An investigation on electronic, elastic, and optical properties of XC ͑X = Si, Ge, and Sn͒ under high pressure has been conducted using first-principles calculations based on density functional theory with the plane wave basis set as implemented in the CASTEP code. Our results demonstrate that the sequence of the pressure-induced structure transition of these compounds is from zincblende-type ͑B3͒ to NaCl-type ͑B1͒ structure. The calculated lattice constants and transition pressures are reported, which are in good agreement with the available experimental results and the previous theoretical data. The elastic constants and anisotropy as a function of pressure are presented. These results suggest technological applications of such materials in extreme environments. Debye temperatures of B3-SnC and B1-SnC are determined for the first time.
Blue oxygen-deficient nanoparticles of anatase TiO2 (H-TiO2) are synthesized using a modified hydrogenation process. Scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope images clearly demonstrate the evident change of the TiO2 morphology, from 60 nm rectangular nanosheets to much smaller round or oval nanoparticles of ∼17 nm, after this hydrogenation treatment. Importantly, electron paramagnetic resonance and positronium annihilation lifetime spectroscopy confirm that plentiful oxygen vacancies accompanied by Ti(3+) are created in the hydrogenated samples with a controllable concentration by altering hydrogenation temperature. Experiments and theory calculations demonstrate that the well-balanced Li(+)/e(-) transportation from a synergetic effect between Ti(3+)/oxygen vacancy and reduced size promises the optimal H-TiO2 sample a high specific capacity, as well as greatly enhanced cycling stability and rate performance in comparison with the other TiO2.
Hollow hierarchical microspheres of Bi/BiOBr (SBB) with oxygen vacancies were prepared using a one step solvothermal method. It was found that the stannous chloride dihydrate played key roles in the formation of Bi, defects and the stacking mode of hierarchical construction units. Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) was used to demonstrate the oxygen vacancies in Bi/BiOBr samples. The density of states (DOS) of the valence band of BiOBr can be modulated by the introduction of oxygen vacancies according to the valence band XPS and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. Analyses of photoluminescence and BET demonstrated that SBB hollow hierarchical microspheres with higher specific surface area have a lower recombination rate of photo-generated electrons and holes. The photocatalytic and adsorptive performances showed that the samples exhibited stronger adsorption capacity toward rhodamine B (RhB) and highly efficient photocatalytic activity in the degradation of RhB, which were attributed to the higher adsorption ability and synergistic effect of oxygen vacancies and construction of the heterojunction structure (Bi/BiOBr).
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract plays an essential role in food digestion, absorption, and the mucosal immune system; it is also inhabited by a huge range of microbes. The GI tract is densely innervated by a network of 200–600 million neurons that comprise the enteric nervous system (ENS). This system cooperates with intestinal microbes, the intestinal immune system, and endocrine systems; it forms a complex network that is required to maintain a stable intestinal microenvironment. Understanding how gut microbes influence the ENS and central nervous system (CNS) has been a significant research subject over the past decade. Moreover, accumulating evidence from animal and clinical studies has revealed that gut microbiota play important roles in various neurological diseases. However, the causal relationship between microbial changes and neurological disorders currently remains unproven. This review aims to summarize the possible contributions of GI microbiota to the ENS and CNS. It also provides new insights into furthering our current understanding of neurological disorders.
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