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Surfaces, interfaces and grain boundaries are classically known to be sinks of defects generated within the bulk lattice. Here, we report an inverse case by which the defects generated at the particle surface are continuously pumped into the bulk lattice. We show that, during operation of a rechargeable battery, oxygen vacancies produced at the surfaces of lithium-rich layered cathode particles migrate towards the inside lattice. This process is associated with a high cutoff voltage at which an anionic redox process is activated. First-principle calculations reveal that triggering of this redox process leads to a sharp decrease of both the formation energy of oxygen vacancies and the migration barrier of oxidized oxide ions, therefore enabling the migration of oxygen vacancies into the bulk lattice of the cathode. This work unveils a coupled redox dynamic that needs to be taken into account when designing high-capacity layered cathode materials for high-voltage lithium-ion batteries.Lithium transition metal oxide cathodes can degrade under high-voltage conditions by a redox mechanism by which oxygen vacancies form at the surface and migrate towards the bulk.

A bstract The (bosonic) Virasoro minimal string, which relates worldsheet string theory to a deformation of the JT gravity matrix model, provides an interesting example of a tractable matrix/string duality. We explore its N = 1 supersymmetric generalization, the super Virasoro minimal string, which we expect to be dual to a deformation of the N = 1 JT supergravity matrix model. The worldsheet theory is characterized by two copies of super Liouville theory, one with central charge c > 27 2 (the spacelike regime) and another with c < 3 2 (the timelike regime), coupled to worldsheet supergravity and subject to diagonal (Type 0A/B) GSO projection. As a first step, we define the timelike theory, which has hitherto not been bootstrapped, by obtaining its spectrum and structure constants. Furthermore, we also outline the matrix model’s predictions for the worldsheet observables. Curiously, all perturbative amplitudes are predicted to vanish in the 0B theory, while all tree-level amplitudes vanish in the 0A case. Using the worldsheet description, we explicitly verify this prediction (modulo an assumption) only for the simplest of the worldsheet observables, the sphere three-point function. A detailed study of other observables and verification of the duality is deferred for the future.

LiNi 1/3 Mn 1/3 Co 1/3 O 2 -layered cathode is often fabricated in the form of secondary particles, consisting of densely packed primary particles. This offers advantages for high energy density and alleviation of cathode side reactions/corrosions, but introduces drawbacks such as intergranular cracking. Here, we report unexpected observations on the nucleation and growth of intragranular cracks in a commercial LiNi 1/3 Mn 1/3 Co 1/3 O 2 cathode by using advanced scanning transmission electron microscopy. We find the formation of the intragranular cracks is directly associated with high-voltage cycling, an electrochemically driven and diffusion-controlled process. The intragranular cracks are noticed to be characteristically initiated from the grain interior, a consequence of a dislocation-based crack incubation mechanism. This observation is in sharp contrast with general theoretical models, predicting the initiation of intragranular cracks from grain boundaries or particle surfaces. Our study emphasizes that maintaining structural stability is the key step towards high-voltage operation of layered-cathode materials. Cycling-induced fracture can limit conditions for stable operation for various lithium-ion electrode materials. Here, the authors characterize fracture in nickel-manganese-cobalt oxide microscopically and provide evidence for dislocation-assisted, intragranular fracture operating above a critical voltage threshold.

Liver cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common type. The pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma is concealed, its progress is rapid, its prognosis is poor, and the mortality rate is high. Therefore, novel molecular targets for hepatocellular carcinoma early diagnosis and development of targeted therapy are critically needed. Glypican-3, a cell-surface glycoproteins in which heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycan chains are covalently linked to a protein core, is overexpressed in HCC tissues but not in the healthy adult liver. Thus, Glypican-3 is becoming a promising candidate for liver cancer diagnosis and immunotherapy. Up to now, Glypican-3 has been a reliable immunohistochemical marker for hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis, and soluble Glypican-3 in serum has becoming a promising marker for liquid biopsy. Moreover, various immunotherapies targeting Glypican-3 have been developed, including Glypican-3 vaccines, anti- Glypican-3 immunotoxin and chimeric-antigen-receptor modified cells. In this review, we summarize and analyze the structure and physicochemical properties of Glypican-3 molecules, then review their biological functions and applications in clinical diagnosis, and explore the diagnosis and treatment strategies based on Glypican-3.

It is classically well perceived that cathode–air interfacial reactions, often instantaneous and thermodynamic non-equilibrium, will lead to the formation of interfacial layers, which subsequently, often vitally, control the behaviour and performance of batteries. However, understanding of the nature of cathode–air interfacial reactions remain elusive. Here, using atomic-resolution, time-resolved in-situ environmental transmission electron microscopy and atomistic simulation, we reveal that the cathode–water interfacial reactions can lead to the surface passivation, where the resultant conformal LiOH layers present a critical thickness beyond which the otherwise sustained interfacial reactions are arrested. We rationalize that the passivation behavior is dictated by the Li + -water interaction driven Li-ion de-intercalation, rather than a direct cathode–gas chemical reaction. Further, we show that a thin disordered rocksalt layer formed on the cathode surface can effectively mitigate the surface degradation by suppressing chemical delithiation. The established passivation paradigm opens new venues for the development of novel high-energy and high-stability cathodes. Environmentally triggered degradation at the cathode–air interface is dictated by Li-ion de-intercalation caused by Li + -water interactions. Here, thin disordered rocksalt surface layers are reported to suppress chemical delithiation, facilitating development of high energy and stability cathodes.

This study investigates the effects of risk perception, buffering ability, self-organization ability and learning ability on the fishermens'ecological farming willingness in Yangtze River, China. Using the Yangtze River basin fishermen as a case study, this study simultaneously used the partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fs/QCA) to explore the linear and nonlinear dynamic impacts among the variables. PLS-SEM analysis revealed that livelihood resilience positively affect ecological farming willingness of retired fishermen; risk perception and livelihood resilience can positively influence ecological farming willingness through buffering, self-organization and learning abilities. The fs/QCA revealed that simple antecedent variables do not constitute a necessary condition for promoting fishermens' strong ecological farming willingness, which depends on the conditions combined with another element. The analysis also elucidates the optimized combination of support policies for fishermen in different regions. In the eastern region, a compensation configuration that emphasizes \"livelihood capital\" through natural and material resources is identified as the most effective approach. This strategy aims to enhance the stock of livelihood capital for fishermen, thereby ensuring stability and sustainability in their livelihoods. Conversely, the central region is most effectively served by \"policy-driven\" assistance measures. These measures emphasize enhancing policy implementation to promote the transformation and restoration of livelihoods. Simultaneously, in the western region, an optimal comprehensive support model, characterized as \"integrated capital -policy-community-skills,\" comes to the fore. This approach empowers communities and offers substantial support for the sustainable development of fishermen's livelihoods.

The electrolyte is an indispensable component in all electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices with batteries being a prime example. While most research efforts have been pursued on the materials side, the progress for the electrolyte is slow due to the decomposition of salts and solvents at low potentials, not to mention their complicated interactions with the electrode materials. The general properties of bulk electrolytes such as ionic conductivity, viscosity, and stability all affect the cell performance. However, for a specific electrochemical cell in which the cathode, anode, and electrolyte are optimized, it is the interface between the solid electrode and the liquid electrolyte, generally referred to as the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), that dictates the rate of ion flow in the system. The commonly used electrolyte is within the range of 1–1.2 m based on the prior optimization experience, leaving the high concentration region insufficiently recognized. Recently, electrolytes with increased concentration (>1.0 m) have received intensive attention due to quite a few interesting discoveries in cells containing concentrated electrolytes. The formation mechanism and the nature of the SEI layers derived from concentrated electrolytes could be fundamentally distinct from those of the traditional SEI and thus enable unusual functions that cannot be realized using regular electrolytes. In this article, we provide an overview on the recent progress of high concentration electrolytes in different battery chemistries. The experimentally observed phenomena and their underlying fundamental mechanisms are discussed. New insights and perspectives are proposed to inspire more revolutionary solutions to address the interfacial challenges. Recent research progress towards understanding the interfaces derived from superconcentrated electrolytes is discussed in this Review. The fundamentally different formation mechanism of SEI is compared in various battery systems. This Review is focused on the discussion of solution solvation structure, interfacial reactions and their correlation to the electrochemical properties. Perspectives and new insights of utilizing high concentration electrolytes in energy storage applications are provided.

Electrochemically driven functioning of a battery inevitably induces thermal and mechanical effects, which in turn couple with the electrochemical effect and collectively govern the performance of the battery. However, such a coupling effect, whether favorable or detrimental, has never been explicitly elucidated. Here we use in situ transmission electron microscopy to demonstrate such a coupling effect. We discover that thermally perturbating delithiated LiNi 0.6 Mn 0.2 Co 0.2 O 2 will trigger explosive nucleation and propagation of intragranular cracks in the lattice, providing us a unique opportunity to directly visualize the cracking mechanism and dynamics. We reveal that thermal stress associated with electrochemically induced phase inhomogeneity and internal pressure resulting from oxygen release are the primary driving forces for intragranular cracking that resembles a “popcorn” fracture mechanism. The present work reveals that, for battery performance, the intricate coupling of electrochemical, thermal, and mechanical effects will surpass the superposition of individual effects. Electrochemical processes induce thermo-mechanical effects that mediate battery performance. Here the authors directly visualize cracking dynamics in a thermally perturbed, delithiated LiNi 0.6 Mn 0.2 Co 0.2 O 2 cathode to demonstrate coupling between thermal, mechanical and electrochemical factors.

Patients who have experienced bleeding in the posterior circulation of the brain often develop Hypertrophic Olivary Degeneration (HOD). This condition can lead to new neurological problems several months after the initial hemorrhage, potentially worsening the overall outcome for these patients. However, its pathogenesis and prognosis remain inconclusive. The research included 214 patients diagnosed with brainstem or cerebellar hemorrhage, of which 36 developed secondary HOD. The study aimed to analyze the clinical data of these patients, investigate the risk factors associated with HOD development, and evaluate the prognosis for those affected. (1) No significant differences in common cerebrovascular risk factors, such as hypertension and diabetes, were observed between the HOD and non-HOD groups among patients with lesions involving the Guillain-Mollaret triangle (GMT) ( P  > 0.05). (2) The site of hemorrhage was significantly correlated with the location of HOD ( P  < 0.05). (3) A significant association was found between the primary lesion’s site and the interval before HOD onset ( P  < 0.05). (4) Patients in the HOD group showed poorer functional outcomes, reflected by higher mRS scores (Z =  −2.859, P  = 0.004) and lower ADL scores (Z =  −2.859, P  = 0.004). Among patients with brainstem or cerebellar hemorrhage, all individuals with HOD had lesions involving the GMT. A significant correlation was identified between the site of hemorrhage and the location of HOD. Cerebellar hemorrhage cases were associated with shorter intervals before HOD onset, and HOD was linked to significantly worse functional outcomes.

The Industry–Finance Collaboration Pilot (IFCP) integrates governmental green guidance with digital collaboration platforms to promote non-equity-based cooperation between industrial and financial sectors. Using a Difference-in-Differences (DID) approach and a sample of A-share listed industrial firms on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges from 2011 to 2023, this study examines the IFCP’s impact on corporate green innovation (GI). Results show that the IFCP increases the number of green patent applications by 7.5% on average, indicating its effect in stimulating GI. This effect operates through two main mechanisms. First, under governmental green guidance, the IFCP encourages local green fiscal subsidies, increases green investor participation, improves environmental information disclosure, and lowers agency costs. Second, through digital finance empowerment, it mitigates information asymmetry and transaction costs in financial activities, thereby reducing credit costs and enhancing firms’ access to green credit. The effect of the IFCP on GI is more pronounced in regions with stricter environmental regulation, in pollution-intensive industries, and among firms with smaller asset sizes. Further analysis indicates that the IFCP primarily stimulates tactical, low-value GI driven by compliance or opportunistic motives, rather than promoting substantive, high-quality innovation. This study provides empirical evidence and policy insights into how governmental green guidance and digital finance empowerment can jointly promote green industrial development.