance with a high capacity of 558.4 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C after 100 cycles and a low-capacity decay rate of 0.123% per cycle during 300 cycles at 1 C. • Co/CoV 2 O 6 tandem catalytic heterostructure was successfully constructed. • The adsorption-transfer-conversion tandem catalytic mechanism was realized. • The shuttle effect was suppressed by separating adsorption and conversion. • A high capacity of 558.4 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C after 100 cycles was achieved. • A low-capacity decay rate of 0.123%/cycle during 300 cycles at 1 C was achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains exceptionally challenging to treat. While CDK4/6 inhibitors have revolutionized HR + breast cancer therapy, there is limited understanding of their efficacy in TNBC and meaningful predictors of response and resistance to these drugs remain scarce. We conducted an in vivo genome-wide CRISPR screen using palbociclib as a selection pressure in TNBC. Hits were prioritized using microarray data from a large panel of breast cancer cell lines to identify top palbociclib sensitizers. Our study defines TGFβ3 as an actionable determinant of palbociclib sensitivity that potentiates its anti-tumor effects. Mechanistically, we show that chronic palbociclib exposure depletes p21 levels, contributing to acquired resistance, and that TGFβ3 treatment can overcome this. This study defines TGFβ3 as an actionable biomarker that can be used to improve patient stratification for palbociclib treatment and exploits the synergistic interaction between CDK4/6 and TGFβ3 to propose a new combinatorial treatment for TNBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Pd 13 /Fe-N-Gra exhibits high activity for the decomposition of formic acid. • The Pd 13 /Fe-N-Gra catalyst shows higher activity for CO 2 production than Pd 13 /Gra. • The deformation of Pd 13 will improve the selectivity for CO production. • The Fe-N-C site can keep the electron of Pd 13 to prevent its deformation. The reaction mechanism of HCOOH dissociation on the Fe-N 4 -Gra supported Pd 13 (Pd 13 /Fe-N-Gra) is systematically investigated by using the density functional method. For Pd 13 /Fe-N-Gra, the two possible active sites, i.e., the top site (T) and interface (synergy) site (S site), are all considered. The results show that, besides pathway via HCOO (HCOOH → HCOO → CO 2), there is a new favorable channel (HCOOH → COOH → CO 2) for producing the CO 2 , which is different from that of pure Pd (prefer HCOO pathway). More importantly, the new pathway at T site shows higher selectivity and activity for HCOOH dissociation to CO 2 , compared with the S site. Further analysis based on energy splitting method and electronic structure indicate that the higher electron transfer during the intermediate COOH dissociation brings the deformation of Pd 13 , which increases the selectivity for CO. In conclusion, the Fe-N 4 can not directly act as the active center for the reaction, while it can effectively keep the number of active electrons in Pd 13 , especially for the T site, to keep high activity and selectivity for the HCOOH dissociation to CO 2. Meanwhile, the results also propose that the effective method for reducing the adsorption of OH species at the interface site or fast release the OH species can further improve the catalytic activity and life of Pd 13 /Fe-N-Gra for HCOOH dissociation. The Pd 13 /Fe-N-Gra catalyst shows high activity for the dissociation of formic acid to form CO 2 and H 2. The Fe-N 4 site will modulate the electronic structure of Pd cluster and prevent the deformation of Pd cluster, which is beneficial for hindering the formation of CO. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracting a channel network based on the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) is one of the key research topics in digital terrain analysis. However, when the channel area is wide and flat, it is easy to form parallel channels, which seriously affect the accuracy of channel network extraction. To solve this problem, this study proposes a method to identify and eliminate parallel channels extracted by classical methods. First, the channel level in the study area is marked based on the flow accumulation data, and the parallel channels are then identified using the positional relationship between the different channel levels. Finally, the modification point of the identified parallel channels is determined to eliminate the parallel channels, with the help of the change relationship between the parallel channel and its upper-level channel. In this study, two watersheds in southeast China are selected as examples for method verification and analysis. Experimental results show that the parallel channel identification method proposed in this paper can accurately identify all parallel channels and eliminate the identified parallel channels one by one. The location relationship of the modified channels is consistent with the actual situation, indicating that the proposed method has good application potential in DEM-based channel extraction networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fiber‐based artificial muscles are promising for smart textiles capable of sensing, interacting, and adapting to environmental stimuli. However, the application of current artificial muscle‐based textiles in wearable and engineering fields has largely remained a constraint due to the limited deformation, restrictive stimulation, and uncomfortable. Here, dual‐responsive yarn muscles with high contractile actuation force are fabricated by incorporating a very small fraction (<1 wt.%) of Ti3C2Tx MXene/cellulose nanofibers (CNF) composites into self‐plied and twisted wool yarns. They can lift and lower a load exceeding 3400 times their own weight when stimulated by moisture and photothermal. Furthermore, the yarn muscles are coiled homochirally or heterochirally to produce spring‐like muscles, which generated over 550% elongation or 83% contraction under the photothermal stimulation. The actuation mechanism, involving photothermal/moisture‐mechanical energy conversion, is clarified by a combination of experiments and finite element simulations. Specifically, MXene/CNF composites serve as both photothermal and hygroscopic agents to accelerate water evaporation under near‐infrared (NIR) light and moisture absorption from ambient air. Due to their low‐cost facile fabrication, large scalable dimensions, and robust strength coupled with dual responsiveness, these soft actuators are attractive for intelligent textiles and devices such as self‐adaptive textiles, soft robotics, and wearable information encryption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the system with the highest solar hydrogen conversion efficiency, the further improvement of photovoltaic-photoelectrocatalysis (PV-PEC) efficiency is dependent on the light transmittance, activity and stability of the photoanode. Here, a highly permeable BiVO 4 thin film was fabricated through controlled magnetron sputtering. The thickness of the thin film was merely 345 nm, while its transmittance in the visible light range reached as high as 70%. Moreover, large-scale production of such films could be achieved. By incorporating NiFeO x oxygen extraction cocatalyst, under AM 1.5G illumination, the photocurrent density at 1.23 V on reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) increased to 4.2 mA cm−2 and the incident photon-current conversion efficiency reached 70%. A PV-PEC system was designed to efficiently harness sunlight by integrating the photoanode with a solar photovoltaic panel. Upon connection with the solar photovoltaic panel (with an efficiency of only 7%), spontaneous water decomposition could be achieved, resulting in a solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency (η STH) of 4.2% for the series system. This study contributes to the realization of cost-effective and highly efficient PV-PEC hydrogen production. The PV-PEC series system with BiVO 4 thin film photoanode prepared by magnetron sputtering method improves the overall utilization rate of sunlight and realizes spontaneous water decomposition. [Display omitted] • BiVO 4 films with large area and high transmittance can be prepared by low rate controlled magnetron sputtering. • The PEC performance of films was improved by optimizing the magnetron sputtering process and supporting catalyst. • Photovoltaic and photoanode in PV-PEC cells can be irradiated in series to improve the utilization rate of sunlight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past few decades, the worldwide incidence of cutaneous melanoma, a malignant neoplasm arising from melanocytes, has been increasing markedly, leading to the highest rate of skin cancer-related deaths. While localized tumors are easily removed by excision surgery, late-stage metastatic melanomas are refractory to treatment and exhibit a poor prognosis. Consequently, unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying melanoma tumorigenesis and metastasis is crucial for developing novel targeted therapies. We found that the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) gene product Menin is required for the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling pathway to induce cell growth arrest and apoptosis in vitro and prevent tumorigenesis in vivo in preclinical xenograft models of melanoma. We further identified point mutations in two MEN1 family members affected by melanoma that led to proteasomal degradation of the MEN1 gene product and to a loss of TGFβ signaling. Interestingly, blocking the proteasome degradation pathway using an FDA-approved drug and RNAi targeting could efficiently restore MEN1 expression and TGFβ transcriptional responses. Together, these results provide new potential therapeutic strategies and patient stratification for the treatment of cutaneous melanoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing share of renewable distributed generations has raised a challenge about the frequency stability. Under-frequency load shedding (UFLS) can deal with this challenge, but it usually considers a prorated load-shedding strategy and neglects the impact of uncertainty from renewable generation. This may result in unnecessary additional economic losses from the system blackout. In this paper, a risk-decision-based optimal adaptive decentralized UFLS method is proposed to coordinate the distribution of shedding load in the smart distribution network to avoid unnecessary additional economic losses, while considering the wind power uncertainty. Firstly, the uncertainty from wind power generation is modeled by confidence intervals and evaluated by the calculation of the conditional value at risk (CVaR). Then, to economically distribute the power deficit among load agents, a decentralized consensus on the incremental cost among decentralized agents is reached, where the interruption cost of the local agent varies with its load as a nonlinear relationship. Finally, a two-layer adaptive risk-decision decentralized UFLS control framework is proposed to enable the frequency stability and economic operation of the smart distribution network. With the proposed strategy, local information sharing and important global information discovery are achieved in a distributed way. Simulations on an improved IEEE 33-bus system show that the proposed strategy can effectively avoid rigid shedding and implement the optimal allocation of the system power deficit. • An adaptive risk-decision UFLS strategy is proposed to consider the uncertainty of wind power. • A confidence level selection method is designed to improve the accuracy of the reference of CVaR. • A CVaR-based deficiency estimation method to minimize the risk of load shedding under wind power uncertainty. • The shedding load is distributed among different load agents from the perspective of the overall social welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CRF-like diuretic hormone receptor (CRF/DHR), also known as DH44R in insects, are G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) that play a role in regulating osmotic balance in various insect species. These receptors have the potential to be targeted for the development of insecticides. However, our understanding of the role of DHR genes in aphids, including Rhopalosiphum padi , a major wheat pest, is currently limited. In this study, we isolated and characterized two R. padi DHRs (RpDHR1 and RpDHR2). The expression levels of RpDHR1 increased after starvation and were restored after re-feeding. The expression levels of RpDHR1 gene decreased significantly 24 h after injection of dsRNA targeting the gene. Knockdown of RpDHR1 increased aphid mortality under starvation conditions (24, 36, 48 and 60 h). Under starvation and desiccation condition, the aphid mortality decreased after knockdown of RpDHR1. This is the first study to report the role of DHR genes in the starvation and desiccation response of aphids. The results suggest that RpDHR1 is involved in the resistance of R. padi to starvation and dehydration, making it a potential target for insecticide development. Novel insecticides could be created by utilizing DHR agonists to disrupt the physiological processes of insect pests. [Display omitted] • Two DH44R genes were identified in Rhopalosiphum padi. • Starvation and desiccation the expression of RpDHR1 , but do not affect RpDHR2. • R. padi adults significantly increased water content after knockdown of the RpDHR1. • Novel insecticides could be developed by targeting RpDHR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand response, as an effective means of carbon reduction in the demand side, generally uses carbon emission factor (CEF) to evaluate the carbon emissions. However, in the existing research, the output of demand-side renewable energy units is neglected in CEF, which will lead to an inaccurate assessment of carbon emissions and is not helpful for the carbon reduction by the demand response. In this paper, a bi-level incentive-based integrated demand response (IBIDR) approach is proposed to reduce the carbon emission cost with multi-energy time-varying CEFs. In particular, the multi-energy time-varying CEFs model is proposed considering the demand-side proportion of solar output in the total energy consumption. To explore the role of CEF in IBIDR, the coupling effect of the multi-energy time-varying CEFs on the response willingness model is constructed to promote the interaction among different energy resources to reduce the carbon emission. Finally, the proposed bi-level IBIDR optimization model is transformed into a single-level nonlinear problem based on the backward induction method, which can obtain the optimal incentive strategy of IBIDR. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed approach in reducing the incentive cost and carbon emission cost of multi-energy aggregators. • A low carbon bi-level IBIDR model is proposed to reduce the carbon emission. • Multi-energy time-varying CEF model is established to calculate the carbon emission. • Coupling impact of the multi-energy CEFs on the response willingness model is constructed to promote the interaction among different energy resources. • The proposed bi-level IBIDR model is transformed into a single-level model through the backward induction method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many aphid species exhibit both cyclical parthenogenesis (CP) and the obligate parthenogenesis (OP) life history, which are genetically determined. In CP aphid lineages, the parthenogenetic individuals can switch from asexual to sexual reproduction quickly in response to environmental factors such as changes in photoperiod and temperature. However, the OP aphid lineages do not undergo sexual reproduction under any conditions. So far, mechanisms underlying the reproduction switch in CP aphids have not been fully elucidated. Rhopalosiphum padi, a serious worldwide insect pest of wheat, has both CP and OP lineages. Uridine diphosphate‐glycosyltransferases (UGTs) are enzymes that participate in the metabolic detoxification of xenobiotics. Here, we identified 43 RpUGT genes from R. padi genome and transcriptome sequences, and found that: (1) the UGT content of the CP lineage was significantly higher than that in the OP lineage at the key time points when CP lineage mainly produce virginoparae, gynoparae, and males under inducing condition, while there were no significant difference under normal conditions; (2) RpUGT344J7 gene was highly expressed during the time points when CP lineages produce gynopara and males; (3) the critical time points for CP lineages to produce virginoparaee, gynoparae, and males were affected when the CP lineages were injected with dsRpUGT344J7; (4) the knockdown of RpUGT344J7 caused a significant reduction in the total number of virginoparae, gynoparae, and males in the offspring under inducing condition. The findings contribute to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the quick shift from asexual to sexual reproduction in aphid species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Personal thermal management (PTM) textiles for outdoor activities have become increasingly important for addressing energy consumption and thermal comfortable. Cellulose nanofiber (CNF) aerogels have emerged as promising candidates for PTM due to the eco-friendliness, lightweight, and low thermal conductivity. However, the singular insulation capability may not be sufficient to accommodate the diverse and harsh outdoor conditions. Herein, we carbonized CNF-based aerogel to fabricate anisotropic carbon aerogels, and then incorporated silver nanowires (AgNWs) upon onside to fabricate the dual-function AgNWs/carbon aerogel. The resulting material inherits high porosity (99.3 %), high surface area (503.2 m2/g), low density (7.08 mg/cm3), and low thermal conductivity (18.2 mW·m−1·k−1 in the axial direction) to act as an ideal thermal insulator. The AgNWs coating side demonstrates low IR-emissivity (17.6 % at 7–14 μm) and the carbon aerogel side has high solar absorptivity (91.97 %). Moreover, the AgNWs/carbon aerogel shows Joule heating performance (∆ T = 44.5 °C within 3 min at 5 V). The multi-heating modes enabling self-adaptable thermal comfortable under various harsh environment. Additionally, the material's breathability, permeability, and electromagnetic shielding characteristics also make it suitable candidate for advanced wearable textiles for PTM. Personal thermal management (PTM) mechanism of the AgNWs/carbon aerogel. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing interest in developing highly viscous lipid foods using plant protein and polysaccharide gum-based emulsion technology. However, gaps remain in understanding the rheological, microstructural, and digestive properties of plant proteins like soybean protein isolate (SPI) in combination with various gums. This study investigates how combining SPI and peach gum (PG) affects rheology and lipolysis of oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions containing 20 wt% soybean oil. Emulsions with varying SPI and PG compositions including SPI-PG single and SPI/PG mixed droplet systems were prepared. Heating induced alterations in viscosity (e.g. , SPI-PG from 14.88 to 90.27 Pa·s and SPI/PG from 9.66 to 85.32 Pa·s) and microstructure revealing aggregate formation at oil-water interface. The viscosity decreased significantly from the oral to intestinal phase (SPI-PG: 28.10 to 0.19 Pa·s, SPI/PG: 21.27 to 0.10 Pa·s). These changes affected lipid digestion, notably in SPI-PG and SPI/PG emulsions where a compact interface hindered lipolysis during digestion. Interestingly, free fatty acid (FFA) release during small intestinal phase followed a different order: SPI (82.51 %) > SPI-PG (70.77 %) > SPI/PG (63.60 %) > PG (56.09 %). This study provides insights into creating highly viscous O/W spreads with improved rheology, stability, and delayed lipid digestion, offering potential benefits in food product formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Based on polymer nanotubes, a double-layer electroactive superhydrophobic anti-corrosion coating is designed and prepared. • The coating possesses excellent robustness, superhydrophobicity, and electroactive. • The double-layer electroactive superhydrophobic coating exhibits excellent corrosion resistance. The phenomena of corrosion in metals have resulted in significant damage to the day-to-day lives of humans, the routine maintenance of engineering metal materials, and catastrophic corrosion damage has also triggered huge economic losses. Herein, we propose a double-layer PDVB/FSiO 2 -PDVB@PPy/EP sprayable coating with excellent robust superhydrophobicity and electroactive based on mass-producible polydivinylbenzene nanotubes (PDVB NTs) to apply in anti-corrosion of Q235 steel plate. On one hand, the electroactive base layer of PDVB@PPy/EP can constitute a physical barrier against corrosive media; On the other hand, cross-linked PDVB NTs containing FSiO 2 NPs (PDVB/FSiO 2 NTs) can form a superhydrophobic surface structure to avoid substrate corrosion from corrosive liquid. The water contact angle (WCA) of the composite coating is 163.9° and the sliding angle (SA) is 3.6°, indicating that the coating possesses excellent superhydrophobic properties. Remarkably, Cross-cut scratch, tape peel, and Taber abrasion tests confirm that the composite coating exhibits excellent robust performance. The pitting pit depth after 30 days of salt spray test is 4 μm, and following 60 days of immersion in a solution containing 3.5 wt% NaCl, the protection efficiency (P.E. %) reaches 94.79 %. These results suggest that the double-layer electroactive superhydrophobic coating exhibits excellent corrosion resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to store and deliver electricity quickly at low temperatures is crucial for exploring unknown spaces under harsh conditions. In this work, we present a supercapacitor with excellent high power density and ultra-low temperature tolerance. The supercapacitor is assembled using designed MXene/holey graphene hydrogel electrodes and an all-around 37.0% H2SO4 electrolyte. It combines high ionic conductivity, self-supporting properties, and anti-freezing ability. The optimal composition ratio of the supercapacitor demonstrates a power density of 2500 μW cm−2 and an energy density of 64.86 μWh cm−2, along with a high specific areal capacitance of 467 mF cm−2 and excellent cycle stability, retaining 90.23% of its capacitance after 20,000 cycles. The electrochemical stability can be maintained even at temperatures as low as − 40 °C (with a retention rate of approximately 71.08%) and − 60 °C (with a retention rate of approximately 60.11%). Additionally, the device exhibits outstanding cycle stability, with a capacitance retention rate of over 95% after 20,000 cycles at − 60 °C. This study provides an opportunity to develop acid supercapacitors as environmentally tolerant energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modified carbon cloth electrodes with homogeneous nanopores and abundant electrochemical active sites for high-performance supercapacitors in a wide range of pH aqueous electrolytes. [Display omitted] • The modified carbon cloth has uniform nanopores and abundant active sites. • The SCs device delivers a high area capacitance of 3132 mF cm−2. • The capacity retention of the SCs device is 91% after 20,000 cycles. • Flexible SCs provide a maximum volume energy of 1.82 mWh cm−3. • Flexible SCs provide power densities of 11.42 mW cm−3. Carbon cloth (CC) was hydrothermally etched in a highly oxidizable solution to form a porous structure for supercapacitor electrodes on the surface of CC. The oxygen-rich groups on porous CC (OCC) were then partially replaced by N and S elements to produce N/S co-modified porous OCC (MOCC). This method uses a lower temperature than the KOH etching method while maintaining the flexibility and self-supporting properties of CC. The modified MOCC electrodes were investigated as symmetric supercapacitors (SSCs) and compared to conventional collectors such as copper and aluminum foils. The SSCs were tested for electrochemical performance in acidic, alkaline, and neutral electrolytes, enabling them suitable for a wider range of applications. In the acid electrolyte, the device has an area capacitance of up to 3132 mF cm−2 at 1 mA cm−2 and a capacitance retention of 91 % after 20,000 cycles at 20 mA cm−2, outperforming the alkaline and neutral electrolytes. The devices had a maximum volume energy density of 1.82 mWh cm−3 and a maximum volume power density of 11.42 mW cm−3 when the MOCC electrodes were assembled as symmetrically flexible SCs with an acidic colloidal electrolyte, in addition to passing essential flexibility tests, which proved possible for application in the booming field of flexible energy storage. DFT simulations were conducted on CC, OCC and MOCC, which showed that N/S co-doping enhances the conductivity of OCC and increases the number of active sites, resulting in higher capacitance. This study demonstrates that MOCC can be mass-produced for consistent, high-performance flexible energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel CO 3 2−-bridged Dy 4 cluster displays slow magnetic relaxation behavior under H dc = 0 Oe, fluorescence property and well antibacterial activity. [Display omitted] • A Dy 4 cluster 1 has been synthesized and structurally characterized. • 1 displays slow magnetic relaxation behavior under H dc = 0 Oe filed. • Cluster 1 possesses well antibacterial activity. A novel tetranuclear Dy(III)-based cluster, namely [Dy 4 (CO 3)L 4 (acac) 2 (CH 3 OH) 2 (CH 2 OH) 2 ]·2CH 3 OH (1) (where H 2 L is 2-(hydroxyimino)-2-[(5-bromo-2-hydroxyphenyl)methylene]hydrazide and Hacac is acetylacetonate) has been constructed by employing a newly prepared Schiff based ligand H 2 L. X-ray diffraction data reveal that 1 is mainly consist of a rhombic Dy 4 core, in which the four Dy3+ ions are bridged by six μ -O atoms from four ligands H 2 L and two μ 2 -O atoms from the in situ formed CO 3 2− via spontaneous fixation of atmospheric CO 2. The crystal structure of 1 possesses two distinct Dy3+ ions coordination center, and the nine-coordinated Dy73+ ions center presenting a distorted spherical capped square antiprism geometry and eight-coordinated Dy43+ ions center presenting a distorted triangular dodecahedron geometry. Magnetic study indicates that 1 displays slow magnetic relaxation behavior under H dc = 0 Oe filed. Furthermore, the fluorescence property investigation reveals that 1 shows DyIII characteristic emission peaks. Moreover, the antibacterial activity and mechanism of 1 have been systemically studied, and cluster 1 possesses well antibacterial activity on five common bacteria (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus albus, Bacillus subtilis, and Micrococcus luteus). In addition, the interaction between 1 and DNA have been studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common skin autoimmune diseases needing continuous anti-inflammatory management. Pterostilbene is reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory activity with higher bioavailability and stability than its parent compound, resveratrol. In this study, a series of synthetic pterostilbene analogs were designed by the hybridization of pterostilbene with chalcones or benzoyl chloride. Seventeen analogs derived from pterostilbene were synthesized with differences in the positions of hydroxyl, methoxyl, or fluoro moieties. These compounds were screened by the inhibitory effect on the overexpressed Th2-associated cytokines/chemokines in the activated human keratinocytes (HaCaT). The anti-IL-5 and anti-CCL5 activity of these compounds led to the identification of three effective compounds: 3a ((E)− 4-(3,5-dimethoxystyryl)phenyl benzoate), 3d ((E)− 4-(3,5-dimethoxystyryl)phenyl 2-methoxybenzoate), and 3g ((E)− 4-(3,5-dimethoxystyryl)phenyl 2-fluorobenzoate). These benzoyl pterostilbenes also significantly decreased Th1/Th17-associated proinflammatory mediators in the activated macrophages (differentiated THP-1). The result showed that the conditioned medium of benzoyl pterostilbene-treated macrophages reduced the phosphorylated STAT3 in the keratinocytes, indicating the blockade of crosstalk between resident and immune cells. Compounds 3d and 3g generally showed greater skin absorption than 3a. The flux of 3g across barrier-defective skins mimicking the AD skin was 3-fold higher than that of across intact skin. The dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD mouse model manifested that topical delivery with 3g improved the pathological signs through inhibiting cytokines/chemokines (IL-5, TNF-α, CCL17, and CCL22) and macrophage recruitment. The epidermal thickness was reduced from 76 to 55 µm after topical 3g delivery. The therapeutic activity of 3g was comparable to that of tacrolimus (TAC) used as a positive control. The benzoyl pterostilbenes attenuated the inflammation via the MAPK and c-Jun signaling. Furthermore, this study provided experimental evidence of benzoyl pterostilbene analogs for therapeutic potential on AD. [Display omitted] ● Pterostilbene analogs were synthesized by the hybridization with benzoyl chloride. ● Proinflammatory mediators in keratinocytes were inhibited by benzoyl pterostilbenes. ● Benzoyl pterostilbenes facilely penetrated into the atopic dermatitis-like skin. ● The compound containing fluoro was beneficial to suppress inflammatory skin in mice. ● Benzoyl pterostilbenes are potential candidates for atopic dermatitis treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]