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Summary: In this work, micron‐ and nano‐sized LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 crystals (M‐NCM622 and N‐NCM622) are successfully synthesized by molten salt assisted method and stored under ambient environment for 2 days to study the crystal morphologies and stability on electrochemical performance. M‐NCM622 shows the well‐grown single crystals approximately 2 μm in size. Because N‐NCM622 suffers more surface side reaction than M‐NCM622, the former results in more oxygen deficiency and higher deviation of Mn/Ni oxidation state on crystal surface and lower lithium diffusion value (DLi+) than the later. M‐NCM622 with homogeneous well‐grown single crystals (approximately 2 μm) delivers 174.1 mAh g−1 and columbic efficiency of 88% at the first cycle, and remains 78.4%, 91.7%, and 99% of their initial capacities after 100 cycles at 0.2, 1.0, and 5.0 C rates, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrous acid (HONO) is a significant precursor of atmospheric "detergent" OH radicals, and plays a vital role in tropospheric chemistry. The current knowledge about the daytime HONO sources is incomplete, and its impact on the tropospheric radical chemistry has not been fully quantified. Existing observational studies of HONO were mostly conducted at surface, with few efforts focusing on the high-elevation atmospheres. In order to better understand the characteristics and sources of HONO in the upper boundary layer and lower free troposphere, two intensive field observations were carried out at the summit of Mt. Tai (1534 m a.s.l.), the peak of the North China Plain, in winter 2017 and spring 2018. HONO showed moderate concentration levels (0.15±0.15 and 0.13±0.15 ppbv), with maximum values of 1.14 and 3.23 ppbv in winter and spring, respectively. Diurnal variation patterns with a broad noontime maximum and lower nighttime concentrations were observed during both campaigns, which is distinct from most of the previous studies at the ground level. The WRF-FLEXPART simulations indicated the combined effects of the planetary boundary layer evolution and valley breeze on the daytime HONO peak. A photostationary state (PSS) analysis suggested the strong unknown daytime HONO source with production rates of 0.45±0.25 ppb/h in winter and 0.64±0.49 ppb/h in spring. Correlation analysis supported the important role of photo-enhanced heterogeneous conversion of NO2 to HONO on the aerosol surface at this high-elevation site. HONO photolysis is the predominant primary source of OH radical and plays a major role in the radical chemistry at Mt. Tai. The model only considering homogenous HONO source would largely underestimate the HOx radical levels and atmospheric oxidation capacity in the high-altitude atmosphere. This study sheds light on the characteristics, sources, chemistry, and impacts of HONO in the upper boundary layer and lower free troposphere in the NCP region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostate cancer (PCa) is lethal type of genitourinary cancer due to its high morbidity and gradual resistance to androgen deprivation therapy. Accumulating evidence has recently suggested that the daily intake of flavonoids is negatively correlated with the risk of cancer. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential effects of baicalein on androgen-independent PCa cells and the underlying mechanisms through which baicalein exerts its actions. Cell viability and flow cytometric apoptosis assays indicated that baicalein potently suppressed the growth and induced the apoptosis of DU145 and PC-3 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Consistently, the inhibitory effects of baicalein on migration and invasion were also observed in vitro. Mechanistically, we found that baicalein can suppress caveolin-1 and the phosphorylation of AKT and mTOR in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the inhibition of the activation of AKT with LY294002 significantly promoted the apoptosis and metastasis induced by baicalein. In conclusion, these findings suggested that baicalein can induce apoptosis and inhibit metastasis of androgen-independent PCa cells through inhibition of the caveolin-1/AKT/mTOR pathway, which implies that baicalein may be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of androgen-independent prostate cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]