Aprotic Lithium-Oxygen Batteries Based on Nonsolid Discharge Products.

Aprotic lithium-oxygen (Li-O2) batteries are considered to be a promising alternative option to lithium-ion batteries for high gravimetric energy storage devices. However, the sluggish electrochemical kinetics, the passivation, and the structural damage to the cathode caused by the solid discharge products have greatly hindered the practical application of Li-O2 batteries. Herein, the nonsolid-state discharge products of the off-stoichiometric Li1-xO2 in the electrolyte solutions are achieved by iridium (Ir) single-atom-based porous organic polymers (termed as Ir/AP-POP) as a homogeneous, soluble electrocatalyst for Li-O2 batteries. In particular, the numerous atomic active sites act as the main nucleation sites of O2-related discharge reactions, which are favorable to interacting with O2-/LiO2 intermediates in the electrolyte solutions, owing to the highly similar lattice-matching effect between the in situ-formed Ir3Li and LiO2, achieving a nonsolid LiO2 as the final discharge product in the electrolyte solutions for Li-O2 batteries. Consequently, the Li-O2 battery with a soluble Ir/AP-POP electrocatalyst exhibits an ultrahigh discharge capacity of 12.8 mAh, an ultralow overpotential of 0.03 V, and a long cyclic life of 700 h with the carbon cloth cathode. The manipulation of nonsolid discharge products in aprotic Li-O2 batteries breaks the traditional growth mode of Li2O2, bringing Li-O2 batteries closer to being a viable technology.

Metal-Organic Framework-Based Mixed Conductors Achieve Highly Stable Photo-assisted Solid-State Lithium-Oxygen Batteries.

The demand for high-energy sustainable rechargeable batteries has motivated the development of lithium-oxygen (Li-O2) batteries. However, the inherent safety issues of liquid electrolytes and the sluggish reaction kinetics of existing cathodes remain fundamental challenges. Herein, we demonstrate a promising photo-assisted solid-state Li-O2 battery based on metal-organic framework-derived mixed ionic/electronic conductors, which simultaneously serve as the solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) and the cathode. The mixed conductors could effectively harvest ultraviolet-visible light to generate numerous photoelectrons and holes, which is favorable to participate in the electrochemical reaction, contributing to greatly improved reaction kinetics. According to the study on conduction behavior, we discover that the mixed conductors as SSEs possess outstanding Li+ conductivity (1.52 × 10-4 S cm-1 at 25 °C) and superior chemical/electrochemical stability (especially toward H2O, O2-, etc.). Application of mixed ionic electronic conductors in photo-assisted solid-state Li-O2 batteries further reveals that a high energy efficiency (94.2%) and a long life (320 cycles) can be achieved with a simultaneous design of SSEs and cathodes. The achievements present the widespread universality in accelerating the development of safe and high-performance solid-state batteries.

Enabling High-Performance All-Solid-State Batteries via Guest Wrench in Zeolite Strategy.

All-solid-state batteries with a high energy density and safety are desirable candidates for next-generation energy storage applications. However, conventional solid electrolytes for all-solid-state batteries encounter limitations such as poor ionic conduction, interfacial compatibility, instability, and high cost. Herein, taking advantage of the ingenious capability of zeolite to incorporate functional guests in its void space, we present an innovative ionic activation strategy based on the "guest wrench" mechanism, by introducing a pair of cation and anion of LiTFSI-based guest species (GS) into the supercage of the LiX zeolite, to fabricate a zeolite membrane (ZM)-based solid electrolyte (GS-ZM) with high Li ionic conduction and interfacial compatibility. The restriction of zeolite frameworks toward the framework-associated Li ions is significantly reduced through the dynamic coordination of Li ions with the "oxygen wrench" of TFSI- at room temperature as shown by experiments and Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics simulations. Consequently, the GS-ZM shows an ∼100% increase in ionic conductivity compared with ZM and an outstanding Li+ transference number of 0.97. Remarkably, leveraging the superior ionic conduction of GS-ZM with the favorable interface structure between GS-ZM and electrodes, the assembled all-solid-state Li-ion and Li-air batteries based on GS-ZM exhibit the best-level electrochemical performance much superior to batteries based on liquid electrolytes: a capacity retention of 99.3% after 800 cycles at 1 C for all-solid-state Li-ion batteries and a cycle life of 909 cycles at 500 mA g-1 for all-solid-state Li-air batteries. The mechanistic discovery of a "guest wrench" in zeolite will significantly enhance the adaptability of zeolite-based electrolytes in a variety of all-solid-state energy storage systems with high performance, high safety, and low cost.

Robust Visual Question Answering: Datasets, Methods, and Future Challenges.

Visual question answering requires a system to provide an accurate natural language answer given an image and a natural language question. However, it is widely recognized that previous generic VQA methods often tend to memorize biases present in the training data rather than learning proper behaviors, such as grounding images before predicting answers. Therefore, these methods usually achieve high in-distribution but poor out-of-distribution performance. In recent years, various datasets and debiasing methods have been proposed to evaluate and enhance the VQA robustness, respectively. This paper provides the first comprehensive survey focused on this emerging fashion. Specifically, we first provide an overview of the development process of datasets from in-distribution and out-of-distribution perspectives. Then, we examine the evaluation metrics employed by these datasets. Third, we propose a typology that presents the development process, similarities and differences, robustness comparison, and technical features of existing debiasing methods. Furthermore, we analyze and discuss the robustness of representative vision-and-language pre-training models on VQA. Finally, through a thorough review of the available literature and experimental analysis, we discuss the key areas for future research from various viewpoints.

A novel transcranial MR Guided focused ultrasound method based on the ultrashort echo time skull acoustic model and phase retrieval techniques.

Transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) has been clinically applied as a neuromodulation tool. Particularly, the phase array ultrasound can be applied in TUS to non-invasively focus on the cortex or deep brain. However, the vital phase distortion of the ultrasound induced by the skull limits its clinical application. In the current study, we aimed to develop a hybrid method that combines the ultrashort echo time (UTE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences with the prDeep technique to achieve focusing ventral intermediate thalamic nucleus (VIM). The time-reversal (TR) approach of the UTE numerical acoustic model of the skull combined with the prDeep algorithm was used to reduce the number of iterations. The skull acoustic model simulation therapy process was establish to valid this method's prediction and focus performance, and the classical TR method were considered as the gold standard (GS). Our approach could restore 75% of the GS intensity in 25 iteration steps, with a superior the noise immunity. Our findings demonstrate that the phase aberration caused by the skull can be estimated using phase retrieval techniques to achieve a fast and accurate transcranial focus. The method has excellent adaptability and anti-noise capacity for satisfying complex and changeable scenarios.

SPatiotemporal-ENcoded acoustic radiation force imaging of focused ultrasound.

Neuromodulation technology has provided novel therapeutic approaches for diseases caused by neural circuit dysfunction. Transcranial focused ultrasound (FU) is an emerging neuromodulation approach that combines noninvasiveness with relatively sharp focus, even in deep brain regions. It has numerous advantages such as high precision and good safety in neuromodulation, allowing for modulation of both peripheral and central nervous systems. To ensure accurate treatment targeting in FU neuromodulation, a magnetic resonance acoustic radiation force imaging (MR-ARFI) sequence is crucial for the visualization of the focal point. Currently, the commonly used 2D Spin Echo ARFI (2D SE-ARFI) sequence suffers from the long acquisition time, while the echo planar imaging ARFI (EPI-ARFI) sequence with a shorter acquisition time is vulnerable to the magnetic field inhomogeneities. To address these problems, we proposed a spatiotemporal-encoded acoustic radiation force imaging sequence (i.e., SE-SPEN-ARFI, shortened to SPEN-ARFI) in this study. The displacement at the focal spot obtained was highly consistent with that of the SE-ARFI sequence. Our research shows that SPEN-ARFI allows for rapid image acquisition and has less image distortions even under great field inhomogeneities. Therefore, a SPEN-ARFI sequence is a practical alternative for the treatment planning in ultrasound neuromodulation.

Asymptomatic uterine metastasis of breast cancer: Case report and literature review.

RATIONALE: Uterine metastasis from breast cancer is extremely rare. Asymptomatic patients with cervical metastases from breast cancer are rarer and more likely to be missed. We present an asymptomatic patient with breast cancer metastasized to the uterus and share opinions on diagnosing and treating for this kind of cases. PATIENT CONCERNS: We present the case of a 64-year-old woman who was diagnosed with both breast cancer and uterine fibroids after examination. She had no symptoms of gynecological disease during breast cancer treatment. A positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scan was performed during reexamination, revealing multiple metastases of the bone throughout the body and an abnormal hypermetabolic mass in the uterus. It was later confirmed as uterine metastasis by pathology. DIAGNOSIS: A diagnosis of metastatic breast invasive lobular carcinoma was established after a uterine curettage. INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES: Treatment of the uterine metastasis included systemic chemotherapy, total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (TAH and BSO), postoperative radiotherapy, and postoperative chemotherapy. The patient eventually refused further treatment for personal reasons and died at home. LESSONS: Breast cancer metastases to the uterus are very rare and further research is needed for their diagnosis and treatment. During reexamination of breast cancer patients, clinicians must be alert to metastasis to gynecologic organs. This is particularly important in hormone receptor-positive patients with asymptomatic distant metastasis.

Development of a nomogram for predicting grade 2 or higher acute hematologic toxicity of cervical cancer after the pelvic bone marrow sparing radiotherapy.

Background: Acute hematologic toxicity (HT) is a common complication during radiotherapy of cervical cancer which may lead to treatment delay or interruption. Despite the use of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with the pelvic bone marrow (PBM) sparing, some patients still suffer from acute HT. We aimed to identify predictors associated with HT and develop a nomogram for predicting grade 2 or higher (G2+) acute HT in cervical cancer following the PBM sparing strategy. Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed 125 patients with cervical cancer who underwent IMRT with the PBM sparing strategy at our institution. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression, best subset regression, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, respectively, were used for predictor screening, and Akaike information criterion (AIC) was used to determine the best model for developing the nomogram. Finally, we quantified the risk of G2+ acute HT based on this model to establish a risk stratification. Results: The independent predictors used to develop the nomogram were histological grade, pre-radiotherapy chemotherapy, pre-radiotherapy HT, and radiotherapy [IMRT alone vs. concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT)] which were determined by the univariate and multivariate logistic regression with the minimum AIC of 125.49. Meanwhile, the heat map showed that there is no multicollinearity among the predictors. The nomogram was well-calibrated to reality, with a Brier score of 0.15. The AUC value was 0.82, and the median Brier score and AUC in 1000 five-fold cross-validation were 0.16 and 0.80, respectively. The web version developed together was very easy to use. The risk stratification indicated that high-risk patients (risk point > 195.67) were more likely to develop G2+ acute HT [odds ratio (OR) = 2.17, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.30-3.05]. Conclusion: This nomogram well-predicted the risk of G2+ acute HT during IMRT in cervical cancer after the PBM sparing strategy, and the constructed risk stratification could assist physicians in screening high-risk patients and provide a useful reference for future prevention and treatment strategies for acute HT.

CYP4B1 is a prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target in lung adenocarcinoma.

CYP4B1 belongs to the mammalian CYP4 enzyme family and is predominantly expressed in the lungs of humans. It is responsible for the oxidative metabolism of a wide range of endogenous compounds and xenobiotics. In this study, using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, a secondary analysis was performed to explore the expression profile of CYP4B1, as well as its prognostic value in patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Based on the obtained results, a significantly decreased CYP4B1 expression was discovered in patients with LUAD when compared with their normal counterparts (p<0.05), and was linked to age younger than 65 years (p = 0.0041), history of pharmaceutical (p = 0.0127) and radiation (p = 0.0340) therapy, mutations in KRAS/EGFR/ALK (p = 0.0239), and living status of dead (p = 0.0026). Survival analysis indicated that the low CYP4B1 expression was an independent prognostic indicator of shorter survival in terms of overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in patients with LUAD. The copy number alterations (CNAs) and sites of cg23440155 and cg23414387 hypermethylation might contribute to the decreased CYP4B1 expression. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) suggested that CYP4B1 might act as an oncogene in LUAD by preventing biological metabolism pathways of exogenous and endogenous compounds and enhancing DNA replication and cell cycle activities. In conclusion, CYP4B1 expression may serve as a valuable independent prognostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic target in patients with LUAD.

Electrochemical dopamine sensor based on superionic conducting potassium ferrite.

Ionic liquid composite electrodes have been widely utilized for the fabrication of electrochemical biosensors. However, the biosensing electrode modified with ionic conducting solids remains unexplored. Herein, we prepared a superionic conducting potassium ferrite (K2Fe4O7) under hydrothermal conditions for modifying glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The modified electrode (K2Fe4O7/GCE) showed an excellent electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of dopamine (DA). The oxidation peak currents increased linearly with increasing DA concentrations in the range of 1 µM-140 µM, and the detection limit is 0.22 µM (S/N = 3). The developed DA sensor exhibited not only good selectivity for the determination of DA without interfering from ascorbic acid (AA), uric acid (UA), glucose and inorganic ions, but also good reproducibility and stability. Furthermore, the sensor was applied to determine DA concentration in bovine serum and obtained a satisfied result. This study provides a new approach for developing electrochemical biosensors based on ionic conducting solid materials.

Self-template synthesis of hollow ellipsoid Ni-Mn sulfides for supercapacitors, electrocatalytic oxidation of glucose and water treatment.

In this work, we have successfully developed a simple self-template route for preparation of hollow ellipsoid Ni-Mn sulfides. This route involves the synthesis of solid Ni-Mn ellipsoids via a chemical precipitation method. Then, using thioacetamide (TAA) as the sulfur source, the solid Ni-Mn ellipsoids can be easily converted to hollow ellipsoid Ni-Mn sulfides in ethanol via sulfidation reaction. The as-synthesized hollow ellipsoid Ni-Mn sulfides possess large specific surface areas and porous structures. Benefiting from these structural and compositional advantages, the electrochemical performance of the hollow ellipsoid Ni-Mn sulfides is studied. As expected, the hollow ellipsoid Ni-Mn sulfides show a high specific capacitance of 1636.8 F g-1 at 2.0 A g-1 and good cycling stability (only 4.9% loss after 4000 cycles) as electrode materials for supercapacitors. Furthermore, electrocatalytic oxidation of glucose based on the synthesized hollow ellipsoid Ni-Mn sulfides is also performed. The hollow ellipsoid Ni-Mn sulfides present high sensitivity and selectivity, good stability and a low detection limit (0.02 µM). In addition, the as-synthesized hollow ellipsoid Ni-Mn sulfides exhibit good ability to remove the Congo red dyes from water, which gives them potential application in water treatment. The current work makes a major contribution to the design and preparation of hollow metal sulfide structures, as well as their potential applications in supercapacitors, electrocatalytic oxidation of glucose and water treatment.

Mesoporous hybrid NiOx-MnOx nanoprisms for flexible solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors.

Mesoporous hybrid NiOx-MnOx nanoprisms have been successfully prepared in this work. The synthesis process involves a facile solvothermal method for preparation of Ni-Mn precursor particles and a subsequent annealing treatment. These mesoporous hybrid NiOx-MnOx nanoprisms have a high surface area of 101.6 m(2) g(-1). When evaluated as electrode materials in supercapacitors, the as-prepared mesoporous hybrid NiOx-MnOx nanoprisms deliver a specific capacitance of 1218 F g(-1) at a current density of 2.0 A g(-1). More importantly, the mesoporous hybrid NiOx-MnOx nanoprisms were successfully used to construct flexible solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors. The device shows a specific capacitance of 149.1 mF cm(-2) at 2.0 mA cm(-2), a good cycling stability with only 2.9% loss of capacitance after 5000 charge-discharge cycles, and good mechanical flexibility under different bending angles. These results support the promising application of mesoporous hybrid NiOx-MnOx nanoprisms as advanced supercapacitor materials.