Cooperative structure of Li/Ni mixing and stacking faults for achieving high-capacity Co-free Li-rich oxides

Co-free Li-rich layered oxides(LLOs)are emerging as promising cathode materials for Li-ion batteries due to their low cost and high capacity.However,they commonly face severe structural instability and poor electrochemical activity,leading to diminished capacity and voltage performance.Herein,we introduce a Co-free LLO,Li_(1.167)Ni_(0.222)Mn_(0.611)O_(2)(Cf-L1),which features a cooperative structure of Li/Ni mixing and stacking faults.This structure regulates the crystal and electronic structures,resulting in a higher discharge capacity of 300.6 mA h g^(-1)and enhanced rate capability compared to the typical Co-free LLO,Li_(1.2)Ni_(0.2)Mn_(0.6)O_(2)(Cf-Ls).Density functional theory(DFT)indicates that Li/Ni mixing in LLOs leads to increased Li-O-Li configurations and higher anionic redox activities,while stacking faults further optimize the electronic interactions of transition metal(TM)3d and non-bonding O 2p orbitals.Moreover,stacking faults accommodate lattice strain,improving electrochemical reversibility during charge/discharge cycles,as demonstrated by the in situ XRD of Cf-L1 showing less lattice evolution than Cf-Ls.This study offers a structured approach to developing Co-free LLOs with enhanced capacity,voltage,rate capability,and cyclability,significantly impacting the advancement of the next-generation Li-ion batteries.

Data-driven Wasserstein distributionally robust chance-constrained optimization for crude oil scheduling under uncertainty

Crude oil scheduling optimization is an effective method to enhance the economic benefits of oil refining.But uncertainties,including uncertain demands of crude distillation units(CDUs),might make the production plans made by the traditional deterministic optimization models infeasible.A data-driven Wasserstein distributionally robust chance-constrained(WDRCC)optimization approach is proposed in this paper to deal with demand uncertainty in crude oil scheduling.First,a new deterministic crude oil scheduling optimization model is developed as the basis of this approach.The Wasserstein distance is then used to build ambiguity sets from historical data to describe the possible realizations of probability distributions of uncertain demands.A cross-validation method is advanced to choose suitable radii for these ambiguity sets.The deterministic model is reformulated as a WDRCC optimization model for crude oil scheduling to guarantee the demand constraints hold with a desired high probability even in the worst situation in ambiguity sets.The proposed WDRCC model is transferred into an equivalent conditional value-at-risk representation and further derived as a mixed-integer nonlinear programming counterpart.Industrial case studies from a real-world refinery are conducted to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.Out-of-sample tests demonstrate that the solution of the WDRCC model is more robust than those of the deterministic model and the chance-constrained model.

Multidimensional defects tailoring local electron and Mg^(2+) diffusion channels for boosting magnesium storage performance of WO_(3)/MoO_(2)

Defect engineering presents great promise in addressing lower specific capacity,sluggish diffusion kinetics and poor cycling life issues in energy storage devices.Herein,multidimensional(0D/2D/3D) structural defects are constructed in WO_(3)/MoO_(2) simultaneously via competing for and sharing with O atoms during simple hydrothermal process.OD and 2D defects tailor local electron,activating more sites and generating built-in electric fields to yield ion reservoir,meanwhile,3D defect owning lower anisotropic property tailors Mg^(2+) diffusion channels to fully exploit Mg^(2+) adsorbed sites induced by OD and 2D defects,enhance the kinetics and maintain structural stability.Benefitted from synergistic effect of 0D/2D/3D structural defects,the designed WO_(3)/MoO_(2) shows the higher specific capacity(112.8 mA h g^(-1) at 50 mA g^(-1) with average attenuation rate per cycle of 0.068%),superior rate capability and excellent cycling stability(specific capacity retention of 80% after 1500 cycles at 1000 mA g^(-1)).This strategy provides design ideas of introducing multidimensional structural defects for tailoring local electron and microstructure to improve energy storage property.

Whole-genome sequencing study to identify candidate markers indicating susceptibility to type 2 diabetes in Bama miniature pigs

Background:Hundreds of single-nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)sites have been found to be potential genetic markers of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).However,SNPs related to T2DM in minipigs have been less reported.This study aimed to screen the T2DM-susceptible candidate SNP loci in Bama minipigs so as to improve the success rate of the minipig T2DM model.Methods:The genomic DNAs of three Bama minipigs with T2DM,six sibling lowsusceptibility minipigs with T2DM,and three normal control minipigs were compared by whole-genome sequencing.The T2DM Bama minipig-specific loci were obtained,and their functions were annotated.Meanwhile,the Biomart software was used to perform homology alignment with T2DM-related loci obtained from the human genome-wide association study to screen candidate SNP markers for T2DM in Bama miniature pigs.Results:Whole-genome resequencing detected 6960 specific loci in the minipigs with T2DM,and 13 loci corresponding to 9 diabetes-related genes were selected.Further,a set of 122 specific loci in 69 orthologous genes of human T2DM candidate genes were obtained in the pigs.Collectively,a batch of T2DM-susceptible candidate SNP markers in Bama minipigs,covering 16 genes and 135 loci,was established.Conclusions:Whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomics analysis of the orthologous genes in pigs that corresponded to the human T2DM-related variant loci successfully screened out T2DM-susceptible candidate markers in Bama miniature pigs.Using these loci to predict the susceptibility of the pigs before constructing an animal model of T2DM may help to establish an ideal animal model.

睡眠呼吸障碍患者黄斑区神经节细胞复合体厚度研究

目的:比较不同程度睡眠呼吸障碍患者黄斑区神经节细胞复合体(GCC)的厚度变化。方法:采用横断面研究,收集2015-06/2018-06间于我校附属医院诊断为阻塞性睡眠呼吸障碍综合征的患者和健康体检者,将呼吸暂停低通气指数(AHI)≥5的58例患者纳入睡眠呼吸障碍组,根据AHI值将其分为轻、中、重度三个亚组,将AHI<5的50例健康体检者纳入对照组。采用RTVUE 100-2型相干光断层扫描检查仪对黄斑区视网膜进行扫描,测量黄斑区GCC总体平均厚度(GCC-Avg)、上方平均厚度(GCC-Sup)、下方平均厚度(GCC-Inf)、局部丢失容积(FLV)与整体丢失容积(GLV)。分析比较各组间GCC厚度的差异。结果:不同程度睡眠呼吸障碍组各区GCC厚度均较对照组变薄(P<0.05),但FLV和GLV均较对照组增加(P<0.05),不同程度睡眠呼吸障碍组组间FLV比较无差异(P>0.05),不同程度睡眠呼吸障碍组组间GLV比较有差异(P<0.05)。结论:随着睡眠呼吸障碍程度的加重黄斑区GCC厚度变薄。

Solid base catalysts derived from Ca-M-Al(M = Mg, La, Ce, Y) layered double hydroxides for dimethyl carbonate synthesis by transesterification of methanol with propylene carbonate

Composite solid base catalysts derived from Ca‐M‐Al(M=Mg,La,Ce,Y)layered double hydroxides(LDH)were synthesized,characterized and applied to the transesterification of methanol with propylene carbonate.X‐ray diffraction analyses of the catalysts show that all of the catalysts were in the form of composite oxides.Compared with the Ca‐Al LDH catalyst,the specific surface areas and pore volumes of the catalysts were increased with the introduction of Mg,La or Ce.The catalytic performance of these catalysts increases in the order of Ca‐Y‐Al<Ca‐Al<Ca‐Ce‐Al<Ca‐La‐Al<Ca‐Mg‐Al,which is consistent with the total surface basic amounts of these materials and the formation of especially strong basic sites following modification with Mg and La.The Ca‐Mg‐Al catalyst shows the highest(Ca+Mg):Al atomic ratio,indicating that it likely contains more unsaturated O2?ions,providing it with the highest concentration of very strong basic sites.The recyclability of these catalysts is improved following the addition of Mg,La,Ce or Y,with the Ca‐Mg‐Al maintaining a high level of activity after ten recycling trials.X‐ray diffraction analyses of fresh and used Ca‐Mg‐Al demonstrate that this catalyst is exceptionally stable,which could be of value in practical applications related to heterogeneous catalysis.

16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis of gut microbiome in a mini-pig diabetes model

Background:Currently,increasing attention is being paid to the important role of intestinal microbiome in diabetes.However,few studies have evaluated the characteristics of gut microbiome in diabetic miniature pigs,despite it being a good model animal for assessing diabetes.Methods:In this study,a mini-pig diabetes model(DM)was established by 9-month high-fat diet(HFD)combined with lowdose streptozotocin,while the animals fed standard chow diet constituted the control group.16S ribosomal RNA(rRNA)gene sequencing was performed to assess the characteristics of the intestinal microbiome in diabetic mini-pigs.Results:The results showed that microbial structure in diabetic mini-pigs was altered,reflected by increases in levels of Coprococcus_3 and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1,which were positively correlated with diabetes,and decreases in levels of the bac-teria Rikenellaceae,Clostridiales_vadinBB60_group,and Bacteroidales_RF16_group,which were inversely correlated with blood glucose and insulin resistance.Moreover,PICRUSt-predicted pathways related to the glycolysis and Entner-Doudoroff superpathway,enterobactin biosynthesis,and the L-tryptophan biosynthesis were significantly elevated in the DM group.Conclusion:These results reveal the composition and predictive functions of the intestinal microbiome in the mini-pig diabetes model,further verifying the relationship between HFD,gut microbiome,and diabetes,and providing novel insights into the application of the mini-pig diabetes model in gut microbiome research.

Long-term case study of a Wuzhishan miniature pig with diabetes

Background:Miniature pigs are attractive animal models for exploring diabetes because they are similar to humans in terms of physiological structure and metabolism.However,little is known about the complications of diabetes in pigs.Methods:In this study,a 28-month observation of a Wuzhishan miniature pig with streptozotocin(STZ)-induced(120 mg/kg)diabetes was conducted,to investigate diabetes-related complications and the possibility of self-recovery in miniature pigs.Blood glucose,serum and urinary biochemistry was measured,and histopathologic examinations of eyes,kidney and pancreas were made.Results:During the observation,diabetic complications of eyes and kidney were observed.The eye complications included bilateral cataracts in the 15th month and degeneration of inner retina and microaneurysm in the 28th month.Kidney complications included glomerular mesangial expansion,focal segmental glomerular sclerosis,and renal tubular epithelial degeneration,but no proteinuria was observed.By 28 months after the application of STZ,with no treatment given,blood glucose had recovered and the number of pancreatic islet beta-cells had increased significantly.Conclusions:We showed that the STZ-induced diabetes model in miniature pigs could accurately mimic the pathological changes of human diabetes,and that pancreatic islet beta-cell regeneration did occur in an adult miniature pig,providing a new means for exploring diabetic complications and pancreatic islet beta-cell regeneration.

Regeneration of islet β-cells in tree shrews and rats

Backgroud: Current understanding of injury and regeneration of islet β-cells in diabetes is mainly based on rodent studies. The tree shrew is now generally accepted as being among the closest living relatives of primates, and has been widely used in animal experimentation. However, there are few reports on islet cell composition and regeneration of β-cells in tree shrews.Methods: In this study, we examined the changes in islet cell composition and regeneration of β-cells after streptozotocin(STZ) treatment in tree shrews compared with Sprague-Dawley rats. Injury and regeneration of islet β-cells were observed using hematoxylin and eosin(HE) staining and immunohistochemical staining for insulin, glucagon, somatostatin and PDX-1.Results: Our data showed that in rats islet injury was most obvious on day 3 after injection, and islet morphologies were significantly restored by day 21. Regeneration of islet β-cells was very pronounced in rats, and mainly involved regeneration of centro-acinar cells and transformation of extra-islet ductal cells. In tree shrews, the regeneration of islet β-cells was not as significant. On days 3 and 7, only scattered regenerated cells were observed in the remaining islets. Further, no regeneration of centro-acinar cells was observed.Conclusion: The results suggest that the repair mechanism of islet β-cells in tree shrews is similar to that of humans.

盘点气候风险机遇,展望健康繁荣未来

气候变化带来的健康风险与日俱增,煤炭消费及相关碳排放量的反弹,再度敲响了中国气候变化警钟.2022年,中国面临了严峻的气候挑战.极端天气事件发生的频率和强度不断上升,许多地区气温纪录屡创新高,全国平均气温攀升至历史第二高位,同时降水量自2012年以来创新低,南方地区遭遇夏秋连旱,而湖南和东北地区则出现了极端降雨和洪涝灾害.采取及时、充分的措施不仅能减轻气候变化对健康的影响,还将保护基础设施不被极端天气破坏.

The application of molecular simulation in ash chemistry of coal

One of the crucial issues in modern ash chemistry is the realization of efficient and clean coal conversion.Industrially,large-scale coal gasification technology is well known as the foundation to improve the atom economy.In practice,the coal ash fusibility is a critical factor to determine steady operation standards of the gasifier,which is also the significant criterion to coal species selection for gasification.Since coal behaviors are resultant from various evolutions in different scales,the multi-scale understanding of the ash chemistry is of significance to guide the fusibility adjustment for coal gasification.Considering important roles of molecular simulation in exploring ash chemistry,this paper reviews the recent studies and developments on modeling of molecular systems for fusibility related ash chemistry for the first time.The discussions are emphasized on those performed by quantum mechanics and molecular mechanics,the two major simulation methods for microscopic systems,which may provide various insights into fusibility mechanism.This review article is expected to present comprehensive information for recent molecular simulations of coal chemistry so that new clues to find strategies controlling the ash fusion behavior can be obtained.

Ordered mesoporous carbon spheres assisted Ru nanoclusters/RuO_(2) with redistribution of charge density for efficient CO_(2) methanation in a novel H2/CO_(2)fuel cell

Efficiently reducing carbon dioxide(CO_(2))into carbon chemicals and fuels is highly desirable due to the rapid growth of atmospheric CO_(2)ncentration.In prior work,we described a unique H/CO_(2)fuel cell driven by low-valued waste heat,which not only CO_(2)nverts CO_(2)to methane(CH_(4))but also outputs electrical energy,yet the CO_(2)reduction rate needs to be urgently improved.Here,a novel Ru-RuOcatalyst with heterostructure was grafted on mesoporous carbon spheres by in situ partially reducing RuOinto ultrasmall Ru clusters(~1 nm),in which heteroatom-doped carbon spheres as a matrix with excellent CO_(2)nductivity and abundant pores can not only easily CO_(2)nfine the formation of Ru nanocluster but also are beneficial to the exposed active sites of Ru CO_(2)mplex and the mass transport.CO_(2)mpared to pure RuOnanoparticles supported on carbon spheres,our CO_(2)mposite catalyst boosts the CO_(2) nversion rate by more than 5-fold,reaching a value of 382.7μmol gcat.h-1at 170℃.Moreover,a decent output power density of 2.92 W mwas obtained from this H2/CO_(2)fuel cell using Ru-RuOembedded carbon spheres as a cathode catalyst.The Ru-RuOheterostructure can modify the adsorption energy of CO_(2)and induce the redistribution of charge density,thus boosting CO_(2)reduction significantly.This work not only offers an efficient catalyst for this novel H_(2)/CO_(2)fuel cell but also presents a facile method to prepare Ru nanoclusters.

Superconducting membrane mechanical oscillator based on vacuum-gap capacitor

Using the diluted S1813 UV photoresist as a sacrificial layer, we successfully fabricate a superconducting suspended parallel-plate capacitor, in which the top layer of aluminum film acts as a membrane mechanical resonator. Together with a superconducting octagonal spiral inductor, this parallel-plate capacitor constitutes a superconducting microwave resonator. At m K temperature, the transmission characteristic and spectrum of the microwave resonator are measured.Sideband frequencies caused by the vibration of the membrane mechanical resonator are clearly demonstrated. By downconverting with a mixer, the dependence of fundamental frequency and its harmonics on the input microwave power are clearly demonstrated, which is consistent with the numerical simulation.

Ferroptosis:A therapeutic opportunity of inflammatory bowel disease

To the Editor:Even to this day,the etiology and pathogenesis of inammatory bowel disease(IBD)are still unelucidated.Despite signicant progress in IBD treatment in recent years,some patients remain insensitive or non-responsive towards existing treatments.Therefore,further exploring IBD pathogenesis to develop novel therapeutic drugs or drug combinations is quite necessary.Recent studies have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of regulating cell death in IBD.The ferroptosis,a novel form of cell death,is also involved in the pathological process of IBD.

Hierarchical and lamellar porous carbon as interconnected sulfur host and polysulfide-proof interlayer for Li–S batteries

A robust three-dimensional(3D)interconnected sulfur host and a polysulfide-proof interlayer are key components in high-performance Li–S batteries.Herein,cellulose-based 3D hierarchical porous carbon(HPC)and two-dimensional(2D)lamellar porous carbon(LPC)are employed as the sulfur host and polysulfide-proof inter-layer,respectively,for a Li–S battery.The 3D HPC displays a cross-linked macroporous structure,which allows high sulfur loading and restriction capability and provides unobstructed electrolyte diffusion channels.With a stackable carbon sheet of 2D LPC that has a large plane view size and is ultrathin and porous,the LPC-coated separator effectively inhibits polysulfides.An optimized combination of the HPC and LPC yields an electrode structure that effectively protects the lithium anode against corrosion by polysulfides,giving the cell a high ca-pacity of 1339.4 mAh g^(-1) and high stability,with a capacity decay rate of 0.021% per cycle at 0.2C.This work provides a new understanding of biomaterials and offers a novel strategy to improve the performance of Li–S batteries for practical applications.

依据驱动基因野生型晚期非小细胞肺癌患者的特定病理学特征选择最佳的一线免疫治疗:一项系统回顾和网状荟萃分析

背景免疫检查点抑制剂(ICI)可改善晚期野生型非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)患者的生存,但缺乏对多种一线治疗直接比较的证据,这对临床决策的制定不利。为此,本研究通过网状荟萃分析对比了现有的一线治疗模式,旨在确定具有特定病理学特征患者的最佳治疗方案。方法系统检索PubMed、Embase、Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials和Clinical Trials数据库,截止时间为2020-07-31。纳入比较的一线治疗包括化疗、抗血管生成、ICI以及联合治疗用于既往未治疗的ⅢB/Ⅳ期或复发的驱动基因野生型NSCLC患者的Ⅱ/Ⅲ期随机对照试验(RCT)。结果共纳入26项RCT研究,患者16977例,总计18个方案。与无ICI方案的治疗相比,包含ICI的治疗可显著延长患者的总生存期(OS;HR=0.82,95%CrI:0.72~0.93)。与单用ICI相比,ICI联合化疗可显著延长患者的无进展生存期(PFS;HR=0.70,95%CrI:0.58~0.86),使OS略有延长(HR=0.90,95%CrI:0.79~1.05)。作为贝叶斯网状荟萃分析中排名最高的治疗方案,帕博利珠单抗联合化疗、纳武利尤单抗加伊匹木单抗联合化疗较标准化疗加/不加贝伐珠单抗有显著的OS获益。帕博利珠单抗联合化疗方案在改善OS、1年OS率以及非鳞癌、程序性死亡配体-1(PD-L1)表达≥1%、非吸烟的和肝转移的亚组中排名首位,而纳武利尤单抗联合伊匹木单抗以及化疗是鳞癌、PD-L1<1%、伴脑转移的NSCLC患者的首选。此外,不含贝伐珠单抗的ICI治疗方案,如帕博利珠单抗联合化疗、纳武利尤单抗联合伊匹木单抗加/不加化疗,与阿替利珠单抗联合化疗以及贝伐珠单抗相比,OS获益差异无统计学意义。结论与双免相比,ICI联合化疗是晚期驱动基因野生型NSCLC最佳的一线治疗方案,两者协同增效可改善患者的长期生存。任意2种不同排序方案的相对疗效全景图,为根据患者临床特征选择最佳一线ICI治疗提供了强有力的证据。

瘤胃微生物元基因组来源的新的组成型启动子获取

【目的】自极端环境来源的微生物的基因组中筛选新型的可用于合成生物学底盘细胞设计的启动子元件。【方法】本研究以含有绿色荧光蛋白结构基因和核糖体结合位点的探针型质粒pUC18-GFP为载体,通过构建瘤胃微生物元基因组质粒文库,从文库中快速高效筛选具有启动子功能的DNA片段。并且通过基于神经网络的启动子预测分析,获得可能的启动子区域。以绿色荧光蛋白和施氏假单胞菌Pseudomonas stutzeri来源的麦芽四糖淀粉酶作为报告基因验证所获得的新启动子片段的功能。【结果】我们从约3750个转化子中筛选到22条具有组成型启动子功能的DNA片段。这些片段与NCBI数据库中已报道的基因序列同源性较低,启动效率高低不等。我们通过启动子预测和亚克隆的方法获得两条全新的启动子片段RFa1p2(76 bp)和RFb4p(547 bp)。此新的组成型启动子可以在不添加任何诱导剂的情况下启动异源蛋白在大肠杆菌基因工程菌中高效表达。

高铝矾土改性对稻草热解与气化特性的影响

在固定床中研究了高铝矾土改性剂及其浓度和反应温度对稻草热解产气特性的影响,选取固定床中最佳实验条件,在流化床中研究了改性高铝矾土床料对稻草气化特性及焦油产率的影响。结果表明,不同物质改性的高铝矾土对稻草热解产气特性的影响不同,4种物质提高稻草热解产气能力的顺序为CaCl2<Fe(NO3)3<CuCl2≈Ni(NO3)2。增加CuCl2改性剂浓度,其在高铝矾土上的有效负载量成倍增加,稻草热解产气量也增加,热解气低位热值由2.93 MJ/Nm3提高至3.89 MJ/Nm^3;反应温度提高对改善稻草热解产气组分有促进作用,800℃下CO,H2和CH4产量分别比650℃下增加40.6%,110.8%和70.0%,热解气低位热值从1.74 MJ/Nm^3升至4.09 MJ/Nm3。改性高铝矾土提高了稻草气化产气量,减少了焦油含量,焦油含量从27.01g/m^3降至20.09 g/m^3,气化产气低位热值由3.74 MJ/Nm3升至4.28 MJ/Nm3,气化率由28.25%提升至34.51%。

Ultraviolet Resistance and Antimicrobial Properties of ZnO in the Polypropylene Materials:A Review

ZnO is a multifunctional material with UV-blocking,antimicrobial,photo-catalytic activity and selfcleaning properties.The application of ZnO has become an interesting subject both in science and industries in the polymer materials.A great number of investigation indicated that introduction of ZnO can improve ultraviolet resistance and endow antimicrobial properties of polypropylene(PP) materials to broaden the application range and prolong the usage life of polypropylene materials.This mini-review contains examples of recent research advances on ultraviolet resistance and antimicrobial properties of ZnO in the filled polypropylene materials.It is found that ultraviolet resistance and antimicrobial properties of ZnO supported on the surface of other inorganic particles are higher than those of nanoand micro-ZnO particles,which may inspire further developments of filled PP and its copolymer materials with high ultraviolet resistance and antimicrobial properties.

Chitosan/LiCl composite scaffolds promote skin regeneration in full-thickness loss

Small molecules loaded into biological materials present a promising strategy for stimulating endogenous repair mechanisms for in situ skin regeneration.Lithium can modulate various biologic processes,promoting proliferation,angiogenesis,and decreasing inflammation.However,its role in skin repair is rarely reported.In this study,we loaded lithium chloride(LiCl)into the chitosan(CHI)hydrogel and develop a sterile and biocompatible sponge scaffold through freeze-drying.In-vitro assessment demonstrated that the CHI-LiCl composite scaffolds(CLiS)possessed favorable cytocompatibility,swelling and biodegradation.We created full-thickness skin wounds in male C57BL/c mice to evaluate the healing capacity of CLiS.Compared with the wounds of control and CHI scaffold(CS)groups,the wounds in the CLiS-treated group showed reduced inflammation,improved angiogenesis,accelerated re-epithelialization,sustained high expression ofβ-catenin with a small amount of regenerated hair follicles.Therefore,CLiS may be a promising therapeutic dressing for skin wound repair and regeneration.