Progress on Exploring the Luminescent Properties of Organic Molecular Aggregates by Multiscale Modeling

Luminescent molecular aggregates have attracted worldwide attention because of their potential applications in many fields. The luminescent properties of organic aggregates are complicated and highly morphology-dependent, unraveling the intrinsic mechanism behind is urgent. This review summarizes recent works on investigating the structure–property relationships of organic molecular aggregates at different environments, including crystal, cocrystal, amorphous aggregate, and doped systems by multiscale modeling protocol. We aim to explore the influence of intermolecular non-covalent interactions on molecular packing and their photophysical properties and then pave the effective way to design, synthesize, and develop advanced organic luminescent materials.

Fabricating Na/In/C Composite Anode with Natrophilic Na–In Alloy Enables Superior Na Ion Deposition in the EC/PC Electrolyte

In conventional ethylene carbonate (EC)/propylene carbonate (PC) electrolyte, sodium metal reacts spontaneously and deleteriously with solvent molecules. This significantly limits the practical feasibility of high-voltage sodium metal batteries based on Na metal chemistry. Herein, we present a sodium metal alloy strategy via introducing NaIn and Na2In phases in a Na/In/C composite, aiming at boosting Na ion deposition stability in the common EC/PC electrolyte. Symmetric cells with Na/In/C electrodes achieve an impressive long-term cycling capability at 1 mA cm−2 (> 870 h) and 5 mA cm−2 (> 560 h), respectively, with a capacity of 1 mAh cm−2. In situ optical microscopy clearly unravels a stable Na ion dynamic deposition process on the Na/In/C composite electrode surface, attributing to a dendrite-free and smooth morphology. Furthermore, theoretical simulations reveal intrinsic mechanism for the reversible Na ion deposition behavior with the composite Na/In/C electrode. Upon pairing with a high-voltage NaVPOF cathode, Na/In/C anode illustrates a better suitability in SMBs. This work promises an alternative alloying strategy for enhancing Na metal interfacial stability in the common EC/PC electrolyte for their future applications.

Structural Abnormalities of Spermatozoa in Triploid Gynogenetic Crucian Carp (Carassius auratus)

The spermatozoa of triploid gynogenetic crucian carp (Carassius auratus) (3nDTCC) possess a spermatogenesis process with a normal genetic background. However, the genetic materials of these spermatozoa do not completely inherit gynogenetic progeny in general. Understanding the intrinsic mechanism may be helpful for developing breeding strategies of gynogenetic fishes. In this study, the spermatozoa ultrastructure was systematically studied in diploid red crucian carp and 3nDTCC to demonstrate their cytological structural differences. In addition, the artificial breeding tests of 3nDTCC(♀) with different ploidy spermatozoa were performed to verify the contributions of genetic materials from 3nDTCC spermatozoa to the gynogenesis progeny. Furthermore, the mRNA expression of centriole-related genes (i.e., cep57, cetn1, rootletin, and nek2) involved in spermatozoa packaging was also determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) to illustrate the molecular expression characteristics of the spermatozoa packaging process in 3nDTCC. The results reveal the adaptive features of spermatozoa in 3nDTCC, including the loose midpiece structure, abnormal head structure, and abnormal expression of centriole-related genes, which may influence the motility of spermatozoa and make it not involved normally in the genetic composition of the gynogenesis offspring.

CD73-mediated adenosine production by CD8 T cell-derived extracellular vesicles constitutes an intrinsic mechanism of immune suppression

Immune cells at sites of inflammation are continuously activated by local antigens and cytokines, and regulatory mechanisms must be enacted to control inflammation. The stepwise hydrolysis of extracellular ATP by ectonucleotidases CD39 and CD73 generates adenosine, a potent immune suppressor. Here we report that human effector CD8 T cells contribute to adenosine production by releasing CD73-containing extracellular vesicles upon activation. These extracellular vesicles have AMPase activity, and the resulting adenosine mediates immune suppression independently of regulatory T cells. In addition, we show that extracellular vesicles isolated from the synovial fluid of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis contribute to T cell suppression in a CD73-dependent manner. Our results suggest that the generation of adenosine upon T cell activation is an intrinsic mechanism of human effector T cells that complements regulatory T cell-mediated suppression in the inflamed tissue. Finally, our data underscore the role of immune cell-derived extracellular vesicles in the control of immune responses.

7-Dehydrocholesterol is an endogenous suppressor of ferroptosis

Ferroptosis is a form of cell death that has received considerable attention not only as a means to eradicate defined tumour entities but also because it provides unforeseen insights into the metabolic adaptation exploited by tumours to counteract phospholipid oxidation. Here, we identify a pro-ferroptotic activity of 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR7) and an unexpected pro-survival function of its substrate, 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC). Although previous studies suggested that high levels of 7-DHC are cytotoxic to developing neurons and favour lipid peroxidation, we now demonstrate that 7-DHC accumulation confers a robust pro-survival function in cancer cells. 7-DHC, due to its far superior reactivity towards peroxyl radicals, is shown here to effectively shield (phospho)lipids from autoxidation and subsequent fragmentation. We further demonstrate in a subset of ferroptosis-sensitive Burkitt lymphomas - where DHCR7 mutations have been reported - that the accumulation of 7-DHC is sufficient to suppress the basal sensitivity of cells toward ferroptosis, thereby translating into an unexpected growth advantage. Conclusively, our findings provide compelling evidence of a yet-unrecognised anti-ferroptotic activity of 7-DHC as a cell-intrinsic mechanism that could be exploited by cancer cells to escape ferroptosis.

Exploration on the Mechanism of the Impact of Green Supply Chain Management on Enterprise Sustainable Development Performance

Green supply chain management (GSCM) is an important management means for enterprises to achieve sustainable development and green transformation. However, the intrinsic mechanism by which GSCM impacts the sustainable development performance (SDP) of enterprises remains a theoretical “black box”. Based on the Porter’s hypothesis, this study constructs a moderated mediation model from the theoretical perspective of green innovation and signal transmission to explore this intrinsic mechanism. Then, this study analyzes data from China’s Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share listed companies from 2015 to 2020 to conduct an empirical analysis to test the model. The results show that GSCM has a significantly positive effect on SDP. The mediating effect of green innovation and the moderating effect of green subsidies are significant. The results remain valid after a series of endogeneity and robustness tests.