High NA Research Articles

Next step in Moore’s law: high NA EUV system overview and first imaging and overlay performance

Next step in Moore’s law: high NA EUV system overview and first imaging and overlay performance

Enhanced Gelation Properties and Saltiness Perception of Low-Salt Surimi Gel with Psyllium Husk Powder.

Reducing salt intake is an effective strategy for preventing and managing hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. In this study, psyllium husk powder (PHP) was incorporated into surimi to address the challenges of diminished saltiness and texture in low-salt surimi products. PHP promoted the conversion of α-helix structures into β-sheet and strengthening intermolecular interactions, such as ionic bonds, hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and disulfide bonds. The addition of PHP enhanced the connectivity and uniformity of the surimi gel network, resulting in an increase in gel strength from 11.35 to 13.88 N and a reduction in cooking loss from 6.33% to 2.27%. Additionally, the more compact gel network structure improved the fluidity of immobile water within the low-salt surimi gel. The surimi gel containing 1.5% PHP accelerated a 30% higher Na+ release rate compared to the low-salt surimi gel, enhancing the saltiness perception to levels comparable with high-salt surimi gel, as measured by an electronic tongue. These findings present a promising approach to improving the texture and saltiness perception of surimi gel products while reducing salt content.

Hydrogen gas enhances Arabidopsis salt tolerance by modulating hydrogen peroxide-mediated redox and ion homeostasis.

Hydrogen gas (H2) plays a crucial role in mitigating salt stress in plants, but the underlying mechanisms is largely unknown. Herein, we employed the pharmacological, molecular, and genetic approaches to investigate the positive roles of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in endogenous H2-induced salt tolerance of Arabidopsis thaliana. H2-induecd salt tolerance of CrHYD1 (hydrogenase 1 gene from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii) transgenic Arabidopsis was blocked by H2O2 scavenger or NADPH oxidase inhibitor. When RESPIRATORY BURST OXIDASE HOMOLOG (RBOH) genes (AtrbohD or AtrbohF) were mutated, salt sensitivity of CrHYD1/atrboh (especially CrHYD1/atrbohD) hybrids was increased, but diminished by exogenous H2O2 administration. Salt-stimulated endogenous H2 enrichment consequently resulted in the rapid reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation under early salt stress, and the expression of AtrbohD (especially) and AtrbohF in CrHYD1 plants was higher than those in the wild-type (WT), suggesting that endogenous H2 could induce Atrboh-dependent ROS burst to respond salt stress. Further, H2-induced less 3,3'-diaminobenzidine (DAB) and nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) stain in CrHYD1 plants was reversed under salt stress when either H2O2 was removed or Atrbohs were mutated, which could be explained by higher H2O2 and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels, as well as lower antioxidant enzyme activity. Additionally, H2-induced Na+ discharge and K+ accumulation in CrHYD1 plants under salt stress were blocked by either H2O2 removal or Atrboh knockout, which was validated by higher Na+/K+ ratios and lower ion transport-related gene expression. Our findings not only elucidate that endogenous H2 enhanced Arabidopsis salt tolerance by reestablishing H2O2-dependent ion and redox homeostasis, but provide new insights into the mechanisms of plant salinity responses.

Electrolyte Chemistry Toward Sulfur‐Rich Interphase for Wide‐Temperature Sodium‐Ion Batteries

AbstractAchieving wide‐temperature operation is a crucial objective for the practical deployment of sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). However, the development of suitable electrolytes is hindered by significant challenges, including compromised ionic dynamics at low temperatures and interphase instability at high temperatures. Herein, this study proposes a novel interphase enhancement mechanism utilizing a sulfur‐rich strategy, grounded in rational solvent selection. This approach enriches the electrolyte with sulfur‐containing species that exhibit high Na+ affinity and efficient ionic migration at both the cathode and anode sides. Consequently, this strategy significantly enhances interfacial charge transfer and interphase integrity, confirmed by theoretical calculations and electrochemical measurements. The designed electrolyte demonstrates robust performance in half‐cells based on Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP) across a wide temperature range from −25 to 60 °C. Furthermore, the full‐cell, featuring an NVP cathode paired with a hard carbon anode, exhibits exceptional stability. Specifically, the full cell achieves reversible capacities of 56.1 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at −25 °C and 74.9 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 60 °C, with impressive capacity retentions of 87.7% and 88.2%, respectively. Importantly, the study introduces an advanced interphase optimization strategy that enables the operation of SIBs across wide temperatures, providing practical solutions for future developments in the field.

Hydrochemical characteristics, cross-layer pollution and environmental health risk of groundwater system in coal mine area: a case study of Jiangzhuang coal mine.

Long-term coal mining activities have significantly disturbed the groundwater system, resulting in aquifer water characterized by high levels of Na+, SO42-, and total dissolved solid (TDS), posing environmental health risks. To investigate the disturbance effects of coal mining activities on the groundwater system and ascertain the goaf water (OGW) environmental impacts, this study focuses on the surface water (SW), major aquifers, and OGW of Jiaozhuang Coal Mine. Through ion analysis and self-organizing map (SOM) clustering, the study analyzes the hydrochemical characteristics of the aquifer water, summarizes the accumulation patterns of OGW, and evaluates water quality of irrigation and drinking using sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), sodium percentage (SSP), and comprehensive pollution index (F). The results show that the hydrochemical characteristics of the groundwater system are influenced by a combination of cation exchange, dissolution, and mixing processes, with deep aquifers exhibiting high Na+ and SO42- levels. The OGW mainly originates from the coal roof sandstone aquifers water (RSW) and 3rd limestone aquifer water (3LW). Additionally, the groundwater shows high alkalinity and salinity hazards, with irrigation water quality assessments falling into general and unsuitable water quality area. Moreover, the groundwater quality is below Class III standards, with the worst being Class V, rendering it unsuitable as a drinking water source. Untreated discharge of OGW to the surface can easily threaten human drinking water health. The study results are helpful in identifying and controlling groundwater pollution caused by coal mining, ensuring the safety and sustainable utilization of water resources in mining areas and surrounding regions.

Early-Life Sodium Restriction Programs Autonomic Dysfunction and Salt- Sensitivity in Male C57BL/6J Mice.

Preterm birth increases the risk of cardiometabolic disease in adulthood. Infants born during the second trimester of pregnancy, a critical period of hypothalamic development, are at risk of sodium (Na) depletion due to renal immaturity and large urine Na losses. We previously demonstrated in male mice that Na restriction during the equivalent mouse hypothalamic development period (PD21-PD42) programs long-term changes in energy balance via increased thermogenic sympathetic nervous activity. We therefore hypothesized that early-life Na restriction programs changes in cardiovascular control via altered autonomic activity. C57BL/6J male mice were supplied a low (0.04%) Na or supplemented (0.30%) Na diet from PD21-PD42, before return to standard (0.15%) Na diet. Hemodynamic and autonomic functions were assessed by radiotelemetry and acute administration of autonomic antagonists before and after all animals were switched to a high Na diet (HSD; 1% Na) at 12 weeks of age. Mice were additionally treated with the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) antagonist, losartan, for two weeks. On standard diet, early-life Na restriction resulted in small but significantly different hemodynamic responses to autonomic blockers without effect on systolic blood pressure (SBP) or heart rate (HR). HSD increased SBP in 0.04% but not 0.30% Na mice, accompanied by increased cardiac sympathetic activity. Losartan had a greater BP lowering effect in early life Na-restricted mice. Our findings suggest Na restriction during a critical hypothalamic developmental period programs long-term changes in autonomic control of cardiovascular functions and may offer insight into the increased risk of cardiovascular disease in former preterm infants.

Understanding of a Ni-Rich O3-Layered Cathode for Sodium-Ion Batteries: Synthesis Mechanism and Al-Gradient Doping.

O3-type NaNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NaNMC811) cathode active materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), with a theoretical high specific capacity (∼187mAhg-1), are in the preliminary exploration stage. This study comprehensively investigates NaNMC811 from multiple perspectives. For the first time, the phase evolution ( - - ) during the solid-state synthesis is systemically investigated, which elucidates in-depth the mechanisms of the thermal sodiation process. Furthermore, an Al-gradient doping of NaNMC811 wassuccessfully implemented through Al2O3 coating on the cathode active material (CAM) precursor. The modified Al-NaNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (Al-NaNMC811) exhibits excellent electrochemical dynamics and performance, maintaining a specific capacity above 100mAhg-1 after 100 cycles at 0.1 C (1.5-4.1 V) while providing a promising capacity retention of 63%. Additionally, the material demonstrates excellent rate capabilities, retaining a specific capacity of 107 mAh g-1 at 5 C. Compared to pristine NaNMC811, the modified Al-NaNMC811 is proven to have improved electrochemical kinetics with a higher Na+ diffusion coefficient due to dilated (003) interplanar spacing, and a more stable structure during the electrochemical charge-discharge processes, which is attributed to stronger Al-O bond energy. Understanding phase formations during the synthesis and comprehensive insight in the gradient doping for O3-type NaNMC811 CAMs guides further development of next-generation SIBsmaterials.

Thermal stable and bright yellow-emitting phosphor Na3+xK1-x(AlSiO4)4:Eu2+ for solid-state lighting

High-performance phosphors are essential for phosphor-converted white light-emitting diodes (pc-LEDs) utilized in general lighting applications. This paper introduces Eu2+-activated nepheline solid-solution yellow phosphors Na2.95+xK1-x(AlSiO4)4:0.05Eu2+ exhibiting excellent luminescent properties. All samples demonstrate an emission band at approximately 530 nm. However, the emission intensity gradually increases with higher Na+ content, progressing from Na2.95K(AlSiO4)4:0.05Eu2+ to Na3.95(AlSiO4)4:0.05Eu2+. Correspondingly, the external quantum efficiency (EQE) significantly rises from 41 % to 60 %. This enhancement in EQE is attribute to the improved absorption efficiency resulting from increased crystallinity. Notably, the emission intensity of representative phosphors at 150 °C remains above 90 % of room temperature values, indicating excellent thermal stability. A white pc-LED with a color-rendering index exceeding 85 is successfully developed using the phosphor with the highest EQE. These findings indicate that Na2.95+xK1-x(AlSiO4)4:0.05Eu2+ phosphors show promise as potential candidates for pc-LEDs in general lighting applications.

Reduced Na–S bond adsorption of WSSe enabling fast reaction kinetics in the sodium-ion battery

WS2, a two-dimensional layered material, is promising as sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) anode due to its large interlamellar spacing and high sodium storage capacity. However, its low electronic conductivity and high Na+ adsorption energy hinder reaction kinetics. Here we demonstrate that substituting Se for part of the S in WS2 reduces interlayer Na+ adsorption and increases electronic conductivity. Based on this finding, lamellar WSSe, grown in situ on peanut shell-derived carbon (PSDC/WSSe), is elaborately designed as a highly stable SIB anode with a fast kinetic. PSDC/WSSe with carbon matrix and Se substitution simultaneously provides fast electron transport channels and lowered Na+ transport barriers (0.22 eV). The PSDC/WSSe anode offers a considerable reversible sodium storage capacity (288.0 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles at 1.0 A g−1) and a fast kinetic reaction. A SIB full-cell using a PSDC/WSSe anode and Na3V2(PO4)3 cathode achieves a 215.4 Wh kg−1 high energy density, and successfully powers LEDs. This work offers new strategies to lower sodium ion transportation barrier in two-dimensional layered materials.

Mg-C-O isotopes and elements reveal the origin of dolostone in the Middle Jurassic Buqu Formation

The origin of dolostone in the Middle Jurassic Buqu Formation of the Plateau Basin has been a subject of prolonged debate. This study combines detailed petrological observations with analyses of Mg-C-O isotopes and elements to constrain the origin of dolostones in the Buqu Formation. Petrography and cathodoluminescence (CL) examination identified three types of matrix dolostones: very finely to finely crystalline dolostone (D1), finely to medium crystalline dolostone (D2), and medium to coarsely crystalline dolostone (D3). The analysis of the diagenesis sequence reveals that D1 originated from the dolomitization of grainstone in the early diagenetic phase, whereas D2 and D3 resulted from the recrystallization of D1 during the later burial phase. The presence of high Na (>100 ppm), low Fe (<1000 ppm), low Mn (<250 ppm), positive Ce anomaly, LREE enrichment, stable δ26Mg (−2.28‰ to −2.04‰), and δ13C (1.02‰ to 2.95‰) indicates that the early dolomitization fluid was oxidized seawater. As the crystal size increases (D1→D2→D3), the progressively rising Mn content and significantly negative δ18O (−10.72‰ to −7.81‰) suggest that the dolostone has experienced modification and alteration by buried pore water in the later stages. The fluctuations in relative sea level during the sedimentary deposition of the Buqu Formation were reconstructed through the utilization of Na, Sr/Cu, Sr/Ba, Rb/Sr, ∑REE, and δ13C. It was observed that the δ26Mg of dolostone closely mirrored the variations in sea level. The consistent trend of change confirms that sea level fluctuations control the formation and distribution of early dolostone. Frequent sea level rise and fall prompted the limestone deposited on the carbonate platform to be continuously transformed into dolostone, which accumulates over a long period to form large-scale thick dolostone. After the formation entered the burial stage, under the combined action of high Mg/Ca ratio pore water, high temperature, and high pressure, the early dolostone experienced the adjustment of burial dolomitization. This research offers a typical case study on the application of Mg-C-O isotope and elements to determine the origin of dolostone. This will aid in a more comprehensive understanding of the formation process of dolostone in ancient rock records.

Microbial Surface Confined Growth Strategy for the Synthesis of Highly Loaded NiCoP Nanoparticles with Hollow Derived Carbon Shells for Sodium Ion Capture.

NiCoP is considered to be a very promising material for sodium ion (Na+) capturing, however, the volume expansion and poor cyclic stability of NiCoP during the storage limit its application. In response to these limitations, Finite element simulations are used to help in the rational design of the NiCoP structure. A novel microbial surface confined growth strategy is employed to synthesize highly loaded NiCoP nanoparticles (NiCoP NPs) supported on hollow derived carbon shells (NPC), constructing a stable composite structure known as NiCoP@NPC. The highly loaded and uniformly dispersed NiCoP NPs are anchored in-situ and fully exposed, enabling enhanced electron and ion transport efficiency and thereby boosting pseudocapacitance. The NPC from yeast played a crucial role in mitigating the volume expansion of NiCoP NPs, thereby enhancing the structural stability of the electrode. Consequently, NiCoP@NPC demonstrated a high Na+ storage capacity of 59.70 ± 1.51 mg g-1 at 1.6 V and maintained good cycling stability, retaining over 73.3% of its capacity after 80 cycles at 1.6 V. Scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) analysis confirmed the reversible conversion reaction mechanism and the robust structure of NiCoP@NPC before and after the reaction; Density function theory (DFT) and electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM-D) further confirmed that the structural design of NiCoP@NPC promoted electron transport, Na+ adsorption as well as improved cycling stability. This study is intended to provide a new idea for the in-situ confined synthesis of metal phosphides electrodes with stable performance and structure.

Modulation of blood pressure by dietary potassium and sodium: Sex differences and modeling analysis.

High Na+ intake has been linked to elevations in blood pressure, whereas K+ has the opposite effect. The underlying mechanisms involve complex interactions among renal function, fluid volume, fluid-regulatory hormones, the vasculature, cardiac function, and the autonomic nervous system. These mechanisms are likely moderated by sex, given the known sex differences in blood pressure regulation and the higher prevalence of hypertension in men. The source of these observed sex differences may be traced to organ and tissue levels, given that kidney function, intrarenal renin-angiotensin system components, renal sympathetic nervous activity, and nitric oxide bioavailability all exhibit sex differences. To assess the functional impact of each of these sex differences, we developed sex-specific computational models to simulate whole-body Na+, K+, and fluid homeostasis, and the effects on blood pressure. The models describe the interactions among the renal system, cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal system, renal sympathetic nervous system, and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Model simulations suggest that women's attenuated blood pressure response to hypertensive stimuli, including high Na+ intake, may be largely attributable to the female renal transporter abundance pattern. Additionally, we investigated the causal link between high K+ intake and blood pressure reduction. The models simulate renal response to high K+ intake, including the immediate gastrointestinal feedforward signals to the kidneys to increase K+ excretion, and the longer-term response to decrease proximal fractional Na+ reabsorption and distal K+ reabsorption. With these assumptions, simulations of high K+ intake yielded kaliuresis, natriuresis, and a substantial reduction in blood pressure, even when combined with high Na+ intake.

OsCaM1-1 Is Responsible for Salt Tolerance by Regulating Na+/K+ Homoeostasis in Rice.

Calmodulin, a highly conserved calcium-binding protein, plays a crucial role in response to salt stress. Previous studies investigated sequence and function of calmodulin members in some plants, but their roles in rice have not been fully elucidated. Three OsCaM1 genes namely OsCaM1-1/2/3 encode the same OsCaM1 protein. Here, we found that OsCaM1-1 had significantly higher expression than the other two genes under salt stress. After 4 weeks of exposure to 75 mM NaCl, OsCaM1-1 overexpressed mutants showed higher salt tolerance, while knocked-out mutants exhibited lower salt tolerance, compared to the wild type. Moreover, the oscam1-1 mutants had higher Na+ concentration and Na+/K+ ratio in both shoots and roots, less instantaneous K+ and Ca2+ fluxes in roots, compared to wild type under salt stress, indicating the involvement of OsCaM1-1 in regulation of Na+ and K+ homoeostasis via Ca2+ signal. RNA-seq analysis identified 452 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) regulated by OsCaM1-1 and salt stress, and they were mainly enriched in nucleus DNA-binding activities, including ABI5, WRKY76, WRKY48 and bHLH120 transcription factors. Knockout of OsCaM1-1 also modulated the expression of Na+ transporters, including HKT1;1, HKT1;5, SOS1, NHX1 and NHX4. In conclusion, OsCaM1-1 positively regulates salt tolerance in rice through mediating ion homoeostasis.

Kinetic Study of NaF Gas Formation During Mold Flux Melting Based on Different Fluorides by Experimental and Computational Methods

Low‐basicity fluorine‐containing mold flux, which forms a porous slag film with NaF pores, is expected to solve the contradiction between heat transfer and lubrication in the continuous casting of peritectic steel. Herein, the kinetic mechanism and the influence of NaF gas formation based on the different fluorine raw materials (NaF, CaF2, and Na3AlF6) at 0.9 basicity and 6 wt% fluorine are investigated by the combination of experiments and calculations. The results show that CaF2 is the first to generate NaF gas at 1189 K, followed by Na3AlF6 (1238 K) and NaF (1328 K). NaF raw material produces the most NaF gas with the lowest activation energy in the three raw materials, due to high Na ion kinetic energy, the simple degree of polymerization, and Na‐F1 bonds. Correspondingly, NaF bubbles in the molten slag are the largest based on their aggregation. Na3AlF6 and CaF2 raw materials rank second and third, with F atoms primarily bonded as Al‐Fx and Ca‐Fx and the higher proportion of and structure. Notably, at 0.9 basicity and 6 wt% fluorine, Na3AlF6 as raw material generates a suitable amount of gas, making diffuse and fine NaF bubbles in the molten slag.

Efficient sodium ion transport enhanced by anionophilic sites in polymer-supported plastic crystal electrolyte for high performance sodium metal anode

The design of sodium metal batteries (SMBs) is seen as an excellent solution to solve the request of next-generation energy storage technologies with high energy density, high safety, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, the direct use of sodium metal as an anode produces the dendritic sodium, which harms the normal operation of battery. Inspired by solid-state lithium metal batteries, solid-state electrolyte (SSE) designed for SMBs effectively solves this shortcoming. Herein, a novel SSE with mask-based polymer membrane supporting plastic crystal electrolyte with ZIF-67 (MPPZ) is designed. The experimental results and density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that the addition of ZIF-67 in MPPZ electrolyte availably fixes TFSI− and achieves high Na+ transference number. Additionally, a protective layer of NaF is formed in situ on the surface of sodium metal to avoid side reactions between Na and MPPZ electrolyte while further guide the uniform deposition of Na. Accordingly, Na||Na symmetric battery with NaF-coated Na metal anode and MPPZ electrolyte has a stable deposition and stripping of Na for 3000 h. The assembled room temperature solid-state sodium-sulfur battery (RTSSSSB) exhibits a good cycle stability. This study provides an innovative thinking for the construction of high performance dendrite-free SMBs.

Pr6O11 modification effectively enhancing sodium storage for Na3V2(PO4)3 batteries

Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP) is one of the most promising cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to its robust three-dimensional framework, high tunability, and relatively high Na+ intercalation potentials. However, its utility is generally constrained by low conductivity, inefficient charge transfer, and subpar interface kinetics. This work presents an efficient and simple method to address these issues. We innovatively modified the NVP surface with Pr6O11 nanoparticles, a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermosensitive material, to enhance interface compatibility with electrolytes and improve conductivity. This modification significantly enhances the overall sodium-ion storage performance. Specifically, the optimized NVP-2 %Pr6O11 electrode exhibits excellent electrochemical properties with the aid of an optimized conductivity network compared to the unmodified NVP. Cycled at an 8C current density, the NVP-2 %Pr6O11 electrode achieves high specific capacities of 102.6 mAh·g−1 at 27 °C and 95.6 mAh·g−1 at 45 °C. After 1000 cycles, the capacity retention rates are 81.18 % and 78.97 %, respectively, significantly higher than the 20.59 % and 14.99 % of pure NVP. In coin full-battery testing, the NVP-2 %Pr6O11 electrode retains 89.76 % capacity after 500 cycles at 8C. In addition, the assembled The NVP-2 %Pr6O11//HC pouch full battery exhibits better sodium-ion storage and thermal safety performance compared to the NVP-SP//HC battery. This simple modification strategy provides an effective insight into the application of NVP electrodes in energy storage.

Lensless Mueller holographic microscopy with robust noise reduction for multiplane polarization imaging

Lensless holographic microscopy has emerged as a powerful and cost-effective tool for computational imaging, offering high resolution over a large field of view, beneficial for various biological applications. However, conventional approaches can struggle with contrast and accurate visualization of diverse components over the samples, which can directly affect the diagnostic precision of the techniques. Mueller imaging, while offering detailed, stain-free observations of polarized light responses in samples, often has a limited field of view and single plane information. This is due to the use of high NA microscope objectives and generally complex hardware setups, thus narrowing its practical effectiveness. This work introduces a Lensless Mueller Holographic Microscopy (LMHM) system that overcomes these limitations, enabling large field of view, volumetric multi-layer imaging, and Mueller matrix computation using in-line lens-free holography setup. The proposed system provides precision visualization of polarization information in samples, offering high-quality features due to the incorporation of a numerical multi-height Gerchberg-Saxton reconstruction algorithm with additional complex field filtering and a physical rotating diffuser. The proposed LMHM framework is validated with a calibrated USAF 1951 birefringent test target. A multiplane sample containing cloth fiber is utilized to study the LMHM capabilities of imaging volumetric samples. Finally, the LMHM is used to analyze two mice’s brain slices, effectively showcasing this organ’s anatomy. Among other structures in the brain, the proposed method easily allows the visualization of, e.g., the corpus callosum. These results constitute a proof-of-concept evaluation for bioimaging applications.

An Enhanced Interaction of Graft and Exogenous SA on Photosynthesis, Phytohormone, and Transcriptome Analysis in Tomato under Salinity Stress.

Salt stress can adversely affect global agricultural productivity, necessitating innovative strategies to mitigate its adverse effects on plant growth and yield. This study investigated the effects of exogenous salicylic acid (SA), grafting (G), and their combined application (GSA) on various parameters in tomato plants subjected to salt stress. The analysis focused on growth characteristics, photosynthesis, osmotic stress substances, antioxidant enzyme activity, plant hormones, ion content, and transcriptome profiles. Salt stress severely inhibits the growth of tomato seedlings. However, SA, G, and GSA improved the plant height by 22.5%, 26.5%, and 40.2%; the stem diameter by 11.0%, 26.0%, and 23.7%; the shoot fresh weight by 76.3%, 113.2%, and 247.4%; the root fresh weight by 150.9%, 238.6%, and 286.0%; the shoot dry weight by 53.5%, 65.1%, and 162.8%; the root dry weight by 150.0%, 150.0%, and 166.7%, and photosynthesis by 4.0%, 16.3%, and 32.7%, with GSA presenting the most pronounced positive effect. Regarding the osmotic stress substances, the proline content increased significantly by more than 259.2% in all treatments, with the highest levels in GSA. Under salt stress, the tomato seedlings accumulated high Na+ levels; the SA, G, and GSA treatments enhanced the K+ and Ca2+ absorption while reducing the Na+ and Al3+ levels, thereby alleviating the ion toxicity. The transcriptome analysis indicated that SA, G, and GSA influenced tomato growth under salt stress by regulating specific signaling pathways, including the phytohormone and MAPK pathways, which were characterized by increased endogenous SA and decreased ABA content. The combined application of grafting and exogenous SA could be a promising strategy for enhancing plant tolerance to salt stress, offering potential solutions for sustainable agriculture in saline environments.

High Flow Nasal Cannula versus Non -Invasive Ventilation in Hypercapnic acute exacerbation of COPD.

High Flow Nasal Cannula versus Non -Invasive Ventilation in Hypercapnic acute exacerbation of COPD.

Aggregate-Dominated Dilute Electrolytes with Low-Temperature-Resistant Ion-Conducting Channels for Highly Reversible Na Plating/Stripping.

Developing rechargeable batteries with high power delivery at low temperatures (LT) below 0°C is significant for cold-climate applications. Initial anode-free sodium metal batteries (AFSMBs) promise high LT performances because of the low de-solvation energy and smaller Stokes radius of Na+, nondiffusion-limited plating/stripping electrochemistry, and maximized energy density. However, the severe reduction in electrolyte ionic conductivity and formation of unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) hinder their practical applications at LT. In this study, a 2-methyltetrahydrofuran-based dilute electrolyte is designed to concurrently achieve an anion-coordinated solvation structure and impressive ionic conductivity of 3.58mScm-1 at -40°C. The dominant aggregate solvates enable the formation of highly efficient and LT-resistant Na+ hopping channels in the electrolyte. Moreover, the methyl-regulated electronic structure in 2-methyltetrahydrofuran induces gradient decomposition toward an inorganic-organic bilayer SEI with high Na+ mobility, composition homogeneity, and mechanical robustness. As such, a record-high Coulombic efficiency beyond 99.9% is achieved even at -40°C. The as-constructed AFSMBs sustain 300 cycles with 80% capacity maintained, and a 0.5-Ah level pouch cell delivers 85% capacity over 180 cycles at -25°C. This study affords new insights into electrolyte formulation for fast ionic conduction and superior Na reversibility at ultralow temperatures.