Search

The lithium-boron (LiB) alloy has more excellent electrochemical performance and more practical applied prospects than pure Li as anode due to its three-dimensional skeleton with a low mass burden. Nevertheless, its rectification ability of Li ions (Li+) flux remains to be further improved. Herein, a low-cost and convenient solution immersion strategy focusing on LiB alloy is developed to obtain lithium-boron-zinc (LiBZn) alloy. The lithium-zinc (LiZn) alloy can make up for the insufficiency of LiB alloy from the point of unifying Li+ flux. The experimental and theoretical simulations prove that the LiZn alloy protection layer can guide homogeneous Li+ distribution and regulate Li deposition on the interface to inhibit dendrite growth effectively. Specifically, the pre-prepared LiBZn can cycle stably for 1800 h with a minimum overpotential of 14 mV at 1 mA cm−2 and 1 mAh cm−2, exhibiting relatively low overpotential and stability in the rate performance (the maximum current density up to 5 mA cm−2), and the enhanced cyclability in the full cell system paired with NCM811 demonstrates its practical application effect. This facile and controllable strategy illuminates a more applicatory technical path for Li metal-based alloy anodes. The in-situ formed LiZn alloy layer can uniform the Li + flux and accelerate the Li+ in-plane diffusion， thus guiding the uniform Li deposition so that the LiBZn alloy anode can cycle at an ultra-low 14 mV overpotential for as long as 1800 h. [Display omitted] • LiZn alloy layer reduce local current density and unify charge distribution. • LiZn alloy layer improves the interface stability and prolongs the cycle life. • LiZn alloy layer induces uniform Li+ distribution and regulate Li deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A three-dimensional layered carbon-based conductive substrate LGP was prepared. • LGP@K x MnO 2 was prepared by hydrothermal method using LGP as the reaction template. • The K+ doping amount in LGP@K x MnO 2 could be controlled by the solution pH. • LGP@K 0.15 MnO 2 shows a high capacity and good cycle stability in Zn-ion batteries. Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have attracted extensive research interest due to their multiple advantages, such as high safety, low cost, environmental friendliness, and suitability for large-scale energy storage systems. However, the further development and application of ZIBs is hindered by the sluggish reaction kinetics, low electrical conductivity, and unstable crystal structure of cathode materials. Here, a self-supporting cathode of K+ intercalated MnO 2 on three-dimensional layered carbon-based conductive substrate (LGP) (LGP@K 0.15 MnO 2) without binder and conductive agent was synthesized by two simple steps. The synergistic effect of the three-dimensional layered carbon conductive network and pre-intercalated K+ ions in LGP@K 0.15 MnO 2 can effectively stabilize the material structure, promote electrical conductivity, and facilitate ion diffusion. Therefore, the obtained LGP@K 0.15 MnO 2 exhibited a high specific capacity and excellent cycling stability, which delivered 358.9 mAh/g for the first cycle at a current density of 200 mA/g, and maintained 92.5% of the capacity after 100 cycles. In addition, a capacity retention rate of 83.3% after 1000 cycles at 1000 mA/g was obtained. It was also found that the pre-intercalation of excess K+ ions would adversely affect the crystal structure and electrochemical performance of cathode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Network edge services have contributed to ordinary people's daily lives with numerous conveniences but the accompanying problems, such as counterfeiting, the trust crisis and the service provider' s lack of standardization, have created some turmoil in the industry. Trust is crucial to network services, and the responsibilities of a platform's trust supervision can no longer be ignored. To enhance trust and cooperation among service participants, this paper constructs a new tripartite game model of monitors, edge service providers (ESPs) and users. First, this paper discusses the characteristics of the players in the edge service game and establishes a tripartite payment matrix model. Second, this paper outlines the concept of an evolutionary stability strategy, analyzes how to apply the dynamic replication equation to calculate the equilibrium solution and obtains the phase diagrams of the monitor, ESP, and the user. The ideal stable state point {active monitoring, honesty, trust} is obtained by calculating the value of an eigenvalue less than zero in the Jacobian matrix. Finally, this paper designs relevant experimental studies to verify and compare the correctness and effectiveness of several factors that affect the convergence stability of the evolutionary games, compares them with other research models, considers some advantages and discusses future development directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nanocrystalline AZ61 containing 10 at.%Ti composite powders were synthesized by mechanical milling. The results indicate that mechanical milling is available to prepare AZ61-10 at.%Ti composite powders with nanocrystalline Mg matrix, fine dispersed Ti particles and supersaturated solid solutions of Al and Ti in Mg matrix. The microstructure and morphology evolution of magnesium matrix and Ti particles were observed by SEM and TEM. Meanwhile the solid solubility and grain size evolution of Mg matrix were calculated by XRD, with the corresponding mechanism being analysed. Specifically, the Mg grain and the Ti particles were refined with the increasing milling time. The Mg grain was refined to approximately 58.2 nm and the Ti particle size was reduced to around 558 nm after 110 h mechanical milling. From XRD results of the as-milled powders, the supersaturated solid solution of Ti and Al in Mg matrix were detected. Generally, the Al might be completely dissolved into the Mg matrix after 110 h mechanical milling. Correspondingly, the solid solubility of Ti in Mg matrix was estimated to be 3.18 at.%. The micro-hardness of as-milled composite powders increased with the increasing milling time. The micro-hardness could reach 120.42 HV being 2.1-fold the micro-hardness of raw AZ61 alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of selective laser melting (SLM) processing parameters on the microstructure and corrosion behavior of CX (Corrax) stainless steel were investigated via microstructure characterization, electrochemical tests and passive layer analysis. Different processing parameters (including the laser power of 150-170 W and scanning speed of 0.9–1.3 m·s−1) were used to manufacture the SLMed CX samples. The results revealed that the relative density of SLMed CX samples reached above 96%, which exhibited a higher densification effect. Besides that, the SLMed CX samples had the high-density of geometrically necessary dislocations (GNDs, ranging from 9.63 × 1014 m−2 to 9.86 × 1014 m−2), and the average grain size mainly distributed within 2 μm, in which the sample S1 (manufactured with P = 170 W, V = 0.9 m·s−1) exhibited the smallest average grain size of 1.1 μm. The proportion of Σ 3 boundaries varied slightly in samples, ranging from 4.13% to 4.87%, which was positively correlated with the content of recrystallization. In addition, the electrochemical test results indicated that the scanning speed had a greater effect on corrosion resistance of SLMed CX samples, comparing with the laser power. The sample S1 exhibited both the largest relative density of 99.13% and the best corrosion resistance, including the largest value of corrosion potential (E Corr , −259 ± 12mV SCE) and the lowest value of corrosion current density (I Corr , 0.484 ± 0.012 μA·cm−2). The corrosion resistance of SLMed CX sample was ascribed to the synergistic effects of its relative density, grain size, grain boundary character distribution and GNDs density, and these influence factors were also discussed in detail. • The CX stainless steel based SLM were prepared under different process parameters. • The average grain size of SLMed CX samples mainly distributed within 2 μm. • After SLM, the high-density GNDs ranging from 9.63 × 1014 to 9.86 × 1014 m−2 were formed. • The S1 prepared with P = 170 W, V = 0.9 m·s−1 exhibited the best corrosion resistance. • The effect of V on corrosion resistance was more notable than P. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hot deformation behavior of a γ′-hardened nickel-based superalloy was investigated by means of isothermal compression tests in the temperature range of 1010–1210 °C with a strain rate of 0.1 s −1 . The electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) technique and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were employed to investigate the effect of deformation temperature and strain on the microstructure evolution and nucleation mechanisms of dynamic recrystallization (DRX). Microstructure observations revealed that the size and volume fraction of DRX grains increased with the increasing temperature. A power exponent relationship was obtained between the stable DRX grain size and the peak stress. Additionally, it was found that the effect of CDRX characterized by progressive subgrain rotation became weaker with the increasing deformation temperature, and DDRX was the operating nucleation mechanism of DRX at higher deformation temperature. On the other hand, the effect of DDRX became stronger with the increasing strain, and CDRX can only be considered as an assistant nucleation mechanism of DRX at the later stage of deformation for the alloy deformed at 1160 °C. Nucleation of DRX can also be activated by the twinning formation. Hence, particular attention was also paid to the evolution of twin boundaries during hot deformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A series of novel Co-free CrFeNiSi x MEAs was prepared via vacuum arc-melting. • Si induced the formation of (Cr, Si)-rich σ phase in CrFeNiSi x MEAs. • The growth accident model was the main formation mechanism of Σ 3 boundaries. • The increasing σ phase resulted in the transformation of fracture mechanisms. • There is a good trade-off between strength and ductility in CrFeNiSi 0.15 alloy. In this paper, a series of novel Co-free CrFeNiSi x (x = 0.05, 0.15, 0.25) MEAs was prepared via vacuum arc-melting. The addition of Si induced the formation of (Cr, Si)-rich σ phase in CrFeNiSi x MEAs, which effectively hindered the migration of dislocations and grain boundaries, resulting in the grain refinement. Meanwhile, the existence of σ phase inhibited the formation of twinning, leading to the decreasing fractions of low- Σ CSL boundaries with the increasing Si addition. Compared with CrFeNi alloy, both the strength and microhardness of CrFeNiSi x MEAs were significantly improved, but the plasticity had deteriorated. Overall, there was a good trade-off between strength and ductility in CrFeNiSi 0.15 MEA, including the yield strength of 550 ± 5.5 MPa, ultimate tensile strength of 795 ± 7.1 MPa, and elongation of 20 ± 0.4%. In addition, the experimental results demonstrated that the grain boundary strengthening and precipitation strengthening played a dominant role for the strengthening of CrFeNiSi x MEAs. The decreased plasticity was mainly attributed to the formation of σ phase and the reduced twinning. Furthermore, the increasing σ phase also resulted in the transformation of fracture mechanisms from ductile fracture to the mixed fracture. Our work provides significant reference for the further development of high performance Co-free MEAs/HEAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Low-temperature property of ethyl propionate and propyl acetate were first compared. • Solvation situation dominates the low-temperature performance of the electrolytes. • The two electrolytes were compatible with NMC811 cathode and Li, graphite anodes. To achieve desirable performance of lithium-ion batteries at low temperatures, using co-solvents with low melting points, especially carboxylic esters, is an efficient strategy and thus, there is a general question: does the co-solvent with a lower melting point correspond to the composite electrolytes with better performance? Herein, we chose two constitutional isomers with 22 °C of difference in melting point, ethyl propionate and propyl acetate, as the co-solvent in the formula of two low-temperature electrolytes for comparison. At low temperatures, the Li||LiNi 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 O 2 coin cells and graphite||LiNi 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 O 2 pouch cells using the two electrolytes show close capacity retention, suggesting that the co-solvent with a lower melting point does not necessarily result in better low-temperature performance. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that the similar solvation structure of contact ion pair for the two electrolytes is mainly responsible for their similar low-temperature performance. Furthermore, the Li||LiNi 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 O 2 and graphite||LiNi 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 O 2 cells with the two electrolytes at ambient temperature show capacity retention of 84.1%, 84.3% after 200 cycles and 88.2%, 89.6% after 360 cycles, respectively, demonstrating the reliability of the electrolytes. The results of this study provide general guidance for the development of low-temperature electrolyte regarding the choice of co-solvents. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IoT malware dissemination seriously exacerbates the decline of IoT system availability, which deteriorates the users experience. To address the issue, we first predict the optimal IoT malware dissemination strategy based on a signaling game for edge computing-assisted IoT systems. We then develop an algorithm to obtain the solution of the signaling IoT availability assessment game, which is to factually reflect IoT malware dissemination in practice and reasonably express the probability of IoT system nodes being successfully infected by malware. Thus, a state transition diagram of IoT system nodes can be further designed, illustrating intercommunication among all six states during IoT malware dissemination. Upon this state transition diagram, we represent the state transition probability of IoT system nodes in each state utilizing a Markov matrix, and attain the steady-state availability of an IoT system node from reliability theory. Consequently, we deduce metrics to access the steady-state availability of the entire IoT system under typical star-, tree-, and mesh topologies, respectively. We also design the corresponding IoT system availability assessment algorithm from the view of practice. In this manner, an availability assessment mechanism for edge computing-based IoT systems with malware dissemination is constructed. Experiments demonstrate the influence of IoT system features on predicting IoT malware dissemination probability and assessing the steady-state availability of three typical IoT system topologies. Our results can be utilized to lay a theoretical foundation for guiding the implementation of higher availability for edge computing-assisted IoT systems with malware dissemination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The LiF/sulfide enriched artificial SEI can reduce the local current density and induce uniform Li+ distribution at the interface, realizing a stable and dendrites-free Li deposition on the surface of Li metal anodes. [Display omitted] • Simultaneously fabrication of LiF/sulfide enriched SEI for Li metal anodes. • LiF/sulfide enriched SEI reduces the local current density at the interface. • LiF/sulfide enriched SEI induces uniform Li+ distribution. • LiF/sulfide enriched Li works stable in both ether and carbonate electrolyte. Lithium (Li) metal has to overcome key performance flaws before it can be used as the anode material for the next generation Li+ batteries. One of its major issues is Li dendrite growth and detachment, which causes safety issues and low Coulombic efficiency for Li metal batteries. Constructing a stable solid electrolyte interface (SEI) is considered to be the most straightforward solution to the Li anode interface defects. Here, we develop a facile stratagem of 2-(Fluorosulphonyl)difluoroacetic acid-treated Li foil to obtain a Li metal anode coated by the lithium fluoride and sulfide enriched composite layer (LiF/sulfide enriched Li). The experimental and theoretical simulations demonstrate that the ideal artificial SEI can induce uniform Li+ distribution at the interface and effectively inhibit dendrite growth. As results, the LiF/sulfide enriched Li symmetrical cells exhibit excellent cycling stability and low Li deposition overpotential, which maintain a low overpotential of ∼ 10 mV for over 1000 h at 1 mA cm−2 in an ether electrolyte of DME/DOL + LiTFSI and steadily cycles for 350 h in a carbonate electrolyte of EC/EMC + LiPF 6. Furthermore, full cells assembled with NCM811 and sulfur cathode exhibit enhanced cyclability. This facile and controllable stratagem provides a more practical possibility for modifying the Li metal anode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We designed a carboxylate-based localized high-concentration electrolyte that could enable the low-temperature and high-voltage operation of LiNi 1.5 Mn 0.5 O 4 (LNMO)||Li batteries. Over 80% of the room-temperature discharge capacity at −50°C and reversibly cycling at −40°C were realized. [Display omitted] • Stable LHCE enable low-temperature and high-voltage operation of LNMO||Li battery. • Realize discharging at −50 °C and reversible cycling at −40 °C. • Explain the influences of solvents and diluents on the solvation energy. • Propose a LHCE design principle with low-temperature and high-voltage properties. Using localized high-concentration electrolytes (LHCEs), which have high oxidation resistance and low viscosity, in high-voltage lithium-ion batteries can facilitate the low-temperature operation of the batteries. In this study, a new short-chain fluorinated diluent 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl methyl ether is used to prepare a methyl acetate-based LHCE that shows good stability against a LiNi 0.5 Mn 1.5 O 4 (LNMO) cathode. Furthermore, an LNMO||Li battery (3–4.9 V vs. Li/Li+) with the LHCE shows good cycling stability at room temperature at 1C. Owing to the excellent low-temperature performance of the LHCE, the battery can discharge 80.85% of its room temperature capacity at 0.2C at the temperature of −50 °C and show reversible charge/discharge behavior at 0.1C at the temperature of −40 °C. In this study, LHCEs are successfully used to realize a high-voltage battery that could operate with a relatively high current density (≥0.1C) at a low temperature (-50 °C). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Corrax stainless steel based SLM were prepared under different process parameters. • Many lath martensite (above 99%) and LAGBs (above 50%) were formed in SLMed samples. • The best process parameter was determined as 190 W-1.1 m·s−1. • The sample under the optimal parameter, exhibited superior mechanical properties. • Dislocation strengthening dominated the strengthening mechanism of the SLMed sample. In this paper, selective laser melting (SLM) was used to manufacture corrax stainless steel samples under different parameters. It was found that the SLMed samples were mainly composed by lots of fine martensite (including cellular structure, cellular dendritic grains and blocky grains), and trace austenite. During SLM forming process, a large number of low-angle grain boundaries (LAGBs) and high-density dislocations were formed in the matrix. Meanwhile, the samples showed weak texture and no obvious preference orientation. Moreover, the relative density of all SLMed samples reached above 90%, and the relative density was above 97% when the laser energy density was 54.13–78.19 J·mm−3. Under the optimal process parameters of P = 190 W, V = 1.1 m·s−1, the relative density of sample reached above 99.52 ± 0.09%, while the sample exhibited the best mechanical properties, including the highest microhardness (374.2 ± 6.5HV), yield strength (YS = 946 ± 7.3 MPa), ultimate tensile strength (UTS = 1084 ± 3 MPa) and elongation (EL = 17.64 ± 0.18%). Moreover, the strengthening mechanisms of SLMed samples mainly included grain boundary strengthening, dislocation strengthening and precipitation strengthening, while dislocation strengthening played a dominant role. Besides that, the fracture mechanisms of SLMed samples belonged to ductile fracture, except for the samples prepared with laser energy density below 54.13 J·mm−3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is aimed at studying the foaming behavior of pure ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) with supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO 2). The effects of foaming temperature and saturation pressure on the final foam structure were investigated by using two different one-step batch foaming processes. An in-situ high-pressure observing system was used to record the crystal change of UHMWPE film during heating and cooling stages with/without pressurized CO 2. The results showed that the cell size and the cell density were affected by the combined effects of crystal, temperature, and pressure. Experimental results with different foaming temperatures showed that higher foaming temperatures led to larger cells and lower cell densities. In the processes of foaming during the heating stage (Proc1) and cooling stage (Proc2), the expansion ratio increased first and then decreased with the increase of temperature. Before obtaining the maximum expansion ratio, compare with Proc2, the cell size and expansion ratio of foams were smaller, and the cell density was higher in Proc1. Experimental results with different saturation pressures showed that higher pressure led to lower cell density and larger average cell diameter in Proc1 due to the reduction of crystals and melt strength. While in Proc2, higher saturation pressure led to higher cell density due to the increase of solubility of CO 2 , and the cell density decreased as the pressure further increased due to cell coalescence. • The batch foaming behavior of pure UHMWPE with scCO 2 was investigated. • DSC analysis was used to determine the foaming temperatures of UHMWPE. • An in-situ system was used to observe UHMWPE crystal change in pressurized CO 2. • The effects of foaming temperature and saturation pressure on the final foam structure were investigated. • The cell size and cell density of UHMWPE foam were affected by the combined effects of crystal, temperature, and pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface properties of photocatalysts strongly affect interfacial catalytic reaction and determine photocatalytic activity. In this work, surface-modified graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4) nanosheets were prepared via plasma treatment in H 2 , H 2 -CH 4 , and Ar atmosphere. Hydrogenated g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets with hydrophilic group C-N-H, defect state, and exfoliated morphology were obtained via treating g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets with H 2 plasma at room temperature. The hydrogenated g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets possessed the improved photocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution, and the rate of hydrogen evolution exceeded that of pristine g-C 3 N 4 by a factor of 4.8. Photocatalytic activity improvement is due to the introduction of hydrophilic group C-N-H, defect states, and exfoliated nanosheet morphology. Hydrophilic functional group of C-N-H can effectively capture water molecules. Defect states generated via plasma treatment acted as a capture center to suppress carrier recombination and transfer the trapped electrons to the adsorbed water molecules. Exfoliated nanosheet morphology provided a large number of active sites for catalytic reaction. Optical emission spectroscopy supported the introduction of hydrogen species during H 2 plasma treatment of g-C 3 N 4. First-principle density functional theory calculations confirmed the enhanced adsorption capacity of hydrogenated g-C 3 N 4 for water molecules. The mechanism of enhanced photocatalytic H 2 -production activity was further proposed. Hydrogenated g-C 3 N 4 with hydrophilic group C-N-H, defect states and exfoliated morphology, fabricated by treating g-C 3 N 4 with H 2 at room temperature, exhibit an enhanced visible-light photocatalytic H 2 -production activity. Unlabelled Image • Hydrogenated g-C 3 N 4 with hydrophilic group, defect state, and exfoliated morphology was obtained. • Hydrogenated g-C 3 N 4 possessed enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity. • Hydrophilic functional group C-N-H can effectively capture water molecules. • Exfoliated nanosheet morphology provided a large number of active sites for the reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although numerous studies had revealed associations between autoimmune diseases (AIDs) and thyroid cancer (TC), the potential causal associations between the two remain poorly defined., Methods: Using five approaches, two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were carried out to determine the causal effects of 12 major AIDs on risk of TC. The sensitivity analyses were conducted to verify the reliability of the analysis. The reverse MR analysis was performed to evaluate the possibility of reverse causation., Results: The results showed a significant causal association of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) on the risk of TC. Genetically predicted PBC elevated the risk of TC (OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.06-2.02, p = 0.021). The risk of TC was also increased by genetically predicted SLE (OR = 6.52, 95% CI = 1.38-30.84, p = 0.018) with heterogeneity. After outlier-corrected analyses, the results still suggested that genetically predicted SLE increased the risk of TC ( p = 0.019). No evidence of a causal relationship between the remaining 10 AIDs and TC was observed. No reverse causal effects of TC on AIDs were found in reverse MR analysis., Conclusion: These findings support a significant causal association of SLE/PBC on the increased risk of TC, indicating that patients with SLE/PBC should be under a close monitoring of TC., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Peng, Xu, Zhou, Du, Ge and Huang.)

A stable and practical electrochemical method was developed to promote the thio-Michael addition of N -substituted maleimides to various thiols in an aqueous medium. This protocol was found to be excellent in terms of facile scale-up, oxidant- and catalyst-free conditions, broad substrate scopes, good functional group tolerance, and easily available substrates. Notably, a plausible reaction mechanism was derived from the results of a series of control experiments and CV studies, which indicated that a radical pathway might speed up the thio-Michael addition under constant current.

Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the most common gynecological malignancies worldwide. Zinc Finger Protein 488 (ZNF488) has been identified as an oncogene in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. However, its biological role and potential mechanism in CC remain to be elucidated. In the present study, upregulation of ZNF488 expression in human CC tissues was found in clinical samples and analyzed in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset, which was associated with clinical staging and lymph node metastasis. Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot assays indicated that the expression of ZNF488 was up-regulated in CC cells. Cell colony formation and cell cycle analysis assays suggested that ZNF488 promoted CC cell proliferation and cycle progression. Knockdown of ZNF488 inhibited tumor growth of xenograft tumor mice in vivo, in agreement with the levels of ZNF488 and Ki-67. Moreover, transwell and western assays demonstrated that ZNF488 enhanced CC cell migration and invasion. Additionally, knockdown of ZNF488 also inhibited lung metastasis of CC cells in vivo. Further mechanism analysis implied that ZNF488 promoted the MEK/ERK signaling pathway. ERK inhibitor PD98059 significantly weakened the proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) promotion effect of ZNF488. Collectively, ZNF488 exerts its oncogene function partially through modulating MEK/ERK signaling pathway in CC, indicating that ZNF488 may provide a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of CC., (©The Author(s) 2023. Open Access. This article is licensed under a Creative Commons CC-BY International License.)

For the high theoretical specific capacity and low redox potential, lithium (Li) metal is considered as one of the most promising anode materials for the next generation of rechargeable batteries. In this work, we have developed an effective and accurate plasma strategy to regulate the surface morphology and functional groups of three-dimensional nitrogen-containing carbon foam (CF) to control the Li nucleation and growth. Besides the rougher surface induced by oxygen (O 2 ) plasma, the conversion of carbon-nitrogen chemical bond (CN), namely, change from the quaternary N to pyrrolic/pyridinic N was realized by the nitrogen (N 2 ) plasma. This chemical regulation of nitrogen boosts the lithiophilicity of carbon foam, which is evidenced by lower overpotential obtained from the experiment and higher binding energy for Li ions (Li + ) calculated by density functional theory (-1.43, -1.85, -2.41 and -2.45 eV for the amorphous C-, C-quaternary N-, C-pyrrolic N- and C-pyridinic N-, respectively). The electrochemical performance of the half cells and full cells based on this plasma regulated carbon foam collectors also proved the prominent effectiveness of this plasma strategy on guiding the uniform dispersion of Li + and thus inducing the homogeneous Li nucleation, as well as suppressing the growth of Li dendrites., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest 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., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Organic and inorganic materials have their own advantages and limitations, and new properties can be displayed in organic-inorganic hybrid materials by uniformly combining the two categories of materials at small scale. The objective of this study is to hybridize activated carbon (AC) with ferrocene to obtain a new material, ferrocene/AC, as the cathode for Zn-ion hybrid supercapacitors (ZHSCs). The optimized ferrocene/AC material owns fast charge transfer kinetics and can obtain pseudo-capacitance through redox reaction. Due to the introduction of ferrocene/AC, the ZHSCs exhibit remarkable electrochemical performances relative to that using ferrocene cathode, including high discharge specific capacity of 125.1 F g -1 , high energy density (up to 44.8 Wh kg -1 at 0.1 A g -1 ) and large power density (up to 1839 W kg -1 at 5 A g -1 ). Meanwhile, the capacity retention rate remains 73.8% after 10 000 charge and discharge cycles. In particular, this cathode material can be used at low temperatures (up to -30 °C) with 60% capacity remained, which enlarges the application temperature range of ZHSCs. These results of this study can help understand new properties of organic-inorganic hybrid materials., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts to declare., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

By compensating the irreversible loss of lithium ions during the first cycle, prelithiations can solve the issue of insufficient initial Coulombic efficiency for various anodes. Recently, the chemical prelithiation using organolithium compounds has attracted increasing attention because of its uniform and fast reaction, safety, and easily adjustable degree of prelithiation. However, the nature and activity of organolithium involved in chemical prelithiations have not been deeply explored yet. Here, by monitoring the electrical conductivity change in the lithiation solution in the duration of its formation, we have demonstrated the essential role of lithium radical anions for chemical prelithiation and compared the prelithiation activity of dissociated species and aggregates of lithium radical anions. The mechanistic understanding of the nature of the lithiation solution leads to controllable chemical prelithiation, as demonstrated in full cells of prelithiated hard carbon and LiFePO 4 .

Amine-functionalized graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ) decorated with Au nanoparticles (CN/Au) was prepared by N 2 plasma treatment of g-C 3 N 4 powders impregnated with HAuCl 4 ·3H 2 O. Well-dispersed Au nanoparticles with a small particle size were deposited on g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets. In addition, the amino group was introduced into the CN/Au system. Without the addition of cocatalyst and sacrificial agent, CN/Au exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity for CO 2 reduction under visible-light irradiation. CO and CH 4 evolution rates of CN/Au reached 28.3 and 1.3 μmol·h -1 ·g -1 , which were 7.6 and 2.6 times higher than those of pristine g-C 3 N 4 (CN-0), respectively. The enhanced activity can be explained by these factors. (1) The introduced amino group improved the adsorption capacity of CN/Au for CO 2 ; (2) the hot electrons generated by Au nanoparticles activated the surrounding electrons through energy transfer and caused local temperature to rise, increasing the efficiency of the photoreduction reaction of CO 2 ; (3) the Schottky junction between Au and g-C 3 N 4 promoted the migration of electrons from g-C 3 N 4 to Au nanoparticles, suppressing the recombination of the carriers. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry confirmed the introduction of amino groups, and solid-state 13 C nuclear magnetic resonance spectra provided a support for inferring the position of the amino group., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest 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., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To determine the detection rate and distribution characteristics of colorectal adenomas in Ningbo area of China, and to identify the risk factors for colorectal adenoma, in order to provide reference for colorectal cancer screening., Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed among 8660 subjects undergoing colonoscopy in the Ningbo No.2 Hospital between January and December 2016, using a questionnaire, including demographic data (age, gender, height and weight), history of diseases (diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and family history of malignant neoplasm), lifestyle (smoking, alcohol, dietary bias on red meat, dietary bias on fruit and vegetables, dietary frequency of pickled food and physical activities), and intestinal early warning symptoms. All colonoscopically detected polyps were removed for histological examination. Polyps were histologically divided into non-adenomatous (hyperplastic polyps and inflammatory polyps) and adenomatous polyps (tubular, villous, tubulovillous and serrated adenomas). Pathologic features were analyzed according to anatomical site. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for colorectal adenoma., Results: A total of 7077 subjects who received colonoscopic examination and completed the questionnaire survey were enrolled in this study. There were 3633 males and 3444 females with a median age of 53 (ranged 17 to 83) years. Adenoma detection rate was 15.6% (1103/7077) in all cases, 21.0%(762/3633) for males, and 9.9%(341/3444) for females(P=0.000). Detection rate of 6.2%(29/469) was recorded in individuals aged less than 30 years, 8.0%(87/1086) in those from 30 to 39 years, 12.1%(148/1222) in those from 40 to 49 years, 16.8%(272/1623) in those from 50 to 59 years, 20.4%(326/1601) in those from 60 to 69 years, and 22.4%(241/1076) in those ≥70 years. The detection rate increased according to age(P=0.000). A total of 1521 adenomas were detected in 1103 cases, including 1455 tubular adenomas, 33 tubulovillous adenomas, 9 villous adenomas and 24 serrated adenomas. Among 1521 adenomas, 44.1%(n=671) located in the right hemicolon, 39.0%(n=593) in the left hemicolon, and 16.9%(n=257) in the rectum. Significantly larger number of serrated adenomas and advanced adenomas (advanced adenoma was defined as any adenoma with high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia, diameter ≥10 mm or with villous component) was observed in the right hemicolon compared to left hemicolon and rectum [serrated adenomas: 2.5%(17/671) vs. 0.8% (5/593) and 0.8% (2/257), P=0.029; advanced adenoma: 9.2% (62/671) vs. 5.2% (31/953) and 6.6% (17/257), P=0.021]. Multivariate analysis showed that malely (P=0.003), elderly (P=0.000), obesity (P=0.014), smoking (P=0.001), alcohol (P=0.032), and family history of malignancy (P=0.000) were independent risk factors of colorectal adenoma., Conclusions: In view of a higher detection rate of colorectal adenoma in population aged 40 to 49 years especially in male individuals, the starting age of colonoscopy screening may be advanced to 40 years old. People with family history of malignancy, obesity, and habit of smoking or drinking should be regarded as important subjects for colonoscopy screening. During colonoscopy screening, special emphasis should be given to right hemicolon.

MASPIN, which is also known as Serpin B5, is a novel tumor suppressor. Emerging evidence suggests that MASPIN acts as a multifaceted protein in various types of cancer, including prostate, breast and pancreatic cancer. It interacts with diverse groups of intercellular and extracellular proteins, regulating cell adhesion, motility, apoptosis and angiogenesis, and is involved in mammary gland development. As MASPIN is a multifunctional factor in cancer pathways, its function remains poorly illuminated. In this study, we compared the protein profiles of LC5 cell lines with MASPIN overexpression and knockdown using comparative two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The differences in protein expression, visualized as differences in spots, were identified by time-of-flight (TOF)/TOF mass spectometry. Significant differences were observed between overexpressing and knocked down cells, including eight spots that were unique and sixteen spots that were up- or down-regulated by more than 4-fold. Six genes, including Sdccag8, Ldoc1, SCAI, SDCCAG3, CT62 and NEDD9 were unique in MASPIN-expressing cell lines, but absent in knock-out cell lines, in which most of them play a significant role in the invasion of cancer cells. Moreover, the Brms1 and CAGE1 genes were identified as being uniquely expressed in knocked down cell lines, which were associated with the development and progression of tumors. The data from this study shed some light on the function, as well as the general network mechanisms of MASPIN in lung cancer.