Asymmetric Anion Zinc Salt Derived Solid Electrolyte Interphase Enabled Long-Lifespan Aqueous Zinc Bromine Batteries

Organic additives with high-reduction potentials are generally applied in aqueous electrolytes to stabilize the Zn anode, while compromise safety and environmental compatibility. Highly concentrated water-in-salt electrolytes have been proposed to realize the high reversibility of Zn plating/stripping; however, their high cost and viscosity hinder their practical applications. Therefore, exploring low-concentration Zn salts, that can be used directly to stabilize Zn anodes, is of primary importance. Herein, we developed an asymmetric anion group, bi(difluoromethanesulfonyl)(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (DFTFSI- )-based novel zinc salt, Zn(DFTFSI)2 , to obtain a high ionic conductivity and a highly stable dendrite-free Zn anode. Experimental tests and theoretical calculations verified that DFTFSI- in the Zn2+ solvation sheath and inner Helmholtz plane would be preferentially reduced to construct layer-structured SEI films, inhibiting hydrogen evolution and side reactions. Consequently, the Zn| | ${||}$ Zn symmetric cell with 1M Zn(DFTFSI)2 aqueous electrolyte delivers an ultralong cycle life for >2500 h outperforming many other conventional Zn salt electrolytes. The Zn| | ${||}$ Br2 battery also exhibits a long lifespan over 1200 cycles at ~99.8 % Coulombic efficiency with a high capacity retention of 92.5 %. Furthermore, this outstanding performance translates well to a high-areal-capacity Zn| | ${||}$ Br2 battery (~5.6 mAh ⋅ cm-2 ), cycling over 320 cycles with 95.3 % initial capacity retained.

Fast Reaction Kinetics and Commendable Low-Temperature Adaptability of Zinc Batteries Enabled by Aprotic Water-Acetamide Symbiotic Solvation Sheath

Although rechargeable aqueous zinc batteries are cost effectiveness, intrinsicly safe, and high activity, they are also known for bringing rampant hydrogen evolution reaction and corrosion. While eutectic electrolytes can effectively eliminate these issues, its high viscosity severely reduces the mobility of Zn2+ ions and exhibits poor temperature adaptability. Here, we infuse acetamide molecules with Lewis base and hydrogen bond donors into a solvated shell of Zn[(H2 O)6 ]2+ to create Zn(H2 O)3 (ace)(BF4 )2 . The viscosity of 1ace-1H2 O is 0.032 Pa s, significantly lower than that of 1ace-0H2 O (995.6 Pa s), which improves ionic conductivity (9.56 mS cm-1 ) and shows lower freezing point of -45 °C, as opposed to 1ace-0H2 O of 4.04 mS cm-1 and 12 °C, respectively. The acidity of 1ace-1H2 O is ≈2.8, higher than 0ace-1H2 O at ≈0.76, making side reactions less likely. Furthermore, benefiting from the ZnCO3 /ZnF2 -rich organic/inorganic solid electrolyte interface, the Zn || Zn cells cycle more than 1300 hours at 1 mA cm-2 , and the Zn || Cu operated over 1800 cycles with an average Coulomb efficiency of ≈99.8 %. The Zn || PANI cell cycled over 8500 cycles, with a specific capacity of 99.8 mAh g-1 at 5 A g-1 at room temperature, and operated at -40 °C with a capacity of 66.8 mAh g-1 .

An asymmetric electrolyte to simultaneously meet contradictory requirements of anode and cathode

One of the major obstacles hindering the application of zinc metal batteries is the contradictory demands from the Zn metal anode and cathodes. At the anode side, water induces serious corrosion and dendrite growth, remarkably suppressing the reversibility of Zn plating/stripping. At the cathode side, water is essential because many cathode materials require both H⁺ and Zn²⁺ insertion/extraction to achieve a high capacity and long lifespan. Herein, an asymmetric design of inorganic solid-state electrolyte combined with hydrogel electrolyte is presented to simultaneously meet the as-mentioned contrary requirements. The inorganic solid-state electrolyte is toward the Zn anode to realize a dendrite-free and corrosion-free highly reversible Zn plating/stripping, and the hydrogel electrolyte enables consequent H⁺ and Zn²⁺ insertion/extraction at the cathode side for high performance. Therefore, there is no hydrogen and dendrite growth detected in cells with a super high-areal-capacity up to 10 mAh·cm^-2 (Zn//Zn), ~5.5 mAh·cm^-2 (Zn//MnO₂) and ~7.2 mAh·cm^-2 (Zn//V₂O₅). These Zn//MnO₂ and Zn//V₂O₅ batteries show remarkable cycling stability over 1000 cycles with 92.4% and over 400 cycles with 90.5% initial capacity retained, respectively.

Analysis of Brachypodium distachyon UVR8 reveals conservation in UV-B receptors

The Ultraviolet Resistance Locus 8 (UVR8) in plants recognizes Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) and plays a crucial role by regulating plant growth through a series of signal transduction events. However, the UVR8 in monocotyledon crops has not been systematically analyzed. We identified BdUVR8 (BRADI_3g45740) from the genome of Brachypodium distachyon, a relative of wheat, by analyzing the phylogenetic tree, gene expression pattern, detecting the accumulation of UV-B response metabolites, and check the phenotype recovery. The BdUVR8 protein sequence is similar to the known UVR8 of other species. The phylogenetic tree of UVR8 shows clear divergence between dicotyledons and monocotyledons. The expression analysis reveals that UV-B down-regulates BdUVR8 by 70% and up-regulates the chalcone synthase (BdCHS) gene 3.4-folds in B. distachyon. The pCAMBIA1300::BdUVR8-mCherry construct introduced into Arabidopsis uvr8 mutants shows that BdUVR8 protein localized in the cytoplasm translocates into the nucleus in response to UV-B irradiation. The introduction of BdUVR8 into uvr8 rescued the hypocotyl elongation by UV-B and restored the expression of HY5, Chalcone synthase, and Flavanone 3-hydroxylase as well as the accumulation of total flavonoids. Altogether, our results show that BdUVR8 is a photoreceptor that perceives UV-B in B. distachyon.

Utilizing Cationic Vacancies and Spontaneous Polarization on Cathode to Enhance Zinc-Ion Storage and Inhibit Dendrite Growth in Zinc-Ion Batteries

High energy density and intrinsic safety are the central pursuits in developing rechargeable Zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs). The capacity and stability of nickel cobalt oxide (NCO) cathode are unsatisfactory because of its semiconductor character. Herein, we propose a built-in electric field (BEF) approach by synergizing cationic vacancies and ferroelectric spontaneous polarization on cathode side to facilitate electron adsorption and suppress zinc dendrite growth on the anode side. Concretely, NCO with cationic vacancies was constructed to expand lattice spacing for enhanced zinc-ion storage. Heterojunction with BEF leads to the Heterojunction//Zn cell exhibiting a capacity of 170.3 mAh g-1 at 400 mA g-1 and delivering a competitive capacity retention of 83.3% over 3000 cycles at 2 A g-1. We conclude the role of spontaneous polarization in suppressing zinc dendrite growth dynamics, which is conducive to developing high-capacity and high-safety batteries via tailoring defective materials with ferroelectric polarization on the cathode.

Solid Interhalogen Compounds with Effective Br0 Fixing for Stable High-energy Zinc Batteries

Though massive efforts have been devoted to exploring Br-based batteries, the highly soluble Br2/Br3- species causing rigorous "shuttle effect", leads to severe self-discharge and low Coulombic efficiency. Conventionally, quaternary ammonium salts such as methyl ethyl morpholinium bromide (MEMBr) and tetrapropylammonium bromide (TPABr) are used to fix Br2 and Br3-, but they occupy the mass and volume of battery without capacity contribution. Here, we report an all-active solid interhalogen compound, IBr, as a cathode to address the above challenges, in which the oxidized Br0 is fixed by iodine (I), thoroughly eliminating cross-diffusing Br2/Br3- species during the whole charging and discharging process. The Zn||IBr battery delivers remarkably high energy density of 385.8 Wh×kg-1, which is higher than those of I2, MEMBr3, and TPABr3 cathodes. Our work provides new approaches to achieve active solid interhalogen chemistry for high-energy electrochemical energy storage devices.

Rational Design of Atomic Site Catalysts for Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction Reaction: One Step Closer to Optimum Activity and Selectivity

The electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) has been one of the most intriguing catalytic reactions in recent years, providing an energy-saving and environmentally friendly alternative to the conventional Haber–Bosch process for ammonia production. However, the activity and selectivity issues originating from the activation barrier of the NRR intermediates and the competing hydrogen evolution reaction result in the unsatisfactory NH3 yield rate and Faradaic efficiency of current NRR catalysts. Atomic site catalysts (ASCs), an emerging group of heterogeneous catalysts with a high atomic utilization rate, selectivity, and stability, may provide a solution. This article undertakes an exploration and systematic review of a highly significant research area: the principles of designing ASCs for the NRR. Both the theoretical and experimental progress and state-of-the-art techniques in the rational design of ASCs for the NRR are summarized, and the topic is extended to double-atom catalysts and boron-based metal-free ASCs. This review provides guidelines for the rational design of ASCs for the optimum activity and selectivity for the electrocatalytic NRR.

Graphical Abstract

Rational design of atomic site catalysts (ASCs) for nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) has both scientific and industrial significance. In this review, the recent experimental and theoretical breakthroughs in the design principles of transition metal ASCs for NRR are comprehensively discussed, and the topic is also extended to double-atom catalysts and boron-based metal-free ASCs.

Atomic-scale mechanisms on the stepwise growth of MoxW1-xS2 into hexagonal flakes

The systematic in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis suggests three stepwise formation stages during the growth of Mo_xW_1-xS₂ hexagonal flakes, which are the initial assembly of precursors into vertical structures, subsequent transition into horizontal structures, and final surface relaxing and faceting into hexagonal flakes.

Multistep nucleation visualized during solid-state crystallization

Mechanisms of nucleation have been debated for more than a century, despite successes of classical nucleation theory. The nucleation process has been recently argued as involving a nonclassical mechanism (the "two-step" mechanism) in which an intermediate step occurs before the formation of a nascent ordered phase. However, a thorough understanding of this mechanism, in terms of both microscopic kinetics and thermodynamics, remains experimentally challenging. Here, in situ observations using transmission electron microscopy on a solid-state nucleation case indicate that early-stage crystallization can follow the non-classical pathway, yet proceed via a more complex manner in which multiple metastable states precede the emergence of a stable nucleus. The intermediate steps were sequentially isolated as spinodal decomposition of amorphous precursor, mass transport and structural oscillations between crystalline and amorphous states. Our experimental and theoretical analyses support the idea that the energetic favorability is the driving force for the observed sequence of events. Due to the broad applicability of solid-state crystallization, the findings of this study offer new insights into modern nucleation theory and a potential avenue for materials design.

Ultrafine Mo2C nanoparticles embedded in an MOF derived N and P co-doped carbon matrix for an efficient electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction in zinc-air batteries

Exploring high-activity electrocatalysts for an oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is of great significance for a variety of renewable energy conversion and storage technologies. Here, ultrafine Mo₂C nanoparticles assembled in N and P-co-doped carbon (Mo₂C@NPC) was developed from ZIF-8 encapsulated molybdenum-based polyoxometalates (PMo₁₂) as a highly efficient ORR electrocatalyst and shows excellent performance for zinc-air batteries. The well distribution of the PMo₁₂ in ZIF-8 results in the formation of ultrafine Mo₂C nanocrystallites encapsulated in a porous carbon matrix after pyrolysis. Significantly, from experimental and theoretical investigations, the highly porous structure, highly dispersed ultrafine Mo₂C and the N and P co-doping in the Mo₂C@NPC lead to the remarkable ORR activity with an onset potential of ∼1.01 V, a half-wave potential of ∼0.90 V and a Tafel slope of 51.7 mV dec^-1 at 1600 rpm in 0.1 M KOH. In addition, the Mo₂C@NPC as an ORR catalyst in zinc-air batteries achieved a high power density of 266 mW cm^-2 and a high specific capacity of 780.9 mA h g^-1, exceeding that driven by commercial Pt/C. Our results revealed that the porous architecture and ultrafine Mo₂C nanocrystallites of the electrocatalysts could facilitate mass transport and increase the accessibility of active sites, thus optimizing their performances in an ORR. The present study provides some guidelines for the design and synthesis of efficient nanostructured electrocatalysts.

Plasmon-induced trap filling at grain boundaries in perovskite solar cells

The deep-level traps induced by charged defects at the grain boundaries (GBs) of polycrystalline organic-inorganic halide perovskite (OIHP) films serve as major recombination centres, which limit the device performance. Herein, we incorporate specially designed poly(3-aminothiophenol)-coated gold (Au@PAT) nanoparticles into the perovskite absorber, in order to examine the influence of plasmonic resonance on carrier dynamics in perovskite solar cells. Local changes in the photophysical properties of the OIHP films reveal that plasmon excitation could fill trap sites at the GB region through photo-brightening, whereas transient absorption spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations correlate this photo-brightening of trap states with plasmon-induced interfacial processes. As a result, the device achieved the best efficiency of 22.0% with robust operational stability. Our work provides unambiguous evidence for plasmon-induced trap occupation in OIHP and reveals that plasmonic nanostructures may be one type of efficient additives to overcome the recombination losses in perovskite solar cells and thin-film solar cells in general.

New biomarker for lung cancer - focus on circSETD3

In order to explore the mechanism of gefitinib-acquired resistance in lung cancer, a new biomarker has been developed for early clinical diagnosis and intervention; human NSCLC (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer) cell lines H292 (denoted as H292S) and PC9 (denoted as PC9S) were used to establish gefitinib-resistant NSCLC cell lines H292 and PC9 models. CCK-8 (Cell Counting Kit-8) method was used to test the drug resistance of the cells. circRNAs (circular RNAs) that were differentially expressed before and after resistance were screened by RNA sequencing technology. The effects of circSETD3 overexpression and interference on the sensitivity of gefitinib was observed to analyze the nuclear localization of circSETD3 and verify the interaction between circSETD3-miR-520h-ABCG2. The results showed that the most significant change in differential expression of human NSCLC cell lines before and after drug resistance was hsa_circ_0000567, that is, circSETD3, which is mainly present in the cytoplasm. In H292S and PC9S, compared with the negative control group, the cell proliferation ability of the overexpression group was significantly increased, and the apoptosis ability was significantly decreased. In H292R and PC9R, compared with the negative control group, the proliferation ability of the interference group was significantly decreased, and the apoptosis ability was significantly increased. Overexpression of circSETD3 to H292S and PC9S, the expression of ABCG2 increased significantly. Also, the expression of ABCG2 decreased significantly after transfection with miR-520h mimics. H292R and PC9R interfered with circSETD3, the expression of ABCG2 decreased significantly. Moreover, the expression of ABCG2 increased significantly after transfection with miR-520h inhibitor. In conclusion, circSETD3 can be used as a novel biomarker for lung cancer. It relieves miR-520h degradation of the transporter ABCG2 by down-regulating the miR-520h expression, causing gefitinib to be pumped out of the cell.

Toward Practical High-Areal-Capacity Aqueous Zinc-Metal Batteries: Quantifying Hydrogen Evolution and a Solid-Ion Conductor for Stable Zinc Anodes

The hydrogen evolution in Zn metal battery is accurately quantified by in situ battery-gas chromatography-mass analysis. The hydrogen fluxes reach 3.76 mmol h^-1 cm^-2 in a Zn//Zn symmetric cell in each segment, and 7.70 mmol h^-1 cm^-2 in a Zn//MnO₂ full cell. Then, a highly electronically insulating (0.11 mS cm^-1 ) but highly Zn²⁺ ion conductive (80.2 mS cm^-1 ) ZnF₂ solid ion conductor with high Zn²⁺ transfer number (0.65) is constructed to isolate Zn metal from liquid electrolyte, which not only prohibits over 99.2% parasitic hydrogen evolution but also guides uniform Zn electrodeposition. Precisely quantitated, the Zn@ZnF₂ //Zn@ZnF₂ cell only produces 0.02 mmol h^-1 cm^-2 of hydrogen (0.53% of the Zn//Zn cell). Encouragingly, a high-areal-capacity Zn@ZnF₂ //MnO₂ (≈3.2 mAh cm^-2 ) full cell only produces maximum hydrogen flux of 0.06 mmol h^-1 cm^-2 (0.78% of the Zn//Zn cell) at the fully charging state. Meanwhile, Zn@ZnF₂ //Zn@ZnF₂ symmetric cell exhibits excellent stability under ultrahigh current density and areal capacity (10 mA cm^-2 , 10 mAh cm^-2 ) over 590 h (285 cycles), which far outperforms all reported Zn metal anodes in aqueous systems. In light of the superior Zn@ZnF₂ anode, the high-areal-capacity aqueous Zn@ZnF₂ //MnO₂ batteries (≈3.2 mAh cm^-2 ) shows remarkable cycling stability over 1000 cycles with 93.63% capacity retained at ≈100% Coulombic efficiency.

Atomic Steps Induce the Aligned Growth of Ice Crystals on Graphite Surfaces

Heterogeneous ice nucleation on atmospheric aerosols strongly affects the earth's climate, and at the microscopic level, surface-irregularity-induced ice crystallization behaviors are common but crucial. Because of the lack of visual evidence and effective experimental methods, the mechanism of atomic-structure-dependent ice formation on aerosol surfaces is poorly understood. Here we chose highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) to represent soot (a primary aerosol), and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) was performed for in situ observations of ice formation. We found that hexagonal ice crystals show an aligned growth pattern via a two-stage pathway with one a axis coinciding with the direction of atomic step edges on the HOPG surface. Additionally, the ice crystals grow at a noticeably higher speed along this direction. This study reveals the role of atomic surface defects in heterogeneous ice nucleation and may pave the way to control icing-related processes in practical applications.

Impact of acute kidney injury on in-hospital outcomes among patients hospitalized with acute heart failure: a propensity score matched analysis

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is frequently present in patients admitted for acute heart failure (AHF). Several studies have evaluated the mortality risk and have concluded poor prognosis in any patient with AKI admitted for AHF. For the most part, the additional morbidity and mortality burden in AHF patients with AKI has been attributed to the concomitant comorbidities, and/or interventions.

Purpose

We sought to determine the impact of acute kidney injury (AKI) on in-hospital outcomes in patients presenting with acute heart failure (AHF). We identified isolated AKI patients after excluding other concomitant diagnoses and procedures, which may contribute to an increased risk of mortality and morbidity.

Methods

Data from the National Inpatient Sample (2012- 14) were used to identify patients with the principal diagnosis of AHF and the concomitant secondary diagnosis of AKI. Propensity score matching was performed on 30 baseline variables to identify a matched cohort. The outcome of interest was in-hospital mortality. We further evaluated in-hospital procedures and complications.

Results

Of 1,470,450 patients admitted with AHF, 24.3% had AKI. After propensity matching a matched cohort of 356,940 patients was identified. In this matched group, the AKI group had significantly higher in-hospital mortality (3.8% vs 1.7%, p<0.001). Complications such as sepsis and cardiac arrest were higher in the AKI group. Similarly, in-hospital procedures including CABG, mechanical ventilation and IABP were performed more in the AKI group. AHF patients with AKI had longer in-hospital stay of ∼1.7 days.

Conclusions

In a propensity score-matched cohort of AHF with and without AKI, the risk of in-hospital mortality was >2-fold in the AKI group. Healthcare utilization and burden of complications were higher in the AKI group.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Monolayer PC5/PC6: promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Employing two-dimensional (2D) materials as anodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is believed to be an effective approach to meet the growing demands of high-capacity next-generation LIBs. In this work, the first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations are employed to evaluate the potential application of two-dimensional phosphorus carbide (2D PC_x, x = 2, 5, and 6) monolayers as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. The 2D PC_x systems are predicted to show outstanding structural stability and electronic properties. From the nudged elastic band calculations, the single Li atom shows extreme high diffusivities on the PC_x monolayer with low energy barriers of 0.18 eV for PC₂, 0.47 eV for PC₅, and 0.44 eV for PC₆. We further demonstrate that the theoretical specific capacity of monolayer PC₅ and PC₆ can reach up to 1251.7 and 1235.9 mA h g^-1, respectively, several times that of a graphite anode used in commercial LIBs. These results suggest that both PC₅ and PC₆ monolayers are promising anode materials for LIBs. Our work opens a new avenue to explore novel 2D materials in energy applications, where phosphorus carbides could be used as high-performance anode in LIBs.

Implication of Modified Chemical Profiles of Different Seed Proteins through Heat-Related Processing to Protein Nutrition and Metabolic Characteristics in Ruminant Systems

The objectives of this study were to reveal the implication of modified chemical profiles of protein in cool-season-adapted cereal seeds through heat-related processing to protein nutrition and metabolic characteristics in ruminant systems. The parameters of protein-related chemical and nutritive profiles modified by heat-related processing included (a) chemical and nutrient profiles, (b) degradation kinetics (K_d and BCP), (c) digestion (IDP and TDP), (d) degraded protein balance (DPB/OEB value), and (e) metabolizable protein (MP, DVE, and FMV values). The seeds used in this study included cool-season-adapted wheat (CSW), triticale (CST), and corn (CSC). Each grain source had 3 consecutive year-replicated samples and were subjected to different heat-related processing: dry heating (DH) and moist heating (MH). The results showed that (1) the heat-related processing significantly modified metabolic characteristics of protein in the seeds (p < 0.05), (2) in comparison to DH, MH had a dramatic improvement (p < 0.05) in protein utilization profiles (decreased rumen degradation and increased intestinal digestion), (3) the seeds had significant (p < 0.05) difference in rumen degradation and intestinal digestion, (4) among the seeds, the CSW had the highest milk value (FMV; p < 0.05) and was increased by MH application (p < 0.05), and (5) the results showed that the seeds responded independently to different heat-related processing. MH-related processing had a more profound impact on CSW and CST in chemical profiles and nutrition. The CSC had less response to the heat-related processing.

Highly Efficient Porous Carbon Electrocatalyst with Controllable N-Species Content for Selective CO2 Reduction

We report a straightforward strategy to design efficient N doped porous carbon (NPC) electrocatalyst that has a high concentration of easily accessible active sites for the CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂ RR). The NPC with large amounts of active N (pyridinic and graphitic N) and highly porous structure is prepared by using an oxygen-rich metal-organic framework (Zn-MOF-74) precursor. The amount of active N species can be tuned by optimizing the calcination temperature and time. Owing to the large pore sizes, the active sites are well exposed to electrolyte for CO₂ RR. The NPC exhibits superior CO₂ RR activity with a small onset potential of -0.35 V and a high faradaic efficiency (FE) of 98.4 % towards CO at -0.55 V vs. RHE, one of the highest values among NPC-based CO₂ RR electrocatalysts. This work advances an effective and facile way towards highly active and cost-effective alternatives to noble-metal CO₂ RR electrocatalysts for practical applications.

Valence Engineering via Selective Atomic Substitution on Tetrahedral Sites in Spinel Oxide for Highly Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Catalysis

A major challenge that prohibits the practical application of single/double-transition metal (3d-M) oxides as oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts is the high overpotentials during the electrochemical process. Herein, our theoretical calculation shows that Fe will be more energetically favorable in the tetrahedral site than Ni and Co, which can further regulate their electronic structure of binary NiCo spinel oxides for optimal adsorption energies of OER intermediates and improved electronic conductivity and hence boost their OER performance. X-ray absorption spectroscopy study on the as-synthesized NiCoFe oxide catalysts indicates that Fe preferentially dopes into tetrahedral sites of the lattice, which induces high proportions of Ni³⁺ and Co²⁺ on the octahedral sites (the active sites in OER). Consequently, this material exhibits a significantly enhanced OER performance with an ultralow overpotential of 201 mV cm^-2 at 10 mA cm^-2 and a small Tafel slope of 39 mV dec^-1, which are much superior to state-of-the-art Ni-Co based catalysts.

The effects of source and concentration of dietary fiber, starch, and fatty acids on the daily patterns of feed intake, rumination, and rumen pH in dairy cows

The daily patterns of feed intake and rumination influence rumen fermentation, rumen pH, and timing of absorbed nutrients in the dairy cow, but the effects of diet composition on these patterns are not well characterized. Data from 3 previously published experiments were examined to determine the influence of dietary starch, fiber, and fatty acids (FA) on daily patterns of intake, rumination, and rumen pH. Dietary neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and starch were investigated in 2 experiments, each with duplicated 4 × 4 Latin square designs with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments in cows fed cows 1×/d at 1200 and 1400 h, respectively. To investigate fiber content and digestibility in the first experiment, brown midrib or isogenic conventional corn silage were fed in low- and high-NDF diets (29 and 38%, respectively). To investigate starch source and concentration in the second experiment, ground high-moisture corn or dry ground corn were fed in low- and high-starch diets (21 and 32%, respectively). Effect of fat concentration and saturation was investigated in the third experiment using a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design that fed cows 1×/d at 0900 h; treatments included a control diet with no added fat and 2.5% added saturated FA, unsaturated FA, or a mixture of the saturated and unsaturated FA. In the first 2 experiments, intake followed a similar daily pattern regardless of starch and NDF concentration or digestibility. Rumination displayed a treatment by time interaction for both NDF and starch concentration, with high-fiber, low-starch diets causing greater rumination overnight but not midday. High-starch diets decreased total daily rumen pH equally across the day, but did not change the daily pattern. Type of corn silage did not affect the daily patterns of rumination or rumen pH, but pH was reduced throughout the day in brown midrib diets. In the third experiment, no interactions between fatty acid supplement and time of day were observed for intake, rumination, or rumen pH. Within all experiments, rumination fit or tended to fit a 24-h rhythm regardless of diet, with the amplitude of the rumination being reduced in low-starch diets and diets containing saturated FA or a mixture of saturated and unsaturated FA. Overall, intake, rumination, and rumen pH follow a daily pattern that was minimally modified by dietary fiber and starch type and level or fat level and fatty acid profile.

Particle size and endosperm type of dry corn grain altered duodenal flow of B vitamins in lactating dairy cows

The objective of the experiment was to determine if factors such as endosperm type (floury vs. vitreous) and particle size (fine vs. medium) of dry corn grain, known to affect starch digestibility in the rumen, modify apparent ruminal synthesis and duodenal flow of B vitamins in lactating dairy cows. Eight lactating multiparous Holstein cows equipped with rumen and duodenal cannulas were assigned randomly to a treatment sequence according to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in duplicate 4 × 4 Latin square design experiment. Duration of each experimental period was 21 d. When expressed per unit of dry matter intake (DMI), floury treatments increased duodenal flow and apparent ruminal synthesis of niacin and folates but tended to increase apparent degradation of thiamin in the rumen. Duodenal flow of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folates, and vitamin B₁₂, expressed per unit of DMI, decreased with an increase in particle size. Similarly, apparent degradation of thiamin and riboflavin was greater and apparent synthesis of niacin, folates, and vitamin B₁₂ was reduced when cows were fed coarser dry corn grain particles. Neither endosperm type nor particle size had an effect on duodenal flow and apparent ruminal synthesis of vitamin B₆. Apparent ruminal syntheses, expressed per unit of DMI, of all studied B vitamins but thiamin were negatively correlated with apparent ruminal digestibility of neutral detergent fiber. Duodenal flow of microbial N was positively correlated with apparent ruminal synthesis of riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B₆, and folates. Under the conditions of the present experiment, except for thiamin, the effects of factors increasing starch digestibility of dry corn grain in the rumen on the amounts of B vitamins available for absorption by the dairy cow seem to be mediated through differences on ruminal digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and, to a lesser extent, on duodenal microbial N flow.

A novel mutation +5904 C>T of RUNX1 site in the erythroid cell-specific regulatory element decreases the ABO antigen expression in Chinese population

BACKGROUND

An erythroid cell-specific regulatory element (+5·8-kb) in the first intron of ABO is responsible for the antigen differential expression and the regulatory activity of the element was affected by the nucleotide mutation in the +5·8-kb region. Currently, many individuals with ABO subgroups were found in the Chinese population, but there was little information about the function of +5·8-kb region in these individuals. Here, we studied the mechanism of the mutation in the +5·8-kb region responsible for reducing of antigen expression in 30 ABO subtype Chinese individuals without mutation in the coding region or splicing site.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The nucleotide sequence of the partial intron 1 covering the +5·8-kb site was amplified and directly sequenced. The haplotype with the novel mutation was obtained by the TOPO TA cloning. Both of the ABO promoter and the +5·8 kb regulatory element were subcloned into the basic luciferase reporter plasmid using the double endonuclease digestion. The promoter activity was examined by the dual-luciferase report vector with K562 cells.

RESULTS

A novel nucleotide substitution +5904 C>T located at RUNX1-binding site in the +5·8 kb site was identified from three individuals with B subtypes. +5890 T>G were found in three Bel and one Ael phenotypes. Cotransfection and luciferase assays demonstrated that the +5904 C>T could obviously reduce activity of the +5·8 kb site.

CONCLUSION

The study suggested that the transcriptional activity of the +5·8 kb site could be downregulated by the single point mutation of RUNX1 motif, leading to reduction in A or B antigen expression.

4-Phenylpyrimidine monolayer protection of a copper surface from salt corrosion

4-Phenylpyrimidine (4-PPM) containing N heteroatoms can easily form compact and uniform layers on metallic surfaces. In this work, the protection of a copper surface from corrosion in 3 wt% NaCl by a 4-PPM layer was investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and polarization methods. Under optimum conditions, the inhibition efficiency of a 4-PPM layer for copper corrosion reached 83.2%. Raman analysis in conjunction with calculations using density functional theory (DFT) based on the B3LYP/LANL2DZ basis set suggested that the 4-PPM molecule anchored on the copper surface via the N₁ atom to construct a uniform layer.

The efficiency of a 4-phenylpyrimidine monolayer optimally self-assembled on a copper surface against corrosion by a 3 wt% NaCl solution could reach 83.2%.

Characterization of linoleic acid (C18:2) concentration in commercial corn silage and grain hybrids

Corn silage and high-moisture corn grain are commonly recognized as risk factors for biohydrogenation-induced milk fat depression and may be due to the high concentration of linoleic acid (C18:2) in corn. Corn silage and corn grain have a low concentration of fatty acids (FA), but due to their high inclusion rate in diets they contribute substantially to unsaturated FA intake. The first objective of this study was to characterize the contribution of individual plant parts to total FA in whole-plant chopped corn. The second objective was to characterize the variation in FA profile in commercial silage and grain hybrids and evaluate the relationship between FA profile and other nutrients. To determine the location of FA in the corn plant, 4 stalks from 4 different commercial hybrids were separated into stalk, husk and shank, leaves, cob, and kernels. On a dry matter basis, 80.5% of total FA were in the kernels, 11.8% in the leaves, 5.1% in the stalk, 1.7% in the cob, and 1.0% in the husk and shank. More than 96% of the oleic acid (C18:1) and 92.5% of the C18:2 was in the kernels, whereas 71.0% of the linolenic acid (C18:3) was in the leaves. Next, the FA composition of fresh whole-plant chopped corn from 124 silage hybrids and grain from 72 grain hybrids was determined over 2 yr from test plots in Pennsylvania. Last, to extend the characterization, FA composition of whole-plant corn silage from 45 hybrids grown in test plots in South Dakota were characterized. In the fresh whole-plant chopped corn from PA test plots, C18:2 as a percentage of total FA averaged from 48.7% in 2013 (percentiles: 10th = 45.2, 90th = 52.2) and 48.0% in 2014 (percentiles: 10th = 44.1, 90th = 49.4). Concentration of C18:2 in corn grain averaged 57.5% in the 2013 (percentiles: 10th = 53.4, 90th = 60.8) and 56.1% in 2014 (percentiles: 10th = 53.5, 90th = 59.4). In the corn silage from South Dakota, the concentration of C18:2 as percentage of total FA averaged 45.4% (percentiles: 10th = 39.4, 90th = 50.2) and C18:2 concentration as a percent of dry matter averaged 1.1% (percentiles: 10th = 0.76, 90th = 1.41). An increase in the concentration of C18:2 was associated with a decrease in C18:3 in fresh whole-plant chopped corn and with a decrease in C18:1 in corn grain. Total FA and C18:2 (as a percentage of dry matter) were positively correlated with starch and negatively correlated with neutral detergent fiber in both fresh whole-plant chopped corn and corn silage samples, whereas no correlation with these traits was observed for C18:2 as a percentage of total FA. In conclusion, FA concentration and profile of corn silage reflects to a great extent the FA composition of kernels and the proportion of grain in the silage. The variation in C18:2 across hybrids provides the opportunity to develop selection programs to decrease C18:2 in corn silage and grain. Selection based on C18:2 concentration as a percent of total FA is preferred as this trait did not correlate with other nutritional properties.

Short communication: Effects of lysolecithin on milk fat synthesis and milk fatty acid profile of cows fed diets differing in fiber and unsaturated fatty acid concentration

Thirteen multiparous Holstein cows were used in a crossover design that tested the effect of lysolecithin in diets differing in neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and unsaturated fatty acid (FA) concentrations. Experimental periods were 20 d in length and included two 10-d phases. A standard fiber and lower fat diet was fed the first 10 d (30.5% NDF, no added oil, lower-risk phase) and a lower NDF and higher oil diet was fed during the second 10 d (29.0% NDF and 2% oil from whole soybeans and soybean oil, high-risk phase). Treatments were control and 10 g/d of lysolecithin (LYSO) extended in a ground corn carrier. Milk was sampled on d 0, 5, and 10 of each phase for determination of fat and protein concentration and FA profile. We found no effect of treatment or treatment by time interaction for dry matter intake, milk yield, or milk protein concentration. A treatment by time interaction was observed for milk fat concentration and yield. Milk fat concentration was higher in LYSO on d 5 of the lower-risk phase, but decreased progressively in both treatments during the high-risk phase. Milk fat yield was not different among treatments during the lower-risk phase, but was lower in LYSO on d 15 and tended to be lower on d 20 during the high-risk phase. Concentrations of milk de novo FA decreased and preformed FA increased during the high-risk phase, but we found no effect of treatment or treatment by time interactions. We noted an effect of time, but no treatment or treatment by time interactions for milk trans FA isomers. Briefly, trans-11 C18:1 and cis-9,trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid progressively decreased as trans-10 C18:1 and trans-10,cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid progressively increased during the high-risk phase. The LYSO increased milk fat concentration when feeding a higher fiber and lower unsaturated FA diet, but decreased milk fat yield when feeding a lower fiber and higher unsaturated FA diet, although biohydrogenation pathways and capacity did not appear to be modified. The effect of lysolecithin on rumen fermentation warrants further investigation, but is not recommended when feeding lower fiber and higher unsaturated fat diets.

Simultaneous genotyping of human platelet alloantigen-1 to 28bw systems by multiplex polymerase chain reaction sequence-based typing

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Human platelet alloantigen (HPA) genotyping is important for the diagnosis and prevention the alloimmune platelet disorders. In this study, a simultaneous genotyping method for HPA-1 to -28bw systems was established using multiplex PCR-SBT and the frequencies of genotypes and alleles of HPA-1 to -28bw systems in the Zhejiang Han population were analysed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The specific primers were designed according to the nucleotide sequences of HPA-1 to 28bw systems which are located in ITGB3, GP1BA, ITGA2B, ITGA2, GP1BB and CD109, respectively. The multiplex PCR amplification systems were used, and then, the amplicons were purified and sequenced. A total of 335 healthy volunteer blood donors were detected.

RESULTS

The genotypes of ten reference samples from Platelet Immunology Workshop of ISBT were in concordance with the known genotypes. Among the 28 HPA systems, HPA a and b alleles were found in HPA-1 to 6w, HPA-15 and HPA-21w systems in the Chinese Han population, while only HPA aa genotype was detected in the other HPA systems. The frequencies of HPA-1a and HPA-1b were 0·993 and 0·007, with 0·943 and 0·057 for HPA-2a and HPA-2b, 0·527 and 0·473 for HPA-3a and HPA-3b, 0·997 and 0·003 for HPA-4a and HPA-4b, 0·991 and 0·009 for HPA-5a and HPA-5b, 0·980 and 0·020 for HPA-6wa and HPA-6wb, 0·508 and 0·492 for HPA-15a and HPA-15b and 0·994 and 0·006 for HPA-21wa and HPA-21wb.

CONCLUSIONS

One multiplex PCR-SBT method for HPAs was established and the data of the study could help to prevent and treat for alloimmune thrombocytopenia.

Diagnosis and outcome of childhood perineurioma

INTRODUCTION

Intraneural perineurioma is a rare peripheral nerve tumor of childhood and early adulthood. Patients demonstrate progressive muscle weakness and atrophy largely without sensory complaints.

CASE

We report two children with perineurioma affecting the radial and femoral nerves. Electromyography (EMG), ultrasound, and 3-T MR imaging were important tools for localizing perineurioma and permitting its differentiation from other nerve lesions. The first patient underwent surgical excision of the perineurioma and a traditional nerve graft. At 10 months post-operative follow-up, she demonstrated no meaningful recovery of muscle strength compared to her pre-operative assessment. EMG did confirm axonal continuity indicating that reinnervation had occurred via the nerve graft. The second patient underwent a two-staged surgical procedure that included an end-to-side nerve transfer. At 18 months post-operative follow-up, she demonstrated mild improvement in muscle strength and EMG evidence of ongoing reinnervation.

CONCLUSION

The surgical management of perineurioma remains controversial, and reports of clinical recovery after nerve grafts and nerve transfers vary. Nerve transfers have been reported to provide superior results to traditional nerve grafting in adults with post-traumatic plexus injuries. The modest gain in strength of our patient who underwent a nerve transfer raises the question if this may also apply to patients with perineurioma. Additional studies will be required, which must also take into consideration that features of long-standing neuropathy (i.e., limb length discrepancy) have the potential to reduce the likelihood of reinnervation and clinical recovery.

Fluconazole susceptibility of 3,056 clinical isolates of Candida species from 2005 to 2009 in a tertiary-care hospital

In recent years, Candida infections have been increasing significantly. This study was to investigate the distribution and fluconazole susceptibility of such infections. Totally, 3,056 clinical isolates were analysed, C. albicans was the most prevalent species from respiratory and vaginal specimens. However, non-albicans species constituted the majority of isolates from blood, urine, intensive care unit (ICU), organ transplant and burned patients. Similarly, Candida spp. from different specimens and clinical services had different degrees of susceptibility to fluconazole. Isolates from vagina and burned patients had the highest resistance rate, while all of the isolates from ascites and dermatological services were susceptible to fluconazole.