Effect of Li Content on the Surface Film Formed on the Binary Mg–Li Alloys in NaCl Solution

Chuanqiang Li,Dahui Liang,Yejia Lin,Yong Dong,Binqing Shi,Changjian Yan,Zhengrong Zhang 대한금속·재료학회 2024 METALS AND MATERIALS International Vol.30 No.1

The surface film formed on the Mg–Li alloys with different Li content in 0.1 M NaCl solution were investigated via electrochemicaltesting, morphologies observation and chemical composition analysis in this work. The results revealed that thesurface film of Mg–14Li alloy (L14: body centred cubic (BCC)) possessed higher electrical resistivity and remained a highertolerating over-potential (0.1 V vs. open circuit potential) than those of Mg–4Li (L4: hexagonal closed-packed (HCP)) andMg–7.5Li (L7: HCP+BCC), resulting in a better corrosion performance. After 24 h immersion in NaCl solution, the wholesurface film of L14 remained undamaged and displayed weave-like and dense characteristic, while both L4 and L7 present aseverely damaged film. The cross-sectional details illustrated typical two layers of surface film formed on L14 with the outerlayer of ~ 1.5 μm and inner layer of ~ 2.5 μm in thickness, whilst only one layer of film with less than 2.5 μm in thicknesswas observed on L4 and L7. At last, combining analysis of X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, X-rayphotoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscope confirmed the composition of outer layer of surface filmon the L14 contains much more Mg(OH)2 and Li-containing compounds, and the porous Mg(OH)2 film can be sealed by theLi-containing compounds, which is very different the single Mg(OH)2 film on the traditional magnesium and L4/L7 alloys. As a result, the best protective function of the surface film on the L14 alloy contribute to its high corrosion resistance.

Mechanism and process for the extraction of lithium from the high magnesium brine with N,N-bis(2-ethylhexyl)-2-methoxyacetamide in kerosene and FeCl3

Lianmin Ji,Licheng Zhang,Dong Shi,Xiaowu Peng,Jinfeng Li,Yuze zhang,Taoshan Xu,Lijuan Liao 한국공업화학회 2022 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.113 No.-

The degradation of TBP has become a stumbling block to the industrial continuous production of lithiumchloride extraction from brines with high Mg/Li ratio by solvent extraction. To develop a more stable andmore efficient extraction system, a novel amide system, containing newly synthesized extractant N,N-bis(2-ethylhexyl)-2-methoxyacetamide (NBEHMOA), FeCl3 6H2O and sulfonated kerosene, was proposed inthis work. Compared with TBP and N523, NBEHMOA extracted Li+ and H+ in the sequence of TBP ˃NBEHMOA ˃ N523 and N523 ˃ TBP ˃ NBEHMOA respectively. The solution containing 5.5 mol/L LiCland 0.5 mol/L HCl was used as the eluent in the scrubbing process. A Li+ extraction efficiency of 96.7%and 22.31 g/L Li+ in the stripping solution were achieved by the whole process with counter-currenttwelve stages. The extraction mechanism investigated via FT-IR spectroscopy illustrated that the metalions Fe3+ and Li+ were mainly coordinated by the carbonyl C = O in NBEHMOA. This novel amide systemcan successfully achieve the cascade extraction effect for lithium, Li/Mg separation and avoid the generationof phase interface objects through counter-current extraction of lithium from brine at a lower acidity. This work provided a novel extraction system to recover lithium from the higher magnesium/lithiumratio brines.

Improved lithium storage performance of CeO2-decorated SrLi2Ti6O14 material as an anode for Li-ion battery

Ying Li,Hong-Yan Liu,Ling-Na Shi,Yan-Rong Zhu,Ting-Feng Yi 한국공업화학회 2021 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.101 No.-

In this work, the CeO2-decorated SrLi2Ti6O14 anode was successfully prepared through a solid-state process. The space-charge effect induced by the internal adsorption of ions on the CeO2 surface can easilyresult in a formation of an excellent conductive interfacial layer between CeO2 and SrLi2Ti6O14. The goodelectrical contact between CeO2 and SrLi2Ti6O14 offers more active sites for the electrolyte storage andredox reaction, and promotes the intercalation/deintercalation of lithium ions, and thus improves therate performance and cycle stability. Due to its unique structure and composition, the CeO2-decoratedSrLi2Ti6O14 composites exhibit high reversible capacities, good cycle performance and outstanding rateperformance. Especially, the CeO2 (5 wt%)-decorated SrLi2Ti6O14 anode shows the most excellent electrochemicalperformance, which delivers a large charge capacity of 121.3 mAh g 1 and a capacity retentionof 94.48% after 100 cycles at 0.5 A g 1. However, the corresponding charge capacity and capacity retentionof pristine SrLi2Ti6O14 are 100.5 mAh g 1 and 86.77%, respectively. The CeO2(5 wt%)-decoratedSrLi2Ti6O14 with enhanced rate capacity, cycle stability and structural stability is a potential electrodematerial candidate for Li-ion battery.

A Mild Strategy to Strengthen Three Dimensional Graphene Aerogel for Supporting Sulfur as a Free‐standing Cathode in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Yinglin Yan,Haichao Qin,Yiqi Wei,Rong Yang,Yunhua Xu,Liping Chen,Qiaole Li,Mangmang Shi 대한화학회 2018 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.39 No.5

Recently, three dimensional graphene aerogel (3DGA) supported sulfur microparticles was used as a cathode material for lithium?sulfur batteries, which was considered as one of the most promising next generation rechargeable batteries due to its ultra?high theoretical specific capacity (1675 mAh/g). However, the mechanical strength of 3DGA remains an issue for further application. Herein, a strengthened 3DGA (S3DGA) was achieved by soaking in a low concentration ammonia solution at a relative low temperature. Then the S3DGA loaded sulfur (S3DGA?S) was cut into a round piece and directly used as a cathode without additional binders or conductive additives in Li?S batteries. The mechanical strength, microstructure, and electrochemical properties were investigated by compare with a 3DGA prepared without strengthen. The S3DGA?S presented good mechanical strength, excellent capacity retention, and lower electrochemical impedance.

Investigation of the Phenomenon of Propagated Sensation along the Channels in the Upper Limb Following Administration of Acupuncture and Mock Laser

Shohreh Razavy,Marcus Gadau,Shi Ping Zhang,Fu Chun Wang,Sergio Bangrazi,Christine Berle,Mahrita Harahap,Tie Li,Wei Hong Li,Christopher Zaslawski 사단법인약침학회 2017 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.10 No.5

Background: Similar to De Qi psychophysical responses, propagated sensation along the channels (PSC) is considered an important phenomenon in traditional Chinese acupuncture. In acupuncture clinical trials, different acupuncture manipulation techniques are used to enhance the propagation of sensation along the channels to facilitate an optimum therapeutic result. Aim: To examine and compare the PSC reported by participants in a clinical trial following the administration of acupuncture and inactive mock laser. Methods: The study was embedded in a two-arm parallel design multicenter, randomized clinical trial, the Tennis Elbow AcupuncturedInternational StudydChina, Hong Kong, Australia, Italy (TEA IS CHAI). Needle sensations were measured using a validated instrument, the Massachusetts General Hospital Acupuncture Sensation Spreading Scale. Ninety-six participants with lateral elbow pain were randomly allocated into two groups in a 1:1 ratio; the acupuncture treatment group (n Z 47) and the mock laser control group (n Z 49). Participants in both groups received the intervention at two acupoints, LI10 and LI11, consisting of 2 minutes of either standardized needle manipulation or mock laser at each acupoint with a rest period between each intervention period. Data were collected immediately following the interventions at the first and the ninth session within the clinical trial. Results: Although participants in both groups perceived PSC radiating to similar sites along the upper limb, the frequency of the reported radiation sites among the two intervention groups for both radiation up the limb (p < 0.05) and radiation down the limb (p < 0.001) were statistically significantly different. Among the radiating sensation sites recorded within the two study groups, the sensations were reported as radiating a greater distance down the forearm to the wrist compared to up the arm. Evaluation of PSC across the four study sites revealed a statistically significant difference in frequency of the reported radiation down the limb sites in each study group and radiation up the limb sites only in control group only (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The findings of the study demonstrated that the PSC phenomenon is not just associated with needling but can be perceived when using a mock laser. Trial registration: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry reference: ACTRN12613001138774 on 11th of October 2013.

Preparation of layered double hydroxides intercalated by tartaric acid anion and its application in boron adsorption

Lianmin Ji,Liang Cai,Yuze zhang,Xiaowu Peng,Dong Shi,Lijuan Li 한국공업화학회 2023 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.123 No.-

Based on the exchangeability of anions between the layers of magnesium-based LDHs, LDHs intercalatedby tartaric acid anion (TA-LDH) was prepared by co-precipitation method to adsorb boron, and confirmedby XRD and FT-IR that TA had successfully entered the interlayer of LDH. The adsorption kinetics showedthat the adsorption efficiency of B was mainly controlled by the chemisorption mechanism. The thermodynamicsrevealed that the relationship between the equilibrium concentration of B in solution and theadsorption capacity of TA-LDH for B was consistent with the Freundlich model. Cl or Li+ in solution hadlittle effect on the adsorption of B by TA-LDH, while SO4 2 had a great effect on that compared with NO3-LDH. Boron adsorption was accomplished through the interaction between the hydroxyl of TA anion inthe interlayer and that of B(OH)3 and B(OH)4. The elution efficiency of TA-LDH was greater than 70% withammonium chloride used as the eluent. While TA-LDH still maintained a good adsorption capacity after 5cycles, and the solubility loss efficiencies of Mg2+ in a single adsorption and elution were 1.5% and 5.4%,respectively. Our study can provide a new idea and method for the development and utilization of magnesiumresources.

Vitamin D status after colorectal cancer diagnosis and patient survival according to immune response to tumour

Hamada, Tsuyoshi,Liu, Li,Nowak, Jonathan A.,Mima, Kosuke,Cao, Yin,Ng, Kimmie,Twombly, Tyler S.,Song, Mingyang,Jung, Seungyoun,Dou, Ruoxu,Masugi, Yohei,Kosumi, Keisuke,Shi, Yan,da Silva, Annacarolina,G Elsevier 2018 European journal of cancer Vol.103 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P><B>Background</B></P> <P>High-level plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] has been associated with lower colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. Considering evidence indicating immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D, we hypothesised that survival benefits from high systemic vitamin D level might be stronger for colorectal carcinoma with lower immune response to tumour.</P> <P><B>Methods</B></P> <P>Using 869 colon and rectal cancer cases within the Nurses' Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-up Study, we assessed the prognostic association of postdiagnosis 25(OH)D score [derived from diet and lifestyle variables to predict plasma 25(OH)D level] in strata of levels of histopathologic lymphocytic reaction. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was adjusted for potential confounders, including microsatellite instability, CpG island methylator phenotype, LINE-1 methylation, <I>PTGS2</I> (cyclooxygenase-2) expression and <I>KRAS</I>, <I>BRAF</I> and <I>PIK3CA</I> mutations.</P> <P><B>Results</B></P> <P>The association of postdiagnosis 25(OH)D score with colorectal cancer-specific mortality differed by levels of peritumoural lymphocytic reaction (<I>p</I> <SUB>interaction</SUB> = 0.001). Multivariable-adjusted mortality hazard ratios for a quintile-unit increase of 25(OH)D score were 0.69 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.54–0.89] in cases with negative/low peritumoural lymphocytic reaction, 1.08 (95% CI, 0.93–1.26) in cases with intermediate peritumoural reaction and 1.25 (95% CI, 0.75–2.09) in cases with high peritumoural reaction. The survival association of the 25(OH)D score did not significantly differ by Crohn's-like lymphoid reaction, intratumoural periglandular reaction or tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes.</P> <P><B>Conclusions</B></P> <P>The association between the 25(OH)D score and colorectal cancer survival is stronger for carcinomas with lower peritumoural lymphocytic reaction. Our results suggesting interactive effects of vitamin D and immune response may contribute to personalised dietary and lifestyle intervention strategies.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> The survival association of vitamin D is stronger in cancer with fewer lymphocytes. </LI> <LI> Vitamin D and peritumoural lymphocytes interact to modify cancer progression. </LI> <LI> Vitamin D may exert anti-tumour immune-enhancing effects. </LI> <LI> Peritumoural lymphocytic reaction may be a biomarker for benefits from vitamin D. </LI> <LI> Our data support immunomodulatory lifestyle interventions for cancer patients. </LI> </UL> </P>

Hypoglycemic triterpenes from <i>Gynostemma pentaphyllum</i>

Wang, Jun,Ha, Thi Kim Quy,Shi, Yan-Ping,Oh, Won Keun,Yang, Jun-Li Elsevier 2018 Phytochemistry Vol.155 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>To search for bioactive gypenosides and their analogues, a saponin enriched fraction and its hydrolyzate from <I>Gynostemma pentaphyllum</I> were phytochemically investigated. Fractionation by diverse chromatographic methods, including HPLC, Sephadex LH-20, silica gel, and C18 reverse phase silica gel, led to the isolation and purification of twelve triterpenes, including five undescribed and seven known. The chemical structures of all compounds were determined as analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), high resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS), infrared spectrum (IR), optical rotation, and chemical transformations. Among all isolates, nine compounds possessed a rare dammarane triterpenoid framework with A-ring modified. The relative configurations of three compounds were determined by 2D NMR for the first time. The absolute configurations of four compounds were determined by the modified Mosher's method. Two of all isolated compounds significantly enhanced 2-deoxy-2-[(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl)amino]-D-glucose (2-NBDG) uptake and Glucose Transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation via activating the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) signaling pathway. This study provided the potential candidates for the development of antidiabetic agents.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> <I>Gynostemma pentaphyllum</I> is a traditional medicinal and edible plant in China. </LI> <LI> Five undescribed triterpenes were isolated. </LI> <LI> The modified Mosher's method was used to determine the absolute configurations. </LI> <LI> Their hypoglycemic activity was evaluated in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. </LI> <LI> This study provided the potential candidates for antidiabetic agents. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>Five undescribed and nine known triterpenes were isolated from the hydrolyzate and extract of <I>Gynostemma pentaphyllum.</I> Their hypoglycemic activity was evaluated.</P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Advances in CRISPR-Cas systems for RNA targeting, tracking and editing

Wang, Fei,Wang, Lianrong,Zou, Xuan,Duan, Suling,Li, Zhiqiang,Deng, Zixin,Luo, Jie,Lee, Sang Yup,Chen, Shi Elsevier 2019 BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES Vol.37 No.5

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) systems, especially type II (Cas9) systems, have been widely used in gene/genome targeting. Modifications of Cas9 enable these systems to become platforms for precise DNA manipulations. However, the utilization of CRISPR-Cas systems in RNA targeting remains preliminary. The discovery of type VI CRISPR-Cas systems (Cas13) shed light on RNA-guided RNA targeting. Cas13d, the smallest Cas13 protein, with a length of only ~930 amino acids, is a promising platform for RNA targeting compatible with viral delivery systems. Much effort has also been made to develop Cas9, Cas13a and Cas13b applications for RNA-guided RNA targeting. The discovery of new RNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas systems as well as the development of RNA-targeting platforms with Cas9 and Cas13 will promote RNA-targeting technology substantially. Here, we review new advances in RNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas systems as well as advances in applications of these systems in RNA targeting, tracking and editing. We also compare these Cas protein-based technologies with traditional technologies for RNA targeting, tracking and editing. Finally, we discuss remaining questions and prospects for the future.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> RNA targeting and editing are becoming increasingly important </LI> <LI> CRISPR-Cas systems are advancing for RNA targeting, tracking and editing </LI> <LI> The type VI CRISPR-Cas systems are useful for RNA-guided RNA targeting </LI> <LI> Use of Cas9 and Cas13 will advance RNA-targeting technologies </LI> </UL> </P>

Intrinsic origin of amyloid aggregation: Behavior of histidine (εεε) and (δδδ) tautomer homodimers of Aβ (1–40)

Salimi, Abbas,Li, Hao,Shi, Hu,Lee, Jin Yong Elsevier 2019 Biochimica et biophysica acta, General subjects Vol.1863 No.5

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Amyloid-beta protein (Aβ) accumulation in the brain, which is influenced by several factors, is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Despite the important role of histidine in stabilizing the fibrillar structure of the Aβ peptide at neutral pH, the effect of histidine tautomerism on Aβ peptide aggregation is still largely unknown. Histidine is in equilibrium between δ and ε tautomers and there are three histidine residues (H6, H13, and H14) in the Aβ(1–40) peptide. We performed molecular dynamics simulation on (δδδ) and (εεε) histidine tautomers with different initial homodimeric configurations to elucidate structural and aggregation features. Results indicate that (εεε) homodimers have very low propensity or almost no tendency to form β-sheets, whereas (δδδ) dimers predominantly form β-sheets due to interactions between central hydrophobic core (CHC) residues and C-terminal residues. β-sheet formation occurred in the same regions of each dimer chain at the CHC and C-/N- terminals for different configurations of (δδδ). These results suggest that (δδδ) has an important role in AD progression. Our study provides deeper insight into the effect of tautomerism of histidine residues in Aβ(1–40) on amyloid aggregation.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> (εεε) tautomers show low propensity to form β-sheets during homodimerization. </LI> <LI> (δδδ) tautomers show high β-sheets amount during homodimerization. </LI> <LI> (δδδ) tautomers may play more important role than (εεε) in Alzheimer. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>