SiO-induced thermal instability and interplay between graphite and SiO in graphite/SiO composite anode.

Silicon monoxide (SiO), which exhibits better cyclability compared to silicon while delivering higher capacity than that of graphite, is an adequate material for the development of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) having higher energy densities. However, incorporating silicon-based materials including SiO into stable graphite anode inevitably degrades not only cycle life but also calendar life of LIBs, while little is known about their aging mechanisms. Here, SiO-induced thermal instability of the graphite/SiO composite anode is investigated.

Epitaxial Growth of β-GaO Thin Films on Si with YSZ Buffer Layer.

We report the epitaxial growth of (2̅01)-oriented β-GaO thin films on a (001) Si substrate using the pulsed laser deposition technique employing epitaxial yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) buffer layers. Epitaxial β-GaO thin films possess a biaxial compressive strain on YSZ single-crystal substrates while they exhibit a biaxial tensile strain on YSZ-buffered Si substrates. Post-annealing improves the crystalline quality of β-GaO thin films.

Liquid-Metal-Assisted Synthesis of Single-Crystalline TiC Nanocubes with Exposed {100} Facets for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Activity in the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction.

Although TiC nanostructures show promise as non-noble-metal-based electrocatalysts, improved synthesis methods are required. Herein, single-crystalline TiC nanocubes with exposed {100} facets are grown by combusting TiO  + kMg + C reactive mixtures (k = 4-6.5 mol) in argon.

Exploiting elastic buckling of high-strength gold nanowire toward stable electrical probing.

Buckling is a loss of structural stability. It occurs in long slender structures or thin plate structures which is subjected to compressive forces. For the structural materials, such a sudden change in shape has been considered to be avoided.

Pharmacologic Effects of Oxaliplatin Instability in Chloride-Containing Carrier Fluids on the Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy to Treat Colorectal Cancer In Vitro and In Vivo.

Background: Oxaliplatin-based hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) involves mixing oxaliplatin with 5% dextrose solution (5DW) to prevent the structural degradation of oxaliplatin in chloride-containing fluids. This study evaluated oxaliplatin degradation in carrier fluids containing different chloride ion concentrations to determine a carrier fluid that is optimal for use in oxaliplatin-based HIPEC.

Methods: Five types of carrier fluids (normal saline, half saline, 5DW, Dianeal PD-2 peritoneal dialysis solution, and non-chloride Dianeal solution) were compared.

Synchrotron radiation based X-ray techniques for analysis of cathodes in Li rechargeable batteries.

Li-ion rechargeable batteries are promising systems for large-scale energy storage solutions. Understanding the electrochemical process in the cathodes of these batteries using suitable techniques is one of the crucial steps for developing them as next-generation energy storage devices. Due to the broad energy range, synchrotron X-ray techniques provide a better option for characterizing the cathodes compared to the conventional laboratory-scale characterization instruments.

Immunomodulation of Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Rotator Cuff Tears Model.

Background: Rotator cuff tears (RCTs) induce chronic muscle weakness and shoulder pain. Treatment of RCT using surgery or drugs causes lipid infiltration and fibrosis, which hampers tissue regeneration and complete recovery. The pluripotent stem cell-derived multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (M-MSCs) represent potential candidate next-generation therapies for RCT.

A copper(II) coordination compound under water-oxidation reaction at neutral conditions: decomposition on the counter electrode.

In the context of energy storage, the oxygen-evolution reaction (OER, 2HO → O + 4H + 4e) through the water-oxidation reaction is a thermodynamically uphill reaction in overall water splitting. In recent years, copper(II) coordination compounds have been extensively used for the OER. However, challenges remain in finding the mechanism of the OER in the presence of these metal coordination compounds.

Role of Cr Doping on the Structure, Electronic Structure, and Electrochemical Properties of BiFeO Nanoparticles.

BiFe1−xCrxO3, (0 ≤ x ≤ 10) nanoparticles were prepared through the sol−gel technique. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using various techniques, viz., X-ray diffraction, high-resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy (HRFESEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), UV−Vis absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL), dc magnetization, near-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (NEXAFS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements, to investigate the structural, morphological, optical, magnetic and electrochemical properties.

Detection of non-reference porcine endogenous retrovirus loci in the Vietnamese native pig genome.

The Vietnamese native pig (VnP)-a porcine breed with a small body-has proven suitable as a biomedical animal model. Here, we demonstrate that, compared to other breeds, VnPs have fewer copies of porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs), which pose a risk for xenotransplantation of pig organs to humans. More specifically, we sought to characterize non-reference PERVs (nrPERVs) that were previously unidentified in the reference genome.

Complete Genome Sequence of Lactococcus cremoris Strain 7-1, a Lactic Acid Bacterium Isolated from a Traditional Mongolian Milk Product Possessing Mucin-Adhesive Ability.

We report the complete genome sequence of Lactococcus cremoris strain 7-1, which was isolated from urum, a traditional Mongolian milk product. Strain 7-1 adhered to porcine gastric mucin in a carbon source-dependent manner. The genome consists of a circular chromosome (2,557,589 bp; GC content, 35.

Controlling of lattice strains for crack-free and strong ferroelectric barium titanate films by post-thermal treatment.

In this study, we experimentally demonstrate fabrication of ultra-smooth and crystalline barium titanate (BTO) films on magnesium oxide (MgO) substrates by engineering lattice strain and crystal structure via thermal treatment. We observe that oxygen-depleted deposition allows growth of highly strained BTO films on MgO substrates with crack-free surface. In addition, post-thermal treatment relaxes strain, resulting in an enhancement of ferroelectricity.

Surface Analysis of Fermented Wheat and Rice Starch Used for Coating Traditional Korean Textiles.

Wheat and rice starches, traditionally used to stiffen fabric, become less contaminated and more antiseptic after fermentation for several years, thus enhancing their functional activity. In the present study, analytical techniques using particle size analysis, a gloss meter and a colorimeter were used to measure the physical properties of wheat and rice starches that had been fermented for 5 and 7 years, respectively. Their chemical contents and composition were determined by nutrient measurements and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS).

Fermi-Level Pinning-Free WSe Transistors via 2D Van der Waals Metal Contacts and Their Circuits.

Precise control over the polarity of transistors is a key necessity for the construction of complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor circuits. However, the polarity control of 2D transistors remains a challenge because of the lack of a high-work-function electrode that completely eliminates Fermi-level pinning at metal-semiconductor interfaces. Here, a creation of clean van der Waals contacts is demonstrated, wherein a metallic 2D material, chlorine-doped SnSe (Cl-SnSe ), is used as the high-work-function contact, providing an interface that is free of defects and Fermi-level pinning.

Further Insight into the Conversion of a Ni-Fe Metal-Organic Framework during Water-Oxidation Reaction.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are extensively investigated as catalysts in the oxygen-evolution reaction (OER). A Ni-Fe MOF with 2,5-dihydroxy terephthalate as a linker has been claimed to be among the most efficient catalysts for the oxygen-evolution reaction (OER) under alkaline conditions. Herein, the MOF stability under the OER was reinvestigated by electrochemical methods, X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, operando visible spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy.

Inhibitory effects of thiol compounds on theaflavin browning and structural analysis of the causative substances.

Theaflavin, a polyphenol responsible for the bright orange color and various bioactivities of black tea exudates, is susceptible to autoxidation at neutral and mild alkaline pH, changing its color to brown. In the presence of cysteine (Cys), glutathione (GSH), or N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), the browning of theaflavin solution was inhibited concomitantly with time-dependent decreases in the concentrations of both theaflavin and thiol group. The rank order of the decrease was Cys ≅ GSH > NAC, suggesting the relevance of the nucleophilic property of the thiol group to its reaction with theaflavin.

Exposure Levels and Contributing Factors of Various Arsenic Species and Their Health Effects on Korean Adults.

Arsenic is a human carcinogen. Data on urinary arsenic species analyses of Koreans are limited. This study evaluated the arsenic exposure level, contributing factors, and health effects in Korean adults.

Electrode reconstruction strategy for oxygen evolution reaction: maintaining Fe-CoOOH phase with intermediate-spin state during electrolysis.

Computational calculations and experimental studies reveal that the CoOOH phase and the intermediate-spin (IS) state are the key factors for realizing efficient Co-based electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). However, according to thermodynamics, general cobalt oxide converts to the CoO phase under OER condition, retarding the OER kinetics. Herein, we demonstrate a simple and scalable strategy to fabricate electrodes with maintaining Fe-CoOOH phase and an IS state under the OER.

Assessment of dietary exposure to heterocyclic amines based on the Korean total diet study.

Heterocyclic amines (HCAs) are contaminants in proteinaceous foods produced by cooking at high temperatures. This study was the first assessment of exposure to HCAs using the Korean total diet study. Twelve HCAs were analysed in 1,232 pooled samples using six isotope-labelled internal standards and HPLC-MS/MS.

Sodium Cobalticarborane: A Promising Precatalyst for Oxygen Evolution Reaction.

Water splitting is a helpful way of converting renewable electricity into fuel. The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a slow reaction that provides low-cost electrons for water reduction reactions. Thus, finding an efficient, low-cost, stable, and environmentally friendly OER catalyst is critical for water splitting.