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Sulfur poisoning mechanism of LSCF cathode material in the presence of SO2: a computational and experimental study
Aiming at the comprehensive understanding of the single sulfur poisoning effect and, eventually, the multiple impurities poisoning phenomena on the SOFC (Solid Oxide Fuel Cell) cathode materials, the sulfur poisoning effect on the (La0.6Sr0.4)0.95Co0.2Fe0.8O3 (LSCF-6428) has been investigated in the presence of 10 ppm SO2 at 800, 900, and 1,000 °C, respectively, with a combined computational and experimental approach. The good agreement between the CALPHAD (Computer Coupling of Phase Diagrams and Thermochemistry) simulations and the XRD (X-Ray Diffraction), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), and TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy) characterization results support the reliability of the CALPHAD approach in the SOFC field. Furthermore, comprehensive simulations were made to understand the impact of temperature, P(SO2), P(O2), and Sr concentration on the threshold of SrSO4 stability. Results showed that the formation of SrSO4 is thermodynamically favored at lower temperatures, higher P(SO2), higher P(O2), and higher Sr concentration. Finally, comparisons were also made between LSCF-6428 and LSM20 (La0.8Sr0.2MnO3) using simulations, which confirmed that LSCF-6428 is a poor sulfur-tolerant cathode, in agreement with the literature
Energy storage properties of NaNbO3-based lead-free superparaelectrics with large antiferrodistortion
NaNbO3-based lead-free energy storage ceramics are essential candidates for next-generation pulsed power capacitors, especially under the background of energy saving and environmental protection. However, the room-temperature antiferroelectric P phase of pure NaNbO3 ceramics limits its further development in energy storage owing to the irreversible antiferroelectric to ferroelectric phase transition under electric fields. In this work, CaZrO3 was introduced to NaNbO3 ceramics to destroy the long-range polarization ordering but keep large antiferrodistortion, causing the formation of superparaelectric state with macrodomains, which can be identified by the refinement results of high-energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction, neutron diffraction and TEM results. Combined with the fine grains, dense and homogeneous microstructure, ergodic relaxation behaviors, and delayed polarization saturation, a high recoverable energy storage density of ~5.4 J/cm3 and efficiency of ~82% can be realized in 0.85NaNbO3-0.15CaZrO3 ceramics at an ultrahigh breakdown electric field of ~68 kV/mm. The results found in this work suggest that the supersparaelectric with non-cubic phase would be a good candidate for generating excellent dielectric energy storage properties
Formation control of multiple autonomous underwater vehicles: a review
This paper presents a comprehensive overview of recent developments in formation control of multiple autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Several commonly used structures and approaches for formation coordination are listed, and the advantages and deficiencies of each method are discussed. The difficulties confronted in synthesis of a practical AUVs formation system are clarified and analyzed in terms of the characteristic of AUVs, adverse underwater environments, and communication constraints. The state-of-the-art solutions available for addressing these challenges are reviewed comprehensively. Based on that, a brief discussion is made, and a list of promising future work is pointed out, which aims to be helpful for the further promotion of AUVs formation applications
Targeting the interactions between lymphocytes and liver cancer stem cells in combination with immunotherapy is a promising therapeutic strategy
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide, with a poor prognosis and high recurrence rate. Liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs), a small subset of HCC cells, have the capacity for self-renewal and the property of treatment resistance, suggesting that LCSCs are key factors in causing poor prognosis for HCC patients. In addition, LCSCs interact with immune cells to participate in the formation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment and escape the immune surveillance in HCC, especially lymphocytes. At present, immunotherapies for HCC are mainly based on reactivating the lymphocyte system, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, multifunctional antibodies, and adoptive cell therapy. Therefore, blocking the interactions between lymphocytes and LCSCs in combination with immunotherapy may be a promising therapeutic strategy. This review summarizes the interaction mechanisms of lymphocytes and LCSCs and the current exploration of combination therapy in HCC
Novel casting CoCrNiAl eutectic high entropy alloys with high strength and good ductility
Eutectic high-entropy alloys (EHEAs) have drawn increasing interest due to their fine castability as well as appealing properties in recent years. In this work, two bulk-casting Co20-x/3Cr20-x/3Ni50-x/3Al10+x (x = 8 and 9) EHEAs with regular L12/B2 lamellar morphologies were successfully fabricated and studied. Both EHEAs show high ultimate strength of ~1200 MPa combined with good uniform ductility (> 9%). Post-deformation transmission electron microscopy results indicated a high density of dislocations and stacking faults in the L12 lamellae, while no obvious dislocation in the B2 phases. This work can broaden the optimization of composition design in EHEAs and provide useful guidance for further development of CoCrNiAl EHEAs
Recent progress of multilayer polymer electrolytes for lithium batteries
The significant market for electric vehicles and portable electronic devices is driving the development of high-energy-density solid-state lithium batteries. However, the solid electrolyte is still the main obstacle to the development of solid-state lithium batteries, mainly due to the lack of a single solid electrolyte that is compatible with both high-voltage cathodes and lithium metal anodes. These problems can potentially be solved with multilayer electrolytes. The property of each layer of the electrolyte can be tuned separately, which not only meets the different needs of the cathode and anode but also makes up for the shortcomings of each layer of the electrolyte, thereby achieving good mechanical properties and chemical and electrochemical stability. This review first presents a brief introduction to homogeneous single-layer electrolytes. The design principles of multilayer polymer electrolytes and the application of these principles using examples from recent work are then introduced. Finally, several suggestions as guides for future work are given
Next-generation sequencing of the athletic gut microbiota: a systematic review
Aim: There is growing evidence that physical activity modulates gut microbiota composition through complex interactions between diet and microbial species. On the other hand, next-generation sequencing techniques include shotgun metagenomics and 16S amplicon sequencing. These methodologies allow a comprehensive characterisation of microbial communities of athletes from different disciplines as well as non-professional players and sedentary adults exposed to training. This systematic review summarises recent applications of next-generation sequencing to characterise the athletic gut microbiome.Methods: A systematic review of microbiome research was performed to determine the association of microbiota composition profiles with sports performance.Results: Bibliographic analysis revealed the importance of a novel research trend aiming at deciphering the associations between individual microbial species and sports performance. In addition, literature review highlighted the role of butyrate-producing bacteria such as Anaerostipes hadrus, Clostridium bolteae, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Roseburia hominis and unidentified species belonging to Clostridiales, Lachnospiraceae and Subdoligranulum species in gut health and sports performance across several disciplines. Interestingly, metabolic activities of Prevotella copri and Veillonella atypica involved in branched amino acid and lactate metabolism may contribute to reducing muscular fatigue. Other microbial metabolic pathways of interest involved in carbohydrate metabolism showed increased proportions in athletes´ metagenomes.Conclusion: Future research will aim at developing personalised nutrition interventions to modulate key species associated with certain components of exercise
Optimal perioperative care for thoracoabdominal and descending thoracic aortic aneurysm repair: a review
In this review, the authors discuss the perioperative management of patients who undergo thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm or descending thoracic aortic aneurysm repair. All major organ systems are potentially vulnerable to complications from these repairs; meticulous preoperative attention to optimizing relevant comorbidities, diligent performance of intraoperative anesthetic and surgical techniques, and careful postoperative management are necessary to maximize the likelihood of successful outcomes. Specific attention should be given to reducing the risk for spinal cord ischemia and for paraplegia. Of note, renal and respiratory systems are especially vulnerable to major complications and require a thoughtful multidisciplinary approach. Because preventing complications is the primary goal of perioperative management, deviations from the normal course must be recognized promptly and addressed aggressively to reduce the likelihood of major morbidity and death
Issue on combined locoregional and systemic treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma
Treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been challenging as most patients present with late, advanced disease, where curative options are limited. For years, locoregional therapy (LRT) has been the first-line therapy for intermediate-stage HCC and sorafenib for advanced HCC. However, these treatments are often palliative since they are plagued by tumor recurrence or progression. Therefore, there is growing interest in combined therapy to utilize their respective strengths to produce synergistic effects. This review outlines past and current research on the efficacy and safety of combined LRT and systemic therapy