长链烷基甜菜碱表面活性剂在驱油用油水界面行为的分子模拟研究

随着化学驱规模化实施,表面活性剂的需求量猛增,而甜菜碱型表面活性剂由于其优异的界面活性、抗盐性能及绿色环保等特点,是适合油田多场景开采的一类高效驱油剂。为从分子尺度探究长链烷基甜菜碱型表面活性剂的界面活性并解释提采机制,利用分子动力学模拟研究了不同疏水链长和亲水基团的甜菜碱型表面活性剂油水界面行为和微观分子构型。通过与实验数据相互验证,为宏观实验现象提供了微观分子层面解释,并归纳了长链烷基甜菜碱型表面活性剂的界面作用机制,为根据分子模拟界面迁移及分布规律进行驱油剂设计提供指导。

Rational design of stretchable and conductive hydrogel binder for highly reversible SiP2 anode

The emerging SiP2with large capacity and suitable plateau is proposed to be the alternative anode for Li-ion batteries.However,typical SiP2still suffers from serious volume expansion and structural destruction,resulting in much Li-consumption and capacity fading.Herein,a novel stretchable and conductive Li-PAA@PEDOT:PSS binder is rationally designed to improve the cyclability and reversibility of SiP2.Interestingly,such Li-PAA@PEDOT:PSS hydrogel enables a better accommodation of volume expansion than PVDF binder(e.g.5.94% vs.68.73% of expansivity).More specially,the SiP2electrode with LiPAA@PEDOT:PSS binder is surprisingly found to enable unexpected structural recombination and selfhealing Li-storage processes,endowing itself with a high initial Coulombic efficiency(ICE) up to 93.8%,much higher than PVDF binder(ICE=70.7%) as well.Such unusual phenomena are investigated in detail for Li-PAA@PEDOT:PSS,and the possible mechanism shows that its Li-PAA component enables to prevent the pulverization of SiP2nanoparticles while the PEDOT:PSS greatly bridges fast electronic connection for the whole electrode.Consequently,after being further composited with carbon matrix,the SiP2/C with LiPAA@PEDOT:PSS hydrogel exhibits high reversibility(ICE> 93%),superior cyclability(>450 cycles),and rate capability(1520 mAh/g at 2000 mA/g) for LIBs.This highly stretchable and conductive binder design can be easily extended to other alloying materials toward advanced energy storage.

利用地理信息系统对我国羊弓形虫流行病学数据的调查与分析

为了解我国羊弓形虫的流行情况,本研究对1991年~2023年近30年收录的羊弓形虫流行病学文献中我国22个省区的94 891份临床羊血清样品数据,采用Arc GIS10.2软件中的点密度和核密度分析法分析羊弓形虫在不同地区采样点的分布及聚集性;采用Excel 2010软件统计不同省份、地区及7个地理分区羊弓形虫的平均阳性率(以下均简称为阳性率);采用SPSS软件对上述地区的阳性率进行卡方检验;通过Arc GIS10.2软件做羊弓形虫阳性率分级(阳性率分为6个等级)的统计分析,以分析羊弓形虫在不同地区的分布状况。点密度和核密度结果显示,除12个地区外其他地区均有羊弓形虫调查数据的报告;羊弓形虫在青海、甘肃、河南、内蒙古、云南、新疆等地呈点的聚集性分布,在青海和甘肃省呈密集性分布。统计结果显示,我国羊弓形虫平均阳性率为10.37%(8869/94891),不同省份的阳性率在3.09%~30.49%;7个地理分区羊弓形虫的阳性率为14.4%~30.49%,其中西南地区阳性率最高为30.49%(3059/12245),主要包括重庆、云南、贵州,羊弓形虫阳性率依次为45.06%(310/688)、28.63%(1830/6392)和17.79%(919/5165)。西北地区的阳性率最低,为14.4%(3879/58038),主要包括陕西、甘肃、新疆、青海,羊弓形虫阳性率依次为29.82%(99/332)、17.12%(1353/7905)、6.03%(487/8071)、4.56%(1940/41730)。分级统计结果显示,秦岭淮河以北的省份对羊弓形虫的流行病学调查较多,且平均阳性率为20%以下居多,大多属于1级、2级地区,但其中华北地区平均阳性率为20.78%(737/4562),为3级地区。秦岭淮河以南只有一半省份有调查数据,主要集中在西南地区,平均阳性率为30.49%(3059/12245),为4级地区;其次是华东、华中地区,阳性率分别为18.7%(422/2329)和16.32%(1584/15474),均为2级地区,但其中的重庆市可达5级。上述结果表明,我国大部分地区均存在羊弓形虫且呈地方性流行,西南、华北地区应加强对羊弓形虫流行病学的监测与防治。利用ArcGIS10.2软件分析羊弓形虫的分布与海拔等气候条件的关系;采用全域莫兰指数(Moran’s I指数)、高低值聚类(General G指数)分析羊弓形虫分布地区的空间自相关性。通过ArcGIS10.2软件对弓形虫分布的冷热点分析,结果显示,海拔2 000 m以下地区的羊弓形虫阳性率均较高,为10%~30%,且低海拔、高温高湿和雨热地区羊弓形虫的阳性率均较高,提示上述地区需加强对羊弓形虫流行病学的监控与防治。弓形虫感染的空间自相关性分析结果表明我国羊弓形虫的分布地区之间存在关联性(Moran’s I指数>0)和聚集性(General G指数>0),且分布点之间具有极强关联性(General G指数中的Z>0)。冷热点分析显示,我国秦岭淮河两侧的湖南和安徽部分地区、贵州、河南及西北地区的青海和甘肃大部分地区均为热点地区。因此要在集中养殖区重点监测及防治羊弓形虫病,以阻止羊弓形虫的聚集性流行。本研究对羊弓形虫病的科学防控决策的制定具有重要指导意义。

定制电解液或隔膜实现锂离子各向异性输运从而抑制枝晶生长:相场模拟研究

电池内部不可控的枝晶生长问题严重地影响着电池的循环性能和安全性能,这对于锂金属电池的实际应用是一个严峻的挑战。尽管已有较多的实验和理论研究工作聚焦于电极间锂离子各向异性输运特性对枝晶形貌的影响,但仍有一些开放性的问题有待进一步研究,例如,如何将枝晶生长的动态演变与电解液性质、电势分布或隔膜多孔结构诱导的锂离子各向异性输运关联起来。我们通过将锂离子在电解液中的扩散系数(D_(L))表示为二阶张量的形式并进行相场模拟,发现D_(yy):D_(xx)比值的增加,以及电势诱导的电极/电解液界面锂离子快速扩散层均可以降低界面处锂离子浓度梯度和电势梯度,从而减弱枝晶生长的驱动力。我们还发现隔膜基体与y方向之间夹角的增大也会显著促进电解质中的锂离子各向异性输运特性,以利于抑制枝晶生长。籍此本文提出设计D_(yy):D_(xx)=10:1的电解液和基体倾斜角为arctan(0.5)的隔膜用于锂金属电池。该相场研究有望为设计具有抑制枝晶能力的电解质或隔膜提供指导。

Long non-coding RNA FPFSC promotes immature porcine Sertoli cell growth through modulating the miR-326/EHMT2 axis

Sertoli cells are indispensable for guaranteeing normal spermatogenesis and male fertility.Although a huge number of long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs)are identified from developing porcine testicular tissues and have been predicted with crucial regulatory roles in spermatogenesis,their functions and regulatory mechanisms are still in infancy.Herein,we mainly explored the regulatory and functional roles of lncFPFSC in proliferation and apoptosis of immature porcine Sertoli cells.The results demonstrated that lncFPFSC was predominantly located in the cytoplasm of immature porcine Sertoli cells.lncFPFSC overexpression promoted cell cycle progression and cell proliferation,as well as inhibited cell apoptosis,whereas siRNA-induced lncFPFSC knockdown resulted in the opposite effects.Mechanistically,lncFPFSC acted as a sponge for miR-326.Overexpression of miR-326 inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis,which further abolished the effects of lncFPFSC overexpression.The euchromatic histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2(EHMT2)gene was directly targeted by miR-326,and its mRNA and protein expressions were both negatively regulated by miR-326 in immature porcine Sertoli cells.Then,siRNA-induced EHMT2 knockdown resulted a similar effect of miR-326 inhibition.Collectively,lncFPFSC promoted proliferation and inhibited apoptosis in immature porcine Sertoli cells through modulating the miR-326/EHMT2 axis.This study expanded our understanding of non-coding RNAs in participating porcine spermatogenesis through deciding the fate of Sertoli cells,and the competing endogenous RNA(ceRNA)network,and provided new molecular markers to treat Sertoli cell disorder inducing male infertility.

Evaluation of frictional pressure drop correlations for air-water and air-oil two-phase flow in pipeline-riser system

Accurate prediction of the frictional pressure drop is important for the design and operation of subsea oil and gas transporting system considering the length of the pipeline. The applicability of the correlations to pipeline-riser flow needs evaluation since the flow condition in pipeline-riser is quite different from the original data where they were derived from. In the present study, a comprehensive evaluation of 24prevailing correlation in predicting frictional pressure drop is carried out based on experimentally measured data of air-water and air-oil two-phase flows in pipeline-riser. Experiments are performed in a system having different configuration of pipeline-riser with the inclination of the downcomer varied from-2°to-5°to investigated the effect of the elbow on the frictional pressure drop in the riser. The inlet gas velocity ranges from 0.03 to 6.2 m/s, and liquid velocity varies from 0.02 to 1.3 m/s. A total of885 experimental data points including 782 on air-water flows and 103 on air-oil flows are obtained and used to access the prediction ability of the correlations. Comparison of the predicted results with the measured data indicate that a majority of the investigated correlations under-predict the pressure drop on severe slugging. The result of this study highlights the requirement of new method considering the effect of pipe layout on the frictional pressure drop.

The growth ofβphase in Mg-Gd-Y-Ni alloy by experimental and first-principles study

The paper reports on the atomic investigation aboutβphase in Mg_(96)Gd_(2)Y_(1)Ni_(1) alloy by using the first-principles study and the high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscope(HAADF-STEM)corrected by atomic Cs.By using HAADF-STEM,the rectangularβphases were observed in the underage and peak aging stages in Mg_(96)Gd_(2)Y_(1)Ni_(1) alloy.Theβphase could be precipitated from the previously precipitatedβphase,and theβphase grew in steps when it was precipitated.A special transition structure of three atomic layer thicknesses was first observed at the edge of theβphase and the structure of this interface is probably as theβ/Mg_(1) interface for the analysis of thermodynamic characterization and electronic characterization.Theβ'phase and theβ_(H) structure were precipitated only at the edge of the length directions of theβphase.Theβ'phase continues to grow into aβphase directly without the formation ofβ_(1) phase,resulting in an increase in the length of theβphase,which is discovered for the first time.

Expression analysis of the R2R3-MYB gene family in upland cotton and functional study of GhMYB3D5 in regulating Verticillium wilt resistance

Improving plant resistance to Verticillium wilt(VW),which causes massive losses in Gossypium hirsutum,is a global challenge.Crop plants need to efficiently allocate their limited energy resources to maintain a balance between growth and defense.However,few transcriptional regulators specifically respond to Verticillium dahliae and the underlying mechanism has not been identified in cotton.In this study,we found that the that expression of most R2R3-MYB members in cotton is significantly changed by V.dahliae infection relative to the other MYB types.One novel R2R3-MYB transcription factor(TF)that specifically responds to V.dahliae,GhMYB3D5,was identified.GhMYB3D5 was not expressed in 15 cotton tissues under normal conditions,but it was dramatically induced by V.dahliae stress.We functionally characterized its positive role and underlying mechanism in VW resistance.Upon V.dahliae infection,the up-regulated GhMYB3D5 bound to the GhADH1 promoter and activated GhADH1expression.In addition,GhMYB3D5 physically interacted with GhADH1 and further enhanced the transcriptional activation of GhADH1.Consequently,the transcriptional regulatory module GhMYB3D5-GhADH1 then promoted lignin accumulation by improving the transcriptional levels of genes related to lignin biosynthesis(GhPAL,GhC4H,Gh4CL,and GhPOD/GhLAC)in cotton,thereby enhancing cotton VW resistance.Our results demonstrated that the GhMYB3D5 promotes defense-induced lignin accumulation,which can be regarded as an effective way to orchestrate plant immunity and growth.

MINIMIZERS OF L^(2)-SUBCRITICAL VARIATIONAL PROBLEMS WITH SPATIALLY DECAYING NONLINEARITIES IN BOUNDED DOMAINS

This paper is concerned with the minimizers of L^(2)-subcritical constraint variar tional problems with spatially decaying nonlinearities in a bounded domain Ω of R~N(N≥1).We prove that the problem admits minimizers for any M> 0.Moreover,the limiting behavior of minimizers as M→∞ is also analyzed rigorously.

Finite Element Simulations of the Localized Failure and Fracture Propagation in Cohesive Materials with Friction

Strain localization frequently occurs in cohesive materials with friction(e.g.,composites,soils,rocks)and is widely recognized as a fundamental cause of progressive structural failure.Nonetheless,achieving high-fidelity simulation for this issue,particularly concerning strong discontinuities and tension-compression-shear behaviors within localized zones,remains significantly constrained.In response,this study introduces an integrated algorithmwithin the finite element framework,merging a coupled cohesive zone model(CZM)with the nonlinear augmented finite elementmethod(N-AFEM).The coupledCZMcomprehensively describes tension-compression and compressionshear failure behaviors in cohesive,frictional materials,while the N-AFEM allows nonlinear coupled intraelement discontinuities without necessitating extra nodes or nodal DoFs.Following CZM validation using existing experimental data,this integrated algorithm was utilized to analyze soil slope failure mechanisms involving a specific tensile strength and to assess the impact of mechanical parameters(e.g.,tensile strength,weighting factor,modulus)in soils.

Tuning mechanical behaviors of highly entangled hydrogels with the random distribution of mobile entanglements

Highly entangled hydrogels exhibit excellent mechanical properties,including high toughness,high stretchability,and low hysteresis.By considering the evolution of randomly distributed entanglements within the polymer network upon mechanical stretches,we develop a constitutive theory to describe the large stretch behaviors of these hydrogels.In the theory,we utilize a representative volume element(RVE)in the shape of a cube,within which there exists an averaged chain segment along each edge and a mobile entanglement at each corner.By employing an explicit method,we decouple the elasticity of the hydrogels from the sliding motion of their entanglements,and derive the stress-stretch relations for these hydrogels.The present theoretical analysis is in agreement with experiment,and highlights the significant influence of the entanglement distribution within the hydrogels on their elasticity.We also implement the present developed constitutive theory into a commercial finite element software,and the subsequent simulations demonstrate that the exact distribution of entanglements strongly affects the mechanical behaviors of the structures of these hydrogels.Overall,the present theory provides valuable insights into the deformation mechanism of highly entangled hydrogels,and can aid in the design of these hydrogels with enhanced performance.

Mitochondrial dysfunction affects hepatic immune and metabolic remodeling in patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute-onchronic liver failure

BACKGROUND Immune dysregulation and metabolic derangement have been recognized as key factors that contribute to the progression of hepatitis B virus(HBV)-related acute-on-chronic liver failure(ACLF).However,the mechanisms underlying immune and metabolic derangement in patients with advanced HBV-ACLF are unclear.AIM To identify the bioenergetic alterations in the liver of patients with HBV-ACLF causing hepatic immune dysregulation and metabolic disorders.METHODS Liver samples were collected from 16 healthy donors(HDs)and 17 advanced HBV-ACLF patients who were eligible for liver transplantation.The mitochondrial ultrastructure,metabolic characteristics,and immune microenvironment of the liver were assessed.More focus was given to organic acid metabolism as well as the function and subpopulations of macrophages in patients with HBV-ACLF.RESULTS Compared with HDs,there was extensive hepatocyte necrosis,immune cell infiltration,and ductular reaction in patients with ACLF.In patients,the liver suffered severe hypoxia,as evidenced by increased expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α.Swollen mitochondria and cristae were observed in the liver of patients.The number,length,width,and area of mitochondria were adaptively increased in hepatocytes.Targeted metabolomics analysis revealed that mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation decreased,while anaerobic glycolysis was enhanced in patients with HBV-ACLF.These findings suggested that,to a greater extent,hepa-tocytes used the extra-mitochondrial glycolytic pathway as an energy source.Patients with HBV-ACLF had elevated levels of chemokine C-C motif ligand 2 in the liver homogenate,which stimulates peripheral monocyte infiltration into the liver.Characterization and functional analysis of macrophage subsets revealed that patients with ACLF had a high abundance of CD68^(+)HLA-DR^(+)macrophages and elevated levels of both interleukin-1βand transforming growth factor-β1 in their livers.The abundance of CD206^(+)CD163^(+)macrophages and expression of interleukin-10 decreased.The correlation analysis revealed that hepatic organic acid metabolites were closely associated with macrophage-derived cytokines/chemokines.CONCLUSION The results indicated that bioenergetic alteration driven by hypoxia and mitochondrial dysfunction affects hepatic immune and metabolic remodeling,leading to advanced HBV-ACLF.These findings highlight a new therapeutic target for improving the treatment of HBV-ACLF.

Expert consensus on the diagnosis and therapy of endo-periodontal lesions

Endo-periodontal lesions (EPLs) involve both the periodontium and pulp tissue and have complicated etiologies and pathogenic mechanisms,including unique anatomical and microbiological characteristics and multiple contributing factors.This etiological complexity leads to difficulties in determining patient prognosis,posing great challenges in clinical practice.Furthermore,EPL-affected teeth require multidisciplinary therapy,including periodontal therapy,endodontic therapy and others,but there is still much debate about the appropriate timing of periodontal therapy and root canal therapy.By compiling the most recent findings on the etiology,pathogenesis,clinical characteristics,diagnosis,therapy,and prognosis of EPL-affected teeth,this consensus sought to support clinicians in making the best possible treatment decisions based on both biological and clinical evidence.

Negative magnetoresistance in the antiferromagnetic semimetal V_(1/3)TaS_(2)

Intercalated transition metal dichalcogenides(TMDCs)attract much attention due to their rich properties and potential applications.In this article,we grew successfully high-quality V_(1/3)TaS_(2) crystals by a vapor transport method.We measured the magnetization,longitudinal resistivityρxx(T,H),Hall resistivityρxy(T,H),as well as performed calculations of the electronic band structure.It was found that V_(1/3)TaS_(2) is an A-type antiferromagnet with the Neel temperature T_(N)=6.20 K,and exhibits a negative magnetoresistance(MR)near T_(N).Both band structure calculations and Hall resistivity measurements demonstrated it is a magnetic semimetal.

Tilted Perpendicular Anisotropy-Induced Spin-Orbit Ratchet Effects

Using micromagnetic simulations, we demonstrate the tilted perpendicular anisotropy-induced spin-orbit ratchet effect. In spin-orbit torque(SOT)-induced magnetization switching, the critical currents required to switch between the two magnetization states(upward and downward magnetization) are asymmetric. In addition, in the nanowire structure, tilted anisotropy induces formation of tilted domain walls(DWs). The tilted DWs exhibit a ratchet behavior during motion. The ratchet effect during switching and DW motions can be tuned by changing the current direction with respect to the tilting direction of anisotropy. The ratchet motion of the DWs can be used to mimic the leaky-integrate-fire function of a biological neuron, especially the asymmetric property of the “potential” and “reset” processes. Our results provide a full understanding of the influence of tilted perpendicular anisotropy on SOT-induced magnetization switching and DW motion, and are beneficial for designs of further SOT-based devices.

On-spot preparation of EDTA solution for the treatment of band keratopathy:a case report

Dear Editor,We report a case of band keratopathy who experienced several ocular surgeries,secondary uveitis and glaucoma which eventually led to severe band keratopathy.We use commonly-used vacuum blood collection tubes with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid dipotassium salt(EDTA-K2)to prepare chelation solution on-spot to remove the calcium deposits on the corneal surface.It is proved to be relatively safety,efficacy,cost-effective.

Acute Bacillus cereus endophthalmitis caused by ocular perforation injury and occult intravitreal cilium implantation:a case report

Dear Editor,We present a case of acute Bacillus cereus(B.cereus)endophthalmitis in a patient with an intraocular perforation injury combined with occult intravitreal cilium implantation.B.cereus endophthalmitis is a severe intraocular infection commonly caused by post-traumatic injuries.It often leads to significant vision loss or even eye loss within 12-48h[1].The presence of an intraocular foreign body(IOFB)increases the risk of infection,while early surgical removal of IOFBs can prevent endophthalmitis,some IOFBs are difficult to detect preoperatively.The Medical Ethics Review Board of West China Hospital of Sichuan University waived application for a clinical study because this was a retrospective report of a single patient based on imaging and because no human experimentation was involved.The patient provided written informed consent to use the imaging data for publication.

Pars plana vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane plugging assisted by autologous blood for optic disc pit associated with vitreomacular traction

Dear Editor,We report a case of optic disc pit(ODP)associated with vitreomacular traction which has been successfully treated by a combined technique.We have obtained the written informed consent from the patient,and this case study is in accordance with the tenets of the Declaration of Helsinki.

A Wind Power Prediction Framework for Distributed Power Grids

To reduce carbon emissions,clean energy is being integrated into the power system.Wind power is connected to the grid in a distributed form,but its high variability poses a challenge to grid stability.This article combines wind turbine monitoring data with numerical weather prediction(NWP)data to create a suitable wind power prediction framework for distributed grids.First,high-precision NWP of the turbine range is achieved using weather research and forecasting models(WRF),and Kriging interpolation locates predicted meteorological data at the turbine site.Then,a preliminary predicted power series is obtained based on the fan’s wind speed-power conversion curve,and historical power is reconstructed using variational mode decomposition(VMD)filtering to form input variables in chronological order.Finally,input variables of a single turbine enter the temporal convolutional network(TCN)to complete initial feature extraction,and then integrate the outputs of all TCN layers using Long Short Term Memory Networks(LSTM)to obtain power prediction sequences for all turbine positions.The proposed method was tested on a wind farm connected to a distributed power grid,and the results showed it to be superior to existing typical methods.

The Chinese Herbal Formula Weichang’an Reduces the Proliferation of Human Gastric Cancer Cells via Mitochondrial Apoptosis

Objective The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of Chinese herbal formula Weichang’an(WCA)on the proliferation and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis of human gastric cancer cells.Methods Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK8)was used to evaluate the antiproliferative activity ofWCA on MKN45 cells;Giemsa staining was used to investigate cell colony formation;flow cytometry was used to analyze cell cycle,apoptosis rate,and caspases activation;and Hoechst staining was used to analyze the morphology of cell nuclei.The mitochondrial membrane potential was analyzed by both flow cytometric measurements and fluorescence microscopy.Western blot was used to analyze the protein levels of pro-caspase-3,Bcl-2,Bax,and Bcl-X.MKN45 cells were subcutaneously injected into the right forelimb of 16 nude mice to establish the tumor xenograft model,and a total of 12 nude mouse tumor xenograft models were successfully created.The nude mice were divided into the control group and the WCA-treated group.The two groups received normal saline and WCA treatment at 35.49 g/kg by a single daily oral gavage for 21 days.The body weight and tumor size of the nude mice were measured twice a week.The ultrastructural changes of subcutaneous tumors were observed by a transmission electron microscope.Results WCA can suppress cell proliferation and colony formation.It can also induce changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential and increase the activities of caspases-3,caspases-8,and caspases-9 in MKN45 cells.WCA induced S-phase arrest and apoptosis in MKN45 cells,and decreased the expression levels of antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-X in MKN45 cells,while increasing the expression levels of the proapoptotic proteins Bax and pro-caspase-3 compared with the control group.WCA inhibited the growth of a xenografted MKN45 tumor in nude mice,and the protein levels of Bax and pro-caspase-3 were significantly increased,while Bcl-X and Bcl-2 were reduced compared with the control group.The differences are statistically significant(p<0.05).Conclusion WCA could suppress the proliferation of gastric cancer cells via mitochondrial apoptosis.