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The development of versatile strategies to create new structured materials via heteroatom doping has become a fascinating research topic owing to their fantastic properties, while the popular metal–organic framework opens promising avenues for the design of diverse architectures. Herein, an intriguing type of spherical N-doped porous carbon (i.e., N–C) particles containing numerous Co3O4 nanocrystals (i.e., Co3O4/N–C) is introduced, in which the Zn–Co based Prussian blue analogue acts as a sacrificial template and carbon source, while the volatilization of zinc and oxidation of Co produce rich pores and form highly active Co3O4 nanocrystals. The resultant Co3O4/N–C particles have an extremely high lithium storage capacity of 1255 mA h g−1 and excellent rate capability even at a current of 2000 mA g−1. Their long cycle life of over 500 cycles at 1000 mA g−1 with a high capacity of 798 mA h g−1 further demonstrates their prominent properties. Our kinetic analysis reveals that the high performances of Co3O4/N–C beyond the theoretical values mainly stem from the active Co3O4 nanocrystals, fast diffusion of lithium ions within its structure and its pseudocapacitive behaviors. Furthermore, the Co3O4/N–C particles also demonstrate impressive stability and rate capabilities in a lithium-ion battery versus a cathode of lithium layered oxide even at high voltage conditions.

A new galvanic replacement synthetic strategy using metallic Ti as a template for hollow voids is presented and an intriguing hollow interwoven structured Sb/TiO2 is introduced. The applied Ti can play the triple role of reducing the Sb-ion into Sb, acting as a sacrificial template to generate hollow voids through a structural evolution and behaving as an alternative non-sensitive titanium salt to form TiO2. Interwoven Sb/TiO2 can be readily activated and can also buffer drastic volumetric variations during storage of alkaline ions (e.g. Li+, Na+), thereby demonstrating high capacity and superior cycling ability in rechargeable batteries.

Our aims were to measure and compare anatomical parameters of the ossicles in normal, congenital aural stenosis (CAS), and congenital aural atresia (CAA) ears.This retrospective study was performed using three-dimensional reconstructed images derived from computed tomography scans of 20 normal subjects, 20 CAS patients, and 20 CAA patients.The lengths of the malleus handle and long process of the incus were greater in normal ears than in CAS and CAA ears (all P 0.05). The angles of the incudostapedial joint and between the short and long processes of the incus were smaller in normal ears than in CAS and CAA ears (all P 0.05). There were no significant differences in the positions of the malleus head and incudomalleolar joint, the size of the malleus head, the length of the short process of the incus, or the angle of the incudomalleolar joint (P 0.05).Anatomical parameters of the lower part, but not of the upper part, of the ossicular chain in CAS and CAA ears differed from those in normal ears. Different branchial arch origins of the upper and lower parts of the ossicular chain may explain these findings. Dysplasia of the second arch, which develops into the lower part of the ossicular chain, may contribute to ossicular malformation in CAA and CAS. Accurate radiographic measurement of malformed ossicles may be useful for reconstructive surgery of CAA and CAS using the patient's native ossicular chain and for choosing an appropriate place for active middle ear implants.

Herein, we propose a strategy to prepare Ni/MoO2 microflowers (Ni/MoO2/C) for lithium-ion batteries through a facile aqueous phase reaction at room temperature. NiMoO4 nanowires, as the Ni and Mo source, can chelate with dopamine to form a hierarchical microflower structure. The nickel content and the structure have significant influence on the performance for the final product. In the electrochemical measurements, the Ni/MoO2/C electrode reveals a high initial discharge capacity of 1117.3 mA h g−1 and a high capacity retention of 693.3 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles after an activated process at 1 A g−1. Meanwhile, an excellent rate capability from 0.1 A to 5 A g−1, where the discharge capacity is 1374 to 406 mA h g−1, is obtained. The high capability suggests that Ni/MoO2/C may be a promising candidate as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries.

The Vibrant Soundbridge© (VSB) active middle-ear implant provides an effective treatment for mild-to-severe sensorineural hearing loss in the case of normal middle ear anatomy and mixed hearing loss in middle ear malformation. The VSB floating mass transducer (FMT), with proper couplers, can be installed on various structures of the ossicular chain, e.g., the short and long process of the incus, the stapes head, and the stapes footplate. A long process (LP) coupler is most commonly used for FMT attachment to the long process of the incus with intact ossicular chain, while CliP and Bell couplers are two standardized and reliable methods for FMT attachment to the stapes head with missing incus and malleus. However, the difference and relationship of the vibration properties among these three FMT couplers remain unclear. In the present study, the stapes footplate velocity responses of the LP, CliP, and Bell couplers have been investigated in eight fresh temporal bones (TBs) to evaluate the vibration properties of these three couplers. Normal and reconstructed middle ear transfer functions (METFs) were determined from laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV) measurements. A mastoidectomy and a posterior tympanotomy were performed to expose the ossicular chain. The METFs of the normal middle ear and middle ear with LP-FMT-coupler were compared under acoustic stimulation, thus the mass effect of the FMT with LP coupler was evaluated. Additional comparisons were made between the stapes footplate vibrations of the LP-FMT-coupler (with the intact ossicular chain at the long process of the incus), CliP-FMT-coupler and Bell-FMT-coupler on the stapes head (after incus and malleus removed) under active electromechanical stimulation. After the installation of CliP-FMT-coupler and Bell-FMT-coupler to the middle ear, the average velocity amplitude of the stapes footplate, comparing to the LP-FMT-coupler, was about 15 dB higher between 1 and 6 kHz, and 10 dB lower at about 0.5 kHz. Quantitatively, there was no significant difference between the CliP-FMT-coupler and Bell-FMT-coupler. According to our study, installation of CliP-FMT-coupler or Bell-FMT-coupler on the stapes head provides considerable improvement of the middle ear mechanical and functional responses, comparing with the LP-FMT-coupler in the temporal bone experiments. Moreover, the installation of the Bell-FMT-coupler to the stapes head produces essentially the same footplate velocity responses in comparison to the CliP-FMT-coupler.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the position of the internal aperture of vestibular aqueduct and its relationship to hearing level in patients with enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA). METHODS The size of the common crus and the position of the internal aperture of vestibular aqueduct were compared among control subjects, EVA patients with and without other inner ear malformations. Auditory steady-state response thresholds were compared between EVA patients with different positions of internal apertures. RESULTS The common crus in EVA patients was shorter than in control subjects (p

Bimetallic nickel cobalt sulfide (Ni 1.5 Co 1.5 S 4 ) is successfully fabricated by an ultrafast and cost-effective microwave assisted hydrothermal method. When used as electrode material for lithium-ion batteries, Ni 1.5 Co 1.5 S 4 exhibits the remarkable electrochemical performance in terms of superior cycling stability, excellent specific capacity and good rate capability. A high specific capacity of 443 mA h g −1 after 200 charge-discharge cycles at a current density of 0.5 A g −1 is achieved. Even at 1 A g −1 , the sample still delivers a discharge capacity of 386 mA h g −1 with a high columbic efficiency of 99.6% after 500 cycles.

Novel hybrid metal oxides with advanced architectures are extensively pursued to achieve synergetic properties with respect to improved lithium-ion storage properties. Here, rationally designed yolk@shell or concave NiO-Co3O4@C (YNCC or CNCC) nanocubes have been fabricated by the simple and versatile thermolysis-induced transformation of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), aimed at simultaneously addressing the capacity fade and conductivity deficiency of metal oxides. The as-prepared nanocomposites with plentiful hierarchical pores integrate the distinct functionalities of the ternary components: NiO and Co3O4 as the major active materials can guarantee high capacity, while carbon can improve the conductivity and accommodate volume changes. Benefitting from the intrinsic material and architecture features, the YNCC and CNCC nanocomposites deliver excellent electrochemical performances with high reversible specific capacity, superior cycling stability (803 and 870 mAh g-1 at 100 mA g-1 after 100 cycles), and good rate capability (339 and 398 mAh g-1 at 2 A g-1) as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.

In this study, an in situ growth method is developed for the partial conversion of current collector into active materials for lithium ion batteries (LIBs). Through thermal treatment of a metal–organic framework (MOF) precursor, of which the metal ion is provided by a Cu foil current collector, porous CuO nanorod arrays (NRAs) can be directly formed on Cu foil. Importantly, this strategy can avoid the poor contact problem between the current collector and electrode material as well as circumvent the addition of insulating material (binder) and inhomogeneous distribution of conductive carbon material and active material on the current collector. When evaluated as binder-free electrodes for LIBs, porous CuO NRAs deliver a high specific capacity (1341 mA h g–1 at 100 mA g–1) and enhanced rate capability and cycling ability (671 mA h g–1 at 100 mA g–1 after 150 cycles).

Owing to its richer redox reaction and remarkable electrical conductivity, bimetallic nickel cobalt sulfide (NiCo2S4) is considered as an advanced electrode material for energy-storage applications. Herein, nanosized NiCo2S4@C encapsulated in a hollow nitrogen-doped carbon cube (NiCo2S4@D-NC) has been fabricated using a core@shell Ni3[Co(CN)6]2@polydopamine (PDA) nanocube as the precursor. In this composite, the NiCo2S4 nanoparticles coated with conformal carbon layers are homogeneously embedded in a 3D high-conduction carbon shell from PDA. Both the inner and the outer carbon coatings are helpful in increasing the electrical conductivity of the electrode materials and prohibit the polysulfide intermediates from dissolving in the electrolyte. When researched as electrode materials for lithium storage, owing to the unique structure with double layers of nitrogen-doped carbon coating, the as-obtained NiCo2S4@D-NC electrode maintains an excellent specific capacity of 480 mAh g–1 at 100 mA g–1 after 100 cycle...

A novel SnO2-modified graphite felt electrode with a high-performance and non-precious electrocatalyst of SnO2 deposited onto the graphite felt surface is prepared for cerium-based redox flow batteries (RFBs). Through a facile and one-pot solvothermal route, a thin and uniform SnO2 coating layer could be successfully introduced onto the surfaces of graphite felt fibers for the first time. The electrochemical reactivity of the SnO2 decorated graphite felt toward the redox reactions of Ce(IV)/Ce(III) could be substantially enhanced, which is ascribed to the superior electrocatalytic activity of this SnO2 catalyst. What is more, the undesirable side reaction of oxygen evolution can be suppressed by introducing the SnO2 coating layer that possesses a high oxygen evolution overpotential. The charge/discharge test with the catalyzed electrode exhibits a 41.2% and 25.1% increase in energy efficiency as compared with the pristine graphite felt and acid treated graphite felt at a high current density of 30 mA cm−2. Also, the long-term cycling performance confirms the outstanding stability of the as-prepared SnO2 catalyst enhanced electrode. These results suggest that the graphite felt modified by the low-cost and uniform SnO2 coating layer could serve as a highly promising electrode towards the Ce(IV)/Ce(III) redox couple for cerium-based RFB applications.

We describe our recent progress on a novel method to prepare Ti 1.4 V 0.6 Ni hydrogen storage alloy covered with nanostructured Co 3 O 4 by utilizing zelolitic imidazolate framework 67 (ZIF-67) as the template. Ti 1.4 V 0.6 Ni@C@Co 3 O 4 composite is prepared through a dopamine self-polymerization and a facile precipitation reaction with the subsequent thermal treatment. This specific composite structure combines the high conductivity of carbon together with the promising catalytic property of nanostructured Co 3 O 4 , therefore the enhanced electrochemical activity and stability are realized. As a result, Ti 1.4 V 0.6 Ni@C@Co 3 O 4 composite electrode possesses a capacity conservation rate of 56.1% after 300 charging/discharging cycles, remarkably larger than that of Ti 1.4 V 0.6 Ni (25.3%). Moreover, a study of the kinetics demonstrates that nanostructured Co 3 O 4 coating accelerates the charge-transfer reaction of the electrode. These results prove that coating with carbon and nanostructured Co 3 O 4 is a potential method for enhancing electrochemical hydrogen storage properties of hydrogen storage alloys.

Introduction: Studies have shown that higher response levels can be obtained when the bone conduction stimulation position is closer to the cochlea. However, the morphological characteristics of round window niche and posterior tympanum in congenital aural atresia (CAA) and stenosis (CAS) patients were different from the normal. These affected the position of the cochlea at the cranial base. It was still unknown whether the distances from the cranium of CAA and CAS patients to the cochlea were the same as those of normal patients or not. Objective: To measure distances from various points on the lateral surface of the cranium to the cochlea and the cranium thickness on these points among a CAA group, CAS group and normal control group, which may provide valuable information for the better position of bone conduction stimulation. Methods: CT images of CAA, CAS patients and these patients’ healthy sides were analyzed. Firstly, the Frankfurt horizontal plane (Pfrkt) was established. Secondly, a model of part of the cranium was three-dimensionally reconstructed. Then, the Pfrkt plane was rotated down 20, 30 and 40° according to the superior margin of the external auditory canal. At every angle, points 25, 30, 35 and 40 mm away from the superior margin of the external auditory canal were marked out on the surface of the model and recorded as P20A, P30A, P40A, P20B, etc. The spatial distances between the cranium and ipsilateral cochlea were defined as lengths of points on the surface of the model to the cochlea apex (CA), cochlear base (CB) and modiolus midpoint (MM), respectively, recorded as P20A/CA, P20A/CB, P20A/MM, P30A/CA, etc. Results and Conclusions: In all groups, the length of P20D/CA was the shortest compared to P30D/CA and P40D/CA (p < 0.05). The P20A/CB and P20A/MM were also the shortest (p < 0.05). When the Pfrkt plane was rotated down 30 and 40°, the results were the same as at 20° (p < 0.05). However, P20D, P30D and P40D were almost on the mastoid air cells. We suggest that the bone conduction stimulation position is placed closer to the ear, while avoiding the mastoid air cells in the CAA and CAS patients.

PURPOSE Cystic vestibular schwannoma (CVS) and solid vestibular schwannoma (SVS) are subgroups of vestibular schwannoma (VS). The tumorigenesis of CVS and SVS have not been fully elucidated, and this study is designed to identify differentially expressed proteins involved in the tumorigenesis of CVS and SVS. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Tandem mass tag-based proteomics is used to determine the protein expression profiles from CVS and SVS tissues. RESULTS A total of 30 differentially expressed proteins are identified between CVS and SVS, with 6 being upregulated and 24 being downregulated. Bioinformatics analyses are performed according to Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses. These results indicate that two selected proteins (COL1A1 and COL1A2) are potential biomarkers for distinguishing CVS and SVS. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Differentially expressed proteins linked to CVS and SVS are identified, and these proteins might provide potential biomarkers for human VS diagnosis. Furthermore, the present study supports the notion that decreased collagen might be the reason for bleeding associated with CVS.

This study aimed to explore the feasibility of medical adhesive in the molding of oval window (OW) blockage in cadaver heads and to study the effect on bone conduction (BC).Four cadaver heads were selected to establish OW blockage model. The daub type of medical adhesive was used to immobilize OW. The vibration properties of the round window membrane (VRWM) in response to the acoustic stimulation, and the vibration properties of the round window membrane and cochlear promontory (VCP) in response to the BC transducer B-71 stimulation were assessed by laser Doppler vibrometer in both pre-OW blockage and post-OW blockage.After blocking the oval window, the mean values of the sound-induced velocities amplitude responses of the round window membrane by air conduction were decreased significantly beyond 30 dB in all measured frequencies (p 0.05). The round window membrane relative velocity (VRWM/VCP) shows a decrease of about 1 dB at 1 and 3 kHz frequencies and a slight increase of around 0.5 dB from 4 to 8 kHz frequencies in post-OW blockage. However, it should also be noted that the VRWM/VCP is a significant decrease of 1.2 dB at 3 kHz in post-OW blockage compared with pre-OW blockage (p 0.05).Medical adhesive was available for the immobilization of oval window. In cadaver heads, the effect of OW blockage on the BC was the notching at 3 kHz.

Application of transition metal phosphides (TMPs) for electrochemical energy conversion and storage has great potential to alleviate the energy crisis. Although there are many methods to get TMPs, it is still immensely challenging to fabricate hierarchical porous TMPs with superior electrochemical performances by a simple, green, and secure approach. Herein, we report a facile method to synthesize the CoP/C nanoboxes by pyrolysis of phytic acid (PA) cross-linked Co complexes that are acquired from reaction of PA and ZIF-67. The PA can not only slowly etch ZIF-67 and gain a hollow structure but also act as a source of phosphorus to prepare CoP/C nanoboxes. The CoP/C nanoboxes deliver an ultrahigh specific capacity (868 mA h g-1 at 100 mA g-1) and excellent cycle stability (523 mA h g-1 after 1000 cycles at 500 mA h g-1) when used as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. Moreover, when used as an electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction, the CoP/C nanoboxes exhibit ultralow overpotential, small Tafel slope, and excellent durability in acidic media. The method to produce CoP/C nanoboxes is easy and environmentally friendly and can be readily extended to design other TMPs/C nanocomposites.

The ammonia-low hydroxide coprecipitation process has successfully synthesized Ni0.6Co0.2Mn0.2(OH)2 precursor by replacing ammonia with NH4+ and lowering the pH of the salt solution with acid. NH4+ and H+ increase the diffusion range of the salt solution and both react with OH−, which would reduce the nucleation rate and increase the complexation under low ammonia concentration conditions. The optimal pH of coprecipitation is determined from the theoretical calculation on the competitive relationship between complexation (Me(NH3)n2+) and precipitation (OH−) using chemical equilibrium and solubility product constant. And compared with other different complexing agents (e.g., NH4+, H+, and NH3), the material obtained with both NH4+ and H+ has the optimized particle morphology, size, composition, and element distribution. The resulting LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 cathode material exhibits superior electrochemical properties, when compared to a commercial sample, with a high initial discharge capacity (176.6 mAh g−1), cycling stability (91.9% retention for 100 cycles), and rate capability (115.7 mAh g−1 at 3C). Moreover, it also demonstrates excellent electrochemical performance in lithium-ion full batteries matched with commercial graphite or Si/C anodes. Ammonia-low coprecipitation synthesis would greatly reduce the treatment cost of production wastewater, improve the working environment of operators, and protect the natural ecological environment of the earth.

In this study, GO-MOFs derived rGO coating/sandwiching Co3O4 composites (denoted as rGO/Co3O4) are fabricated by employing a temperate coprecipitation method with ZIF-67 rhombic dodecahedron as a template and GO as a substrate. In these composites, nanoporous and rGO coating (denoted as rGO@Co3O4)/sandwiching (denoted as Co3O4-rGO-Co3O4) structures are designed, which endow the composites with strong potential application as electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and supercapacitors (SCs). Here, the as-prepared rGO@Co3O4 and Co3O4-rGO-Co3O4 composites not only exhibit outstanding lithium storage performances with high initial discharge specific capacities (1451 and 1344 mA h g−1 at a current density of 100 mA g−1), excellent cycling stabilities (above 96% and 95% retention after 100 cycles) and admirable rate capabilities (328 and 450 mA h g−1 at a current density of 2000 mA g−1), but also display superior pseudocapacitive properties with high specific capacitance (546 F g−1), remarkable rate capability and brilliant cycling stability (90% of initial capacitance retention at 5 A g−1 after 10000 cycles). The remarkable porous architecture and electrical conductivity enables GO-MOFs derived transition metal oxide composites to be promising electrode materials for next generation LIBs and SCs.

One-dimensional (1D) porous FeS2@C nanowires as a high cathode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are synthesized on a large-scale from an organic-inorganic hybrid nanowire precursor. The FeS2@C nanowires not only provide a continuous and fast electron transport pathway, favorable diffusion kinetics, but also provide the protection buffer the volume expansion and effectively prevent the polysulfides from dissolving in the electrolyte during cycling. Attributing to the synergistic advantages of both 1D porous nanostructure and the encapsulation of thin amorphous carbon layers, the FeS2@C nanowires exhibit remarkable lithium storage performance with a high specific capacity of 889 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 and 521 mA h g−1 at 10 A g−1. Moreover, a discharge energy density of 1225 Wh kg−1 is obtained at 2 A g−1 and remains as high as 637 Wh kg−1 after 1000 cycles, which is even higher than the LiCoO2 cathode. The results demonstrate that the potential for applications in LIBs with high power density and long cycling life.

The preparation of novel one-dimensional core-shell Fe/Fe2 O3 nanowires as anodes for high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is reported. The nanowires are prepared in a facile synthetic process in aqueous solution under ambient conditions with subsequent annealing treatment that could tune the capacity for lithium storage. When this hybrid is used as an anode material for LIBs, the outer Fe2 O3 shell can act as an electrochemically active material to store and release lithium ions, whereas the highly conductive and inactive Fe core functions as nothing more than an efficient electrical conducting pathway and a remarkable buffer to tolerate volume changes of the electrode materials during the insertion and extraction of lithium ions. The core-shell Fe/Fe2 O3 nanowire maintains an excellent reversible capacity of over 767 mA h g(-1) at 500 mA g(-1) after 200 cycles with a high average Coulombic efficiency of 98.6 %. Even at 2000 mA g(-1) , a stable capacity as high as 538 mA h g(-1) could be obtained. The unique composition and nanostructure of this electrode material contribute to this enhanced electrochemical performance. Due to the ease of large-scale fabrication and superior electrochemical performance, these hybrid nanowires are promising anode materials for the next generation of high-performance LIBs.

1D nanostructured metal oxides with porous structure have drawn wide attention to being used as high-performance anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). This study puts forward a simple and scalable strategy to synthesize porous NiO nanorods with the help of a thermal treatment of metal-organic frameworks in air. The NiO nanorods with an average diameter of approximately 38 nm are composed of nanosized primary particles. When evaluated as anode materials for LIBs, an initial discharge capacity of 743 mA h g−1 is obtained at a current density of 100 mA g−1, and a high reversible capacity is still maintained as high as 700 mA h g−1 even after 60 charge–discharge cycles. The excellent electrochemical performance is mainly ascribed to the 1D porous structure.

Objectives Some changes are found in the labyrinth anatomy during postnatal development. Although the spatial orientation of semicircular canals was thought to be stable after birth, we investigated the age-related orientational changes of human semicircular canals during development. Methods We retrospectively studied the computed tomography (CT) images of both ears of 76 subjects ranged from 1 to 70 years old. They were divided into 4 groups: group A (1–6 years), group B (7–12 years), group C (13–18 years), and group D (>18 years). The anatomical landmarks of the inner ear structures were determined from CT images. Their coordinates were imported into MATLAB software for calculating the semicircular canals orientation, angles between semicircular canal planes and the jugular bulb (JB) position. Differences between age groups were analyzed using multivariate statistics. Relationships between variables were analyzed using Pearson analysis. Results The angle between the anterior semicircular canal plane and the coronal plane, and the angle between the horizontal semicircular canal plane and the coronal plane were smaller in group D than those in group A (P

Copper sulfide nanoflower/reduced graphene oxide (CuS/rGO) composite is synthesized using Cu(NO 3 ) 2 , thiourea (Tu) and graphene oxide (GO) powers as the precursor by an ultrafast microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. The electrochemical performances of CuS/rGO composite as anode material of Lithium ion batteries (LIBs) are studied both in ether-based (LiTFSI in DOL/DME) and carbonate-based electrolytes (LiPF 6 in EC/DMC). The results reveal that CuS/rGO composite exhibits excellent electrochemical Li-storage properties. The reversible capacity of 422 mA h g −1 and 390 mA h g −1 at a current density of 100 mA g −1 after 70 cycles is obtained in both electrolytes, respectively. Even after 200 charge-discharge cycles at 500 mA g −1 in ether-based electrolyte, the composite delivers a good discharge capacity of 390 mA h g −1 with high capacity retention ratio of 96.7%. The good electrochemical performances of CuS/rGO can be attributed to the synergistic effect of the CuS nanoflower and rGO. Briefly, the introduction of rGO can improve the electronic conductivity of the composite, effectively immobilize the CuS and inhibit the dissolution of the polysulfide intermediates generated during the charge-discharge process.

Rational composite materials made from transition metal sulfides and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) are highly desirable for designing high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Here, rGO-coated or sandwiched CoSx composites are fabricated through facile thermal sulfurization of metal-organic framework/GO precursors. By scrupulously changing the proportion of Co(2+) and organic ligands and the solvent of the reaction system, we can tune the forms of GO as either a coating or a supporting layer. Upon testing as anode materials for LIBs, the as-prepared CoSx -rGO-CoSx and rGO@CoSx composites demonstrate brilliant electrochemical performances such as high initial specific capacities of 1248 and 1320 mA h g(-1) , respectively, at a current density of 100 mA g(-1) , and stable cycling abilities of 670 and 613 mA h g(-1) , respectively, after 100 charge/discharge cycles, as well as superior rate capabilities. The excellent electrical conductivity and porous structure of the CoSx /rGO composites can promote Li(+) transfer and mitigate internal stress during the charge/discharge process, thus significantly improving the electrochemical performance of electrode materials.

Bi3+ ions are introduced into the lead electrolyte of lead-based redox flow batteries (RFBs), and their influence on the electrochemical performance of the redox cell is thoroughly investigated. The metallic Bi particles, which are simultaneously electrodeposited onto the electrode surface during the charge process of the RFBs, significantly improve the electrochemical performance of lead-based RFBs by enhancing the activity and reversibility of the sluggish Pb(II)/Pb(0) redox reaction and suppressing hydrogen evolution. The cell using a negative electrolyte with Bi3+ ions exhibits considerable enhancement both in the columbic efficiency (CE) and voltage efficiency (VE), and therefore in the energy efficiency (EE). Moreover, a mechanism accounting for the role that Bi particles play in the redox reactions in this lead half-cell is proposed. Bi particles favor the formation of a BiHx compound, an intermediate that reduces Pb(II) to Pb(0), and thereby curbs the competitive side reaction of hydrogen evolution responsible for the major loss for the CE. Additionally, the morphology of lead electrodeposition is also presented and the deposits become more uniform and smooth without any dendrites upon the addition of Bi3+. The results suggest that the utilization of non-noble Bi as a high-performance additive promises to be applicable to lead-based RFBs.

One of the challenges for lithium–sulfur batteries is a rapid capacity fading owing to the insulating of sulfur and Li2S2/Li2S compounds, the dissolving and consequent shuttling of polysulfide generated as intermediates during charge–discharge processes in the electrolyte. In this work, graphitic N-doped multi-wall carbon nanotube (GN/PNCNTs) composites are synthesized by in situ chemical polymerization and carbonization processes. The nitrogen doping in the GN/PNCNTs composite can effectively enhance chemisorption between sulfur and carbon, which can enable the uniform deposition of discharge products and lead to a high utilization and reversibility of active materials. Because of these technological superiorities, the as-prepared S-GN/PNCNTs cathode with a sulfur content of 60 wt% exhibits high initial specific capacity and excellent cycling stability at up to 600 cycles at 1C. Meanwhile, the rate capacities of the cathode are demonstrated from 0.5C to 6C with a specific capacity of 1178 mA h g−1 (the initial specific capacity) to 586 mA h g−1 (the 60th cycle).

Three-dimensional interconnected porous nitrogen-doped graphene/carbonized polypyrrole nanotube (N-GP/CPN) materials have been fabricated via carbonization and chemical activation of polypyrrole-functionalized graphene nanosheets with KOH. The obtained N-GP/CPN with high surface, abundant nanopores and nitrogen doping can serve as conductive substrates for hosting a high content of sulfur and can effectively impede the dissolution of polysulfides. The N-GP/CPN-S composite exhibits excellent electrochemical performance as the cathode material for lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries, including a high initial discharge capacity of 1128 mA h g−1 at 0.5C, a notable cycling stability with a high stable capacity of 726 mA h g−1 and an ultraslow decay rate of 0.07% per cycle as long as 500 cycles. Moreover, the N-GP/CPN-S cathode also exhibits good rate capacity, showing a high reversible stable capacity of 687 mA h g−1 at 4C.

SnO2 has been considered as a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium ion batteries (SIBs), but challenging as well for the low-reversible conversion reaction and coulombic efficiency. To address these issues, herein, SnO2 quantum dots (≈5 nm) embedded in porous N-doped carbon matrix (SnO2 /NC) are developed via a hydrothermal step combined with a self-polymerization process at room temperature. The ultrasmall size in quantum dots can greatly shorten the ion diffusion distance and lower the internal strain, improving the conversion reaction efficiency and coulombic efficiency. The rich mesopores/micropores and highly conductive N-doped carbon matrix can further enhance the overall conductivity and buffer effect of the composite. As a result, the optimized SnO2 /NC-2 composite for LIBs exhibits a high coulombic efficiency of 72.9%, a high discharge capacity of 1255.2 mAh g-1 at 0.1 A g-1 after 100 cycles and a long life-span with a capacity of 753 mAh g-1 after 1500 cycles at 1 A g-1 . The SnO2 /NC-2 composite also displays excellent performance for SIBs, delivering a superior discharge capacity of 212.6 mAh g-1 at 1 A g-1 after 3000 cycles. These excellent results can be of visible significance for the size effect of the uniform quantum dots.

Purpose Vestibular schwannomas (VSs) are benign tumors that account for 8-10% of all intracranial tumors. So far, the tumorigenesis of VS has not been fully elucidated. This study is designed to identify differently expressed proteins involved in VS tumorigenesis. Experimental design An isobaric tag is used for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) approach to characterize the protein expression profiles from pooled VS tissues (n = 12) and pooled matched normal vestibular tissues (n = 12). Results A total of 933 differentially expressed proteins are identified between VS and the matched normal vestibular tissues, with 489 being upregulated and 444 being downregulated. Bioinformatics analyses are performed according to Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses. Several of the differentially expressed proteins are validated by western blotting analyses, and upregulation of LGALS1, ANXA1, GRB2, and STAT1 is validated in VS tissue by immunohistochemistry. Conclusions and clinical relevance The study represents the successful application of iTRAQ technology to an investigation of VS. Many of the differentially expressed proteins identified here have not been linked to VS before, and these dysregulated proteins may provide potential biomarkers for human VS diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE To explore the feasibility of ear mold glue in the molding of round window occlusion (RWO) in cadaver heads and to study the effect on bone conduction (BC). METHODS Ten cadaver heads were selected to establish RWO model. Ear mold glue was used to immobilize round window niche. The vibration properties of the stapes footplate (VST) in response to the acoustic stimulation, and the vibration properties of the stapes footplate and cochlear promontory (VCP) in response to the B-71 stimulation were assessed by laser Doppler vibrometer in both pre-RWO and post-RWO. RESULTS The mean velocities of the stapes footplate in response to the acoustic stimulation in post-RWO were decreased significantly beyond 14 dB for frequency from 0.5k to 3k Hz and decreased beyond 11 dB for frequency above 4 kHz compared with pre-RWO (p

A new galvanic replacement synthetic strategy using metallic Ti as a template for hollow voids is presented and an intriguing hollow interwoven structured Sb/TiO2 is introduced. The applied Ti can play the triple role of reducing the Sb-ion into Sb, acting as a sacrificial template to generate hollow voids through a structural evolution and behaving as an alternative non-sensitive titanium salt to form TiO2. Interwoven Sb/TiO2 can be readily activated and can also buffer drastic volumetric variations during storage of alkaline ions (e.g. Li+, Na+), thereby demonstrating high capacity and superior cycling ability in rechargeable batteries.

A novel cerium-lead redox flow battery (rfb) employing ce(iv)/ce(iii) and pb(ii)/pb redox couples in the supporting electrolyte of methanesulfonic acid (msa) is developed and preliminarily investigated. the rfb requires no additional catalyst and uses kinetically favorable reactions between low-cost reactants, and provides a desirable discharge voltage of approximately 1.7 v, with high average coulombic efficiency (ce) of 92% and energy efficiency (ee) of 86% over 800 cycles at 298 k. stable cycling with an acceptable performance is achieved for a board operating temperature range of 253 k-313 k. the excellent performance obtained from the preliminary study suggests that the cerium-lead rfb promises to be applicable to large-scale energy storage for electricity grids. (c) 2015 elsevier b.v. all rights reserved.

Objective To investigate the characteristics of stenotic external auditory canal (EAC) (e.g., shape, length, orientation, and curvature) and to compare them with those of the cholesteatoma and no cholesteatoma groups, which may help to explain cholesteatoma formation to a certain degree. Methods Computed tomography scans of two groups of patients (with and without EAC cholesteatoma) were analyzed. We determined the degree of microtia, the stenosis of EAC, radius and curvature of osseous EAC bending (abbreviated as OEB-r and OEB-c, respectively), and other anatomic parameters of EAC by using Mimics and Matlab. Results There was no significant difference in the degree of microtia between the cholesteatoma and no cholesteatoma groups using the Marx grading system. Additionally, no significant difference was found in the stenosis of EAC between the two groups. The OEB-r was smaller in the cholesteatoma group (4.62 ± 0.62 mm) than in the no cholesteatoma group (7.41 ± 0.50 mm), and the OEB-c was found to be larger in the cholesteatoma group (1.55 ± 0.05 × 10 mm) than in the no cholesteatoma group (1.10 ± 0.10 × 10 mm). Moreover, the OEB-c (OR, 8.60; 95% CI, 2.67-27.75) was associated with EAC cholesteatoma formation. Conclusion The curvature of osseous EAC in the cholesteatoma group was significantly larger than that in the no cholesteatoma group. It is suggested that the curvature of osseous EAC was a risk factor for EAC cholesteatoma formation.

Owing to its richer redox reaction and remarkable electrical conductivity, bimetallic nickel cobalt sulfide (NiCo

Objective To investigate characteristics of congenital aural stenosis (CAS) patients' external auditory canal (EAC) (position, length, orientation, etc.) and compare them with normal EAC.CT images of normal people and CAS patient were utilized. We obtained coordinates of EAC landmarks. Then the Matlab program could calculate some anatomic parameters about EAC, including distances from central point of tympanic annulus (CA), central point of osseous EAC opening (CO), central point of cartilaginous EAC inside opening (CCi), central point of cartilaginous EAC outside opening (CCo) to the Frankfurt horizontal plane (Pfrkt), the median sagittal plane (Psag), the coronal plane (Pcor); orientations of EAC bendings; straight and arc lengths of EAC.Distances from CA, CO, CCi and CCo to Pfrkt were all shorter in CAS group than control group (p0.05). The straight and arc lengths of cartilaginous EAC in CAS group were shorter than control group (p0.05). Straight and arc lengths of EAC in CAS group were shorter than those in control group (p0.05). The proportion of one bending in cartilaginous EAC in control group was significantly lower than CAS group (p0.05). Orientations of EAC bendings in CAS group differed from those in control group (p0.05).In addition to smaller diameters, compared with normal EAC, the position of CAS patients' osseous EAC was higher compared with the normal. The majority of CAS patients have a bending and downward slanting cartilaginous EAC. Orientations of EAC bending in CAS patients were different from normal. Besides, the length of CAS patients' cartilaginous EAC was shorter. However, there were no significant differences between CAS patients and normal people in length of osseous EAC. These differences in anatomic parameters could provide the basis for optimizing the meatoplasty.

Core-shell hierarchical porous carbon spheres (HPCs) were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method and used as host to incorporate sulfur. The microstructure, morphology, and specific surface areas of the resultant samples have been systematically characterized. The results indicate that most of sulfur is well dispersed over the core area of HPCs after the impregnation of sulfur. Meanwhile, the shell of HPCs with void pores is serving as a retard against the dissolution of lithium polysulfides. This structure can enhance the transport of electron and lithium ions as well as alleviate the stress caused by volume change during the charge-discharge process. The as-prepared HPC-sulfur (HPC-S) composite with 65.3 wt % sulfur delivers a high specific capacity of 1397.9 mA h g(-1) at a current density of 335 mA g(-1) (0.2 C) as a cathode material for lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries, and the discharge capacity of the electrode could still reach 753.2 mA h g(-1) at 6700 mA g(-1) (4 C). Moreover, the composite electrode exhibited an excellent cycling capacity of 830.5 mA h g(-1) after 200 cycles.

Graphene-wrapped CuO hybrids are prepared by a rapid, facile microwave-assisted hydrothermal (MAH) method and the structures with electrochemical properties are investigated. As anode materials for lithium ion batteries, the hybrids exhibit high reversible capacity, good rate capability and enhanced cycling stability.

La0.6Ce0.4Ni3.45Co0.75Mn0.7Al0.1 hydrogen storage alloy has been prepared and its electro-chemical characteristics and gas hydrogen absorption/desorption properties have been investigated at different temperatures. X-ray diffraction results indicated that the alloy consists of a single phase with CaCu5-type structure. It is found that the investigated alloy shows good cycle performance and high-rate discharge ability, which display its promising use in the high-power type Ni-MN battery. The exchange current density and the diffusion coefficient of hydrogen in the bulky electrode increase with increasing temperature, indicating that increasing temperature is beneficial to charge-transfer reaction and hydrogen diffusion. However, the maximum discharge capacity, the charge retention and the cycling stability degrade with the increase of the temperature. Copyright (C) 2014, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

With the aggravation of the external auditory canal malformation, the size of extra-niche fossa became smaller, providing concrete data and valuable information for the better design, selecting and safer implantation of the transducer in the area of round window niche. Three-dimensional measurements and assessments before surgery might be helpful for a safer surgical approach and implantation of a vibrant soundbridge.The aim of this study was to investigate whether differences exist in the morphology of the posterior tympanum related to the round window vibroplasty among congenital aural atresia (CAA), congenital aural stenosis (CAS), and a normal control group, and to analyze its effect on the round window implantation of vibrant soundbridge.CT images of 10 normal subjects (20 ears), 27 CAS patients (30 ears), and 25 CAA patients (30 ears) were analyzed. The depth and the size of outside fossa of round window niche related to the round window vibroplasty (extra-niche fossa)and the distances between the center of round window niche and extra-niche fossa were calculated based on three-dimensional reconstruction using mimics software. Finally, the data were analyzed statistically.The size of extra-niche fossa in the atresia group was smaller than in the stenosis group (p0.05); furthermore, the size of extra-niche fossa in the stenosis group was smaller than that of the control group (p0.05). There was no statistically significant difference of the depth of extra-niche fossa among different groups.

Binary metal oxides have been deemed as a promising class of electrode materials for high-performance lithium ion batteries owing to their higher conductivity and electrochemical activity than corresponding monometal oxides. Here, NiFe2O4 nanoplates consisting of nanosized building blocks have been successfully fabricated by a facile, large-scale NaCl and KCl molten-salt route, and the changes in the morphology of NiFe2O4 as a function of the molten-salt amount have been systemically investigated. The results indicate that the molten-salt amount mainly influences the diameter and thickness of the NiFe2O4 nanoplates as well as the morphology of the nanosized building blocks. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge-discharge measurements have been conducted to evaluate the lithium storage properties of the NiFe2O4 nanoplates prepared with a Ni(NO3)2/Fe(NO3)3/KCl/NaCl molar ratio of 1:2:20:60. A high reversible capacity of 888 mAh g(-1) is delivered over 100 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g(-1). Even at a current density of 5000 mA g(-1) , the discharge capacity could still reach 173 mAh g(-1). Such excellent electrochemical performances of the NiFe2O4 nanoplates are contributed to the short Li(+) diffusion distance of the nanosized building blocks and the synergetic effect of the Ni(2+) and Fe(3+) ions.

A SnO2–N-doped graphene (SnO2–NG) composite is synthesized by a rapid, facile, one-step microwave-assisted solvothermal method. The composite exhibits excellent lithium storage capability and high durability, and is a promising anode material for lithium ion batteries.

Hybridizing nanostructured metal oxides with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is highly desirable for the improvement of electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries. Here, a facile and scalable strategy to fabricate hierarchical porous MWCNTs/Co3O4 nanocomposites has been reported, with the help of a morphology-maintained annealing treatment of carbon nanotubes inserted metal organic frameworks (MOFs). The designed MWCNTs/Co3O4 integrates the high theoretical capacity of Co3O4 and excellent conductivity as well as strong mechanical/chemical stability of MWCNTs. When tested as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, the nanocomposite displays a high reversible capacity of 813 mAh g(-1) at a current density of 100 mA g(-1) after 100 charge-discharge cycles. Even at 1000 mA g(-1), a stable capacity as high as 514 mAh g(-1) could be maintained. The improved reversible capacity, excellent cycling stability, and good rate capability of MWCNTs/Co3O4 can be attributed to the hierarchical porous structure and the synergistic effect between Co3O4 and MWCNTs. Furthermore, owing to this versatile strategy, binary metal oxides MWCNTs/ZnCo2O4 could also be synthesized as promising anode materials for advanced lithium-ion batteries.

1D hierarchical porous nanocomposites with tailored chemical composition are gaining popularity in lithium-ion batteries. Here, with core@shell Te@ZIF-8 (Zn, Co) nanofibers as a starting point, rational designed porous Te@ZnCo2O4 nanocomposite has been fabricated by a simple morphology-maintained and calcination-induced oxidative decomposition process, with the purpose of simultaneously settling the pulverization and conductivity issues of transition metal oxides. This is the first time to integrate Te and ZnCo2O4 into one architecture at nanometer level. The Te@ZnCo2O4 nanofibers combine both advantages of Te such as excellent electrical conductivity and ZnCo2O4 with high capacity as well as take full use of their synergistic effect. With the favorable 1D porous structure and the unique composition, this novel Te@ZnCo2O4 nanofiber manifests strong ability to improve the lithium storage performances with a high specific capacity of 1364 mA h g−1 in the initial discharge and a reversible capacity of 956 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles. When increased the current density to 2000 mA g−1, the capacity still remains as 307 mA h g−1, demonstrating superior rate capability. Furthermore, this general strategy can be extended to construct other core@shell Te@MOFs composites.