A Comparative Investigation of Single Crystal and Polycrystalline Ni-Rich NCMs as Cathodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Nickel-rich LiNi_(1-x-y)Co_(x)Mn_(y)O_(2)(NCM,1-x-y≥0.6)is known as a promising cathode material for lithium-ion batteries since its superiority of high voltage and large capacity.However,polycrystalline Ni-rich NCMs suffer from poor cycle stability,limiting its further application.Herein,single crystal and polycrystalline LiNi_(0.84)Co_(0.07)Mn_(0.09)O_(2)cathode materials are compared to figure out the relation of the morphology and the electrochemical storage performance.According to the Li^(+)diffusion coefficient,the lower capacity of single crystal samples is mainly ascribed to the limited Li+diffusion in the large bulk.In situ XRD illustrates that the polycrystalline and single crystal NCMs show a virtually identical manner and magnitude in lattice contraction and expansion during cycling.Also,the electrochemically active surface area(ECSA)measurement is employed in lithium-ion battery study for the first time,and these two cathodes show huge discrepancy in the ECSA after the initial cycle.These results suggest that the single crystal sample exhibits reduced cracking,surface side reaction,and Ni/Li mixing but suffers the lower Li^(+)diffusion kinetics.This work offers a view of how the morphology of Ni-rich NCM effects the electrochemical performance,which is instructive for developing a promising strategy to achieve good rate performance and excellent cycling stability.

Deep-ultraviolet photonics for the disinfection of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants(Delta and Omicron)in the cryogenic environment

Deep-ultraviolet(DUV)disinfection technology provides an expeditious and efficient way to suppress the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).However,the influences of viral variants(Delta and Omicron)and low temperatures on the DUV virucidal efficacy are still unknown.Here,we developed a reliable and uniform planar light source comprised of 275-nm light-emitting diodes(LEDs)to investigate the effects of these two unknown factors and delineated the principle behind different disinfection performances.We found the lethal effect of DUV at the same radiation dose was reduced by the cryogenic environment,and a negative-U large-relaxation model was used to explain the difference in view of the photoelectronic nature.The chances were higher in the cryogenic environment for the capture of excited electrons within active genetic molecules back to the initial photo-ionised positions.Additionally,the variant of Omicron required a significantly higher DUV dose to achieve the same virucidal efficacy,and this was thanks to the genetic and proteinic characteristics of the Omicron.The findings in this study are important for human society using DUV disinfection in cold conditions(e.g.,the food cold chain logistics and the open air in winter),and the relevant DUV disinfection suggestion against COVID-19 is provided.

A hydrothermal investigation system for the Qianlong-Ⅱ autonomous underwater vehicle

Qianlong-Ⅱ is a fully autonomous underwater vehicle designed for the investigation of submarine resources,particularly polymetallic sulfides. It was used to successfully explore hydrothermal fields on the Southwest Indian Ridge. Here, we summarized the exploration of hydrothermal systems using Qianlong-Ⅱ, including detailed descriptions of its implementation along with the systems used for data management and fast mapping. We also introduced a method to remove platform magnetic interference using magnetic data while Qianlong-Ⅱ is spinning. Based on hydrothermal anomalies collected by Qianlong-Ⅱ, we developed a rapid method for locating hydrothermal vents. Taking one dive as an example, we systemically demonstrated the process for analyzing hydrothermal survey data to locate hydrothermal vents.

Embolizing intracranial arteriovenous malformations with Onyx: experience at a single center with 250 patients

Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the embolization techniques, as well as the effects and complications, using the non-adhesive liquid embolic material Onyx in intracranial arteriovenous malformations(AVMs). Methods The study comprises a retrospective analysis of 250 patients with intracranial AVMs treated with Onyx in Guangdong General Hospital from Jan 2010 to Dec 2017. The therapeutic strategies, as well as embolization effects and complications, of Onyx are summarized. Results Of 250 cases, 170 were male and 80 were female. Following the Spetzler–Martin(S-M) grading system, there were 35 cases of grade Ⅰ, 77 of grade Ⅱ, 72 of grade Ⅲ, 39 of grade Ⅳ, and 27 of grade V. All cases were treated with Onyx. In addition, 69 cases were treated with Glubran glue. The injected volume of Onyx per patient ranged from 1 mL to 10 mL. The largest volume of Onyx injected in one procedure was 10 mL. The cure rate was 67.9%(76/112) of grade Ⅰ-Ⅱ patients, 15.0%(11/72) of grade Ⅲ patients, 7.7%(3/39) of grade Ⅳ patients, and 0%(0/27) of grade V patients. The total cure rate was 36.0%(90/250). The average number of targeted vascular branches per patient was 2.28. The microcatheter broke off in two cases. There were two patients who suffered an intracranial hemorrhage during the embolic procedure; in one of these two patients, the microcatheter also broke off. There were two patients who suffered an intracranial hemorrhage after the embolic procedure; one of them died. Seven cases suffered new-onset neurological deficits or their original symptoms deteriorated. Six of them improved or recovered within 3–6 months. The total complication rate was 5.2%(13/250). Conclusion The application of Onyx in intracranial AVMs is flexible, effective and safe, and may also reduce the complications.

Proton storage chemistry in aqueous zinc-organic batteries:A review

Benefiting from the advantageous features of structural diversity and resource renewability,organic electroactive compounds are considered as attractive cathode materials for aqueous Zn-ion batteries(ZIBs).In this review,we discuss the recent developments of organic electrode materials for aqueous ZIBs.Although the proton(H^(+))storage chemistry in aqueous Zn-organic batteries has triggered an overwhelming literature surge in recent years,this topic remains controversial.Therefore,our review focuses on this significant issue and summarizes the reported electrochemical mechanisms,including pure Zn^(2+)intercalation,pure H^(+)storage,and H^(+)/Zn^(2+)co-storage.Moreover,the impact of H^(+)storage on the electrochemical performance of aqueous ZIBs is discussed systematically.Given the significance of H^(+)storage,we also highlight the relevant characterization methods employed.Finally,perspectives and directions on further understanding the charge storage mechanisms of organic materials are outlined.We hope that this review will stimulate more attention on the H^(+)storage chemistry of organic electrode materials to advance our understanding and further its application.

Seafloor hydrothermal activity and polymetallic sulfide exploration on the southwest Indian ridge

Polymetallic sulfides have attracted more attentions,which are regarded as one of the potential seabed mineral resources for their high grade of precious metal elements such as Cu,Zn,Pb,Au,and Ag.Since2007,there are four China dayang cruises(CDCs)with eight legs totally,which have been carried out to investigate polymetallic sulfides on the southwest Indian ridge(SWIR),and eight hydrothermal vents have been found.In2011,the China Ocean Mineral Resources Research and Development Association(COMRA)and International Seabed Authority(ISA)signed a 15-year contract for exploration for polymetallic sulfides located on the SWIR between 46°S and 53°S.The area allocated to the COMRA is approximately 10,000 km2.In this paper,we review the recent research advances about hydrothermal activity of the SWIR by the CDCs.As for the sulfides exploration in the future,some aspects should be emphasized,such as the controlling factors of sulfide mineralization on the SWIR,prospecting methods of inactive and buried sulfide deposits,sulfides resources assessment method,and the nearbottom sulfides exploration technology systems.

Environmentally responsive dual-targeting nanotheranostics for overcoming cancer multidrug resistance

The development of multiple drug resistance(MDR) to chemotherapy and subsequent treatment failures are major obstacles in cancer therapy. An attractive option for combating MDR is inhibiting the expression of P-glycoprotein(P-gp) in tumor cells. Here, we report a novel chemosensitizing agent, XMD8-92,which can down-regulate P-gp. To enhance the specificity of MDR chemotherapy, a promising nanotheranostic micelle system based on poly(ethylene glycol)-blocked-poly(L-leucine)(PEG-b-Leu) was developed to simultaneously carry the anticancer drug doxorubicin, chemosensitizing agent XMD8-92, and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles(SPIOs). Featured with MDR environmentally responsive dual-targeting capability, controllable drug delivery, and efficient magnetic resonance(MR) imaging characteristics, the prepared nanotheranostics(DXS@NPs) showed outstanding in vitro cytotoxicity on MDR cells(SCG 7901/VCR) with only 53% of cells surviving compared to 90% of DOX-treated cells.Furthermore, efficient tumor inhibition and highly reduced systemic toxicity were exhibited by MDR tumor-bearing mice treated with DXS@NPs. Overall, the environmentally responsive dual-targeting nanotheranostics represent a promising approach for overcoming cancer MDR.

RRx-001 ameliorates inflammatory diseases by acting as a potent covalent NLRP3 inhibitor

The NLRP3 inflammasome plays a crucial role in innate immune-mediated inflammation and contributes to the pathogenesis of multiple autoinflammatory,metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases,but medications targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome are not available for clinical use.RRx-001 is a well-tolerated anticancer agent currently being investigated in phase III clinical trials,but its effects on inflammatory diseases are not known.Here,we show that RRx-001 is a highly selective and potent NLRP3 inhibitor that has strong beneficial effects on NLRP3-driven inflammatory diseases.RRx-001 inhibits the activation of the canonical,noncanonical,and alternative NLRP3 inflammasomes but not the AIM2,NLRC4 or Pyrin inflammasomes.Mechanistically,RRx-001 covalently binds to cysteine 409 of NLRP3 via its bromoacetyl group and therefore blocks the NLRP3-NEK7 interaction,which is critical for the assembly and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome.More importantly,RRx-001 treatment attenuates the symptoms of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced systemic inflammation,dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced colitis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis(EAE)in mice.Thus,our study identifies RRx-001 as a new potential therapeutic agent for NLRP3-driven diseases.

Hippo pathway in intestinal homeostasis and tumorigenesis

The Hippo pathway plays a crucial role in controlling organ size by inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting cell death.Recent findings implicate that this pathway is involved in the process of intestinal regeneration and tumorigenesis.Here we summarize current studies for the function of the Hippo signaling pathway in intestinal homeostasis,regeneration and tumorigenesis,and the crosstalk between the Hippo signaling pathway and other major signaling pathways,i.e.Wnt,Notch and Jak/Stat signaling pathways in intestinal compartment.

PIKfyve inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants including Omicron

Dear Editor,COVID-19 pandemic,caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection,is raging around the world and results in millions of deaths since the end of 2019.Although various therapies including vaccines and neutralizing antibodies have been developed to defend against the horrible pandemic,current strategies are inevitably at risk of failure due to high mutagenicity of the viral genome.In fact,the most worrying situation is that the monoclonal antibodies of existing vaccines against the rapidly spreading Omicron variant are ineffective.