Perivascular adipose tissue‐derived stromal cells contribute to vascular remodeling during aging

Aging is an independent risk factor for vascular diseases. Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT), an active component of the vasculature, contributes to vascular dysfunction during aging. Identification of underlying cell types and their changes during aging may provide meaningful insights regarding the clinical relevance of aging‐related vascular diseases. Here, we take advantage of single‐cell RNA sequence to characterize the resident stromal cells in the PVAT (PVASCs) and identified different clusters between young and aged PVASCs. Bioinformatics analysis revealed decreased endothelial and brown adipogenic differentiation capacities of PVASCs during aging, which contributed to neointimal hyperplasia after perivascular delivery to ligated carotid arteries. Mechanistically, in vitro and in vivo studies both suggested that aging‐induced loss of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ coactivator‐1 α (PGC1α) was a key regulator of decreased brown adipogenic differentiation in senescent PVASCs. We further demonstrated the existence of human PVASCs (hPVASCs) and overexpression of PGC1α improved hPVASC delivery‐induced vascular remodeling. Our finding emphasizes that differentiation capacities of PVASCs alter during aging and loss of PGC1α in aged PVASCs contributes to vascular remodeling via decreased brown adipogenic differentiation.     

Nuclear fast red‐based colorimetric sensors for sensitive and selective detection of Ag ions

The reduction of nuclear fast red (NFR) stain by sodium tetrahydroboron was catalyzed in the presence of silver ions (Ag⁺). The fluorescence properties of reduced NFR differed from that of NFR. The product showed fluorescence emission at 480 nm with excitation at 369 nm. Furthermore, the fluorescence intensity of the mixture increased strongly in the presence of Ag⁺ and Britton–Robinson buffer at pH 4.78. There was a good linear relationship between increased fluorescence intensity (ΔI) and Ag⁺ concentration in the range 5.0 × 10^?9 to 5.0 × 10^?8 M. The correlation coefficient was 0.998, and the detection limit (3σ/k) was 1.5 × 10^?9 M. The colour of the reaction system changed with variation in Ag⁺ concentration over a wide range. Based on the colour change, a visual semiquantitative detection method for recognition and sensing of Ag⁺ was developed for the range 1.0 × 10^?8 to 5.0 × 10^?4 M, with an indicator that was visible to the naked eye. Therefore, a sensitive, simple method for determination of Ag⁺ was developed. Optimum conditions for Ag⁺ detection, the effect of other ions and the analytical application of Ag⁺ detection of synthesized sample were investigated.     

Carbon Quantum Dots–Modified Interfacial Interactions and Ion Conductivity for Enhanced High Current Density Performance in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Significant progress has achieved for developing lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries with high specific capacities and excellent cyclic stability. However, some critical issues emerge when attempts are made to raise the areal sulfur loading and increase the operation current density to meet the standards for various industrial applications. In this work, polyethylenimine‐functionalized carbon dots (PEI‐CDots) are designed and prepared for enhancing performance of the Li–S batteries with high sulfur loadings and operation under high current density situations. Strong chemical binding effects towards polysulfides and fast ion transport property are achieved in the PEI‐CDots‐modified cathodes. At a high current density of 8 mA cm^?2, the PEI‐CDots‐modified Li–S battery delivers a reversible areal capacity of 3.3 mAh cm^?2 with only 0.07% capacity decay per cycle over 400 cycles at 6.6 mg sulfur loading. Detailed analysis, involving electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and density functional theory calculations, is done for the elucidation of the underlying enhancement mechanism by the PEI‐CDots. The strongly localized sulfur species and the promoted Li⁺ ion conductivity at the cathode–electrolyte interface are revealed to enable high‐performance Li–S batteries with high sulfur loading and large operational current.     

Vanadate‐Based Materials for Li‐Ion Batteries: The Search for Anodes for Practical Applications

While the practical application of electrode materials depends intensively on the Li⁺ ion storage mechanisms correlating ultimately with the coulombic efficiency, reversible capacity, and morphology variation of electrode material upon cycling, only intercalation‐type electrode materials have proven viable for commercialization up to now. This paper reviews the promising anode materials of metal vanadates (M_xV_yO_z, M = Co, Cu, Mn, Fe, Zn, Ni, Li) that have high capacity, low cost, and abundant resource, and also discusses the related Li⁺ ion storage mechanism. It is concluded that most of these (M_xV_yO_z, M = Co, Cu, Mn, Fe, Zn, Ni) exhibit irreversible redox reactions upon lithiation/delithiation accompanied by large volume expansion, which is not favorable for industrial applications. In particular, Li₃VO₄ with specific intercalation Li⁺ ion storage mechanism and compatible merits of safety and energy density exhibits great potential for practical application. This review systematically summarizes the latest progress in Li₃VO₄ research, including the representative fabrication approaches for advanced morphology and state‐of‐the‐art technologies to boost performance and the morphology variation associated with Li⁺ ion storage mechanisms. Furthermore, an outlook on where breakthroughs for Li₃VO₄ may be most likely achieved will be provided.     

Effects of wildfire on soil respiration and its heterotrophic and autotrophic components in a montane coniferous forest

Aims Episodic wildfires are expected to occur more frequently under future climate change scenarios, with substantial effects on CO₂exchange between terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere. This study examined the effects of wildfire on soil respiration (R_S) and its heterotrophic (R_H) and autotrophic (R_A) components, as well as their temperature responses (temperature sensitivity,Q₁₀).