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Halide solid electrolytes (SEs) are attracting strong attention as one of the compelling candidates for the next‐generation of inorganic SEs due to their high ionic conductivity. Nevertheless, unsatisfactory high‐voltage stability restricts the further applications of halide SEs. Herein, the anion‐engineering of F−/O2− is evolved to construct the high‐voltage stable zirconium‐based halide superionic conductors (Li2.5ZrCl5F0.5O0.5, LZCFO). Benefiting from the thermodynamic/kinetic high‐voltage stability of F‐containing SE and the disordered localized structure introduced by O2−, LZCFO displays a practical electrochemical limit of 4.87 V versus Li/Li+ and an ionic conductivity of 1.17 mS cm−1 at 30 °C. With LZCFO and NCM955, the all‐solid‐state lithium battery exhibits a high discharge capacity of 207.1 mAh g−1 at 0.1C and a capacity retention of 81.2% after 500 cycles at 0.5C. The interfacial characterization further demonstrates the formation of the F‐rich cathode–electrolyte interphase (CEI), which inhibits side reactions between the cathode and the SE and boosts excellent cycling stability. This work affords fresh insights on the engineering of SEs with high‐voltage stability, high ionic conductivity, and stable CEI in all‐solid‐state lithium batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cycling lifespan of high‐energy‐density lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries is dominantly limited by the rapid failure of Li metal anodes. Herein, the evolution of Li metal anode along cycling is systematically investigated in Li–S batteries to clarify the Li plating and stripping behaviors, the generation and accumulation of inactive Li, and the failure mechanism of Li metal anodes. Concretely, plated Li strips preferentially than bulk Li to leave massive stripping Li shells during initial discharge, and the stripping Li shells are refilled by plated Li during the subsequent charge to generate thick Li dendrites. During the following cycles, inactive Li generates and accumulates on top of bulk Li due to solid electrolyte interphase formation and incomplete removal of plated Li. Eventually, the accumulation of inactive Li hinders the diffusion of Li ions through the inactive Li layer to induce cell polarization at the end of the second discharge plateau and rapid decay of discharge capacity. This work elucidates the detailed evolution mechanism of Li metal anode along cycling in working Li–S batteries and highlights the reactivation of inactive Li as an effective strategy to prolong the cycling lifespan of Li–S batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an effective decoupling and quantification tool, reference electrodes (REs) are increasingly utilized in the development of high‐performance and high‐safety lithium (Li) batteries. However, it is still challenging to construct durable REs in practical battery systems given the sophistication of multi‐field interactions. In this contribution, the two‐stage failure mechanism of Li metal REs set inside working batteries is determined, including the active material loss period due to spatial redistribution behavior and then accelerated failure period based on mixed potential theory, which greatly threatens the dynamic service lifespan of REs. Furthermore, the targeted encapsulation strategy is proposed to control the structural vulnerability issue of Li metal REs. Compared to the unmodified RE, the encapsulated RE is validated feasible to kinetically mitigate the redistribution current through it via designed model experiments. Benefited from the improved structural stability, the encapsulated RE achieved twofold lifetime prolongation in 1 Ah pouch full cells during cycling. This work reveals the neglected structural failure mechanism of Li metal REs in operation and provides fresh design implications toward more durable REs in working batteries, with which deeper insights into battery landscape will be acquired. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries promise high‐energy‐density potential to exceed the commercialized lithium‐ion batteries but suffer from limited cycling lifespan due to the side reactions between lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and Li metal anodes. Herein, a three‐way electrolyte with ternary solvents is proposed to enable high‐energy‐density and long‐cycling Li–S pouch cells. Concretely, ternary solvents composed of 1,2‐dimethoxyethane, di‐isopropyl sulfide, and 1,3,5‐trioxane are employed to guarantee smooth cathode kinetics, inhibit the parasitic reactions, and construct a robust solid electrolyte interphase, respectively. The cycling lifespan of Li–S coin cells with 50 µm Li anodes and 4.0 mg cm−2 sulfur cathodes is prolonged from 88 to 222 cycles using the three‐way electrolyte. Nano‐heterogeneous solvation structure of LiPSs and organic‐rich solid electrolyte interphase are identified to improve the cycling stability of Li metal anodes. Consequently, a 3.0 Ah‐level Li–S pouch cell with the three‐way electrolyte realizes a high energy density of 405 Wh kg−1 and undergoes 27 cycles. This work affords a three‐way electrolyte recipe for suppressing the side reactions of LiPSs and inspires rational electrolyte design for practical high‐energy‐density and long‐cycling Li–S batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cycle life of high‐energy‐density lithium−sulfur (Li−S) batteries is severely plagued by the incessant parasitic reactions between Li metal anodes and reactive Li polysulfides (LiPSs). Encapsulating Li‐polysulfide electrolyte (EPSE) emerges as an effective electrolyte design to mitigate the parasitic reactions kinetically. Nevertheless, the rate performance of Li−S batteries with EPSE is synchronously suppressed. Herein, the sacrifice in rate performance by EPSE is circumvented while mitigating parasitic reactions by employing hexyl methyl ether (HME) as a co‐solvent. The specific capacity of Li−S batteries with HME‐based EPSE is nearly not decreased at 0.1 C compared with conventional ether electrolytes. With an ultrathin Li metal anode (50 μm) and a high‐areal‐loading sulfur cathode (4.4 mgS cm−2), a longer cycle life of 113 cycles was achieved in HME‐based EPSE compared with that of 65 cycles in conventional ether electrolytes at 0.1 C. Furthermore, both high energy density of 387 Wh kg−1 and stable cycle life of 27 cycles were achieved in a Li−S pouch cell (2.7 Ah). This work inspires the feasibility of regulating the solvation structure of LiPSs in EPSE for Li−S batteries with balanced performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser tattoo removal is an effective technique, but multiple rounds of treatment are required to eliminate tattoos, which can be a challenge for patients who do not have the time. Additionally, there is relatively limited research on the mechanisms of laser tattoo removal, necessitating further in-depth studies. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of an Er:YAG laser combined with a 755-picosecond laser for tattoo removal and the changes in skin diffuse reflection, pigment particle size, macrophage recruitment, and inflammatory factor levels during combined laser treatment. Our experiments used three sets of lasers—an Er:YAG laser, a 755 nm picosecond laser, and an Er:YAG laser combined with a 755 nm picosecond laser—for tattoo removal. The effects of tattoo removal at different time points were evaluated. Moreover, the mechanisms were explored using HE staining, immunohistochemistry, diffuse reflectance measurements, in vitro gel tests, mass spectrometry, and ELISA experiments. The combined treatment was more effective for tattoo removal in rats. The combined laser treatment effectively reduced diffuse reflection from the skin, thereby increasing the effective laser power, reducing the size of the pigment particles, allowing for easier removal of the pigment, and increasing the recruitment of dermal macrophages and the release of inflammatory factors, thus increasing the rate of tattoo removal in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries promise great potential as high‐energy‐density energy storage devices. However, the parasitic reactions between lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and Li metal anodes render limited cycling lifespan of Li–S batteries. Herein, an organic‐rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is constructed to inhibit the LiPS parasitic reactions and achieve long‐cycling Li–S batteries. Concretely, 1,3,5‐trioxane is introduced as a reactive co‐solvent that decomposes on Li anode surfaces and contributes organic components to the SEI. The as‐constructed organic‐rich SEI effectively inhibits the LiPS parasitic reactions and protects working Li metal anodes. Consequently, the cycling lifespan of Li–S coin cells with 50 µm Li anodes and 4.0 mg cm−2 sulfur cathodes is prolonged from 130 to 300 cycles by the organic‐rich SEI. Furthermore, the organic‐rich SEI enables a 3.0 Ah‐level Li–S pouch cell to achieve a high energy density of 400 Wh kg−1 and stable 26 cycles. This study affords an effective organic‐rich SEI to inhibit the LiPS parasitic reactions and inspires rational SEI design to achieve long‐cycling Li–S batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are widely regarded as promising next‐generation battery systems due to their impressive theoretical energy density of 2600 Wh kg−1. However, practical high‐energy‐density Li–S pouch cells suffer from rapid performance degradation under high working rates. Herein, the performance degradation mechanism of 400 Wh kg−1 Li–S pouch cells is systematically investigated under a high cycling rate of 0.2 C. Focusing on the reduced specific capacity and increased cell polarization, the sluggish cathodic sulfur redox kinetics under lean‐electrolyte and high‐rate conditions is identified as the main limitation. Further polarization decoupling indicates the cathodic activation polarization contributes dominantly to the increased cell polarization. Accordingly, a delicately designed electrolyte using dimethyl diselenide as the kinetic promoter is proposed to enable the Li–S pouch cells to work at 0.2 C with reduced cell polarization. This work clarifies the sluggish cathodic interfacial charge transfer kinetics as the main challenge for high‐energy‐density Li–S batteries at high rates and is expected to inspire rational strategy design for achieving advanced Li–S batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Practical lithium–sulfur (Li−S) batteries are severely plagued by the instability of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formed in routine ether electrolytes. Herein, an electrolyte with 1,3,5‐trioxane (TO) and 1,2‐dimethoxyethane (DME) as co‐solvents is proposed to construct a high‐mechanical‐stability SEI by enriching organic components in Li−S batteries. The high‐mechanical‐stability SEI works compatibly in Li−S batteries. TO with high polymerization capability can preferentially decompose and form organic‐rich SEI, strengthening mechanical stability of SEI, which mitigates crack and regeneration of SEI and reduces the consumption rate of active Li, Li polysulfides, and electrolytes. Meanwhile, DME ensures high specific capacity of S cathodes. Accordingly, the lifespan of Li−S batteries increases from 75 cycles in routine ether electrolyte to 216 cycles in TO‐based electrolyte. Furthermore, a 417 Wh kg−1 Li−S pouch cell undergoes 20 cycles. This work provides an emerging electrolyte design for practical Li−S batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are regarded as promising high‐energy‐density energy storage devices. However, the cycling stability of Li–S batteries is restricted by the parasitic reactions between Li metal anodes and soluble lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). Encapsulating LiPS electrolyte (EPSE) can efficiently suppress the parasitic reactions but inevitably sacrifices the cathode sulfur redox kinetics. To address the above dilemma, a redox comediation strategy for EPSE is proposed to realize high‐energy‐density and long‐cycling Li–S batteries. Concretely, dimethyl diselenide (DMDSe) is employed as an efficient redox comediator to facilitate the sulfur redox kinetics in Li–S batteries with EPSE. DMDSe enhances the liquid–liquid and liquid–solid conversion kinetics of LiPS in EPSE while maintains the ability to alleviate the anode parasitic reactions from LiPSs. Consequently, a Li–S pouch cell with a high energy density of 359 Wh kg−1 at cell level and stable 37 cycles is realized. This work provides an effective redox comediation strategy for EPSE to simultaneously achieve high energy density and long cycling stability in Li–S batteries and inspires rational integration of multi‐strategies for practical working batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The therapeutic efficacy of laser treatments for acquired bilateral nevus of Ota‐like macules (ABNOM) varies among studies, and few studies have evaluated the factors affecting therapeutic effects. Aims: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 1064‐nm Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser (QSNYL) therapy for ABNOM and to identify the factors influencing the outcome. Methods: A total of 110 patients with ABNOM were retrospectively evaluated and received two‐to‐nine treatment sessions. The effects of different factors on the therapeutic effect were analyzed on the basis of the number of treatments, age at first treatment, skin type, lesion color, affected area, number of lesion sites, and presence of concomitant melasma. Results: The curative effect was positively correlated with the treatment time and negatively correlated with the increasing age at first treatment (p < 0.05). The curative effect was better in patients with skin type III than those with type IV (p < 0.05) and in patients with a lesion area of less than 10 cm2 than those with a larger affected area (p < 0.05). Additionally, the treatment effect was poorer in patients with concomitant melasma (p < 0.05). The treatment effect was not significantly correlated with the lesion color or number of affected sites (p > 0.05). Eleven patients (10%) developed postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Conclusions: Early and repeated QSNYL therapy achieved satisfactory results for ABNOM. The risk of PIH after laser treatment is highest among patients with older age, darker lesion color, and darker skin color. For patients with ABNOM with concurrent melasma, low‐energy laser therapy is recommended to reduce the risk of melasma aggravation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid formation and accumulation of inactive lithium (Li) are principally responsible for the limited lifespan of high‐energy‐density Li metal batteries. The construction of composite Li metal anode with hosts emerges as a promising strategy to mitigate and accommodate inactive Li. However, the mechanism of inactive Li accumulation in composite Li metal anodes remains unknown, severely plaguing the stability of composite Li metal anodes. Herein, the two‐stage accumulation mechanism of inactive Li in composite Li metal anodes and its correlation with the stability of composite Li metal anodes are comprehensively unveiled in pouch cells by nondestructive 3D X‐ray microscopy. First, inactive Li accumulates in the interior of the host and results in a slowly increased polarization. Second, inactive Li overflows the inside of the host and induces a dramatically increased polarization chiefly responsible for the fast decay of the composite Li metal anodes. The current density and external pressure are identified as key factors to regulate the turning point between the two stages for practical composite Li metal anodes. This work provides original fundamentals for the recognition of inactive Li accumulation in composite Li metal anodes and the design of practical Li metal batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In bank/trade credit financing, bank/supplier plays monitoring role and pays the fixed and variable monitoring costs. This study investigates the impact of monitoring cost on bank financing and trade credit financing in a push supply chain with a dominant supplier selling to a capital‐constrained retailer who can borrow competitively priced bank loans or trade credit. With a modified selling to the newsvendor Stackelberg game, we obtain the chain's equilibrium financing strategies. We find that bank financing is adopted only when the inefficient supplier sells to the very poor retailer. When the retailer is not very rich, the efficient supplier offers trade credit financing with trade credit rate equal to a risk‐free rate, even in the presence of supplier's monitoring cost, otherwise, the retailer uses either bank financing or self‐financing, depending on the retailer's initial capital and the bank's and the supplier's monitoring cost. There exists a chain efficiency loss region (supplier's monitoring distortion) that the poor retailer uses bank financing at the supplier's benefit, while the overall output can be improved through trade credit financing. The presence of the bank's monitoring cost might benefit the chain. When the factoring market is intensely competitive, we find that factoring can improve the channel efficiency and the supplier's profit. Through this study, we theoretically extend the delegated monitoring theory that the third‐party intermediated financing helps improve the channel performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many cells in vivo have their inherent motions, which involve numerous biochemical and biophysical signals synergistically regulating cell behavior and function. However, existing methods offer little information about the concurrently chemical and physical responses of dynamically pulsing cells. Here, we report a soft electrode with an electrospun poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT)‐based nanomesh to fully comply with spontaneous motions of cells. Moreover, this electrode demonstrated excellent electrical conductivity, electrochemical performance and cellular biocompatibility. Cardiomyocytes cultured thereon exhibited autonomous and rhythmic contractility, and synchronously induced mechanical deformation of the underlying electrode, which allowed real‐time monitoring of nitric oxide release and electrophysiological activity of cardiomyocytes. This work provides a promising way toward recording chemical and electrical signals of biological systems with their natural motions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) battery is identified as one of the most promising next‐generation energy storage systems due to its ultra‐high theoretical energy density up to 2600 Wh kg−1. However, Li metal anode suffers from dramatic volume change during cycling, continuous corrosion by polysulfide electrolyte, and dendrite formation, rendering limited cycling lifespan. Considering Li metal anode as a double‐edged sword that contributes to ultrahigh energy density as well as limited cycling lifespan, it is necessary to evaluate Li‐based alloy as anode materials to substitute Li metal for high‐performance Li–S batteries. In this contribution, the authors systematically evaluate the potential and feasibility of using Li metal or Li‐based alloys to construct Li–S batteries with an actual energy density of 500 Wh kg−1. A quantitative analysis method is proposed by evaluating the required amount of electrolyte for a targeted energy density. Based on a three‐level (ideal material level, practical electrode level, and pouch cell level) analysis, highly lithiated lithium–magnesium (Li–Mg) alloy is capable to achieve 500 Wh kg−1 Li–S batteries besides Li metal. Accordingly, research on Li–Mg and other Li‐based alloys are reviewed to inspire a promising pathway to realize high‐energy‐density and long‐cycling Li–S batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodontal diseases, which are characterized by destruction of the connective tissues responsible for restraining the teeth within the jaw, are the main cause of tooth loss. Periodontal regeneration mediated by human periodontal ligament stem cells ( hPDLSCs) may offer an alternative strategy for the treatment of periodontal disease. Dogs are a widely used large-animal model for the study of periodontal-disease progression, tissue regeneration, and dental implants, but little attention has been paid to the identification of the cells involved in this species. This study aimed to characterize stem cells isolated from canine periodontal ligament ( cPDLSCs). The cPDLSCs, like hPDLSCs, showed clonogenic capability and expressed the mesenchymal stem cell markers STRO-1, CD146, and CD105, but not CD34. After induction of osteogenesis, cPDLSCs showed calcium accumulation in vitro. Moreover, cPDLSCs also showed both adipogenic and chondrogenic potential. Compared with cell-free controls, more cementum/periodontal ligament-like structures were observed in CB-17/ SCID mice into which cPDLSCs had been transplanted. These results suggest that cPDLSCs are clonogenic, highly proliferative, and have multidifferentiation potential, and that they could be used as a new cellular therapeutic approach to facilitate successful and more predictable regeneration of periodontal tissue using a canine model of periodontal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lin B-C, Zhao Y-M, Yang J, Ge L-H. Root resorption of primary molars without successor teeth. An experimental study in the beagle dog. Eur J Oral Sci 2012; 120: 147-152. © 2012 Eur J Oral Sci Tooth agenesis is a common craniofacial congenital malformation in humans, but little is known about the mechanisms of root resorption in this condition. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanisms of root resorption in primary molars without successors. An animal model without permanent tooth germs was established by surgery in beagles. The times of onset of primary molar root resorption, with and without successors, were compared. The distribution of immune cells, odontoclasts, and their activating factors were determined by histochemistry and immunohistochemistry. Root resorption of primary mandibular molars without successors began later than physiological resorption. In primary molars without permanent germs, odontoclasts and immune cells were present mainly in the apical pulp at the start of root resorption, whereas in control teeth receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-positive cells were found mainly in the region of the periodontal ligament. CD14+ and CD3+ cells were found in both the pulp and the periodontal ligament region. These results suggest that the dental pulp of primary molars, as well as immune cells, may play an important role in root resorption in primary molars without permanent tooth germs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, Fe3O4-carbon nanotubes (CNTs) composite was explored as a sensing material candidate for ammonium sulfide. Intense chemiluminescence emission can be observed during the catalytic oxidation of ammonium sulfide on the surface of Fe3O4-CNTs composite. Based on this phenomenon, a selective and sensitive gas sensor for the determination of ammonium sulfide was demonstrated. Under the optimized conditions, the linear range of cataluminescence intensity vs concentration of ammonium sulfide gas was 1.4-115 µg mL−1 ( R = 0.998) with a limit of detection (S/N = 3) of 0.05 µg mL−1. The relative standard deviation ( n = 5) for 14.3 µg mL−1 ammonium sulfide was 1.9%. There was no response to common foreign substances, such as sulfur dioxide, toluene, aether, ethanol, acetone, hydrogen sulfide, carbon bisulfide, benzene and ammonia. The proposed sensor was successfully applied for the determination of ammonium sulfide in artificial air samples. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In B cells, the non-classical human leukocyte antigens HLA-DO (DO) and HLA-DM (DM) are residents of lysosome-like organelles where they form tight complexes. DM catalyzes the removal of invariant chainderived CLIP peptides from classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules, chaperones them until peptides are available for loading, and functions as a peptide editor. Here we show that DO preferentially promotes loading of MHC class II molecules that are dependent on the chaperone activity of DM, and influences editing in a positive way for some peptides and negatively for others. In acidic compartments, DO is engaged in DR—DM—DO complexes whose physiological relevance is indicated by the observation that at lysosomal pH DM—DO stabilizes empty class II molecules more efficiently than DM alone. Moreover, expression of DO in a melanoma cell line favors loading of high-stability peptides. Thus, DO appears to act as a co-chaperone of DM, thereby controlling the quality of antigenic peptides to be presented on the cell surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A trench insulated gate bipolar transistor (TIGBT) with emitterembedded gate is proposed. The emitter-embedded gate could increase the gate-to-emitter capacitance CGE without affecting the miller capacitance CGC. Therefore, the ratio of CGC to CGE is significantly reduced, which suppresses the gate self-charging effect effectively. As a result, an excellent controllability on the turn-on dICE/dt of the TIGBT and the dVKA/dt of the free-wheeling diode (FWD) is obtained. The simulation results based on a 1.2 kV TIGBT show that, in comparison with the conventional TIGBT, the lower limit of the reverse-recovery dVKA/dt of the FWD can be reduced by 91.2% and the turn-on loss could be reduced by 53.1% under the same dVKA/dt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]