Toward High-Performance Metal-Organic-Framework-Based Quasi-Solid-State Electrolytes: Tunable Structures and Electrochemical Properties.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been reported as promising materials for electrochemical applications owing to their tunable porous structures and ion-sieving capability. However, it remains challenging to rationally design MOF-based electrolytes for high-energy lithium batteries. In this work, by combining advanced characterization and modeling tools, a series of nanocrystalline MOFs is designed, and the effects of pore apertures and open metal sites on ion-transport properties and electrochemical stability of MOF quasi-solid-state electrolytes are systematically studied.

Distinct phenotypes of cancer cells on tissue matrix gel.

Background: Breast cancer cells invading the connective tissues outside the mammary lobule or duct immerse in a reservoir of extracellular matrix (ECM) that is structurally and biochemically distinct from that of their site of origin. The ECM is a spatial network of matrix proteins, which not only provide physical support but also serve as bioactive ligands to the cells. It becomes evident that the dimensional, mechanical, structural, and biochemical properties of ECM are all essential mediators of many cellular functions.

Evidence of cyclical light/dark-regulated expression of freezing tolerance in young winter wheat plants.

The ability of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants to develop freezing tolerance through cold acclimation is a complex rait that responds to many environmental cues including day length and temperature. A large part of the freezing tolerance is conditioned by the C-repeat binding factor (CBF) gene regulon.

Preparation and Properties of Hydrogels Based on PEGylated Lignosulfonate Amine.

Sodium lignosulfonate (SLS) was aminated to obtain a lignin amine (LA) compound, which was subsequently crosslinked with poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether (PEGDGE) to obtain hydrogels. The chemical structure of the resulting LA-derived hydrogel (LAH) was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, solid-state C NMR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis, and the interior morphology of the freeze-dried hydrogel was examined by scanning electron microscopy. NMR and FTIR spectroscopy results indicated that the amino groups of LA reacted with PEGDGE in the crosslinking reaction.