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Co/Li-dual-site doping is achieved through Al replacing Co sites, Nb and W intercalating Li-slab. High activity of interstitial lithium, buffered lattice stretching, and enlarged lithium transmission channels contribute toward high-rate performance.

Dihydromyricetin (DHM) is a bioactive flavonoid compound extracted from the stems and leaves of Ampelopsis grossedentata. Previous studies have indicated that DHM has antioxidation and antitumor capabilities, while the effect of DHM on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‑induced cardiomyocyte injury has not been clarified. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of DHM on LPS‑induced cardiomyocyte injury. In the present study, cardiomyocytes were randomized to the control (PBS), LPS and DHM + LPS groups. The LPS group was treated with 10 µg/ml LPS for 12 h and the DHM + LPS group was treated with 100 or 25 µM DHM 12 h prior to treatment with LPS. The protective effect of DHM on LPS‑induced cardiomyocytes injury was evaluated by Cell Counting kit‑8 assay, TUNEL staining, reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. The results demonstrated that LPS treatment led to cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and these effects were significantly attenuated by DHM. Furthermore, LPS treatment downregulated the expression of B‑cell lymphoma 2 apoptosis regulator (Bcl‑2) and induced increased expression of Bcl‑2‑associated X apoptosis regulator (Bax). Additionally, DHM treatment reversed LPS‑induced changes in Bcl‑2 expression and Bax expression in cardiomyocytes, and rescued cells from apoptosis. In addition, increased mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis factor‑α and interleukin‑6 induced by LPS were attenuated following treatment with DHM. Further investigation demonstrated that DHM suppressed the activation of toll‑like receptor‑4 (TLR4), which is involved in regulating the downstream signaling pathway of nuclear factor‑κB (NF‑κB). DHM attenuated LPS‑induced cardiomyocyte injury, the potential mechanism responsible for this effect may involve inhibition of TLR4 activation and subsequent regulation of the associated downstream signaling pathway of NF‑κB. The current study indicates that DHM may protect cardiomyocytes against LPS‑induced injury by inhibition of the TLR4/NF‑κB signaling pathway. The results of the present study may provide support for the development DHM as a strategy for the treatment of heart failure in septic shock.

NSFC [2093110426, 21003102, 21021002, 20833005]; "973" program [209CB220102]; "863" program [2011AA11A254]; Solid State and Materials Chemistry Program of the Division of Materials Research at the U.S. National Science Foundation

NSFC [2093110426, 21003102, 21021002, 20833005]; "973" program [209CB220102]; "863" program [2011AA11A254]

Three-dimensional porous Cu film is prepared for the first time by electroless plating. Sn–Co alloy is electrodeposited on the porous Cu film to fabricate porous Sn–Co alloy electrode. SEM images evidence that porous Sn–Co alloy electrode presents a three-dimensional porous structure. XRD results show that the Sn–Co alloy electrode comprises pure Sn and CoSn 2 phases. Electrochemical discharge/charge results show that the three-dimensional porous Sn–Co alloy electrode exhibits much better cycleability than planar Sn–Co alloy electrode, with first discharge capacity and charge capacity of 636.3 and 528.7 mAh g −1 , respectively. After 70th cycling, capacity retention is 83.1% with 529.5 mAh g −1 . The lithiation and delithiation processes during first discharge and charge were investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). EIS results together with differential capacity curves describe the process of SEI formation, charge transfer and phase transformation in the alloy electrode in the first discharge, and phase transformation during charge at delithiation potential.

Special Funds for Major State Basic Research Project of China [2009CB220102]; NSFC [20833005, 20773102, 20910088]

Major State Basic Research Development Program of China [2009CB220102]; National Science Foundation of China [20833005, 20773102, 20931160426]

Major State Basic Research Development Program of China [2009CB220102]; NSFC [20773102, 20833005]; Xiamen University [J0630429]

A novel ternary Sb–Co–P alloy electrode was prepared by electroplating on copper current collector as a promising negative electrode material for lithium-ion batteries. The structural and morphological features of the Sb–Co–P alloy were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The as-prepared alloy electrode exhibits a high specific capacity and an excellent cycleability. The initial discharge and charge capacities of the Sb–Co–P alloy anode were measured 700 and 539 mA h g−1, respectively. The results suggest that the Sb–Co–P alloy material obtained by the electrodeposition shows a good candidate anode material for lithium-ion batteries. Keywords: Sb–Co–P alloy, Anode, Electroplating, Lithium-ion batteries, Electrodeposition

The first lithiation of graphite electrode was investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) in a two-electrode button cell and a three-electrode glass cell. The results demonstrate that the study of the variation of EIS feature of the graphite electrode in the two-electrode button cell with electrode polarization potential decreasing in the first lithiation cannot be used to investigate the formation mechanism of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film. However, the formation and growth process of the SEI film can be acquired by investigating the variation of EIS features of the graphite electrode in the three-electrode glass cell with the decrease of electrode polarization potential in the first lithiation. Moreover, the results also point out that the SEI film on graphite electrode is mainly formed between 1.0 and 0.6 V in the first lithiation.

National "973" program [2009CB220102]; National Natural Science Foundation of China [20773102]

Cu6Sn5 alloys were successfully electrodeposited on rough Cu foils and smooth Cu sheets using a facile one-step electrodepositing method, and their structural and electrochemical properties were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), galvanostatic charging/discharging testing and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The influence of surface morphology of the current collectors on the cycleability and the interfacial performance of the Cu6Sn5 alloy electrode are both discussed. The results demonstrate that the Cu6Sn5 alloy electrode on the rough Cu foil presented better electrochemical performance than that on the smooth Cu sheet because its rough surface could buffer the volume changes to some extent. The first discharging (lithiation) and charging (delithiation) capacities were measured at 462 and 405 mAh g−1 respectively with high initial coulomb efficiency of 88%, with charging capacity in the 50th cycle remaining 76% of that in the first cycle. The phase transformation during initial lithiation was detected by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and its trend versus electrode potential is also discussed.

Objective To evaluate the effects of polymorphisms in TLR7 and TLR8(as potential candidate genes) on asthma risk and asthma-related phenotypes. Methods We consecutively recruited 318 unrelated adult asthmatic patients and 352 healthy volunteers from the same area of southeast China. Genotyping of each selected SNP was performed using multiplex PCR in conjunction with tagged array single base extension technology. We conducted case-control and case-only association studies between the selected SNPs in TLR7 and TLR8 and asthma or asthma-related phenotypes. Results The T allele of rs5935436 SNP in TLR7 was protective from developing asthma in males (adjusted ORs = 0.126, 95% CIs = 0.016-0.995). The CT/TT genotype of rs5935436 was less frequent in female asthmatics with allergic rhinitis (adjusted ORs = 0.18, 95% CIs = 0.04-0.90). The homozygote AA of rs3761623 and GG of rs3764880 were positively associated with lower FEV1% and asthma severity in female asthmatics. These results were confirmed by haplotype analysis. Conclusion TLR7 and TLR8 polymorphisms may play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma that is gender-dependent. This could be clinically useful, both for identifying patients at risk of asthma and for preventing its occurrence.

Porous Cu was fabricated by electrodeposition through a kinetic template of hydrogen bubbles. The product was subsequently annealed to increase its structural stability. The Cu-Sn alloy was then electrodeposited onto porous Cu which served as a current collector. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies ascertained that the composition of the Cu-Sn alloy was Cu6Sn5 and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigations showed a three-dimensional (3D) porous structure of the electrode. The first charge/discharge capacities of the Cu6Sn5 alloy electrode were measured respectively at 735 and 571 mAh·g-1, and a good retention of the capacities has been determined. Interfacial properties of the Cu6Sn5 alloy electrode in a commercial electrolyte were also studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).

Sn–Co alloys were electrodeposited on the rough Cu foil and smooth Cu sheet, respectively. The capacity retention of the Sn–Co alloy electrode electrodeposited on the rough Cu foil in the 70th cycle was found to be 80.0% compared with the maximal capacity, which was much better than that of the Sn–Co alloy electrode on the smooth Cu sheet. The revolution of the surface morphology of the Sn–Co alloy electrode during cycling was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The result indicated that the reversibility of the expansion and contraction of the Sn–Co alloy electrode on the rough Cu foil during charging/discharging assisted by the unique rough surface was one main reason of improving the cycleability. Solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film was detected on the Sn–Co alloy electrode surface by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) during lithiation/delithiation, and the result demonstrated that the SEI film suffered breaking and repairing at different lithiation status. In addition, the unique phase transformation process for the Sn–Co alloy electrode during first lithiation was also investigated by EIS.

The formation process of solid electrolyte interphase(SEI) film on spinel LiMn2O4 electrode surface was studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS) during the initial storage in 1 mol/L LiPF6-EC:DMC:DEC electrolyte and in the subsequent first charge-discharge cycle. It has been demonstrated that the SEI film thickness increased with the increase of storage time,and spontaneous reactions occurring between spinel LiMn2O4 electrode and electrolyte can be prevented by the SEI film. In the first charge-discharge cycle succeeding the storage, the electrolyte oxidation coupled with Li-ion insertion is evidenced as the main origin to increase the resistance of SEI film. The results also confirm that the variations of the charge transfer resistance(Rct) with the electrode potential(E) can be well described using a classical equation. Keywords Li-ion batteries; SEI film; Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy; Spinel LiMn2O4

The storage behavior and the first delithiation of LiCoO2 electrode in 1 mol/L LiPF6-EC:DMC:DEC electrolyte were investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). It has found that, along with the increase of storage time, the thickness of SEI film increases, and some organic carbonate lithium compounds are formed due to spontaneous reactions occurring between the LiCoO2 electrode and the electrolyte. When electrode potential is changed from 3.8 to 3.95 V, the reversible breakdown of the resistive SEI film occurs, which is attributed to the reversible dissolution of the SEI film component. With the increase of electrode potential, the thickness of SEI film increases rapidly above 4.2 V, due to overcharge reactions. The inductive loop observed in impedance spectra of the LiCoO2 electrode in Li/LiCoO2 cells is attributed to the formation of a Li1−x CoO2/LiCoO2 concentration cell. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that the lithium-ion insertion-deinsertion in LiCoO2 hosts can be well described by both Langmuir and Frumkin insertion isotherms, and the symmetry factor of charge transfer has been evaluated at 0.5.

Allergic asthma is characterized by hyperresponsiveness and inflammation of the airway with increased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and overproduction of nitric oxide (NO). Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) has been proved to have antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and other pharmacological effects. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of GSPE on airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in a mouse model of allergic asthma. BALB/c mice, sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA), were intraperitoneally injected with GSPE. Administration of GSPE remarkably suppressed airway resistance and reduced the total inflammatory cell and eosinophil counts in BALF. Treatment with GSPE significantly enhanced the interferon (IFN)- γ level and decreased interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 levels in BALF and total IgE levels in serum. GSPE also attenuated allergen-induced lung eosinophilic inflammation and mucus-producing goblet cells in the airway. The elevated iNOS expression observed in the OVA mice was significantly inhibited by GSPE. In conclusion, GSPE decreases the progression of airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness by downregulating the iNOS expression, promising to have a potential in the treatment of allergic asthma.

A cathode for high-rate performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has been developed from a crystal habit-tuned nanoplate Li(Li(0.17)Ni(0.25)Mn(0.58))O₂ material, in which the proportion of (010) nanoplates (see figure) has been significantly increased. The results demonstrate that the fraction of the surface that is electrochemically active for Li(+) transportation is a key criterion for evaluating the different nanostructures of potential LIB materials.

A novel nanoarchitectured Sn–Sb–Co alloy electrode is reported, which was prepared by direct electrodeposition on a Cu nanoribbon array in order to target the rapidly fading capacity and the poor rate-capability issues of Sn based materials for Li-ion batteries. The SEM images indicate a three-dimensional (3D) nanoarchitectured Sn–Sb–Co alloy with an array structure. Electrochemical measurements show that the 3D nanoarchitectured Sn54Sb41Co5 alloy electrode exhibits a reversible capacity as high as 512.8 mA h g−1 at 0.2 C (1 C = 650 mA g−1) after 150 cycles. Furthermore, the 3D nanoarchitectured Sn54Sb41Co5 anode can deliver a high reversible capacity (275 mA h g−1) up to the 80th cycle at a high discharge–charge rate of 23 C (∼15 A g−1). These outstanding electrochemical properties are attributed to the unique nanoarchitectures of the Sn54Sb41Co5 electrodes, making them an excellent anode material.

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