Target therapy for metastatic alveolar soft part sarcoma: a retrospective study with 47 cases

Background

Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is a translocation-associated soft-tissue tumor resistant to conventional cytotoxic agents. This report aims to compare the efficacy of anlotinib versus pazopanib as targeted monotherapy in metastatic ASPS and to determine the impact of drug dosage reduction on disease control.

Methods

Sixteen and 31 patients with metastatic ASPS were respectively treated with anlotinib and pazopanib monotherapy at a single institution. Objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were retrieved and compared between both therapeutic arms. Adverse events (AEs) within each group were recorded. Kaplan-Meier survivorship curves computed the impact of drug dosage reduction on PFS.

Results

The anlotinib group showed an ORR of 31.2%, compared to 35.5% in the pazopanib arm (P=0.772). Median PFS was 23.6 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 16.2-31.0 months] in patients treated with anlotinib, but dropped to 13.7 months (95% CI, 10.8-16.7 months) in those managed with pazopanib (P=0.023). One (6.3%) patient on anlotinib and 11 (35.5%) on pazopanib developed AEs requiring drug dosage reduction (P=0.029), which significantly reduced patients' PFS in the latter setting (10.5 vs. 15.8 months, P=0.012). In patients without dosage reduction, anlotinib showed a bordering advantage than pazopanib on median PFS (24.5 vs. 15.8 months, P=0.112).

Conclusions

Compared to pazopanib, anlotinib yielded longer PFS and lower incidence of AEs in ASPS patients. Drug dosage reduction was more frequently encountered with the former agent and affected the disease control.

Polygon Coherent Modes in a Weakly Perturbed Whispering Gallery Microresonator for Efficient Second Harmonic, Optomechanical, and Frequency Comb Generations

We observe high optical quality factor (Q) polygonal and star coherent optical modes in a lithium niobate microdisk. In contrast to the previous polygon modes achieved by deformed microcavities at lower mechanical and optical Q, we adopt weak perturbation from a tapered fiber for the polygon mode formation. The resulting high intracavity optical power of the polygon modes triggers second harmonic generation at high efficiency. With the combined advantages of a high mechanical Q cavity, we observe optomechanical oscillation in polygon modes for the first time. Finally, we observe frequency microcomb generation from the polygon modes with an ultrastable taper-on-disk coupling mechanism.

Gel Electrocatalysts: An Emerging Material Platform for Electrochemical Energy Conversion

Seeking sustainable and cost-effective energy sources is one of the significant challenges for the sustainable development of modern society. To date, considerable expectations have been held for technologies, such as fuel cells and electrolyzers, where the performance strongly depends on electrochemical conversion processes that can generate and store chemical energy through the breaking or formation of chemical bonds. However, those advanced technologies are severely limited by the efficiency, selectivity, and durability of electrocatalysis. Thanks to their hierarchically porous architecture, compositional and structural tunability, and ease of functionalization, the family of gel materials opens exciting opportunities for advanced energy technologies. Unique advances in gel materials based on controllable compositions and functions enable gel electrocatalysts to potentially break the limitations of current materials, enhancing the device performance of electrochemical energy. Here, recent developments and challenges for nanostructured gel-based materials for electrocatalysis applications are summarized. Future possibilities and challenges for gel electrocatalysts in terms of synthesis and applications are also discussed.

Effects of Pulsatile Frequency of Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) on Coronary Perfusion: A Numerical Simulation Study

Background

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) with counter-pulsation mode have been widely used to support left ventricular function and improve coronary circulation. However, the frequency characteristics of the coronary system have not been considered. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of pulsatile frequency of LVADs on coronary perfusion.

Material/Methods

First, a lumped parameter (LP) model incorporating coronary circulation, systemic circulation, left heart, and LVAD was established to simulate the cardiovascular system. Then, the frequency characteristics of the coronary system were analyzed and the calculation results showed that the pulsatile frequency of the LVAD has a substantial effect on coronary blood flow. To verify the accuracy of the theoretical analysis, the hemodynamic effects of the LVAD on the coronary artery were compared under 4 support modes: co-pulsation mode, and counter-pulsation modes in synchronization ratios of 1: 1, 2: 1, and 3: 1.

Results

We found that the coronary flow increased by 5% when the working mode changed from co-pulsation to counter-pulsation in a synchronization ratio of 1: 1, and by an additional 6% when the working mode changed from counter-pulsation in a synchronization ratio of 1: 1 to counter-pulsation in a synchronization ratio of 3: 1.

Conclusions

This work provides a useful method to increase coronary perfusion and may be beneficial for improving myocardial function in patients with end-stage heart failure, especially those with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM).

Honokiol-mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Inhibit Vascular Restenosis via the Suppression of TGF-β Signaling Pathway

Introduction

The main pathological mechanism of restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is intimal hyperplasia, which is mainly caused by proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Our previous study found that honokiol (HNK), a small-molecule polyphenol, can inhibit neointimal hyperplasia after balloon injury, but its specific mechanism is still unclear. Moreover, poor water solubility as well as low bioavailability of honokiol has limited its practical use.

Methods

We used mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) as a standard substance to encapsulate HNK and then assemble into honokiol-mesoporous silica nanoparticles, and we investigated the effect of these nanoparticles on the process of restenosis after common carotid artery injury in rats.

Results

We report a promising delivery system that loads HNK into MSNPs and finally assembles it into a nanocomposite particle. These HNK-MSNPs not merely inhibited proliferation and migration of VSMCs by reducing phosphorylation of Smad3, but also showed a higher suppression of intimal thickening than the free-honokiol-treated group in a rat model of balloon injury.

Conclusion

To sum up, this drug delivery system supplies a potent nano-platform for improving the biological effects of HNK and provides a promising strategy for preventing vascular restenosis.

Efficacy of anlotinib in advanced soft tissue sarcoma by age, gender, and ECOG performance status

e23562

Background: ALTER0203 was a randomized phase IIB trial (NCT02449343) that demonstrated single-agent activity of anlotinib in advanced STS (aSTS). The primary endpoint progression-free survival (PFS) was met and presented as an oral presentation in 2018 ASCO. We evaluated the relationship between age, gender and ECOG performance status. Methods: Median PFS was analyzed in subgroups of age (≤40 y; > 40 y), gender (male; female) and ECOG performance status score (0; 1). All analyses were exploratory and required cautious interpretation. Results: A total of 158 patients received anlotinib in the ALTER0203 study. 79 patients (50.0%) were > 40 y. Median PFS was longer in patients of age > 40 y than ≤40 y (7.43 vs 5.43 months, P = 0.40). In patients receiving anlotinib, 76 patients (48.1%) were female and median PFS was longer in female than male (9.80 vs 4.43 months, P = 0.002). All enrolled patients had a Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) of 0 or 1. 107 patients (67.7%) were with poor PS (ECOG PS = 1). The median PFS was longer in PS of 1(8.43 vs 4.73, P = 0.53) than PS of 0. Conclusions: In patients receiving anlotinib, longer mPFS was observed in patients of age > 40 y, ECOG PS = 1 and female. Clinical trial information: NCT02449343 .

Evaluation of thyroid-stimulating hormone-increased, hypertriglyceridemia and proteinuria as markers of anlotinib efficacy in advanced soft tissue sarcoma

e23548

Background: ALTER0203 was a randomized phase IIB trial (NCT02449343) that demonstrated single-agent activity of anlotinib in advanced STS (aSTS). The primary endpoint progression-free survival (PFS) was met and presented as an oral presentation in 2018 ASCO. The most common adverse events with anlotinib were hypertension (62.66%), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) increased (56.33%), hypertriglyceridemia (50%), hand-foot syndrome (48.10%) and proteinuria (36.08%) similar to other vascular endothelial growth factor receptor pathway-targeted therapies. We had evaluated the anlotinib-induced hand-foot syndrome and hypertension with clinical outcome in aSTS patients previously. Here we investigated thyroid stimulating hormone increased, hypertriglyceridemia and proteinuria on clinical outcome in aSTS patients treated with anlotinib. Methods: We conducted a review of patients enrolled in ALTER0203. Median PFS was analyzed in patients with thyroid stimulating hormone increased, hypertriglyceridemia and proteinuria vs patients with no thyroid stimulating hormone increased, hypertriglyceridemia and proteinuria. All analyses were exploratory and required cautious interpretation. Results: A total of 158 patients received anlotinib in the ALTER0203 study. During the study, TSH increased was observed in 89 patients (56.33%). Hypertriglyceridemia was observed in 79 patients (50%). Proteinuria was observed in 57 patients (36.08%). Median PFS was longer in patients with TSH increased vs patients with no TSH increased (8.40 vs 4.23 months, p = 0.015). Patients with any grade TSH increased while on anlotinib had an adjusted hazard ratio for progression of 0.64 compared to those without TSH increased. Also, median PFS was longer in patients with hypertriglyceridemia and proteinuria vs patients with no hypertriglyceridemia and proteinuria (8.43 vs 4.13 months, p = 0.002; 8.40 vs 4.37, P = 0.048). Patients with any grade hypertriglyceridemia and proteinuria while on anlotinib had an adjusted hazard ratio for progression of 0.59 and 0.75 compared to those without hypertriglyceridemia and proteinuria respectively. Conclusions: In this retrospective analyses, TSH increased, hypertriglyceridemia and proteinuria can serve as biomarkers in aSTS patients treated with anlotinib. Clinical trial information: NCT02449343 .

Enhancement of sciatic nerve regeneration with dual delivery of vascular endothelial growth factor and nerve growth factor genes

BACKGROUND

Peripheral nerve injury is one common clinical disease worldwide, in which sciatic nerve is anatomically the most challenging to regenerate given its length and large cross-sectional area. For the present, autologous nerve grafting remains to be the most ideal strategy when treating with sciatic nerve injury. However, this method sacrifices healthy nerves and requires highly intensive surgery, still calling for other advanced alternatives for nerve grafting.

RESULTS

In this study, we utilized previously well-established gene delivery system to dually deliver plasmid DNA (pDNA) encoding vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), exploring therapeutics for sciatic nerve injury. Low-molecular-weight branched polyethylenimine (bPEI) was constructed as the backbone structure of gene vectors, and it was further crosslinked to synthesize degradable polycations via the conjugation of dialdehydes. Potential synergistic effect between VEGF and NGF proteins were observed on rat sciatic nerve crush injury model in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

We concluded that dual delivery of plasmid VEGF and NGF as gene therapy could enhance sciatic nerve regeneration.

MiR-362-5p, Which Is Regulated by Long Non-Coding RNA MBNL1-AS1, Promotes the Cell Proliferation and Tumor Growth of Bladder Cancer by Targeting QKI

In this study, we found miR-362-5p was upregulated in bladder cancer tissues and we predicted that QKI is potential a target of miR-362-5p and MBNL1-AS1 might be able to directly target to miR-362-5p. We attempted to evaluate whether miR-362-5p could play its roles in bladder cancer through regulating QKI (quaking) and whether the expression and function of miR-362-5p could be mediated by lncRNA MBNL1-AS1. We performed the gain- and loss-function experiments to explore the association between miR-362-5p expression and bladder cancer proliferation. In vivo, the nude mice were injected with miR-362-5p knockdown SW780 cells to assess the effects of miR-362-5p on tumor growth. The results showed upregulation of miR-362-5p promoted cell proliferation of bladder cancer cells. MBNL1-AS1 and QKI could directly bind with miR-362-5p, and knockdown of MBNL1-AS1 or QKI could abrogate the regulatory effects of miR-362-5p on bladder cancer cell proliferation. Furthermore, downregulation of miR-362-5p inhibited bladder tumor growth and increased QKI expression. Our data unveiled that miR-362-5p may play an oncogenic role in bladder cancer through QKI and MBNL1-AS1 might function as a sponge to mediate the miR-362-5p expression and function.

A fluorinated low-molecular-weight PEI/HIF-1α shRNA polyplex system for hemangioma therapy

RNAi technology targeting HIF-1α could benefit hemangioma therapy effectively and FPEI polyplexes which could inhibit the expression of HIF-1α at the translational level can provide a practicable strategy for clinical hemangioma treatment in the future.

Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Gel Electrocatalyst for Stable Acidic Water Oxidation

Water oxidation catalysts (WOCs) are essential to electrochemical hydrogen production, but (electro)chemical instability remains a critical issue for WOCs especially under acidic conditions. Here we present a hybrid organic-inorganic polymeric dual network gel (DN gel) electrocatalyst based on earth-abundant elements via in situ oxidative polymerization of polypyrrole and simultaneous cyano-polymerization for efficient acidic water oxidation. X-ray absorption and X-ray photoelectron spectra reveal a synergistic interplay between the inorganic polymer and the organic conductive polymer in producing a favorable local coordination environment, further supported by the DFT calculation. The DN gel electrocatalyst exhibits highly active and stable catalytic activity for oxygen evolution in the pH = 0 electrolyte, with no noticeable degradation after more than 3000 cycles. This work presents an alternative insight into developing highly active and robust WOCs as promising alternatives to noble metal catalysts in strong acids.

Efficient electro-optical tuning of an optical frequency microcomb on a monolithically integrated high-Q lithium niobate microdisk

We demonstrate efficient tuning of a monolithically integrated lithium niobate (LN) microdisk optical frequency microcomb. Utilizing the high optical quality (Q) factor (i.e., Q∼7.1×10⁶) of the microdisk, the microcomb spans over a spectral bandwidth of ∼200nm at a pump power as low as 20.4 mW. Combining the large electro-optic coefficient of LN and the optimum design of the geometry of microelectrodes, we demonstrate electro-optical tuning of the comb with a spectral range of 400 pm and a tuning efficiency of ∼38pm/100V.

Rational Design of Rhodium-Iridium Alloy Nanoparticles as Highly Active Catalysts for Acidic Oxygen Evolution

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is pivotal for renewable energy conversion and storage devices, such as water electrolyzers and rechargeable metal-air batteries. However, the rational design of electrocatalysts with suitably high efficiencies and stabilities in strongly acidic electrolytes remains a significant challenge. Here, we show the demonstration of sub-10 nm, composition-tunable Rh-Ir alloy nanoparticles (NPs) prepared using a scalable microwave-assisted method as superior acidic OER catalysts. The OER activities showed a volcano-shaped dependence on Ir composition, with Ir-rich NPs (Ir ≥ 51%) achieving better OER performance than pure Ir NPs, as reflected by lower overpotentials and higher mass activities. Most significantly, Rh₂₂Ir₇₈ NPs achieved a maximum mass activity of 1.17 A mg^-1_Ir at a 300 mV overpotential in 0.5 M H₂SO₄, which corresponds to a 3-fold enhancement relative to pure Ir NPs, making it one of the most active reported OER catalysts under acidic conditions. Density functional theory calculations reveal that owing to the synergy of ensemble and electronic effects by alloying a small amount of Rh with Ir, the binding energy difference of the O and OOH intermediates is reduced, leading to faster kinetics and enhanced OER activity. Furthermore, Rh-Ir alloy NPs demonstrated excellent durability in strongly acidic electrolyte. This work not only provides fundamental understandings relating to composition-electrochemical performance relationships but also represents the rational design of highly efficient OER electrocatalysts for applications in acidic media.

LncRNA MBNL1-AS1 represses cell proliferation and enhances cell apoptosis via targeting miR-135a-5p/PHLPP2/FOXO1 axis in bladder cancer

LncRNAs have been shown to play essential roles in bladder cancer (BC) progress. Our microarrays of clinical samples firstly screened that lncRNA muscleblind‐like 1 antisense RNA 1 (MBNL1‐AS1) was poorly expressed in BC tissues. However, its biological function in BC remains not well understood. Here we examined the clinical correlations with MBNL1‐AS1 in BC patients. Then, 5673 and T24 cell lines were employed to investigate the role of MBNL1‐AS1 in the proliferation and apoptosis of BC cells in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, miR‐135a‐5p (miR‐135a)/PHLPP2/FOXO1 axis was focused to explore its regulatory mechanism in BC. The results showed that MBNL1‐AS1 was significantly downregulated in bladder tumor tissues, and associated with BC progression. In vitro, MBNL1‐AS1 knockdown increased the number of viable cells and bromodeoxyuridine‐positive cells, accelerated cell cycle, and dysregulated proliferative regulators (Ki67, p21, p27, and Cyclin D1) in BC cells. The apoptotic cells and the cleavages of caspase‐3/9 were reduced in MBNL1‐AS1‐silenced BC cells. Overexpression of MBNL1‐AS1 had opposite effects on BC cell proliferation and apoptosis. Moreover miR‐135a was demonstrated to interact with MBNL1‐AS1, and inhibiting miR‐135a reversed the effects of shMBNL1‐AS1 on BC cells. The downstream effectors (PHLPP2 and FOXO1) were positively regulated by MBNL1‐AS1, but negatively regulated by miR‐135a. Similar results were also observed in xenograft tumors. In conclusion, this study firstly suggests that MBNL1‐AS1 acts as a tumor suppressor of BC by targeting miR‐135a/PHLPP2/FOXO1 axis, providing a novel insight for BC diagnosis and treatment.

(-)-Epigallocatechin gallate-loaded polycaprolactone scaffolds fabricated using a 3D integrated moulding method alleviate immune stress and induce neurogenesis

Objectives

In peripheral neuropathy, the underlying mechanisms of nerve and muscle degeneration include chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in fibrotic tissues. (‐)‐Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a major, active component in green tea and may scavenge free radical oxygen and attenuate inflammation. Conservative treatments such as steroid injection only deal with early, asymptomatic, peripheral neuropathy. In contrast, neurolysis and nerve conduit implantation work effectively for treating advanced stages.

Materials and methods

An EGCG‐loaded polycaprolactone (PCL) porous scaffold was fabricated using an integrated moulding method. We evaluated proliferative, oxidative and inflammatory activity of rat Schwann cells (RSCs) and rat skeletal muscle cells (RSMCs) cultured on different scaffolds in vitro. In a rat radiation injury model, we assessed the morphological, electrophysiological and functional performance of regenerated sciatic nerves and gastrocnemius muscles, as well as oxidative stress and inflammation state.

Results

RSCs and RSMCs exhibited higher proliferative, anti‐oxidant and anti‐inflammatory states in an EGCG/PCL scaffold. In vivo studies showed improved nerve and muscle recovery in the EGCG/PCL group, with increased nerve myelination and muscle fibre proliferation and reduced macrophage infiltration, lipid peroxidation, inflammation and oxidative stress indicators.

Conclusions

The EGCG‐modified PCL porous nerve scaffold alleviates cellular oxidative stress and repairs peripheral nerve and muscle structure in rats. It attenuates oxidative stress and inflammation in vivo and may provide further insights into peripheral nerve repair in the future.

A new method for extracting DNA from the grape berry surface, beginning in the vineyard

Isolating DNA from microbes on the surface of a grape berry is a challenge due to their adhesion to the thick berry skin and cuticle, making studies of the grape microbiome challenging. We developed a field-to-lab DNA extraction procedure that starts in the vineyard, disrupts the grape berry surface while en route to the lab through agitation, and efficiently extracts microbial DNA from the surface of the grape. It is cost effective and utilizes commonly available laboratory chemicals with low toxicity (Table 1). This protocol allows researchers to extract DNA from the grape berry surface in the field, therefore undergoing minimal manipulation of those microbiomes before DNA extraction.

Fabrication of a multifunctional photonic integrated chip on lithium niobate on insulator using femtosecond laser-assisted chemomechanical polish

We report fabrication of a multifunctional photonic integrated chip on lithium niobate on insulator, which is achieved by femtosecond laser-assisted chemomechanical polish. We demonstrate a high-extinction-ratio beam splitter, a 1×6 optical switch, and a balanced 3×3 interferometer on the fabricated chip by reconfiguring the microelectrode array integrated with the multifunctional photonic circuit.

Inorganic Gel-Derived Metallic Frameworks Enabling High-Performance Silicon Anodes

Metallic matrix materials have emerged as an ideal platform to hybridize with next-generation electrode materials such as silicon for practical applications in Li-ion batteries. However, these metallic species commonly exist in the form of isolated particles, failing to provide enough free space for silicon volume changes as well as continuous charge transport pathways. Herein, three-dimensional (3D) metallic frameworks with interconnected pore channels and conductive skeletons, have been synthesized from inorganic gel precursors as buffering/conducting matrices to boost lithium storage performance of silicon anodes. As a proof-of-concept demonstration, commercial Si particles are in situ immobilized within the Sn-Ni alloy framework via a facile gel-reduction route, and the rearrangement of Si particles during cycling increases the dispersity of Si in the Sn-Ni framework as well as their synergic effects toward lithium storage. The Si@Sn-Ni all-metallic framework manifests high structural integrity, 3D Li⁺/e^- mixed conduction pathway, and synergic effects of interfacial bonding and concurrent reaction dynamics between active Si and Sn, enabling long-term cycle life (1205 mA h g^-1 after 100 cycles at 0.5 A g^-1) and superior rate capability (653 mA h g^-1 at 10 A g^-1).

Elevated Expression Levels of PC3-Secreted Microprotein (PSMP) in Prostate Cancer Associated With Increased Xenograft Growth and Modification of Immune-Related Microenvironment

Prostate cancer (PCa), especially metastatic PCa, is one of the main cancer types accounting for male mortality worldwide. Over decades, researchers have tried to search for effective curative methods for PCa, but many attempts have failed. The therapeutic failure of PCa is usually due to off-target or side effects; thus, finding a key molecule that could prevent PCa metastatic progression has become the most important goal for curing aggressive PCa. In this study, we collected hundreds of PCa tissues and serum and urine samples from patients to verify the upregulated expression of PC3-secreted microprotein (PSMP) in PCa tumor tissues with high Gleason scores. According to biopsy results, PSMP expression was found related to extraprostatic extension (EPE), contributing to PCa metastasis. Mechanistically, recombinant PSMP protein could promote the proliferation both in vitro and in vivo, and rhPSMP could promote epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of PC3 in vitro. Additionally, PSMP could also influence cytokine production in the xenograft model and monocyte migration and macrophage polarization in vitro. Our most important finding was that neutralizing antibodies against PSMP could suppress xenograft PC3 growth and promote the survival of PC3 metastatic mice model, providing an effective option to cure human PCa.

Effect of static magnetic field on morphology and growth metabolism of Flavobacterium sp. m1-14

Increasing evidence shows that static magnetic fields (SMFs) can affect microbial growth metabolism, but the specific mechanism is still unclear. In this study, we have investigated the effect of moderate-strength SMFs on growth and vitamin K₂ biosynthesis of Flavobacterium sp. m1-14. First, we designed a series of different moderate-strength magnetic field intensities (0, 50, 100, 150, 190 mT) and exposure times (0, 24, 48, 72, 120 h). With the optimization of static magnetic field intensity and exposure time, biomass and vitamin K₂ production significantly increased compared to control. The maximum vitamin K₂ concentration and biomass were achieved when exposed to 100 mT SMF for 48 h; compared with the control group, they increased by 71.3% and 86.8%, respectively. Interestingly, it was found that both the cell viability and morphology changed significantly after SMF treatment. Second, the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) metabolism is more vigorous after exposed to 100 mT SMF. This change affects the cell energy metabolism and fermentation behavior, and may partially explain the changes in bacterial biomass and vitamin K₂ production. The results show that moderate-strength SMFs may be a promising method to promote bacterial growth and secondary metabolite synthesis.

Chemically Binding Scaffolded Anodes with 3D Graphene Architectures Realizing Fast and Stable Lithium Storage

Three-dimensional (3D) graphene has emerged as an ideal platform to hybridize with electrochemically active materials for improved performances. However, for lithium storage, current anodic guests often exist in the form of nanoparticles, physically attached to graphene hosts, and therefore tend to detach from graphene matrices and aggregate into large congeries, causing considerable capacity fading upon repeated cycling. Herein, we develop a facile double-network hydrogel-enabled methodology for chemically binding anodic scaffolds with 3D graphene architectures. Taking tin-based alloy anodes as an example, the double-network hydrogel, containing interpenetrated cyano-bridged coordination polymer hydrogel and graphene oxide hydrogel, is directly converted to a physical-intertwined and chemical-bonded Sn−Ni alloy scaffold and graphene architecture (Sn−Ni/G) dual framework. The unique dual framework structure, with remarkable structural stability and charge-transport capability, enables the Sn−Ni/G anode to exhibit long-term cyclic life (701 mA h g⁻¹ after 200 cycles at 0.1 A g⁻¹) and high rate performance (497 and 390 mA h g⁻¹ at 1 and 2 A g⁻¹, respectively). This work provides a new perspective towards chemically binding scaffolded low-cost electrode and electrocatalyst materials with 3D graphene architectures for boosting energy storage and conversion.

High-Q Exterior Whispering-Gallery Modes in a Double-Layer Crystalline Microdisk Resonator

Exterior whispering-gallery modes (WGMs), whose mode energy is mainly confined outside the microcavity, can achieve large mode overlapping with the ambient environment, as well as a strong electric field and gradient force at the surface. Here, we demonstrate highly localized WGMs in the nanoair gap of a double-layer crystalline microdisk. The geometry is based on a horizontal slot-waveguide structure of two vertically stacked crystalline microdisks made of lithium niobate thin films. The slot WGM possesses a high quality factor in excess of 10^{5} without metallic loss. The absorption and scattering loss is reduced by use of the crystalline nanofilm at sub-nm rms surface roughness. The demonstrated configuration can be highly favored in various applications including optical sensing, nonlinear optics, and optomechanics.