Abstract: Electrodeposition and energy storage devices utilizing an electrolyte having a surface-smoothing additive can result in self-healing, instead of self-amplification, of initial protuberant tips that give rise to roughness and/or dendrite formation on the substrate and anode surface. For electrodeposition of a first metal (M1) on a substrate or anode from one or more cations of M1 in an electrolyte solution, the electrolyte solution is characterized by a surface-smoothing additive containing cations of a second metal (M2), wherein cations of M2 have an effective electrochemical reduction potential in the solution lower than that of the cations of M1.

Abstract: Electrodeposition involving an electrolyte having a surface-smoothing additive can result in self-healing, instead of self-amplification, of initial protuberant tips that give rise to roughness and/or dendrite formation on the substrate and/or film surface. For electrodeposition of a first conductive material (C1) on a substrate from one or more reactants in an electrolyte solution, the electrolyte solution is characterized by a surface-smoothing additive containing cations of a second conductive material (C2), wherein cations of C2 have an effective electrochemical reduction potential in the solution lower than that of the reactants.

Abstract: Particular functional nanocomposite materials can be employed as electrodes and/or as electrodes in energy storage systems to improve performance. In one example, the nanocomposite material is characterized by nanoparticles having a high-capacity active material, a core particle having a comminution material, and a thin electronically conductive coating having an electronically conductive material. The nanoparticles are fixed between the core particle and the conductive coating. The comminution material has a Mohs hardness that is greater than that of the active material. The core particle has a diameter less than 5000 nm and the nanoparticles have diameters less than 500 nm.

Abstract: This invention is in the area of regulatory DNA sequences and their methods of use. Specifically, DNA sequences found in the regulatory region of cytoprotective genes are described that are termed cytoprotective response elements. DNA constructs also are provided that include cytoprotective response elements operably linked to heterologous protein coding sequence, as well as cells and non-human organisms that include the cytoprotective response elements optionally operably linked to a heterologous protein coding sequence, and a method for screening for a compound that increases mRNA or protein regulated by a cytoprotective response element. It has been discovered that the cytoprotective response elements mediate the coordinate activation of certain genes that protect cells from damaging effects of oxidative stress, and that they do so, for example during conditions of hemodynamic shear stress.

Abstract: This invention is in the area of regulatory DNA sequences and their methods of use. Specifically, DNA sequences found in the regulatory region of cytoprotective genes are described that are termed cytoprotective response elements. DNA constructs also are provided that include cytoprotective response elements operably linked to heterologous protein coding sequence, as well as cells and non-human organisms that include the cytoprotective response elements optionally operably linked to a heterologous protein coding sequence, and a method for screening for a compound that increases mRNA or protein regulated by a cytoprotective response element. It has been discovered that the cytoprotective response elements mediate the coordinate activation of certain genes that protect cells from damaging effects of oxidative stress, and that they do so, for example during conditions of hemodynamic shear stress.