Enabling Ultrastable Co-Free Li-Rich Oxides via TbF3 Treatment.

Co-free Li-rich Mn-based cathode materials (Co-free LRMOs) have become one of the most promising cathode materials in lithium-ion batteries for the next generation due to their low cost, high capacity, and environmental friendliness. Under high voltage, redox reactions involving anions can easily lead to various issues, including oxygen release, dissolution of transition metal elements (TMs), and structural collapse in these materials. The absence of the Co element further exacerbates this issue. Here, a simple one-step solid-phase reaction strategy is proposed to achieve nanoscale dual modification of the Co-free LRMOs with F and Tb doping. The dual modification has a relatively small impact on the cell parameters and Li+ diffusion ability of the LRMOs, leading to no significant improvement in its rate performance. The modified LRMOs only exhibited discharge capacities of 220.7, 200.1, 140.0, 115.5, and 90.9 mAh·g-1 at 0.1, 0.2, 1.0, 2.0, and 5.0 C, respectively. However, the modified Co-free LRMOs exhibit extremely strong structural stability and retain 95.1% of the initial capacity after 300 cycles, so far, the highest capacity retention rates among all Ni/Mn-based Li-rich materials. Mechanism studies have shown that the enhancement in structural stability of the Co-free LRMOs is attributed to the increased concentration of oxygen vacancies and Ni3+ ions through F doping. Furthermore, Tb doping not only hinders the release of O2 but also enhances the Li+ migration and electronic conductivity coefficient of the LRMOs.

Facilitating Rapid Na+ Storage through MoWSe/C Heterostructure Construction and Synergistic Electrolyte Matching Strategy.

The realization of sodium-ion devices with high-power density and long-cycle capability is challenging due to the difficulties of carrier diffusion and electrode fragmentation in transition metal selenide anodes. Herein, a Mo/W-based metal-organic framework is constructed by a one-step method through rational selection, after which MoWSe/C heterostructures with large angles are synthesized by a facile selenization/carbonization strategy. Through physical characterization and theoretical calculations, the synthesized MoWSe/C electrode delivers obvious structural advantages and excellent electrochemical performance in an ethylene glycol dimethyl ether electrolyte. Furthermore, the electrochemical vehicle mechanism of ions in the electrolyte is systematically revealed through comparative analyses. Resultantly, ether-based electrolytes advantageously construct stable solid electrolyte interfaces and avoid electrolyte decomposition. Based on the above benefits, the Na half-cell assembled with MoWSe/C electrodes demonstrated excellent rate capability and a high specific capacity of 347.3 mA h g-1 even after cycling 2000 cycles at 10 A g-1. Meanwhile, the constructed sodium-ion capacitor maintains ∼80% capacity retention after 11,000 ultralong cycles at a high-power density of 3800 W kg-1. The findings can broaden the mechanistic understanding of conversion anodes in different electrolytes and provide a reference for the structural design of anodes with high capacity, fast kinetics, and long-cycle stability.

Cobalt-Mediated Defect Engineering Endows High Reversible Amorphous VS4 Anode for Advanced Sodium-Ion Storage.

Metal sulfides are promising anode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to their structural diversity and high theoretical capacity, but the severe capacity decay and inferior rate capability caused by poor structural stability and sluggish kinetics impede their practical applications. Herein, a cobalt-doped amorphous VS4 wrapped by reduced graphene oxide (i.e., Co0.5 -VS4 /rGO) is developed through a Co-induced defect engineering strategy to boost the kinetics performances. The as-prepared Co0.5 -VS4 /rGO demonstrates excellent rate capacities over 10 A g-1 and superior cycling stability at 5 A g-1 over 1600 cycles, which is attributed to the defects formed by Co doping, the formed amorphous structure and the robust rGO substrate. The great features of Co0.5 -VS4 /rGO anode are further confirmed in sodium-ion capacitors when the active carbon cathode is used. Additionally, the relationships between metal doping, the derived defects, the amorphous structure, and the sodium storage of VS4 are uncovered. This work provides deep insights into preparing amorphous functional materials and also probes the potential applications of metal sulfide-based electrode materials for advanced batteries.

Halide-mediated endogenous ZnO domain-confined etching strategy: Realizing superior potassium storage in carbon anode.

Coupling sites of nitrogen-dopants and intrinsic carbon defects (N/DC) are highly attractive to improve potassium-storage capacity and cycling stability, yet it is hard to effectively construct them. Herein, a novel strategy is proposed to establish abundant N/DC sites in N-doped carbon (ZIF8/NaBr-1-900) by pyrolyzing the mixture of metal-organic framework (ZIF8)/sodium bromide (NaBr). Systematic investigations disclose that the introduced NaBr can promote the full conversion of Zn-N4 moieties into zinc oxide (ZnO) via a "bait and switch" mechanism. Such formed endogenous ZnO can etch the carbon matrix of the confined domains around the N dopants during pyrolysis process, and meanwhile the released N-atoms from Zn-N4 moieties can largely form edge-N. As such, these N/DC coupling sites enable the resultant carbon to have a more significant capacitive behavior related to fast K-ion migration and high structural stability, leading to 255.3 mAh/g at 2 A/g with a prolonged cycle lifespan over 2000 cycles. Moreover, the assembled K-full battery presents a high energy density of 171.2 Wh kg-1 and excellent cyclability over 5000 cycles. This NaBr-mediated endogenous ZnO domain-confined etching strategy provides a new insight into the exploration of advanced carbon anode.

Oxygen Vacancy and Interface Effect Adjusted Hollow Dodecahedrons for Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with special morphologies provide the geometric morphology and composition basis for the construction of platforms with excellent catalytic activity. In this work, cobalt-cerium composite oxide hollow dodecahedrons (Co/Cex-COHDs) with controllable morphology and tunable composition are successfully prepared via a high-temperature pyrolysis strategy using Co/Ce-MOFs as self-sacrificial templates. The construction of the hollow structure can expose a larger surface area to provide abundant active sites and pores to facilitate the diffusion of substances. The formation and optimization of phase interface between Co3O4 and CeO2 regulate the electronic structure of the catalytic site and form a fast channel favorable to electron transport, thereby enhancing the electrocatalytic oxygen evolution activity. Based on the above advantages, the optimized Co/Ce0.2-COHDs obtained an enhanced oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance.

A Dynamic Prediction Model Supporting Individual Life Expectancy Prediction Based on Longitudinal Time-Dependent Covariates.

In the field of clinical chronic diseases, common prediction results (such as survival rate) and effect size hazard ratio (HR) are relative indicators, resulting in more abstract information. However, clinicians and patients are more interested in simple and intuitive concepts of (survival) time, such as how long a patient may live or how much longer a patient in a treatment group will live. In addition, due to the long follow-up time, resulting in generation of longitudinal time-dependent covariate information, patients are interested in how long they will survive at each follow-up visit. In this study, based on a time scale indicator-restricted mean survival time (RMST)-we proposed a dynamic RMST prediction model by considering longitudinal time-dependent covariates and utilizing joint model techniques. The model can describe the change trajectory of longitudinal time-dependent covariates and predict the average survival times of patients at different time points (such as follow-up visits). Simulation studies through Monte Carlo cross-validation showed that the dynamic RMST prediction model was superior to the static RMST model. In addition, the dynamic RMST prediction model was applied to a primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) population to dynamically predict the average survival times of the patients, and the average C-index of the internal validation of the model reached 0.81, which was better than that of the static RMST regression. Therefore, the proposed dynamic RMST prediction model has better performance in prediction and can provide a scientific basis for clinicians and patients to make clinical decisions.

Performance of artificial intelligence in diabetic retinopathy screening: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies.

Aims: To systematically evaluate the diagnostic value of an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm model for various types of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in prospective studies over the previous five years, and to explore the factors affecting its diagnostic effectiveness. Materials and methods: A search was conducted in Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, and IEEE databases to collect prospective studies on AI models for the diagnosis of DR from January 2017 to December 2022. We used QUADAS-2 to evaluate the risk of bias in the included studies. Meta-analysis was performed using MetaDiSc and STATA 14.0 software to calculate the combined sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio of various types of DR. Diagnostic odds ratios, summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) plots, coupled forest plots, and subgroup analysis were performed according to the DR categories, patient source, region of study, and quality of literature, image, and algorithm. Results: Finally, 21 studies were included. Meta-analysis showed that the pooled sensitivity, specificity, pooled positive likelihood ratio, pooled negative likelihood ratio, area under the curve, Cochrane Q index, and pooled diagnostic odds ratio of AI model for the diagnosis of DR were 0.880 (0.875-0.884), 0.912 (0.99-0.913), 13.021 (10.738-15.789), 0.083 (0.061-0.112), 0.9798, 0.9388, and 206.80 (124.82-342.63), respectively. The DR categories, patient source, region of study, sample size, quality of literature, image, and algorithm may affect the diagnostic efficiency of AI for DR. Conclusion: AI model has a clear diagnostic value for DR, but it is influenced by many factors that deserve further study. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023389687.

Novel hypoxia-related gene signature for predicting prognoses that correlate with the tumor immune microenvironment in NSCLC.

Background: Intratumoral hypoxia is widely associated with the development of malignancy, treatment resistance, and worse prognoses. The global influence of hypoxia-related genes (HRGs) on prognostic significance, tumor microenvironment characteristics, and therapeutic response is unclear in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Method: RNA-seq and clinical data for NSCLC patients were derived from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and a group of HRGs was obtained from the MSigDB. The differentially expressed HRGs were determined using the limma package; prognostic HRGs were identified via univariate Cox regression. Using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and multivariate Cox regression, an optimized prognostic model consisting of nine HRGs was constructed. The prognostic model's capacity was evaluated by Kaplan‒Meier survival curve analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis in the TCGA (training set) and GEO (validation set) cohorts. Moreover, a potential biological pathway and immune infiltration differences were explained. Results: A prognostic model containing nine HRGs (STC2, ALDOA, MIF, LDHA, EXT1, PGM2, ENO3, INHA, and RORA) was developed. NSCLC patients were separated into two risk categories according to the risk score generated by the hypoxia model. The model-based risk score had better predictive power than the clinicopathological method. Patients in the high-risk category had poor recurrence-free survival in the TCGA (HR: 1.426; 95% CI: 0.997-2.042; p = 0.046) and GEO (HR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.7-3.2; p < 0.0001) cohorts. The overall survival of the high-risk category was also inferior to that of the low-risk category in the TCGA (HR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.5-2.2; p < 0.0001) and GEO (HR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.4-2.3; p < 0.0001) cohorts. Additionally, we discovered a notable distinction in the enrichment of immune-related pathways, immune cell abundance, and immune checkpoint gene expression between the two subcategories. Conclusion: The proposed 9-HRG signature is a promising indicator for predicting NSCLC patient prognosis and may be potentially applicable in checkpoint therapy efficiency prediction.

Rationally Tailoring Superstructured Hexahedron Composed of Defective Graphitic Nanosheets and Macropores: Realizing Durable and Fast Potassium Storage.

Multipores engineering composed of micro/mesopores is an effective strategy to improve potassium storage performance via providing enormous adsorption sites and shortened ions diffusion distance. However, a detailed exploration of the role played by macropores in potassium storage is still lacking and has been barely reported until now. Herein, a superstructure carbon hexahedron (DGN-900) is synthesized using poly tannic acid (PTA) as precursor. Due to the spatially confined two-step local contraction of PTA along different directions and dimensions during pyrolysis, defective nanosheets with macropores are formed, while realizing a balance between defects content and graphitization degree by regulating temperature. The presence of macropores is conducive to accelerating electrolyte ions rapid infiltration within electrode, and its pore volume can accommodate electrode structure fluctuation upon cycling, while the most suitable ratio of defects to graphitic provides rich ions adsorption sites and sufficient electrons transfer channels, simultaneously. These advantages enable a prominent electrochemical performance in DGN-900 electrode, including high rate (202.9 mAh g-1 at 2 A g-1 ) and long cycling stability over 2000 cycles. This unique fabrication strategy, that is, defects engineering coupled with macropores structure, makes fast and durable potassium storage possible.

Retrospective study of medical student scholarship and career trajectory following a mentored preclinical cardiovascular summer research fellowship.

OBJECTIVES: Developing a preclinical training infrastructure for cardiovascular clinician-scientists is an academic workforce priority. The Cardiovascular Research Institute of Vermont developed a cardiovascular summer research fellowship (SRF), wherein medical student awardees were selected by merit-based application and completed mentored research between the first and second years. We aimed to study the impact of the SRF on medical student scholarship and career planning. DESIGN: Retrospective survey study. SETTING: Single academic medical centre. PARTICIPANTS: All SRF participants from 2015 to 2020. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Prior SRF participants were surveyed to ascertain current position, research engagement and perspectives regarding SRF experience. Comparisons to American Association of Medical Colleges Graduation Questionnaire data from equivalent years were made using χ2 tests. RESULTS: Survey response rate was 87% (20/23), 55% were women. Median time from SRF completion was 2 years (IQR 0.75-2.25), with 75% still enrolled in medical school and 25% in residency. As a result of the first-year summer programme, 45% published a peer-reviewed abstract or manuscript, which was equivalent to the national rate for graduating students (53%, p=0.4). Most respondents (80%) were active in additional research projects during school separate from the SRF, 90% anticipated a career involving research (vs 53% nationally, p<0.001) and 75% planned to pursue a career in cardiovascular medicine. CONCLUSION: Medical students completing a mentored cardiovascular SRF after their first year have a high rate of academic scholarship, with publication rate already equivalent to national peer graduates. Preclinical SRF students strongly anticipate cardiovascular medicine and research careers.

Fundamental Understanding and Research Progress on the Interfacial Behaviors for Potassium-Ion Battery Anode.

Potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) exhibit a considerable application prospect for energy storage systems due to their low cost, high operating voltage, and superior ionic conductivity. As a vital configuration in PIBs, the two-phase interface, which refers to K-ion diffusion from the electrolyte to the electrode surface (solid-liquid interface) and K-ion migration between different particles (solid-solid interface), deeply determines the diffusion/reaction kinetics and structural stability, thus significantly affecting the rate performance and cyclability. However, researches on two-phase interface are still in its infancy and need further attentions. This review first starts from the fundamental understanding of solid-liquid and solid-solid interfaces to in-depth analyzing the effect mechanism of different improvement strategies on them, such as optimization of electrolyte and binders, heterostructure design, modulation of interlayer spacing, etc. Afterward, the research progress of these improvement strategies is summarized comprehensively. Finally, the major challenges are proposed, and the corresponding solving strategies are presented. This review is expected to give an insight into the importance of two-phase interface on diffusion/reaction kinetics, and provides a guidance for developing other advanced anodes in PIBs.

LncRNA TUG1 Promotes Apoptosis, Invasion, and Angiogenesis of Retinal Endothelial Cells in Retinopathy of Prematurity via MiR-145-5p.

Purpose: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a common retinal vascular disease in premature neonates. In recent years, there is increasing evidence that the long non-coding RNA taurine upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) plays a regulatory role in vascular diseases, suggesting a potential role for TUG1 in vascular endothelial cells. We hypothesized that TUG1 may be associated with ROP. Our aim, therefore, was to explore the biological functions of TUG1 in aberrant retinal development. Methods: We used the mouse oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model to simulate the pathological changes of retinal in ROP. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of TUG1, miR-145-5p and cellular communication network factor 1 (CCN1). Human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) were treated with CoCl2 to mimic hypoxia conditions. Cellular functional changes were observed after transfection with RNA interference (RNAi)-TUG1 and miR-145-5p mimics. The apoptosis of HRECs was detected by flow cytometry, the migration ability was detected by wound healing and transwell migration assays, and the ability of angiogenesis was detected by tube formation assay. The potential binding sites between TUG1, miR-145-5p, and CCN1 were verified by dual-luciferase reporter assays. The degree of retinopathy was evaluated by staining retinal sections with hematoxylin and eosin, and the expression of CCN1, HIF-1α, VEGF, caspase-3, Bcl-2, IL-1ß, and TNF-α protein was analyzed by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Results: In the retina tissue of OIR mice, TUG1, miR-145-5p, and CCN1 were differentially expressed. Knocking down TUG1 attenuated apoptosis, migration, and angiogenesis induced by hypoxia on HRECs, as did miR-145-5p overexpression. Results from reporter assays indicate direct interactions between TUG1, miR-145-5p, and CCN1. Intravitreal injection of miR-145-5p mimics reduced the degree of retinopathy. Conclusion: TUG1 acts as a molecular sponge of miR-145-5p to regulate CCN1 expression and thus regulate the development of retinal neovascularization. This regulatory mechanism may provide a new theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of ROP.

Unraveling the Intercorrelation Between Micro/Mesopores and K Migration Behavior in Hard Carbon.

Pore-structure design with increased ion-diffusion ability is usually regarded as an effective strategy to improve K-storage performance in hard carbon (HC). However, the relationship between porous structure and K+ migration behavior remains unclear and requires further exploration. Herein, a series of chemically activated hard carbon spheres (denoted as AHCSs) with controllable micro/mesopores structure are successfully synthesized to explore intercorrelation between micro/mesopores and K migration behavior. The experimental results indicate AHCSs have two different K+ storage ways, that is, adsorption behavior at high potential region and intercalation process at low potential region. These behaviors are closely related to the pores structure evolution: the micropores afford extra active sites for efficient K-ions adsorption, and therefore positive correlation between micropores and adsorption-contributed capacity is confirmed; the mesopores permit more K-ions intercalation/deintercalation by offering adequate pathways, and as a result positive correlations between mesopores and intercalation-contributed capacity as well as initial Coulombic efficiency are revealed. All these together contribute to achieving excellent reversible capacity, and exceptional rate capability with an ultra-long cycle lifespan in PIBs, and simultaneously exhibit a high energy density as well as considerable cycling stability for potassium-ion full cells. These results promote a fundamental understanding of K+ migration behaviors in hard carbon.

Interconnected 3D carbon network with enhanced reaction kinetics and architecture stability for advanced potassium-ion hybrid capacitors.

Due to their high energy/power densities and ultralong cycle lifespan, potassium-ion hybrid capacitors (PIHCs) have attracted increasing research interest for large-scale energy storage systems. However, the kinetics mismatch between the battery-type anodes and capacitor-type cathodes severely hampers the further development of PIHCs. Herein, the kinetics-enhanced N-doped amorphous porous carbon with an interconnected three-dimensional (3D) network (marked as NPC) is reported. The existence of an amorphous configuration can provide numerous storage potassium sites, while the interconnected 3D network contributes to electron transfer, thus improving the reversible capacity and reaction kinetics of NPC. The expanded carbon interlayer spacing, well-established porous structure and plentiful active sites induced by N-doping greatly boost the structural stability and further increase kinetics. Benefiting from these structure merits, the NPC electrode delivers a high capacity (257.7 mA h g-1 at 0.5 A g-1), an excellent rate capability (199.5 mA h g-1 at 2 A g-1), and an extraordinary cycling stability over 3000 cycles at 2 A g-1. Moreover, coupling with activated carbon (AC) cathode and NPC anode, the assembled PIHCs exhibit ultra-large energy/ultra-high power density (177.3 W h kg-1 and 19348.3 W kg-1) with a long cycling life (81.6% capacity retention after 3000 cycles).

Enhanced electron transfer and ion storage in phosphorus/nitrogen co-doped 3D interconnected carbon nanocage toward potassium-ion battery.

Heteroatoms doping strategies are often considered to be an effective approach to provide rich active sites for capacitive-controlled potassium storage, and enlarged interspacing for intercalation process. However, the excess doping level will form a large number of sp3 defects and thus severely damage π-conjugated system, which is unfavorable for electron transfer. Herein, a P/N co-doped three-dimensional (3D) interconnected carbon nanocage (denoted as PN-CNC) is prepared with the help of a template-assisted method. The use of template and P heteroatom can contribute to forming a 3D interconnected carbon nanocage to prevent conductive carbon matrix from being excessively damaged, favoring a high electronic conductivity. The co-existence of P/N doping configurations with suitable content not only generate abundant defects, edge-voids, and micropores for significant capacitive behaviors, but also supply adequate interlayer space for intercalation process, and all these together ensure enhanced ion storage. As a result, the optimized PN-CNC electrode exhibits an exceptional reversible capacity (262 mAh g-1) and a superior rate capability (214.2 mAh g-1). Besides, long-term cycling stability is easily fulfilled by delivering a high capacity of 188.7 mAh g-1 at 2 A g-1 after 3000 cycles.

Mechanisms of Flow-Mediated Dilation of Pial Collaterals and the Effect of Hypertension.

Leptomeningeal anastomoses are small distal anastomotic vessels also known as pial collaterals in the brain. These vessels redirect blood flow during an occlusion and are important for stroke treatment and outcome. Pial collaterals have unique hemodynamic forces and experience significantly increased luminal flow and shear stress after the onset of ischemic stroke. However, there is limited knowledge of how pial collaterals respond to flow and shear stress, and whether this response is altered in chronic hypertension. Using an in vitro system, pial collaterals from normotensive and hypertensive rats (n=6-8/group) were isolated and luminal flow was induced with intravascular pressure maintained at 40 mm Hg. Collateral lumen diameter was measured following each flow rate in the absence or presence of pharmacological inhibitors and activators. Collaterals from male and female Wistar rats dilated similarly to increased flow (2 µL/minute: 58.4±18.7% versus 67.9±7.4%; P=0.275), and this response was prevented by inhibition of the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 4 channel, as well as inhibitors of nitric oxide and intermediate-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels, suggesting shear stress-induced activation of this pathway was involved. However, the vasodilation was significantly impaired in hypertensive rats (2 µL/minute: 17.7±7.7%), which was restored by inhibitors of reactive oxygen species and mimicked by angiotensin II. Thus, flow- and shear stress-induced vasodilation of pial collaterals appears to be an important stimulus for increasing collateral flow during large vessel occlusion. Impairment of this response during chronic hypertension may be related to poorly engaged pial collaterals during ischemic stroke in hypertensive subjects.

Controlled Hydrothermal/Solvothermal Synthesis of High-Performance LiFePO4 for Li-Ion Batteries.

The sluggish Li-ion diffusivity in LiFePO4 , a famous cathode material, relies heavily on the employment of a broad spectrum of modifications to accelerate the slow kinetics, including size and orientation control, coating with electron-conducting layer, aliovalent ion doping, and defect control. These strategies are generally implemented by employing the hydrothermal/solvothermal synthesis, as reflected by the hundreds of publications on hydrothermal/solvothermal synthesis in recent years. However, LiFePO4 is far from the level of controllable preparation, due to the lack of the understanding of the relations between the synthesis condition and the nucleation-and-growth of LiFePO4 . In this paper, the recent progress in controlled hydrothermal/solvothermal synthesis of LiFePO4 is first summarized, before an insight into the relations between the synthesis condition and the nucleation-and-growth of LiFePO4 is obtained. Thereafter, a review over surface decoration, lattice substitution, and defect control is provided. Moreover, new research directions and future trends are also discussed.

Impact of an institutional grant award on early career investigator applicants and peer reviewers.

BACKGROUND: Obtaining research funding support is integral to a successful career in science. Training and practice in grant writing, as well as engagement in peer review of grant applications may help lead to successful research funding. However, there is little evidence on the impact of institutional programs on the career development of early career investigators (ECIs). OBJECTIVES: Understand the impact of participation in an institutional research award program on the career development of ECIs. METHODS: The Cardiovascular Research Institute of Vermont established an Early Career Research (ECR) award program in 2018. ECIs who participated as applicants or reviewers in the first 3 years of the program (2018-2020) were surveyed to understand the impact of the ECR award program on their grant writing and professional development. RESULTS: Ninety-four percent of 17 applicants and 90% of 19 reviewers completed the survey. Ninety-two percent of funded and 75% of unfunded applicants, and 87% of reviewers reported that the program was beneficial to their professional development. Similarly, 85% of funded applicants, 75% of unfunded applicants, and 80% of reviewers reported improvement in their grant-writing skills. All respondents reported they would recommend the ECR award program to their peers. CONCLUSIONS: This single-institution ECR award program had a positive impact on ECI's professional development and grant-writing skills and may lead to further extramural funding opportunities.

Zero Lithium Miscibility Gap Enables High-Rate Equimolar Li(Mn,Fe)PO4 Solid Solution.

Forming olivine-structured Li(Mn,Fe)PO4 solid solution is theoretically a feasible way to improve the energy density of the solid solutions for lithium ion batteries. However, the Jahn-Teller active Mn3+ in the solid solution restricts their energy density and rate performance. Here, as demonstrated by operando X-ray diffraction, we show that equimolar LiMn0.5Fe0.5PO4 solid solution nanocrystals undergo a single-phase transition during the whole (de)lithiation process, with a feature of zero lithium miscibility gap, which endows the nanocrystals with excellent electrochemical properties. Specifically, the energy density of LiMn0.5Fe0.5PO4 reaches 625 Wh kg-1, which is 16% higher than that of LiFePO4. Moreover, the high-performance LiMn0.5Fe0.5PO4 nanocrystals are prepared by a microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis in pure water.

Recent progress in electrochemical performance of binder-free anodes for potassium-ion batteries.

Potassium ion batteries (PIBs) are regarded as one of the most promising candidates for large-scale stationary energy storage beyond lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), owing to the abundance of potassium resources and low cost. Unfortunately, the practical application of PIBs is severely restricted by their poor rate capacity and unsatisfactory cycle performance. In traditional electrodes, a binder usually plays an important role in integrating individual active materials with conductive additives. Nevertheless, binders are not only generally electrochemically inactive but also insulating, which is unfavorable for improving overall energy density and cycling stability. To this end, in terms of both improved electronic conductivity and electrochemical reaction reversibility, binder-free electrodes offer great potential for high-performance PIBs. Moreover, the anode is a crucial configuration to determine full cell electrochemical performance. Therefore, this review analyzes in detail the electrochemical properties of the different type binder-free anodes, including carbon-based substrates (graphene, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, and so on), MXene-based substrates and metal-based substrates (Cu and Ni). More importantly, the recent progress, critical issues, challenges, and perspectives in binder-free electrodes for PIBs are further discussed. This review will provide theoretical guidance for the synthesis of high-performance anode materials and promote the further development of PIBs.