Repetitive traumatic brain injury impacts adult neurogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus,leading to long-term cognitive impairment.However,the mechanism underlying this neurogenesis impairment remains unknown.In ...Repetitive traumatic brain injury impacts adult neurogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus,leading to long-term cognitive impairment.However,the mechanism underlying this neurogenesis impairment remains unknown.In this study,we established a male mouse model of repetitive traumatic brain injury and performed long-term evaluation of neurogenesis of the hippocampal dentate gyrus after repetitive traumatic brain injury.Our results showed that repetitive traumatic brain injury inhibited neural stem cell proliferation and development,delayed neuronal maturation,and reduced the complexity of neuronal dendrites and spines.Mice with repetitive traumatic brain injuryalso showed deficits in spatial memory retrieval.Moreover,following repetitive traumatic brain injury,neuroinflammation was enhanced in the neurogenesis microenvironment where C1q levels were increased,C1q binding protein levels were decreased,and canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling was downregulated.An inhibitor of C1 reversed the long-term impairment of neurogenesis induced by repetitive traumatic brain injury and improved neurological function.These findings suggest that repetitive traumatic brain injury–induced C1-related inflammation impairs long-term neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus and contributes to spatial memory retrieval dysfunction.展开更多
Enhancing cavern sealing is crucial for improving the efficiency of compressed air energy storage(CAES)in hard rock formations.This study introduced a novel approach using a nano-grade organosilicon polymer(NOSP)as a ...Enhancing cavern sealing is crucial for improving the efficiency of compressed air energy storage(CAES)in hard rock formations.This study introduced a novel approach using a nano-grade organosilicon polymer(NOSP)as a sealant,coupled with an air seepage evaluation model that incorporates Knudsen diffusion.Moreover,the initial coating application methods were outlined,and the advantages of using NOSP compared to other sealing materials,particularly regarding cost and construction techniques,were also examined and discussed.Experimental results indicated a significant reduction in permeability of rock specimens coated with a 7–10μm thick NOSP layer.Specifically,under a 0.5 MPa pulse pressure,the permeability decreased to less than 1 n D,and under a 4 MPa pulse pressure,it ranged between4.5×10^(-6)–5.5×10^(-6)m D,marking a 75%–80%decrease in granite permeability.The sealing efficacy of NOSP surpasses concrete and is comparable to rubber materials.The optimal viscosity for application lies between 95 and 105 KU,and the coating thickness should ideally range from 7 to 10μm,applied to substrates with less than 3%porosity.This study provides new insights into air transport and sealing mechanisms at the pore level,proposing NOSP as a cost-effective and simplified solution for CAES applications.展开更多
Electrochemical energy storage is a promising technology for the integration of renewable energy.Lead-acid battery is perhaps among the most successful commercialized systems ever since thanks to its excellent cost-ef...Electrochemical energy storage is a promising technology for the integration of renewable energy.Lead-acid battery is perhaps among the most successful commercialized systems ever since thanks to its excellent cost-effectiveness and safety records.Despite of 165 years of development,the low energy density as well as the coupled power and energy density scaling restrain its wider application in real life.To address this challenge,we optimized the configuration of conventional Pb-acid battery to integrate two gas diffusion electrodes.The novel device can work as a Pb-air battery using ambient air,showing a peak power density of 183 mW cm^(−2),which was comparable with other state-of-the-art metal-O_(2)batteries.It can also behave as a fuel cell,simultaneously converting H_(2)and air into electricity with a peak power density of 75 mW cm^(−2).Importantly,this device showed little performance degradation after 35 h of the longevity test.Our work shows the exciting potential of lead battery technology and demonstrates the importance of battery architecture optimization toward improved energy storage capacity.展开更多
Due to the limitations of the raw materials and processes involved,polyolefin separators used in commercial lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)have gradually failed to meet the increasing requirements of high-end batteries in...Due to the limitations of the raw materials and processes involved,polyolefin separators used in commercial lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)have gradually failed to meet the increasing requirements of high-end batteries in terms of energy density,power density,and safety.Hence,it is very important to develop next-generation separators for advanced lithium(Li)-based recharge-able batteries including LIBs and Li-S batteries.Nonwoven nanofiber membranes fabricated via electrospinning technology are highly attractive candidates for high-end separators due to their simple processes,low-cost equipment,controllable microporous structure,wide material applicability,and availability of multiple functions.In this review,the electrospinning technologies for separators are reviewed in terms of devices,process and environment,and polymer solution systems.Furthermore,strategies toward the improvement of electrospun separators in advanced LIBs and Li-S batteries are presented in terms of the compositions and the structure of nanofibers and separators.Finally,the challenges and prospects of electrospun separators in both academia and industry are proposed.We anticipate that these systematic discussions can provide information in terms of commercial applications of electrospun separators and offer new perspectives for the design of functional electrospun separators for advanced Li-based batteries.展开更多
A novel method was developed to enhance the utilization rate of steel slag(SS).Through treatment of SS with phosphoric acid and aminopropyl triethoxysilane(KH550),we obtained modified SS(MSS),which was used to prepare...A novel method was developed to enhance the utilization rate of steel slag(SS).Through treatment of SS with phosphoric acid and aminopropyl triethoxysilane(KH550),we obtained modified SS(MSS),which was used to prepare MSS/wood-plastic composites(MSS/WPCs)by replacing talcum powder(TP).The composites were fabricated through melting blending and hot pressing.Their mechanical and combustion properties,which comprise heat release,smoke release,and thermal stability,were systematically investigated.MSS can improve the mechanical strength of the composites through grafting reactions between wood powder and thermoplastics.Notably,MSS/WPC#50(16wt%MSS)with an MSS-to-TP mass ratio of 1:1 exhibited optimal comprehensive performance.Compared with those of WPC#0 without MSS,the tensile,flexural,and impact strengths of MSS/WPC#50 were increased by 18.5%,12.8%,and 18.0%,respectively.Moreover,the MSS/WPC#50 sample achieved the highest limited oxygen index of 22.5%,the highest vertical burning rating at the V-1 level,and the lowest horizontal burning rate at 44.2 mm/min.The formation of a dense and stable char layer led to improved thermal stability and a considerable reduction in heat and smoke releases of MSS/WPC#50.However,the partial replacement of TP with MSS slightly compromised the mechanical and flame-retardant properties,possibly due to the weak grafting caused by SS powder agglomeration.These findings suggest the suitability of MSS/WPCs for high-value-added applications as decorative panels indoors or outdoors.展开更多
Dear Editor,An adaptive consensus control algorithm for uncertain multi-agent systems(MAS),capable of guaranteeing unified prescribed performance,is presented in this letter.Unlike many existing prescribed performance...Dear Editor,An adaptive consensus control algorithm for uncertain multi-agent systems(MAS),capable of guaranteeing unified prescribed performance,is presented in this letter.Unlike many existing prescribed performance related works,the developed control exhibits some features.Firstly,a distributed prescribed time observer is introduced so that not only each follower is able to estimate the leader’s signal within a predetermined time,but also the control design for each agent is independent with its neighbors.展开更多
BACKGROUND N6-methyladenosine(m6A)methylation modification exists in Epstein-Barr virus(EBV)primary infection,latency,and lytic reactivation.It also modifies EBV latent genes and lytic genes.EBV-associated gastric can...BACKGROUND N6-methyladenosine(m6A)methylation modification exists in Epstein-Barr virus(EBV)primary infection,latency,and lytic reactivation.It also modifies EBV latent genes and lytic genes.EBV-associated gastric cancer(EBVaGC)is a distinctive molecular subtype of GC.We hypothesized EBV and m6A methylation regulators interact with each other in EBVaGC to differentiate it from other types of GC.AIM To investigate the mechanisms of m6A methylation regulators in EBVaGC to determine the differentiating factors from other types of GC.METHODS First,The Cancer Gene Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases were used to analyze the expression pattern of m6A methylation regulators between EBVaGC and EBV-negative GC(EBVnGC).Second,we identified Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)functional enrichment of m6A-related differentially expressed genes.We quantified the relative abundance of immune cells and inflammatory factors in the tumor microenvironment(TME).Finally,cell counting kit-8 cell proliferation test,transwell test,and flow cytometry were used to verify the effect of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1(IGFBP1)in EBVaGC cell lines.RESULTS m6A methylation regulators were involved in the occurrence and development of EBVaGC.Compared with EBVnGC,the expression levels of m6A methylation regulators Wilms tumor 1-associated protein,RNA binding motif protein 15B,CBL proto-oncogene like 1,leucine rich pentatricopeptide repeat containing,heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2B1,IGFBP1,and insulin-like growth factor 2 binding protein 1 were significantly downregulated in EBVaGC(P<0.05).The overall survival rate of EBVaGC patients with a lower expression level of IGFBP1 was significantly higher(P=0.046).GO and KEGG functional enrichment analyses showed that the immunity pathways were significantly activated and rich in immune cell infiltration in EBVaGC.Compared with EBVnGC,the infiltration of activated CD4+T cells,activated CD8+T cells,monocytes,activated dendritic cells,and plasmacytoid dendritic cells were significantly upregulated in EBVaGC(P<0.001).In EBVaGC,the expression level of proinflammatory factors interleukin(IL)-17,IL-21,and interferon-γ and immunosuppressive factor IL-10 were significantly increased(P<0.05).In vitro experiments demonstrated that the expression level of IGFBP1 was significantly lower in an EBVaGC cell line(SNU719)than in an EBVnGC cell line(AGS)(P<0.05).IGFBP1 overexpression significantly attenuated proliferation and migration and promoted the apoptosis levels in SNU719.Interfering IGFBP1 significantly promoted proliferation and migration and attenuated the apoptosis levels in AGS.CONCLUSION m6A regulators could remodel the TME of EBVaGC,which is classified as an immune-inflamed phenotype and referred to as a“hot”tumor.Among these regulators,we demonstrated that IGFBP1 affected proliferation,migration,and apoptosis.展开更多
Nuclear isomers play essential roles in various fields,including stellar nucleosynthesis,nuclear clocks,nuclear batteries,clean nuclear energy,and-ray lasers.Recent technological advances in high-intensity lasers have...Nuclear isomers play essential roles in various fields,including stellar nucleosynthesis,nuclear clocks,nuclear batteries,clean nuclear energy,and-ray lasers.Recent technological advances in high-intensity lasers have made it possible to excite or de-excite nuclear isomers using table-top laser equipment.Utilizing a particle-in-cell code,we investigate the interaction of a laser with a nanowire array and calculate the production rates of the^(73m)Ge(E_(1)=13.3 keV)and^(107m)Ag(E_(1)=93.1 keV)isomers.For^(73m1)Ge,production by Coulomb excitation is found to contribute a peak efficiency of 1.0×10^(19) particles s^(−1)J^(−1),while nuclear excitation by electron capture(NEEC)contributes a peak of 1.65×10^(11)particles s^(−1)J^(−1).These results indicate a high isomeric production ratio,as well as demonstrating the potential for confirming the existence of NEEC,a long-expected but so far experimentally unobserved fundamental process.展开更多
BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is a leading risk factor for the development and progression of chronic kidney disease(CKD).However,an accurate and con-venient marker for early detection and appropriate manag...BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is a leading risk factor for the development and progression of chronic kidney disease(CKD).However,an accurate and con-venient marker for early detection and appropriate management of CKD in in-dividuals with T2DM is limited.Recent studies have demonstrated a strong correlation between the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)and CKD.None-theless,the predictive value of NLR for renal damage in type 2 diabetic patients remains understudied.This study included 1040 adults aged 65 or older with T2DM from Shanghai's Community Health Service Center.The total number of neutrophils and lym-phocytes was detected,and NLR levels were calculated.CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate≤60 mL/min/1.73 m².Participants were di-vided into four groups based on NLR levels.The clinical data and biochemical characteristics were compared among groups.A multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between NLR levels and CKD.RESULTS Significant differences were found in terms of sex,serum creatinine,blood urea nitrogen,total cholesterol,and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol among patients with T2DM in different NLR groups(P<0.0007).T2DM patients in the highest NLR quartile had a higher prevalence of CKD(P for trend=0.0011).Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that a high NLR was an independent risk factor for CKD in T2DM patients even after adjustment for important clinical and pathological parameters(P=0.0001,odds ratio=1.41,95%confidence intervals:1.18-1.68).CONCLUSION An elevated NLR in patients with T2DM is associated with higher prevalence of CKD,suggesting that it could be a marker for the detection and evaluation of diabetic kidney disease.展开更多
Due to their low cost,environmental friendliness and high energy density,the lithium-sulfur batteries(LSB)have been regarded as a promising alternative for the next generation of rechargeable battery systems.However,t...Due to their low cost,environmental friendliness and high energy density,the lithium-sulfur batteries(LSB)have been regarded as a promising alternative for the next generation of rechargeable battery systems.However,the practical application of LSB is seriously hampered by its short cycle life and high self-charge owing to the apparent shuttle effect of soluble lithium polysulfides.Using MgSO_(4)@MgO composite as both template and dopant,template-guided S-doped mesoporous graphene(SMG)is prepared via the fluidized-bed chemical vapor deposition method.As the polypropylene(PP)modifier,SMG with high specific surface area,abundant mesoporous structures and moderate S doping content offers a wealth of physical and chemical adsorptive sites and reduced interfacial contact resistance,thereby restraining the serious shuttle effects of lithium polysulfides.Consequently,the LSB configured with mesoporous graphene(MG)as S host material and SMG as a separator modifier exhibits an enhanced electrochemical performance with a high average capacity of 955.64 mA h g^(-1) at 1C and a small capacity decay rate of 0.109%per cycle.Additionally,the density functional theory(DFT)calculation models have been rationally constructed and demonstrated that the doped S atoms in SMG possess higher binding energy to lithium polysulfides than that in MG,indicating that the SMG/PP separator can effectively capture soluble lithium polysulfides via chemical binding forces.This work would provide valuable insight into developing a versatile carbon-based separator modifier for LSB.展开更多
Rutin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-viral, anti-tumor and immune regulatory effects. However, the neuroprotective effects of rutin in spinal cord injury are unknown. The p38 mitogen activated protein kinase...Rutin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-viral, anti-tumor and immune regulatory effects. However, the neuroprotective effects of rutin in spinal cord injury are unknown. The p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) pathway is the most important member of the MAPK family that controls inflammation. We assumed that the mechanism of rutin in the repair of spinal cord injury is associated with the inhibition of p38 MAPK pathway. Allen’s method was used to establish a rat model of spinal cord injury. The rat model was intraperitoneally injected with rutin (30 mg/kg) for 3 days. After treatment with rutin, Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan locomotor function scores increased. Water content, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 1 beta, and interleukin 6 levels, p38 MAPK protein expression and caspase-3 and -9 activities in T8–9 spinal cord decreased. Oxidative stress related markers superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels increased in peripheral blood. Rutin exerts neuroprotective effect through anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis and inhibition of p38 MAPK pathway.展开更多
Mild therapeutic hypothermia has been shown to mitigate cerebral ischemia, reduce cerebral edema, and improve the prognosis of patients with cerebral ischemia. Adipose-derived stem cell-based therapy can decrease neur...Mild therapeutic hypothermia has been shown to mitigate cerebral ischemia, reduce cerebral edema, and improve the prognosis of patients with cerebral ischemia. Adipose-derived stem cell-based therapy can decrease neuronal death and infiltration of inflammatory cells, exerting a neuroprotective effect. We hypothesized that the combination of mild therapeutic hypothermia and adipose-derived stem cells would be neuroprotective for treatment of stroke. A rat model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion was established using the nylon monofilament method. Mild therapeutic hypothermia(33°C) was induced after 2 hours of ischemia. Adipose-derived stem cells were administered through the femoral vein during reperfusion. The severity of neurological dysfunction was measured by a modified Neurological Severity Score Scaling System. The area of the infarct lesion was determined by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. Apoptotic neurons were detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated d UTP-biotin nick end labeling(TUNEL) staining. The regeneration of microvessels and changes in the glial scar were detected by immunofluorescence staining. The inflammatory responses after ischemic brain injury were evaluated by in situ staining using markers of inflammatory cells. The expression of inflammatory cytokines was measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Compared with mild therapeutic hypothermia or adipose-derived stem cell treatment alone, their combination substantially improved neurological deficits and decreased infarct size. They synergistically reduced the number of TUNEL-positive cells and glial fibrillary acidic protein expression, increased vascular endothelial growth factor levels, effectively reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and down-regulated the m RNA expression of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6. Our findings indicate that combined treatment is a better approach for treating stroke compared with mild therapeutic hypothermia or adipose-derived stem cells alone.展开更多
YAP(yes-associated protein) is a transcriptional factor that is negatively regulated by Hippo pathway, a conserved pathway for the development and size control of multiple organs. The exact function of YAP in bone h...YAP(yes-associated protein) is a transcriptional factor that is negatively regulated by Hippo pathway, a conserved pathway for the development and size control of multiple organs. The exact function of YAP in bone homeostasis remains controversial. Here we provide evidence for YAP's function in promoting osteogenesis, suppressing adipogenesis, and thus maintaining bone homeostasis.YAP is selectively expressed in osteoblast(OB)-lineage cells. Conditionally knocking out Yap in the OB lineage in mice reduces cell proliferation and OB differentiation and increases adipocyte formation, resulting in a trabecular bone loss. Mechanistically, YAP interacts with β-catenin and is necessary for maintenance of nuclear β-catenin level and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Expression of β-catenin in YAP-deficient BMSCs(bone marrow stromal cells) diminishes the osteogenesis deficit. These results thus identify YAP-β-catenin as an important pathway for osteogenesis during adult bone remodeling and uncover a mechanism underlying YAP regulation of bone homeostasis.展开更多
With the development of laser technologies,nuclear reactions can happen in high-temperature plasma environments induced by lasers and have attracted a lot of attention from different physical disciplines.However,studi...With the development of laser technologies,nuclear reactions can happen in high-temperature plasma environments induced by lasers and have attracted a lot of attention from different physical disciplines.However,studies on nuclear reactions in plasma are still limited by detecting technologies.This is mainly due to the fact that extremely high electromagnetic pulses(EMPs)can also be induced when high-intensity lasers hit targets to induce plasma,and then cause dysfunction of many types of traditional detectors.Therefore,new particle detecting technologies are highly needed.In this paper,we report a recently developed gated fiber detector which can be used in harsh EMP environments.In this prototype detector,scintillating photons are coupled by fiber and then transferred to a gated photomultiplier tube which is located far away from the EMP source and shielded well.With those measures,the EMPs can be avoided which may result that the device has the capability to identify a single event of nuclear reaction products generated in laser-induced plasma from noise EMP backgrounds.This new type of detector can be widely used as a time-of-flight(TOF)detector in high-intensity laser nuclear physics experiments for detecting neutrons,photons,and other charged particles.展开更多
Various methods are currently under investigation to preserve fertility in males treated with high-dose chemotherapy and radiation for malignant and nonmalignant disorders. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells ...Various methods are currently under investigation to preserve fertility in males treated with high-dose chemotherapy and radiation for malignant and nonmalignant disorders. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUC-MSCs), which possess potent immunosuppressive function and secrete various cytokines and growth factors, have the potential clinical applications. As a potential alternative, we investigate whether injection of HUC-MSCs into the interstitial compartment of the testes to promote spermatogenic regeneration efficiently. HUC-MSCs were isolated from different sources of umbilical cords and injected into the interstitial space of one testis from 10 busulfan-treated mice (saline and HEK293 cells injections were performed in a separate set of mice) and the other testis remained uninjected. Three weeks after MSCs injection, Relative quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to identify the expression of 10 of germ cell associated, which are all related to meiosis, demonstrated higher levels of spermatogenic gene expression (2-8 fold) in HUC-MSCs injected testes compared to the contralateral uninjected testes (five mice). Protein levels for germ cell-specific genes, miwi, vasa and synaptonemal complex protein (Scp3) were also higher in MSC-treated testes compared to injected controls 3 weeks after treatment. However, no different expression was detected in saline water and HEK293 cells injection control group. We have demonstrated HUC-MSCs could affect mouse germ cell-specific genes expression. The results also provide a possibility that the transplanted HUC-MSCs may promote the recovery of spermatogenesis. This study provides further evidence for preclinical therapeutic effects of HUC-MSCs, and explores a new approach to the treatment of azoospermia.展开更多
Hardness tests and transmission electron microscopy were used to investigate the strategy of tailoring the phase fraction of precipitates in an Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy strengthened by T’ and η’ phases. Different phase fr...Hardness tests and transmission electron microscopy were used to investigate the strategy of tailoring the phase fraction of precipitates in an Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy strengthened by T’ and η’ phases. Different phase fractions of T’ and η’ phases are presented in samples subjected to either single or two stages of ageing treatments at 120 and 150 ℃.For both types of ageing, the precipitation of η’ phase is found to be promoted by ageing at lower temperature and its phase fraction increases with prolonging ageing time at 120 ℃;whereas the phase fractions of T’ and η’ phases almost remain constant during ageing at 150 ℃. Besides, the strain fields produced by T’ and η’ phases were analyzed by using the geometric phase analysis technique, and on a macroscale the contributions of T’ and η’ phases to precipitation strengthening have been quantitatively predicted by combining the size, phase fraction and number density of precipitates.展开更多
基金supported by the Fundamental Research Program of Shanxi Province of China,No.20210302124277the Science Foundation of Shanxi Bethune Hospital,No.2021YJ13(both to JW)。
文摘Repetitive traumatic brain injury impacts adult neurogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus,leading to long-term cognitive impairment.However,the mechanism underlying this neurogenesis impairment remains unknown.In this study,we established a male mouse model of repetitive traumatic brain injury and performed long-term evaluation of neurogenesis of the hippocampal dentate gyrus after repetitive traumatic brain injury.Our results showed that repetitive traumatic brain injury inhibited neural stem cell proliferation and development,delayed neuronal maturation,and reduced the complexity of neuronal dendrites and spines.Mice with repetitive traumatic brain injuryalso showed deficits in spatial memory retrieval.Moreover,following repetitive traumatic brain injury,neuroinflammation was enhanced in the neurogenesis microenvironment where C1q levels were increased,C1q binding protein levels were decreased,and canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling was downregulated.An inhibitor of C1 reversed the long-term impairment of neurogenesis induced by repetitive traumatic brain injury and improved neurological function.These findings suggest that repetitive traumatic brain injury–induced C1-related inflammation impairs long-term neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus and contributes to spatial memory retrieval dysfunction.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.42272321)Hubei Provincial Key Research Projects(Nos.2022BAA093 and 2022BAD163)+1 种基金Major Scientific and Technological Special Project of Jiangxi Province(No.2023ACG01004)WSGRI Engineering&Surveying Incorporation Limited(No.6120230256)。
文摘Enhancing cavern sealing is crucial for improving the efficiency of compressed air energy storage(CAES)in hard rock formations.This study introduced a novel approach using a nano-grade organosilicon polymer(NOSP)as a sealant,coupled with an air seepage evaluation model that incorporates Knudsen diffusion.Moreover,the initial coating application methods were outlined,and the advantages of using NOSP compared to other sealing materials,particularly regarding cost and construction techniques,were also examined and discussed.Experimental results indicated a significant reduction in permeability of rock specimens coated with a 7–10μm thick NOSP layer.Specifically,under a 0.5 MPa pulse pressure,the permeability decreased to less than 1 n D,and under a 4 MPa pulse pressure,it ranged between4.5×10^(-6)–5.5×10^(-6)m D,marking a 75%–80%decrease in granite permeability.The sealing efficacy of NOSP surpasses concrete and is comparable to rubber materials.The optimal viscosity for application lies between 95 and 105 KU,and the coating thickness should ideally range from 7 to 10μm,applied to substrates with less than 3%porosity.This study provides new insights into air transport and sealing mechanisms at the pore level,proposing NOSP as a cost-effective and simplified solution for CAES applications.
基金the funding through the National Natural Science Foundation of China (52272233)Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation (2023A1515011161)
文摘Electrochemical energy storage is a promising technology for the integration of renewable energy.Lead-acid battery is perhaps among the most successful commercialized systems ever since thanks to its excellent cost-effectiveness and safety records.Despite of 165 years of development,the low energy density as well as the coupled power and energy density scaling restrain its wider application in real life.To address this challenge,we optimized the configuration of conventional Pb-acid battery to integrate two gas diffusion electrodes.The novel device can work as a Pb-air battery using ambient air,showing a peak power density of 183 mW cm^(−2),which was comparable with other state-of-the-art metal-O_(2)batteries.It can also behave as a fuel cell,simultaneously converting H_(2)and air into electricity with a peak power density of 75 mW cm^(−2).Importantly,this device showed little performance degradation after 35 h of the longevity test.Our work shows the exciting potential of lead battery technology and demonstrates the importance of battery architecture optimization toward improved energy storage capacity.
基金The authors gratefully acknowledge financial support from Dagong Equipment Manufacturing(Tianjin)Co.,Ltd.(53H23019)the Tianjin Research Innovation Project for Postgraduate Students(2022BKYZ037)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(22179093).
文摘Due to the limitations of the raw materials and processes involved,polyolefin separators used in commercial lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)have gradually failed to meet the increasing requirements of high-end batteries in terms of energy density,power density,and safety.Hence,it is very important to develop next-generation separators for advanced lithium(Li)-based recharge-able batteries including LIBs and Li-S batteries.Nonwoven nanofiber membranes fabricated via electrospinning technology are highly attractive candidates for high-end separators due to their simple processes,low-cost equipment,controllable microporous structure,wide material applicability,and availability of multiple functions.In this review,the electrospinning technologies for separators are reviewed in terms of devices,process and environment,and polymer solution systems.Furthermore,strategies toward the improvement of electrospun separators in advanced LIBs and Li-S batteries are presented in terms of the compositions and the structure of nanofibers and separators.Finally,the challenges and prospects of electrospun separators in both academia and industry are proposed.We anticipate that these systematic discussions can provide information in terms of commercial applications of electrospun separators and offer new perspectives for the design of functional electrospun separators for advanced Li-based batteries.
基金financially supported from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.U23A20605)the University Synergy Innovation Program of Anhui Province,China(No.GXXT-2020-072)+2 种基金Anhui Jieqing Project,China(No.2208085J19)Anhui Graduate Innovation and Entrepreneurship Practice Project,China(No.2022cxcysj090)China Baowu Low Carbon Metallurgy Innovation Foundation(No.BWLCF202202).
文摘A novel method was developed to enhance the utilization rate of steel slag(SS).Through treatment of SS with phosphoric acid and aminopropyl triethoxysilane(KH550),we obtained modified SS(MSS),which was used to prepare MSS/wood-plastic composites(MSS/WPCs)by replacing talcum powder(TP).The composites were fabricated through melting blending and hot pressing.Their mechanical and combustion properties,which comprise heat release,smoke release,and thermal stability,were systematically investigated.MSS can improve the mechanical strength of the composites through grafting reactions between wood powder and thermoplastics.Notably,MSS/WPC#50(16wt%MSS)with an MSS-to-TP mass ratio of 1:1 exhibited optimal comprehensive performance.Compared with those of WPC#0 without MSS,the tensile,flexural,and impact strengths of MSS/WPC#50 were increased by 18.5%,12.8%,and 18.0%,respectively.Moreover,the MSS/WPC#50 sample achieved the highest limited oxygen index of 22.5%,the highest vertical burning rating at the V-1 level,and the lowest horizontal burning rate at 44.2 mm/min.The formation of a dense and stable char layer led to improved thermal stability and a considerable reduction in heat and smoke releases of MSS/WPC#50.However,the partial replacement of TP with MSS slightly compromised the mechanical and flame-retardant properties,possibly due to the weak grafting caused by SS powder agglomeration.These findings suggest the suitability of MSS/WPCs for high-value-added applications as decorative panels indoors or outdoors.
基金supported in part by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFB4701400/4701401)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(61991400,61991403,62250710167,61860206008,61933012,62273064)+1 种基金the Chongqing Outstanding Young Talents Support Program(cstc2024ycjh-bgzxm0085)CAAI-Huawei MindSpore Open Fund。
文摘Dear Editor,An adaptive consensus control algorithm for uncertain multi-agent systems(MAS),capable of guaranteeing unified prescribed performance,is presented in this letter.Unlike many existing prescribed performance related works,the developed control exhibits some features.Firstly,a distributed prescribed time observer is introduced so that not only each follower is able to estimate the leader’s signal within a predetermined time,but also the control design for each agent is independent with its neighbors.
基金Supported by the Sub-Project of the National Key Research and Development Program,No.2021YFC2600263.
文摘BACKGROUND N6-methyladenosine(m6A)methylation modification exists in Epstein-Barr virus(EBV)primary infection,latency,and lytic reactivation.It also modifies EBV latent genes and lytic genes.EBV-associated gastric cancer(EBVaGC)is a distinctive molecular subtype of GC.We hypothesized EBV and m6A methylation regulators interact with each other in EBVaGC to differentiate it from other types of GC.AIM To investigate the mechanisms of m6A methylation regulators in EBVaGC to determine the differentiating factors from other types of GC.METHODS First,The Cancer Gene Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases were used to analyze the expression pattern of m6A methylation regulators between EBVaGC and EBV-negative GC(EBVnGC).Second,we identified Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)functional enrichment of m6A-related differentially expressed genes.We quantified the relative abundance of immune cells and inflammatory factors in the tumor microenvironment(TME).Finally,cell counting kit-8 cell proliferation test,transwell test,and flow cytometry were used to verify the effect of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1(IGFBP1)in EBVaGC cell lines.RESULTS m6A methylation regulators were involved in the occurrence and development of EBVaGC.Compared with EBVnGC,the expression levels of m6A methylation regulators Wilms tumor 1-associated protein,RNA binding motif protein 15B,CBL proto-oncogene like 1,leucine rich pentatricopeptide repeat containing,heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2B1,IGFBP1,and insulin-like growth factor 2 binding protein 1 were significantly downregulated in EBVaGC(P<0.05).The overall survival rate of EBVaGC patients with a lower expression level of IGFBP1 was significantly higher(P=0.046).GO and KEGG functional enrichment analyses showed that the immunity pathways were significantly activated and rich in immune cell infiltration in EBVaGC.Compared with EBVnGC,the infiltration of activated CD4+T cells,activated CD8+T cells,monocytes,activated dendritic cells,and plasmacytoid dendritic cells were significantly upregulated in EBVaGC(P<0.001).In EBVaGC,the expression level of proinflammatory factors interleukin(IL)-17,IL-21,and interferon-γ and immunosuppressive factor IL-10 were significantly increased(P<0.05).In vitro experiments demonstrated that the expression level of IGFBP1 was significantly lower in an EBVaGC cell line(SNU719)than in an EBVnGC cell line(AGS)(P<0.05).IGFBP1 overexpression significantly attenuated proliferation and migration and promoted the apoptosis levels in SNU719.Interfering IGFBP1 significantly promoted proliferation and migration and attenuated the apoptosis levels in AGS.CONCLUSION m6A regulators could remodel the TME of EBVaGC,which is classified as an immune-inflamed phenotype and referred to as a“hot”tumor.Among these regulators,we demonstrated that IGFBP1 affected proliferation,migration,and apoptosis.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(NKPs)(Grant No.2023YFA1606900)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC)under Grant No.12235003.
文摘Nuclear isomers play essential roles in various fields,including stellar nucleosynthesis,nuclear clocks,nuclear batteries,clean nuclear energy,and-ray lasers.Recent technological advances in high-intensity lasers have made it possible to excite or de-excite nuclear isomers using table-top laser equipment.Utilizing a particle-in-cell code,we investigate the interaction of a laser with a nanowire array and calculate the production rates of the^(73m)Ge(E_(1)=13.3 keV)and^(107m)Ag(E_(1)=93.1 keV)isomers.For^(73m1)Ge,production by Coulomb excitation is found to contribute a peak efficiency of 1.0×10^(19) particles s^(−1)J^(−1),while nuclear excitation by electron capture(NEEC)contributes a peak of 1.65×10^(11)particles s^(−1)J^(−1).These results indicate a high isomeric production ratio,as well as demonstrating the potential for confirming the existence of NEEC,a long-expected but so far experimentally unobserved fundamental process.
基金Supported by Health Commission of Baoshan District,Shanghai,China,No.BSJCPP-A-04 and No.BSZK-2023-T04the Science and Technology Commission of Baoshan District,Shanghai,China,No.20-E-63 and No.21-E-34.
文摘BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is a leading risk factor for the development and progression of chronic kidney disease(CKD).However,an accurate and con-venient marker for early detection and appropriate management of CKD in in-dividuals with T2DM is limited.Recent studies have demonstrated a strong correlation between the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)and CKD.None-theless,the predictive value of NLR for renal damage in type 2 diabetic patients remains understudied.This study included 1040 adults aged 65 or older with T2DM from Shanghai's Community Health Service Center.The total number of neutrophils and lym-phocytes was detected,and NLR levels were calculated.CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate≤60 mL/min/1.73 m².Participants were di-vided into four groups based on NLR levels.The clinical data and biochemical characteristics were compared among groups.A multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between NLR levels and CKD.RESULTS Significant differences were found in terms of sex,serum creatinine,blood urea nitrogen,total cholesterol,and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol among patients with T2DM in different NLR groups(P<0.0007).T2DM patients in the highest NLR quartile had a higher prevalence of CKD(P for trend=0.0011).Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that a high NLR was an independent risk factor for CKD in T2DM patients even after adjustment for important clinical and pathological parameters(P=0.0001,odds ratio=1.41,95%confidence intervals:1.18-1.68).CONCLUSION An elevated NLR in patients with T2DM is associated with higher prevalence of CKD,suggesting that it could be a marker for the detection and evaluation of diabetic kidney disease.
基金supported by the Science Foundation of China University of Petroleum,Beijing(No.ZX20230047)Open Research Fund of State Key Laboratory of Coking Coal Exploitation and Comprehensive Utilization,China Pingmei Shenma Group(No.41040220201308).
文摘Due to their low cost,environmental friendliness and high energy density,the lithium-sulfur batteries(LSB)have been regarded as a promising alternative for the next generation of rechargeable battery systems.However,the practical application of LSB is seriously hampered by its short cycle life and high self-charge owing to the apparent shuttle effect of soluble lithium polysulfides.Using MgSO_(4)@MgO composite as both template and dopant,template-guided S-doped mesoporous graphene(SMG)is prepared via the fluidized-bed chemical vapor deposition method.As the polypropylene(PP)modifier,SMG with high specific surface area,abundant mesoporous structures and moderate S doping content offers a wealth of physical and chemical adsorptive sites and reduced interfacial contact resistance,thereby restraining the serious shuttle effects of lithium polysulfides.Consequently,the LSB configured with mesoporous graphene(MG)as S host material and SMG as a separator modifier exhibits an enhanced electrochemical performance with a high average capacity of 955.64 mA h g^(-1) at 1C and a small capacity decay rate of 0.109%per cycle.Additionally,the density functional theory(DFT)calculation models have been rationally constructed and demonstrated that the doped S atoms in SMG possess higher binding energy to lithium polysulfides than that in MG,indicating that the SMG/PP separator can effectively capture soluble lithium polysulfides via chemical binding forces.This work would provide valuable insight into developing a versatile carbon-based separator modifier for LSB.
基金supported in part by grants from the Young Scientists Awards Foundation of Shandong Province of China,No.BS2013YY049the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation,No.2012M511036
文摘Rutin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-viral, anti-tumor and immune regulatory effects. However, the neuroprotective effects of rutin in spinal cord injury are unknown. The p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) pathway is the most important member of the MAPK family that controls inflammation. We assumed that the mechanism of rutin in the repair of spinal cord injury is associated with the inhibition of p38 MAPK pathway. Allen’s method was used to establish a rat model of spinal cord injury. The rat model was intraperitoneally injected with rutin (30 mg/kg) for 3 days. After treatment with rutin, Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan locomotor function scores increased. Water content, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 1 beta, and interleukin 6 levels, p38 MAPK protein expression and caspase-3 and -9 activities in T8–9 spinal cord decreased. Oxidative stress related markers superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels increased in peripheral blood. Rutin exerts neuroprotective effect through anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis and inhibition of p38 MAPK pathway.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81371301
文摘Mild therapeutic hypothermia has been shown to mitigate cerebral ischemia, reduce cerebral edema, and improve the prognosis of patients with cerebral ischemia. Adipose-derived stem cell-based therapy can decrease neuronal death and infiltration of inflammatory cells, exerting a neuroprotective effect. We hypothesized that the combination of mild therapeutic hypothermia and adipose-derived stem cells would be neuroprotective for treatment of stroke. A rat model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion was established using the nylon monofilament method. Mild therapeutic hypothermia(33°C) was induced after 2 hours of ischemia. Adipose-derived stem cells were administered through the femoral vein during reperfusion. The severity of neurological dysfunction was measured by a modified Neurological Severity Score Scaling System. The area of the infarct lesion was determined by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. Apoptotic neurons were detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated d UTP-biotin nick end labeling(TUNEL) staining. The regeneration of microvessels and changes in the glial scar were detected by immunofluorescence staining. The inflammatory responses after ischemic brain injury were evaluated by in situ staining using markers of inflammatory cells. The expression of inflammatory cytokines was measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Compared with mild therapeutic hypothermia or adipose-derived stem cell treatment alone, their combination substantially improved neurological deficits and decreased infarct size. They synergistically reduced the number of TUNEL-positive cells and glial fibrillary acidic protein expression, increased vascular endothelial growth factor levels, effectively reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and down-regulated the m RNA expression of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6. Our findings indicate that combined treatment is a better approach for treating stroke compared with mild therapeutic hypothermia or adipose-derived stem cells alone.
基金supported in part by grants from the National Institutes of Health(AG051773)and VA(BX000838)
文摘YAP(yes-associated protein) is a transcriptional factor that is negatively regulated by Hippo pathway, a conserved pathway for the development and size control of multiple organs. The exact function of YAP in bone homeostasis remains controversial. Here we provide evidence for YAP's function in promoting osteogenesis, suppressing adipogenesis, and thus maintaining bone homeostasis.YAP is selectively expressed in osteoblast(OB)-lineage cells. Conditionally knocking out Yap in the OB lineage in mice reduces cell proliferation and OB differentiation and increases adipocyte formation, resulting in a trabecular bone loss. Mechanistically, YAP interacts with β-catenin and is necessary for maintenance of nuclear β-catenin level and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Expression of β-catenin in YAP-deficient BMSCs(bone marrow stromal cells) diminishes the osteogenesis deficit. These results thus identify YAP-β-catenin as an important pathway for osteogenesis during adult bone remodeling and uncover a mechanism underlying YAP regulation of bone homeostasis.
基金supported by the National Nature Science Foundation of China(Nos.11875191,11890714,11925502,11935001,and 11961141003)the Strategic Priority Research Program(No.CAS XDB1602)。
文摘With the development of laser technologies,nuclear reactions can happen in high-temperature plasma environments induced by lasers and have attracted a lot of attention from different physical disciplines.However,studies on nuclear reactions in plasma are still limited by detecting technologies.This is mainly due to the fact that extremely high electromagnetic pulses(EMPs)can also be induced when high-intensity lasers hit targets to induce plasma,and then cause dysfunction of many types of traditional detectors.Therefore,new particle detecting technologies are highly needed.In this paper,we report a recently developed gated fiber detector which can be used in harsh EMP environments.In this prototype detector,scintillating photons are coupled by fiber and then transferred to a gated photomultiplier tube which is located far away from the EMP source and shielded well.With those measures,the EMPs can be avoided which may result that the device has the capability to identify a single event of nuclear reaction products generated in laser-induced plasma from noise EMP backgrounds.This new type of detector can be widely used as a time-of-flight(TOF)detector in high-intensity laser nuclear physics experiments for detecting neutrons,photons,and other charged particles.
文摘Various methods are currently under investigation to preserve fertility in males treated with high-dose chemotherapy and radiation for malignant and nonmalignant disorders. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUC-MSCs), which possess potent immunosuppressive function and secrete various cytokines and growth factors, have the potential clinical applications. As a potential alternative, we investigate whether injection of HUC-MSCs into the interstitial compartment of the testes to promote spermatogenic regeneration efficiently. HUC-MSCs were isolated from different sources of umbilical cords and injected into the interstitial space of one testis from 10 busulfan-treated mice (saline and HEK293 cells injections were performed in a separate set of mice) and the other testis remained uninjected. Three weeks after MSCs injection, Relative quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to identify the expression of 10 of germ cell associated, which are all related to meiosis, demonstrated higher levels of spermatogenic gene expression (2-8 fold) in HUC-MSCs injected testes compared to the contralateral uninjected testes (five mice). Protein levels for germ cell-specific genes, miwi, vasa and synaptonemal complex protein (Scp3) were also higher in MSC-treated testes compared to injected controls 3 weeks after treatment. However, no different expression was detected in saline water and HEK293 cells injection control group. We have demonstrated HUC-MSCs could affect mouse germ cell-specific genes expression. The results also provide a possibility that the transplanted HUC-MSCs may promote the recovery of spermatogenesis. This study provides further evidence for preclinical therapeutic effects of HUC-MSCs, and explores a new approach to the treatment of azoospermia.
基金supports from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.51871033).
文摘Hardness tests and transmission electron microscopy were used to investigate the strategy of tailoring the phase fraction of precipitates in an Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy strengthened by T’ and η’ phases. Different phase fractions of T’ and η’ phases are presented in samples subjected to either single or two stages of ageing treatments at 120 and 150 ℃.For both types of ageing, the precipitation of η’ phase is found to be promoted by ageing at lower temperature and its phase fraction increases with prolonging ageing time at 120 ℃;whereas the phase fractions of T’ and η’ phases almost remain constant during ageing at 150 ℃. Besides, the strain fields produced by T’ and η’ phases were analyzed by using the geometric phase analysis technique, and on a macroscale the contributions of T’ and η’ phases to precipitation strengthening have been quantitatively predicted by combining the size, phase fraction and number density of precipitates.