miRNA-21-5p is an important contributor to the promotion of injured peripheral nerve regeneration using hypoxia-pretreated bone marrow-derived neural crest cells

Our previous study found that rat bone marrow–derived neural crest cells(acting as Schwann cell progenitors)have the potential to promote long-distance nerve repair.Cell-based therapy can enhance peripheral nerve repair and regeneration through paracrine bioactive factors and intercellular communication.Nevertheless,the complex contributions of various types of soluble cytokines and extracellular vesicle cargos to the secretome remain unclear.To investigate the role of the secretome and extracellular vesicles in repairing damaged peripheral nerves,we collected conditioned culture medium from hypoxia-pretreated neural crest cells,and found that it significantly promoted the repair of sensory neurons damaged by oxygen-glucose deprivation.The mRNA expression of trophic factors was highly expressed in hypoxia-pretreated neural crest cells.We performed RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis and found that miR-21-5p was enriched in hypoxia-pretreated extracellular vesicles of neural crest cells.Subsequently,to further clarify the role of hypoxia-pretreated neural crest cell extracellular vesicles rich in miR-21-5p in axonal growth and regeneration of sensory neurons,we used a microfluidic axonal dissociation model of sensory neurons in vitro,and found that hypoxia-pretreated neural crest cell extracellular vesicles promoted axonal growth and regeneration of sensory neurons,which was greatly dependent on loaded miR-21-5p.Finally,we constructed a miR-21-5p-loaded neural conduit to repair the sciatic nerve defect in rats and found that the motor and sensory functions of injured rat hind limb,as well as muscle tissue morphology of the hind limbs,were obviously restored.These findings suggest that hypoxia-pretreated neural crest extracellular vesicles are natural nanoparticles rich in miRNA-21-5p.miRNA-21-5p is one of the main contributors to promoting nerve regeneration by the neural crest cell secretome.This helps to explain the mechanism of action of the secretome and extracellular vesicles of neural crest cells in repairing damaged peripheral nerves,and also promotes the application of miR-21-5p in tissue engineering regeneration medicine.

授人以鱼和渔:仪器分析实验自主设计实验及思政元素融入

为适应现代教育理念及国家对创新型人才的需求,改革传统实验教学模式并激发学生的自主创新意识,在传统仪器分析实验教学基础上探索和构建以学生为主体、以创新能力培养为中心的自主设计实验教学模式。课程在夯实基础和拔高创新方面取得了平衡,同时拓展了课程思政的范畴,如以学生为中心的自主设计实验模式提升了学生学习主动性,课程高阶性、创新性显著提高,授课教师在更多方面以身作则,示范了严谨的科学态度,并倡导了积极的科学探索态度。通过自主设计实验的开展,学生的基础知识、学习兴趣、实验技能、创新能力等都得到了显著提升,建立了有效的仪器分析学习模式。

Tall Buildings with Dynamic Facade Under Winds

Burgeoning growth of tall buildings in urban areas around the world is placing new demands on their performance under winds.This involves selection of the building form that minimizes wind loads and structural topologies that efficiently transfer loads.Current practice is to search for optimal shapes,but this limits buildings with static or fixed form.Aerodynamic shape tailoring that consists of modifying the external form of the building has shown great promise in reducing wind loads and associated structural motions as reflected in the design of Taipei 101 and Burj Khalifa.In these buildings,corner modifications of the cross-section and tapering along the height are introduced.An appealing alternative is to design a building that can adapt its form to the changing complex wind environment in urban areas with clusters of tall buildings,i.e.,by implementing a dynamic facade.To leap beyond the static shape optimization,autonomous dynamic morphing of the building shape is advanced in this study,which is implemented through a cyber–physical system that fuses together sensing,computing,actuating,and engineering informatics.This approach will permit a building to intelligently morph its profile to minimize the source of dynamic wind load excitation,and holds the promise of revolutionizing tall buildings from conventional static to dynamic facades by taking advantage of the burgeoning advances in computational design.

Research on the Performance of New Weighted Slippery Water Fracturing Fluid System

Deep and ultra-deep reservoirs have dense matrix and high fracture pressure, which leads to high pressure and difficulty in fracturing construction. Conventional aggravated fracturing fluids have the problems of low aggravation efficiency, high friction resistance, etc., and the reduction of construction pressure cannot reach the theoretical effect. In view of the above problems, this paper adopts the weighting agent HD160 and the drag reducing agent JHFR-2 to form a new type of weighted slippery water fracturing fluid system. And the weighting performance, drag reduction performance, corrosion performance, anti-expansion performance and reservoir damage of this system were studied. The results show that the density of the system is adjustable within 1.1 - 1.6 g·cm−3, and the drag reduction rate can be up to 68% at 1.5 g·cm−3, with low corrosion rate, surface tension less than 28 mN·m−1, anti-expansion rate as high as 94.5%, and the damage rate of the reservoir permeability is less than 10%, which is of good application prospect.

新时代背景下的化学实验教学示范中心建设

化学国家级实验教学示范中心(南开大学)是2006年首批入选的国家级示范中心。十几年来,在“强化基础、注重综合、突出创新、培养能力、提高素质”的方针指导下,坚持以学生发展为中心,致力于培养具有扎实化学基础知识、精通化学实验技能、勤于思考善于创新的高水平化学人才。本文介绍该中心近五年来在实验教学体系建设、师资队伍教学能力提升及开放交流方面的改革举措,为高等院校实验教学提供参考。

Spin-controlled generation of a complete polarization set with randomly-interleaved plasmonic metasurfaces

Optical metasurfaces,comprising subwavelength quasi-planar nanostructures,constitute a universal platform for manipulating the amplitude,phase,and polarization of light,thus paving a way for the next generation of highly integrated multifunctional optical devices.In this work,we introduce a reflective metasurface for the generation of a complete(angularly resolved)polarization set by randomly interleaving anisotropic plasmonic meta-atoms acting as nanoscale wave plates.In the proof-of-concept demonstration,we achieve multidirectional beam-steering into different polarization channels forming a complete set of polarization states,which can also be dynamically altered by switching the spin of incident light.The developed design concept represents a significant advancement in achieving flat polarization optics with advanced functionalities.

新模式下的核磁共振实验教学探索和提升

核磁共振在化合物结构鉴定、动力学研究等方面具有重要的作用,是一种非常重要的仪器分析手段,也是大学仪器分析实验课程的重要内容。借助于现代化教育手段,可以拓展课前课后学习时间,对核磁共振实验项目课堂教学进行有效教学设计,构建互联网时代的新型教学模式。

电极界面浓差极化对锂金属沉积的影响

锂金属作为下一代高能量密度电池的理想负极材料受到研究人员广泛关注。然而,锂枝晶生长引起的安全隐患和循环寿命短等问题严重影响了锂金属电池的实用化进程。本文以电化学现象和理论为依据,从浓差极化角度详细分析锂金属电沉积过程中枝晶生长、死锂形成和全电池失效机制,并对目前研究较多的多孔宿主电极中的浓差极化及枝晶抑制进行分析,提出锂金属界面浓差电池现象。本文得到的结论为研究人员更深入地探究锂金属保护策略提供了理论依据。

石墨相尺寸与分布对镍-石墨可磨耗封严涂层摩擦学性能影响

本文采用普通等离子喷涂(APS)与高效能超音速等离子喷涂(SAPS)两种工艺在2Cr13基体上制备75wt.%Ni+25wt.%石墨(Ni-C)可磨耗封严涂层,对涂层的摩擦学性能进行评价。结果表明:APS Ni-C涂层中石墨相的平均长度与宽度分别为11.4μm和5.4μm,而SAPS Ni-C涂层则分别为10.1μm和4.6μm,且分布更为均匀。石墨相尺寸对涂层性能具有显著的影响作用,表现为细小的石墨相更利于在涂层表面形成石墨润滑膜,使得SAPS涂层在60N载荷下与1Cr18Ni9Ti对磨90min过程中平均摩擦因数与APS涂层相比下降约28%,对磨材料1Cr18Ni9Ti单位时间磨损率降低了57%。

The Achyranthes bidentata polypeptide k fraction enhances neuronal growth in vitro and promotes peripheral nerve regeneration after crush injury in vivo

We have previously shown that Achyranthes bidentata polypeptides （ABPP）, isolated from Achyranthes bidentata Blume （a medicinal herb）, exhibit neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects on the nervous system. To identify the major active component of ABPP, and thus optimize the use of ABPP, we used reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography to separate ABPP. We obtained 12 fractions, among which the fraction of ABPPk demonstrated the strongest neuroactivity. Immunocytochemistry and western blot analysis showed that ABPPk promoted neurite growth in cultured dorsal root ganglion explant and dorsal root ganglion neurons, which might be associated with activation of Erk1/2. A combination of behavioral tests, electrophysiological assessment, and histomorphometric analysis indicated that ABPPk enhanced nerve regeneration and function restoration in a mouse model of crushed sciatic nerve. All the results suggest that ABPPk, as the key component of ABPP, can be used for peripheral nerve repair to yield better outcomes than ABPP.

Gene expression profiling of the rat sciatic nerve in early Wallerian degeneration after injury

Wallerian degeneration is an important area of research in modern neuroscience. A large number of genes are differentially regulated in the various stages of Wallerian degeneration, especially during the early response. In this study, we analyzed gene expression in early Wallerian degeneration of the distal nerve stump at 0, 0.5, 1,6, 12 and 24 hours after rat sciatic nerve injury using gene chip microarrays. We screened for differentially-expressed genes and gene expression patterns. We examined the data for Gene Ontology, and explored the Kyoto EncycLopedia of Genes and Genomes Pathway. This allowed us to identify key regulatory factors and recurrent network motifs. We identified 1 546 differentially-expressed genes and 21 distinct patterns ofgene expression in early Wallerian degeneration, and an enrichment of genes associated with the immune response, acute inflammation, apoptosis, cell adhesion, ion transport and the extracellular matrix. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis revealed components involved in the Jak-STAT, ErbB, transforming growth factor-13, T cell receptor and calcium signaling pathways. Key factors included interleukin-6, interleukin-1, integrin, c-sarcoma, carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecules, chemokine （C-C motif） ligand, matrix metalloproteinase, BH3 interacting domain death agonist, baculoviral lAP repeat-containing 3 and Rac. The data were validated with real-time quantitative PCR. This study provides a global view of gene expression profiles in eady Wallerian degeneration of the rat sciatic nerve. Our findings provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying early Wallerian degeneration, and the regulation of nerve degeneration and regeneration.

Distributed generator-based distribution system service restoration strategy and model-free control methods

The rapid growth of distributed generator(DG)capacities has introduced additional controllable assets to improve the performance of distribution systems in terms of service restoration.Renewable DGs are of particular interest to utility companies,but the stochastic nature of intermittent renewable DGs could have a negative impact on the electric grid if they are not properly handled.In this study,we investigate distribution system service restoration using DGs as the primary power source,and we develop an effective approach to handle the uncertainty of renewable DGs under extreme conditions.The distribution system service restoration problem can be described as a mixed-integer second-order cone programming model by modifying the radial topology constraints and power flow equations.The uncertainty of renewable DGs will be modeled using a chance-constrained approach.Furthermore,the forecast errors and noises in real-time operation are solved using a novel model-free control algorithm that can automatically track the trajectory of real-time DG output.The proposed service restoration strategy and model-free control algorithm are validated using an IEEE 123-bus test system.

“自主设计实验”教学模式在仪器分析实验中的应用——ICP-OES检测茶水中的金属含量

仪器分析实验是重要的实践课程,是培养学生创新意识和提高学生综合素质的关键基础课程之一。“自主设计实验”坚持学生主体地位,引导学生查阅文献、拟定实验方案,在教师辅助指导下,将知识要点有效融入实验过程,深化理论学习和实践应用。本实验利用电感耦合等离子体原子发射光谱(ICP-OES)测定不同种类茶水中的金属元素含量,并且考察了浸泡时间和浸泡次数对金属元素溶出量的影响,鉴定其是否符合国家标准要求,对比现有的文献数据作出补充和改善,为人们选取泡茶方式提供理论依据和指导建议。“自主设计实验”将化学和日常生活紧密联系在一起,激发学生的学习热情和探索精神,强化实验操作能力及自主学习能力,提升学生的创新意识和实践精神。

Ion association tailoring SEI composition for Li metal anode protection

Electrolyte additives play an important role in suppressing lithium dendrites through tailoring the composition/property of the SEI,however lacking of additives can achieve high performances both in ether and carbonate electrolytes hinders further enhancement of the high voltage lithium^-metal batteries.Here,lithium perchlorate(LiClO4)has been presented as an excellent additive to meet the above requirements.An optimized chemical composition of SEI can be achieved through the formation of ionic association.Our results indicate that the LiClO4 behaves like a catalyst,which promotes LiTFSI to form a better SEI to inhibit further reaction.Superior coulombic efficiencies and cycling performances were obtained both in ether and carbonate electrolytes.This study paves a new pathway for designing bi-soluble additives for safe lithium metal batteries.

荧光法测定菠菜焯水过程中维生素B_(2)的流失——荧光法测定维生素B_(2)的实验拓展

“荧光法测定维生素B_(2)(VB_(2))的含量”是本科生仪器分析教学中一个常用实验,但存在实验内容偏少、学生锻炼不足等问题。菠菜是一种VB_(2)含量较高的绿色蔬菜,但食用前焯水去除草酸的过程不可避免地造成VB_(2)的部分流失。本实验在证明荧光法可用于测定菠菜焯水过程中VB_(2)析出量的基础上,提出将不同焯水时间下VB_(2)流失率的测定丰富到本科实验的教改思路。该思路不仅极大地丰富了原有的实验内容,而且新颖有趣、贴近生活,既可提升学生的学习兴趣,又有助于帮助学生培养学以致用的能力。

Developmental Temporal Patterns and Molecular Network Features in the Transcriptome of Rat Spinal Cord

The molecular network features of spinal cord development that are integral to tissue engineering remain poorly understood in placental mammals,especially in terms of their relationships with vital biological processes such as regeneration.Here,using a large-scale temporal transcriptomic analysis of rat spinal cord from the embryonic stage to adulthood,we show that fluctuating RNA expression levels reflect highly active transcriptional regulation,which may initiate spinal cord patterning.We also demonstrate that microRNAs(miRNAs)and transcriptional factors exhibit a mosaic profile based on their expression patterns,while differential alternative splicing events reveal that alternative splicing may be a driving force for the development of the node of Ranvier.Our study also supports the existence of a negative correlation between innate immunity and intrinsic growth capacity.Epigenetic modifications appear to perform their respective regulatory functions at different stages of development,while guanine nucleotidebinding protein(G protein)-coupled receptors(including olfactory receptors(ORs))may perform pleiotropic roles in axonal growth.This study provides a valuable resource for investigating spinal cord development and complements the increasing number of single-cell datasets.These findings also provide a genetic basis for the development of novel tissue engineering strategies.

Peripheral nerve fibroblasts secrete neurotrophic factors to promote axon growth of motoneurons

Peripheral nerve fibroblasts play a critical role in nerve development and regeneration.Our previous study found that peripheral nerve fibroblasts have different sensory and motor phenotypes.Fibroblasts of different phenotypes can guide the migration of Schwann cells to the same sensory or motor phenotype.In this study,we analyzed the different effects of peripheral nerve-derived fibroblasts and cardiac fibroblasts on motoneurons.Compared with cardiac fibroblasts,peripheral nerve fibroblasts greatly promoted motoneuron neurite outgrowth.Transcriptome analysis results identified 491 genes that were differentially expressed in peripheral nerve fibroblasts and cardiac fibroblasts.Among these,130 were significantly upregulated in peripheral nerve fibroblasts compared with cardiac fibroblasts.These genes may be involved in axon guidance and neuron projection.Three days after sciatic nerve transection in rats,peripheral nerve fibroblasts accumulated in the proximal and distal nerve stumps,and most expressed brain-derived neurotrophic factor.In vitro,brain-derived neurotrophic factor secreted from peripheral nerve fibroblasts increased the expression ofβ-actin and F-actin through the extracellular regulated protein kinase and serine/threonine kinase pathways,and enhanced motoneuron neurite outgrowth.These findings suggest that peripheral nerve fibroblasts and cardiac fibroblasts exhibit different patterns of gene expression.Peripheral nerve fibroblasts can promote motoneuron neurite outgrowth.

Enhancement of surface wettability via micro-and nanostructures by single point diamond turning

Studies on surface wettability have received tremendous interest due to their potential applications in research and industrial processes. One of the strategies to tune surface wettability is modifying surface topography at micro-and nanoscales. In this research, periodic micro-and nanostructures were patterned on several polymer surfaces by ultra-precision single point diamond turning to investigate the relationships between surface topographies at the micro-and nanoscales and their surface wettability. This research revealed that single-point diamond turning could be used to enhance the wettability of a variety of polymers, including polyvinyl chloride(PVC), polyethylene 1000(PE1000), polypropylene copolymer(PP) and polytetrafluoroethylene(PFTE), which cannot be processed by conventional semiconductor-based manufacturing processes. Materials exhibiting common wettability properties(θ≈ 90°) changed to exhibit "superhydrophobic" behavior(θ > 150°). Compared with the size of the structures, the aspect ratio of the void space between micro-and nanostructures has a strong impact on surface wettability.

Telecom wavelength single photon sources

Single photon sources are key components for quantum technologies such as quantum communication, computing and metrology. A key challenge towards the realization of global quantum networks are transmission losses in optical fibers. Therefore, single photon sources are required to emit at the low-loss telecom wavelength bands. However, an ideal telecom wavelength single photon source has yet to be discovered. Here, we review the recent progress in realizing such sources. We start with single photon emission based on atomic ensembles and spontaneous parametric down conversion, and then focus on solid-state emitters including semiconductor quantum dots, defects in silicon carbide and carbon nanotubes. In conclusion, some state-of-the-art applications are highlighted.

SlWRKY30 and SlWRKY81 synergistically modulate tomato immunity to Ralstonia solanacearum by directly regulating SlPR-STH2

Bacterial wilt is a devastating disease of tomato(Solanum lycopersicum)caused by Ralstonia solanacearum that severely threatens tomato production.Group III WRKY transcription factors(TFs)are implicated in the plant response to pathogen infection;however,their roles in the response of tomato to R.solanacearum infection(RSI)remain largely unexplored.Here,we report the crucial role of SlWRKY30,a group III SlWRKY TF,in the regulation of tomato response to RSI.SlWRKY30 was strongly induced by RSI.SlWRKY30 overexpression reduced tomato susceptibility to RSI,and also increased H2O2 accumulation and cell necrosis,suggesting that SlWRKY30 positively regulates tomato resistance to RSI.RNA sequencing and reverse transcription–quantitative PCR revealed that SlWRKY30 overexpression significantly upregulated pathogenesis-related protein(SlPR-STH2)genes SlPR-STH2a,SlPR-STH2b,SlPR-STH2c,and SlPR-STH2d(hereafter SlPR-STH2a/b/c/d)in tomato,and these SlPR-STH2 genes were directly targeted by SlWRKY30.Moreover,four group III WRKY proteins(SlWRKY52,SlWRKY59,SlWRKY80,and SlWRKY81)interacted with SlWRKY30,and SlWRKY81 silencing increased tomato susceptibility to RSI.Both SlWRKY30 and SlWRKY81 activated SlPR-STH2a/b/c/d expression by directly binding to their promoters.Taking these results together,SlWRKY30 and SlWRKY81 synergistically regulate resistance to RSI by activating SlPR-STH2a/b/c/d expression in tomato.Our results also highlight the potential of SlWRKY30 to improve tomato resistance to RSI via genetic manipulations.