Search

Single-ion conductors have garnered attention in energy storage systems as a promising alternative to currently widespread electrolytes that allow migration of cations and anions. However, ion transport phenomena of most single-ion conductors are affected by strong ion (e.g., Li + )-ion (immobilized anionic domains) interactions and tortuous paths, which pose an obstacle to achieving performance breakthroughs. Here, we present a Li + -centered G-quadruplex (LiGQ) as a class of single-ion conductor based on directional Li + slippage at the microscopic level. A guanine derivative with liquid crystalline moieties is self-assembled to form a hexagonal ordered columnar structure in the LiGQ, thereby yielding one-dimensional central channels that provide weak ion-dipole interaction and straightforward ionic pathways. The LiGQ exhibits weak Li + binding energy and low activation energy for ion conduction, verifying its viability as a new electrolyte design.

Purpose: To compare the computerized Greulich-Pyle based bone age with elbow bone age., Materials and Methods: A total of 2126 patients (1525 girls; 601 boys) whose elbow bone age was within the evaluable range by the Sauvegrain method, and who simultaneously underwent hand radiography, were enrolled in the study. The 1st-bone age and VUNO score of the hand were evaluated using VUNOMed-BoneAge software. The correlation between the hand and elbow bone age was analyzed according to the child's gender and the probability of 1st-bone age., Results: The correlation between VUNO score and elbow bone age ( r = 0.898) was higher than the correlation between 1st-bone age and elbow bone age ( r = 0.879). Moreover, the VUNO score showed a better correlation with the elbow bone age in patients with a 1st-bone age probability of less than 70%, or in girls. Elbow bone age was more advanced compared to hand bone age, and this difference increased until the middle of puberty and gradually decreased in the latter half., Conclusion: The computerized Greulich-Pyle based hand bone age showed a significant correlation with the elbow bone age at puberty. However, since the elbow bone age tends to advance faster than the hand bone age, caution is required while judging the bone age during puberty., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no potential conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyrights © 2022 The Korean Society of Radiology.)

Lithium metal batteries have higher theoretical energy than their Li-ion counterparts, where graphite is used at the anode. However, one of the main stumbling blocks in developing practical Li metal batteries is the lack of cathodes with high-mass-loading capable of delivering highly reversible redox reactions. To overcome this issue, here we report an electrode structure that incorporates a UV-cured non-aqueous gel electrolyte and a cathode where the LiNi 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 O 2 active material is contained in an electron-conductive matrix produced via simultaneous electrospinning and electrospraying. This peculiar structure prevents the solvent-drying-triggered non-uniform distribution of electrode components and shortens the time for cell aging while improving the overall redox homogeneity. Moreover, the electron-conductive matrix eliminates the use of the metal current collector. When a cathode with a mass loading of 60 mg cm -2 is coupled with a 100 µm thick Li metal electrode using additional non-aqueous fluorinated electrolyte solution in lab-scale pouch cell configuration, a specific energy and energy density of 321 Wh kg -1 and 772 Wh L -1 (based on the total mass of the cell), respectively, can be delivered in the initial cycle at 0.1 C (i.e., 1.2 mA cm -2 ) and 25 °C., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Inspired by the atomic-sized, shape-regulated features of G-quadruplexes comprising guanine motifs with a monovalent metal cation, the G-quadruplex-forming ability, and properties of a guanine-based π-conjugated Y2 molecule containing bithiophene and peripheral dodecyl chain units in the presence of various cation salts (Li + , Na + , K + , and Mg 2+ ) were exploited. A series of structural characterization revealed that Y2 yielded desirable G-quadruplexes with all the tested cations as a consequence of the combination of a hydrogen-bonded cyclic G-quartet, π-stacking, and cation-dipole interactions. The radius and nature of the coordinating cations crucially affected the structural characteristics of G-quadruplexes, leading to variations in the ion migration ability inside the cavity of the G-quadruplex (Li + >Na + >K + >Mg 2+ ), as characterized through theoretical and experimental investigations. These results not only improve the understanding of G-quadruplex self-assemblies based on guanine but also provide an impetus for their diverse potential applications, especially in the field of Li batteries., (© 2021 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Lithium-sulfur batteries are afflicted with capacity fading on account of polysulfide shuttling. A novel cost-effective electrode that can hinder the polysulfide shuttling and realize high active material utilization is highly required. Here, we demonstrate a flexible, electrically conductive, nanostructured, and asymmetric hybrid cathode by integrating a high-aspect-ratio wood nanocellulose and a low-cost commercial carbon nanotube (∼$ 0.2 g -1 ) into an entangled aerogel film. The vacuum filtration combined with lyophilization enables the aerogel film with quite different nanofiber/nanotube packing densities and pore structures at its two sides. The cooperative effects of the entangled building blocks and the asymmetric porous structure of the aerogel film stimulate the simultaneous increase of active sulfur loading, enhancing the electrolyte penetration, alleviating dissolution and shuttling of polysulfide ions, and promoting the fast electron transportation. The as-generated cathode exhibited a capacity fading of 0.01% per cycle over 1000 discharge/charge cycles at a 0.5 C rate (1 C = 1675 mA g -1 ). The average Coulombic efficiency reached ∼99.7%.

Recent findings demonstrate that cellulose, a highly abundant, versatile, sustainable, and inexpensive material, can be used in the preparation of very stable and flexible electrochemical energy storage devices with high energy and power densities by using electrodes with high mass loadings, composed of conducting composites with high surface areas and thin layers of electroactive material, as well as cellulose-based current collectors and functional separators. Close attention should, however, be paid to the properties of the cellulose (e.g., porosity, pore distribution, pore-size distribution, and crystallinity). The manufacturing of cellulose-based electrodes and all-cellulose devices is also well-suited for large-scale production since it can be made using straightforward filtration-based techniques or paper-making approaches, as well as utilizing various printing techniques. Herein, the recent development and possibilities associated with the use of cellulose are discussed, regarding the manufacturing of electrochemical energy storage devices comprising electrodes with high energy and power densities and lightweight current collectors and functional separators., (© 2020 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Rechargeable calcium batteries have attracted increasing attention as promising multivalent ion battery systems due to the high abundance of calcium. However, the development has been hampered by the lack of suitable cathodes to accommodate the large and divalent Ca 2+ ions at a high redox potential with sufficiently fast ionic conduction. Herein, we report a new intercalation host which presents 500 cycles with a capacity retention of 90% and a remarkable power capability at ~3.2 V (vs. Ca/Ca 2+ ) in a calcium battery. The cathode material derived from Na 0.5 VPO 4.8 F 0.7 is demonstrated to reversibly accommodate a large amount of Ca 2+ ions, forming a series of Ca x Na 0.5 VPO 4.8 F 0.7 (0 < x < 0.5) phases without any noticeable structural degradation. The robust framework enables one of the smallest volume changes (1.4%) and the lowest diffusion barriers for Ca 2+ among the cathodes reported to date, offering the basis for the outstanding cycle life and power capability.

Despite their potential as a next-generation alternative to current state-of-the-art lithium (Li)-ion batteries, rechargeable aqueous zinc (Zn)-ion batteries still lag in practical use due to their low energy density, sluggish redox kinetics, and limited cyclability. In sharp contrast to previous studies that have mostly focused on materials development, herein, a new electrode architecture strategy based on a 3D bicontinuous heterofibrous network scaffold (HNS) is presented. The HNS is an intermingled nanofibrous mixture composed of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs, for electron-conduction channels) and hydrophilic cellulose nanofibers (CNFs, for electrolyte accessibility). As proof-of-concept for the HNS electrode, manganese dioxide (MnO 2 ) particles, one of the representative Zn-ion cathode active materials, are chosen. The HNS allows uniform dispersion of MnO 2 particles and constructs bicontinuous electron/ion conduction pathways over the entire HNS electrode (containing no metallic foil current collectors), thereby facilitating the redox kinetics (in particular, the intercalation/deintercalation of Zn 2+ ions) of MnO 2 particles. Driven by these advantageous effects, the HNS electrode enables substantial improvements in the rate capability, cyclability (without structural disruption and aggregation of MnO 2 ), and electrode sheet-based energy (91 Wh kg electrode -1 )/power (1848 W kg electrode -1 ) densities, which lie far beyond those achievable with conventional Zn-ion battery technologies., (© 2020 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

In contrast to enormous progresses in electrode active materials, little attention has been paid to electrode sheets despite their crucial influence on practical battery performances. Here, as a facile strategy to address this issue, we demonstrate nanofibrous conductive electrode binders based on deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-wrapped single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) (denoted as DNA@SWCNT). DNA@SWCNT binder allows the removal of conventional polymeric binders and carbon powder additives in electrodes. As a proof of concept, high-capacity overlithiated layered oxide (OLO) is chosen as a model electrode active material. Driven by nanofibrous structure and DNA-mediated chemical functionalities, the DNA@SWCNT binder enables improvements in the redox reaction kinetics, adhesion with metallic foil current collectors, and chelation of heavy metal ions dissolved from OLO. The resulting OLO cathode exhibits a fast charging capability (relative capacity ratio after 15 min [versus 10 h] of charging = 83%), long cyclability (capacity retention = 98% after 700 cycles), and thermal stability., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2020 The Author(s).)

Despite their potential as promising alternatives to current state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries, aqueous rechargeable Zn-ion batteries are still far away from practical applications. Here, we present a new class of single-ion conducting electrolytes based on a zinc sulfonated covalent organic framework (TpPa-SO 3 Zn 0.5 ) to address this challenging issue. TpPa-SO 3 Zn 0.5 is synthesised to exhibit single Zn 2+ conduction behaviour via its delocalised sulfonates that are covalently tethered to directional pores and achieve structural robustness by its β-ketoenamine linkages. Driven by these structural and physicochemical features, TpPa-SO 3 Zn 0.5 improves the redox reliability of the Zn metal anode and acts as an ionomeric buffer layer for stabilising the MnO 2 cathode. Such improvements in the TpPa-SO 3 Zn 0.5 -electrode interfaces, along with the ion transport phenomena, enable aqueous Zn-MnO 2 batteries to exhibit long-term cyclability, demonstrating the viability of COF-mediated electrolytes for Zn-ion batteries., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts to declare., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

Here we demonstrate an unconventional fabrication of highly transparent supercapacitors and electrodes using random networks of nanostructured metallic glass nanotroughs for their integrations as wirelessly rechargeable and invisible, skin heat patches. Transparent supercapacitors with fine conductive patterns were printed using an electrohydrodynamic jet-printing. Also, transparent and stretchable electrodes, for wireless antennas, heaters and interconnects, were formed using random network based on nanostructured CuZr nanotroughs and Ag nanowires with superb optoelectronic properties (sheet resistance of 3.0 Ω/sq at transmittance of 91.1%). Their full integrations, as an invisible heat patch on skin, enabled the wireless recharge of supercapacitors and the functions of heaters for thermal therapy of skin tissue. The demonstration of this transparent thermotherapy patch to control the blood perfusion level and hydration rate of skin suggests a promising strategy toward next-generation wearable electronics.

Microsupercapacitors (MSCs) have garnered considerable attention as a promising power source for microelectronics and miniaturized portable/wearable devices. However, their practical application has been hindered by the manufacturing complexity and dimensional limits. Here, we develop a new class of ultrahigh areal number density solid-state MSCs (UHD SS-MSCs) on a chip via electrohydrodynamic (EHD) jet printing. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first study to exploit EHD jet printing in the MSCs. The activated carbon-based electrode inks are EHD jet-printed, creating interdigitated electrodes with fine feature sizes. Subsequently, a drying-free, ultraviolet-cured solid-state gel electrolyte is introduced to ensure electrochemical isolation between the SS-MSCs, enabling dense SS-MSC integration with on-demand (in-series/in-parallel) cell connection on a chip. The resulting on-chip UHD SS-MSCs exhibit exceptional areal number density [36 unit cells integrated on a chip (area = 8.0 mm × 8.2 mm), 54.9 cells cm -2 ] and areal operating voltage (65.9 V cm -2 )., (Copyright © 2020 The Authors, some rights reserved; exclusive licensee American Association for the Advancement of Science. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. Distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial License 4.0 (CC BY-NC).)

Coupling thin Li metal anodes with high-capacity/high-voltage cathodes such as LiNi 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 O 2 (NCM811) is a promising way to increase lithium battery energy density. Yet, the realization of high-performance full cells remains a formidable challenge. Here, we demonstrate a new class of highly coordinated, nonflammable carbonate electrolytes based on lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) in propylene carbonate/fluoroethylene carbonate mixtures. Utilizing an optimal salt concentration (4 M LiFSI) of the electrolyte results in a unique coordination structure of Li + -FSI - -solvent cluster, which is critical for enabling the formation of stable interfaces on both the thin Li metal anode and high-voltage NCM811 cathode. Under highly demanding cell configuration and operating conditions (Li metal anode = 35 μm, areal capacity/charge voltage of NCM811 cathode = 4.8 mAh cm -2 /4.6 V, and anode excess capacity [relative to the cathode] = 0.83), the Li metal-based full cell provides exceptional electrochemical performance (energy densities = 679 Wh kg cell -1 /1,024 Wh L cell -1 ) coupled with nonflammability., Competing Interests: Declaration of Interests The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2020 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Recent advances in smart contact lenses are essential to the realization of medical applications and vision imaging for augmented reality through wireless communication systems. However, previous research on smart contact lenses has been driven by a wired system or wireless power transfer with temporal and spatial restrictions, which can limit their continuous use and require energy storage devices. Also, the rigidity, heat, and large sizes of conventional batteries are not suitable for the soft, smart contact lens. Here, we describe a human pilot trial of a soft, smart contact lens with a wirelessly rechargeable, solid-state supercapacitor for continuous operation. After printing the supercapacitor, all device components (antenna, rectifier, and light-emitting diode) are fully integrated with stretchable structures for this soft lens without obstructing vision. The good reliability against thermal and electromagnetic radiations and the results of the in vivo tests provide the substantial promise of future smart contact lenses., (Copyright © 2019 The Authors, some rights reserved; exclusive licensee American Association for the Advancement of Science. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. Distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial License 4.0 (CC BY-NC).)

Lithium (Li) metal has garnered considerable attention in next-generation battery anodes. However, its environmental vulnerability, along with the electrochemical instability and safety failures, poses a formidable challenge to commercial use. Here, we describe a new class of antioxidative Li reservoir based on interstitial channels of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) bundles. The Li preferentially confined in the interstitial channels exhibits unusual thermodynamic stability and exceptional capacity even after exposure to harsh environmental conditions, thereby enabling us to propose a new lithiation/delithiation mechanism in carbon nanotubes. To explore practical application of this approach, the Li confined in the SWCNT bundles is electrochemically extracted and subsequently plated on a copper foil. The resulting Li-plated copper foil shows reliable charge/discharge behavior comparable to those of pristine Li foils. Benefiting from the confinement effect of the interstitial channels, the SWCNT bundles hold great promise as an environmentally tolerant, high-capacity Li reservoir.

Reactive oxygen species or superoxide (O 2 - ), which damages or ages biological cells, is generated during metabolic pathways using oxygen as an electron acceptor in biological systems. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) protects cells from superoxide-triggered apoptosis by converting superoxide to oxygen and peroxide. Lithium-oxygen battery (LOB) cells have the same aging problems caused by superoxide-triggered side reactions. We transplanted the function of SOD of biological systems into LOB cells. Malonic acid-decorated fullerene (MA-C 60 ) was used as a superoxide disproportionation chemocatalyst mimicking the function of SOD. As expected, MA-C 60 as the superoxide scavenger improved capacity retention along charge/discharge cycles successfully. A LOB cell that failed to provide a meaningful capacity just after several cycles at high current (0.5 mA cm -2 ) with 0.5 mAh cm -2 cutoff survived up to 50 cycles after MA-C 60 was introduced to the electrolyte. Moreover, the SOD-mimetic catalyst increased capacity, e . g ., more than a 6-fold increase at 0.2 mA cm -2 . The experimentally observed toroidal morphology of the final discharge product of oxygen reduction (Li 2 O 2 ) and density functional theory calculation confirmed that the solution mechanism of Li 2 O 2 formation, more beneficial than the surface mechanism from the capacity-gain standpoint, was preferred in the presence of MA-C 60 .

Background: Blindness caused by soft-tissue filler injection is the most tragic complication, with no standard treatments until recently. Retrobulbar hyaluronidase injection has been proposed as the treatment, but its effectiveness in visual compromise remains to be determined. The authors aimed to determine the effectiveness of retrobulbar hyaluronidase using soft-tissue filler in an iatrogenic blindness animal model., Methods: New Zealand White rabbits were used to simulate the hyaluronic acid-associated vascular occlusion model. A volume of 0.7 to 1.6 ml of hyaluronic acid filler was injected into the internal carotid artery to create a retinal artery occlusion. The rabbits were administered retrobulbar hyaluronidase (3000 IU) at different postobstruction time points (5 and 10 minutes). No intervention was given to the control group. Fundus photography was performed before and immediately after the filler injection and immediately after the administration of retrobulbar hyaluronidase. Electroretinography was performed after 60 minutes to confirm the retinal reperfusion and electrophysiologic function., Results: All of the experimental eyes recorded total occlusion after hyaluronic acid injection. Three eyes with a completely occluded retinal artery following retrobulbar hyaluronidase treatment showed improved retinal reperfusion by fundus photography and corresponding electroretinography. Despite administration of the retrobulbar hyaluronidase injection, one completely occluded eye showed no improvement in perfusion. All of the control eyes recorded complete occlusion 1 hour after hyaluronic acid filler injection., Conclusions: Retrobulbar hyaluronidase may be an effective evidence-based treatment option for humans. Hyaluronidase concentration and injection time are the important factors for faster recovery, but additional studies are still required.

Porous crystalline materials such as covalent organic frameworks and metal-organic frameworks have garnered considerable attention as promising ion conducting media. However, most of them additionally incorporate lithium salts and/or solvents inside the pores of frameworks, thus failing to realize solid-state single lithium-ion conduction behavior. Herein, we demonstrate a lithium sulfonated covalent organic framework (denoted as TpPa-SO 3 Li) as a new class of solvent-free, single lithium-ion conductors. Benefiting from well-designed directional ion channels, a high number density of lithium-ions, and covalently tethered anion groups, TpPa-SO 3 Li exhibits an ionic conductivity of 2.7 × 10 -5 S cm -1 with a lithium-ion transference number of 0.9 at room temperature and an activation energy of 0.18 eV without additionally incorporating lithium salts and organic solvents. Such unusual ion transport phenomena of TpPa-SO 3 Li allow reversible and stable lithium plating/stripping on lithium metal electrodes, demonstrating its potential use for lithium metal electrodes.

N-Doped carbon materials have been intensively studied to replace Pt catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs). However, the low doping level in these catalysts results in a limited number of ORR active sites, so high catalyst loading is still required. Hence, the electrode thickness becomes extra thick, causing large mass transfer resistance in AEMFCs. In this study, we propose a unique hybrid catalyst concept utilizing charge redistribution at the graphene-transition metal interface to modify the electronic structure of graphene and simultaneously create multiple carbon active sites. The hybrid catalyst consists of n-type nano-graphene shells (NGS) three-dimensionally coated on the surface of transition metal nanoparticles highly dispersed on carbon supports. The n-type NGS catalysts efficiently facilitate oxygen adsorption owing to facile charge transfer from the metal nanoparticles underneath and provide abundant active carbon sites owing to their structural benefits. As a result, despite the same catalyst loading, the NGS catalyst shows high ORR activity and greater durability than a carbon-supported Pt (Pt/C) catalyst.

The increasing demand for advanced rechargeable batteries spurs development of new power sources beyond currently most widespread lithium-ion batteries. Here, we demonstrate a new class of flexible/rechargeable zinc (Zn)-air batteries based on multifunctional heteronanomat architecture as a scalable/versatile strategy to address this issue. In contrast to conventional electrodes that are mostly prepared by slurry-casting techniques, heteronanomat (denoted as "HM") framework-supported electrodes are fabricated through one-pot concurrent electrospraying (for electrode powders/single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs)) and electrospinning (for polyetherimide (PEI) nanofibers) process. Zn powders (in anodes) and rambutan-shaped cobalt oxide (Co 3 O 4 )/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composite powders (in cathodes) are used as electrode active materials for proof of concept. The Zn (or Co 3 O 4 /MWCNT) powders are densely packed and spatially bound by the all-fibrous HM frameworks that consist of PEI nanofibers (for structural stability)/SWCNTs (for electrical conduction) networks, leading to the formation of three-dimensional bicontinuous ion/electron transport channels in the electrodes. The HM electrodes are assembled with cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol/polyvinyl acrylic acid gel polymer electrolytes (acting as zincate ion crossover-suppressing, permselective separator membranes). Benefiting from its unique structure and chemical functionalities, the HM-structured Zn-air cell significantly improves mechanical flexibility and electrochemical rechargeability, which are difficult to achieve with conventional Zn-air battery technologies.

57 Fe nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) of magnetite nanocrystals ranging in size from 7 nm to 7 μm is measured. The line width of the NMR spectra changes drastically around 120 K, showing microscopic evidence of the Verwey transition. In the region above the transition temperature, the line width of the spectrum increases and the spin-spin relaxation time decreases as the nanocrystal size decreases. The line-width broadening indicates the significant deformation of magnetic structure and reduction of charge order compared to bulk crystals, even when the structural distortion is unobservable. The reduction of the spin-spin relaxation time is attributed to the suppressed polaron hopping conductivity in ferromagnetic metals, which is a consequence of the enhanced electron-phonon coupling in the quantum-confinement regime. Our results show that the magnetic distortion occurs in the entire nanocrystal and does not comply with the simple model of the core-shell binary structure with a sharp boundary.

Cellulose, which is one of the most-abundant and -renewable natural resources, has been extensively explored as an alternative substance for electrode materials such as activated carbons. Here, we demonstrate a new class of coffee-mediated green activation of cellulose as a new environmentally benign chemical-activation strategy and its potential use for all-paper flexible supercapacitors. A piece of paper towel is soaked in espresso coffee (acting as a natural activating agent) and then pyrolyzed to yield paper-derived activated carbons (denoted as "EK-ACs"). Potassium ions (K + ), a core ingredient of espresso, play a viable role in facilitating pyrolysis kinetics and also in achieving a well-developed microporous structure in the EK-ACs. As a result, the EK-ACs show significant improvement in specific capacitance (131 F g -1 at a scan rate of 1.0 mV s -1 ) over control ACs (64 F g -1 ) obtained from the carbonization of a pristine paper towel. All-paper flexible supercapacitors are fabricated by assembling EK-ACs/carbon nanotube mixture-embedded paper towels (as electrodes), poly(vinyl alcohol)/KOH mixture-impregnated paper towels (as electrolytes), and polydimethylsiloxane-infiltrated paper towels (as packaging substances). The introduction of the EK-ACs (as an electrode material) and the paper towel (as a deformable and compliant substrate) enables the resulting all-paper supercapacitor to provide reliable and sustainable cell performance as well as exceptional mechanical flexibility. Notably, no appreciable loss in the cell capacitance is observed after repeated bending (over 5000 cycles) or multiple folding. The coffee-mediated green activation of cellulose and the resultant all-paper flexible supercapacitors open new material and system opportunities for eco-friendly high-performance flexible power sources.

Facile/sustainable utilization of sulfur active materials is an ultimate challenge in high-performance lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. Here, as a membrane-driven approach to address this issue, we demonstrate a new class of polysulfide-breathing (capable of reversibly adsorbing and desorbing polysulfides)/dual (electron and ion) conductive, heterolayered battery separator membranes (denoted as "MEC-AA separators") based on 0D (nanoparticles)/1D (nanofibers) composite mats. The MEC-AA separator is fabricated through an in-series, concurrent electrospraying/electrospinning process. The top layer of the MEC-AA separator comprises close-packed mesoporous MCM-41 nanoparticles spatially besieged by multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) wrapped poly(ether imide) (PEI) nanofibers. The MCM-41 in the top layer shows reversible adsorption/desorption of polysulfides, and the MWNT-wrapped PEI nanofibers act as a dual-conductive upper current collector. Preferential deposition of the MWNTs along the PEI nanofibers and dispersion state of the separator components are elucidated theoretically using computational methods. The support layer, which consists of densely packed Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles and polyacrylonitrile nanofibers, serves as a mechanically/thermally stable and polysulfide-capturing porous membrane. The unique structure and multifunctionality of the MEC-AA separator allow for substantial improvements in redox reaction kinetics and cycling performance of Li-S cells far beyond those achievable with conventional polyolefin separators. The heterolayered nanomat-based membrane strategy opens a new route toward electrochemically active/permselective advanced battery separators.

Background: This study was conducted to report loss of reduction and complications after single-tunnel coracoclavicular (CC) ligament reconstruction with autogenous semitendinosus tendon graft for acute acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocations., Methods: This retrospective study included patients with acute, unstable AC dislocations (surgery within 6 weeks after trauma). We excluded patients with chronic injury and distal clavicle fractures with CC ligaments disruption. We measured the CC distance on anteroposterior radiographs of both clavicles, preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at the final follow-up visit. We evaluated clinical outcomes using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Assessment and the University of California, Los Angeles Shoulder Rating Scale scores and perioperative complications., Results: There were 30 patients (27 men and 3 women) with mean age of 41 years (range, 19-70 years). The mean follow-up period was 31 months (range, 12-186 months). Mean CC distance was 15.5 ± 3.7 mm (84% ± 14% of the contralateral shoulder) preoperatively, 8.9 ± 2.6 mm (9% ± 40%) immediately postoperatively (P < .001), and 10.6 ± 3.3 mm (24% ± 39%) at the final assessment (P < .001), showing an increase of the CC distance during the follow-up. Loss of reduction (defined as >25% increase of CC distance) developed in 14 patients (47%), and complications occurred in 6 patients (20%), including 3 distal clavicle fractures through the tunnel. Final clinical scores were significantly lower in patients with complications (27 vs. 33 of the University of California, Los Angeles assessment [P < .001] and 81 vs. 95 of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder assessment [P < .001])., Conclusion: In acute AC joint dislocation, single-tunnel CC ligament reconstruction using autogenous tendon graft resulted in loss of reduction rate of 47% and a complication rate of 20%. The development of complications adversely affected clinical outcomes., (Copyright © 2017 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Scarf osteotomy has been used in hallux valgus surgery due to its large fixation surface for screws and low postoperative complications. However, screws may cause skin irritation from their head, which may require an additional surgical procedure to remove., Methods: This study included 115 patients (106 females and 9 males, 115 feet) who underwent hallux valgus correction with a scarf osteotomy using bioabsorbable screws between September 2010 and September 2012. Preoperative and postoperative 1-month and 1-year radiographic measurements, including intermetatarsal angle (IMA), hallux valgus angle (HVA), distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA), proximal phalangeal articular angle (PPAA), and lateral translational distance (LTD), were obtained. American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux/forefoot scores were used for patient satisfaction., Results: Preoperative mean values of HVA, IMA, and PPA of 32.8 degrees, 14.6 degrees, and 7.52 degrees, respectively, improved to 10.7 degrees, 6.0 degrees, and 4.6 degrees, respectively at 1-year follow up (P < .05). The difference in LTD between the 1-month and 1-year follow-up was not statistically significant. AOFAS hallux/forefoot score improved from 69.1 to 96.1 at the 1-year follow up (P < .001). Complete screw absorption was not seen radiographically. Sixteen feet had complications reported. One patient complained of skin irritation over a small protrusion of the screw, and another patient had a foreign body reaction. There were 3 patients with neurologic injury from a popliteal block and 3 patients with dorsal cutaneous nerve symptoms. Four feet had metatarsal fracture during surgery., Conclusion: We found the scarf osteotomy using bioabsorbable screws to have satisfactory clinical and radiographic results with a low complication rate., Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series., (© The Author(s) 2016.)

Alternative materials obtained from natural resources have recently garnered considerable attention as an innovative solution to bring unprecedented advances in various energy storage systems. Here, we present a new class of heterolayered nanomat-based hierarchical/asymmetric porous membrane with synergistically coupled chemical activity as a nanocellulose-mediated green material strategy to develop smart battery separator membranes far beyond their current state-of-the-art counterparts. This membrane consists of a terpyridine (TPY)-functionalized cellulose nanofibril (CNF) nanoporous thin mat as the top layer and an electrospun polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) macroporous thick mat as the support layer. The hierarchical/asymmetric porous structure of the heterolayered nanomat is rationally designed with consideration of the trade-off between leakage current and ion transport rate. The TPY (to chelate Mn(2+) ions) and PVP (to capture hydrofluoric acid)-mediated chemical functionalities bring a synergistic coupling in suppressing Mn(2+)-induced adverse effects, eventually enabling a substantial improvement in the high-temperature cycling performance of cells.

The hierarchical porous structure has garnered considerable attention as a multiscale engineering strategy to bring unforeseen synergistic effects in a vast variety of functional materials. Here, we demonstrate a "microporous covalent organic framework (COF) net on mesoporous carbon nanotube (CNT) net" hybrid architecture as a new class of molecularly designed, hierarchical porous chemical trap for lithium polysulfides (Li2Sx) in Li-S batteries. As a proof of concept for the hybrid architecture, self-standing COF-net on CNT-net interlayers (called "NN interlayers") are fabricated through CNT-templated in situ COF synthesis and then inserted between sulfur cathodes and separators. Two COFs with different micropore sizes (COF-1 (0.7 nm) and COF-5 (2.7 nm)) are chosen as model systems. The effects of the pore size and (boron-mediated) chemical affinity of microporous COF nets on Li2Sx adsorption phenomena are theoretically investigated through density functional theory calculations. Benefiting from the chemical/structural uniqueness, the NN interlayers effectively capture Li2Sx without impairing their ion/electron conduction. Notably, the COF-1 NN interlayer, driven by the well-designed microporous structure, allows for the selective deposition/dissolution (i.e., facile solid-liquid conversion) of electrically inert Li2S. As a consequence, the COF-1 NN interlayer provides a significant improvement in the electrochemical performance of Li-S cells (capacity retention after 300 cycles (at charge/discharge rate = 2.0 C/2.0 C) = 84% versus 15% for a control cell with no interlayer) that lies far beyond those accessible with conventional Li-S technologies.

Forthcoming flexible/wearable electronic devices with shape diversity and mobile usability garner a great deal of attention as an innovative technology to bring unprecedented changes in our daily lives. From the power source point of view, conventional rechargeable batteries (one representative example is a lithium-ion battery) with fixed shapes and sizes have intrinsic limitations in fulfilling design/performance requirements for the flexible/wearable electronics. Here, as a facile and efficient strategy to address this formidable challenge, we demonstrate a new class of printable solid-state batteries (referred to as "PRISS batteries"). Through simple stencil printing process (followed by ultraviolet (UV) cross-linking), solid-state composite electrolyte (SCE) layer and SCE matrix-embedded electrodes are consecutively printed on arbitrary objects of complex geometries, eventually leading to fully integrated, multilayer-structured PRISS batteries with various form factors far beyond those achievable by conventional battery technologies. Tuning rheological properties of SCE paste and electrode slurry toward thixotropic fluid characteristics, along with well-tailored core elements including UV-cured triacrylate polymer and high boiling point electrolyte, is a key-enabling technology for the realization of PRISS batteries. This process/material uniqueness allows us to remove extra processing steps (related to solvent drying and liquid-electrolyte injection) and also conventional microporous separator membranes, thereupon enabling the seamless integration of shape-conformable PRISS batteries (including letters-shaped ones) into complex-shaped objects. Electrochemical behavior of PRISS batteries is elucidated via an in-depth analysis of cell impedance, which provides a theoretical basis to enable sustainable improvement of cell performance. We envision that PRISS batteries hold great promise as a reliable and scalable platform technology to open a new concept of cell architecture and fabrication route toward flexible power sources with exceptional shape conformability and aesthetic versatility.

The rational design and realization of revolutionary porous structures have been long-standing challenges in membrane science. We demonstrate a new class of amphiphilic polystyrene-block-poly(4-vinylpyridine) block copolymer (BCP)-based porous membranes featuring hierarchical multiscale hyperporous structures. The introduction of surface energy-modifying agents and the control of major phase separation parameters (such as nonsolvent polarity and solvent drying time) enable tunable dual-phase separation of BCPs, eventually leading to macro/nanoscale porous structures and chemical functionalities far beyond those accessible with conventional approaches. Application of this BCP membrane to a lithium-ion battery separator affords exceptional improvement in electrochemical performance. The dual-phase separation-driven macro/nanopore construction strategy, owing to its simplicity and tunability, is expected to be readily applicable to a rich variety of membrane fields including molecular separation, water purification, and energy-related devices.

Conductive agent incorporating Si anodes consisting of directly grown carbon nanotubes on hard carbon encapsulating Si nanoparticles were prepared by a one-pot chemical vapour deposition process. Owing to this fabulous structure, Si-based anodes exhibit excellent cycle retention and rate capability with a high-mass-loading of 3.5 mg cm(-2).

Bulk-type all-solid-state lithium batteries (ASLBs) are considered a promising candidate to outperform the conventional lithium-ion batteries. Unfortunately, the current technology level of ASLBs is in a stage of infancy in terms of cell-based (not electrode-material-based) energy densities and scalable fabrication. Here, we report on the first ever bendable and thin sulfide solid electrolyte films reinforced with a mechanically compliant poly(paraphenylene terephthalamide) nonwoven (NW) scaffold, which enables the fabrication of free-standing and stackable ASLBs with high energy density and high rate capabilities. The ASLB, using a thin (∼70 μm) NW-reinforced SE film, exhibits a 3-fold increase of the cell-energy-density compared to that of a conventional cell without the NW scaffold.

Nonconvulsive status epilepticus has become an important issue in modern neurology and epileptology. This is based on difficulty in definitively elucidating the condition and its various clinical phenomena and on our inadequate insight into the intrinsic pathophysiological processes. Despite nonconvulsive status epilepticus being a situation that requires immediate treatment, this disorder may not be appreciated as the cause of mental status impairment. Although the pathophysiology of nonconvulsive status epilepticus remains unknown, this disorder is thought to lead to neuronal damage, so its identification and treatment are important. Nonconvulsive status epilepticus should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with liver cirrhosis presenting an altered mental status. We report a case of a 52-year-old male with liver cirrhosis presenting an altered mental status. He was initially diagnosed with hepatic encephalopathy but ultimately diagnosed with nonconvulsive status epilepticus by electroencephalogram.

We present a rare case of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) with multiple skeletal muscle metastases. The patient was a 55-year-old Asian woman presenting with abdominal pain; abdominal and pelvic computed tomography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed an unresectable ICC with hepatic metastasis and metastastatic lymphadenopathy in the porto-caval area. After 3 mo of treatment with palliative radiotherapy and chemotherapy, magnetic resonance imaging of the thoracolumbar spine detected right psoas muscle and paraspinous muscle metastases. We performed an ultrasound-guided percutaneous fine-needle biopsy that confirmed a similar pattern of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. The patient treated with palliative chemotherapy and achieved 10 mo of survival. Here we report the first case quickly spread to multiple sites of muscle even though the three-month treatment, compare to the other cases reported muscle metastases at diagnosis.

The development of boceprevir and telaprevir was a major step forward in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. In addition, the treatment of these infections has been recently revolutionized by the approval of sofosbuvir and simeprevir. However, there are several challenges associated with the application of novel drugs, such as new and more frequent adverse events, new drug interactions, and excessively high treatment costs. An additional concern is viral resistance. These considerations highlight the fact that direct-acting antiviral agents are not a panacea and may not be the best option for all patients who are in need of therapy. This retrospective study revealed that the sustained virologic response was not significantly reduced following peginterferon and ribavirin retreatment compared with the new therapy. We suggest that patients who experience relapse shortly after completing treatment with peginterferon and ribavirin have a reasonable chance of achieving a sustained virologic response when retreated with these drugs alone.

The rapidly approaching smart/wearable energy era necessitates advanced rechargeable power sources with reliable electrochemical properties and versatile form factors. Here, as a unique and promising energy storage system to address this issue, we demonstrate a new class of heterolayered, one-dimensional (1D) nanobuilding block mat (h-nanomat) battery based on unitized separator/electrode assembly (SEA) architecture. The unitized SEAs consist of wood cellulose nanofibril (CNF) separator membranes and metallic current collector-/polymeric binder-free electrodes comprising solely single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT)-netted electrode active materials (LiFePO4 (cathode) and Li4Ti5O12 (anode) powders are chosen as model systems to explore the proof of concept for h-nanomat batteries). The nanoporous CNF separator plays a critical role in securing the tightly interlocked electrode-separator interface. The SWNTs in the SEAs exhibit multifunctional roles as electron conductive additives, binders, current collectors and also non-Faradaic active materials. This structural/physicochemical uniqueness of the SEAs allows significant improvements in the mass loading of electrode active materials, electron transport pathways, electrolyte accessibility and misalignment-proof of separator/electrode interface. As a result, the h-nanomat batteries, which are easily fabricated by stacking anode SEA and cathode SEA, provide unprecedented advances in the electrochemical performance, shape flexibility and safety tolerance far beyond those achievable with conventional battery technologies. We anticipate that the h-nanomat batteries will open 1D nanobuilding block-driven new architectural design/opportunity for development of next-generation energy storage systems.

Nanocrystalline Si (c-Si) dispersed in amorphous Si (a-Si) encapsulating hard carbon (HC) has been synthesized as an anode material for fast chargeable lithium-ion batteries. The HC derived from natural polysaccharide was coated by a thin a-Si layer through chemical vapour deposition (CVD) using silane (SiH₄) as a precursor gas. The HC@c-Si@a-Si anodes showed an excellent cycle retention of 97.8% even after 200 cycles at a 1 C discharge/charge rate. Furthermore, a high capacity retention of ∼54% of its initial reversible capacity at 0.2 C rate was obtained at a high discharge/charge rate of 5 C. Moreover, the LiCoO₂/HC@c-Si@a-Si full-cell showed excellent rate capability and very stable long-term cycle. Even at a rate of 10 C discharge/charge, the capacity retention of the LiCoO₂/HC@c-Si@a-Si full-cell was 50.8% of its capacity at a rate of 1 C discharge/charge and showed a superior cycle retention of 80% after 160 cycles at a rate of 1 C discharge/charge.

Room-temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) electrolytes have attracted much attention for use in advanced, safe lithium-ion batteries (LIB) owing to their nonvolatility, high conductivity, and great thermal stability. However, LIBs containing RTIL-electrolytes exhibit poor cyclability because electrochemical side reactions cause problematic surface failures of the cathode. Here, we demonstrate that a thin, homogeneous surface film, which is electrochemically generated on LiCoO2 from an RTIL-electrolyte containing an unsaturated substituent on the cation (1-allyl-1-methylpiperidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, AMPip-TFSI), can avert undesired side reactions. The derived surface film comprised of a high amount of organic species from the RTIL cations homogenously covered LiCoO2 with a <25 nm layer and helped suppress unfavorable thermal reactions as well as electrochemical side reactions. The superior performance of the cell containing the AMPip-TFSI electrolyte was further elucidated by surface, electrochemical, and thermal analyses.

The facilitation of ion/electron transport, along with ever-increasing demand for high-energy density, is a key to boosting the development of energy storage systems such as lithium-ion batteries. Among major battery components, separator membranes have not been the center of attention compared to other electrochemically active materials, despite their important roles in allowing ionic flow and preventing electrical contact between electrodes. Here, we present a new class of battery separator based on inverse opal-inspired, seamless nanoscaffold structure ("IO separator"), as an unprecedented membrane opportunity to enable remarkable advances in cell performance far beyond those accessible with conventional battery separators. The IO separator is easily fabricated through one-pot, evaporation-induced self-assembly of colloidal silica nanoparticles in the presence of ultraviolet (UV)-curable triacrylate monomer inside a nonwoven substrate, followed by UV-cross-linking and selective removal of the silica nanoparticle superlattices. The precisely ordered/well-reticulated nanoporous structure of IO separator allows significant improvement in ion transfer toward electrodes. The IO separator-driven facilitation of the ion transport phenomena is expected to play a critical role in the realization of high-performance batteries (in particular, under harsh conditions such as high-mass-loading electrodes, fast charging/discharging, and highly polar liquid electrolyte). Moreover, the IO separator enables the movement of the Ragone plot curves to a more desirable position representing high-energy/high-power density, without tailoring other battery materials and configurations. This study provides a new perspective on battery separators: a paradigm shift from plain porous films to pseudoelectrochemically active nanomembranes that can influence the charge/discharge reaction.

As a promising power source to boost up advent of next-generation ubiquitous era, high-energy density lithium-ion batteries with reliable electrochemical properties are urgently requested. Development of the advanced lithium ion-batteries, however, is staggering with thorny problems of performance deterioration and safety failures. This formidable challenge is highly concerned with electrochemical/thermal instability at electrode material-liquid electrolyte interface, in addition to structural/chemical deficiency of major cell components. Herein, as a new concept of surface engineering to address the abovementioned interfacial issue, multifunctional conformal nanoencapsulating layer based on semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) is presented. This unusual semi-IPN nanoencapsulating layer is composed of thermally-cured polyimide (PI) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) bearing Lewis basic site. Owing to the combined effects of morphological uniqueness and chemical functionality (scavenging hydrofluoric acid that poses as a critical threat to trigger unwanted side reactions), the PI/PVP semi-IPN nanoencapsulated-cathode materials enable significant improvement in electrochemical performance and thermal stability of lithium-ion batteries.

Surface engineering of sponge-like Si particles is necessary to alleviate the large volume expansion of Si during the lithiation-delithiation process and to mitigate the unwanted interfacial reactions upon cycling. The sponge-like Si structuring and introduction of double layers consisting of carbon and polyimide enabled us to make high performance Si anode materials exhibiting a high specific capacity and highly stable cycling.

Leaves are the final site of salinity perception through the roots. To better understand how wheat chloroplasts proteins respond to salt stress, the study aimed to the physiochemical and comparative proteomics analysis. Seedlings (12-days-old) were exposed to 150 mM NaCl for 1, 2, or 3 days. Na(+) ions were rapid and excessively increase in roots, stems and leaves. Photosynthesis and transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and relative water content decreased whereas the level of proline increased. Statistically significant positive correlations were found among the content of hydrogen peroxide, activity of catalase, and superoxide dismutase under salt stress in wheat. Protein abundance within the chloroplasts was examined by two-dimensional electrophoresis. More than 100 protein spots were reproducibly detected on each gel, 21 protein spots were differentially expressed during salt treatment. Using linear quadruple trap-Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (LTQ-FTICR) hybrid mass spectrometry, 65 unique proteins assigned in the differentially abundant spots. Most proteins were up-regulated at 2 and 3 days after being down-regulated at 1 day. Others showed only slight responses after 3 days of treatment, including Rubisco, glutamate dehydrogenase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, photosystem I, and pyridoxal biosynthesis protein PDX1.2 and PDX1.3. The ATP synthase (α, β, and γ) and V-type proton ATPase subunits were down-regulated resulting showed negative impact by Na(+) on the photosynthetic machinery. This ephemeral increase and subsequent decrease in protein contents may demonstrate a counterbalancing influence of identified proteins. Several proteins such as cytochrome b6-f (Cyt b6-f), germin-like-protein, the γ-subunit of ATP synthase, glutamine synthetase, fructose-bisphosphate aldolase, S-adenosylmethionine synthase, carbonic anhydrase were gradually up-regulated during the period of treatment, which can be identified as marker proteins.

With an aim to mimic natural extracellular matrix, we fabricated the nano- and microfibrous matrix with chitosan by electrospinning nanofibers onto predefined microfibrous mesh for effective chondrocytes cultivation. Rolling the double-layered nano-/microfibrous membranes produced three-dimensional (3-D) scaffolds that exhibited the interconnected open pore structure in their scanning electron microscopy images. In vitro chondrocyte culture experiment showed that this nano-/microfibrous 3-D matrix provided a significantly greater microenvironment for chondrocytes to proliferate and produce glycosaminoglycan as compared with only microfibrous 3-D matrix. This difference could be explained by the result on 2-D membrane, where chitosan nanofibrous surface substantially facilitated the cellular attachment and proliferation, and efficiently prevented phenotypic changes of chondrocytes, when compared with chitosan microfibrous membrane and film. In this regard, the nano-/microfibrous 3-D matrix we fabricated in this study would possess a great potential as a system for effective chondrocyte cultivation and also for application to cartilage regeneration therapy.