《醒世姻缘传》“农民”考——兼论明代吏员参充制度

《醒世姻缘传》第四十二回中的“农民”既不是指农夫或农户,也不是粮长的俗称,而是关涉到明代的吏员参充制度:明代将初参吏员尚未考选者,以及初次考选或捐纳定拨后候缺吏员者称之为“农民”。这一结论不仅有助于理解小说的相关情节,同时也为深入探讨明代的吏员参充制度提供了契机。

Porous CuO nanowires as the anode of rechargeable Na-ion batteries

We report the preparation of porous CuO nanowires that are composed of nanoparticles （-50 nm） via a simple decomposition of a Cu（OH）2 precursor and their application as the anode materials of rechargeable Na-ion batteries. The as-prepared porous CuO nanowires exhibit a Brunauer-Emmett-Teller （BET） surface area of 13.05 m^2.g^-1, which is six times larger than that of bulk CuO （2.16 m^2.g^-1）. The anode of porous CuO nanowires showed discharge capacities of 640 mA.h.g^-1 in the first cycle and 303 mA.h.g^-1 after 50 cycles at 50 mA.g^-1 The high capacity is attributed to porous nanostructure which facilitates fast Na-intercalation kinetics. The mechanism of electrochemical Na-storage based on conversion reactions has been studied through cyclic voltammetry, X-ray diffraction （XRD）, Raman spectroscopy, and high resolution transmission electron microscopy （HRTEM）. It is demonstrated that in the discharge process, Na＋ions first insert into CuO to form a CuⅡ1-x CuⅠ x O1-x/2solid and a Na2O matrix then CuⅡ1-xCu Ⅰ xO1-x/2 reacts with Na＋ to produce Cu2O, and finally Cu2O decompose into Cu nanoparticles enclosed in a Na2O matrix. During the charge process, Cu nanopartides are first oxidized to generate Cu2O and then converted back to CuO. This result contributes to the design and mechanistic analysis of high-performance anodes for rechargeable Na-ion batteries.

Controlled Ag-driven superior rate-capability of Li4Ti5O12 anodes for lithium rechargeable batteries

The morphology and electronic structure of a Li4Ti5012 anode are known to determine its electrical and electrochemical properties in lithium rechargeable batteries. Ag-Li4Ti5012 nanofibers have been rationally designed and synthesized by an electrospinning technique to meet the requirements of one-dimensional （1D） morphology and superior electrical conductivity. Herein, we have found that the 1D Ag-Li4Ti5012 nanofibers show enhanced specific capacity, rate capability, and cycling stability compared to bare Li4Ti5012 nanofibers, due to the Ag nanoparticles （〈5 nm）, which are mainly distributed at interfaces between Li4Ti5O12 primary particles. This structural morphology gives rise to 20% higher rate capability than bare Li4Ti5O12 nanofibers by facilitating the charge transfer kinetics. Our findings provide an effective way to improve the electrochemical performance of Li4Ti5O12 anodes for lithium rechargeable batteries.

N-doped carbon-coated Co_3O_4 nanosheet array/carbon cloth for stable rechargeable Zn-air batteries

Although the application of various nonprecious compounds as the air cathodes of Zn-air batteries has been explored, the construction of highly efficient selfsupported Co-based electrodes remains challenging and highly desired given their outstanding electrocatalytic activity and cost-effectiveness. Herein, we fabricated a three-dimensional(3D) self-supported electrode based on N-doped,carbon-coated Co3O4 nanosheets grown on a carbon cloth(i.e., NC-Co3O4/CC) through the electrochemical deposition and carbonization. When used as a binder-free electrode for oxygen evolution reaction(OER), the NC–Co3O4/CC electrode demonstrated excellent electrocatalytic activity with an overpotential of 210 mV at 10 mA cm^-2 and a Tafel slope of79.6 mV dec^-1. In the Zn-air battery test, the electrode delivered a small charge/discharge voltage gap(0.87 V at 10 mA cm^-2) and exhibited high durability without degradation after 93 cycles at the large current density of 25 mA cm^-2.The durability of our electrode was superior to that of a commercial Pt/C+RuO2 catalyst. The excellent performance of NC–Co3O4/CC could be attributed to the presence of 3D structures that promoted electron/ion transfer. By the absence of a binder, the carbon coating improved electron conductivity and promoted electrochemical stability. Moreover, N doping could be used to adjust the C electron structure and accelerate electron transfer. The present study provides a facile and effective route for the synthesis of various self-supported electrodes that fulfill the requirements of different energy storage and conversion devices.

LINEAR ISOMETRIC NON-ANTICIPATIVETRANSFORMATIONS OF WIENER PROCESS

The necessary and sufficient conditions are given so that a non-anticipative transformation in Hilbert space is isometric. In terms of second order Wiener process, these conditions assure that a non-anticipative transformation of Wiener process is a Wiener process, too.

SUFFICIENT CONDITIONS FOR OSCILLATION OF THE LIENARD EQUATION

Some sufficient conditions for oscillation of the generalized Lienard equations x = h(y) - F(x), y=-g(x) are given, which generalize the results of [1-7].

Molecular dynamics for the charging behavior of nanostructured electric double layer capacitors containing room temperature ionic liquids

The charging kinetics of electric double layers （EDLs） is closely related to the performance of a wide variety of nanostructured devices including supercapacitors, electro-actuators, and electrolyte-gated transistors. While room temperature ionic liquids （RTIL） are often used as the charge carrier in these new applications, the theoretical analyses are mostly based on conventional electrokinetic theories suitable for macroscopic electrochemical phenomena in aqueous solutions. In this work, we study the charging behavior of RTIL-EDLs using a coarse-grained molecular model and constant-potential molecular dynamics （MD） simulations. In stark contrast to the predictions of conventional theories, the MD results show oscillatory variations of ionic distributions and electrochemical properties in response to the separation between electrodes. The rate of EDL charging exhibits non-monotonic behavior revealing strong electrostatic correlations in RTIL under confinement.

Tissue-engineered composite scaffold of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles seeded with autologous mesenchymal stem cells for bone regeneration

Objective： A new therapeutic strategy using nanocomposite scaffolds of grafted hydroxyapaUte （g-HA）/ poly（lactide-co-glycolide） （PLGA） carried with autologous mesenchymal stem cells （MSCs） and bone morphogenetic protein-2 （BMP-2） was assessed for the therapy of critical bone defects. At the same time, tissue response and in vivo mineralization of tissue-engineered implants were investigated. Methods： A composite scaffold of PLGA and g-HA was fabricated by the solvent casting and particulate-leaching method. The tissue-engineered implants were prepared by seeding the scaffolds with autologous bone marrow MSCs in vitro. Then, mineralization and osteogenesis were ob- served by intramuscular implantation, as well as the repair of the critical radius defects in rabbits. Results： After eight weeks post-surgery, scanning electron microscopy （SEM） and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy （EDX） revealed that g-HNPLGA had a better interface of tissue response and higher mineralization than PLGA. Apatite particles were formed and varied both in macropores and micropores of g-HNPLGA. Computer radiographs and histological analysis revealed that there were more and more quickly formed new bone formations and better fusion in the bone defect areas of g-HNPLGA at 2-8 weeks post-surgery. Typical bone synostosis between the implant and bone tissue was found in g-HNPLGA, while only fibrous tissues formed in PLGA. Conclusions： The incorporation of g-HA mainly im- proved mineralization and bone formation compared with PLGA. The application of MSCs can enhance bone for- mation and mineralization in PLGA scaffolds compared with cell-free scaffolds. Furthermore, it can accelerate the absorption of scaffolds compared with composite scaffolds.

Confining ultrafine SnS nanoparticles in hollow multichannel carbon nanofibers for boosting potassium storage properties

SnS has been extensively investigated as a potential anode material in potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) for its high theoretical capacity.Nonetheless,it suffers a limited cyclic lifespan owing to its poor electronic conductivity and huge volume expansion.This work proposed a facile approach where SnS nanocrystals are confined in the walls of hollow multichannel carbon nanofibers (denoted SnS@HMCFs) to tackle the issues above.In contrast to previous studies,impregnated ultrafine SnS nanocrystals in HMCFs compactly can increase the SnS loading number per unit area of the carbon matrix.Furthermore,the unique hollow multichannel carbon nanofibers are used as a robust carrier to uniformly distribute the SnS nanocrystals.This can significantly accelerate K;/electron transport,resulting in large specific capacity,outstanding rate performance,and steady cycling property for PIBs.High reversible capacities of 415.5 mAh g^(-1)at0.1 A g^(-1)after 300 cycles and 245.5 mAh g^(-1)at 1 A g^(-1)after 1000 cycles are retained,suggesting great potential of SnS@HMCFs as a negative electrode material for PIBs.Additionally,when the SnS@HMCF anode is assembled with the KVPO_(4)F cathode,the obtained full cell shows a large discharge capacity of165.3 m Ah g^(-1)after 200 cycles at 0.1 A g^(-1).

Two-dimensional Ni（OH）2 nanoplates for flexible on-chip m icrosu pe rcapac itors

On-chip microsupercapacitors （MSCs） compatible with on-chip geometries of integrated circuits can be used either as a separate power supply in microelectronic devices or as an energy storage or energy receptor accessory unit. In this work, we report the fabrication of flexible two-dimensional Ni（OH）2 nanoplates-based MSCs, which achieved a specific capacitance of 8.80 F/cm^3 at the scan rates of 100 mV/s, losing only 0.20% of its original value after 10,000 charge/discharge cycles. Besides, the MSCs reached an energy density of 0.59 mWh/cm^3 and a power density up to 1.80 W/cm^3, which is comparable to traditional carbon-based devices. The flexible MSCs exhibited good electrochemical stability when subjected to bending at various conditions, illustrating the promising application as electrodes for wearable energy storage.

Electrochemical Performance and ex situ Analysis of ZnMn2O4 Nanowires as Anode Materials for Lithium Rechargeable Batteries

One-dimensional ZnMn2O4 nanowires have been prepared and investigated as anode materials in Li rechargeable batteries. The highly crystalline ZnMn2O4 nanowires about 15 nm in width and 500 nm in length showed a high specific capacity of about 650 mAh.g-1 at a current rate of 100 mA.g-1 after 40 cycles. They also exhibited high power capability at elevated current rates, i.e., 450 and 350 mAh.g 1 at current rates of 500 and 1000 mA.g 1, respectively. Formation of Mn3O4 and ZnO phases was identified by ex situ X-ray diffraction （XRD） and transmission electron microscopy （TEM） studies after the initial discharge-charge cycle, which indicates that the ZnMn2O4 phase was converted to a nanocomposite of Mn3O4 and ZnO phases immediately after the electrochemical conversion reaction.

Quantum phase transition in quarter-filled nanoclusters of manganite induced by element substitution at B site

In the present paper,we study the effect of element substitution for quarter-filled nanoclusters of perovskite manganite by introducing Jahn-Teller type of perturbation interaction to the double-exchange Hamiltonian.Using the unrestricted real-space Hartree-Fock approximation method we find that,the Jahn-Teller electron-phonon interaction plays the central role in producing the phase transition from ferromagnetic phase to CE type antiferromagnetic phase.Not only the Jahn-Teller interaction benefits antiferromagnetic correlation,it also increases the charge density order parameter.These theoretical results provide a guidance to predict the properties and modify the composition of particles of perovskite manganite under nano-scale.

Uniform MnO2 nanostructures supported on hierar- chically porous carbon as efficient electrocatalysts for rechargeable Li-O2 batteries

Through in situ redox deposition and growth of MnO2 nanostructures on hierarchically porous carbon （HPC）, a MnOR/HPC hybrid has been synthesized and employed as cathode catalyst for non-aqueous Li-O2 batteries. Owing to the mild synthetic conditions, MnO2 was uniformly distributed on the surface of the carbon support, without destroying the hierarchical porous nanostructure. As a result, the as-prepared MnO2/HPC nanocomposite exhibits excellent Li-O2 battery performance, including low charge overpotential, good rate capacity and long cycle stability up to 300 cycles with controlling capacity of 1,000 mAh·g^-1. A combination of the multi-scale porous network of the shell-connected carbon support and the highly dispersed MnO2 nanostructure benefits the transportation of ions, oxygen and electrons and contributes to the excellent electrode performance.

Preparation and electrical-magnetic properties of Co_(0.6)Cu_(0.16)Ni_(0.24)Fe_2O_4/MWCNTs composites

Co0.6Cu0.16Ni0.24Fe2O4/multi-walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites (CCNF/MWCNTs) were synthesized by solution filling method.The phase structure,thermal stability,morphology and electrical-magnetic properties of the samples were characterized by means of modern testing technology.The effect of iron concentration,filling time,sintering temperature on their electrical and magnetic performance was discussed.The results indicated that conductivity was related to the content of MWCNTs,while the magnetism correlated with the volume fraction of the filled CCNF in the composites.When the optimal condition satisfied the filling time of 18 h,ferric concentration of 0.25 mol L-1 and sintering temperature of 350°C,the prepared composite had the best magnetic loss performance,and its minimum reflection loss reached-22.47 dB on 9.76 GHz,the available bandwidth was beyond 2.0 GHz.Hence,the obtained composite can be used as advancing absorption and shielding material due to its favorable microwave absorbing property.

Cu_2O nanowires as anode materials for Li-ion rechargeable batteries

Li-ion batteries are a key technology for multiple clean energy applications.In this study,Cu2O nanowires were obtained by the reduction of cupric acetate with pyrrole.The resulting Cu2O nanowires exhibited excellent reversible capacities of 470mAh g-1 at rate of 1 C after 100 cycles.The results show that the Cu2O nanowires had more capacity than materials previously reported.No fading was observed over 100 cycles of charging and discharging.The compound metal Cu and incorporation of the conducting polymer polypyrrole(PPy)improved the conductivity of Cu2O and enhanced the stability of the electrode during cycling.The results from this study imply that Cu2O nanowires with high capacity and good cycle retention could be excellent candidates as anode materials for Li-ion rechargeable batteries.

Influence of filling atoms on radial collapse and elasticity of carbon nanotubes under hydrostatic pressure

Using molecular mechanics and molecular dynamics simulations, we focus on the influence of filling atoms on radial collapse and elasticity of single-walled carbon nanotubes(SWNTs). It is shown that the filled argon(Ar) and silicon(Si) atoms can effectively improve the resistance to high pressure and radial elasticity of SWNT, which may attribute to the strong repulsive force from the filled Ar(Si) atoms. However, due to the strong interaction of Cu atoms, filling Cu atoms deteriorate SWNT's radial elasticity. In addition, it is found that the phase transitions of the atoms filled in SWNT occur in the process of loading and unloading pressure, so that the electrical properties of the SWNTs filled with atoms change in the process of loading and unloading pressure. In view of the restorability of SWNT filled with Si atoms upon unloading, the filled SWNTs can be used to develop a new class of nano-electronic devices such as pressure sensor, relay and memory, etc.

Uptake of magnetic nanoparticles for adipose-derived stem cells with multiple passage numbers

With the increasingly promising role of nanomaterials in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, the interaction between stem cells and nanoparticles has become a critical focus. The entry of nanoparticles into cells has become a primary issue for effectively regulating the subsequent safety and performance of nanomaterials in vivo. Although the influence of nanomaterials on endocytosis has been extensively studied, reports on the influence of stem cells are rare.Moreover, the effect of nanomaterials on stem cells is also dependent upon the action mode. Unfortunately, the interaction between stem cells and assembled nanoparticles is often neglected. In this paper, we explore for the first time the uptake of γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles by adipose-derived stem cells with different passage numbers. The results demonstrate that cellular viability decreases and cell senescence level increases with the extension of the passage number. We found the surface appearance of cellular membranes to become increasingly rough and uneven with increasing passage numbers. The iron content in the dissociative nanoparticles was also significantly reduced with increases in the passage number. However, we observed multiple-passaged stem cells cultured on assembled nanoparticles to have similarly low iron content levels. The mechanism may lie in the magnetic effect of γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles resulting from the field-directed assembly. The results of this work will facilitate the understanding and translation of nanomaterials in the clinical application of stem cells.

Electrical conductivities of carbon nanotube-filled polycarbonate/polyester blends

Carbon nanotube (CNT)-filled polycarbonate (PC)/poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) and polycarbonate (PC)/poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) blends containing 1 wt% CNTs over a wide range of blend compositions were prepared by melt mixing in a torque rheometer to investigate the structure-electrical conductivity relationship. Field emission scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the blend morphology and the distribution of CNTs. The latter was compared with the thermodynamic predictions through the calculation of wetting coefficients. It was found that CNTs are selectively localized in the polyester phase and conductive blends can be obtained over the whole composition range (20 wt%, 50 wt% and 80 wt% PBT) for CNT-filled PC/PBT blends, while conductive CNT-filled PC/PET blends can only be obtained when PET is the continuous phase (50 wt%, 80 wt% PET). The dramatic difference in the electrical conductivity between the two types of CNT-filled PC/polyester blends at a low polyester content (20 wt%) was explained by the size difference of the dispersed phases on the basis of the transmission electron microscope micrographs.