Extreme terahertz magnon multiplication induced by resonant magnetic pulse pairs

Nonlinear interactions of spin-waves and their quanta, magnons, have emerged as prominent candidates for interference-based technology, ranging from quantum transduction to antiferromagnetic spintronics. Yet magnon multiplication in the terahertz (THz) spectral region represents a major challenge. Intense, resonant magnetic fields from THz pulse-pairs with controllable phases and amplitudes enable high order THz magnon multiplication, distinct from non-resonant nonlinearities such as the high harmonic generation by below-band gap electric fields. Here, we demonstrate exceptionally high-order THz nonlinear magnonics. It manifests as 7th-order spin-wave-mixing and 6th harmonic magnon generation in an antiferromagnetic orthoferrite. We use THz two-dimensional coherent spectroscopy to achieve high-sensitivity detection of nonlinear magnon interactions up to six-magnon quanta in strongly-driven many-magnon correlated states. The high-order magnon multiplication, supported by classical and quantum spin simulations, elucidates the significance of four-fold magnetic anisotropy and Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya symmetry breaking. Moreover, our results shed light on the potential quantum fluctuation properties inherent in nonlinear magnons.

The Potential Regulation of Working Anode for Long-Term Zero-Volt Storage at 37 °C in Li-Ion Batteries

The advanced lithium-ion batteries that can tolerate zero-volt storage (ZVS) are in high demand for implantable medical devices and spacecraft. However, ZVS can raise the anode potential, leading to Cu current collector dissolution and solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) degradation, especially at 37 °C. In this contribution, by quantitatively regulating the dosage of Li6CoO4 cathode additives, controllable potential of the working anode under abusive-discharge conditions is demonstrated. The addition of Li6CoO4 keeps zero-crossing potential (ZCP) and the potential of ZVS below 2.0 V (vs Li/Li+) for LiCoO2|mesocarbon microbead cells at 37 °C. The capacity retention ratio (CRR) increases from 69.1% and 35.9% to 98.6% and 90.8% after 10 and 20 days of ZVS, respectively. The Cu dissolution and SEI degradation are effectively suppressed, while the over-lithiated cathode exhibits high reversible capacity after ZVS. The limiting conditions of long-term ZVS are further explored and a corresponding guide map is designed. When quantitatively regulating ZCP and the potential in ZVS, Cu dissolution, SEI degradation, and irreversible conversion of the cathode constitute the limiting conditions. This contribution designs the most reasonable potential range for ZVS protection at 37 °C, and realizes the best CRR record through precise potential regulation for the first time.

[Analysis of suspected occupational diseases cases and subsequent diagnosis follow-up investigation in Hubei Province from 2020 to 2021]

Objective: To understand the epidemiological characteristics of suspected occupational diseases cases, and to track the subsequent diagnosis of suspected cases in Hubei Province from 2020 to 2021, and to provide theoretical basis for the supervision of suspected occupational diseases. Methods: In April 2022, the data of suspected occupational diseases cases and occupational diseases in Hubei Province from 2020 to 2021 were collected by the Occupational Diseases and Health Risk Factors Information Surveillance System. The distribution and diagnosis of suspected occupational diseases cases were analyzed. We investigated undiagnosed suspected occupational diseases by telephone. Results: From 2020 to 2021, a total of 1872 cases of suspected occupational diseases in 6 categories and 18 species were reported in Hubei Province. The top three suspected occupational diseases were suspected occupational noise deafness (36.75%, 688/1872), suspected coal worker's pneumoconiosis (33.07%, 619/1872) and suspected silicosis (20.99%, 393/1872). The diagnosis rate of suspected occupational diseases was 33.60% (629/1872). The rate of confirmed diagnosis was 63.59% (400/629). The diagnosis rate (26.86%, 456/1698) and rate of confirmed diagnosis (55.48%, 253/456) of suspected occupational diseases detected by occupational health examination were the lowest. The diagnosis rate of suspected occupational diseases detected by comprehensive medical institutions and private medical institutions were lower than disease prevention and control institutions and occupational disease prevention center (P<0.05). The main reasons for not entering the diagnostic procedure included that workers were not informed that they were diagnosed as suspected occupational diseases (31.55%, 124/393), workers were unwilling to apply for occupational disease diagnosis (18.56%, 73/393), and some workers planned to apply for diagnosis but had not yet applied (10.69%, 42/393) . Conclusion: Occupational noise deafness, coal worker's pneumoconiosis and silicosis are the main diseases of suspected occupational diseases in Hubei Province. In order to increase the diagnosis rate and confirmed diagnosis rate of suspected occupational diseases, it is suggested to strengthen management and supervision from the aspects of case management, information warning and worker notification.

In Situ Li-Plating Diagnosis for Fast-Charging Li-Ion Batteries Enabled by Relaxation-Time Detection

The Li-plating behavior of Li-ion batteries under fast-charging conditions is elusive due to a lack of reliable indicators of the Li-plating onset. In this work, the relaxation time constant of the charge-transfer process (τCT ) is proposed to be promising for the determination of Li-plating onset. A novel pulse/relaxation test method enables rapid access to the τCT of the graphite anode during battery operation, applicable to both half and full batteries. The diagnosis of Li plating at varying temperatures and charging rates enriches the cognition of Li-plating behaviors. Li plating at low temperatures and high charging rates can be avoided because of the battery voltage limitations. Nevertheless, after the onset, severe Li plating evolves rapidly under harsh charging conditions, while the Li-plating process under benign charging conditions is accompanied by a simultaneous Li-intercalation process. The quantitative estimates indicate that Li plating at high temperatures/high charging rates leads to more irreversible capacity losses. This facile method with rational scientific principles can provide inspiration for exploring the safe boundaries of Li-ion batteries.

40 Years of Low-Temperature Electrolytes for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries

Rechargeable lithium batteries are one of the most appropriate energy storage systems in our electrified society, as virtually all portable electronic devices and electric vehicles today rely on the chemical energy stored in them. However, sub-zero Celsius operation, especially below -20 °C, remains a huge challenge for lithium batteries and greatly limits their application in extreme environments. Slow Li+ diffusion and charge transfer kinetics have been identified as two main origins of the poor performance of RLBs under low-temperature conditions, both strongly associated with the liquid electrolyte that governs bulk and interfacial ion transport. In this review, we first analyze the low-temperature kinetic behavior and failure mechanism of lithium batteries from an electrolyte standpoint. We next trace the history of low-temperature electrolytes in the past 40 years (1983-2022), followed by a comprehensive summary of the research progress as well as introducing the state-of-the-art characterization and computational methods for revealing their underlying mechanisms. Finally, we provide some perspectives on future research of low-temperature electrolytes with particular emphasis on mechanism analysis and practical application.

Nucleation and Growth Mode of Solid Electrolyte Interphase in Li-Ion Batteries

The solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is regarded as the most important yet least understood component in Li-ion batteries. Considerable effort has been devoted to unravelling its chemistry, structure, and ion-transport mechanism; however, the nucleation and growth mode of SEI, which underlies all these properties, remains the missing piece. We quantify the growth mode of two representative SEIs on carbonaceous anodes based on classical nucleation theories and in situ atomic force microscopy imaging. The formation of inorganic SEI obeys the mixed 2D/3D growth model and is highly dependent on overpotential, whereby large overpotential favors 2D growth. Organic SEI strictly follows the 2D instantaneous nucleation and growth model regardless of overpotential and enables perfect epitaxial passivation of electrodes. We further demonstrate the use of large current pulses during battery formation to promote 2D inorganic SEI growth and improve capacity retention. These insights offer the potential to tailor desired interphases at the nanoscale for future electrochemical devices.

Unlocking Charge Transfer Limitations for Extreme Fast Charging of Li-Ion Batteries

Extreme fast charging (XFC) of high-energy Li-ion batteries is a key enabler of electrified transportation. While previous studies mainly focused on improving Li ion mass transport in electrodes and electrolytes, the limitations of charge transfer across electrode-electrolyte interfaces remain underexplored. Herein we unravel how charge transfer kinetics dictates the fast rechargeability of Li-ion cells. Li ion transfer across the cathode-electrolyte interface is found to be rate-limiting during XFC, but the charge transfer energy barrier at both the cathode and anode have to be reduced simultaneously to prevent Li plating, which is achieved through electrolyte engineering. By unlocking charge transfer limitations, 184 Wh kg^-1 pouch cells demonstrate stable XFC (10-min charge to 80 %) which is otherwise unachievable, and the lifetime of 245 Wh kg^-1 21700 cells is quintupled during fast charging (25-min charge to 80 %).

Ethylene-Carbonate-Free Electrolytes for Rechargeable Li-Ion Pouch Cells at Sub-Freezing Temperatures

Sub-freezing temperature presents a significant challenge to the survival of current Li-ion batteries (LIBs) as it leads to low capacity retention and poor cell rechargeability. The electrolyte in commercial LIBs relies too heavily on ethylene carbonate (EC) to produce a stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on graphite (Gr) anodes, but its high melting point (36.4 °C) severely restricts ion transport below 0 °C, causing energy loss and Li plating. Here, a class of EC-free electrolytes that exhibits remarkable low-temperature performance without compromising cell lifespan is reported. It is found that at sub-zero temperatures, EC forms highly resistive SEI that seriously impedes electrode kinetics, whereas EC-free electrolytes create a highly stable, low-impedance SEI through anion decomposition, which boosts capacity retention and eliminates Li plating during charging. Pouch-type LiCoO₂ (LCO)|Gr cells with EC-free electrolytes sustain 900 cycles at 25 °C with 1 C charge/discharge, and LiNi_0.85 Co_0.10 Al_0.05 O₂ (NCA)|Gr cells last 300 cycles at -15 °C with 0.3 C charge, both among the best-performing in the literature under comparable conditions. Even at -50 °C, the NCA|Gr cell with EC-free electrolytes still delivers 76% of its room-temperature capacity, outperforming EC-based electrolytes.

[Epidemiological characteristics and trend of new cases of occupational pneumoconiosis in Hubei Province from 2011 to 2020]

Objective: The epidemiological characteristics and trend of occupational pneumoconiosis in Hubei Province from 2011 to 2020 were analyzed to provide a theoretical basis for the development of prevention and control strategies for occupational pneumoconiosis. Methods: In March 2021, the data of newly occupational pneumoconiosis in Hubei Province from 2011 to 2020 were collected by the Occupational Diseases and Health Risk Factors Information Surveillance System. Descriptive statistics were adopted to analyze basic situation, region, industry, type of disease, year of diagnosis, age of onset and dust exposureduration of the cases. Results: From 2011 to 2020, a total of 7203 new cases of occupational pneumoconiosis were reported in Hubei Province, including 7125 (98.92%) men and 78 (1.08%) women. The average age of onset was (54.03±10.12) years old. The average duration of dust exposure was (13.80±9.56) years. The mainly types of pneumoconiosis were coal worker's pneumoconiosis (3593 cases, 49.88%) and silicosis (3301 cases, 45.83%). The cases included 4814 cases (66.83%) of stage Ⅰ pneumoconiosis, 1270 cases (17.63%) of stage Ⅱ and 1119 cases (15.54%) of stage Ⅲ. New cases mainly distributed in Yichang City (1586 cases, 22.02%), Shiyan City (1257 cases, 17.45%), Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (1050 cases, 14.58%) and Huangshi City (1009 cases, 14.01%), and occurred most frequently in coal mining and washing industry (3743 cases, 51.96%) and nonmetallic mining industry (582 cases, 8.08%). Pneumoconiosis patients of stage Ⅲ were mainly distributed in small enterprises (401 cases, 50.25%) and domestic enterprises (796 cases, 99.75%) . Conclusion: Coal worker's pneumoconiosis and silicosis accounted for the vast majority pneumoconiosis in Hubei Province. The new cases show obvious regions, industries and type of disease distribution. We should strengthen occupational health supervision in small and domestic enterprises.

Unblocked Electron Channels Enable Efficient Contact Prelithiation for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Contact prelithiation is strongly considered for compensating the initial capacity loss of lithium-ion batteries, exhibiting great potential for ultralong cycle life of working batteries and the application of large-scale energy-storage systems. However, the utilization of the sacrificial Li source for contact prelithiation is low (<65%). Herein the fundamental mechanism of contact prelithiation is described from the perspective of the Li source/anode interfaces by regulating the initial contact state, and a clear illustration of the pathogeny for capacity attenuation is successfully delivered. Specifically, creating plentiful electron channels is an access to making contact prelithiation with a higher Li utilization, as the mitigated local current density that reduces the etching of Li dissolution and SEI extension on electron channels. A vacuum thermal evaporation for depositing the Li film enables the contact interface to possess an adequate electron channel construction, rendering a Li utilization of 91.0%, and the dead Li yield is significantly reduced in a working battery.

Quantification of the Dynamic Interface Evolution in High-Efficiency Working Li Metal Batteries

Lithium (Li) metal has been considered a promising anode for next-generation high-energy-density batteries. However, the low reversibility and intricate Li loss hinder the widespread implement of Li metal batteries. Herein, we quantitatively differentiate the dynamic evolution of inactive Li, and decipher the fundamental interplay among dynamic Li loss, electrolyte chemistry, and the structure of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). The actual domination form in inactive Li loss is practically determined by the relative growth rates of dead Li0 and SEI Li+ because of the persistent evolving of Li metal interface during cycling. Distinct inactive Li evolution scenarios are disclosed when ingeniously tuning the inorganic anion-derived SEI chemistry with low amount of film-forming additive. An optimal polymeric film enabler of 1,3-dioxolane is demonstrated to derive a highly uniform multilayer SEI and declined SEI Li+/dead Li0 growth rates, thus achieving enhanced Li cycling reversibility.

A Successive Conversion-Deintercalation Delithiation Mechanism for Practical Composite Lithium Anodes

Lithium (Li) metal anodes are attractive for high-energy-density batteries. Dead Li is inevitably generated during the delithiation of deposited Li based on a conversion reaction, which severely depletes active Li and electrolyte and induces a short lifespan. In this contribution, a successive conversion-deintercalation (CTD) delithiation mechanism is proposed by manipulating the overpotential of the anode to restrain the generation of dead Li. The delithiation at initial cycles is solely carried out by a conversion reaction of Li metal. When the overpotential of the anode increases over the delithiation potential of lithiated graphite after cycling, a deintercalation reaction is consequently triggered to complete a whole CTD delithiation process, largely reducing the formation of dead Li due to a highly reversible deintercalation reaction. Under practical conditions, the working batteries based on a CTD delithiation mechanism maintain 210 cycles with a capacity retention of 80% in comparison to 110 cycles of a bare Li anode. Moreover, a 1 Ah pouch cell with a CTD delithiation mechanism operates for 150 cycles. The work ingeniously restrains the generation of dead Li by manipulating the delithiation mechanisms of the anode and contributes to a fresh concept for the design of practical composite Li anodes.

Designing and Demystifying the Lithium Metal Interface toward Highly Reversible Batteries

Reversible lithium (Li) plating/stripping is essential for building practical high-energy-density batteries based on Li metal chemistry, which unfortunately remains a severe challenge. In this contribution, it is demonstrated that through the rational regulation of strong Li⁺ -anion coordination structures in a highly compatible low-polarity solvent, 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran, the Li plating/stripping assisted by a nucleation modulation procedure delivers a remarkably high average Coulombic efficiency under rather demanding conditions (99.7% and 99.5% under 1.0 mA cm^-2 , 3.0 mAh cm^-2 and 3.0 mA cm^-2 , 3.0 mAh cm^-2 , respectively). The exceedingly reversible cycling obtained herein is fundamentally correlated with the flattened Li deposition and minimized solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) generation/reconstruction in the customized condition, which notably restrains the growth rates of both dead Li⁰ (0.0120 mAh per cycle) and SEI-Li⁺ (0.0191 mAh per cycle) during consecutive cycles. Benefiting from the efficient Li plating/stripping manner, the assembled anode-free Cu|LiFePO₄ (2.7 mAh cm^-2 ) coin and pouch cells exhibit impressive capacity retention of 43.8% and 41.6% after 150 cycles, respectively, albeit with no optimization on the test conditions. This work provides guidelines into the targeted interfacial design of high-efficiency working Li anodes, aiming to pave the way for the practical deployment of high-energy-density Li metal batteries.

[Effects of occupational exposure to aluminum on verbal function of workers]

Objective: To explore the effect of occupational aluminum (Al) exposure on workers' overall cognitive level and speech function. Methods: In July 2019, by using cluster sampling method, the group of 232 exposed to Al from an Al plant in Shanxi Province were selected as the exposed group, and the group of 228 not exposed to Al were selected as the control group. The blood Al concentration was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MAS) . The exposed group was divided into high exposure group and low exposure group according to the median (M) concentration of Al in serum. The general cognitive function and speech function were evaluated with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA) , and the differences in the general cognitive function and speech function between the groups were compared, and non-conditional logistic regression was used to analyze the possible influencing factors of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) . Results: There were significant differences in age, working age, education and drinking status between Al exposed group and control group (P<0.05) . The total MoCA score, animal naming tese (ANT) score and category fluency repetition (CFT) score in Al exposure group were lower than control group and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05) . The full rate of ANT was lower than that of CFT in Al exposure group (P<0.05) . The total MoCA score, ANT score and CFT score in the high exposure group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05) . The score of MoCA, ANT and CFT in high exposure group were lower than those in low exposure group between the level of serum aluminum>60 μg/L group and ≤60 μg/L group (P<0.05) . Logistic regression analysis showed that working age, serun Al concentration, ANT score, CFT score and SR score were the possible influencing factors of MCI in occupational Al exposure workers (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Occupational Al exposure can lead to impaired speech function of workers, the higher the ANT score, CFT score and SR score, the lower working age and serum Al concentration, the lower risk of MCI.

Stable Anion-Derived Solid Electrolyte Interphase in Lithium Metal Batteries

High-energy-density lithium (Li) metal batteries are severely hindered by the dendritic Li deposition dictated by non-uniform solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Despite its unique advantages in improving the uniformity of Li deposition, the current anion-derived SEI is unsatisfactory under practical conditions. Herein regulating the electrolyte structure of anions by anion receptors was proposed to construct stable anion-derived SEI. Tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane (TPFPB) anion acceptors with electron-deficient boron atoms interact with bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide anions (FSI^- ) and decrease the reduction stability of FSI^- . Furthermore, the type of aggregate cluster of FSI^- in electrolyte changes, FSI^- interacting with more Li ions in the presence of TPFPB. Therefore, the decomposition of FSI^- to form Li₂ S is promoted, improving the stability of anion-derived SEI. In working Li | LiNi_0.5 Co_0.2 Mn_0.3 O₂ batteries under practical conditions, the anion-derived SEI with TPFPB undergoes 194 cycles compared with 98 cycles of routine anion-derived SEI. This work inspires a fresh ground to construct stable anion-derived SEI by manipulating the electrolyte structure of anions.

Selective Permeable Lithium-Ion Channels on Lithium Metal for Practical Lithium-Sulfur Pouch Cells

Lithium metal batteries are considered a promising candidate for high-energy-density energy storage. However, the strong reducibility and high reactivity of lithium lead to low Coulombic efficiency when contacting oxidants, such as lithium polysulfide caused by the serious "shuttle effect" in lithium-sulfur batteries. Herein we design selectively permeable lithium-ion channels on lithium metal surface, which allow lithium ions to pass through by electrochemical overpotential, while the polysulfides are effectively blocked due to the much larger steric hindrance than lithium ions. The selective permeation of lithium ions through the channels is further elucidated by the molecular simulation and visualization experiment. Consequently, a prolonged cycle life of 75 cycles and high Coulombic efficiency of 99 % are achieved in a practical Li-S pouch cell with limited amounts of lithium and electrolyte, confirming the unique role the selective ion permeation plays in protecting highly reactive alkali metal anodes in working batteries.

Non-Solvating and Low-Dielectricity Cosolvent for Anion-Derived Solid Electrolyte Interphases in Lithium Metal Batteries

Lithium (Li) metal anodes hold great promise for next-generation high-energy-density batteries, while the insufficient fundamental understanding of the complex solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is the major obstacle for the full demonstration of their potential in working batteries. The characteristics of SEI highly depend on the inner solvation structure of lithium ions (Li⁺ ). Herein, we clarify the critical significance of cosolvent properties on both Li⁺ solvation structure and the SEI formation on working Li metal anodes. Non-solvating and low-dielectricity (NL) cosolvents intrinsically enhance the interaction between anion and Li⁺ by affording a low dielectric environment. The abundant positively charged anion-cation aggregates generated as the introduction of NL cosolvents are preferentially brought to the negatively charged Li anode surface, inducing an anion-derived inorganic-rich SEI. A solvent diagram is further built to illustrate that a solvent with both proper relative binding energy toward Li⁺ and dielectric constant is suitable as NL cosolvent.

Non-Solvating and Low-Dielectricity Cosolvent for Anion-Derived Solid Electrolyte Interphases in Lithium Metal Batteries

Lithium (Li) metal anodes hold great promise for next-generation high-energy-density batteries, while the insufficient fundamental understanding of the complex solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is the major obstacle for the full demonstration of their potential in working batteries. The characteristics of SEI highly depend on the inner solvation structure of lithium ions (Li⁺ ). Herein, we clarify the critical significance of cosolvent properties on both Li⁺ solvation structure and the SEI formation on working Li metal anodes. Non-solvating and low-dielectricity (NL) cosolvents intrinsically enhance the interaction between anion and Li⁺ by affording a low dielectric environment. The abundant positively charged anion-cation aggregates generated as the introduction of NL cosolvents are preferentially brought to the negatively charged Li anode surface, inducing an anion-derived inorganic-rich SEI. A solvent diagram is further built to illustrate that a solvent with both proper relative binding energy toward Li⁺ and dielectric constant is suitable as NL cosolvent.

The Boundary of Lithium Plating in Graphite Electrode for Safe Lithium-Ion Batteries

Uncontrolled Li plating in graphite electrodes endangers battery life and safety, driving tremendous efforts aiming to eliminate Li plating. Herein we systematically investigate the boundary of Li plating in graphite electrode for safe lithium-ion batteries. The cell exhibits superior safety performance than that with Li dendrites by defining the endurable amount of uniform Li plating in graphite anode. The presence of "dead Li" can be eliminated owing to the uniform distribution of Li plating, and the average Coulombic efficiency for deposited Li during reversible plating/stripping process is decoupled as high as about 99.5 %. Attributing to the limited Li plating with superior Coulombic efficiency, the LiNi_0.5 Mn_0.3 Co_0.2 O₂ | graphite cell achieves a high capacity retention of 80.2 % over 500 cycles. This work sheds a different light on further improving the fast-charging capability, low-temperature performance, and energy density of practical lithium-ion batteries.

Nucleation and Growth Mechanism of Anion-Derived Solid Electrolyte Interphase in Rechargeable Batteries

Solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) has been widely employed to describe the new phase formed between anode and electrolyte in working batteries. Significant advances have been achieved on the structure and composition of SEI as well as on the possible ion transport mechanism. However, the nucleation and growth mechanism of SEI catches little attention, which requires the establishment of isothermal electrochemical crystallization theory. Herein we explore the virgin territory of electrochemically crystallized SEI. By using potentiostatic method to regulate the decomposition of anions, an anion-derived SEI forms on graphite surface at atomic scale. After fitting the cur-rent-time transients with Laviron theory and Avrami formula, we conclude that the formation of anion-derived interface is surface reaction controlled and obeys the two-dimensional (2D) progressive nucleation and growth model. Atomic force microscope (AFM) images emphasize the conclusion, which reveals the mystery of isothermal electrochemical crystallization of SEI.

Development and preliminary application of novel genomewide SSR markers for genetic diversity analysis of an economically important bio-control agent Platygaster robiniae (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae)

Platygaster robiniae Buhl and Duso (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) is an egg-larvae parasitoid of the black locust gall midge (Obolodiplosis robiniae) (Haldeman) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) which is a serious invasive pest in China, where it attacks an important hardwood species, the black locust tree, Robini pseudoacacia L. (Fabales: Fabaceae). Despite the use of P. robiniae as an effective biocontrol agent, the absence of sequence data and other molecular markers have limited its genetic applications for pest management in forests. Simple-sequence repeats (SSRs) are valuable molecular markers for population genetic structure studies. In the present study, we identified 14,123 SSRs, of which 7799 SSR primer pairs were successfully designed. Subsequently, 240 SSR were chosen and tested with 48 P. robiniae accessions from two geographically separated populations in north and south China. Of these, 34 were polymorphic, with an average of three alleles (N_a) and four genotypes (N_G) each. The average values of observed heterozygosity (H_o) was 0.3514, expected heterozygosity (H_e) 0.4167, Shannon's information index (I) 0.7143, and polymorphism information content (PIC) 0.3558, respectively. Neighbour joining analysis (bootstrap 1000) revealed that Chengdu (CD) and Dangdong (DD) popluations clustered into two main divisions, and some individuals from two popluations clustered together as the third devision, which indicated the gene flow and genetic differentiation were present between two populations. Our finding indicates that these SSR markers will be useful for further studies on the genotype identification and genetic mapping of the genus Platygaster.

A review on energy chemistry of fast-charging anodes

Fundamentals, challenges, and solutions towards fast-charging graphite anodes are summarized in this review, with insights into the future research and development to enable batteries suitable for fast-charging application.

Emerging interfacial chemistry of graphite anodes in lithium-ion batteries

Emerging interfacial chemistry of the graphite anode in today's lithium-ion batteries paves the way to next-generation, high-performance energy storage devices.

An Armored Mixed Conductor Interphase on a Dendrite-Free Lithium-Metal Anode

Lithium-metal electrodes have undergone a comprehensive renaissance to meet the requirements of high-energy-density batteries due to their lowest electrode potential and the very high theoretical capacity. Unfortunately, the unstable interface between lithium and nonaqueous electrolyte induces dendritic Li and low Coulombic efficiency during repeated Li plating/stripping, which is one of the huge obstacles toward practical lithium-metal batteries. Here, a composite mixed ionic/electronic conductor interphase (MCI) is formed on the surface of Li by in situ chemical reactions of a copper-fluoride-based solution and Li metal at room temperature. The as-obtained MCI film acts like the armor of a soldier to protect the Li-metal anode by its prioritized lithium storage, high ionic conductivity, and high Young's modulus. The armored MCI can effectively suppress Li-dendrite growth and work effectively in LiNi_0.5 Co_0.2 Mn_0.3 O₂ /Li cells. The armored MCI presents fresh insights into the formation and regulation of the stable electrode-electrolyte interface and an effective strategy to protect Li-metal anodes in working Li-metal batteries.

Evidence of strong correlations and coherence-incoherence crossover in the iron pnictide superconductor KFe2As2

Using resistivity, heat-capacity, thermal-expansion, and susceptibility measurements we study the normal-state behavior of KFe2As2. Both the Sommerfeld coefficient (γ≈103 mJ mol(-1) K(-2)) and the Pauli susceptibility (χ≈4×10(-4)) are strongly enhanced, which confirm the existence of heavy quasiparticles inferred from previous de Haas-van Alphen and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy experiments. We discuss this large enhancement using a Gutzwiller slave-boson mean-field calculation, which shows the proximity of KFe2As2 to an orbital-selective Mott transition. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility and the thermal expansion provide strong experimental evidence for the existence of a coherence-incoherence crossover, similar to what is found in heavy fermion and ruthenate compounds, due to Hund's coupling between orbitals.

Electronic and spin transport properties of graphene nanoribbon mediated by metal adatoms: a study by the QUAMBO-NEGF approach

Structural and electronic properties, including deformation, magnetic moment, Mulliken population, bond order, as well as electronic transport properties, of zigzag graphene nanoribbon (ZGNR) with Co adatoms on hollow sites are investigated by quasi-atomic minimal basis orbits (QUAMBOs), a first-principles tight binding (TB) scheme based on density functional theory (DFT), combined with a non-equilibrium Green's function. For electronic transport, below the Fermi level the transmission is strongly suppressed and spin dependent as a result of magnetism by Co adatom adsorption, while above the Fermi level the transmission is slightly distorted and spin independent. Due to the local environment dependence of QUAMBOs-TB parameters, we construct QUAMBOs-TB parameters of ZGNR leads and ZGNR with Co adatoms on hollow center sites by a divide-and-conquer approach, and accurately reproduce the electronic transmission behavior. Our QUAMBO-NEGF method is a new and promising way of examining electronic transport in large-scale systems.

Signature of Al11Sm3 fragments in undercooled Al90Sm10 liquid from ab initio molecular dynamics simulations

An ab initio molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is performed to investigate the structural evolution in Al(90)Sm(10) liquid from 1500 to 900 K. Development of Al(11)Sm(3) local order upon rapid cooling is suggested by the Honeycutt-Anderson (HA) index analysis and the appearance of a predominant Sm-Sm-Sm bond angle around 90° when the liquid approaches the melting point (∼920 K). Direct structural evidence of Al(11)Sm(3) fragments at 900 K is obtained using an atomic cluster alignment method developed recently. Meanwhile, development of strong icosahedral short range order (ISRO) and a non-negligible amount of fcc-type clusters around Al in the system are also observed. These results suggest that fcc Al and Al(11)Sm(3) crystalline phases would compete strongly with the formation of an amorphous phase that exhibits ISRO in the diffusionless solidification limit upon rapid quenching.

Electronic structure and transport of a carbon chain between graphene nanoribbon leads

The electronic structure and transport property of a carbon chain between two graphene nanoribbon leads are studied using an ab initio tight-binding (TB) model and Landauer's formalism combined with a non-equilibrium Green's function. The TB Hamiltonian and overlap matrices are extracted from first-principles density functional calculations through the quasi-atomic minimal basis orbital scheme. The accuracy of the TB model is demonstrated by comparing the electronic structure from the TB model with that from first-principles density functional theory. The results of electronic transport on a carbon atomic chain connected to armchair and zigzag graphene ribbon leads, such as different transport characters near the Fermi level and at most one quantized conductance, reveal the effect of the electronic structure of the leads and the scattering from the atomic chain. In addition, bond length alternation and an interesting transmission resonance are observed in the atomic chain connected to zigzag graphene ribbon leads. Our approach provides a promising route to quantitative investigation of both the electronic structure and transport property of large systems.

A first-principles divide-and-conquer approach for electronic structure of large systems and its application to graphene nanoribbons

We demonstrate an efficient and accurate first-principles method to calculate the electronic structure of a large system using a divide-and-conquer strategy based on localized quasi-atomic minimal basis set orbitals recently developed. Tight-binding Hamiltonian and overlap matrices of a large system can be constructed by extracting the matrix elements for a given pair of atoms from first-principles calculations of smaller systems that represent the local bonding environment of the particular atom pair. The approach is successfully applied to the studies of electronic structure in graphene nanoribbons. This provides a promising way to do the electronic simulation for large systems directly from first principles.

Promotion of pulmonary fibroblast proliferation and apoptosis by sodium nitroprusside

The effects of nitric oxide (NO) donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on the proliferation and apoptosis and on Bcl-2, Bax and p53 proteins of pulmonary fibroblasts were investigated by using MTT cleavage assay, agarose gel electrophoresis and flow cytometric analysis. The results showed increases in the optical density (550 nm) of MTT cleavage assay, the number of cells and the proliferation index (PI), in comparison with the control. The number of apoptotic cells was also increased, though the percentage of apoptotic cells was too low to reveal oligonucleosomal fragmentation of characteristic ladder pattern, which is associated with apoptosis. In the meantime, the level of Bcl-2 decreased and that of Bax increased, while the p53 remained unchanged. These results suggest that exogenous NO has a dual effect on proliferation and apoptosis; and the action of NO on pulmonary fibroblasts is mainly proliferative. Down regulation of Bcl-2 and up regulation of Bax are implicated in the molecular mechanisms of this action.

Two Metal Complexes of the Macrocyclic Ligand 1,4,7-Triazacyclodecane (tacd). Crystal Structures of [Zn(tacd)2](ClO4)2 and [Cu(tacd)2]Br2.4H2O

Two metal complexes of 1,4,7-triazacyclodecane ( tacd ), [Zn( tacd )2] (ClO4)2 (1) and [Cu( tacd )2] Br2.4H2O (2), have been prepared and characterized by X-ray crystallography. Crystals of (1) are monoclinic, P21/n, a 9.506(2), b 10.279(3), c 11.505(2) Ǻ, β 91.29(2)°; crystals of (2) are orthorhombic, Pbca, a 12.035(3), b 13.673(3), c 14.248(2) Ǻ. The zinc(II) atom in (1) is surrounded in a distorted octahedral N6 environment with Zn-N bonds at 2.121(5)-2.131(4) Ǻ; the copper(II) atom in (2) adopts an elongated octahedral coordination geometry with the Cu-N bonds at 2.066(4)-2.294(5) Ǻ.