Synthesis of full concentration gradient cathode studied by high energy X-ray diffraction

Li, Yan,Xu, Rui,Ren, Yang,Lu, Jun,Wu, Huiming,Wang, Lifen,Miller, Dean J.,Sun, Yang-Kook,Amine, Khalil,Chen, Zonghai Elsevier 2016 Nano energy Vol.19 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Nickel-rich metal oxides have been widely pursued as promising cathode materials for high energy-density lithium-ion batteries. Nickel-rich lithium transition metal oxides can deliver a high specific capacity during cycling, but can react with non-aqueous electrolytes. In this work, we have employed a full concentration gradient (FCG) design to provide a nickel-rich core to deliver high capacity and a manganese-rich outer layer to provide enhanced stability and cycle life. <I>In situ</I> high-energy X-ray diffraction was utilized to study the structural evolution of oxides during the solid-state synthesis of FCG lithium transition metal oxide with a nominal composition of LiNi<SUB>0.6</SUB>Mn<SUB>0.2</SUB>Co<SUB>0.2</SUB>O<SUB>2</SUB>. We found that both the pre-heating step and the sintering temperature were critical in controlling phase separation of the transition metal oxides and minimizing the content of Li<SUB>2</SUB>CO<SUB>3</SUB> and NiO, both of which deteriorate the electrochemical performance of the final material. The insights revealed in this work can also be utilized for the design of other nickel-rich high energy-density cathode materials.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Solid-state synthesis of FCG cathode is investigated by <I>in situ</I> XRD. </LI> <LI> Covariance analysis and Rietveld refinement are used to analyze the HEXRD data. </LI> <LI> Synthetic optimization of FCG cathode with excellent electrochemical performance. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>Benefit from the covariance analysis and Rietveld refinement of <I>in situ</I> HEXRD data during the solid state synthesis, we can optimized the solid state synthesis conditions in a short time. And the full concentration gradient cathode composites (nickel-rich core and manganese-rich outer layer) with excellent electrochemical performance are obtained.</P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Fabrication of highly efficient coatable polarizer from tolane-based smectic reactive mesogen

He, Rui,Oh, Enche,Ye, Yang,Wen, Pushan,Jeong, Kwang-Un,Lee, Seung Hee,Li, Xiang-Dan,Lee, Myong-Hoon Elsevier 2019 Polymer Vol.176 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>This work is aimed to fabricate ultra-thin coatable polarizers on a single substrate based on “host-guest” effect between highly ordered smectic reactive mesogen (RM) and dichroic dye. We designed and synthesized a new tolane-based RM with a highly ordered smectic A phase at room temperature. Polymerizable “host-guest” mixture was formulated from the host RM, dichroic dye and additives, then spin-coated on a single substrate having an alignment layer. Subsequent in-situ photopolymerization by UV irradiation successfully resulted in a coatable polarizer with good polarizing properties. The fabricated coatable polarizer showed a dichroic ratio (DR) of 16.4 and a degree of polarization (DOP) of 99.3% with the thickness of 4 μm. The resulting coatable polarizer possessed a considerable solvent resistance, good thermal stability and robust mechanical properties. Moreover, we prepared a TN-mode LC cell by using the prepared coatable polarizers inside the cell (in-cell), in which the coatable polarizers acted as a polarizer and an alignment layer, simultaneously. The resulting TN cell with in-cell polarizers exhibited a decent electro-optical behavior. We believe that the coatable polarizer proposed in this study possesses practical application potential in ultra-thin LCDs or flexible OLEDs.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Reactive mesogen with smectic A phase was synthesized for coatable polarizer. </LI> <LI> Coatable polarizer was fabricated on a single substrate by “host-guest” method. </LI> <LI> Coatable polarizer exhibits considerable optical property and excellent stability. </LI> <LI> LCD with in-cell structure was demonstrated by using the prepared coatable polarizer. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Methyl Jasmonate-mediated Biosynthesis of Protopanaxadiol-type Saponins in Panax notoginseng Leaves

Li Ying,Lin Yuan,Jia Bing,Chen Geng,Shi Huineng,Xu Rui,Li Xuejiao,Tang Junrong,Tang Qingyan,Zhang Guanghui,Yang Jianli,Fan Wei,Yang Shengchao 한국식물학회 2022 Journal of Plant Biology Vol.65 No.1

Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) has been widely used to improve the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites such as triterpenoid saponins in medicinal plants. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Differing from roots that accumulate protopanaxatriol-type saponins, Panax notoginseng leaves with a lower biomass mainly contain protopanaxadiol (PPD)-type saponins. Therefore, it is interesting to explore whether MeJA can activate the biosynthesis of PPD-type saponins in P. notoginseng leaves. In this study, we found MeJA could effectively induce the accumulation of PPD-type saponins, including ginsenoside Rb1, Rc, Rb2, Rb3 and notoginsenoside Fa, Fe in P. notoginseng leaves based on a newly established high-performance liquid chromatography method. Transcriptome analysis showed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) induced by MeJA were mainly enriched in “terpenoid backbone biosynthesis”, “biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids”, “sesquiterpenoid and triterpenoid biosynthesis”, “fatty acid metabolism”, and “phenylpropanoid biosynthesis”. Furthermore, the expression profile and quantitative real-time PCR analysis of DEGs showed that MeJA could positively induce the molecular response of endogenous jasmonic acid (JA) signaling pathway, and increased PPD-type saponins mediated by MeJA in P. notoginseng leaves may be related to the high expression of FPS, SS, SE, DS and UGTs, and the low expression of CYP716A53v2 and β-AS. The results provide a molecular understanding for MeJA-elicited biosynthesis of triterpenoid saponins and facilitate the further characterization of the genes responsible for biosynthesis of PPD-type saponins in P. notoginseng leaves.

Synthesis of Phosphorous Phenanthrene/L-Tryptophan Flame Retardant for Enhanced Flame Retardancy of Epoxy Resins

Li Li,Fenglin Hua,Hui Xi,Jing Yang,Ting Xiao,Rui Zuo,Xueqing Xu,Zhiwang Yang,Ziqiang Lei 한국고분자학회 2022 Macromolecular Research Vol.30 No.12

A new type of phosphorus-containing intrinsic flame retardant was prepared with L-tryptophan (L-Trp) and 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphorbenzophenanthrene- 10-oxide (DOPO) as the main components. The Schiff base from the reaction of 1,4-terephthalaldehyde and L-tryptophan provides active sites, and then the phosphorous compound, DOPO, is successfully introduced into the Schiff base to synthesize L-Trp-DOPO flame retardant. The intrinsic flame retardant property of LTrp- DOPO comes from the reaction of carbonyl groups and the epoxy groups in epoxy resin (EP) matrix. The prepared L-Trp-DOPO flame retardant can efficiently improve the flame retardancy and smoke suppression of the base material of EP. Cone calorimetric test (CCT) of EP/L-Trp-DOPO composite material was carried out. The data showed that the peak heat release rate (pk-HRR) value was reduced by 50.8% (from 1459 kW/m2 to 717 kW/m2), the THR value reduced by 78.3%, and the limiting oxygen index (LOI) value was increased by 24%. The addition of new flame retardant greatly reduced the release of toxic CO gas. The flame retardant mechanism was explored, and it can be found that after thermal decomposition of L-Trp- DOPO a dense carbon layer can be produced to isolate the fire source. In addition, during the combustion process, L-Trp-DOPO will produce phosphorus-containing free radicals which will quench the active free radicals in the gas phase and dilute the combustible gas. The prepared L-Trp-DOPO flame retardant has a flame retardant effect in both the condensed phase and the gas phase during the combustion process.

Research on Fitness Function of Two Evolution Algorithms Used for Neutron Spectrum Unfolding

Li Rui,Yang Jianbo,Tuo Xianguo,Shi Rui 한국물리학회 2021 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.78 No.2

When evolution algorithms are used to unfold the neutron energy spectrum, fitness function design is an important fundamental work for evaluating the quality of the solution, but it has not attracted much attention. In this work, we investigated the performance of eight fitness functions attached to the genetic algorithm (GA) and the differential evolution algorithm (DEA) used for unfolding four neutron spectra selected from the IAEA 403 report. Experiments show that the fitness functions with a maximum in the GA can limit the ability of the population to percept the fitness change, but the ability can be made up in the DEA. The fitness function with a feature penalty term helps to improve the performance of solutions, and the fitness function using the standard deviation and the Chi-squared result shows the balance between the algorithm and the spectra. The results also show that the DEA has good potential for neutron energy spectrum unfolding. The purposes of this work are to provide evidence for structuring and modifying the fitness functions and to suggest some genetic operations that should receive attention when using the fitness function to unfold neutron spectra.

RNA-seq for comparative transcript profiling in leaves of strawberry seedlings under salinity stress

Zhang Rui,Du Qiuli,Zhao Wenzhe,Yang Long,Li Dong-mei,Chen Xiude,Xiao Wei,Fu Xiling,Yang Chao,Li Ling 한국식물생명공학회 2023 Plant biotechnology reports Vol.17 No.1

As a major economic crop, strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) has been widely planted in the world because of their adaptability and high economic efficiency. In the process of strawberry production, the traditional techniques of furrow irrigation, irrigating irrigation and water and fertilizer management are still relatively common, resulting in secondary salinization of the soil and an imbalance of nutrient ratio, resulting in a decrease in strawberry yield and quality. A total of 2334, 2718 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the 3-day, 6-day salt-treated leaf tissues compared with the controls, respectively. Based on the analysis of DEG function annotation and enrichment, a pattern of strawberry leaves response to NaCl stress was proposed. The processes related to plant hormone signal and lipid metabolism pathway were noted in the response of strawberry leaves to NaCl. Our transcriptome data provides valuable insights into genes involved in the growing process of strawberry seedlings under salt stress, and may help in developing seedlings with enhanced responses to salt stress in the years to come.

hARIP2 is a Putative Growth-promoting Factor Involved in Human Colon Tumorigenesis

Gao, Rui-Feng,Li, Zhan-Dong,Jiang, Jing,Yang, Li-Hua,Zhu, Ke-Tong,Lin, Rui-Xin,Li, Hao,Zhao, Quan,Zhang, Nai-Sheng Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.20

Activin is a multifunctional growth and differentiation factor of the growth factor-beta (TGF-${\beta}$) superfamily, which inhibits the proliferation of colon cancer cells. It induces phosphorylation of intracellular signaling molecules (Smads) by interacting with its type I and type II receptors. Previous studies showed that human activin receptor-interacting protein 2 (hARIP2) can reduce activin signaling by interacting with activin type II receptors; however, the activity of hARIP2 in colon cancer has yet to be detailed. In vitro, overexpression of hARIP2 reduced activin-induced transcriptional activity and enhanced cell proliferation and colony formation in human colon cancer HCT8 cells and SW620 cells. Also, hARIP2 promoted colon cancer cell apoptosis, suggesting that a vital role in the initial stage of colon carcinogenesis. In vivo, immunohistochemistry revealed that hARIP2 was expressed more frequently and much more intensely in malignant colon tissues than in controls. These results indicate that hARIP2 is involved in human colon tumorigenesis and could be a predictive maker for colon carcinoma aggressiveness.

Effectiveness and Safety of Dabrafenib in the Treatment of 20 Chinese Children with BRAFV600E-Mutated Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis

Ying Yang,Dong Wang,Lei Cui,Hong-Hao Ma,Li Zhang,Hong-Yun Lian,Qing Zhang,Xiao-Xi Zhao,Li-Ping Zhang,Yun-Ze Zhao,Na Li,Tian-You Wang,Zhi-Gang Li,Rui Zhang 대한암학회 2021 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.53 No.1

Purpose We sought to investigate the effectiveness and safety of dabrafenib in children with BRAFV600E-mutated Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH). Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 20 children with BRAFV600E-mutated LCH who were treated with dabrafenib. Results The median age at which the patients started taking dabrafenib was 2.3 years old (range, 0.6 to 6.5 years). The ratio of boys to girls was 2.3:1. The median follow-up time was 30.8 months (range, 18.9 to 43.6 months). There were 14 patients (70%) in the risk organ (RO)+ group and six patients (30%) in the RO– group. All patients were initially treated with traditional chemotherapy and then shifted to targeted therapy due to poor control of LCH or intolerance to chemotherapy. The overall objective response rate and the overall disease control rate were 65% and 75%, respectively. During treatment, circulating levels of cell-free BRAFV600E (cfBRAFV600E) became negative in 60% of the patients within a median period of 3.0 months (range, 1.0 to 9.0 months). Grade 2 or 3 adverse effects occurred in five patients. Conclusion Some children with BRAFV600E-mutated LCH may benefit from monotherapy with dabrafenib, especially high-risk patients with concomitant hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and intolerance to chemotherapy. The safety of dabrafenib is notable. A prospective study with a larger sample size is required to determine the optimal dosage and treatment duration.

Phylogeny and molecular evolution of the DMC1 gene within the StH genome species in Triticeae (Poaceae)

Xiao-Li Wang,Xing Fan,Jian Zeng,Li-Na Sha,Hai-Qin Zhang,Hou-Yang Kang,Rui-Wu Yang,Li Zhang,Chun-Bang Ding,Yong-Hong Zhou 한국유전학회 2012 Genes & Genomics Vol.34 No.3

To estimate the phylogeny and molecular evolution of a single-copy nuclear disrupted meiotic cDNA (DMC1) gene within the StH genome species, two DMC1 homoeologous sequences were isolated from nearly all the sampled StH genome species and were analyzed with those from seven diploid taxa representing the St and H genomes in Triticeae. Sequence diversity patterns and genealogical analysis suggested that (1) there is a close relationship among North American StH genome species;(2) the DMC1 gene sequences of the StH genome species from North America and Eurasia are evolutionarily distinct;(3) the StH genome polyploids have higher levels of sequence diversity in the St genome homoeolog than the H genome homoeolog;(4) the DMC1 sequence may evolve faster in the polyploid species than in the diploids; (5) high dN and dN/dS values in the St genome within polyploid species could be caused by low selective constraints or AT-biased mutation pressure. Our result provides some insight on evolutionary dynamics of duplicate DMC1 gene, the polyploidization events and phylogeny of the StH genome species.

Molecular cloning and characterization of SoNCED, a novel gene encoding 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase from sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.)

Chang-Ning Li,Manoj-Kumar Srivastava,Qian Nong,Li-Tao Yang,Yang-Rui Li,디조이사마하나마 한국유전학회 2013 Genes & Genomics Vol.35 No.1

Abscisic acid (ABA) plays important roles in adaptive responses to various environmental stresses. The rate-limiting step in ABA biosynthesis is the oxidative cleavage of cis-epoxycarotenoids, which is catalyzed by 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED). In this experiment,a full-length cDNA encoding NCED gene was cloned by RT-PCR and RACE from sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.). The full-length of SoNCED is 2,521 bp with 1,827 bp open reading frame, encoding a peptide of 608amino acids. The calculated molecular weight of protein was 65.9 kDa with isoelectric point of 6.04. Conserved domains prediction indicated a chloroplast-targeting peptide located at N-terminus of SoNCED. Phylogenetic tree, constructed by Neighbor-Joining method indicated that SoNCED shared high identity with the NCEDs reported from other plant species. Sequence alignment revealed that the basic secondary structure including a-helices, b-strands, b-propeller and His residues coordinating catalytic sites of SoNCED were highly conserved as in the NCEDs from other plants. Tissue specific expression analysis using quantitative real-time PCR showed a significant increase in SoNCEDmRNAlevel and its correlation with O2– production rate and ABA accumulation in leaves and roots of sugarcane variety GT21 when exposed to water stress. Further, the stimulation of SoNCED mRNA level, O2– production rate and ABA content after exogenous application of ABA (100 lMol l-1) proved its involvement in pathways providing tolerance to drought stress.