Experimental and computational optimization of Prussian blue analogues as high-performance cathodes for sodium-ion batteries:A review

In this review,we discuss the electrochemical properties of Prussian blue(PB)for Na^(+)storage by combining structural engineering and electrolyte modifications.We integrated experimental data and density functional theory(DFT)in sodium-ion battery(SIB)research to refine the atomic arrangements and crystal lattices and introduce substitutions and dopants.These changes affect the lattice stability,intercalation,electronic and ionic conductivities,and electrochemical performance.We unraveled the intricate structure-electrochemical behavior relationship by combining experimental data with computational models,including first-principles calculations.This holistic approach identified techniques for optimizing PB and Prussian blue analog(PBA)structu ral properties for SIBs.We also discuss the tuning of electrolytes by systematically adjusting their composition,concentration,and additives using a combination of molecular dynamics(MD)simulations and DFT computations.Our review offers a comprehensive assessment of strategies for enhancing the electrochemical properties of PB and PBAs through structural engineering and electrolyte modifications,combining experimental insights with advanced computational simulations,and paving the way for next-generation energy storage systems.

Effects of Lizhong Tang on gastrointestinal motility in mice

AIM To investigate the effects of Lizhong Tang,a traditional Chinese medicine formula,on gastrointestinal motility in mice.METHODS The in vivo effects of Lizhong Tang on GI motility were investigated by measuring the intestinal transit rates(ITRs) and gastric emptying(GE) values in normal mice and in mice with experimentally induced GI motility dysfunction(GMD).RESULTS In normal ICR mice,the ITR and GE values were significantly and dose-dependently increased by Lizhong Tang(ITR values: 54.4% ± 1.9% vs 65.2% ± 1.8%,P < 0.01 with 0.1 g/kg Lizhong Tang and 54.4% ± 1.9% vs 83.8% ± 1.9%,P < 0.01 with 1 g/kg Lizhong Tang; GE values: 60.7% ± 1.9% vs 66.8% ± 2.1%,P < 0.05 with 0.1 g/kg Lizhong Tang and 60.7% ± 1.9% vs 72.5% ± 1.7%,P < 0.01 with 1 g/kg Lizhong Tang). The ITRs of the GMD mice were significantly reduced compared with those of the normal mice,which were significantly and dose-dependently reversed by Lizhong Tang. Additionally,in loperamide- and cisplatin-induced models of GE delay,Lizhong Tang administration reversed the GE deficits.CONCLUSION These results suggest that Lizhong Tang may be a novel candidate for development as a prokinetic treatment for the GI tract.

Technology Development of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs)

In recent years, the weapon systems have been changing drastically because of the advancement of science technology and the change of military concept of combat. There is an unmanned system at the center of all those changes. Especially, in case of maritime environment, as the center stage of combat has changed from ocean to coastal areas, it is difficult for the existing naval forces to effectively operate in shallow waters. Therefore, unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) are being required at an increasing pace. In this paper, we analyze the characteristics of already developed UUVs, which are the key unmanned system of the marine battlefield environment in the future. Through the analysis of development cases and the investigation of the essential technologies, the critical design issues of UUVs are elaborated. We also suggest the future directions of the UUV technologies based on the case analysis.

Analysis of Design Directions for Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs)

In recent years, because of the development of marine military science technology, there is a growing interest in the unmanned systems throughout the world. Also, the demand of Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) which can be autonomously operated without the operator intervention is increasing dramatically. The growing interests lie in the facts that those USVs can be manufactured at much lower costs, and can be operated without the human fatigue, while can be sent to the hostile or quite dangerous areas that are inherently unhealthy for human operators. The utilization and the deployment of such vessels will continue to grow in the future. In this paper, along with the technological development of unmanned surface vehicles, we investigate and analyze the cases of already developed platforms and identify the trends of the technological advances. Additionally, we suggest the future directions of development.

Uniaxially crumpled graphene as a platform for guided myotube formation

Graphene,owing to its inherent chemical inertness,biocompatibility,and mechanical flexibility,has great potential in guiding cell behaviors such as adhesion and differentiation.However,due to the two-dimensional(2D)nature of graphene,the microfabrication of graphene into micro/nanoscale patterns has been widely adopted for guiding cellular assembly.In this study,we report crumpled graphene,i.e.,monolithically defined graphene with a nanoscale wavy surface texture,as a tissue engineering platform that can efficiently promote aligned C2C12 mouse myoblast cell differentiation.We imparted out-of-plane,nanoscale crumpled morphologies to flat graphene via compressive straininduced deformation.When C2C12 mouse myoblast cells were seeded on the uniaxially crumpled graphene,not only were the alignment and elongation promoted at a single-cell level but also the differentiation and maturation of myotubes were enhanced compared to that on flat graphene.These results demonstrate the utility of the crumpled graphene platform for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine for skeletal muscle tissues.