The compaction quality of subgrade filler strongly affects subgrade settlement.The main objective of this research is to analyze the macro-and micro-mechanical compaction characteristics of subgrade filler based on th...The compaction quality of subgrade filler strongly affects subgrade settlement.The main objective of this research is to analyze the macro-and micro-mechanical compaction characteristics of subgrade filler based on the real shape of coarse particles.First,an improved Viola-Jones algorithm is employed to establish a digitalized 2D particle database for coarse particle shape evaluation and discrete modeling purposes of subgrade filler.Shape indexes of 2D subgrade filler are then computed and statistically analyzed.Finally,numerical simulations are performed to quantitatively investigate the effects of the aspect ratio(AR)and interparticle friction coefficient(μ)on the macro-and micro-mechanical compaction characteristics of subgrade filler based on the discrete element method(DEM).The results show that with the increasing AR,the coarse particles are narrower,leading to the increasing movement of fine particles during compaction,which indicates that it is difficult for slender coarse particles to inhibit the migration of fine particles.Moreover,the average displacement of particles is strongly influenced by the AR,indicating that their occlusion under power relies on particle shapes.The dis-placement and velocity of fine particles are much greater than those of the coarse particles,which shows that compaction is primarily a migration of fine particles.Under the cyclic load,the interparticle friction coefficientμhas little effect on the internal structure of the sample;under the quasi-static loads,however,the increase inμwill lead to a significant increase in the porosity of the sample.This study could not only provide a novel approach to investigate the compaction mechanism but also establish a new theoretical basis for the evaluation of intelligent subgrade compaction.展开更多
High-temperature pyrolysis technology can effectively solve the problem of municipal solid waste pollution.However,the pyrolysis gas contains a large amount of CO_(2),which would adversely affect the subsequent utiliz...High-temperature pyrolysis technology can effectively solve the problem of municipal solid waste pollution.However,the pyrolysis gas contains a large amount of CO_(2),which would adversely affect the subsequent utilization.To address this problem,a novel method of co-precipitation modification with Ca,Mg and Zr metals was proposed to improve the CO_(2)capture performance.X-ray diffraction(XRD)patterns and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis showed that the two inert supports MgO and CaZrO_(3)were uniformly distributed in the modified calcium-based sorbents.In addition,the XRD results indicated that CaZrO_(3)was produced by the reaction of ZrO_(2)and CaO at high temperatures.The effects of doping ratios,adsorption temperature,calcination temperature,CO_(2)concentration and calcination atmosphere on the adsorption capacity and cycle stability of the modified calcium-based sorbent were studied.The modified calcium-based sorbent achieved the best CO_(2)capture performance when the doping ratio was 10:1:1 with carbonation at 700℃ under 20%CO_(2)/80%N_(2)atmosphere and calcination at 900℃ under100%N_(2)atmosphere.After ten cycles,the average carbonation conversion rate of Ca-10 sorbent was 72%.Finally,the modified calcium-based sorbents successfully reduced the CO_(2)concentration of the pyrolysis gas from 37%to 5%.展开更多
It is a debated topic if there are any observable precursor anomalies prior to the earthquake(EQ hereafter)and if the stronger EQ can be successfully predicted.During last few decades quite a lot of observable electro...It is a debated topic if there are any observable precursor anomalies prior to the earthquake(EQ hereafter)and if the stronger EQ can be successfully predicted.During last few decades quite a lot of observable electromagnetic(EM)precursors were published by using techniques equipped in either satellites or on ground-based stations.But there are only a few cases that the shortterm precursor anomalies of EM field before earthquakes were observed by using alternate EM fields on ground.This paper will present a new EM observation network built in recent years and show a new finding of EM field with the variation of a one-year cycle observed using the network.As an example,the short-term precursor anomalies of apparent resistivity before the Yangbi EQ(Ms 5.1)occurred on March 27,2017 in Yunnan Province will be studied.The observed anomalous phenomena indicate that the anomaly before the EQ can be captured only if reasonable effective methods including sophisticated analytical techniques are used,and it is believed that continuously observed data on the fixed observation network for a long time is an effective means for studying anomalies that appeared before earthquakes.This network can also play an important role in studying the EM environment from space.展开更多
While mild hyperthermia holds great potential in the treatment of solid tumors, the thermal stress-triggered selfrepairingautophagy significantly compromises its efficacy. To circumvent this obstacle, an injectable hy...While mild hyperthermia holds great potential in the treatment of solid tumors, the thermal stress-triggered selfrepairingautophagy significantly compromises its efficacy. To circumvent this obstacle, an injectable hydrogel(NO-Gel) composed of thermosensitive poly(ethylene glycol)-polypeptide copolymers modified with abundantNO donors on their side chains is developed. Meanwhile, ferrimagnetic Zn0.5Fe2.5O4 magnetic nanoparticles(MNPs) with high magnetic-heat conversion efficiency are synthesized and loaded into NO-Gel to obtainMNPs@NO-Gel. The MNPs@NO-Gel system exhibits a sol-gel transition upon heating, and has the ability toperform multiple magnetic hyperthermia therapy (MHT) after only one administration due to the even distributionand strong immobilization of MNPs in NO-Gel. NO can be continuously liberated from NO-Gel and thisprocess is markedly accelerated by MHT. Additionally, MNPs@NO-Gel maintains its integrity in vivo for over onemonth and the released MNPs are metabolized by the spleen. After a single administration of MNPs@NO-Gel atthe tumor site, three mild MHT treatments with similar effects are fulfilled, and the sufficient supply of NOeffectively inhibits MHT-induced autophagic flux via blocking the formation of autophagosomes and synchronouslydestroying lysosomes, thereby substantially boosting the efficacy of mild MHT. As a consequence, CT-26colon tumors are completely eliminated without causing severe side-effects.展开更多
Sodium humate(HA-Na) has been topically used as a wound healing and anti-inflammatory agent in folk medicine. In the present study, HA-Na was investigated for cutaneous wound healing in Sprague–Dawley rats. HA-Na sol...Sodium humate(HA-Na) has been topically used as a wound healing and anti-inflammatory agent in folk medicine. In the present study, HA-Na was investigated for cutaneous wound healing in Sprague–Dawley rats. HA-Na solution(1.0%, w/v) was topically administered to rats undergoing excision wound models. Healing was assessed with a recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor for external use as positive control. Wound healing rates were calculated on Day 3, 6, 9, 14 and 21 after injury, and tissues were also harvested after the same intervals for histological analysis. In addition, tissue hydroxyproline levels were measured. Furthermore, m RNA levels and protein expressions of transforming growth factor-β1, 2, 3(TGF-β1, 2, 3) were determined by RT-PCR and western blot. Protein expression levels of Smad-2,-3,-4 and-7 were also detected by western blot. Our study demonstrates that HA-Na has the capacity to promote wound healing in rats via accelerated wound contraction and increased hydroxyproline content. More importantly, these wound healing effects of HA-Na might be mediated through the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. HA-Na may be an effective agent for enhanced wound healing.展开更多
The performance of flexible organic solar cells(OSCs)significantly relies on the quality of transparent flexible electrode.Here,we used silver nanowires(AgNWs)with various weight ratios to dope high-conductive poly(3,...The performance of flexible organic solar cells(OSCs)significantly relies on the quality of transparent flexible electrode.Here,we used silver nanowires(AgNWs)with various weight ratios to dope high-conductive poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate(PH1000)to optimize the optical and electronic properties of PH1000 film.A high-quality flexible composite electrode PET/Ag-mesh/PH1000:AgNWs-20 with smooth surface,a low sheet resistance of 6Ω/sq and a high transmittance of 86%at 550-nm wavelength was obtained by doping 20 wt%AgNWs to PH1000(PH1000:AgNWs-20).The flexible OSCs based on the PET/Ag-mesh/PH1000:AgNWs-20 electrode delivered a power conversion efficiency(PCE)of12.07%with an open circuit voltage(Voc)of 0.826 V,a short-circuit current density(Jsc)of 20.90 m A/cm2and a fill factor(FF)of69.87%,which is the highest reported PCE for the flexible indium-tin oxide(ITO)-free OSCs.This work demonstrated that the flexible composite electrodes of PET/Ag-mesh/PH1000:AgNWs are promising alternatives for the conventional PET/ITO electrode,and open a new avenue for developing high-performance flexible transparent electrode for optoelectronic devices.展开更多
With the development of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine,it is much desired to establish bioimaging techniques to monitor the real-time regeneration efficacy in vivo in a non-invasive way.Herein,we tried m...With the development of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine,it is much desired to establish bioimaging techniques to monitor the real-time regeneration efficacy in vivo in a non-invasive way.Herein,we tried magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)to evaluate knee cartilage regeneration after implanting a biomaterial scaffold seeded with chondrocytes,namely,matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation(MACI).After summary of the T2 mapping and the T1-related delayed gadolinium-enhanced MRI imaging of cartilage(dGEMRIC)in vitro and in vivo in the literature,these two MRI techniques were tried clinically.In this study,18 patients were followed up for 1 year.It was found that there was a significant difference between the regeneration site and the neighboring normal site(control),and the difference gradually diminished with regeneration time up to 1 year according to both the quantitative T1 and T2 MRI methods.We further established the correlation between the quantitative evaluation of MRI and the clinical Lysholm scores for the first time.Hence,the MRI technique was confirmed to be a feasible semiquantitative yet non-invasive way to evaluate the in vivo regeneration of knee articular cartilage.展开更多
It is very challenging to visualize implantable medical devices made of biodegradable polymers in deep tissues.Herein,we designed a novel macromolecular contrast agent with ultrahigh radiopacity(iodinate content>50...It is very challenging to visualize implantable medical devices made of biodegradable polymers in deep tissues.Herein,we designed a novel macromolecular contrast agent with ultrahigh radiopacity(iodinate content>50%)via polymerizing an iodinated trimethylene carbonate monomer into the two ends of poly(ethylene glycol)(PEG).A set of thermosensitive and biodegradable polyester-PEG-polyester triblock copolymers with varied polyester compositions synthesized by us,which were soluble in water at room temperature and could spontaneously form hydrogels at body temperature,were selected as the demonstration materials.The addition of macromolecular contrast agent did not obviously compromise the injectability and thermogelation properties of polymeric hydrogels,but conferred them with excellent X-ray opacity,enabling visualization of the hydrogels at clinically relevant depths through X-ray fluoroscopy or Micro-CT.In a mouse model,the 3D morphology of the radiopaque hydrogels after injection into different target sites was visible using Micro-CT imaging,and their injection volume could be accurately obtained.Furthermore,the subcutaneous degradation process of a radiopaque hydrogel could be non-invasively monitored in a real-time and quantitative manner.In particular,the corrected degradation curve based on Micro-CT imaging well matched with the degradation profile of virgin polymer hydrogel determined by the gravimetric method.These findings indicate that the macromolecular contrast agent has good universality for the construction of various radiopaque polymer hydrogels,and can nondestructively trace and quantify their degradation in vivo.Meanwhile,the present methodology developed by us affords a platform technology for deep tissue imaging of polymeric materials.展开更多
The seismo-electromagnetic(EM)method is an important geophysical method that plays a major role in the observation of seismic anomalies related to earthquake precursors.It is the most promising method for a breakthrou...The seismo-electromagnetic(EM)method is an important geophysical method that plays a major role in the observation of seismic anomalies related to earthquake precursors.It is the most promising method for a breakthrough in short-term earthquake prediction.The digital transformation and network upgrading implemented in the“Ninth five-year plan”and“Tenth five-year plan”have optimized the original observation system,improved the quality of observed data,enriched the seismicelectromagnetic information,and enhanced the analysis capability and timeliness of seismic-electromagnetic anomalies.These improvements are of major importance for the research on seismo-electromagnetics as well as for the development of new technologies.Since the beginning of the 21 st century,China has launched a satellite named CSES that was designed for the generation and study of seismo-electromagnetic data and built a high-power transmitting source and a new CSELF observation network that is used specifically for earthquake monitoring.This platform has promoted the full-time three-dimensional EM monitoring and the identification of earthquake anomalies.Based on the study of anomalies related to earthquake precursors,the physical and numerical simulations,and the study on generation mechanism of anomalies in China,we summarize the characteristics of earthquake EM anomalies and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different EM observation methods.Finally,considering the related questions of the seismo-electromagnetic prediction and implementing the recent developments both in China and abroad,we review the current status of seismo-electromagnetic research and propose strategies for future research.展开更多
We investigated the macro-and micro-mechanical properties of rigid-grain and soft-chip mixtures(GCMs)through numerical simulations using the discrete element method.We present a novel framework for the discrete modeli...We investigated the macro-and micro-mechanical properties of rigid-grain and soft-chip mixtures(GCMs)through numerical simulations using the discrete element method.We present a novel framework for the discrete modeling of soft chips and rigid grains in conjunction with calibration processes.Several numerical triaxial tests were also performed on GCMs with 0%,10%,20%,and 30%volumetric chip contents,P.The simulation results demonstrate that increasing P leads to higher GCM toughness,higher deviatoric peak stress,and higher corresponding shear strain.Higher P also contributes to more volume contraction and less dilation.The friction angles at both the peak and residual state significantly increase with increasing P.In view of the micro-mechanical features,strong contact force chains develop along the loading direction,which results in considerable anisotropy in the peak and residual states.Both the formation of strong force chains and rotation of grains decrease with increasing P,whereas the grain sliding percentage increases.The tensile force is mobilized with shearing and higher P leads to less mobilization of the tensile force.These findings are useful for better understanding the internal structure of GCMs with different soft-chip contents,especially in granular mixture mechanics and geomechanics.展开更多
The central Yunnan sub-block is an important channel for southeast migration of materials in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau,and therefore a key area to study tectonic movement and deformation.In this study,a three-dimensi...The central Yunnan sub-block is an important channel for southeast migration of materials in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau,and therefore a key area to study tectonic movement and deformation.In this study,a three-dimensional electrical structure of the crust and upper mantle lithosphere was derived from magnetotelluric data inversion along a survey line across the central Yunnan sub-block.Results suggest that the middle and upper crust of the central Yunnan sub-block is comprised of several independent high-resistivity bodies.Deep extension of some faults was revealed according to electrical structure and relocated microseismicity.The Chenghai fault extends downward along the eastern boundary of a high-resistivity body.The Yuanmou fault dips to the west and extends to the depth along the boundary between two high-resistivity bodies.The Tanglang-Yimen fault cuts through a high-resistivity body in the middle and upper crust.There is an obvious high-conductivity C1 layer in the lower crust in the eastern part of the central Yunnan sub-block,and its western border displays an obvious structural boundary in the shallow part.The eastern part of the central Yunnan sub-block moves eastward relative to the western part(bounded by the west side of a high-resistivity body R3 in the C1 west).C1 is speculated to be characterized by low rheological strength and viscosity,thus reducing the resistance to eastward movement of the eastern part.Owing to the combined action of C1 and its western boundary,the eastern materials slip eastward faster relative to R3.Due to South China Block resistance,the middle and upper crust in the eastern part is within a compressional tectonic environment,consistent with the negative dilatation rate and the presence of compressive faults in this region.The C1 ground surface has a low strain rate,indicating weak deformation in this region and rigid motion dominance.Our results suggest that under the decoupling effect of the high-conductivity layer in the lower crust,the independent rigid blocks in the middle and upper crust can also exhibit tectonic deformation characteristics of rigid extrusion.展开更多
The classical problem of best thermoelectrics,which was believed originally solved by Mahan and Sofo[Proc.Natl.Acad.Sci.USA 93,7436(1996)],is revisited and discussed in the quantum limit.We express the thermoelectric ...The classical problem of best thermoelectrics,which was believed originally solved by Mahan and Sofo[Proc.Natl.Acad.Sci.USA 93,7436(1996)],is revisited and discussed in the quantum limit.We express the thermoelectric figure of merit(zT)as a functional of electronic transmission probability T by the Landauer–Büttiker formalism,which is able to deal with thermoelectric transport ranging from ballistic to diffusive regimes.We also propose to apply the calculus of variations to search for the optimal T giving the maximal zT.Our study reveals that the optimal transmission probability T is a boxcar function instead of a delta function proposed by Mahan and Sofo,leading to zT exceeding the well-known Mahan–Sofo limit.Furthermore,we suggest realizing the optimal T in topological material systems.Our work defines the theoretical upper limit for quantum thermoelectrics,which is of fundamental significance to the future development of thermoelectrics.展开更多
基金This work was supported by the National Key R&D Program‘Transportation Infrastructure’project(No.2022YFB2603400).
文摘The compaction quality of subgrade filler strongly affects subgrade settlement.The main objective of this research is to analyze the macro-and micro-mechanical compaction characteristics of subgrade filler based on the real shape of coarse particles.First,an improved Viola-Jones algorithm is employed to establish a digitalized 2D particle database for coarse particle shape evaluation and discrete modeling purposes of subgrade filler.Shape indexes of 2D subgrade filler are then computed and statistically analyzed.Finally,numerical simulations are performed to quantitatively investigate the effects of the aspect ratio(AR)and interparticle friction coefficient(μ)on the macro-and micro-mechanical compaction characteristics of subgrade filler based on the discrete element method(DEM).The results show that with the increasing AR,the coarse particles are narrower,leading to the increasing movement of fine particles during compaction,which indicates that it is difficult for slender coarse particles to inhibit the migration of fine particles.Moreover,the average displacement of particles is strongly influenced by the AR,indicating that their occlusion under power relies on particle shapes.The dis-placement and velocity of fine particles are much greater than those of the coarse particles,which shows that compaction is primarily a migration of fine particles.Under the cyclic load,the interparticle friction coefficientμhas little effect on the internal structure of the sample;under the quasi-static loads,however,the increase inμwill lead to a significant increase in the porosity of the sample.This study could not only provide a novel approach to investigate the compaction mechanism but also establish a new theoretical basis for the evaluation of intelligent subgrade compaction.
基金the support given by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2018YFC1901203)Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province,China(2021A1515010497)+1 种基金Guangzhou Science and Technology Innovation Development Special FundFundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(2019MS017)。
文摘High-temperature pyrolysis technology can effectively solve the problem of municipal solid waste pollution.However,the pyrolysis gas contains a large amount of CO_(2),which would adversely affect the subsequent utilization.To address this problem,a novel method of co-precipitation modification with Ca,Mg and Zr metals was proposed to improve the CO_(2)capture performance.X-ray diffraction(XRD)patterns and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis showed that the two inert supports MgO and CaZrO_(3)were uniformly distributed in the modified calcium-based sorbents.In addition,the XRD results indicated that CaZrO_(3)was produced by the reaction of ZrO_(2)and CaO at high temperatures.The effects of doping ratios,adsorption temperature,calcination temperature,CO_(2)concentration and calcination atmosphere on the adsorption capacity and cycle stability of the modified calcium-based sorbent were studied.The modified calcium-based sorbent achieved the best CO_(2)capture performance when the doping ratio was 10:1:1 with carbonation at 700℃ under 20%CO_(2)/80%N_(2)atmosphere and calcination at 900℃ under100%N_(2)atmosphere.After ten cycles,the average carbonation conversion rate of Ca-10 sorbent was 72%.Finally,the modified calcium-based sorbents successfully reduced the CO_(2)concentration of the pyrolysis gas from 37%to 5%.
基金National Development and Reform Committee of China(No.15212Z0000001)National Science Foundation of China(No.41374077)。
文摘It is a debated topic if there are any observable precursor anomalies prior to the earthquake(EQ hereafter)and if the stronger EQ can be successfully predicted.During last few decades quite a lot of observable electromagnetic(EM)precursors were published by using techniques equipped in either satellites or on ground-based stations.But there are only a few cases that the shortterm precursor anomalies of EM field before earthquakes were observed by using alternate EM fields on ground.This paper will present a new EM observation network built in recent years and show a new finding of EM field with the variation of a one-year cycle observed using the network.As an example,the short-term precursor anomalies of apparent resistivity before the Yangbi EQ(Ms 5.1)occurred on March 27,2017 in Yunnan Province will be studied.The observed anomalous phenomena indicate that the anomaly before the EQ can be captured only if reasonable effective methods including sophisticated analytical techniques are used,and it is believed that continuously observed data on the fixed observation network for a long time is an effective means for studying anomalies that appeared before earthquakes.This network can also play an important role in studying the EM environment from space.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(grant no.21975045)Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai(grant no.23ZR1406800).
文摘While mild hyperthermia holds great potential in the treatment of solid tumors, the thermal stress-triggered selfrepairingautophagy significantly compromises its efficacy. To circumvent this obstacle, an injectable hydrogel(NO-Gel) composed of thermosensitive poly(ethylene glycol)-polypeptide copolymers modified with abundantNO donors on their side chains is developed. Meanwhile, ferrimagnetic Zn0.5Fe2.5O4 magnetic nanoparticles(MNPs) with high magnetic-heat conversion efficiency are synthesized and loaded into NO-Gel to obtainMNPs@NO-Gel. The MNPs@NO-Gel system exhibits a sol-gel transition upon heating, and has the ability toperform multiple magnetic hyperthermia therapy (MHT) after only one administration due to the even distributionand strong immobilization of MNPs in NO-Gel. NO can be continuously liberated from NO-Gel and thisprocess is markedly accelerated by MHT. Additionally, MNPs@NO-Gel maintains its integrity in vivo for over onemonth and the released MNPs are metabolized by the spleen. After a single administration of MNPs@NO-Gel atthe tumor site, three mild MHT treatments with similar effects are fulfilled, and the sufficient supply of NOeffectively inhibits MHT-induced autophagic flux via blocking the formation of autophagosomes and synchronouslydestroying lysosomes, thereby substantially boosting the efficacy of mild MHT. As a consequence, CT-26colon tumors are completely eliminated without causing severe side-effects.
基金financially supported by Innovation Plan Project of Science and Technology of Shaanxi Province (2013KTCQ03-13)
文摘Sodium humate(HA-Na) has been topically used as a wound healing and anti-inflammatory agent in folk medicine. In the present study, HA-Na was investigated for cutaneous wound healing in Sprague–Dawley rats. HA-Na solution(1.0%, w/v) was topically administered to rats undergoing excision wound models. Healing was assessed with a recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor for external use as positive control. Wound healing rates were calculated on Day 3, 6, 9, 14 and 21 after injury, and tissues were also harvested after the same intervals for histological analysis. In addition, tissue hydroxyproline levels were measured. Furthermore, m RNA levels and protein expressions of transforming growth factor-β1, 2, 3(TGF-β1, 2, 3) were determined by RT-PCR and western blot. Protein expression levels of Smad-2,-3,-4 and-7 were also detected by western blot. Our study demonstrates that HA-Na has the capacity to promote wound healing in rats via accelerated wound contraction and increased hydroxyproline content. More importantly, these wound healing effects of HA-Na might be mediated through the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. HA-Na may be an effective agent for enhanced wound healing.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(51673138,51820105003,91633301)the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions+2 种基金the Jiangsu Provincial Natural Science Foundation(BK20160059)Natural Science Foundation of the Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions of China(16KJB430027)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2017YFA0207700)
文摘The performance of flexible organic solar cells(OSCs)significantly relies on the quality of transparent flexible electrode.Here,we used silver nanowires(AgNWs)with various weight ratios to dope high-conductive poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate(PH1000)to optimize the optical and electronic properties of PH1000 film.A high-quality flexible composite electrode PET/Ag-mesh/PH1000:AgNWs-20 with smooth surface,a low sheet resistance of 6Ω/sq and a high transmittance of 86%at 550-nm wavelength was obtained by doping 20 wt%AgNWs to PH1000(PH1000:AgNWs-20).The flexible OSCs based on the PET/Ag-mesh/PH1000:AgNWs-20 electrode delivered a power conversion efficiency(PCE)of12.07%with an open circuit voltage(Voc)of 0.826 V,a short-circuit current density(Jsc)of 20.90 m A/cm2and a fill factor(FF)of69.87%,which is the highest reported PCE for the flexible indium-tin oxide(ITO)-free OSCs.This work demonstrated that the flexible composite electrodes of PET/Ag-mesh/PH1000:AgNWs are promising alternatives for the conventional PET/ITO electrode,and open a new avenue for developing high-performance flexible transparent electrode for optoelectronic devices.
基金supported by National Key Research and Development Program of China(grant no.2018YFC1105900,2016YFC1100300 and 2016YFC1103203)National Natural Science Foundation of China(grant no.21961160721).
文摘With the development of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine,it is much desired to establish bioimaging techniques to monitor the real-time regeneration efficacy in vivo in a non-invasive way.Herein,we tried magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)to evaluate knee cartilage regeneration after implanting a biomaterial scaffold seeded with chondrocytes,namely,matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation(MACI).After summary of the T2 mapping and the T1-related delayed gadolinium-enhanced MRI imaging of cartilage(dGEMRIC)in vitro and in vivo in the literature,these two MRI techniques were tried clinically.In this study,18 patients were followed up for 1 year.It was found that there was a significant difference between the regeneration site and the neighboring normal site(control),and the difference gradually diminished with regeneration time up to 1 year according to both the quantitative T1 and T2 MRI methods.We further established the correlation between the quantitative evaluation of MRI and the clinical Lysholm scores for the first time.Hence,the MRI technique was confirmed to be a feasible semiquantitative yet non-invasive way to evaluate the in vivo regeneration of knee articular cartilage.
基金Authors acknowledge funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(grant Nos.51773043,81772363 and 21975045)the National Key R&D Program of China(grant Nos.2020YFC1107102 and 2016YFC1100300).
文摘It is very challenging to visualize implantable medical devices made of biodegradable polymers in deep tissues.Herein,we designed a novel macromolecular contrast agent with ultrahigh radiopacity(iodinate content>50%)via polymerizing an iodinated trimethylene carbonate monomer into the two ends of poly(ethylene glycol)(PEG).A set of thermosensitive and biodegradable polyester-PEG-polyester triblock copolymers with varied polyester compositions synthesized by us,which were soluble in water at room temperature and could spontaneously form hydrogels at body temperature,were selected as the demonstration materials.The addition of macromolecular contrast agent did not obviously compromise the injectability and thermogelation properties of polymeric hydrogels,but conferred them with excellent X-ray opacity,enabling visualization of the hydrogels at clinically relevant depths through X-ray fluoroscopy or Micro-CT.In a mouse model,the 3D morphology of the radiopaque hydrogels after injection into different target sites was visible using Micro-CT imaging,and their injection volume could be accurately obtained.Furthermore,the subcutaneous degradation process of a radiopaque hydrogel could be non-invasively monitored in a real-time and quantitative manner.In particular,the corrected degradation curve based on Micro-CT imaging well matched with the degradation profile of virgin polymer hydrogel determined by the gravimetric method.These findings indicate that the macromolecular contrast agent has good universality for the construction of various radiopaque polymer hydrogels,and can nondestructively trace and quantify their degradation in vivo.Meanwhile,the present methodology developed by us affords a platform technology for deep tissue imaging of polymeric materials.
基金financially supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant Nos.2017YFC1500103&2018YFC1503506)the Project for Basic Research Work of the Institute of Geology,China Earthquake Administration(Grant No.IGCEA1919)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.41374077,42074086&41674156)the National Major Science and Technology Infrastructure Project(Grant No.15212Z0000001)。
文摘The seismo-electromagnetic(EM)method is an important geophysical method that plays a major role in the observation of seismic anomalies related to earthquake precursors.It is the most promising method for a breakthrough in short-term earthquake prediction.The digital transformation and network upgrading implemented in the“Ninth five-year plan”and“Tenth five-year plan”have optimized the original observation system,improved the quality of observed data,enriched the seismicelectromagnetic information,and enhanced the analysis capability and timeliness of seismic-electromagnetic anomalies.These improvements are of major importance for the research on seismo-electromagnetics as well as for the development of new technologies.Since the beginning of the 21 st century,China has launched a satellite named CSES that was designed for the generation and study of seismo-electromagnetic data and built a high-power transmitting source and a new CSELF observation network that is used specifically for earthquake monitoring.This platform has promoted the full-time three-dimensional EM monitoring and the identification of earthquake anomalies.Based on the study of anomalies related to earthquake precursors,the physical and numerical simulations,and the study on generation mechanism of anomalies in China,we summarize the characteristics of earthquake EM anomalies and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different EM observation methods.Finally,considering the related questions of the seismo-electromagnetic prediction and implementing the recent developments both in China and abroad,we review the current status of seismo-electromagnetic research and propose strategies for future research.
基金This research was supported by the Doctoral Fund of Central South University(grant number 1053320170862)National Nat-ural Science Foundation of China(grant number 51678575)+1 种基金the Science Foundation of CARS(grant number 2019YJ026)The authors express their appreciation for the financial assistance.
文摘We investigated the macro-and micro-mechanical properties of rigid-grain and soft-chip mixtures(GCMs)through numerical simulations using the discrete element method.We present a novel framework for the discrete modeling of soft chips and rigid grains in conjunction with calibration processes.Several numerical triaxial tests were also performed on GCMs with 0%,10%,20%,and 30%volumetric chip contents,P.The simulation results demonstrate that increasing P leads to higher GCM toughness,higher deviatoric peak stress,and higher corresponding shear strain.Higher P also contributes to more volume contraction and less dilation.The friction angles at both the peak and residual state significantly increase with increasing P.In view of the micro-mechanical features,strong contact force chains develop along the loading direction,which results in considerable anisotropy in the peak and residual states.Both the formation of strong force chains and rotation of grains decrease with increasing P,whereas the grain sliding percentage increases.The tensile force is mobilized with shearing and higher P leads to less mobilization of the tensile force.These findings are useful for better understanding the internal structure of GCMs with different soft-chip contents,especially in granular mixture mechanics and geomechanics.
基金supported by the Basic Research Project of the Institute of Earthquake Forecasting,China Earthquake Administration(Grant No.2020IEF0505)the Basic Research Project of the Institute of Earthquake Forecasting,China Earthquake Administration(Grant No.2021IEF0104)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.U1839205&42174093)。
文摘The central Yunnan sub-block is an important channel for southeast migration of materials in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau,and therefore a key area to study tectonic movement and deformation.In this study,a three-dimensional electrical structure of the crust and upper mantle lithosphere was derived from magnetotelluric data inversion along a survey line across the central Yunnan sub-block.Results suggest that the middle and upper crust of the central Yunnan sub-block is comprised of several independent high-resistivity bodies.Deep extension of some faults was revealed according to electrical structure and relocated microseismicity.The Chenghai fault extends downward along the eastern boundary of a high-resistivity body.The Yuanmou fault dips to the west and extends to the depth along the boundary between two high-resistivity bodies.The Tanglang-Yimen fault cuts through a high-resistivity body in the middle and upper crust.There is an obvious high-conductivity C1 layer in the lower crust in the eastern part of the central Yunnan sub-block,and its western border displays an obvious structural boundary in the shallow part.The eastern part of the central Yunnan sub-block moves eastward relative to the western part(bounded by the west side of a high-resistivity body R3 in the C1 west).C1 is speculated to be characterized by low rheological strength and viscosity,thus reducing the resistance to eastward movement of the eastern part.Owing to the combined action of C1 and its western boundary,the eastern materials slip eastward faster relative to R3.Due to South China Block resistance,the middle and upper crust in the eastern part is within a compressional tectonic environment,consistent with the negative dilatation rate and the presence of compressive faults in this region.The C1 ground surface has a low strain rate,indicating weak deformation in this region and rigid motion dominance.Our results suggest that under the decoupling effect of the high-conductivity layer in the lower crust,the independent rigid blocks in the middle and upper crust can also exhibit tectonic deformation characteristics of rigid extrusion.
文摘The classical problem of best thermoelectrics,which was believed originally solved by Mahan and Sofo[Proc.Natl.Acad.Sci.USA 93,7436(1996)],is revisited and discussed in the quantum limit.We express the thermoelectric figure of merit(zT)as a functional of electronic transmission probability T by the Landauer–Büttiker formalism,which is able to deal with thermoelectric transport ranging from ballistic to diffusive regimes.We also propose to apply the calculus of variations to search for the optimal T giving the maximal zT.Our study reveals that the optimal transmission probability T is a boxcar function instead of a delta function proposed by Mahan and Sofo,leading to zT exceeding the well-known Mahan–Sofo limit.Furthermore,we suggest realizing the optimal T in topological material systems.Our work defines the theoretical upper limit for quantum thermoelectrics,which is of fundamental significance to the future development of thermoelectrics.