Construction of Phosphorus-Functionalized Multichannel Carbon Interlayers for Dendrite-Free Metallic Zn Anodes

Zn metal anodes are usually subject to grave dendrite growth during platting/stripping,which dramatically curtails the lifespan of aqueous Zn-ion batteries and capacitors.To address above problems,in our work,a novel phosphorus-functionalized multichannel carbon interlayer was designed and covered on Zn anodes.The results demonstrated that the multichannel structure combined with the three-dimensional meshy skeleton can provide more sufficient space for Zn deposition,thereby effectively inhibiting the growth of zinc dendrites.Meanwhile,theoretical calculations also confirmed that the P-C and P=O functional groups from phosphorus-functionalized multichannel carbon interlayer have the decisive influence in reducing the zinc nucleation potential and depositing uniformly zinc.Concretely,the symmetrical battery assembled with phosphorus-functionalized multichannel carbon interlayer-covered Zn anodes possessed a long lifetime of 3300 h at 2 mA cm^(-2)with 1 mAh cm^(-2).Furthermore,the full cell with activated carbon cathodes exhibited a high specific capacity of 80.5 mAh g^(-1)and outstanding cycling stability without capacity decay after 15000 cycles at a high current density of 5 A g^(-1).The superior electrochemical performance exceeded that of most reported papers.Consequently,our synthesized zincophilic interlayer with the unique structure has superior prospects for application in stabilizing zinc anodes and prolonging the lifespan of batteries.

Free vibration and buckling analysis of polymeric composite beams reinforced by functionally graded bamboo fbers

Natural fibers have been extensively researched as reinforcement materials in polymers on account of their environmental and economic advantages in comparison with synthetic fibers in the recent years.Bamboo fibers are renowned for their good mechanical properties,abundance,and short cycle growth.As beams are one of the fundamental structural components and are susceptible to mechanical loads in engineering applications,this paper performs a study on the free vibration and buckling responses of bamboo fiber reinforced composite(BFRC)beams on the elastic foundation.Three different functionally graded(FG)layouts and a uniform one are the considered distributions for unidirectional long bamboo fibers across the thickness.The elastic properties of the composite are determined with the law of mixture.Employing Hamilton’s principle,the governing equations of motion are obtained.The generalized differential quadrature method(GDQM)is then applied to the equations to obtain the results.The achieved outcomes exhibit that the natural frequency and buckling load values vary as the fiber volume fractions and distributions,elastic foundation stiffness values,and boundary conditions(BCs)and slenderness ratio of the beam change.Furthermore,a comparative study is conducted between the derived analysis outcomes for BFRC and homogenous polymer beams to examine the effectiveness of bamboo fibers as reinforcement materials,demonstrating the significant enhancements in both vibration and buckling responses,with the exception of natural frequencies for cantilever beams on the Pasternak foundation with the FG-◇fiber distribution.Eventually,the obtained analysis results of BFRC beams are also compared with those for carbon nanotube reinforced composite(CNTRC)beams found in the literature,indicating that the buckling loads and natural frequencies of BFRC beams are lower than those of CNTRC beams.

A hardening load transfer function for rock bolts and its calibration using distributed fiber optic sensing

Confinement of rock bolts by the surrounding rock formation has long been recognized as a positive contributor to the pull-out behavior,yet only a few experimental works and analytical models have been reported,most of which are based on the global rock bolt response evaluated in pull-out tests.This paper presents a laboratory experimental setup aiming to capture the rock formation effect,while using distributed fiber optic sensing to quantify the effect of the confinement and the reinforcement pull-out behavior on a more local level.It is shown that the behavior along the sample itself varies,with certain points exhibiting stress drops with crack formation.Some edge effects related to the kinematic freedom of the grout to dilate are also observed.Regardless,it was found that the mid-level response is quite similar to the average response along the sample.The ability to characterize the variation of the response along the sample is one of the many advantages high-resolution fiber optic sensing allows in such investigations.The paper also offers a plasticity-based hardening load transfer function,representing a"slice"of the anchor.The paper describes in detail the development of the model and the calibration/determination of its parameters.The suggested model captures well the coupled behavior in which the pull-out process leads to an increase in the confining stress due to dilative behavior.

Fabrication and study of supercapacitor electrodes based on oxygen plasma functionalized carbon nanotube fibers

Dry-spun Carbon Nanotube(CNT)fibers were surface-modified by atmospheric pressure oxygen plasma functionalization using a well controlled and continuous process.The fibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy(SEM),Raman spectroscopy,and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy(XPS).It was found from the conducted electrochemical measurements that the functionalized fibers showed a 132.8% increase in specific capacitance compared to non-functionalized fibers.Dye-adsorption test and the obtained Randles-Sevcik plot demonstrated that the oxygen plasma functionalized fibers exhibited increased surface area.It was further established by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller(BET)measurements that the surface area of the CNT fibers was increased from 168.22 m^2/g to 208.01 m^2/g after plasma functionalization.The pore size distribution of the fibers was also altered by this processing.The improved electrochemical data was attributed to enhanced wettability,increased surface area,and the presence of oxygen functional groups,which promoted the capacitance of the fibers.Fiber supercapacitors were fabricated from the oxygen plasma functionalized CNT fiber electrodes using different electrolyte systems.The devices with functionalized electrodes exhibited excellent cyclic stability(93.2% after 4000 cycles),flexibility,bendability,and good energy densities.At 0.5 m A/cm^2,the EMIMBF4 device revealed a specific capacitance,which is 27% and 65%greater than the specific capacitances of devices using EMIMTFSI and H2SO4 electrolytes,respectively.The practiced in this work plasma surface processing can be employed in other applications where fibers,yarns,ribbons,and sheets need to be chemically modified.

Mechanism of Functional Responses to Loading of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Cement-based Composites

Single fiber pull-out testing was conducted to study the origin of the functional responses to loading of carbon fiber reinforced cement-based composites. The variation of electrical resistance with the bonding force on the fiber-matrix interface was measured. Single fiber electromechanical testing was also conducted by measuring the electrical resistance under static tension. Comparison of the results shows that the resistance increasing during single fiber pull-out is mainly due to the changes at the interface. The conduction mechanism of the composite can be explained by the tunneling model. The interfacial stress causes the deformation of interfacial structure and the interfacial debonding, which have influences on the tunneling effect and result in the change of resistance.

Functionalized Fiber-Based Strain Sensors:Pathway to Next-Generation Wearable Electronics

Wearable strain sensors are arousing increasing research interests in recent years on account of their potentials in motion detection,personal and public healthcare,future entertainment,man-machine interaction,artificial intelligence,and so forth.Much research has focused on fiber-based sensors due to the appealing performance of fibers,including processing flexibility,wearing comfortability,outstanding lifetime and serviceability,low-cost and large-scale capacity.Herein,we review the latest advances in functionalization and device fabrication of fiber materials toward applications in fiber-based wearable strain sensors.We describe the approaches for preparing conductive fibers such as spinning,surface modification,and structural transformation.We also introduce the fabrication and sensing mechanisms of state-of-the-art sensors and analyze their merits and demerits.The applications toward motion detection,healthcare,man-machine interaction,future entertainment,and multifunctional sensing are summarized with typical examples.We finally critically analyze tough challenges and future remarks of fiber-based strain sensors,aiming to implement them in real applications.

Effects of Different Drying Methods on the Functional and Structural Properties of Dietary Fiber from Peanut Shell

[Objectives] This study was conducted to investigate the drying methods,functional and structure properties of dietary fiber( DF) from peanut shells.[Methods]Peanut shells were used as a raw material to prepare peanut shell dietary fiber( DF) by hot air drying( HA) and vacuum freeze drying( VF),respectively,and their functional and structural characteristics were compared in detail. [Results]The solubility,water holding capacity,oil holding capacity and swelling capacity of HA-DF and VF-DF were 2. 15 %,7. 63 g/g,7. 73 g/g,10. 35 ml/g and 3. 85 %,14. 98 g/g,15. 25 g/g,15. 85 ml/g,respectively. The total phenol contents were 2. 623 and 5. 173 mg GAE/g,respectively. The IC(50) values of ·OH,O2^-· and DPPH free radicals were 4. 16 and 4. 09 mg/ml,7. 90 and 3. 32 mg/ml,and 3. 19 and 3. 09 mg/ml,respectively. The molecular weight of VF-DF was smaller,and it had narrow molecular weight distribution and denser particles. Electron microscopy showed that VF-DF had a porous network like honeycomb and swelled structure. [Conclusions]This study can provide a theoretical basis for the functional modification and comprehensive utilization of peanut shell dietary fiber.

The NAC transcription factor LuNAC61 negatively regulates fiber development in flax (Linum usitatissimum L.)

Flax is a crucial fiber crop that exhibits excellent textile properties and serves as a model plant for investigating phloem fiber development. The regulation of multiple genes significantly influences fiber development, notably involving NAC(NAM, ATAF1/2, CUC2) transcription factors in forming the fiber secondary cell wall(SCW).Overexpression of LuNAC61 in flax resulted in sparse top meristematic zone leaves and significantly reduced stem cellulose content. Scanning electron microscopy and staining observations revealed a significant reduction in fiber bundles. β-Glucuronidase(GUS) staining analysis demonstrated high activity of the LuNAC61 promoter in the bast fibers of the flax stem. Additionally, several members of the LuPLATZ and LuCesA families exhibited significant coexpression with LuNAC61. Subcellular localization indicated the presence of LuPLATZ24 protein in the nucleus and cytoplasm, LuNAC61 protein exclusively in the nucleus, and LuCesA10 in the nucleus and endoplasmic reticulum. LuPLATZ24 positively regulates LuNAC61, whereas LuNAC61 negatively affects LuCesA10, suggesting the involvement of a metabolic network in regulating flax fiber development. In conclusion, this study provides a critical opportunity for a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the mechanisms governing flax fiber development and the potential use of biotechnology to enhance flax fiber yield.

Predominant Leptadenia pyrotechnica Alkali-Treated Fiber Composites: Characteristics Analysis

With growing environmental concerns and the depletion of oil reserves,the need to replace synthetic fibres with sustainable alternatives in composite materials has become increasingly urgent.This study investigates the potential of Leptadenia pyrotechnica fibre as a sustainable reinforcement material in hybrid composites alongside E-glass fibres.The primary objectives are to assess these hybrid composites’mechanical properties,structural integrity,and performance.To achieve this,Scanning Electron Microscopy(SEM)and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy(FTIR)were employed to analyze the microstructure and chemical composition of the composites.At the same time,mechanical testing focused on properties such as flexural strength and compression strength.Inter-laminar failure analysis evaluated how well the fibres bonded within the composite structure.The results demonstrate that Leptadenia pyrotechnica fibres significantly enhance flexural strength and offer mechanical properties suitable for diverse industrial applications.This indicates their potential as a sustainable alternative to traditional natural fibres.The findings suggest that incorporating Leptadenia pyrotechnica in hybrid composites could lead to the development of more environmentally friendly and durable materials.This work highlights the significance of using sustainable,naturally sourced fibres in composite materials,offering a promising path for further exploration in industrial applications.

STUDY ON FUNCTIONAL GROUPS OF CARBON FIBER SURFACE

Rayon-based carbon fibers were anodically oxidized in the presence of a variety of electrolytes. The functional groups produced on carbon fiber surface were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Both K Br pellet spectra and ATR difference spectra indicate that carboxyl and phenolic and carbonyl groups were produced. The acidic groups, carboxyl and phenol, were measured by potentiometrie titration with standard solutions of acid and alkali. The results show that the amount of acidic groups is related to the electrolyte used.

Optimization and Characterization of Combined Degumming Process of Typha angustata L. Stem Fibers

Plant derived natural fibers have been widely investigated as alternatives to synthetic fibers in reinforcing polymers.Researchers over the years have explored many plant fibers using different extraction processes to study their physical,chemical,and mechanical properties.In this context,the present study relates to the extraction,characterization,and optimization of Typha angustata L.stem fibers.For this purpose,desirability functions and response surface methodology were applied to simultaneously optimize the diameter(D),linear density(LD);yield(Y),lignin fraction(L),and tenacity(T)of Typha stem fibers.Typha stems have been subjected to both alkali(NaOH)and enzymatic(pectinex ultra-SPL)treatments.Three levels of process variables including enzyme concentration(10,15,and 20 ml/L)and treatment duration(10,15,and 20 days)were used to design the experiments according to the factorial design.Experimental results were examined by analysis of variance and fitted to second order polynomial model using multiple regression analysis.The Derringer’s desirability function released that the values of process variables generating optimized diameter,linear density,yield,lignin ratio and tenacity are 20 ml/L and 20 days for concentration of pectinex ultra-SPL enzyme and treatment duration,respectively.Confirmation was performed and high degree of correlation was found between the experimental and statistical values.Moreover,the morphological structure has been investigated by the scanning electron microscope,showing a crenelated structure of ultimate fiber bundles of cellulose composing the Typha fiber.Compared to Typha stem non-treated fibers(TSNTF),Typha stem combined treated fibers(TSCTF),brings to improve mechanical properties.This change in mechanical properties is affected by modifying the fiber structure showing alpha cellulose of(66.86%)and lignin ratio of(10.83%)with a crystallinity index of(58.47%).

Functional Investigation of a Cotton Fiber HOX Gene

Most of the plant homeodomain-containing proteins play important roles in regulating cell differentiation and organ development,and Arabidopsis GLABRA2(GL2),a member of the class IV homeodomain-Leucine zipper(HD-ZIP) proteins,is a trichome and non-root hair cell regulator.We

Enhanced gas separation performance of mixed matrix hollow fiber membranes containing post-functionalized S-MIL-53

Mixed matrix hollow fiber membranes（MMHFMs）filled with metal-organic frameworks（MOFs）have great potential for energy-efficient gas separation processes,but the major hurdle is polymer/MOFs interfacial defects and membrane plasticization.Herein,lab-synthesized MIL-53 was post-functionalized by aminosilane grafting and subsequently incorporated into Ultem-1000 polymer matrix to fabricate high performance MMHFMs.SEM,DLS,XRD and TGA were performed to characterize silane-modified MIL-53（S-MIL-53）and prepared MMHFMs.Moreover,the effect of MOFs loading was systematically investigated first;then gas separation performance of MMHFMs for pure and mixed gas was evaluated under different pressures.MMHFMs containing post-functionalized S-MIL-53 achieved remarkable gas permeation properties which was better than model predictions.Compared to pure HFMs,CO2permeance of MMHFM loaded with 15%S-MIL-53 increased by 157%accompanying with 40%increase for CO2/N2selectivity,which outperformed the MMHFM filled with naked MIL-53.The pure and mixed gas permeation measurements with elevated feed pressure indicated that incorporation of S-MIL-53 also increased the resistance against CO2plasticization.This work reveals that post-modified MOFs embedded in MMHFMs facilitate the improvement of gas separation performance and suppression of membrane plasticization.

Influence of Waveguide Properties on Wave Prototypes Likely to Accompany the Dynamics of Four-Wave Mixing in Optical Fibers

In this article, we study the impacts of nonlinearity and dispersion on signals likely to propagate in the context of the dynamics of four-wave mixing. Thus, we use an indirect resolution technique based on the use of the iB-function to first decouple the nonlinear partial differential equations that govern the propagation dynamics in this case, and subsequently solve them to propose some prototype solutions. These analytical solutions have been obtained;we check the impact of nonlinearity and dispersion. The interest of this work lies not only in the resolution of the partial differential equations that govern the dynamics of wave propagation in this case since these equations not at all easy to integrate analytically and their analytical solutions are very rare, in other words, we propose analytically the solutions of the nonlinear coupled partial differential equations which govern the dynamics of four-wave mixing in optical fibers. Beyond the physical interest of this work, there is also an appreciable mathematical interest.

Multi-functional optical fiber sensor system based on a dense wavelength division multiplexer

We propose a novel and efficient multi-functional optical fiber sensor system based on a dense wavelength division multiplexer(DWDM).This system consists of an optical fiber temperature sensor, an optical fiber strain sensor, and a 48-channel DWDM.This system can monitor temperature and strain changes at the same time.The ranges of these two sensors are from-20℃ to 100℃ and from-1000 με to 2000 με, respectively.The sensitivities of the temperature sensor and strain sensor are 0.03572 nm/℃ and 0.03808 nm/N, respectively.With the aid of a broadband source and spectrometer,different kinds and ranges of parameters in the environment can be monitored by using suitable sensors.

Effects of cereal fiber on bowel function: A systematic review of intervention trials

AIM: To comprehensively review and quantitatively summarize results from intervention studies that examined the effects of intact cereal dietary fiber on parameters of bowel function. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted using Pub Med and EMBASE. Supplementary literature searches included screening reference lists from relevant studies and reviews. Eligible outcomes were stool wet and dry weight, percentage water in stools, stool frequency and consistency, and total transit time. Weighted regression analyses generated mean change(± SD) in these measures per g/d of dietary fiber. RESULTS: Sixty-five intervention studies among generally healthy populations were identified. A quantitative examination of the effects of non-wheat sources of intact cereal dietary fibers was not possible due to an insufficient number of studies. Weighted regression analyses demonstrated that each extra g/d of wheat fiber increased total stool weight by 3.7 ± 0.09 g/d(P < 0.0001; 95%CI: 3.50-3.84), dry stool weight by 0.75 ± 0.03 g/d(P < 0.0001; 95%CI: 0.69-0.82), and stool frequency by 0.004 ± 0.002 times/d(P = 0.0346; 95%CI: 0.0003-0.0078). Transittime decreased by 0.78 ± 0.13 h per additional g/d(P < 0.0001; 95%CI: 0.53-1.04) of wheat fiber among those with an initial transit time greater than 48 h.CONCLUSION: Wheat dietary fiber, and predominately wheat bran dietary fiber, improves measures of bowel function.

Partially hydrolyzed guar gum in pediatric functional abdominal pain

AIM:To assess the effects of partially hydrolyzed guar gum(PHGG) diet supplement in pediatric chronic abdominal pain(CAP) and irritable bowel syndrome(IBS).METHODS:A randomized,double-blind pilot study was performed in sixty children(8-16 years) with functional bowel disorders,such as CAP or IBS,diagnosed according to Rome Ⅲ criteria.All patients underwent ultrasound,blood and stool examinations to rule out any organic disease.Patients were allocated to receive PHGG at dosage of 5 g/d(n = 30) or placebo(fruitjuice n = 30) for 4 wk.The evaluation of the efficacy of fiber supplement included IBS symptom severity score(Birmingham IBS Questionnaire),severity of abdominal pain(Wong-Baker Face Pain Rating Score) and bowel habit(Bristol Stool Scale).Symptom scores were completed at 2,4,and 8 wk.The change from baseline in the symptom severity scale at the end of treatment and at 4 wk follow-up after treatment was the primary endpoint.The secondary endpoint was to evaluate compliance to supplementation with the PHGG in the pediatric population.Differences within groups during the treatment period and follow-up were evaluated by the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.RESULTS:The results of the study were assessed considering some variables,such as frequency and intensity of symptoms with modifications of the bowel habit.Both groups were balanced for baseline characteristics and all patients completed the study.Group A(PHGG group) presented a higher level of efficacy compared to group B(control group),(43% vs 5%,P = 0.025) in reducing clinical symptoms with modification of Birmingham IBS score(median 0 ± 1 vs 4 ± 1,P = 0.025),in intensity of CAP assessed with the Wong-Baker Face Pain Rating Score and in normalization of bowel habit evaluated with the Bristol Stool Scale(40% vs 13.3%,P = 0.025).In IBS subgroups,statistical analysis shown a tendency toward normalization of bowel movements,but there was no difference in the prevalence of improvement in two bowel habit subsets.PHGG was therefore better tolerated without any adverse effects.CONCLUSION:Although the cause of pediatric functional gastrointestinal disorders is not known,the results show that complementary therapy with PHGG may have beneficial effects on symptom control.

Effect of dietary fiber and threonine content on intestinal barrier function in pigs challenged with either systemic E.coli lipopolysaccharide or enteric Salmonella Typhimurium

Background:The independent and interactive effects of dietary fiber(DF)and threonine(Thr)were investigated in growing pigs challenged with either systemic E.coli lipopolysaccharide(LPS)or enteric Salmonella Typhimurium(ST)to characterise their effect on intestinal barrier function.Results:In experiment 1,intestinal barrier function was assessed via oral lactulose and mannitol(L:M)gavage and fecal mucin analysis in pigs challenged with E.coli LPS and fed low fiber(LF)or high fiber(HF)diets with graded dietary Thr.Urinary lactulose recovery and L:M ratio increased(P<0.05)during the LPS inoculation period in LF fed pigs but not in HF fed pigs.Fecal mucin output was increased(P<0.05)in pigs fed HF compared to LF fed pigs.In experiment 2,RT-qPCR,ileal morphology,digesta volatile fatty acid(VFA)content,and fecal mucin output were measured in Salmonella Typhimurium challenged pigs,fed LF or HF diets with standard or supplemented dietary Thr.Salmonella inoculation increased(P<0.05)fecal mucin output compared to the unchallenged period.Supplemental Thr increased fecal mucin output in the HF-fed pigs(Fib×Thr;P<0.05).Feeding HF increased(P<0.05)VFA concentration in cecum and colon.No effect of either Thr or fiber on expression of gene markers was observed except a tendency(P=0.06)for increased MUC2 expression with the HF diet.Feeding HF increased goblet cell numbers(P<0.05).Conclusion:Dietary fiber appears to improve barrier function through increased mucin production capacity(i.e.,goblet cell numbers,MUC2 gene expression)and secretion(i.e.,fecal mucin output).The lack of effect of dietary Thr in Salmonella-challenged pigs provides further evidence that mucin secretion in the gut is conserved and,therefore,Thr may be limiting for growth under conditions of increased mucin production.

Axonotmesis-evoked plantar vasodilatation as a novel assessment of C-fiber afferent function after sciatic nerve injury in rats

Quantitative assessment of the recovery of nerve function, especially sensory and autonomic nerve function, remains a challenge in the field of nerve regeneration research. We previously found that neural control of vasomotor activity could be potentially harnessed to evaluate nerve function. In the present study, five different models of left sciatic nerve injury in rats were established: nerve crush injury, nerve transection/ suturing, nerve defect/autografting, nerve defect/conduit repair, and nerve defect/non-regeneration. Laser Doppler perfusion imaging was used to analyze blood perfusion of the hind feet. The toe pinch test and walking track analysis were used to assess sensory and motor functions of the rat hind limb, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the density of unmyelinated axons in the injured sciatic nerve. Our results showed that axonotmesis-evoked vasodilatation in the foot 6 months after nerve injury/repair recovered to normal levels in the nerve crush injury group and partially in the other three repair groups;whereas the nerve defect/non-regeneration group exhibited no recovery in vasodilatation. Furthermore, the recovery index of axonotmesis-evoked vasodilatation was positively correlated with toe pinch reflex scores and the density of unmyelinated nerve fibers in the regenerated nerve. As C-fiber afferents are predominantly responsible for dilatation of the superficial vasculature in the glabrous skin in rats, the present findings indicate that axonotmesis-evoked vasodilatation can be used as a novel way to assess C-afferent function recovery after peripheral nerve injury. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee for Laboratory Animals of Nantong University of China (approval No. 20130410-006) on April 10, 2013.

Research on the behavior of fiber orientation probability distribution function in the planar flows

The equation of two-dimensional fiber direction vector was solved theoretically to give the fiber orientation distri- bution in simple shear flow, flow with two direction shears, extensional flow and arbitrary planar incompressible flow. The Fok- ker-Planck equation was solved numerically to validify the theoretical solutions. The stable orientation and orientation period of fiber were obtained. The results showed that the fiber orientation distribution is dependent on the relative not absolute magnitude of the matrix rate-of-strain of flow. The effect of fiber aspect ratio on the orientation distribution of fiber is insignificant in most conditions except the simple shear case. It was proved that the results for a planar flow could be generalized to the case of 3-D fiber direction vector.