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Bicalutamide (BCL) has been approved for treatment of advanced prostate cancer (Pca), and vitamin D is inevitably used in combination with BCL in Pca patients for skeletal or anti-tumor strategies. Therefore, it is necessary to study the effect of vitamin D application on the pharmacokinetics of BCL. We developed and validated a specific, sensitive and rapid UHPLC–MS/MS method to investigate the pharmacokinetic behaviours of BCL in rat plasma with and without the combined use of vitamin D. Plasma samples were extracted by protein precipitation with ether/dichloromethane (2:1 v/v), and the analytes were separated by a Kinetex Biphenyl 100A column (2.1 × 100 mm, 2.6 μm) with a mobile phase composed of 0.5 mM ammonium acetate (PH 6.5) in water (A) and acetonitrile (B) in a ratio of A:B = 35:65 (v/v). Analysis of the ions was run in the multiple reactions monitoring (MRM) mode. The linear range of BCL was 5–2000 ng mL−1. The intra- and inter-day precision were less than 14%, and the accuracy was in the range of 94.4–107.1%. The mean extraction recoveries, matrix effects and stabilities were acceptable for this method. The validated method was successfully applied to evaluate the pharmacokinetic behaviours of BCL in rat plasma. The results demonstrated that the pharmacokinetic property of BCL is significantly affected by combined use of vitamin D, which might help provide useful evidence for the clinical therapy and further pharmacokinetic study.

Defect engineering using boron doping endows aluminum–graphene batteries with high capacity and outstanding long-term stability of more than 10 000 cycles.

In this study, LiMn2-x Ti x O4 cathode materials were synthesized by a simple one-step hydrothermal method, and the effects of Ti doping on the sample structure and electrochemical properties were examined. The results indicated that Ti doping did not affect the spinel structure of LiMn2O4, and no other hybrid phases were produced. Furthermore, appropriate doping with Ti improved the particle uniformity of the samples. The electrochemical performance results showed that LiMn1.97Ti0.03O4 exhibited much better cycling performance than the undoped sample. The discharge capacity of LiMn1.97Ti0.03O4 reached 136 mAh g-1 at 25 °C at 0.2C, and the specific capacity reached 106.2 mAh g-1 after 300 cycles, with a capacity retention rate of 78.09%. Additionally, the specific capacity of LiMn1.97Ti0.03O4 was 102.3 mAh g-1 after 100 cycles at 55 °C, with a capacity retention rate of 75.44%. The Ti-doped samples thus exhibited an impressive high-rate performance. The discharge capacity of LiMn2O4 was only 31.3 mAh g-1 at 10C, while the discharge-specific capacity of LiMn1.97Ti0.03O4 reached 73.4 mAh g-1. Furthermore, to assess the higher Li+ diffusion coefficient and lower internal resistance of the Ti-doped samples, cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectra data were obtained. Our results showed that Ti doping enhanced the crystal structure of LiMn2O4 and improved Li+ diffusion, resulting in significant improvements in the cycling and rate performance of Ti-doped samples.

In this paper, 3D dual impeller stirring tank was used as a model to simulation combine with experiments to explore the acid leaching kinetics of high-calcium and -silicon manganese ores. The effec...

Sodium (Na) and potassium (K) ion batteries are promising for the next-generation energy storage equipment, but compared with lithium (Li) ion battery, their requirements for suitable host materials are much tougher, due to their large ions. 2D accordion-like MXene materials have been studied a lot as electrode materials for Na/K ion battery for their vast interlamellar spacing, but they suffer from layers’ restacking. Herein, a sandwich-like N-doped carbon nanotube@Nb2C (N-CNT@Nb2C) has been synthesized, where N-CNT fibers are sandwiched between MXene layers to fix the whole structure, enhance electrical conductivity, and increase interlamellar spacing. After nitrogen doping, carbon nanotubes own higher conductivity and sites to penetrate N-CNT walls. Consequently, N-CNT@Nb2C shows excellent electrochemical performance in Li, Na, K batteries, such as steady cycling performance for more than 500 cycles. We also test its performance with liquid K–Na alloy as anode of K ion battery. Due to the dendrite-free character of liquid anode, it exhibits better electrochemical performance than with solid K anode. The N-CNT@Nb2C promotes the finding of more suitable electrode materials for alkali ion batteries, deepens understanding of their inner mechanisms, and facilitates their commercialization.

Rechargeable aluminum batteries (RABs) have been regarded as a low-cost and safe candidate for electrochemical energy storage. However, the high charge density of Al3+ causes its sluggish diffusion and the large size of AlCl 4 − renders the capacity of the cathode low. Here we propose heterostructured Bi2Te3/Sb2Te3 nanoflakes by interfacial engineering, constructing a heterojunction that induces a built-in electric field among the interface between two phases to realize rapid charge transfer, fast ion diffusion, and high capacity of cathode. Note that the operational mechanisms of heterostructured Bi2Te3/Sb2Te3 cathode are based on the reversible intercalation/deintercalation of Al3+ ions with the redox process between Bi3+ and Bi5+ upon discharge and charge. As expected, the heterostructured Bi2Te3/Sb2Te3 nanoflakes deliver superb Al-storage property and rate capability, which is among the best comprehensive performances of cathodes in RABs.

Spinel LiMn2O4 is of value for Li-ion batteries. However, the capacity decay due to the Jahn-teller effect still must be solved. Li-rich materials depress the Jahn-Teller effect by increasing the Li-ion content and decreasing the Mn3+ content simultaneously. In this paper, rod-like Li-rich spinel Li1+xMn2−xO4 was prepared by a hydrothermal synthesis-solid phase calcination method. The electrochemical performance test showed that the Li-rich materials had higher charge-discharge capacity and cycle performance, and the Li1.06Mn1.94O4 material had the best electrochemical performance. The specific discharge capacity reached 118 mAh/g at 0.5 °C and the capacity retentions were 95.69% and 90.72%, respectively, at 25 °C and 55 °C after 100 cycles. The discharge capacities of Li1+xMn2−xO4 were better than pure LiMn2O4 under high discharge rates.

Two-dimensional MXenes perform well as hosts in batteries, which are promising for next-generation energy storage materials. With low price and high performance, sodium (Na) and potassium (K) own the potential to replace lithium in energy storage devices, but the larger radii and dendrite growth restrict their commercialization. Herein, we successfully synthesized an accordion-like Nb2CTx MXene, whose crystal structure integrity and lamellar separation have been confirmed by characterization methods like high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). Combined with solid Na and K and liquid K-Na alloy as anodes, the Nb2CTx MXene shows excellent electrochemical performance, such as high capacity retention after large current shock in tests of rate performance and long time stability for more than 500 cycles, etc. Also, the Nb2CTx MXene coupled with liquid K-Na anode performs better than that coupled with solid K for the dendrite-controlling character of the liquid electrode. The Nb2CTx MXene would boost the exploitation of more suitable host materials for Na/K-ion batteries and promote an in-depth understanding of MXenes.

Human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (HA-VSMCs) play vital roles in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported to regulate the biological functions of HA-VSMCs. In this study, the functions of circRNA pecanex homolog (circPCNX) in platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB)-induced HA-VSMCs were investigated.Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was conducted to determine the expression of circPCNX, DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), and microRNA-1278 (miR-1278). 5'-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, flow cytometry analysis, wound healing assay, and transwell assay were used to examine cell proliferation, cell cycle, and migration. Western blot assay was utilized to measure protein levels. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay, RNA pull down assay, and dual-luciferase reporter assay were adopted to analyze the relationships among circPCNX, miR-1278, and DNMT1.CircPCNX was upregulated in PDGF-BB-treated HA-VSMCs in a dose- or time-dependent manner. CircPCNX knockdown alleviated PDGF-BB-induced cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and migration in HA-VSMCs. CircPCNX knockdown could reverse PDGF-BB-induced HA-VSMC progression by regulating DNMT1. Moreover, circPCNX was identified to regulate DNMT1 expression by sponging miR-1278. Inhibition of miR-1278 reversed circPCNX knockdown-mediated effects on cell proliferation and migration in PDGF-BB-induced HA-VSMCs. MiR-1278 overexpression suppressed PDGF-BB-stimulated HA-VSMC proliferation and migration by targeting DNMT1.CircPCNX promoted PDGF-BB-induced HA-VSMC proliferation and migration by elevating DNMT1 expression through sponging miR-1278.

The lithium (Li) metal serves as a promising anode for rechargeable batteries, but dendrite growth and low Coulombic efficiency (CE) hamper its commercialization. Herein, we fabricate a 3D lithioph...

For exploring the chemical reaction mechanism and the heat and the mass transfer of the TiCl4-Mg system in the Kroll process, it is of fundamental and practical importance to determine the gaseous p-v-T property for titanium tetrachloride at supercritical temperature and low pressure. The p-T-x data for the xTiCl4 + (1 - x) Ar binary gas system are measured and presented in this study. Based on the Peng-Robinson (P-R) equation of state (EoS) of argon at temperatures from 873.0 to 1173.0 K, the gaseous p-v-T property of titanium tetrachloride has been estimated, and a new three-term truncated virial EoS for titanium tetrachloride is developed along 10 isotherms and 8 isodensities.

Aluminum-ion batteries (AIBs) have become a promising energy storage system due to their excellent cycling performance and safety properties. However, many problems persist in the electrolyte system as well as high cost and harsh working environments. In this study, we prepared two novel electrolytes, namely, AlCl3/caprolactam (CPL) and AlCl3/urea/CPL for use in AIBs. The AlCl3/CPL electrolyte exhibited a specific capacity of 136 mA h g−1 at a current density of 5 A g−1. The performance of AIBs was improved when an appropriate amount of urea was added. The AlCl3/urea/CPL electrolyte achieved a high initial specific capacity of 151 mA h g−1 at 5 A g−1 and reached 132 mA h g−1 with a high coulombic efficiency of ∼98% after 3000 cycles. The CPL electrolyte improved the cutoff voltage and initial discharge voltage of AIBs, and the capacity of AIBs was significantly improved when compared with that of the reported electrolyte. This work provides innovative insights into AIBs, and CPL will be a promising electrolyte for AIBs.

The layered material of nickel cobalt manganese oxide lithium oxide is one of the most promising lithium-ion battery (LIBs) materials, with the characteristics of high capacity and high density. However, most nickel-rich layered oxides have the phenomenon of cation mixing and the phenomenon that the layered structure changes to the spinel structure during the cycle, which results in poor capacity and cycle performance under high cut-off voltage. Herein, we modified LiNi[Formula: see text]Co[Formula: see text]Mn[Formula: see text]O2 with Ti and Na co-doping to observe the changes in the specific capacity, cycle performance and crystal structure of the material. Ti and Na co-doped LiNi[Formula: see text]Co[Formula: see text]Mn[Formula: see text]O2 has the most obvious effect on increasing the discharge specific capacity and improving the cycle performance. In sthe voltage range of 3–4.5[Formula: see text]V, its discharge specific capacity reaches 183.5[Formula: see text]mAh/gat 0.5C, and the capacity retention rate after 100 cycles is 81.96%, and its discharge specific capacity reaches 164.2[Formula: see text]mAh/g at 1C and after 100 cycles Capacity retention rate is 80.93%. The introduction of Ti and Na plays an important role in improving the cation mixing phenomenon and improving the stability of the crystal structure.

Based on the composition of Cr-doped solid waste, other oxides were added to adjust the composition to prepare glass-ceramics with on step composition, and the effect of heat treatment system (including temperature and holding time), chromium content, MnO and Fe2O3 doped on the crystallization and physical properties of glass-ceramics was studied. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the best treatment conditions are 1090 ℃ for 4h, and the amount of dissolved chromium reaches 5%. The main crystallization phase is diopside and anorthite. The hardness and chemical stability of the material were measured. The doping of MnO and Fe2O3 increases the crystallization activation energy of glass ceramics, and makes the crystal phase more uniform as the SEM results. This experiment provides a theoretical basis for the preparation of CMAS glass ceramics from chromium containing solid waste.

Understanding how topologically close-packed phases (TCPs) transform between one another is one of the challenging puzzles in solid-state transformations. Here we use atomic-resolved tools to dissect the transition among TCPs, specifically the μ and P (or σ) phases in nickel-based superalloys. We discover that the P phase originates from intrinsic (110) faulted twin boundaries (FTB), which according to first-principles calculations is of extraordinarily low energy. The FTB sets up a pathway for the diffusional in-flux of the smaller 3d transition metal species, creating a Frank interstitial dislocation loop. The climb of this dislocation, with an unusual Burgers vector that displaces neighboring atoms into the lattice positions of the product phase, accomplishes the structural transformation. Our findings reveal an intrinsic link among these seemingly unrelated TCP configurations, explain the role of internal lattice defects in facilitating the phase transition, and offer useful insight for alloy design that involves different complex phases.

The structural, elastic and electronic properties of Co7M6 (M = W, Mo, Nb) μ phases were investigated by first-principles calculations based on the density functional theory (DFT). The calculated c...

Two-dimensional MXenes perform well as hosts in batteries, which are promising for next-generation energy storage materials. With low price and high performance, sodium (Na) and potassium (K) own the potential to replace lithium in energy storage devices, but the larger radii and dendrite growth restrict their commercialization. Herein, we successfully synthesized an accordion-like Nb

For exploring the chemical reaction mechanism and the heat and the mass transfer of the TiCl4–Mg system in the Kroll process, it is of fundamental and practical importance to determine the gaseous p–v–T property for titanium tetrachloride at supercritical temperature and low pressure. The p–T–x data for the xTiCl4 + (1 – x) Ar binary gas system are measured and presented in this study. Based on the Peng–Robinson (P–R) equation of state (EoS) of argon at temperatures from 873.0 to 1173.0 K, the gaseous p–v–T property of titanium tetrachloride has been estimated, and a new three-term truncated virial EoS for titanium tetrachloride is developed along 10 isotherms and 8 isodensities.

As a compelling complement to lithium batteries, rechargeable aluminum batteries (RABs) have attracted considerable attention because of abundant natural resources, high volumetric capacity, and safety property of aluminum metal. However, the deployment of RABs is hampered by the lack of favorable cathodes with high capacity and rapid kinetics. To address the long-unresolved issue of aluminum-storage capacity and rate, here we design a heterostructured g-C3N4/Ti3C2Tx hybrid which offers a conductive supporting framework to maintain structural integrity and accelerate electronic transport. The energy storage mechanism of the heterostructured g-C3N4/Ti3C2Tx cathode was demonstrated as the reversible intercalation of AlCl 4 − during cycling. Moreover, the battery-capacitance model mechanism in the heterostructured g-C3N4/Ti3C2Tx hybrids may accelerate the kinetics of the electrode reactions. Furthermore, DFT calculations certify that heterostructured g-C3N4/Ti3C2Tx possesses enhanced electrical conductivity and Al trapping capability. Accordingly, the heterostructured g-C3N4/Ti3C2Tx cathode affords RABs with an excellent Al-storage property (237 mAh g-1 at 0.5 A g-1) and considerable rate capabilities (174 mAh g-1 at 4 A g-1) among state-of-the-art cathode materials for aluminum batteries.

HAADF-STEM observations illustrate that the probabilities of appearance of (111) microtwins with different twinning structures in μ phase were different. Based on this, 8 possible (111) twinning models with different twin boundary structures are established and discussed via DFT. Experimental characterization and DFT calculations reveal a close relation between the probabilities of appearance of these (111) microtwins and the interface energy at the twin boundaries: the smaller the energy is, the easier the twinning structure is to form and exist stably. TB5, with the smallest interface energy, is exactly the abundantly-existing twinning structure observed in HAADF. Moreover, via DFT simulation, distribution behaviors of the solute elements Cr, Mo, Re, Ni at the twin boundary of TB3 and the atomic arrangement at (111) twin boundary of C15–Cr2Nb crystal have been predicted and analyzed. The methods of DFT simulation and analysis on the twin boundaries provide a new strategy to study the twinning structures of complex-structured crystals and preferred distribution of different solutes at the twin boundary, etc.

Observation regarding the SEM and TEM images of the precipitation and growth morphology of topologically close-packed (TCP) phase indicates that the orientation relationships between the TCP phase with different morphologies and the matrix are not that similar. Concerning with this phenomenon, via DFT calculations, the possible interface structures between the σ phase and the matrix γ, as well as the μ phase and the matrix γ have been established and discussed under different orientation relationships. The experimental characterizations and simulated calculations reveal that the orientation relationships between TCP phase and the matrix determine interplanar spacing mismatches and the interface energy of the low index dense arrangement interfaces of the two phases, while the two parameters exert influence on the growth and morphology of TCP phase. The interface energy of the σ/γ interface with (111)γ//(001)σ orientation is small while its interplanar spacing mismatch is large, so the TCP phase under this orientation relationship tend to take planar expansion along interface instead of growing layer by layer parallel to the plane, giving rise to plate-like morphology. However, those of the σ/γ with (110)γ//(1–10)σ and the μ/γ with (110)γ//(111)μ are just the opposite, so the TCP phases under these orientations tend to grow layer by layer instead of expand along plane, forming needle-like or rod-like morphology eventually.