Binder-free SnO-TiO composite anode with high durability for lithium-ion batteries.

A SnO-TiO electrode was prepared anodization and subsequent anodic potential shock for a binder-free anode for lithium-ion battery applications. Perpendicularly oriented TiO microcones are formed by anodization; SnO, originating in a NaSnO precursor, is then deposited in the valleys between the microcones and in their hollow cores by anodic potential shock. This sequence is confirmed by SEM and TEM analyses and EDS element mapping.

Electrodeposition of WO nanoparticles into surface mounted metal-organic framework HKUST-1 thin films.

We describe a novel procedure to fabricate WO@surface-mounted metal-organic framework (SURMOF) hybrid materials by electrodeposition of WO nanoparticles into HKUST-1, also termed Cu(BTC) SURMOFs. These materials have been characterized using x-ray diffraction, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy as well as linear sweep voltammetry. The WO semiconductor/SURMOF heterostructures were further tested as hybrid electrodes in their performance for hydrogen evolution reaction from water.

Transcriptional regulator CTR9 inhibits Th17 differentiation via repression of IL-17 expression.

PAF complex is an evolutionarily conserved transcriptional complex that associates with RNA polymerase II in the coding region of actively transcribing genes. Although its transcriptional activity is closely related to diverse cellular processes, such as cell-cycle progression or development in mammals, its role in immune responses has not been addressed yet. In this study, we show that CTR9, a component of PAF complex, functions as a repressor of Th17 differentiation.