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Engineering microwave absorption materials with absorption in multiple bands and strong absorption performance in the C-band remains challenging to date. Herein, coaxial stacking VS2 nanosheets (CSVNs) were customized via a facile one-step hydrothermal route for the first time and their microwave absorption (MA) properties were systematically investigated. The complex permittivity and conductivity of CSVNs could be tuned by regulating the hydrothermal reduction temperature. When the reaction temperature was 190 °C, the VS2 nanosheets exhibited unique dual-band absorption characteristics in the C-band and Ku-band. A minimum reflection loss value of −57 dB and an average absorption intensity exceeding 15 dB in both the C (4–8 GHz) and Ku (12–18 GHz) bands were obtained. For the optimized CSVNs, the qualified bandwidth with reflection loss less than −10 dB reached up to 7 GHz, which almost covered the whole measured range of the C- and Ku-bands. Notably, this desirable microwave absorption performance, which probably results from the good conductivity of the 1T-phase CSVNs in the 2H phase, the well-matched impedance and the multiple reflections induced by their distinctive stacking structure, demonstrates that CSVNs are potential outstanding absorbers. More importantly, this study provides an effective strategy to tune the microwave performance of CSVNs by tailoring their structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earth-abundant quaternary chalcogenides are promising light-harvesting materials in the application of thin-film solar cells. In this work, the ternary cuprous vanadate Cu3VO4 and quaternary compounds Cu2LiVO4 are investigated by using first-principles calculations. The Cu3VO4 is predicted to show the indirect bandgap, which originates from full occupied Cu 3d10 and V 3d0 orbitals with contribution from O 2p states. The quaternary compounds Cu2LiVO4 are predicted to have larger bandgaps than that of Cu3VO4. In addition to the stannite Cu2LiVO4, other Cu2LiVO4 are all indirect bandgap type similar to the Cu3VO4. The calculated optical properties show the absorption capacity in the visible range, indicating that these vanadate compounds could be potential materials in optoelectronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles are distributed uniformly in the vertically aligned carbon nanotube arrays (VACNTs) with millimeter thickness by an effective supercritical carbon dioxide-assisted method. The as-prepared VACNT/NiO hybrid structures are used as electrodes without binders and conducting additives for supercapacitor applications. Due to the synergetic effects of NiO and VACNTs with nanoporous structures and parallel 1D conductive paths for electrons, the supercapacitors exhibit a high capacitance of 1088.44 F g−1. Furthermore, an asymmetric supercapacitor is assembled using the as-synthesized VACNTs/NiO hybrids as the positive electrode and the VACNTs as the negative electrode. Remarkably, the energy density of the asymmetric supercapacitor is as high as 90.9 Wh kg−1 at 3.2 kW kg−1 and the maximum power density reaches 25.6 kW kg−1 at 24.9 Wh kg−1, which are superior to those of the NiO or VACNTs-based asymmetric supercapacitors. More importantly, the asymmetric supercapacitors exhibit capacitance retention of 87.1% after 2000 cycles at 5 A g−1. The work provides a novel approach in decorating highly dense and long VACNTs with active materials, which are promising electrodes for supercapacitors with ultrahigh power density and energy density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrolyte additive engineering is a feasible protocol in improving Zn anode stability. Typical additive designs center on the regulation of Zn deposition; nevertheless, versatile additives are urgently requested to comprehensively manage the surface landscape, interface physicochemistry, and by‐product elimination. Here, a straightforward strategy is presented to meet such needs employing an environmentally‐friendly chelator, hydroxyethyl‐ethylenediaminetriacetate acid (HEDTA), as an additive for ZnSO4 electrolyte. Throughout theoretical computations and experimental investigations, it is demonstrated that protons released from the gradual ionization of HEDTA during rest periods aid in the mild engraving of the Zn surface. Both the amino and carboxyl groups of HEDTA⁻ can be protonated, which effectively buffers the interfacial pH value in the entire battery lifespan and eliminates the formation of by‐products. The HEDTA− anions can also adsorb onto the Zn surface, helping facilitate Zn2⁺ mass transfer and accelerate the desolvation process. Benefiting from the synchronous modulation of surface topography and interfacial physicochemistry, the assembled half cells affording HEDTA additive maintain a durable operation of up to 8821 cycles at 5.0 mA cm−2/1.0 mAh cm−2. Additionally, symmetric cells manifest stable cycling for over 4600 h at 0.5 mA cm−2/0.25 mAh cm−2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addressing challenges such as side reaction and dendrite formation, electrolyte modification with bio‐molecule sugar species has emerged as a promising avenue for Zn anode stabilization. Nevertheless, considering the structural variability of sugar, a comprehensive screening strategy is meaningful yet remains elusive. Herein, we report the usage of sugar additives as a representative of bio‐molecules to develop a screening descriptor based on the modulation of the hydrogen bond component and electron transfer kinetics. It is found that xylo‐oligosaccharide (Xos) with the highest H‐bond acceptor ratio enables efficient water binding, affording stable Zn/electrolyte interphase to alleviate hydrogen evolution. Meanwhile, sluggish reduction originated from the steric hindrance of Xos contributes to optimized Zn deposition. With such a selected additive in hand, the Zn||ZnVO full cells demonstrate durable operation. This study is anticipated to provide a rational guidance in sugar additive selection for aqueous Zn batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the design and development of efficient microwave absorbents by facile engineering approaches have attracted much attention. Particularly, some unique structures caused by cross‐scale design are promising in enhancing the absorbing capability toward microwave irradiation. Herein, the cross‐scale design strategy is implemented to enhance the electromagnetic wave absorption performance of polymetallic sulfides (PMS). In PMS, the dipole polarization unit is optimized, and the distribution of electronic states is improved by doping Ti atoms; Meanwhile, the MS/M3S4 homogeneous hetero‐phases interfaces is constructed in PMS using a phase separation strategy; and the conductivity of PMS is modulated by the addition of acetylene black (ACET). The cross‐scale synergy of microwave absorption leads to a significant enhancement of the microwave absorption (MA) performance of PMS/ACET composites. The optimal reflection loss value of Ti‐LES with 10% ACET addition reaches −55.49 dB and the effective absorption bandwidth reaches 6.73 GHz. The 17.5% ACET‐conditioned Ti‐HES achieves a reflection loss of −37.2 dB at a low frequency of 4.8 GHz. This study not only provides a novel strategy for the development of new broadband MA materials but also validates a new idea for the multi‐scale synergistic optimization of MA materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Zn metal anode in aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) faces daunting challenges including undesired water-induced parasitic reactions and sluggish ion migration kinetics. Herein, we develop three-dimensional covalent organic framework (COF) membranes with bioinspired ion channels toward stabilized Zn anodes. These COFs, featured by zincophilic pyridine-N sites, enable effective regulation of water molecules at the anode-electrolyte interphase. Systematic experimental analysis and theoretical simulations reveal the optimized COF-320N membrane functions as ion pumps, accordingly facilitating Zn 2+ transport and inhibiting direct contact between Zn anode and free water molecules. Consequently, the bio-inspired strategy achieves improved Zn 2+ transference number (0.61), rapid de-solvation kinetics, and suppressed hydrogen evolution. The assembled Zn||MnO 2 pouch cell integrated with COF-320N membrane exhibits favorable electrochemical performances. Such a bioinspired concept for optimizing Zn anodes opens new pathways in developing advanced energy storage devices., (© 2025 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic multifactorial disease characterized by cartilage degeneration, pain, and reduced mobility. Current therapies primarily aim to relieve pain and restore function, but they often have limited effectiveness and side effects. Coixol, a bioactive compound from Coix lacryma-jobi L., exhibits anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, suggesting potential benefits in OA treatment. This study explored the effects of coixol on OA chondrocytes. Primary chondrocytes from OA rats were isolated and treated with varying concentrations of coixol. Cell viability and proliferation were assessed by using CCK-8 assays. The expression of genes related to ferroptosis and autophagy was analyzed through RT-qPCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. Moreover, the study investigated the characteristics and performance of coixol-loaded PDLLA-PEG-PDLLA (PLEL)/gelatin sponge (GS) hydrogels (Coixol@PLEL/GS) for enhancing osteochondral defect repair by specifically targeting chondrocyte ferroptosis and autophagy. The characteristics of coixol-loaded PDLLA-PEG-PDLLA/gelatin sponge (Coixol@PLEL/GS) hydrogels were evaluated using cryo-scanning electron microscopy (SEM) or SEM, and coixol release kinetics were determined. In vivo, a rat osteochondral defect model was used to assess the efficacy of Coixol@PLEL/GS in osteochondral defect repair using International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) scores, Safranin O/Fast green staining, Toluidine blue staining, and immunofluorescence. Coixol significantly increased the viability and proliferation of OA chondrocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, coixol inhibited ferroptosis and stimulated autophagy, as evidenced by the upregulation of related genes. In vivo, Coixol@PLEL/GS remarkably enhanced the repair of osteochondral defects compared to that of control groups. In conclusion, coixol protects OA chondrocytes by improving survival, inhibiting ferroptosis, and activating autophagy, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic strategy for OA treatment.

Ni-Mn-Sn-based ferromagnetic shape memory alloys (FSMAs) are multifunctional materials that are promising for solid-state refrigeration applications based on the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) and elastocaloric effect (eCE). However, a combination of excellent multi-caloric properties, suitable operating temperatures, and mechanical properties cannot be well achieved in these materials, posing a challenge for their practical application. In this work, we systematically study the phase transformations and magnetic properties of Ni 50-x Mn 38 Sn 12 Cu x (x = 0, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6) and Ni 50-y Mn 38 Sn 12 Fe y (y = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) alloys, and the magnetic-structural phase diagrams of these alloy systems are reported. The influences of the fourth-element doping on the phase transitions and magnetic properties of the alloys are elucidated by first-principles calculations. This work demonstrates that the fourth-element doping of Ni-Mn-Sn-based FSMA is effective in developing multicaloric refrigerants for practical solid-state refrigeration., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Background: Previous studies have confirmed that malignant transformation of dysplastic nodule (DN) into hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is accompanied by reduction of iron content in nodules. This pathological abnormality can serve as the basis for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This study was designed to identify the feasibility of iterative decomposition of water and fat with echo asymmetry and least squares estimation-iron quantitative (IDEAL-IQ) measurement to distinguish early hepatocellular carcinoma (eHCC) from DN., Methods: We reviewed MRI studies of 35 eHCC and 23 DN lesions (46 participants with 58 lesions total, 37 males, 9 females, 31-80 years old). The exams include IDEAL-IQ sequence and 3.0T MR conventional scan [including T1-weighted imaging (T1WI), T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and Gadopentic acid (Gd-GDPA)-enhanced]. Then, 3 readers independently diagnosed eHCC, DN, or were unable to distinguish eHCC from DN using conventional MRI (CMRI), and then assessed R2* value of nodules [R2* value represents the nodule iron content (NIC)] and R2* value of liver background [R2* value represents the liver background iron content (LBIC)] with IDEAL-IQ. Statistical analysis was conducted using the t -test for comparison of means, the Mann-Whitney test for comparison of medians, the chi-square test for comparison of frequencies, and diagnostic efficacy was evaluated by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve., Results: This study evaluated 35 eHCC participants (17 males, 6 females, 34-81 years old, nodule size: 10.5-27.6 mm, median 18.0 mm) and 23 DN participants (20 males, 3 females, 31-76 years old, nodule size: 16.30±4.095 mm). The NIC and ratio of NIC to LIBC (NIC/LBIC) of the eHCC group (35.926±12.806 sec -1 , 0.327±0.107) was lower than that of the DN group (176.635±87.686 sec -1 , 1.799±0.629) (P<0.001). Using NIC and NIC/LBIC to distinguish eHCC from DN, the true positive/false positive rates were 91.3%/94.3% and 87.0%/97.1%, respectively. The rates of CMRI, NIC and NIC/LBIC in diagnosis of eHCC were 77.1%, and 94.3%, 97.1%, respectively, and those of DN were 65.2%, 91.3%, and 87.0%, respectively. The diagnosis rate of eHCC and DN by CMRI was lower than that of NIC and NIC/LBIC (eHCC: P=0.03, 0.04, DN: P=0.02, 0.04)., Conclusions: Using IDEAL-IQ measurement can distinguish DN from eHCC., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at https://qims.amegroups.com/article/view/10.21037/qims-23-1593/coif). All authors report that this study received funding from Shenzhen High-level Hospital Construction Fund (No. G2022108). The authors have no other conflicts of interest to declare., (2024 Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Rapid advances in the engineering application prospects of metal-organic framework (MOF) materials necessitate an urgent in-depth understanding of their mechanical properties. This work demonstrates unprecedented recoverable elastic deformation of Ni-tetraphenylporphyrins (Ni-TCPP) MOF nanobelts with a tensile strain as high as 14%, and a projected yield strength-to-Young's modulus ratio exceeding the theoretical limit (≈10%) for crystalline materials. Based on first-principles simulations, the observed behavior of MOF crystal can be attributed to the mechanical deformation induced conformation transition and the formation of helical configuration of dislocations under high stresses, arising from their organic ligand building blocks in the crystal structures. The investigations of the mechanical properties along with electromechanical properties demonstrate that MOF materials have exciting application potential for biomechanics integrated systems, flexible electronics, and nanoelectromechanical devices., (© 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

The sorption removal of radionuclides Sr 2+ using a freestanding functional membrane is an interesting and significant research area in the remediation of radioactive wastes. Herein, a novel self-assembled membrane consisting of metal-organic framework (MOF) nanobelts and graphene oxides (GOs) are synthesized through a simple and facile filtration method. The membrane possesses a unique interwove morphology as evidenced from SEM images. Batch experiments suggest that the GO/Ni-MOF composite membrane could remove Sr 2+ ions from aqueous solutions and the Sr 2+ adsorption capacity and efficiency of the GO/Ni-MOF composite membrane is relevant to the MOF content in the composite. Thus, the dominant interaction mechanism was interface or surface complexation, electrostatic interaction as well as ion substitution. The maximum effective sorption of Sr 2+ over GO/Ni-MOF membrane is 32.99% with 2 mg composite membrane containing a high content of Ni-MOF at 299 K in 100 mg/L Sr 2+ aqueous solution. The FT-IR and XPS results suggest that the synergistic effect between GO and Ni-MOF is determinant in the sorption Sr 2+ process. The GO/Ni-MOF composite membrane is demonstrated to have the advantages of efficient removal of Sr 2+ , low cost and simple synthesis route, which is promising in the elimination of radionuclide contamination., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2020 The Author(s).)

Effective separation and rapid transfer of photogenerated electron-hole pairs are key features of photocatalytic materials with high catalytic activity, which could be achieved in co-catalysts. It is reported that the two-dimensional (2D) MoS 2 is a promising co-catalyst due to its unique semi-conductive properties and graphene-like layered structure. However, the application of MoS 2 as a co-catalyst is limited by its poor electrical conductivity. On the other hand, it is worth noting that TiO 2 possesses reactive crystal facets, which is one of the dominant mechanisms for the separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. In this work, we prepared MoS 2 /RGO hybrids as co-catalysts which were doped to TiO 2 with highly reactive {001} planes via the hydrothermal method. It was found that the {001}-TiO 2 /MoS 2 /RGO photocatalysts with 7 wt% MoS 2 /RGO co-catalyst show the highest photodegradation activity for the degradation of Rh B under visible light irradiation ( λ > 400 nm), which could result from the synergy of the effective separation of electron-hole pairs by the {001} facets in TiO 2 and the rapid transfer of electron-hole pairs in MoS 2 /RGO. The results show that the {001}-TiO 2 /MoS 2 /RGO hybrid is a low-cost and stable photocatalyst for the effective degradation of Rh B under visible light., Competing Interests: There is no conflict in the statement., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

The potential toxicity and irreversibility of radionuclide Cs place severe pressure on the natural environment, which has become one of the most forefront pollution problems in nuclear energy utilization. To solve this problem, novel self-assembled membranes consisting of two-dimensional (2D) metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and graphene oxide (GO) were prepared by a facile filtration method, which can efficiently absorb Cs + from aqueous solutions. The batch experimental results showed that the sorption of Cs + on the GO/Co-MOF composite membrane was strongly dependent on the addition mass and the membrane compositions. Thus, the dominant interaction mechanism was interface or surface complexation and electrostatic interaction. The maximum sorption efficiency of Cs + on GO/Co-MOF was 88.4% with 8 mg addition mass at pH = 7.0 and 299 K. Detailed FT-IR and XPS analyses suggested that the efficient synergistic effects in the unique architectures of GO/Co-MOF play an important role in the high sorption capacity of Cs + . The facile preparation method and the highly-efficient Cs + removal behaviour of GO/Co-MOF make the novel membrane a promising candidate for the elimination of radionuclide contamination., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts to declare., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

Objective: To investigate the chest X-ray manifestations of SARS cases., Methods: A retrospective study was conducted among 52 clinically confirmed SARS patients from February 9 to May 10, 2003. Chest X-ray scanning was performed at a interval of 1 - 3 days according to the requirements. The manifestations and special features of SARS in X-ray were analyzed., Results: Small or large patchy shadows with intensive density in both lungs were observed in 31 cases, ground-glass like opacification in 16, small patchy shadows in one lung lobe or one lung segment in 18, nodular shadows in one lung segment in 1, and increased lung marking in lung interstitial tissues in 2. Rapidly changing consolidations revealed in chest X-ray images were found to be associated with SARS infections, and they were not affected by treatment with antibiotics., Conclusion: Chest X-ray provides a sensitive and specific method for the diagnosis and treatment of SARS, and those present with symptoms and signs should undergo chest X-ray scanning every 1 - 3 days.