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Electroacupuncture (EA) may reduce the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP) and provide additional pain relief in patients with chronic pancreatitis. However, the ability of EA to relieve pain in patients with AP has not been well documented.

The microstructures of 316 L stainless steel created by rapid solidification are investigated by comparing the similar microstructures of individual hatches of directed energy deposition additive manufacturing (DED-AM) and those of single, laser surface-melted tracks formed on a solid plate. High recoil pressure, which is exponentially dependent on the laser beam power density, induces convection of the melt pool, which causes formation of microstructural bands in the as-solidified microstructure. The microstructural bands are associated with changes in the chromium concentration and are a significant component of the inhomogeneous microstructure of DED-AM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To design a high-performance sodium-ion battery anode, binary zinc phosphides (ZnP2and Zn3P2) were synthesized by a facile solid-state heat treatment process, and their Na storage characteristics were evaluated. The Na reactivity of ZnP2was better than that of Zn3P2. Therefore, a C-modified ZnP2-based composite (ZnP2-C) was fabricated to achieve better electrochemical performance. To investigate the electrochemical reaction mechanism of ZnP2-C during sodiation/desodiation, various ex situ analytical techniques were employed. During sodiation, ZnP2in the composite was transformed into NaZn13and Na3P phases, exhibiting a one-step conversion reaction. Conversely, Zn and P in NaZn13and Na3P, respectively, were fully recombined to the original ZnP2phase during desodiation. Owing to the one-step conversion/recombination of ZnP2in the composite during cycling, the ZnP2-C showed high electrochemical performance with a highly reversible capacity of 883 mA h g–1after 130 cycles with no capacity deterioration and a fast C-rate capability of 500 mA h g–1at 1 C and 350 mA h g–1at 3 C.

Understanding of lithium polysulfide (Li-PS) formation and the shuttle phenomenon is essential for practical application of the lithium/sulfur (Li/S) cell, which has superior theoretical specific energy (2600 Wh/kg). However, it suffers from the lack of direct observation on behaviors of soluble Li-PS in liquid electrolytes. Using in situ graphene liquid cell electron microscopy, we have visualized formation and diffusion of Li-PS simultaneous with morphological and phase evolutions of sulfur nanoparticles during lithiation. We found that the morphological changes and Li-PS diffusion are retarded by ionic liquid (IL) addition into electrolyte. Chronoamperometric shuttle current measurement confirms that IL addition lowers the experimental diffusion coefficient of Li-PS by 2 orders of magnitude relative to that in IL-free electrolyte and thus suppresses the Li-PS shuttle current, which accounts for better cyclability and Coulombic efficiency of the Li/S cell. This study provides significant insights into electrolyte design to inhibit the polysulfide shuttle phenomenon.

Understanding the mechanical failure modes of lithium-ion battery [Li-ion batteries (LIBs)] electrodes is exceptionally important for enabling high specific energy and flexible LIB technologies. In this work, the failure modes of lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) cathodes under repeated bending and the role of the polymer binder in improving the mechanical durability of the LCO electrodes for use in flexible LIBs are investigated. Mechanical and electrochemical evaluations of LCO electrodes (areal capacity of ≥2.5 mA h cm–2) employing poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) binder were carried out, followed by extensive optical and electron microscopies. We find that the molecular weight (MW) of the PVDF significantly influenced the surface and bulk microstructure of the LCO electrodes, particularly the distribution of carbon additive and binder, which plays a crucial role in affecting the mechanical and electrochemical properties of the electrodes. Multiple mechanical failure modes (e.g., surface scratches and microcracks) observed in the LCO electrodes subjected to repeated bending originated from the use of low MW PVDF; these failure modes were successfully mitigated by using a high MW PVDF. Remarkably, the optimized flexible LCO electrode incorporating high MW PVDF showed comparable discharge capacity retention during galvanostatic cycling after repeated bending (7000 cycles at 50 mm bending diameter) to electrodes not subjected to the repeated bending. This study highlights the importance of carrying out a comprehensive investigation of the failure mechanisms in flexible electrodes, which identified the pivotal role of the PVDF MW in the electrode microstructure and its effects on the electrode resilience to failure during repeated bending.

Rational design of sulfur electrodes is exceptionally important in enabling a high-performance lithium/sulfur cell. Constructing a continuous pore structure of the sulfur electrode that enables facile lithium ion transport into the electrode and mitigates the reconstruction of sulfur is a key factor for enhancing the electrochemical performance. Here, we report a three-dimensionally (3D) aligned sulfur electrode cast onto conventional aluminum foil by directional freeze tape casting. The 3D aligned sulfur–graphene oxide (S–GO) electrode consisting of few micron thick S–GO layers with 10–20 μm interlayer spacings demonstrates significant improvement in the performance of the Li/S cell. Moreover, the freeze tape cast graphene oxide electrode exhibits homogeneous reconfiguration behavior in the polysulfide catholyte cell tests and demonstrated extended cycling capability with only 4% decay of the specific capacity over 200 cycles. This work emphasizes the critical importance of proper structural design for sulfur–carbonaceous composite electrodes.

This study aims to develop high-capacity hard carbon anode materials for alkali-ion batteries by controlling the microstructures of non-graphitic hard carbon through an annealing protocol and investigating the effects on the alkali-ion storage mechanisms using physical, chemical, and electrochemical analytical techniques. The hard carbon materials were synthesized at temperatures ranging from 900 °C to 1600 °C. Those synthesized at 1100 °C with high surface area and abundant defects exhibited the highest reversible capacity in Li- and K-ion systems, with the storage dominated by surface-adsorption mechanisms. In contrast, the hard carbon compounds prepared at 1400 °C with numerous curve-featured pores delivered the highest reversible capacity in the Na-ion system, indicating that these pores are the preferred Na-ion storage sites, particularly in low-voltage plateau regions. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between microstructures and alkali-ion storage mechanisms in non-graphitic hard carbon and highlights the importance of tailoring the microstructures of hard carbon to achieve high specific capacity for the desired alkali-ion species.

In the past decades, solid-state lighting based on phosphors as energy converters has been a fast-growing industry. Phosphor-converted white light-emitting diodes (pc-wLEDs) enable high-power applications and miniaturization; for this, the phosphor must have good stability and high efficiency. In order to satisfy this demand, phosphor plates have been proposed instead of conventional organic-based phosphor binders. In this review, such phosphor plates are categorized according to their synthesis methods, and the advantages and disadvantages of each category are detailed. In addition, we describe the major aspects of phosphor plates that require improvement for applications in high-power devices. For the fabrication of high-power LEDs, the phosphor configuration, color purity, porosity, and particle size of glass powders are key properties to enhance the luminescence efficiency and reduce the generation of heat inside wLED packages, thereby improving thermal stability.

Fully lithiated lithium sulfide (Li2S) has become a promising cathode material for Li/S cells due to its high theoretic capacity (1166mAhg−1) and specific energy (2600Whkg−1). However, low utilization of sulfur and poor rate capability still hinder the practical application of Li/S cells. In this paper, a carbon coated Li2S/graphene composite (Li2S/G@C) was developed by incorporating Li2S nano spheres with single-layered graphene and further forming a durable protective carbon layer on the surface of the Li2S particles using a facile CVD method. The high rate capability and remarkable cycle life of the Li2S/G@C cathode were demonstrated, which was mainly attributed to the unique structure of the Li2S/G@C that can significantly improve not only the electrical conductivity, but also the mechanical stability of the sulfur cathode.

A nano-Si/Co3O4core–shell nanostructured material has been successfully prepared using the sol–gel method. The reaction mechanism between Li and the nano-Si/Co3O4core–shell nanostructured electrode was investigated by ex situ analyses. Metallic Co, Li21Si8, and amorphous Li2O phases were formed when fully lithiated, and an amorphous Si, Co3O4, and Co phases were identified after charge, indicating that the Co3O4was partially reversible. The nano-Si/Co3O4core–shell nanostructured electrode showed excellent cyclability, with a reversible capacity of ca. 850 mAh/g over 100 cycles.

Long-chain branched-polypropylene (LCB-PP) was prepared by melt grafting, and LCB-PP/silicate composites were prepared by adding 1–7?wt% silicate using a mini-compounder at 190?°C. The chemical structure of the LCB-PP was confirmed by the existence of a –C=C–H-stretching peak at 3100, cm-1in the Fourier transform infrared spectrum. LCB-PP and the LCB-PP/silicate composites exhibited unusual rheological properties, including high shear-thinning tendency and elasticity. Shear-thinning tendency and elasticity were highest in the composite containing 5?wt% silicate. These effects were confirmed by oscillatory rheological measurements. The crystallization behavior of LCB-PP and the silicate composite were investigated using a non-isothermal process proposed by Ozawa. The exothermic pattern of the composite is narrower and sharper than those of PP and branched PP. The extending exponents were 3.6 for PP, 2.4 for LCB-PP and 1.5 for the composite. These behaviors can be interpreted by speculating that the silicate in the PP matrix functions as a seed for crystallization and alters the crystallization process.

Sulfasalazine is widely used to treat inflammatory diseases. Besides anti-inflammatory actions such as blockade of nuclear factor-kappaB and cyclooxygenases, we found that 30 to 1000 micro M sulfasalazine dose dependently blocked N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated excitotoxicity without intervening kainate or alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid neurotoxicity. The neuroprotective effects of sulfasalazine were attributable to prevention of Ca(2+) influx and accumulation through N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors as a low-affinity antagonist. The systemic administration of sulfasalazine reduced neuronal death following transient cerebral and retinal ischemia in adult rat. The present findings suggest that the neuroprotective action of sulfasalazine can be therapeutically applied to halt devastating neuronal death following hypoxic ischemia, trauma, and neurodegenerative diseases.

To date, Li2S has drawn significant attention as a positive electrode active material for rechargeable lithium cells due to its high theoretical specific capacity and capability of pairing with a lithium-free anode which can obviate any safety concern of the lithium metal anode when using sulfur. In recent years, various approaches have been employed to develop Li/Li2S rechargeable cells for commercialization that meet the performance goals for high energy/power applications. It is expected that high lithium sulfide-loading cells with long cycle life, an excellent capacity delivery and low electrolyte:sulfur weight ratio (E/S ratio) can be achieved. Here, we report a Li2S electrode comprised of a novel Li2S/KB@Cf nanocomposite which delivers an areal capacity of 7.56 mAh cm-2and good cycling stability with a mass loading of 11.29  mg cm-2and a robust 3-dimensional (3D) aluminum foam current collector with a high open area. The high conductivity and scalability of the active material, the availability of 3D current collection for the active material and the control of the electrolyte/sulfur ratio offer the potential of realization of practical Li/S cells.