Exponential Time Differencing Method for a Reaction-Diffusion System with Free Boundary

For reaction-diffusion equations in irregular domains with moving boundaries,the numerical stability constraints from the reaction and diffusion terms often require very restricted time step sizes,while complex geometries may lead to difficulties in the accuracy when discretizing the high-order derivatives on grid points near the boundary.It is very challenging to design numerical methods that can efficiently and accurately handle both difficulties.Applying an implicit scheme may be able to remove the stability constraints on the time step,however,it usually requires solving a large global system of nonlinear equations for each time step,and the computational cost could be significant.Integration factor(IF)or exponential time differencing(ETD)methods are one of the popular methods for temporal partial differential equations(PDEs)among many other methods.In our paper,we couple ETD methods with an embedded boundary method to solve a system of reaction-diffusion equations with complex geometries.In particular,we rewrite all ETD schemes into a linear combination of specificФ-functions and apply one state-of-the-art algorithm to compute the matrix-vector multiplications,which offers significant computational advantages with adaptive Krylov subspaces.In addition,we extend this method by incorporating the level set method to solve the free boundary problem.The accuracy,stability,and efficiency of the developed method are demonstrated by numerical examples.

Highly mass activity electrocatalysts with ultralow Pt loading on carbon black for hydrogen evolution reaction

Pt-based nanocatalysts offer excellent prospects for various industries.However,the low loading of Pt with excellent performance for efficient and stable nanocatalysts still presents a considerable challenge.In this study,nanocatalysts with ultralow Pt content,excellent performance,and carbon black as support were prepared through in-situ synthesis.These~2-nm particles uniformly and stably dispersed on carbon black because of the strong s-p-d orbital hybridizations between carbon black and Pt,which suppressed the agglomeration of Pt ions.This unique structure is beneficial for the hydrogen evolution reaction.The catalysts exhibited remarkable catalytic activity for hydrogen evolution reaction,exhibiting a potential of 100 mV at 100 mA·cm^(-2),which is comparable to those of commercial Pt/C catalysts.Mass activity(1.61 A/mg)was four times that of a commercial Pt/C catalyst(0.37 A/mg).The ultralow Pt loading(6.84wt%)paves the way for the development of next-generation electrocatalysts.

Boosting Oxygen Evolution Reaction Performance on NiFe‑Based Catalysts Through d‑Orbital Hybridization

Anion-exchange membrane water electrolyzers(AEMWEs)for green hydrogen production have received intensive attention due to their feasibility of using earth-abundant NiFe-based catalysts.By introducing a third metal into NiFe-based catalysts to construct asymmetrical M-NiFe units,the d-orbital and electronic structures can be adjusted,which is an important strategy to achieve sufficient oxygen evolution reaction(OER)performance in AEMWEs.Herein,the ternary NiFeM(M:La,Mo)catalysts featured with distinct M-NiFe units and varying d-orbitals are reported in this work.Experimental and theoretical calculation results reveal that the doping of La leads to optimized hybridization between d orbital in NiFeM and 2p in oxygen,resulting in enhanced adsorption strength of oxygen intermediates,and reduced rate-determining step energy barrier,which is responsible for the enhanced OER performance.More critically,the obtained NiFeLa catalyst only requires 1.58 V to reach 1 A cm^(−2) in an anion exchange membrane electrolyzer and demonstrates excellent long-term stability of up to 600 h.

The dopaminergic system and Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder in older adults.Despite its prevalence,its pathogenesis remains unclea r.In addition to the most widely accepted causes,which in clude excessive amyloid-beta aggregation,tau hyperphosphorylation,and deficiency of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine,numerous studies have shown that the dopaminergic system is also closely associated with the occurrence and development of this condition.Dopamine is a crucial catecholaminergic neurotransmitter in the human body.Dopamine-associated treatments,such as drugs that target dopamine receptor D and dopamine analogs,can improve cognitive function and alleviate psychiatric symptoms as well as ameliorate other clinical manifestations.Howeve r,therapeutics targeting the dopaminergic system are associated with various adverse reactions,such as addiction and exacerbation of cognitive impairment.This review summarizes the role of the dopaminergic system in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease,focusing on currently available dopamine-based therapies for this disorder and the common side effects associated with dopamine-related drugs.The aim of this review is to provide insights into the potential connections between the dopaminergic system and Alzheimer's disease,thus helping to clarify the mechanisms underlying the condition and exploring more effective therapeutic options.

Optimization of RAPD Reaction System of Taxus cuspidate Sieb. et Zucc

[Objective] The research aimed to study the optimization conditions of RAPD reaction system of Taxus cuspidata.[Method] Using the leaves of Taxus cuspidata as materials,DNA was extracted by using modified CTAB method.The influences of template DNA concentration,primer concentration,dNTP concentration,Taq DNA polymerase amount and magnesium ion concentration on the amplification effects of RAPD of Taxus cuspidate were analyzed.[Result] Through analysis and comparison of various factors,the optimized reaction system was established as follows：in a total volume of 20 μl,containing 10 ng DNA,2.0 mmol/L Mg2＋,0.2 mmol/L dNTPs,15 pmol/μl random primer,1.0 U Taq polymerase,2 μl 10×buffer,and the supplementary ddH2O.[Conclusion] The research provided technical support for further discussion on the related studies with the sexual identification of Taxus cuspidate.

Optimization of ISSR-PCR Reaction System and Preliminary Construction of ISSR Fingerprinting of Some Species in Bryaceae

[Objective] The aim was to provide molecular basis for the identification of species in the moss family Bryaceae by the construction of inter-simple sequence repeats （ISSR） fingerprinting. [Method] In order to seek standardizing PCR reaction set-up, an orthogonal design was used to optimize ISSR-PCR amplification system of Bryaceae in five factors （Mg2＋, dNTPs, primer, DNA template, Taq DNA polymerase） at four levels respectively. [Result] A suitable ISSR reaction system was obtained, namely： 20 μl reaction system containing 5 ng of DNA template, 0.2 μmol/L primer, 2.25 mmol/L MgCl2, 0.6 U of Taq DNA polymerase, 0.4 mmol/L dNTPs. Proper annealing temperature was found at 48-50 ℃.The above system and six ISSR-PCR primers were used for the PCR amplification of 14 samples from Bryaceae and the related species in Mniaceae. A total of 86 bands were amplified, all showed polymorphism. NJ cluster analysis showed a star-shaped cladogram. [Conclusion] The results manifested that ISSR fingerprinting could provide the appropriate degree of polymorphism at low taxonomic level, so it would be a useful tool to provide additional evidence for resolving taxonomic relationships at the species level of Bryaceae.

Study on Establishment of cpSSR Marker Technology and Optimization of Its Reaction System in Jatropha curcas Linn

[ Objective] The aim of this study was to establish the optimum cpSSR-PCR system for Jatropha curcas Linn. [ Method] cpSSR-PCR amplification system for Jatropha curcas Linn influenced by five factors including Taq DNA polymerase, Mg^2＋ , DNA template, dNTP and primer were optimized from several levels. [ Result] The optimum concentration of 20 μl reaction system was 10 × Buffer, 2.00 mmol/L Mg^2＋ , 2 U/μl Taq DNA polymerase, 0.2 mmol/L dNTP, 0.2 μmol/L primer and 35 ng/μl DNA template. [ Conclusion] The optimum annealing temperature for cpSSR-PCR reaction system is 52 ℃, and the cpSSR reaction system is steady and reproducible.

Establishment and Optimization of Rye-specific PCR Reaction System

[Objective] The aim was to establish the optimal rye-specific PCR reaction system for rye.[Method] The ordinary wheat ＂Chinese Spring＂,S165,rye,octoploid triticale and hexaploid triticale were used as materials to carry out study on the effect of the amount of template DNA,primers,dNTPs,Mg2＋ concentrations,Taq DNA polymerase and annealing temperature on the rye-specific PCR reaction system of rye.[Result] The genomic DNA extracted by modified CTAB DNA extraction method showed high quality,which was satisfied for the PCR reaction template.The rye-specific PCR reaction system was 25 μl,including 10 × buffer solution,1.5 mmol/L MgCl2,200 μmol/L dNTP,40 ng primers,40-60 ng DNA template and 1 U Taq DNA polymerase.[Conclusion] The optimal rye-specific PCR reaction system was established,which provided basis for the identification of exogenous germplasm of rye in wheat background.

Optimization of PCR Reaction System for Random Single-strand DNA Pool in SELEX Technology

[Objective] This study aimed to optimize the PCR amplification conditions for random ssDNA pool in SELEX technology. [Method] L16（45） orthogonal experimental design was adopted for optimization of five important factors affecting PCR reaction system for random single-stranded DNA pool including Mg2＋ concentration, dNTP concentration, amount of Taq DNA polymerase, primer concentration and amount of random single-stranded DNA pool at four levels. Meanwhile, the annealing temperature and number of PCR reaction cycles were optimized to establish the optimal reaction system and PCR procedure. [Result] The optimal combination of PCR reaction system for random ssDNA pool was obtained, with a total system volume of 20 μl containing 2.0 μl of 10 × Buffer, 0.5 ng of random ssDNA pool, 2.5 mmol/L Mg2＋, 0.25 mmol/L dNTP Mixture, 0.6 μmol/L upstream and downstream primers and 1.5 U of Taq DNA polymerase; the optimal annealing temperature was 68 ℃ and the optimal number of cycles was 12. Under the above conditions, clear and stable bands with high specificity for random ssDNA pool were amplified. [Conclusion] This study laid the foundation for selection of parameters with higher specificity in SELEX technology.

Optimization of RAPD-PCR Reaction System for Glycyrrhiza uralensis Based on Orthogonal Design

[Objective] The aim was to obtain the optimum RAPD-PCR reaction system for Glycyrrhiza uralensis.[Method] Orthogonal design was adopted to screen the suitable concentration of four major factors（dNTPs,primers,Taq polymerase and DNA template） in PCR reaction system.[Result] The optimal reaction system obtained by orthogonal design was 25 μl in total volume,containing 2.5 μl of 10×PCR buffer solution（include MgCl2）,2.5 μl of 10 mmol/L dNTPs,2 μl（100 ng） of DNA template,2 μl of 10 μmol/L primers,0.4 μl（5 U） of Taq polymerase;the optimum annealing temperature was 34 ℃.[Conclusion] Orthogonal design was an effective method for the optimization of RAPD-PCR reaction system for G.uralensis.

Establishment and Optimization of ISSR-PCR Reaction System for Cymbidium ensifolium (Linn.) Sw

[Objective] This research aimed to search a best method for extracting the genomic DNA of Cymbidium ensifolium and establish the optimized ISSR-PCR reaction system.[Method] Genomic DNA was extracted from C.ensifolium leaves by modified CTAB method.ISSR-PCR reaction system for C.ensifolium was optimized.[Result] High-quality genomic DNA was obtained from C.ensifolium.The 25 μl optimized ISSR-PCR reaction system for C.ensifolium contained 2.5 μl 10× PCR buffer,2.5 mmol/L MgCl2,240 ng template DNA,160 μmol/L dNTPs,1.25 U Taq DNA polymerase,0.4 μmol/L primer and 15.78 μl ddH2O.The optimal PCR procedures were：94 ℃ pre-denaturation for 5 min and then 40 cycles,94 ℃ denaturation for 30 s,50-60 ℃ annealing for 30 s （annealing temperature according to different primers）,72 ℃ extension for 50 s and a 72 ℃ extension for 7 min.[Conclusion] An optimized ISSR-PCR reaction system for C.ensifolium was established,which provides a basis for further study on genetic diversity of C.ensifolium by using ISSR molecular marker technique.

Establishment and Optimization of ISSR-PCR Reaction System for Cymbidium faberi Rolfe

[Objective] By using the genomic DNA of Cymbidium faberi Rolfe as template,the factors that affect the result of ISSR-PCR reaction system were researched and the optimal system was established.[Method] The genomic DNA was extracted from C.faberi Rolfe with method of modified CTAB.Different factors which affected ISSR amplification reaction were optimized.[Result] High-quality genomic DNA was obtained from C.faberi Rolfe.And the optimal reaction system was as follows：25 μl amplification reactions system contained 2.5 μl 10 × PCR buffer,2.0 mmol/L MgCl2,60 ng template DNA,160 μmol/L dNTPs,1.25 U Taq DNA polymerase,0.4 μmol/L ISSR primer and 15.85 μl ddH2O.The optimal amplification procedures were pre-denaturing for 5 min at 94 ℃,followed by 40 cycles of denaturing for 30 s at 94 ℃,annealing for 30 s at a temperature of 2-3 ℃ lower than melting temperature of each primer pair,extension for 50 s at 72 ℃.Then extension step of 7 min at 72 ℃ was performed.[Conclusion] The optimal system could provide a favorable basis for further study on genetic diversity of C.faberi Rolfe by using ISSR molecular marker technique.

A COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM ON KINETIC ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION OF GAS/SOLID REACTIONS

The present paper presents the structure, features and functions of a computerized system on kinetic analysis and evaluation of gas/solid reactions, KinPreGSR. Kin-PreGSR is a menu driven system, can be operated with MS Windows as workbench in a PC computer. It has been developed using visual C++ with FoxPro hybrid coding technique.KinPreGSR combines the characteristics of gas/solid reactions with the kinetic models as well as mass and heat transfer equations. The database files were established for the apparent activation energies of some reduction and decomposition reactions to allow the prediction of the reaction kinetics to some extents. Outputs can be displayed using graphical or numerical forms. Examples regarding the oxide reduction and carbonate decomposition under isothermal conditions are given to show those functions.

THE SINGULARLY PERTURBED NONLOCAL REACTION DIFFUSION SYSTEM

In this paper the singularly perturbed initial boundary value problems for the nonlocal reaction diffusion system are considered. Unsing the iteration method and the comparison theorem, the existence, uniqueness and its asymptotic behavior of solution for the problem are studied.

Recent Advances in Visible-Light-Driven Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting: Catalyst Nanostructures and Reaction Systems

Photoelectrochemical(PEC) water splitting using solar energy has attracted great attention for generation of renewable hydrogen with less carbon footprint, while there are enormous challenges that still remain for improving solar energy water splitting efficiency, due to limited light harvesting, energy loss associated to fast recombination of photogenerated charge carriers, as well as electrode degradation. This overview focuses on the recent development about catalyst nanomaterials and nanostructures in different PEC water splitting systems. As photoanode, Au nanoparticle-decorated TiO_2 nanowire electrodes exhibited enhanced photoactivity in both the UV and the visible regions due to surface plasmon resonance of Au and showed the largest photocurrent generation of up to 710 nm. Pt/Cd S/CGSe electrodes were developed as photocathode. With the role of p–n heterojunction, the photoelectrode showed high stability and evolved hydrogen continuously for more than 10 days. Further, in the Z-scheme system(Bi_2S_3/TNA as photoanode and Pt/Si PVC as photocathode at the same time), a self-bias(open-circuit voltage Voc= 0.766 V) was formed between two photoelectrodes, which could facilitate photogenerated charge transfers and enhance the photoelectrochemical performance, and which might provide new hints for PEC water splitting. Meanwhile, the existing problems and prospective solutions have also been reviewed.

Detection of PERV by polymerase chain reaction and its safety in bioartificial liver support system

AIM： To establish a method detecting porcine endogenous retrovirus （PERV） in China experimental minipigs and to evaluate the safety of PERV in three individuals treated with bioartificial liver support systems based on porcine hepatocytes. METHODS： Porcine hepatocytes were isolated with two-stage perfusion method, then cultured in the bioreactor, which is separated by a semipermeable membrane （0.2μm） from the lumen through which the patients＇ blood plasma was circulated. After posthemoperfusion, patients＇ blood was obtained for screening. Additionally, samples of medium collected from both intraluminal and extraluminal compartments of the laboratory bioreactor and culture supernate in vitro was analyzed. The presence of viral sequences was estimated by polymerase chain reaction （PCR） and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction （RTPCR）. Finally, the infection of virus in the supernate of common culture was ascertained by exposure to the fetal liver cells. RESULTS： PERV-specific gag sequences were found in the porcine hepatocytes using RT-PCR. and were detected in all samples from the intraluminal, extraluminal samples and culture supernate. However, culture supernatant from primary porcine hepatocytes （cleared of cellular debris） failed to infect human fetal liver cells. Finally, RT-PCR detected no PERV infection was found in the blood samples obtained from three patients at various times post-hemoperfusion. CONCLUSION： The assays used are specific and sensitive, identified by second PCR. PERVs could be released from hepatocytes cultured in bioreactor without the stimulation of mitogen and could not be prevented by the hollow fiber semipermeable membrane, indicating the existence of PERV safety in extracorporeal bioartificial liver support system （EBLSS）.

Using the polymerase chain reaction coupled with denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis to investigate the association between bacterial translocation and systemic inflammatory response syndrome in predicted acute severe pancreatitis

AIM: To investigate the use of PCR and DGGE to investigate the association between bacterial translocation and systemic inflammatory response syndrome in predicted severe AP.METHODS: Patients with biochemical and clinical evidence of acute pancreatitis and an APACHE Ⅱ score ≥8 were enrolled. PCR and DGGE were employed to detect bacterial translocation in blood samples collected on d1,3, and 8 after the admission. Standard microbial blood cultures were taken when there was clinical evidence of sepsis or when felt to be clinically indicated by the supervising team.RESULTS: Six patients were included. Of all the patients investigated, only one developed septic complications;the others had uneventful illness. Bacteria were detected using PCR in 4 of the 17 collected blood samples. The patient with sepsis was PCR-positive in two samples (taken on d 1 and 3), despite three negative blood cultures. Using DGGE and specific primers, the bacteria in all blood specimens which tested positive for the presence of bacterial DNA were identified as E coli.CONCLUSION: Our study confirmed thatunlike traditional microbiological techniques, PCR can detect the presence of bacteria in the blood of patients with severe AP. Therefore, this latter method in conjunction with DGGE is potentially an extremely useful tool in predicting septic morbidity and evaluating patients with the disease. Further research using increased numbers of patients, in particular those patients with necrosis and sepsis, is required to assess the reliability of PCR and DGGE in the rapid diagnosis of infection in AP.

A new reaction system to determine nonlinear chemical fingerprint and its use in Panax ginseng identification method based on double reaction system

A new reaction system to determine nonlinear chemical fingerprint(NCF)and its use in identification method based on double reaction system was researched.Panax ginsengs,such as ginseng,American ginseng and notoginseng were identified by the method.The NCFs of the three samples of Panax ginsengs were determined through two nonlinear chemical systems,namely system 1 consisting of sample components,H2SO4,MnSO4,NaBrO3,acetone and the new system,system 2 consisting of sample components,H2SO4,(NH4)4Ce(SO4)2,NaBrO3 and citric acid.The comparison between the results determined through systems 1 and 2 shows that the speed to determine NCF through system 2 is much faster than that through system 1;for systems 1 and 2,the system similarities of the same kind of samples are≥98.09%and 99.78%,respectively,while those of different kinds of samples are≤63.04%and 86.34%,respectively.The results to identify the kinds of some samples by system similarity pattern show that both the accuracies of identification methods based on single system 1 and 2 are≥95.6%,and the average values are 97.1%and 96.3%,respectively;the accuracy of the method based on double system is≥97.8%,and the average accuracy is 99.3%.The accuracy of the method based on double system is higher than that based on any single system.

Comparison of the interface reaction behaviors of CaO–V_(2)O_(5) and MnO_(2)–V_(2)O_(5) solid-state systems based on the diffusion couple method

The formation mechanism of calcium vanadate and manganese vanadate and the difference between calcium and manganese in the reaction with vanadium are basic issues in the calcification roasting and manganese roasting process with vanadium slag.In this work,CaO–V_(2)O_(5) and MnO_(2)–V_(2)O_(5) diffusion couples were prepared and roasted for different time periods to illustrate and compare the diffusion reaction mechanisms.Then,the changes in the diffusion product and diffusion coefficient were investigated and calculated based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis.Results show that with the extension of the roasting time,the diffusion reaction gradually proceeds among the CaO–V_(2)O_(5) and MnO_(2)–V_(2)O_(5) diffusion couples.The regional boundaries of calcium and vanadium are easily identifiable for the CaO–V_(2)O_(5) diffusion couple.Meanwhile,for the MnO_(2)–V_(2)O_(5) diffusion couple,MnO_(2) gradually decomposes to form Mn_(2)O_(3),and vanadium diffuses into the interior of Mn_(2)O_(3).Only a part of vanadium combines with manganese to form the diffusion production layer.CaV_(2)O_(6) and MnV_(2)O_(6) are the interfacial reaction products of the CaO–V_(2)O_(5) and MnO_(2)–V_(2)O_(5) diffusion couples,respectively,whose thicknesses are 39.85 and 32.13μm when roasted for 16 h.After 16 h,both diffusion couples reach the reaction equilibrium due to the limitation of diffusion.The diffusion coefficient of the CaO–V_(2)O_(5) diffusion couple is higher than that of the MnO_(2)–V_(2)O_(5) diffusion couple for the same roasting time,and the diffusion reaction between vanadium and calcium is easier than that between vanadium and manganese.

Research on development of in situ titanium matrix composites and in situ reaction thermodynamics of the reaction systems

The in situ synthesis method for titanium matrix composites （TMCs） has obvious technical and economical advantages over other traditional methods. Ultrafine reinforcement particles were formed in situ by chemical reaction between elements or between elements and compounds. Using the approach, contamination at the composite matrix/reinforcement particle interface did not occur, interface bonding was good, and the reinforcement particle was thermodynamically stable. The stage of development of the preparation process for in situ TMCs as well as the thermodynamic analysis of the possible in situ reaction systems was described.