Search

Highlights: Metallic nanoparticles with excellent size controllability and high loading rate are obtained via ultrafast high temperature shock method. The Bi/CNRs-15 electrode exhibits an unprecedented rate performance (237.9 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1) at − 60 °C, while the energy density of the full cell can reach to 181.9 Wh kg−1 at − 40 °C. A novel strategy of high-rate activation is proposed to obtain high capacity and superior stability at low temperature by creating new active sites for interfacial reaction. Sodium-ion batteries have emerged as competitive substitutes for low-temperature applications due to severe capacity loss and safety concerns of lithium-ion batteries at − 20 °C or lower. However, the key capability of ultrafast charging at ultralow temperature for SIBs is rarely reported. Herein, a hybrid of Bi nanoparticles embedded in carbon nanorods is demonstrated as an ideal material to address this issue, which is synthesized via a high temperature shock method. Such a hybrid shows an unprecedented rate performance (237.9 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1) at − 60 °C, outperforming all reported SIB anode materials. Coupled with a Na3V2(PO4)3 cathode, the energy density of the full cell can reach to 181.9 Wh kg−1 at − 40 °C. Based on this work, a novel strategy of high-rate activation is proposed to enhance performances of Bi-based materials in cryogenic conditions by creating new active sites for interfacial reaction under large current. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multiple studies have shown that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) promote cancer initiation and progression. However, the reprogramming of macrophages in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the cross-talk between TAMs and malignant subclones in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) has not been fully characterized, especially in a spatially resolved manner. Deciphering the spatial architecture of variable tissue cellular components in iCCA could contribute to the positional context of gene expression containing information pathological changes and cellular variability. Methods: Here, we applied spatial transcriptomics (ST) and digital spatial profiler (DSP) technologies with tumor sections from patients with iCCA. Results: The results reveal that spatial inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneities feature iCCA malignancy, and tumor subclones are mainly driven by physical proximity. Tumor cells with TME components shaped the intra-sectional heterogenetic spatial architecture. Macrophages are the most infiltrated TME component in iCCA. The protein trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) secreted by the malignant subclone can induce macrophages to reprogram to a tumor-promoting state, which in turn contributes to an immune-suppressive environment and boosts tumor progression. Conclusions: In conclusion, our description of the iCCA ecosystem in a spatially resolved manner provides novel insights into the spatial features and the immune suppressive landscapes of TME for iCCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the facile oxidation of ammonia is one key for its utilization as a zero‐carbon fuel in a direct ammonia fuel cell, developing the ammonia oxidation reaction (AOR) catalysts with cost‐effective and higher activity is urgently required. However, the catalytic activity of AOR is limited by the scaling relationship of the intermediate adsorption. Based on the density functional theory, the N‐modified Co3Mo3C with separated active sites of NH3 dehydrogenation and N−N coupling has been designed and investigated, which is a promising strategy to circumvent the scaling relationship, achieving improved AOR catalytic performance with a lower theoretical overpotential of 0.59 V under fast reaction kinetics condition. The calculation results show that the hollow site (Co−Mo−Mo and Co−Co−Mo) and Co site in N‐modified Co3Mo3C play essential roles in NH3 dehydrogenation and N−N coupling, respectively. This work not only benefits for understanding the mechanism of AOR, but also provides a fundamental guidance for rational design of AOR catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potassium ion batteries (PIBs), characterized by the superiorities of low cost, moderate operating voltage and fast kinetics in electrolytes, are expected to narrow the gap between the energy storage systems based on abundant elements and lithium ion batteries (LIBs). However, the large size of K+ is not conducive to electrochemically reversible storage, limiting the practical application of PIBs. It is imperative to develop anode materials with salient performance for K+ storage. Bismuth-based materials stand out as promising candidate attributed to their low cost, high theoretical capacity, suitable reaction potential and large interlayer spacing. In this contribution, the recent research advances in Bi-based anode materials for PIBs, including metallic Bi-based materials and Bi-based compounds, are overviewed, focusing mainly on the K+ storage mechanisms and the relationship between the structure and performance of electrode materials. Particularly, the critical role of electrolyte optimization for Bi-based anode materials is emphasized. Finally, the prevailing challenges and prospects for the further development of Bi-based anodes are outlined. This review sets out to present a comprehensive knowledge of Bi-based anode materials for PIBs and stimulates further research towards practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sabatier principle is widely explored in heterogeneous catalysis, graphically depicted in volcano plots. The most desirable activity is located at the peak of the volcano, and further advances in activity past this optimum are possible by designing a catalyst that circumvents the limitation entailed by the Sabatier principle. Herein, by density functional theory calculations, we discovered an unusual Sabatier principle on high entropy alloy (HEA) surface, distinguishing the "just right" (ΔGH* = 0 eV) in the Sabatier principle of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). A new descriptor was proposed to design HEA catalysts for HER. As a proof-of-concept, the synthesized PtFeCoNiCu HEA catalyst endows a high catalytic performance for HER with an overpotential of 10.8 mV at −10 mA cm−2 and 4.6 times higher intrinsic activity over the state-of-the-art Pt/C. Moreover, the unusual Sabatier principle on HEA catalysts can be extended to other catalytic reactions. The advancement of high entropy alloy development is both rapid and challenging. Here, the authors discover an unusual Sabatier principle operating on the high entropy alloy surface, which leads to a notable enhancement in catalytic activity for hydrogen evolution reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advantage of fast charge transfer, heterojunction engineering is identified as a viable method to reinforce the anodes' sodium storage performance. Also, vacancies can effectively strengthen the Na+ adsorption ability and provide extra active sites for Na+ adsorption. However, their synchronous engineering is rarely reported. Herein, a hybrid of Co0.85Se/WSe2 heterostructure with Se vacancies and N‐doped carbon polyhedron (CoWSe/NCP) has been fabricated for the first time via a hydrothermal and subsequent selenization strategy. Spherical aberration‐corrected transmission electron microscopy confirms the phase interface of the Co0.85Se/WSe2 heterostructure and the existence of Se vacancies. Density functional theory simulations reveal the accelerated charge transfer and enhanced Na+ adsorption ability, which are contributed by the Co0.85Se/WSe2 heterostructure and Se vacancies, respectively. As expected, the CoWSe/NCP anode in sodium‐ion battery achieves outstanding rate capability (339.6 mAh g−1 at 20 A g−1), outperforming almost all Co/W‐based selenides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) have gained tremendous attention to compete with lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), especially for storing energy on a large scale, due to their dominance in the geographical distribution of K resources and similar energy storage mechanisms. Herein, using an electrospinning method, we synthesized a unique material of carbon nanonecklaces with a high content of N-doping (N-CNN). The N-CNN-700 anode (N-CNN annealed at 700 °C) shows outstanding durability in PIBs, delivering 173 mAh g–1 after 1000 cycles at 1 A g–1. The unique characteristics of ultrahigh pyrrolic/pyridinic-N doping and hollow necklace-like structures account for excellent performance, which can enable fast electrolyte diffusion, increase active sites for K+ insertion, and enhance K+ adsorption ability. This object demonstrates a clever strategy to design a structure for improved energy storage technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tenofovir (TDF) and entecavir (ETV) are first-line treatments for patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, the effect of TDF versus ETV on the prognosis of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been fully clarified yet. PubMed, Embase and Web of science were searched up to March, 2021. Meta-analyses were performed for overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) to assess the effect of TDF versus ETV on the prognosis of HBV-related HCC. A total of 10 studies comprising 4706 Asian patients were included. The pooled results revealed that TDF was associated with better OS (adjusted HR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.40–0.62; I2 = 36.0%, p = 0.167) and better RFS/DFS (adjusted HR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.55–0.89, I2 = 71.9%, p = 0.002) than ETV in treatment of HBV-related HCC. Subgroup analysis revealed that OS benefit from TDF was generally consistent, except for patients who underwent non-surgical treatment for HCC. Subgroup analysis also indicated that TDF reduces the risk of late recurrence (HR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.18–0.0.93; I2 = 63.0%, p = 0.067) rather than early recurrence (HR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.64–1.52; I2 = 61.3%, p = 0.076). Compared with ETV, TDF has the advantage of improving OS and reducing late recurrence of patients with HBV-related HCC patients who underwent resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tumor vaccines for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an area of intense interest. Tremendous clinical trials have been conducted globally, but the efficacy and security of tumor vaccines are elusive. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and security of tumor vaccines. Methods: All relevant studies were identified in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of science and Cochrane Library databases. Objective response rate (ORR), median overall survival (OS), or median progression-free survival (PFS) and 95% CI were meta-analyzed based on the random-effects model. The individual-level data of OS, PFS were pooled by conducting survival analysis. All observed adverse events were collected. Results: 31 studies containing 35 eligible cohorts with 932 HCC patients were included. The pooled ORR were 7% (95% CI 3–14%), while ORR of dendritic cell (DC) vaccine (19%, 95% CI 11–29%) were highly significant than ORR of peptide vaccine (1%, 95% CI 0–5%). The pooled median OS and PFS were 13.67 months (95% CI 8.20–22.80) and 6.19 months (95% CI 2.97–12.91), respectively. The pooled median OS (DC vaccine: median OS = 21.77 months, 95% CI 18.33–25.86; Peptide vaccine: median OS = 10.08 months, 95% CI 5.23–19.44) and PFS (DC vaccine: median PFS = 11.01 months, 95% CI 5.25–23.09; Peptide vaccine: median PFS = 1.97 months, 95% CI 1.53–2.54) of DC vaccine were also longer than that of peptide vaccine. HBV-related HCC may acquire more benefits from tumor vaccines than HCV-related HCC. In almost all studies, the observed toxicities were moderate even tiny. Conclusions: Tumor vaccines for HCC, especially DC vaccine, are safe and worth exploring. More high-quality prospective studies are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatty liver (FL) is reportedly a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in individuals affected with Hepatitis C (HCV) or B (HBV) virus. However, the results are contradictory, necessitating a meta-analysis. Sixteen relevant studies involving 88,618 individuals were retrieved from the Cochrane Library, PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus databases from their inception to 10 December 2022. The hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were analyzed. Liver biopsy-proven FL may be a significant risk factor for HCC in individuals affected with HBV (univariate analyses: HR = 3.13, 95% CI = 1.69–5.79; multivariate analyses: HR = 3.42, 95% CI = 0.83–14.09) as well as HCV (univariate analyses: HR = 1.64, 95% CI = 0.93–2.90; multivariate analyses: HR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.02–3.00). However, the presence of FL confirmed using reasonable methods other than liver biopsy may not indicate a risk for HCC in HBV-infected individuals (univariate analyses: HR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.44–1.81; multivariate analyses: HR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.45–1.08). Biopsy-proven FL may be a significant risk factor for HCC in HCV/HBV-infected individuals. Thus, such individuals should receive suitable interventions to prevent HCC formation or at least attenuate the risk of HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A self-supported electrode was designed and prepared for the first time with CeO2 nanoparticles decorated on porous Ni–Fe bimetallic phosphide nanosheets, which were grown on high-conductivity Ni foam. Owing to the strong electronic interactions between the heterostructure interfaces and the introduction of oxygen vacancies, such an electrode displays outstanding oxygen evolution reaction performance with an overpotential of 188 mV at 10 mA cm–2 and the electrolyzer using the electrode as both cathode and anode exhibits a cell voltage of 1.54 V at 10 mA cm–2. The oxygen vacancy engineering strategy was easily achieved by electrodeposition of CeO2 and it can be extended to the design of other high-efficient and low-cost electrocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Most of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) arises on the background of chronic inflammation. The presence of infiltrating inflammatory cells is associated with tumour initiation, progression and clinical response to treatment. The influence of white blood cell (WBC) subtype counts on HCC progression remains unclear. Methods: In this study, we performed a Mendelian randomization (MR) study with the validation of two datasets. The summary data for WBC counts were extracted from a recent large GWAS of individuals of European ancestry. The GWAS data related to HCC were obtained from the UK Biobank (UKB). Univariable and multivariable MR analyses were used to identify risk factors genetically associated with HCC risks. Results: In the discovery dataset, multivariable MR analysis revealed that sum basophil neutrophil counts had an independent causal effect on the occurrence of HCC, with the sum basophil neutrophil counts as follows: (OR = 0.437, P = 0.003, CI 0.252–0.757). Similarly, in the validation dataset, total basophil neutrophil counts were also been identified as an independent risk factor for HCC. The sum basophil neutrophil counts were as follows: (OR = 0.574, P = 0.021, CI 0.358–0.920). Conclusion: In the European population, genetically predicted lower total basophil neutrophil counts might be an independent risk factor for HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrochemical performance of sodium‐ion battery (SIB), which is considered to have high potential to replace the lithium‐ion battery, in cycling stability at large current density needs to be improved. Herein, a hybrid of antimony nanoparticles and nitrogen‐doped hollow porous hard carbon nanofiber (Sb/N‐HPCNF) is synthesized through electrospinning and in situ replacement. As an anode of SIB, Sb/N‐HPCNF presents excellent cycling stability (281 mAh g−1 after 2000 cycles at 2 A g−1). Such a performance mainly stems from the hollow porous structure, which promotes the electrolyte diffusion along the pores and provides more active sites for Na+ insertion/extraction. This work provides an ingenious strategy for constructing well‐designed structures for advanced energy storage technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an alternative to the state-of-the-art Pt-based materials, MoS2 has attracted substantial attention as a hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalyst. In this study, density functional theory calculations reveal that negative curvature and stepped faces of MoS2 could weaken the hydrogen adsorption, leading to high intrinsic catalytic activity for HER. Based on this consideration, a MoS2 catalyst with an ultrathin eggshell-like nanostructure is designed and fabricated, where the uniform porous structure together with ultrathin layers exposes more active sites. Such a porous MoS2 catalyst exhibits an overpotential of 180 mV at a current density of −10 mA cm–2, outperforming most of the current MoS2 catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potassium‐ion battery (PIB) has emerged as a promising alternative to lithium‐ion batteries. The major challenges confronted by PIB anodes lie in sluggish kinetics and poor cycling stability owing to the inherent large K+ size. Here, a hybrid of ball‐cactus‐like Bi nanospheres embedded in 3D N‐riched carbon nanonetworks (Bi NSs/NCNs) is designed and synthesized by electrospinning. As an anode, Bi NSs/NCNs exhibits an unprecedented rate (489.3 mAh g−1 at 50 A g−1) and long‐cycling performance (457.8 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1 after 2000 cycles), outperforming all reported PIB anode materials. Such outstanding performance mainly originates from the stable solid‐electrolyte interface formed in the glyme‐based electrolyte and the unique interconnected porous nanostructure, both of which contribute to fast kinetics and high pseudocapacitive contributions upon cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring and developing high‐efficiency electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is desirable yet challenging for cost‐effective transformation of renewable electricity into fuels and chemicals. Herein, a self‐supported electrode of nanoflower‐like Ce‐modified Ni(OH)2 grown on high‐conductivity NiSe2 octahedra nanoparticles is designed and fabricated for the first time. By virtue of i) the high conductivity of the NiSe2 support for favorable electron transfer; ii) the open porous structure from the nanoflower‐like Ce‐modified Ni(OH)2 for beneficial mass transport; iii) Ce doping for efficiently optimizing the energetics for OER intermediates based on density functional theory simulations; and iv) Ce(OH)3 embedding for efficacious oxygen ion exchange and electronic transmission, the electrode exhibits remarkable OER activity with a very low overpotential of 158 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and Tafel slope of 27 mV dec−1, which outperform almost all OER electrocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The role of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) and hypoxia‐inducible factor‐2α (HIF‐2α) has been implicated in the clinical prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the results remain controversial. We aim to investigate the association of HIF‐1α and HIF‐2α overexpression with the prognosis and clinicopathological features of HCC. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library until June 20, 2020. Meta‐analysis was conducted to generate combined HRs with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS). Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CI were also derived by fixed or random effect model. Results: Twenty‐two studies involving 3238 patients were included. Combined data suggested that overexpression of HIF‐1α in HCC was not only correlated with poorer OS [HR = 1.75 (95% CI: 1.53–2.00)] and DFS [HR = 1.64 (95% CI: 1.34–2.00)] but was also positively associated with vascular invasion [OR = 1.83 (95% CI: 1.36–2.48)], tumor size [OR = 1.36 (95% CI: 1.12–1.66)], and tumor number [1.74 (95% CI: 1.34–2.25)]. In contrast, HIF‐2α overexpression was not associated with the prognosis and clinicopathological features of HCC. Conclusion: Our data provided compelling evidence of a worse prognosis of HCC in HIF‐1α overexpression patients but not HIF‐2α overexpression ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exploitation of cost-effective and robust electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is paramount for renewable energy technologies. Herein, we developed a hierarchically-structured self-supported electrode by directly electrodepositing low-crystallinity mesoporous NiGaFe hydroxide nanosheets onto macroporous nickel foam. Benefiting from the favorable mass transport ability of the hierarchical structure, abundant active sites and relatively high conductivity from low crystallinity, and optimized energetics for OER intermediates by introducing Ga and Fe on the basis of density functional theory simulations, the Ni0.65Ga0.30Fe0.05 hydroxide delivers superior OER electrocatalytic performances with very low overpotential (only 200 mV at 10 mA cm−2) and Tafel slope (42 mV dec−1), outperforming most of the reported OER electrocatalysts. Moreover, this hybrid electrode exhibits a high faradaic efficiency of 96% and superior durability for 100 h at 20 mA cm−2 without obvious degradation, showing great potential for application in low-cost and high-efficiency OER electrocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) are considered as a promising candidate for large-scale energy storage applications due to the abundant potassium resources. In this work, a hybrid of porous Sn nanospheres incorporated in N-doped carbon nanofiber frameworks (Sn/N-CNFs) was fabricated via electrospinning and a subsequent carbonization process. As a PIB anode, Sn/N-CNFs exhibit superior cycling stability (198.0 mA h g−1 at 1 A g−1 after 3000 cycles, and the corresponding capacity retention rate is as high as 88.4%), outperforming other Sn-based materials. Such an excellent performance is ascribed to the synergistic effects of porous Sn nanospheres composed of ultra-small nanoparticles as well as to the unique and interconnected network of N-CNFs, which provide sufficient space for the volume expansion/contraction of Sn, supply efficient electrolyte diffusion paths, offer short K+ diffusion distance, suppress the agglomeration of Sn nanoparticles, enhance the electronic conductivity, and thus facilitate the electron/ion transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: The clinical benefit of adjuvant antiviral therapy after curative therapy for HCC in patients with high preoperative HBV-DNA loads has been studied widely but that in patients with low preoperative HBV-DNA loads remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of antiviral treatment prophylaxis on HBV reactivation, overall survival (OS), and postoperative liver function in patients with low preoperative HBV-DNA levels undergoing curative resection. Methods: A meta-analysis was conducted by searching Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library until May 2020. We used REVMAN for data analysis and completed the study under the PRISMA guidelines. Results: Three randomized trials and seven cohort studies, comprising of 1,131 individuals, were included in the meta-analysis. Antiviral treatment significantly reduced the rate of HBV reactivation after curative treatment of HCC, with a pooled risk ratio of 0.12 (95% c.i. 0.07 to 0.21; P < 0.00001). The trials were consistently favorable for the antiviral group, with a pooled hazard ratio of 0.52 (95% c.i. 0.37 to 0.74; P = 0.0002) in respect of OS rate. However, by pooling the data from studies that reported ALT on the 30th day postoperatively, the result didn't reach statistical significance (mean difference −4.38, 95% c.i. −13.83 to 5.07; P = 0.36). The I² values of the heterogeneity test for the above three comparisons are zero. Conclusion: Antiviral therapy during curative resection is effective in reducing HBV reactivation and improving OS rate in HCC patients with low viral load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an alternative to Pt for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), MoS2 has been widely studied and superior catalytic activity has been achieved. However, its electrochemical stability needs further improvement to satisfy industrial hydrogen production requirements. In this work, a hybrid of graphene-modified MoS2 vertically anchored on an MXene-derived accordion-like TiO2/C substrate (rGO-MoS2/Acc-TiO2/C) was fabricated for the first time. This synthetic catalyst shows an onset potential of 90 mV and a Tafel slope of 49.5 mV dec−1. Most notably, it exhibits an ultrahigh cycling stability with negligible attenuation of catalytic activity after 150 000 CV cycles and 95% potential retention after 200 000 s of continuous galvanostatic measurements. Both experimental results and density functional theory simulations indicate that the high-stability TiO2, vertically-grown MoS2 and strong bonding between MoS2 and TiO2 synergistically boost the superior stability of rGO-MoS2/Acc-TiO2/C. This work provides an intriguing and effective approach to develop high-performance low-cost HER catalysts for hydrogen-production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) are considered as promising candidates for lithium‐ion batteries due to the abundant reserve and lower cost of K resources. However, K+ exhibits a larger radius than that of Li+, which may impede the intercalation of K+ into the electrode, thus resulting in poor cycling stability of PIBs. Here, an N/O dual‐doped hard carbon (NOHC) is constructed by carbonizing the renewable piths of sorghum stalks. As a PIB anode, NOHC presents a high reversible capacity (304.6 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 after 100 cycles) and superior cycling stability (189.5 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 after 5000 cycles). The impressive electrochemical performances can be ascribed to the super‐stable porous structure, expanded interlayer space, and N/O dual‐doping. More importantly, the NOHC can be prepared in large scale in a concise way, showing great potential for commercialization applications. This work may impel the development of low‐cost and sustainable carbon‐based materials for PIBs and other advanced energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have demonstrated greater potential for application in large-scale energy storage devices than lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) owing to the natural abundance, low cost and environmental benignity of sodium resources. However, the low energy density and poor cycling life limit their commercial applications. The development of high-performance anode materials is one of the key issues for SIBs. Compared with carbonaceous materials, metallic Sn-, Sb- and SnSb alloy-based anodes have developed rapidly due to their high theoretical capacity, high electrical conductivity and safe reaction potential. The major challenge for them is the large volume change during the sodiation/desodiation process, resulting in rapid capacity decay. Numerous efforts have been devoted to solving this problem. This review summarizes recent progress on this cutting-edge topic. A range of Sn-, Sb- and SnSb-based anode materials have been introduced with respect to size control and nanostructure design. It is found that the use of ultra-small nanoparticles, elaborate interface design, heterogeneous element (N, S etc.) doping, multi-dimensional integration etc. are efficient strategies to enhance the electrochemical performance of these anode materials. The ingenious nanostructures and their synthesis methods reported in this review may provide new insights to the rational design of novel anode materials for practical application in advanced energy storage devices in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) represent a promising alternative to lithium‐ion batteries owing to the high abundance and low cost of potassium resources. However, it is still a challenge to design anode materials with superior electrochemical performance because of the intrinsic large ionic radius and heavy molar mass of K+. Here, highly nitrogen‐doped porous carbon nanosheets (N‐PCNs) were fabricated through a template‐removal method. As an anode in PIBs, N‐PCNs exhibits superior rate property of 127.5 mAh g−1 at a current density of 5 A g−1 and cycling stability of 151.2 mAh g−1 after 10000 cycles at 1 A g−1. These remarkable performances originate from ultra‐high N doping (12 at%) as well as high specific surface area (848.3 m2 g−1) with abundant hierarchical pores, which supply numerous active sites for K+ insertion/extraction, enhance the electronic conductivity, and also offer efficient electrolyte diffusion paths. Density functional theory calculations demonstrate that pyrrolic‐ and pyridinic‐N doping can efficiently promote the adsorption of K+ and reduce volume expansion after the insertion of K+, leading to high specific capacity and superior cycling stability of N‐PCNs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a candidate of the next-generation rechargeable batteries, sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have attracted great interest owing to the high abundance, low cost and environmental benignity of sodium resources. However, a shortage of appropriate anode materials with superior electrochemical performance has become the major bottleneck for their future development. Here, a unique hybrid material of hollow Ni–NiO nanoparticles embedded in porous carbon nanosheets (PCNs) was fabricated through a facile in situ synthesis strategy. As an anode in SIBs, the as-fabricated Ni–NiO/PCN electrode shows an ultra-long cycle life (a nearly unvarying capacity of 235.4 mA h g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1 even after 5000 cycles), which originates from the synergistic effect of high-content carbon, interconnected PCNs, metallic Ni phase, and hollow Ni–NiO nanoparticles. This work provides a promising strategy for rationally developing novel electrode materials for advanced energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How to optimize the interior space of symmetric (for example, hollow carbon spheres) and asymmetric (for example, hollow carbon bowls) hollow carbon structures is a big challenge for their application in energy storage devices. Here we synthesize open helmet-like carbon skeletons, carbon nanohelmets (CNHs), which preserve all advantages of hollow structures but also fully utilize the inner walls of carbon. As an example, the as-fabricated NiO/CNH anode exhibits high reversible capacity, excellent cycling stability and superior rate properties in lithium-ion batteries. These remarkable performances are attributed to the ingenious helmet-like structures, which provide a large amount of active sites for Li+ insertion/extraction from the inner walls of carbon; buffer the large volume change of NiO during charging/discharging effectively with the open structure; and reduce the internal resistance significantly due to excellent contact between NiO nanoparticles and carbon. The facile strategy reported in this work may open an avenue to synthesize open hollow structures for practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon-coated zinc iron oxides (ZnFe2O4/C) are synthesized by a hydrothermal method and subsequent calcination at three different temperatures. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy indicate that the spherical ZnFe2O4/C samples are well-crystallized and that an amorphous layer of carbon, derived from thermal decomposition of glucose, is deposited on the surface of the ZnFe2O4 samples. The testing results demonstrate that ZnFe2O4/C sintered at 600 °C shows a high reversible capacity of 579 mAh g−1 at a current density of 100 mA g−1 after 100 cycles and good rate capability. This indicates the potential use of ZnFe2O4/C as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries have demonstrated key technology advantages for applications in new-energy vehicles, while the main challenge derives from the insufficient cycle lives (about 500 cycles) of their negative electrode materials―hydrogen storage alloys. As a result, progress in their development has been very limited over the past decades. Here we propose a theoretical framework to design a series of long-life and low-cost hydrogen storage alloys, by considering the electronegativities of the elements to enhance the alloys' corrosion resistance. Two novel candidate alloys, La0.6Ce0.3Y0.1Ni3.7Co0.75Mn0.3Al0.35 and La0.55Ce0.3Y0.15Ni3.7Co0.75Mn0.3Al0.35, show ultra-long cycle lives of 1325 and 1407 cycles, respectively, which are almost triple that of the commercial alloy (MmNi3.55Co0.75Mn0.4Al0.3) that is used in Ni-MH batteries. The usage costs of Ni-MH batteries based on these two alloys are only 1/4 of that of the lithium-ion battery, showing better market prospects for large-scale applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Most of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) arises on the background of chronic inflammation. The presence of infiltrating inflammatory cells is associated with tumour initiation, progression and clinical response to treatment. The influence of white blood cell (WBC) subtype counts on HCC progression remains unclear. Methods: In this study, we performed a Mendelian randomization (MR) study with the validation of two datasets. The summary data for WBC counts were extracted from a recent large GWAS of individuals of European ancestry. The GWAS data related to HCC were obtained from the UK Biobank (UKB). Univariable and multivariable MR analyses were used to identify risk factors genetically associated with HCC risks. Results: In the discovery dataset, multivariable MR analysis revealed that sum basophil neutrophil counts had an independent causal effect on the occurrence of HCC, with the sum basophil neutrophil counts as follows: (OR = 0.437, P = 0.003, CI 0.252–0.757). Similarly, in the validation dataset, total basophil neutrophil counts were also been identified as an independent risk factor for HCC. The sum basophil neutrophil counts were as follows: (OR = 0.574, P = 0.021, CI 0.358–0.920). Conclusion: In the European population, genetically predicted lower total basophil neutrophil counts might be an independent risk factor for HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To clone the manganese peroxidase gene Ps-mnp1 from Pleurotus sapidus PS1 contributing a lot to the lignin biodegradation activity is important for the analysis of protein structure and functions of MnP and the understanding of manganese peroxidase gene function and transcriptional regulation of Pleurotus sapidus. Based on the analysis of ribosomal rDNA Intenal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) sequences, the classification status of the strain PS1 was defined. Ps-mnp1 was cloned by using the methods of Genome Walking-PCR and Reverse transcription-PCR with primers designed from some white-rot fungi which contains the conserved sequences of the known manganese peroxidase genes (GenBank No. KP189358.1). We used a variety of modern bioinformatics technology softwares to clone the manganese peroxidase gene and analyze the protein structure of Ps-mnp1. For example, after the cloning full length DNA sequence of genome walking method, prediction of the full cDNA sequence of manganese peroxidase gene by using contigexpress splicing software; comparison the DNA and cDNA nucleotide sequences alignment analysis by using BioEdit software; prediction the RNA splice site through Augustus website, following the comparison and correction of Ps-mnp1 sequences by using the NCBI database; understanding the compositions of the intron and exon by using online software Gene Structure Display Server contrast of white rot fungus manganese peroxidase gene. The results obtained in the sequence analysis of Ps-mnp1 from Pleurotus sapidus indicated that the full length of the DNA was 1 854 bp containing 14 exons and 13 introns. Meanwhile, exons and introns composition analysis of the genes Ps-mnp1 from Pleurotus sapidus, compared to other white-rot fungi manganese peroxidase genes, suggested that P. ostreatus and P. sapidus belonged to the same genus Pleurotus, but the manganese peroxidase gene structures between them were entirely different. The Ps-mnp1 gene included a signal peptide of 20 amino acids and held Open Reading Frame of 1 095 bp, with start codon ATG and stop codon TAA, encoding 364 amino acids. The results of protein phylogenetic analysis by MEGA 5.1 software revealed that Ps-mnp1 and 6 strains of white rot fungus protein clustered on short branches MnPs, and differentiated 5 long branches of MnPs group formed by disulphide bond. In addition, the 3D structures of Ps-mnp1 were built using homology modelling technique, and the results showed that the binding sites of the protein ligand included 1 Fe heme, 2 Ca ions and 1 Mn (II), and the those sites were non-conservation. The results also suggested that the modelling similarity was 72.51% compared with P. eryngii VPs. This paper could establish the basis of the study in the structure and function of the Ps-nmp1. It is further helpful to offer reference on the variation of protein engineering of the Ps-mnp1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conventional gravity gradient method to plot the geologic body location is fuzzy. When the depth is large and the geologic body is small, the Vzz and Vzx derivative errors are also large. We describe that using the status distinguishing factor to optimally determine the corner location is more accurate than the conventional higher-order derivative method. Thus, a better small geologic body and fault resolution is obtained by using the gravity gradient method and trial theoretical model calculation. The actual data is better processed, providing a better basis for prospecting and determination of subsurface geologic structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microphotonic resonators are very sensitive to sidewall roughness. Several structures with sub-100-nm gap between bus and ring have been patterned on silicon-on-insulator wafer with 50 keV electron-beam lithography at different doses. The authors’ direct Monte Carlo (DMC) model has been used to model the electron scattering and energy deposition to predict proximity effects and image modulation. By comparing the point spread function from DMC with independent experimental results, the DMC model has been validated. Experimentally, the line edge roughness (LER) study has been carried out to include both the first order (standard deviation) and the second order of statistical analysis (correlation length). The authors found that the LER is not uniform and varies with the position along the pattern—this nonlocal LER may have profound implications for the performance of the devices. The highest local LER is obtained at the position when the bus is closest to the ring. This phenomenon will be exacerbated when the gap size becomes smaller and will affect coupling efficiency of the waveguides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alumina ceramic samples prepared under different sintering temperatures and varied additives were measured to indicate the trap density and trap energy located in alumina materials by using thermally stimulated current (TSC). The surface charges on alumina in vacuum after applying a negative pulse voltage (0.7/4 μs), and flashover performances of the materials in vacuum also were measured. We found that the trap distribution in alumina has a correlation with surface charges and flashover performances in vacuum. It is shown that the higher is the trap density in the material, the higher is the surface charge density, and the lower is the flashover voltage on alumina surface. It is believed that the trapping and de-trapping mechanisms of carriers could play an important role during the development of the discharge processes, together with the secondary electron emission mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of new aromatic polyimides containing bis(phenoxy)naphthalene units were synthesized from 2,6-bis(4-aminophenoxy)naphthalene (2,6-BAPON) and various aromatic tetracarboxylic dianhydrides by the conventional two-stage procedure with thermal imidization of poly(amic acid) films. The intermediate poly(amic acid)s obtained had inherent viscosties of 1.60–3.31 dL/g, and they could be solution cast and thermally converted into transparent, flexible, and tough polyimide films. The resulting polyimide films had tensile moduli of 1.5–2.3 GPa, tensile strengths of 105–124 MPa, and elongations at break of 7–22%. The polyimide derived from 2,2-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane dianhydride (6FDA) was readily soluble in polar aprotic solvents. The glass-transition temperatures of these polyimides, except for that from pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA), were recorded between 255 and 295 °C by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The softening temperatures of all the polyimide films stayed within 246–286 °C according to thermomechanical analysis (TMA). Thermogravimetic analyses (TGA) established that these polymers were fairly stable up to 500 °C, and the 10% weight loss temperatures were recorded in the range of 543–563 °C in nitrogen and 535–563 °C in air atmosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]