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Limited by the size of microelectronics, as well as the space of electrical vehicles, there are tremendous demands for lithium-ion batteries with high volumetric energy densities. Current lithium-ion batteries, however, adopt graphite-based anodes with low tap density and gravimetric capacity, resulting in poor volumetric performance metric. Here, by encapsulating nanoparticles of metallic tin in mechanically robust graphene tubes, we show tin anodes with high volumetric and gravimetric capacities, high rate performance, and long cycling life. Pairing with a commercial cathode material LiNi 0.6 Mn 0.2 Co 0.2 O 2 , full cells exhibit a gravimetric and volumetric energy density of 590 W h Kg −1 and 1,252 W h L −1 , respectively, the latter of which doubles that of the cell based on graphite anodes. This work provides an effective route towards lithium-ion batteries with high energy density for a broad range of applications. Here the authors report a tin anode design by encapsulating tin nanoparticles in graphene tubes. The design exhibits high capacity, good rate performance and cycling stability. Pairing with NMC, the full cell delivers a volumetric energy density twice as high as that for the commercial cell.

The application of graphene for electrochemical energy storage has received tremendous attention; however, challenges remain in synthesis and other aspects. Here we report the synthesis of high-quality, nitrogen-doped, mesoporous graphene particles through chemical vapor deposition with magnesium-oxide particles as the catalyst and template. Such particles possess excellent structural and electrochemical stability, electronic and ionic conductivity, enabling their use as high-performance anodes with high reversible capacity, outstanding rate performance (e.g., 1,138 mA h g −1 at 0.2 C or 440 mA h g −1 at 60 C with a mass loading of 1 mg cm −2 ), and excellent cycling stability (e.g., >99% capacity retention for 500 cycles at 2 C with a mass loading of 1 mg cm −2 ). Interestingly, thick electrodes could be fabricated with high areal capacity and current density (e.g., 6.1 mA h cm −2 at 0.9 mA cm −2 ), providing an intriguing class of materials for lithium-ion batteries with high energy and power performance. Here, Lu and co-workers show the synthesis of high-quality, nitrogen-doped, mesoporous graphene particles using CVD with MgO as the catalyst and template. When used as the anode for a lithium ion battery, their unique architecture allows for excellent rate performance and cycling stability.

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells have been regarded as the most promising candidate for fuel cell vehicles and tools. Their broader adaption, however, has been impeded by cost and lifetime. By integrating a thin layer of tungsten oxide within the anode, which serves as a rapid-response hydrogen reservoir, oxygen scavenger, sensor for power demand, and regulator for hydrogen-disassociation reaction, we herein report proton exchange membrane fuel cells with significantly enhanced power performance for transient operation and low humidified conditions, as well as improved durability against adverse operating conditions. Meanwhile, the enhanced power performance minimizes the use of auxiliary energy-storage systems and reduces costs. Scale fabrication of such devices can be readily achieved based on the current fabrication techniques with negligible extra expense. This work provides proton exchange membrane fuel cells with enhanced power performance, improved durability, prolonged lifetime, and reduced cost for automotive and other applications. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells often suffer from low lifetimes and high cost. Here, the authors enhance the transient power performance and durability of these fuel cells by integrating a thin layer of tungsten oxide within the anode, which acts as a hydrogen reservoir, oxygen scavenger, and a regulator for the hydrogen-disassociation reaction.

Objective. This study aimed to explore the role of angelica polysaccharide (AP) in sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI) and its underlying molecular mechanism. Methods. A sepsis model of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in male BALB/C mice was used. Then, 24 h after CLP, histopathological changes in lung tissue, lung wet/dry weight ratio, and inflammatory cell infiltration were analyzed. Next, levels of inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-18), as well as the activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH), were measured to assess the role of AP. The protein expression of NF-κB p65, p-NF-κB p65, IκBα, p-IκBα, nucleotide-binding domain- (NOD-) like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), ASC, and caspase-1 was detected by western blot. In addition, the expression of p-NF-κB p65 and NLRP3 was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results. AP treatment ameliorated CLP-induced lung injury and lung edema, as well as decreased the number of total cells, neutrophils, and macrophages in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). AP reduced the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18 in BALF, as well as in serum. Moreover, AP decreased MPO activity and MDA content, whereas increased SOD and GSH levels. AP inhibited the expression of p-NF-κB p65, p-IκBα, NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1, while promoted IκBα expression. Conclusion. This study demonstrated that AP exhibits protective effects against sepsis-induced ALI by inhibiting NLRP3 and NF-κB signaling pathways in mice.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel pathogen, has caused an outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that has spread rapidly around the world. Determining the risk factors for death and the differences in clinical features between severely ill and critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia has become increasingly important. This study was intended to provide insight into the difference between severely ill and critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. In this retrospective, multicenter cohort study, we enrolled 62 seriously ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia who had been diagnosed by March 12, 2020. Clinical data, laboratory indexes, chest images, and treatment strategies collected from routine medical records were compared between severely ill and critically ill patients. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were also conducted to identify the risk factors associated with the progression of patients with severe COVID-19. Of the 62 patients with severe or critical illness, including 7 who died, 30 (48%) patients had underlying diseases, of which the most common was cardiovascular disease (hypertension, 34%, and coronary heart disease, 5%). Compared to patients with severe disease, those with critical disease had distinctly higher white blood cell counts, procalcitonin levels, and D-dimer levels, and lower hemoglobin levels and lymphocyte counts. Multivariate regression showed that a lymphocyte count less than 10 /L (odds ratio 20.92, 95% CI 1.76-248.18; p=0.02) at admission increased the risk of developing a critical illness. Based on multivariate regression analysis, a lower lymphocyte count (<10 /L) on admission is the most critical independent factor that is closely associated with an increased risk of progression to critical illness. Age, underlying diseases, especially hypertension and coronary heart disease, elevated D-dimer, decreased hemoglobin, and SOFA score, and APACH score also need to be taken into account for predicting disease progression. Blood cell counts and procalcitonin levels for the later secondary bacterial infection have a certain reference values.

High aspect ratio capability leads to a successful use of SU-8 photo-resist in a diversity of micro-scale polymer devices as a construction material. However, SU-8 structures fabricated by conventional photolithography technique suffer from high residual stress which results in the collapse of the fabricated structures. In the present work, a water assist ultrasonic method was proposed to decrease the residual stress in SU-8 structures. The mechanism of this method and ultrasonic parameters (power, temperature, and duration) on the remaining rate of SU-8 structures was studied. The experiments showed that only ultrasonic duration was conducive to the reduction of residual stress and a lower residual stress was associated with a longer ultrasonic duration. The proposed method is a potential candidate for fabricating of high aspect ratio SU-8 structures without any damage.

Two-dimensional electrophoresis（2-DE） of protein extracted and purified from Alexandrium sp. LC3 was conducted. In the SDS-PAGE study, the relative molecular weights of the proteins were mainly in the range of 14 kDa-31 kDa and 43 kDa-66 kDa, and more proteins were detected between 14kDa and 31 kDa. With the improved protein preparation, the two-dimensional electrophoresis patterns indicated that the relative molecular weights of the proteins were between 14kDa and 100kDa, and most of them ranged from 14 kDa to 31 kDa. This was consistent with the result of the SDS-PAGE analysis. The isoelectric points were found to lie between 3.0 and 8.0, and most of them were in the range of 3.0-6.0. Better separation effect was acquired with pre-prepared immobilized gradient （IPG） strip （pH 3-5.6）, and about 320 protein spots could be visualized on the 2-DE map by staining. Within pH 3-l0 and pH 3-5.6 strips, the protein samples of Alexandrium sp. LC3 could be separated well.

Two-dimensional (2D) materials, such as transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), black phosphorus (BP), MXene and borophene, have aroused extensive attention since the discovery of graphene in 2004. They have wide range of applications in many research fields, such as optoelectronic devices, energy storage, catalysis, owing to their striking physical and chemical properties. Among them, anisotropic 2D material is one kind of 2D materials that possess different properties along different directions caused by the intrinsic anisotropic atoms’ arrangement of the 2D materials, mainly including BP, borophene, low-symmetry TMDs (ReSe 2 and ReS 2 ) and group IV monochalcogenides (SnS, SnSe, GeS, and GeSe). Recently, a series of new devices has been fabricated based on these anisotropic 2D materials. In this review, we start from a brief introduction of the classifications, crystal structures, preparation techniques, stability, as well as the strategy to discriminate the anisotropic characteristics of 2D materials. Then, the recent advanced applications including electronic devices, optoelectronic devices, thermoelectric devices and nanomechanical devices based on the anisotropic 2D materials both in experiment and theory have been summarized. Finally, the current challenges and prospects in device designs, integration, mechanical analysis, and micro-/nano-fabrication techniques related to anisotropic 2D materials have been discussed. This review is aimed to give a generalized knowledge of anisotropic 2D materials and their current devices applications, and thus inspiring the exploration and development of other kinds of new anisotropic 2D materials and various novel device applications.

Aqueous Zn ion batteries are advantageous in terms of safety and cost, while their sustainable applications are usually impeded by dendrite growth and interfacial side reactions. Here, we present the development of an electrochemically driven artificial solid-state electrolyte interphase, utilizing a metal surface coupling agent phosphate ester as a protective layer for Zn negative electrodes. Upon cycling, the protective layer in situ transforms into a hybrid phase enriched with well dispersed Zn 3 (PO 4 ) 2 nanocrystals. This transformation ensures a uniform Zn 2+ flux, effectively suppresses dendrite growth, and mitigates side reactions. In addition, such protective layer ensures Zn electrode stable plating/stripping performance for 1500 h at 10 mA cm −2 and 1 mAh cm −2 , while pouch cells coupled with NaV 3 O 8 ·1.5H 2 O deliver ampere-hour level capacity. Beyond that, its robust adhesion and flexibility enable the Zn electrode to maintain good performance under a variety of harsh conditions. This approach provides valuable insights into the advancement of Zn metal batteries. Practical applications of zinc metal electrodes are hindered by dendrite growth and side reactions. Here, authors propose an electrochemically driven artificial solid interphase forming via in-situ conversion of a phosphate ester-based protective layer. This approach enables stable versatile zinc negative electrodes for aqueous zinc batteries.