Comparative Investigation of Water-Based CMC and LA133 Binders for CuO Anodes in High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Transition metal oxides are considered to be highly promising anode materials for high-energy lithium-ion batteries. While carbon matrices have demonstrated effectiveness in enhancing the electrical conductivity and accommodating the volume expansion of transition metal oxide-based anode materials in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), achieving an optimized utilization ratio remains a challenging obstacle. In this investigation, we have devised a straightforward synthesis approach to fabricate CuO nano powder integrated with carbon matrix. We found that with the use of a sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) based binder and fluoroethylene carbonate additives, this anode exhibits enhanced performance compared to acrylonitrile multi-copolymer binder (LA133) based electrodes. CuO@CMC electrodes reveal a notable capacity ~1100 mA h g-1 at 100 mA g-1 following 170 cycles, and exhibit prolonged cycling stability, with a capacity of 450 mA h g-1 at current density 300 mA g-1 over 500 cycles. Furthermore, they demonstrated outstanding rate performance and reduced charge transfer resistance. This study offers a viable approach for fabricating electrode materials for next-generation, high energy storage devices.

Exploring Lead Zirconate Titanate, the Potential Advancement as an Anode for Li-Ion Batteries.

Graphite, widely adopted as an anode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), faces challenges such as an unsustainable supply chain and sluggish rate capabilities. This emphasizes the urgent need to explore alternative anode materials for LIBs, aiming to resolve these challenges and drive the advancement of more efficient and sustainable battery technologies. The present research investigates the potential of lead zirconate titanate (PZT: PbZr0.53Ti0.47O3) as an anode material for LIBs. Bulk PZT materials were synthesized by using a solid-state reaction, and the electrochemical performance as an anode was examined. A high initial discharge capacity of approximately 686 mAh/g was attained, maintaining a stable capacity of around 161 mAh/g after 200 cycles with diffusion-controlled intercalation as the primary charge storage mechanism in a PZT anode. These findings suggest that PZT exhibits a promising electrochemical performance, positioning it as a potential alternative anode material for LIBs.

Elucidation of drought tolerance potential of horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum Var.) germplasm using genome wide association studies.

Horsegram [Macrotyloma uniflorum Lam (Verdc.)] is an undervalued and under studied legume though is a good source of proteins, carbohydrates and energy. Drought is an abiotic stress that effects plant development and ecosystem sustainability. Drought is expected to become more common in the future as a result of climate change. Horsegram is known to withstand drought, salt and heavy metal stress. In the past few decades application of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to explore complex traits has risen in popularity. Considering the above mentioned factors drought tolerance ability of horsegram germplasm was investigated in 96 diverse horsegram lines with GWAS by exploring 20241 SNPs. Highest number of SNPs were found to be located in intergenic regions (43.8%) followed by intronic SNPs (21.6%). In this investigation three drought tolerant representing parameters were selected for QTL identification. In the present study, we identified different SNPs associated with QTLs governing these traits, which involved in drought stress response of horsegram plant. Seven QTLs were found to be associated with relative water content in horsegram whereas for root volume and root length 4 and 8 QTLs were found respectively. By using horsegram database of Kazusa DNA research institute Japan, we identify the genes present on these marker sites which were found to be involved in many biochemical pathways related to plant abiotic stresses. Many of these genes were previously characterized and few uncharacterized genes were also found controlling these traits. These findings will help in identifying new mechanisms responsible for plant drought stress tolerance in future.

Genetic Association and Role of Surgery for the Treatment of Lower Limb Deformities in Diastrophic Dysplasia: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Diastrophic dysplasia (DTD) results from SCN26A2 gene mutation, with autosomal recessive inheritance and widely variable phenotype. The gene has been mapped to chromosome 5q32-q33.1. CASE REPORT: We present a case of a 4-year-old female with short stature, bilateral feet and knee deformity, and dysplastic facies. SCN26A2 mutations were seen in patient as well as parents. She underwent multiple orthopedic procedures involving metatarsals, gastrosoleus, and distal femur. Based on typical clinical features, DTD was suspected. Genetic studies of patient and parents provided the exact diagnosis in this case. CONCLUSION: Genetic diagnosis and family counseling are important caveat of management. Key features like ear abnormalities help to suspect diagnosis which requires a high index of suspicion. Associated bony and soft-tissue abnormalities of lower limb may require surgical intervention for improvement of gait, functions, and cosmesis.