双转子连续混炼挤出机转子结构对聚丙烯/多壁碳纳米管复合材料性能的影响

双转子连续混炼挤出机转子结构对制备的复合材料性能有较大影响。文中运用2种不同结构的转子,通过母粒熔融共混方法制备了聚丙烯/多壁碳纳米管导电复合材料,并对其微观结构、流变学、导电性、力学性能进行了测试,研究了转子结构对复合材料性能的影响。结果表明,低转速下混沌转子的分散和分布混合能力均高于经典转子;采用混沌转子制备的复合材料性能更优;其导电渗流阈值低至0. 4%,体积电阻率低至105Ω·cm量级,拉伸强度达到26. 52 MPa,弯曲模量达到1544. 85 MPa,冲击韧性达到23. 98 k J/m2,断裂伸长率在16. 14%以上。

Comparative transcriptome analysis on candidate genes involved in lipid biosynthesis of developing kernels for three walnut cultivars in Xinjiang

Walnut(Juglans regia L.)is a good source of lipids and polyunsaturated fatty acids(PUFAs).In order to explore the biosynthesis molecular mechanism of oil accumulation and fatty acid(FA)synthesis in walnut,the samples at different development periods of three walnut cultivars,’Zhipi’(ZP),’Xinwu 417’(W417)and’Xinwen 81’(W81)were collected for transcriptomic analysis.The analysis of oil accumulation and FA profiles showed that the oil content in mature walnut kernel was nearly 70%,and over 90%of FAs were PUFAs.We identified 126 candidate genes including 64 genes for FA de novo synthesis,45 genes for triacylglycerol assembly,and 17 genes for oil bodies involved in lipid biosynthesis by RNA-sequencing.Ten key enzymes including ACCase,LACS6,LACS8,SAD,FAD2,FAD3,LPAAT1,DGAT2,PDAT2,and PLC encoded by 19 genes were highly associated with lipid biosynthesis.Quantitative PCR analysis further validated 9 important genes,and the results were well consistent with our transcriptomic data.Finally,5 important transcription factors including WRI1,ABI3,FUS3,PKL and VAL1 were identified,and their main regulatory genes might contain ACCase,KASII,LACS,FAD3 and LPAAT which were determined through correlation analysis of expression levels for 27 walnut samples.These findings will provide a comprehensive understanding and valuable information on the genetic engineering and molecular breeding in walnut.

Integrated hydrologic modeling in the inland Heihe River Basin, Northwest China

As a typical inland river basin in arid Northwest China, having distinct hydrological characteristics and severe and repre- sentative water problems, the Heihe River Basin （HRB） has attracted considerable research interest worldwide and in 2007 became a pilot basin of the G-WADI network of UNESCO/1HR Many research programs have been conducted in the HRB since the 1980s, producing rich knowledge and data about the basin, which will be very helpful to further studies. This paper reviews research efforts related to hydrologic modeling and ongoing model integration studies performed in the HRB in re- cent years. Recently, an observation network covering the whole area and a Web-based data-sharing system have been estab- lished which can greatly improve data acquisition. This paper tabulates modeling activities in past years, including model ap- plications, model modifications and enhancements, and model coupling efforts. Also described is a preliminary modeling in- tegration tool designed to quickly build new models, which has been developed for hydrologic modeling purposes. Challeng- es and issues confronted in current studies are discussed, pointing toward key research directions in the future.

Characteristics of 240 randomized controlled trials for adjusting constitution in preventive treatment of disease:A bibliometric analysis

Background:A growing number of randomized controlled trials(RCTs)have explored the significance of adjusting constitution for preventive treatment of disease in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).In this study,we sought to comprehensively analyze the characteristics of these RCTs.Methods:All RCTs related to constitutional adjustment and preventive treatment of disease were included in the study.Literature was screened searching seven databases,including Pubmed,Web of Science,Embase,SinoMed,CNKI,Chongqing VIP,and Wangfang Database,from inception to December 2018.Data pertaining to bibliometrics,participants,and interventions were extracted and analyzed.Results:Two hundred and forty papers were published between 2007 and 2018,involving 240 RCTs with 55977 total participants.Sample size in these RCTs ranged from 30 to 7800.Among them,59 RCTs addressed disease prevention prior to onset involving 11 healthy states of participants,mainly for general health or sub-health population(40.68%)using health care and non-drug therapy.In control the development of existing disease(n Z 174),59 diseases were involved.Based on the number of RCTs and sample sizes,diseases including type 2 diabetes mellitus,primary hypertension,nonalcoholic fatty liver disease,and hyperlipoproteinemia accounted for 51.15%of the total patients studied.Drug therapy as an intervention was frequently used.In preventing recurrence after recovery(n Z 7),over 4 kinds of health status in participants were involved.Drug therapy combined with health care was mostly used.Most RCTs reported positive outcomes,with only one reporting negative findings(1/240).Conclusion:The number of RCTs of constitutional adjustment on preventive treatment of disease has gradually increased since 2012.Participants and intervention measures from the above-mentioned types of RCTs exhibit their own characteristics.Future systematic reviews or meta-analyses on constitutional adjustment for preventive treatment of disease are warranted.

Jacket Matrix Based on Modular (3, 5, 6) Lattice Triangular Expansion

A Lattice triangular expansion matrix is presented based on the classical Hadamard matrices, which is defined over the fields of finite characteristic. Also, the modular Lattice and Pentagon expansion matrices are structured from triangular 7x7 matrix, each of the expansion matrices are modular the sides of the shape p. The issue for the existence (necessary conditions) of odd and even order matrices of that kind is addressed. The modular Lattice code is highly efficient since it requires only additions, multiplications by constant modulo p. The modular 6 Lattice triangular expanded constellation is even possible efficiency to gain advantage from the channel selection and maximum likelihood (ML) decoding in the interference Lattice alignment (IA) system.

An effective strategy to inhibit grain coarsening:Construction of multi-element co-segregated grain boundary complexion

When exposed to moderate to high temperatures,nanomaterials typically suffer from severe grain coarsening,which has long been a major concern that prevents their wider applications.Here,we proposed an effective strategy to inhibit grain coarsening by constructing grain boundary(GB)complexions with multiple codoped dopants,which hindered coarsening from both energetic and kinetic perspectives.To demonstrate the feasibility of this strategy,multiple selected dopants were doped into a ZrO_(2)-SiO_(2)nanocrystalline glass ceramic(NCGC)to form GB complexions.The results showed that NCGC was predominantly composed of ZrO_(2)nanocrystallites(NCs)distributed in an amorphous SiO_(2)matrix.Ultrathin layers of GB complexions(~2.5 nm)were formed between adjacent ZrO_(2)NCs,and they were crystalline superstructures with co-segregated dopants.In addition,a small amount of quartz solid solution was formed,and it adhered to the periphery of ZrO_(2)NCs and bridged the adjacent NCs,acting as a“bridging phase”.The GB complexions and the“bridging phase”synergistically enhanced the coarsening resistance of ZrO_(2)NCs up to 1000°C.These findings are important for understanding GB complexions and are expected to provide new insights into the design of nanomaterials with excellent thermodynamic stability.

Microfluidic QCM enables ultrahigh Q-factor:a new paradigm for in-liquid gravimetric sensing

Acoustic gravimetric biosensors attract attention due to their simplicity,robustness,and low cost.However,a prevailing challenge in these sensors is dissipation which manifests in a low quality factor(Q-factor),which limits their sensitivity and accuracy.To mitigate dissipation of acoustic sensors in liquid environments we introduce an innovative approach in which we combine microfluidic channels with gravimetric sensors.To implement this novel paradigm we chose the quartz crystal microbalance(QCM)as our model system,owing to its wide applicability in biosensing and the relevance of its operating principles to other types of acoustic sensors.We postulate that the crucial determinant for enhancing performance lies in the ratio between the width of the microfluidic channels and the wavelength of the pressure wave generated by the oscillating channel side walls driven by the QCM.Our hypothesis is supported by finite element analysis(FEA)and dimensional studies,which revealed two key factors that affect device performance:(1)the ratio of the channel width to the pressure wavelength(W=λp)and(2)the ratio of the channel height to the shear evanescent wavelength(H=λs).To validate our hypothesis,we fabricated a microfluidic QCM(μ-QCM)and demonstrated a remarkable 10-fold improvement in its dissipation when compared to conventional QCM.The novel microfluidic approach offers several additional advantages,such as direct data interpretation,reduced volume requirement for sample liquids,and simplified temperature control,augmenting the sensor’s overall performance.By fostering increased sensitivity,accuracy,and ease of operation,our novel paradigm unlocks new possibilities for advancing gravimetric technologies,potentially for biosensing applications.

TAX1BP1 protects against myocardial infarction-associated cardiac anomalies through inhibition of inflammasomes in a RNF34/MAVS/NLRP3-dependent manner

Acute myocardial infarction(MI),one of the most common cardiovascular emergencies,is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality.Ample evidence has revealed an essential role for inflammasome activation and autophagy in the pathogenesis of acute MI.Tax1-binding protein 1(TAX1BP1),an adaptor molecule involved in termination of proinflammatory signaling,serves as an important selective autophagy adaptor,but its role in cardiac ischemia remains elusive.This study examined the role of TAX1BP1 in myocardial ischemic stress and the underlying mechanisms involved.Levels of TAX1BP1 were significantly downregulated in heart tissues of patients with ischemic heart disease and in a left anterior descending(LAD)ligation-induced model of acute MI.Adenovirus carrying TAX1BP1 was delivered into the myocardium.The acute MI induced procedure elicited an infarct and cardiac dysfunction,the effect of which was mitigated by TAX1BP1 overexpression with little effect from viral vector alone.TAX1BP1 nullified acute MI-induced activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and associated mitochondrial dysfunction.TAX1BP1 overexpression suppressed NLRP3 mitochondrial localization by inhibiting the interaction of NLRP3 with mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein(MAVS).Further investigation revealed that ring finger protein 34(RNF34)was recruited to interact with TAX1BP1 thereby facilitating autophagic degradation of MAVS through K27-linked polyubiquitination of MAVS.Knockdown of RNF34 using siRNA nullified TAX1BP1 yielded protection against hypoxia-induced MAVS mitochondrial accumulation,NLRP3 inflammasome activation and associated loss of mitochondrial membrane potential.Taken together,our results favor a cardioprotective role for TAX1BP1 in acute MI through repression of inflammasome activation in a RNF34/MAVS-dependent manner.

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic comparison between Glucophage~? and a generic metformin in a rat model

In the present study, we aimed to compare the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics between Glucophage~? and a generic metformin formulation in a diabetic rat model in order to assess the bioequivalence of the generic formulation. Adult male Zucker diabetes fatty rats received Glucophage~? or the generic metformin through gastric gavage at a dose of 180 mg/kg(n = 6 per condition). Both pharmacokinetic parameters(AUC0–t, AUC0–∞, Cmax) of metformin and plasma glucose levels were compared between the two groups. For pharmacodynamics, rats received Glucophage~? or the generic metformin at doses of 180 and 300 mg·kg–1·d–1 for 6 weeks. The measurements included body weight, fasting plasma glucose, glycosylated serum protein(GSP) and serum insulin. Data were analyzed with SPSS 22.0 and Prism 7. The level of statistical significance was set at P<0.05. In single dosing experiments, pharmacokinetic parameters(t1/2, AUC0–t and Cmax) did not differ between Glucophage~? and the generic metformin(P>0.05). However, plasma glucose was significantly higher in the generic metformin group at 2 h(P = 0.03) and 4 h(P = 0.04) after drug treatment. In repeated dosing experiments, fasting glucose, HOMA-IR and body weight in rats receiving high-dose Glucophage~? were significantly lower at the end of the 6-week treatment period than those in rats receiving high-dose generic metformin(P<0.05 for all). GSP and serum insulin did not differ significantly between the two groups. In rats receiving low-dose metformin, fasting glucose was lower in the Glucophage~? group. HOMA-IR and body weight did not differ between the two groups. Moreover, blood lipids did not differ significantly between the two groups. The generic metformin used in the current study did not differ significantly in pharmacokinetic characteristics with Glucophage~?. However, Glucophage~? was superior in terms of glucose control, body weight loss and insulin sensitivity in repeated administration.

TBC1D15 deficiency protects against doxorubicin cardiotoxicity via inhibiting DNAPKcs cytosolic retention and DNA damage

Clinical application of doxorubicin(DOX)is heavily hindered by DOX cardiotoxicity.Several theories were postulated for DOX cardiotoxicity including DNA damage and DNA damage response(DDR),although the mechanism(s)involved remains to be elucidated.This study evaluated the potential role of TBC domain family member 15(TBC1D15)in DOX cardiotoxicity.Tamoxifen-induced cardiac-specific Tbcldi5 knockout(Tbcldi5^(CKO))or Tbcldi5 knockin(Tbcldi5^(CKI))male mice were challenged with a single dose of DOx prior to cardiac assessment 1 week or 4 weeks following DOX challenge.Adenoviruses encoding TBC1D15 or containing shRNA targeting Tbcld15 were used for Tbcld15 overexpression or knockdown in isolated primary mouse cardiomyocytes.Our results re-vealed that DOX evoked upregulation of TBC1D15 with compromised myocardial function and overt mortality,the effects of which were ameliorated and accentuated by Tbcldi5 deletion and Tbcld15 overexpression,respectively.DOX overtly evoked apoptotic cell death,the effect of which was alleviated and exacerbated by Tbcld15 knockout and overexpression,respectively.Meanwhile,DOX provoked mitochondrial membrane potential collapse,oxidative stress and DNA damage,the effects of which were mitigated and exacerbated by Tbcld15 knockdown and overexpression,respectively.Further scrutiny revealed that TBC1D15 fostered cytosolic accumulation of the cardinal DDR element DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit(DNA-PKcs).Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and coimmunoprecipitation denoted an interaction between TBCID15 and DNA-PKcs at the segment 594-624 of TBC1D15.Moreover,overexpression of TBC1D15 mutant(A594-624,deletion of segment 594-624)failed to elicit accentuation of DOX-induced cytosolic retention of DNA-PKcs,DNA damage and cardiomyocyte apoptosis by TBC1D15 wild type.However,Tbcld15 deletion ameliorated DOXinduced cardiomyocyte contractile anomalies,apoptosis,mitochondrial anomalies,DNA damage and cytosolic DNA-PKcs accumulation,which were canceled off by DNA-PKcs inhibition or ATM activation.Taken together,our findings denoted a pivotal role for TBCID15 in DOX-induced DNA damage,mitochondrial injury,and apoptosis possibly through binding with DNA-PKcs and thus gate-keeping its cytosolic retention,a route to accentuation of cardiac contractile dysfunction in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.

Low-temperature and flexible strategy to in-situ fabricate ZrSiO_(4)-based ceramic composites via doping and tuning solid-state reaction

Synthetic zircon(ZrSiO_(4))ceramics are typically fabricated at elevated temperatures(over 1500℃),which would lead to high manufacturing cost.Meanwhile,reports about preparing ZrSiO_(4)-based ceramic composites via controlling the solid-state reaction between zirconia(ZrO_(2))and silica(SiO_(2))are limited.In this work,we proposed a low-temperature strategy to flexibly design and fabricate ZrSiO_(4)-based ceramic composites via doping and tuning the solid-state reaction.Two ceramic composites and ZrSiO_(4) ceramics were in-situ prepared by reactive fast hot pressing(FHP)at approximately 1250℃ based on the proposed strategy,i.e.,a ZrSiO_(4)-SiO_(2) dual-phase composite with bicontinuous interpenetrating and hierarchical microstructures,a ZrSiO_(4)-ZrO_(2) dual-phase composite with a microstructure of ZrO_(2) submicron-and nano-particles embedded in a micron ZrSiO_(4) matrix,and ZrSiO_(4) ceramics with a small amount of residual ZrO_(2) nanoparticles.The results showed that the phase compositions,microstructure configurations,mechanical properties,and wear resistance of the materials can be flexibly regulated by the proposed strategy.Hence,ZrSiO_(4)-based ceramic composites with different properties can be easily fabricated based on different application scenarios.These findings would offer useful guidance for researchers to flexibly fabricate ZrSiO_(4)-based ceramic composites at low temperatures and tailor their microstructures and properties through doping and tuning the solid-state reaction.

Erosion-deposition patterns and depo-center movements in branching channels at the near-estuary reach of the Yangtze River

Channel evolution and depo-center migrations in braided reaches are significantly influenced by variations in runoff.This study examines the effect of runoff variations on the erosion-deposition patterns and depocenter movements within branching channels of the near-estuary reach of the Yangtze River.We assume that variations in annual mean duration days of runoff discharges,ebb partition ratios in branching channels,and the erosional/depositional rates of entire channels and sub-reaches are representative of variations in runoff intensity,flow dynamics in branching channels,and morphological features in the channels.Our results show that the north region of Fujiangsha Waterway,the Liuhaisha branch of Rugaosha Waterway,the west branch of Tongzhousha Waterway,and the west branch of Langshansha Waterway experience deposition or reduced erosion under low runoff intensity,and erosion or reduced deposition under high runoff intensity,with the depocenters moving upstream and downstream,respectively.Other waterway branches undergo opposite trends in erosion-deposition patterns and depo-center movements as the runoff changes.These morphological changes may be associated with trends in ebb partition ratio as the runoff discharge rises and falls.By flattening the intra-annual distribution of runoff discharge,dam construction in the Yangtze Basin has altered the ebb partition ratios in waterway branches,affecting their erosion-deposition patterns and depo-center movements.Present trends are likely to continue into the future due to the succession of large cascade dams under construction along the upper Yangtze and ongoing climate change.

Scalable fast benchmarking for individual quantum gates with local twirling

With the development of controllable quantum systems,fast and practical characterization of multi-qubit gates has become essential for building high-fidelity quantum computing devices.The usual way to fulfill this requirement via randomized benchmarking demands complicated implementation of numerous multi-qubit twirling gates.How to efficiently and reliably estimate the fidelity of a quantum process remains an open problem.This work thus proposes a character-cycle benchmarking protocol and a character-average benchmarking protocol using only local twirling gates to estimate the process fidelity of an individual multi-qubit operation.Our protocols were able to characterize a large class of quantum gates including and beyond the Clifford group via the local gauge transformation,which forms a universal gate set for quantum computing.We demonstrated numerically our protocols for a non-Clifford gate—controlled-(T X)and a Clifford gate—five-qubit quantum errorcorrecting encoding circuit.The numerical results show that our protocols can efficiently and reliably characterize the gate process fidelities.Compared with the cross-entropy benchmarking,the simulation results show that the character-average benchmarking achieves three orders of magnitude improvements in terms of sampling complexity.