Linguistic Variation and Identity Representation in Personal Blogs: A Corpus-Linguistic Approach

Ph.DDOCTOR OF PHILOSOPH

Advancements in Addressing Microcrack Formation in Ni–Rich Layered Oxide Cathodes for Lithium–Ion Batteries

Nickel–rich layered oxides of LiNi$_{1–x–y}$CoxMn(Al)yO2 (where 1–x–y > 0.6) are considered promising cathode active materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their high reversible capacity and energy density. However, the widespread application of NCM(A) is limited by microstructural degradation caused by the anisotropic shrinkage and expansion of primary particles during the H2!H3 phase transition. In this mini–review, we comprehensively discuss the formation of microcracks, subsequent material degradation, and related alleviation strategies in nickel–rich layered NCM(A). Firstly, theories on microcracks’ formation and evolution mechanisms are presented and critically analyzed. Secondly, recent advancements in mitigation strategies to prevent degradation in Ni–rich NCM/NCA are highlighted. These strategies include doping, surface coating, structural optimization, and morphology engineering. Finally, we provide an outlook and perspective to identify promising strategies that may enable the practical application of Ni–rich NCM/NCA in commercial settings

Electrolyte Optimization to Improve the High-Voltage Operation of Single-Crystal LiNi0.83_{0.83}Co0.11_{0.11}Mn0.06_{0.06}O2_2 in Lithium-Ion Batteries

Single-crystal Ni-rich layered oxide materials LiNi$_{1−x−y}$Co$_x$Mn$_y$O$_2$ (NCM, 1 – x − y ≥ 0.6) are emerging as promising cathode materials that do not show intergranular cracks as a result of the lack of grain boundaries and anisotropy of the bulk structure, enabling extended cyclability in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) operating at high voltage. However, SC-NCM materials still suffer from capacity fading upon extended cycling. This degradation of capacity can be attributed to a reconstruction of the surface. A phase transformation from layered structures to disordered spinel/rock-salt structures was found to be responsible for impedance growth and capacity loss. Film-forming additives are a straightforward approach for the mitigation of surface reconstruction via the formation of a robust protection layer at the cathode’s surface. In this work, we investigate various additives on the electrochemical performance of single-crystal LiNi$_{0.83}$Co$_{0.11}$Mn$_{0.06}$O$_2$ (SC-NCM83). The results demonstrate that the use of 1% lithium difluoroxalate borate (LiDFOB) and 1% lithium difluorophosphate (LiPO$_2$F$_2$) additives substantially enhanced the cycling performance (with a capacity retention of 93.6% after 150 cycles) and rate capability in comparison to the baseline electrolyte (72.7%) as well as electrolytes using 1% LiDFOB (90.5%) or 1% LiPO$_2$F$_2$ (88.3%) individually. The superior cycling stability of the cell using the combination of both additives was attributed to the formation of a conformal cathode/electrolyte interface (CEI) layer, resulting in a stabilized bulk structure and decreased impedance upon long-term cycling, as evidenced via a combination of state-of-the-art analytical techniques

High fear of cancer recurrence in Chinese newly diagnosed cancer patients

Authors thank the President Foundation of Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University (2007L001), and the Guangzhou Science and Technology Project (201804010132) for funding the study.Background: Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is common among cancer patients and of high clinical relevance. This study explores the prevalence and correlates of FCR in Chinese newly diagnosed cancer population. Methods: This is a multicentre, cross-sectional study that includes 996 patients with mixed cancer diagnosis. All recently diagnosed patients completed a questionnaire consisting of the following: Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FoP-Q-SF), General Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7), and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Univariate analyses, multivariate logistic regression analyses, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed to examine the association between tested variables and FCR. Results: Of the 996 patients, 643 (64.6%) reported high FCR (scored ≥ 34 in the FoP-Q-SF). Chemotherapy (OR = 1.941), Childhood severe illness experience (OR = 2.802), depressive (OR = 1.153), and anxiety (OR = 1.249) symptoms were positively associated with high FCR, while higher monthly income (OR = 0.592) was negatively associated with high FCR. SEM indicated that emotional disturbances (anxiety and depression) directly influenced FCR, while emotional disturbances partly mediated the association between personal monthly income and FCR. Conclusion: High FCR is a frequently reported problem among newly diagnosed cancer patients. Various factors increased the likelihood of the development of FCR. Flexible psychological interventions are needed for patients with high FCR.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

Polydatin Inhibits Formation of Macrophage-Derived Foam Cells

Rhizoma Polygoni Cuspidati, a Chinese herbal medicine, has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for a long time. Polydatin, one of the major active ingredients in Rhizoma Polygoni Cuspidati, has been recently shown to possess extensive cardiovascular pharmacological activities. In present study, we examined the effects of Polydatin on the formation of peritoneal macrophage-derived foam cells in Apolipoprotein E gene knockout mice (ApoE−/−) and explored the potential underlying mechanisms. Peritoneal macrophages were collected from ApoE−/− mice and cultured in vitro. These cells sequentially were divided into four groups: Control group, Model group, Lovastatin group, and Polydatin group. Our results demonstrated that Polydatin significantly inhibits the formation of foam cells derived from peritoneal macrophages. Further studies indicated that Polydatin regulates the metabolism of intracellular lipid and possesses anti-inflammatory effects, which may be regulated through the PPAR-γ signaling pathways

Metal source and ore precipitation mechanism of the Ashawayi orogenic gold deposit, southwestern Tianshan Orogen, western China: Constraints from textures and trace elements in pyrite

The metal source and ore precipitation mechanism of orogenic gold mineralization are not yet well understood, partly because ore metals may be derived from different sources. Pyrite is a dominant Au-hosting mineral in the Ashawayi orogenic gold deposit in the southwestern Tianshan orogen, western China. Petrographic features of pyrite in host rocks and orebodies define four generations: diagenetic preore (Py1), hydrothermal early-ore (Py2), main-ore (Py3), and late-ore (Py4) pyrites. Trace element abundances were analyzed in situ by femtosecond laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (fs-LA-ICP-MS) to unravel the pyrite formation history. Preore Py1 contains the lowest Cu, Mo, Se, Au and As contents, consistent with a diagenetic origin. Py2 has higher Au and As contents than Py1 and may have formed by the reaction between hydrothermal fluid and preexisting Py1, as indicated by diagenetic pyrite-like As/Ni and Bi/Au ratios but lower hydrothermal pyrite-like Sb/Au ratios in Py2. Hydrothermal pyrite (Py3) contains more abundant As (1723–65182 ppm) and Au (0.32–107 ppm) but lower Co and Ni contents than Py2, suggesting a greater hydrothermal fluid contribution. Oscillatory zoning and abundant mineral inclusions (e.g., arsenopyrite and chalcopyrite) in porous Py3 indicate that fluid boiling was responsible for gold deposition during the main-ore stage. Py4 is a relict of hydrothermal pyrite (Py3) but not diagenetic pyrite, as supported by Py4 and Py3 clustering into a class based on hierarchical cluster analysis. The application of a machine learning method (i.e., artificial neural network) to the syn-ore pyrite indicates that the Ashawayi gold deposit has affinity to those from orogenic-type gold deposits worldwide. Our study, therefore, highlights that ore metals in orogenic gold deposits may originate from different sources, such as Au and As, which are largely sourced from metamorphic fluids, while Co and Ni are mainly released from preore sedimentary pyrite, fluid boiling and fluid-rock interaction triggered precipitation of Au and other metals

Freestanding MXene‐based macroforms for electrochemical energy storage applications

Freestanding MXene-based macroforms have gained significant attention as versatile components in electrochemical energy storage applications owing to their interconnected conductive network, strong mechanical strength, and customizable surface chemistries derived from MXene nanosheets. This comprehensive review article encompasses key aspects related to the synthesis of MXene nanosheets, strategies for structure design and surface medication, surface modification, and the diverse fabrication methods employed to create freestanding MXene-based macroform architectures. The review also delves into the recent advancements in utilizing freestanding MXene macroforms for electrochemical energy storage applications, offering a detailed discussion on the significant progress achieved thus far. Notably, the correlation between the macroform's structural attributes and its performance characteristics is thoroughly explored, shedding light on the critical factors influencing efficiency and durability. Despite the remarkable development, the review also highlights the existing challenges and presents future perspectives for freestanding MXene-based macroforms in the realms of high-performance energy storage devices. By addressing these challenges and leveraging emerging opportunities, the potential of freestanding MXene-based macroforms can be harnessed to enable groundbreaking advancements in the field of energy storage

Discussion on the ore-controlling factors in the Longlin–Xilin Sb–Au mining district of western Guangxi, South China

Objective  Sb deposits are characterized by simple mineral assemblage. The ore-forming ages, sources of ore-forming materials, and genesis of Sb deposits are controversial owing to the absence of suitable minerals for analysis. Sb resources in the South China Sb metallogenic region account for over 83% of the national total, with the Dian–Qian–Gui Sb belt in the southwest being an significant component of this region.   Methods  Taking the Longlin–Xilin Sb–Au mining district of western Guixi in the central part of the Dian–Qian–Gui Sb belt as an example, this paper systematically summarizes the ore-bearing strata, lithology of ore-bearing wall rocks, ore-bearing structures, and the coexistence relationship of Au and Sb deposits in 86 ore deposits (points) in the area. Combined with the geological characteristics of three typical deposits (Maxiong, Longtan, and Mahao) and the spatiotemporal distribution of Jurassic felsic intrusions, the inherent connection between Sb mineralization and clastic rocks and felsic intrusions was explored.   Results  (1) Statistics and field works show that the most favorable ore-bearing stratum in the Longlin–Xilin mining district is the Lower Devonian Yujian Formation (D1y) , followed by the Lower Triassic Luolou Formation (T1Ll) and the Middle Triassic Banna Formation (T2b). The lithologies most conducive to mineralization are carbonaceous shale, pyrite-rich sandstone, and siltstone. The Sb content in these strata or lithologies is tens or even hundreds of times higher than the crustal abundance, which has the potential for Sb mineralization. (2) Within the NWW–SEE trending Nongsang–Shijiazhai fault zone in the Longlin area, the middle and late Jurassic felsic intrusions, which have consistent spatiotemporal occurrences with Sb and Au deposits, can directly contribute to antimony mineralization (as sources of Sb and S) and indirectly influence it (as a heat source), both favoring the formation of antimony deposits. (3) Statistical results show that Sb, Au, and Sb–Au deposits account for 48%, 46%, and 6% in the Longlin–Xilin district, respectively. This suggests that the ore-forming fluids for Sb and Au in the study area may originate from different sources. We also can not rule out the possibility that Sb and Au deposits derive from the same fluid. In the latter case, the precipitation of stibnite consumes H2S in the ore-forming fluid, destabilizing the Au complex in the solution and resulting in localized Au precipitation. This competition between Sb and Au in the fluid for H2S leads to a negative correlation in the grades of Sb and Au in coexisting deposits. (4) The study area experienced NS-striking compression in the Indosinian period, followed by the NW–SE shortening in the middle–late Jurassic. The intersection of NWW–SEE and NE–SW faults is the favorable ore-bearing space. The NWW–SEE faults displayed strike-slip movement in response to the NW–SE shortening, whereas the NE–SW faults exhibited transpression. Consequently, the NE–SW faults are less conducive to Sb mineralization compared to the NWW–SEE faults. The distribution direction of the NWW–SEE Douhuang–Xilin fault aligns with the axial direction of the main folds in the area, with most fault planes trending northward, displaying horizontal scratches, silicification, and extensional characteristics. The intersection of the Dohuang–Xilin fault and the NE–SW fracture exhibits significant Sb anomalies.  Conclusion  Based on the above studies, the promising areas we propose for Sb prospecting in Longlin–Xilin mining district are (1) Black shale and pyrite-rich siltstones of the Yujiang Formation in the core of the Xinzhou anticline as the key strata; (2) The periphery of the concealed intrusions within the NWW–SEE Nongsang–Shijaizhai fault (Longlin County) and the intersection area of the NWW–SEE Douhuang–Xilin fault and the NE–SW fault as the favorable areas. [ Significance ] The findings provide new insights into the genesis and metallogenic regularities of Sb–Au deposits in the study area, enriching the theoretical understanding of Au mineralization processes

Extending the high-voltage operation of Graphite/NCM811 cells by constructing a robust electrode/electrolyte interphase layer

The cycling life of layered Ni-rich LiNi$_{1-x-y}$CoxMn$_y$O$_2$ (NCM, 1-x-y ≥ 0.8) is typically extended by restricting the upper cut-off voltage during cycling to below 4.2 V, sacrificing, however, the untapped additional capacity above the cut-off voltage. To make this additional capacity available, we investigate graphite/LiNi$_{0·8}$Co$_{0·1}$Mn$_{0·1}$O$_2$ cells cycled to high upper cut-off voltages up to 4.5 V at high electrode areal capacities of 4.8 mAh/cm$^2$ in a standard electrolyte consisting of 1 M lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF$_6$) in ethylene carbonate and ethylene methyl carbonate (ethylene carbonate:ethylene methyl carbonate = 3:7 vol% + 2% vinylene carbonate). Although the initial capacity reaches 190 mAh/g, the capacity retention after 300 cycles to 4.5 V is only 66%. Employing a combination of tris(trimethylsilyl)phosphite and lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate as electrolyte additives, we demonstrate excellent capacity retention of 85% after 300 cycles to 4.5 V. Moreover, graphite/LiNi$_{0·8}$Co$_{0·}$1Mn$_{0·1}$O$_2$ cells with additives show improved capacity retention also at elevated temperatures of 60 °C. A detailed post-mortem analysis reveals the formation of a compact and LiF-rich and B-containing cathode/electrolyte interphase layer on the LiNi$_{0·8}$Co$_{0·1}$Mn$_{0·1}$O$_2$ particles cycled with tris(trimethylsilyl)phosphite and lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate additives, substantially suppressing the transition metal dissolution and the cation-disordered layer formation on the exposed particles\u27 surface