Revealing the Dynamic Lithiation Process of Copper Disulfide by in Situ TEM.

Transition metal oxides, fluorides, and sulfides are extensively studied as candidate electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries driven by the urgency of developing next-generation higher energy density lithium batteries. These conversion-type electrode materials often require nanosized active materials to enable a "smooth" lithiation and de-lithiation process during charge/discharge cycles, determined by their size, structure, and phase. Herein, the structural and chemical changes of Copper Disulfide (CuS2 ) hollow nanoparticles during the lithiation process through an in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) method are investigated. The study finds the hollow structure of CuS2 facilitates the quick formation of fluidic Li2 S "drops," accompanied by a de-sulfurization to the Cu7 S4 phase. Meanwhile, the metallic Cu phase emerges as fine nanoparticles and grows into nano-strips, which are embedded in the Li2 S/Cu7 S4 matrix. These complex nanostructured phases and their spatial distribution can lead to a low de-lithiation barrier, enabling fast reaction kinetics.

Identification of Significant Genes in Lung Cancer of Nonsmoking Women via Bioinformatics Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to identify potential key genes, proteins, and associated interaction networks for the development of lung cancer in nonsmoking women through a bioinformatics approach. METHODS: We used the GSE19804 dataset, which includes 60 lung cancer and corresponding paracancerous tissue samples from nonsmoking women, to perform the work. The GSE19804 microarray was downloaded from the GEO database and differentially expressed genes were identified using the limma package analysis in R software, with the screening criteria of p value < 0.01 and ∣log2 fold change (FC) | >2. RESULTS: A total of 169 DEGs including 130 upregulated genes and 39 downregulated were selected. Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway analysis were performed using the DAVID website, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed and the hub gene module was screened through STING and Cytoscape. CONCLUSIONS: We obtained five key genes such as GREM1, MMP11, SPP1, FOSB, and IL33 which were strongly associated with lung cancer in nonsmoking women, which improved understanding and could serve as new therapeutic targets, but their functionality needs further experimental verification.