Lithium–sulfur(Li–S)batteries are promisingcandidates for next-generation energy storagegiven their high energy density and potential low cost.Chemically activated carbon(CAC)is often used fortheir cathodes,because ...Lithium–sulfur(Li–S)batteries are promisingcandidates for next-generation energy storagegiven their high energy density and potential low cost.Chemically activated carbon(CAC)is often used fortheir cathodes,because it has a high specific surfacearea for sulfur loading.We have developed a pressurizedphysical activation(PPA)method that producedan activated carbon(PPAC)with a high specific surfacearea comparable to that of CAC.The pore structure of PPAC could be changed and its use as a cathode material for Li–Sbatteries was investigated.Battery tests at different capacity rates(C-rates)showed that it had a much improved high-rate performancewith a discharge capacity of 900 mAh/(g of sulfur)at 1 C,in contrast to only 600 mAh/(g of sulfur)for CAC.Porestructure analyses showed that PPAC prepared at a high activation temperature(1000℃)had unusual channel-like mesoporesbetween the microdomains that are the basic structural units of artificial carbon materials.These are connected to microporesdeveloped in each microdomain,and deliver ions from the surroundings to the internal pores and vice versa.The well-developedmicropores and mesopores of PPAC respectively ensured the high adsorption of lithium polysulfides and a high rate ofion diffusion.Compared to CAC,PPAC is a high-performance,low-cost cathode material that is promising for use in futureLi–S batteries.展开更多
Small modular reactors have received widespread attention owing to their inherent safety,low investment,and flexibility.Small pressurized water reactors(SPWRs)have become important candidates for SMRs owing to their h...Small modular reactors have received widespread attention owing to their inherent safety,low investment,and flexibility.Small pressurized water reactors(SPWRs)have become important candidates for SMRs owing to their high technological maturity.Since the Fukushima accident,research on accident-tolerant fuels(ATFs),which are more resistant to serious accidents than conventional fuels,has gradually increased.This study analyzes the neutronics and thermal hydraulics of an SPWR(ACPR50S)for different ATFs,BeO+UO_(2)−SiC,BeO+UO_(2)−FeCrAl,U_(3)Si_(2)−SiC,and U_(3)Si_(2)−FeCrAl,based on a PWR fuel management code,the Bamboo-C deterministic code.In the steady state,the burnup calculations,reactivity coefficients,power and temperature distributions,and control rod reactivity worth were studied.The transients of the control rod ejection accident for the two control rods with the maximum and minimum reactivity worth were analyzed.The results showed that 5%B-10 enrichment in the wet annular burnable absorbers assembly can effectively reduce the initial reactivity and end-of-life reactivity penalty.The BeO+UO2−SiC core exhibited superior neutronic characteristics in terms of burnup and negative temperature reactivity compared with the other three cases owing to the strong moderation ability of BeO+UO_(2)and low neutron absorption of SiC.However,the U_(3)Si_(2)core had a marginally better power-flattening effect than BeO+UO_(2),and the differential worth of each control rod group was similar between different ATFs.During the transient of a control rod ejection,the changes in the fuel temperature,coolant temperature,and coolant density were similar.The maximum difference was less than 10℃ for the fuel temperature and 2℃ for the coolant temperature.展开更多
The effect of polyacrylic acid(PAA)on the corrosion behavior of Alloy 690 in simulated pressurized water reactor secondary water was investigated.The duplex oxide film structure,consisting of a Ni-rich outer layer and...The effect of polyacrylic acid(PAA)on the corrosion behavior of Alloy 690 in simulated pressurized water reactor secondary water was investigated.The duplex oxide film structure,consisting of a Ni-rich outer layer and a Cr-rich inner layer,was maintained regardless of PAA presence.PAA inhibited the growth of outer Ni-rich particles while promoting Cr enrichment in the inner layer and inducing its amorphization,both enhancing oxidation resistance.However,excess PAA(≥500 ppb)suppressed protective oxide formation during initial oxidation,leading to oxygen penetration into the matrix.A PAA concentration of around 250 ppb is considered optimal for steam generators,as it provides the benefits of PAA without adverse effects on the alloy.展开更多
As a renewable energy source,the thermal conversion of poultry manure,is a promising waste treatment solution that can generate circular economic outputs such as energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.Currently,pr...As a renewable energy source,the thermal conversion of poultry manure,is a promising waste treatment solution that can generate circular economic outputs such as energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.Currently,pressurized gasification of poultry manure is still a novel research field,especially when combined with a novel technological route of oxy-fuel gasification.Oxy-fuel gasification is a newly proposed and promising gasification technology for power generation that facilitates future carbon capture and storage.In this work,based on a commercially operated industrial-scale chicken manure gasification power plant in Singapore,we presented an interesting first exploration of the coupled pressurization technology for oxy-fuel gasification of poultry manure using CFD numerical simulation,analyzed the effects of pressure and oxygen enrichment concentration as well as the coupling mechanism between them,and discussed the conversion and emission of nitrogen-and sulfur-containing pollutants.The results indicate that under oxy-fuel gasification condition(Oxy-30,i.e.,30%O_(2)/70%CO_(2)),as the pressure increases from 0.1 to 0.5 MPa,the CO concentration in the syngas increases slightly,the H_(2)concentration increases to approximately 25%,and the CH4 concentration(less than 1%)decreases,resulting in an increase in the calorific value of syngas from 5.2 to 5.6 MJ·m^(-3).Compared to atmospheric pressure conditions,a relatively higher oxygen-enriched concentration interval(Oxy-40 to Oxy-50)under pressurized conditions is advantageous for autothermal gasification.Pressurization increases NO precursors production and also promotes homogeneous and heterogeneous reduction of NO,and provides favorable conditions for self-desulfurization.This work offers reference for the realization of a highly efficient and low-energy-consumption thermochemical treatment of livestock manure coupled with negative carbon emission technology.展开更多
The seismic intensity is generally high in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau region of China.The seismic performance of the new prefabricated modular pressurized buildings used to solve the plateau response is insufficient.To...The seismic intensity is generally high in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau region of China.The seismic performance of the new prefabricated modular pressurized buildings used to solve the plateau response is insufficient.To solve this problem,the small friction pendulum bearing(FPB)isolation design is proposed for modular pressurized buildings.Firstly,a simplified model of cross-truss support for the pressurized module is proposed to simplify the modeling and calculation of the pressurized buildings.The reasonability of the simplified model is verified by comparing the refined finite element model.Subsequently,according to the FPB design process for modular pressurized buildings,a small FPB for isolation is provided for a two-story modular pressurized building under 8-degree fortification earthquakes.Lastly,the seismic effectiveness and constructional feasibility of the isolation structure are verified compared with the non-isolated structure using dynamic time-history analysis.The study results show that the size of FPBs for modular pressurized buildings should consider both displacement and dimension requirements to weigh seismic isolation performance and installation feasibility,respectively.When adopting FPBs,the response of the structure is significantly reduced,and the seismic isolation effect is obvious.The proposed construction process can improve the seismic resilience of the prefabricated modular pressurized buildings by replacing post-earthquake damaged components quickly.It provides ideas for the seismic isolation design of the prefabricated modular pressurized buildings in high seismic intensity areas.展开更多
Pressurized oxy-fuel combustion is a next-generation and low-cost carbon capture technology with industrial application potential.This work presents an innovative research exploration-coupling coal pressurized fluidiz...Pressurized oxy-fuel combustion is a next-generation and low-cost carbon capture technology with industrial application potential.This work presents an innovative research exploration-coupling coal pressurized fluidized bed oxy-fuel combustion technology with energy utilization of poultry manure as a renewable and carbon-neutral fuel,in order to capture CO_(2)and solve the problem of poultry manure treatment simultaneously.In this study,a stable co-combustion of coal and chicken manure in a laboratory-scale pressurized fluidized bed under typical oxy-fuel condition(30%O_(2)/70%CO_(2),i.e.,Oxy-30)is achieved.The key parameters including the combustion pressure(0.1-0.5 MPa)and chicken-manure proportion(0%to 100%)and their impacts on fundamental combustion efficiency,carbon conversion,nitrogen and sulfur pollutant emissions,and residue ash characteristics have been investigated.The result show that pressurization favors an increase in the CO_(2)enrichment concentration and fluidized bed combustion efficiency.During co-combustion under 0.1 and 0.3 MPa,the CO_(2)concentration in the flue gas is the highest when the chicken manure blending ratio(M_(pm))is 25%.Although the NO emissions fluctuate and even increase as Mpm increases,the co-combustion of coal and chicken manure exhibits a synergistic effect in reducing NO conversion rate(XNO).The effect of pressurization on reducing NO emission is significant,XNO at M_(pm)=25%decreasing from 15%to 5%as the pressure(P)increases from 0.1 to 0.5 MPa.As P increases from 0.1 to 0.5 MPa and Mpm increases from 0%to 50%,the SO_(2) emissions and conversion rates decrease.The self-desulfurization process plays an important role in the reduction of SO_(2) emissions during pressurized oxy-fuel co-combustion.The aim of this work is to advance the development and application of pressurized fluidized bed oxy-fuel co-combustion technology and promote a circular bioeconomy and carbon-free waste management for biomass derived from livestock manure.展开更多
Large-volume presses(LVPs)are widely utilized in diverse research fields—including high-pressure physics,chemistry,materials science,and Earth and planetary sciences—to investigate the physical and chemical properti...Large-volume presses(LVPs)are widely utilized in diverse research fields—including high-pressure physics,chemistry,materials science,and Earth and planetary sciences—to investigate the physical and chemical properties of materials under extreme high-pressure and hightemperature conditions.A prerequisite for achieving reproducible property measurements is the determination and control of pressure within experimental setups.However,the lack of precise pressure calibration in LVPs hinders the broader application of such devices in ultrahigh-pressure studies.This study employs a suite of standard phase transition-based pressure markers—comprising metallic conductors,semiconductors,and minerals—through both in situ and ex situ identification approaches,to establish pressure calibration curves ranging from 0.4 to>30 GPa for various types of LVP installed at the Center for High Pressure Science and Technology Advanced Research(HPSTAR),Beijing,including piston–cylinder,cubic,and multi-anvil presses.The results provide a unified and traceable pressure reference for highpressure experiments conducted at HPSTAR,while also offering technical guidance and calibration standards for other researchers utilizing similar LVP systems,thereby enabling more consistent comparison between different laboratories.This work facilitates the advancement of LVP research toward broader applications in higher-pressure regimes.展开更多
The capillary pressure curve provides fundamental insights into the dynamics of fluid-fluid displacement and phase distributions.Capillary scaling is crucial for extrapolating capillary pressure-saturation data from l...The capillary pressure curve provides fundamental insights into the dynamics of fluid-fluid displacement and phase distributions.Capillary scaling is crucial for extrapolating capillary pressure-saturation data from laboratory tests to field applications.However,the classic scaling method fails to capture the effect of wettability as the pore surface approaches neutral wetting.Here,inspired by the role of pore-filling events in controlling fluid-fluid displacement,we perform a theoretical analysis of the burst events occurring during drainage processes.We find that the median threshold capillary pressure,which corresponds to the occurrence of burst events for the median pore throat,is closely correlated with the capillary pressure curve across various contact angles.Using this concept,we propose a new scaling method for capillary pressure curves under various wetting conditions.We conduct microfluidic experiments and pore-network modeling across different contact angles,porosities,and disorders to evaluate the new scaling methods,indicating that the new scaling method performs better than the Leverett J-function as the contact angle approaches 90°.We further perform geometry analysis on the critical radius of curvature for burst events in an ideal tetrahedral arrangement and extend the new scaling method to 3D(three-dimensional)porous media.Model evaluation shows that the 3D version of the scaling method also performs well but requires fewer parameters compared to the Leverett J-function.Our work enhances the prediction and interpretation of experimental data for capillary pressure curves under various wet conditions,and more importantly,establishes a methodology that relates Darcy-scale flow behavior to pore-scale fluid displacements.展开更多
Objective:Hypertension is a serious public health concern that is influenced by a variety of body composition parameters.This study examines the associations between body composition metrics and blood pressure(BP)in a...Objective:Hypertension is a serious public health concern that is influenced by a variety of body composition parameters.This study examines the associations between body composition metrics and blood pressure(BP)in a rural population,specifically how variations in body fat distribution and other metrics affect systolic blood pressure(SBP)and diastolic blood pressure(DBP).Methods:A cross-sectional study of 226 participants examined the relationships between body composition metrics—such as total body fat,visceral fat,and body mass index(BMI)—and BP.Correlation and regression analyses were used to assess these relationships.Results:The study found substantial positive correlations between visceral fat and total body fat with both SBP and DBP.Visceral fat was strongly connected with both SBP(r=0.145,P=0.030)and DBP(r=0.331,P<0.01),while total body fat was significantly correlated with DBP(r=0.268,P<0.01)but not SBP.Body composition variables explained 12.8% of the variance in SBP(R^(2)=0.128,P=0.001)and 15.0% in DBP(R^(2)=0.150,P<0.001).Conclusions:The study found substantial connections between body composition,particularly visceral and subcutaneous fat and systolic and DBP.Higher levels of visceral fat were linked to elevate BP.Body composition accounted for a significant amount of BP fluctuation.展开更多
While a healthy lifestyle is known to reduce the risk of stroke,the extent to which blood pressure(BP)mediates this association remains unclear.The present study aimed to quantify the mediating role of BP in the assoc...While a healthy lifestyle is known to reduce the risk of stroke,the extent to which blood pressure(BP)mediates this association remains unclear.The present study aimed to quantify the mediating role of BP in the association between combined lifestyle factors and stroke incidence.Using data from 51929 participants free of major cardiovascular diseases or cancer at baseline,we employed structural equation modeling to assess the mediating effects of systolic(SBP)and diastolic(DBP)blood pressure.During the follow-up,2811 incident stroke cases were identified.A healthy lifestyle was significantly associated with a reduced risk of stroke,with SBP mediating 44.70%(β=-0.0014,95%confidence interval[CI]:-0.0016 to-0.0012)and DBP mediating 37.81%(β=-0.0012,95%CI:-0.0015 to-0.0009)of this association.The mediating effects were attenuated but remained significant for ischemic stroke(SBP:33.21%;DBP:27.24%).In conclusion,approximately two-fifths of the protective association between a healthy lifestyle and stroke may be mediated by BP.These findings suggest that BP control may serve as an important early indicator for evaluating the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions in reducing stroke risk.展开更多
The intrinsic pressure framework,which treats self-propelling force as an external force,provides a convenient and consistent description of mechanical equilibrium in active matter.However,direct experimental evidence...The intrinsic pressure framework,which treats self-propelling force as an external force,provides a convenient and consistent description of mechanical equilibrium in active matter.However,direct experimental evidence is still lacking.To validate this framework,here we employ a programmable robotic platform,where a single light-controlled wheeled robot travels in an activity landscape.Our experiments quantitatively demonstrate that the intrinsic pressure difference across the activity interface is balanced by the emerged polarization force.This result unambiguously confirms the theoretical predictions,thus validating the intrinsic pressure framework and laying the experimental foundation for the intrinsic pressure-based mechanical description of dry active matter.展开更多
Accurate blood pressure(BP)monitoring is essential for preventing and managing cardiovascular disease.Advancements in materials science,medicine,flexible electronic,and artificial intelligence(AI)have enabled cuffless...Accurate blood pressure(BP)monitoring is essential for preventing and managing cardiovascular disease.Advancements in materials science,medicine,flexible electronic,and artificial intelligence(AI)have enabled cuffless,unobtrusive BP monitoring systems,offering an alternative to traditional sphygmomanometers.However,extending these advances to real-world cardiovascular care particularly in resource-limited settings remains challenging due to constraints in computational resources,power efficiency,and deployment scalability.This review presents a comprehensive synthesis of AI-enhanced wearable BP monitoring,emphasizing its potential for personalized,scalable,and accessible healthcare.We systematically analyze the end-to-end system architecture,from mechano-electric sensing principles and AI-based estimation models to edge-aware deployment strategies tailored for low-resource environments.We further discuss clinical validation metrics and implementation barriers and prospective strategies.To bridge lab-to-field translation,we propose an innovative"sensor-model-deployment-assessment"co-design framework.This roadmap highlights how AI-enhanced BP technologies can support proactive hypertension control and promote cardiovascular health equity on a global scale.展开更多
Wearable sensors integrated with deep learning techniques have the potential to revolutionize seamless human-machine interfaces for real-time health monitoring,clinical diagnosis,and robotic applications.Nevertheless,...Wearable sensors integrated with deep learning techniques have the potential to revolutionize seamless human-machine interfaces for real-time health monitoring,clinical diagnosis,and robotic applications.Nevertheless,it remains a critical challenge to simultaneously achieve desirable mechanical and electrical performance along with biocompatibility,adhesion,self-healing,and environmental robustness with excellent sensing metrics.Herein,we report a multifunctional,anti-freezing,selfadhesive,and self-healable organogel pressure sensor composed of cobalt nanoparticle encapsulated nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes(CoN CNT)embedded in a polyvinyl alcohol-gelatin(PVA/GLE)matrix.Fabricated using a binary solvent system of water and ethylene glycol(EG),the CoN CNT/PVA/GLE organogel exhibits excellent flexibility,biocompatibility,and temperature tolerance with remarkable environmental stability.Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirms near-stable performance across a broad humidity range(40%-95%RH).Freeze-tolerant conductivity under sub-zero conditions(-20℃)is attributed to the synergistic role of CoN CNT and EG,preserving mobility and network integrity.The Co N CNT/PVA/GLE organogel sensor exhibits high sensitivity of 5.75 k Pa^(-1)in the detection range from 0 to 20 k Pa,ideal for subtle biomechanical motion detection.A smart human-machine interface for English letter recognition using deep learning achieved 98%accuracy.The organogel sensor utility was extended to detect human gestures like finger bending,wrist motion,and throat vibration during speech.展开更多
Methane is considered a potential biosignature gas.The Mars Science Laboratory(MSL)Curiosity rover has observed seasonal variations in atmospheric methane within Gale Crater,suggesting possible microbial activity.The ...Methane is considered a potential biosignature gas.The Mars Science Laboratory(MSL)Curiosity rover has observed seasonal variations in atmospheric methane within Gale Crater,suggesting possible microbial activity.The origin of this methane could be either biological or abiotic or a combination of the two.Different physical mechanisms,involving distinct environmental variables,produce varying concentrations of methane.By analyzing the influence of various environmental variables on methane partial pressures and comparing differences between physical models and empirical measurements,we can better discern methane production mechanisms.This study investigates factors affecting methane cycling.We find that temperature and pressure strongly correlate with Martian atmospheric methane,while Ultraviolet(UV)radiation at the atmospheric boundary and surface UV radiation exhibit weaker correlations.Using Fuller’s method,we successfully reproduce the seasonal methane cycle in Gale Crater.Several potential physical models suggest that gas diffusion driven by variations in pressure and temperature within the shallow subsurface regolith may represent a primary mechanism determining methane concentrations observed in Gale Crater.However,errors in the pressure-dominated model cannot be neglected.As Curiosity enters its uphill exploration phase,we suggest that atmospheric pressure will play a significant role in predicting the methane concentrations that it will detect.展开更多
Improving device efficiency is fundamental for advancing energy harvesting technology,particularly in systems designed to convert light energy into electrical output.In our previous studies,we developed a basic struct...Improving device efficiency is fundamental for advancing energy harvesting technology,particularly in systems designed to convert light energy into electrical output.In our previous studies,we developed a basic structure light pressure electric generator(Basic-LPEG),which utilized a layered configuration of Ag/Pb(Zr,Ti)O_(3)(PZT)/Pt/GaAs to generate electricity based on light-induced pressure on the PZT.In this study,we sought to enhance the performance of this Basic-LPEG by introducing Ag nanoparticles/graphene oxide(AgNPs/GO)composite units(NP-LPEG),creating upgraded harvesting device.Specifically,by depositing the AgNPs/GO units twice onto the Basic-LPEG,we observed an increase in output voltage and current from 241 mV and 3.1μA to 310 mV and 9.3μA,respectively,under a solar simulator.The increase in electrical output directly correlated with the intensity of the light pressure impacting the PZT,as well as matched the Raman measurements,finite-difference time-domain simulations,and COMSOL Multiphysics Simulation.Experimental data revealed that the enhancement in electrical output was proportional to the number of hot spots generated between Ag nanoparticles,where the electric field experienced substantial amplification.These results underline the effectiveness of AgNPs/GO units in boosting the light-induced electric generation capacity,thereby providing a promising pathway for high-efficiency energy harvesting devices.展开更多
In this study,the multi-scale(meso and macro)modelling was used to predict the electric response of the material.Porosity was introduced through a sugar-templating process to enhance compressibility and sensitivity.Me...In this study,the multi-scale(meso and macro)modelling was used to predict the electric response of the material.Porosity was introduced through a sugar-templating process to enhance compressibility and sensitivity.Mean-field homogenization was employed to predict the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites,which was validated experimentally through I–V characterisation,confirming stable Ohmic behavior.The homogenised material parameters were incorporated into COMSOLMultiphysics to simulate diaphragmdeflection and capacitance variation under applied pressure.Experimental results showed a linear and stable capacitance response at the force magnitude of 0–7 N.The Graphene nanoplatelets(GnP)–Polydimethylsiloxane(PDMS)sensor demonstrated superior sensitivity(0.0032 pF/N)compared to the CNT–PDMS sensor(0.0019 pF/N),attributed to improved filler dispersion and higher effective surface area of GnP.Finite element simulations were further conducted to evaluate stress distribution in a GnP–PDMS-based capacitive sensor integrated into a shoe insole for gait analysis.The results correlated well with experimental capacitance changes,validating the sensor’s mechanical reliability and pressure sensitivity.This comparative study establishes the GnP–PDMS composite as a more effective candidate for low-cost,biocompatible,and high-performance flexible pressure sensors in wearable biomedical and gait monitoring applications.展开更多
Background:Pressure injury(PI)is a prevalent complication in pediatric cardiac surgery,with higher incidence than in general pediatric populations due to children’s thin skin,underdeveloped subcutaneous tissue,and pr...Background:Pressure injury(PI)is a prevalent complication in pediatric cardiac surgery,with higher incidence than in general pediatric populations due to children’s thin skin,underdeveloped subcutaneous tissue,and prolonged intraoperative pressure.Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of the curvilinear supine position(CSP)in preventing PI among children undergoing congenital heart disease(CHD)surgery.Methods:Between October 2024 and February 2025,a single-center randomized controlled trial was conducted.Of the 80 children initially enrolled for congenital heart disease(CHD)surgery,77(aged 1 month to 14 years)completed the study and were included in the final analysis after 3 were excluded due to protocol violations.Participants were randomly assigned to the CSP group(n=38)or the conventional supine position group(n=39).Results:The incidence of PI was significantly lower in the CSP group(2.6%)compared to the control group(20.5%)(p=0.029).Postoperative LDH levels were also significantly reduced in the CSP group(422.67±86.52 U/L vs.592.92±215.71 U/L;p=0.031),while preoperative LDH and surgical variables(e.g.,cardiopulmonary bypass time)were comparable between groups.Although the CSP group had a shorter hospital stay(17.24 vs.22.51 days),the difference was not statistically significant(p=0.085).Caregiver satisfaction was significantly higher in the CSP group(100.0%vs.84.6%;p=0.025).Conclusion:CSP effectively reduces PI incidence,mitigates tissue injury,and enhances caregiver satisfaction in pediatric cardiac surgery,offering a safe and feasible strategy for perioperative PI prevention.展开更多
The rapid decay of the surface wettability of plasma-treated polymers remains a critical limitation for their practical application in advanced materials.This study introduces a continuous atmospheric pressure plasma(...The rapid decay of the surface wettability of plasma-treated polymers remains a critical limitation for their practical application in advanced materials.This study introduces a continuous atmospheric pressure plasma(APP)technique for fabricating polyethylene(PE)separators with durable wettability,and elucidates the underlying mechanism.A systematic comparison of APP treatments with non-deposition and deposition gases,including Ar,Ar/O_(2),Ar/tetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane(TMCTS),and Ar/O_(2)/TMCTS,revealed the key impact factors in achieving durable wettability.Owing to the synergistic interactions of SiO_(x)C_(y)H_(z)nanoparticulate deposition,physical etching,and oxidative functionalization,the PE separator treated by Ar/O_(2)/TMCTS exhibited a 17.5-fold electrolyte wetting area compared to the original one.The improved surface energy and roughness of the SiO_(x)C_(y)H_(z)nanoparticle coating enhanced its electrochemical performance.The ionic conductivity increased by 1.9 times,while the charge transfer resistance decreased by 73.7%.Remarkably,owing to further oxidation of the SiO_(x)C_(y)H_(z)nanoparticle coating and the increase in its silica-like structure,the wetting area of the Ar/O_(2)/TMCTS-treated separator was still over 14-fold larger than that of the original separator after aging for 90 days.This study demonstrates an eco-friendly and scalable approach for fabricating high-performance battery separators and provides mechanistic insights into durable wettability by APP.展开更多
Objective Evidence suggests that depleted gut microbialα-diversity is associated with hypertension;however,whether metabolic markers affect this relationship remains unknown.We aimed to determine the potential metabo...Objective Evidence suggests that depleted gut microbialα-diversity is associated with hypertension;however,whether metabolic markers affect this relationship remains unknown.We aimed to determine the potential metabolites mediating the associations ofα-diversity with blood pressure(BP)and BP variability(BPV).Methods Metagenomics and plasma targeted metabolomics were conducted on 523 Chinese participants from the MetaSalt study.The 24-hour,daytime,and nighttime BP and BPV were calculated based on ambulatory BP measurements.Linear mixed models were used to characterize the relationships betweenα-diversity(Shannon and Chao1 index)and BP indices.Mediation analyses were performed to assess the contribution of metabolites to the observed associations.The influence of key metabolites on hypertension was further evaluated in a prospective cohort of 2,169 participants.Results Gut microbial richness(Chao1)was negatively associated with 24-hour systolic BP,daytime systolic BP,daytime diastolic BP,24-hour systolic BPV,and nighttime systolic BPV(P<0.05).Moreover,26 metabolites were strongly associated with richness(Bonferroni P<0.05).Among them,four key metabolites(imidazole propionate,2-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid,homovanillic acid,and hydrocinnamic acid)mediated the associations between richness and BP indices(proportions of mediating effects:14.1%–67.4%).These key metabolites were also associated with hypertension in the prospective cohort.For example,each 1-standard deviation unit increase in hydrocinnamic acid significantly reduced the risk of prevalent(OR[95%CI]=0.90[0.82,0.99];P=0.03)and incident hypertension(HR[95%CI]=0.83[0.71,0.96];P=0.01).Conclusion Our results suggest that gut microbial richness correlates with lower BP and BPV,and that certain metabolites mediate these associations.These findings provide novel insights into the pathogenesis and prevention of hypertension.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the antifibrotic effects of curcumin in a transverse aortic constriction(TAC)mouse model and elucidate its molecular mechanisms.Methods:Male C57BL/6 mice underwent TAC and received vehicle,low...Objective:To investigate the antifibrotic effects of curcumin in a transverse aortic constriction(TAC)mouse model and elucidate its molecular mechanisms.Methods:Male C57BL/6 mice underwent TAC and received vehicle,low-dose curcumin(50 mg/kg),high-dose curcumin(200 mg/kg),high-dose curcumin plus a scrambled control antagomir,or high-dose curcumin plus anti-miR-29b treatments.Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography.Fibrosis was evaluated by histology,collagen volume fraction,and hydroxyproline content.Expression of miR-29b,HDAC4,and fibrosis-related markers(Col1a1,Col3a1,TGF-β1)was measured by quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting assays.Myocardial procollagen type I carboxy-terminal propeptide was determined by ELISA,and HDAC4-specific enzymatic activity was assayed using a fluorogenic kit.Results:Curcumin improved cardiac function,reduced fibrosis,restored miR-29b expression,and suppressed HDAC4 expression and activity in a dose-dependent manner.Furthermore,curcumin decreased myocardial procollagen type I carboxy-terminal propeptide levels,confirming reduced collagen synthesis.Anti-miR-29b administration partially abrogated the antifibrotic and cardioprotective effects of curcumin.Conclusions:Curcumin attenuates pressure overload-induced cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction in a TAC mouse model via modulation of the miR-29b/HDAC4 axis and suppression of collagen synthesis.展开更多
文摘Lithium–sulfur(Li–S)batteries are promisingcandidates for next-generation energy storagegiven their high energy density and potential low cost.Chemically activated carbon(CAC)is often used fortheir cathodes,because it has a high specific surfacearea for sulfur loading.We have developed a pressurizedphysical activation(PPA)method that producedan activated carbon(PPAC)with a high specific surfacearea comparable to that of CAC.The pore structure of PPAC could be changed and its use as a cathode material for Li–Sbatteries was investigated.Battery tests at different capacity rates(C-rates)showed that it had a much improved high-rate performancewith a discharge capacity of 900 mAh/(g of sulfur)at 1 C,in contrast to only 600 mAh/(g of sulfur)for CAC.Porestructure analyses showed that PPAC prepared at a high activation temperature(1000℃)had unusual channel-like mesoporesbetween the microdomains that are the basic structural units of artificial carbon materials.These are connected to microporesdeveloped in each microdomain,and deliver ions from the surroundings to the internal pores and vice versa.The well-developedmicropores and mesopores of PPAC respectively ensured the high adsorption of lithium polysulfides and a high rate ofion diffusion.Compared to CAC,PPAC is a high-performance,low-cost cathode material that is promising for use in futureLi–S batteries.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 12205150)Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (No. BK20210304)+1 种基金China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (Nos. 2020M681594 and 2019TQ0148)Jiangsu Province Postdoctoral Science Foundation (Nos. 2020Z231)
文摘Small modular reactors have received widespread attention owing to their inherent safety,low investment,and flexibility.Small pressurized water reactors(SPWRs)have become important candidates for SMRs owing to their high technological maturity.Since the Fukushima accident,research on accident-tolerant fuels(ATFs),which are more resistant to serious accidents than conventional fuels,has gradually increased.This study analyzes the neutronics and thermal hydraulics of an SPWR(ACPR50S)for different ATFs,BeO+UO_(2)−SiC,BeO+UO_(2)−FeCrAl,U_(3)Si_(2)−SiC,and U_(3)Si_(2)−FeCrAl,based on a PWR fuel management code,the Bamboo-C deterministic code.In the steady state,the burnup calculations,reactivity coefficients,power and temperature distributions,and control rod reactivity worth were studied.The transients of the control rod ejection accident for the two control rods with the maximum and minimum reactivity worth were analyzed.The results showed that 5%B-10 enrichment in the wet annular burnable absorbers assembly can effectively reduce the initial reactivity and end-of-life reactivity penalty.The BeO+UO2−SiC core exhibited superior neutronic characteristics in terms of burnup and negative temperature reactivity compared with the other three cases owing to the strong moderation ability of BeO+UO_(2)and low neutron absorption of SiC.However,the U_(3)Si_(2)core had a marginally better power-flattening effect than BeO+UO_(2),and the differential worth of each control rod group was similar between different ATFs.During the transient of a control rod ejection,the changes in the fuel temperature,coolant temperature,and coolant density were similar.The maximum difference was less than 10℃ for the fuel temperature and 2℃ for the coolant temperature.
基金supported by the LingChuang Re-search Project of China National Nuclear Corporation。
文摘The effect of polyacrylic acid(PAA)on the corrosion behavior of Alloy 690 in simulated pressurized water reactor secondary water was investigated.The duplex oxide film structure,consisting of a Ni-rich outer layer and a Cr-rich inner layer,was maintained regardless of PAA presence.PAA inhibited the growth of outer Ni-rich particles while promoting Cr enrichment in the inner layer and inducing its amorphization,both enhancing oxidation resistance.However,excess PAA(≥500 ppb)suppressed protective oxide formation during initial oxidation,leading to oxygen penetration into the matrix.A PAA concentration of around 250 ppb is considered optimal for steam generators,as it provides the benefits of PAA without adverse effects on the alloy.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(52306131)the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(BK20230847)+2 种基金the Key Project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(52336005)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(2242024RCB0036)the Open Project Program of State Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Smart Coal-fired Power Generation and Ultra-clean Emission(D2024FK156).
文摘As a renewable energy source,the thermal conversion of poultry manure,is a promising waste treatment solution that can generate circular economic outputs such as energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.Currently,pressurized gasification of poultry manure is still a novel research field,especially when combined with a novel technological route of oxy-fuel gasification.Oxy-fuel gasification is a newly proposed and promising gasification technology for power generation that facilitates future carbon capture and storage.In this work,based on a commercially operated industrial-scale chicken manure gasification power plant in Singapore,we presented an interesting first exploration of the coupled pressurization technology for oxy-fuel gasification of poultry manure using CFD numerical simulation,analyzed the effects of pressure and oxygen enrichment concentration as well as the coupling mechanism between them,and discussed the conversion and emission of nitrogen-and sulfur-containing pollutants.The results indicate that under oxy-fuel gasification condition(Oxy-30,i.e.,30%O_(2)/70%CO_(2)),as the pressure increases from 0.1 to 0.5 MPa,the CO concentration in the syngas increases slightly,the H_(2)concentration increases to approximately 25%,and the CH4 concentration(less than 1%)decreases,resulting in an increase in the calorific value of syngas from 5.2 to 5.6 MJ·m^(-3).Compared to atmospheric pressure conditions,a relatively higher oxygen-enriched concentration interval(Oxy-40 to Oxy-50)under pressurized conditions is advantageous for autothermal gasification.Pressurization increases NO precursors production and also promotes homogeneous and heterogeneous reduction of NO,and provides favorable conditions for self-desulfurization.This work offers reference for the realization of a highly efficient and low-energy-consumption thermochemical treatment of livestock manure coupled with negative carbon emission technology.
基金supported by Technology Research and Development Program of China Construction Advanced Technology Research Institute(Grant No.XJY-2024-16)。
文摘The seismic intensity is generally high in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau region of China.The seismic performance of the new prefabricated modular pressurized buildings used to solve the plateau response is insufficient.To solve this problem,the small friction pendulum bearing(FPB)isolation design is proposed for modular pressurized buildings.Firstly,a simplified model of cross-truss support for the pressurized module is proposed to simplify the modeling and calculation of the pressurized buildings.The reasonability of the simplified model is verified by comparing the refined finite element model.Subsequently,according to the FPB design process for modular pressurized buildings,a small FPB for isolation is provided for a two-story modular pressurized building under 8-degree fortification earthquakes.Lastly,the seismic effectiveness and constructional feasibility of the isolation structure are verified compared with the non-isolated structure using dynamic time-history analysis.The study results show that the size of FPBs for modular pressurized buildings should consider both displacement and dimension requirements to weigh seismic isolation performance and installation feasibility,respectively.When adopting FPBs,the response of the structure is significantly reduced,and the seismic isolation effect is obvious.The proposed construction process can improve the seismic resilience of the prefabricated modular pressurized buildings by replacing post-earthquake damaged components quickly.It provides ideas for the seismic isolation design of the prefabricated modular pressurized buildings in high seismic intensity areas.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(52306131)the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(BK20230847)+1 种基金the Key Project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(52336005)the Open Project Program of State Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Smart Coalfired Power Generation and Ultra-clean Emission(D2024FK156).
文摘Pressurized oxy-fuel combustion is a next-generation and low-cost carbon capture technology with industrial application potential.This work presents an innovative research exploration-coupling coal pressurized fluidized bed oxy-fuel combustion technology with energy utilization of poultry manure as a renewable and carbon-neutral fuel,in order to capture CO_(2)and solve the problem of poultry manure treatment simultaneously.In this study,a stable co-combustion of coal and chicken manure in a laboratory-scale pressurized fluidized bed under typical oxy-fuel condition(30%O_(2)/70%CO_(2),i.e.,Oxy-30)is achieved.The key parameters including the combustion pressure(0.1-0.5 MPa)and chicken-manure proportion(0%to 100%)and their impacts on fundamental combustion efficiency,carbon conversion,nitrogen and sulfur pollutant emissions,and residue ash characteristics have been investigated.The result show that pressurization favors an increase in the CO_(2)enrichment concentration and fluidized bed combustion efficiency.During co-combustion under 0.1 and 0.3 MPa,the CO_(2)concentration in the flue gas is the highest when the chicken manure blending ratio(M_(pm))is 25%.Although the NO emissions fluctuate and even increase as Mpm increases,the co-combustion of coal and chicken manure exhibits a synergistic effect in reducing NO conversion rate(XNO).The effect of pressurization on reducing NO emission is significant,XNO at M_(pm)=25%decreasing from 15%to 5%as the pressure(P)increases from 0.1 to 0.5 MPa.As P increases from 0.1 to 0.5 MPa and Mpm increases from 0%to 50%,the SO_(2) emissions and conversion rates decrease.The self-desulfurization process plays an important role in the reduction of SO_(2) emissions during pressurized oxy-fuel co-combustion.The aim of this work is to advance the development and application of pressurized fluidized bed oxy-fuel co-combustion technology and promote a circular bioeconomy and carbon-free waste management for biomass derived from livestock manure.
基金supported by the National Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.U1530402 and U1930401).
文摘Large-volume presses(LVPs)are widely utilized in diverse research fields—including high-pressure physics,chemistry,materials science,and Earth and planetary sciences—to investigate the physical and chemical properties of materials under extreme high-pressure and hightemperature conditions.A prerequisite for achieving reproducible property measurements is the determination and control of pressure within experimental setups.However,the lack of precise pressure calibration in LVPs hinders the broader application of such devices in ultrahigh-pressure studies.This study employs a suite of standard phase transition-based pressure markers—comprising metallic conductors,semiconductors,and minerals—through both in situ and ex situ identification approaches,to establish pressure calibration curves ranging from 0.4 to>30 GPa for various types of LVP installed at the Center for High Pressure Science and Technology Advanced Research(HPSTAR),Beijing,including piston–cylinder,cubic,and multi-anvil presses.The results provide a unified and traceable pressure reference for highpressure experiments conducted at HPSTAR,while also offering technical guidance and calibration standards for other researchers utilizing similar LVP systems,thereby enabling more consistent comparison between different laboratories.This work facilitates the advancement of LVP research toward broader applications in higher-pressure regimes.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.52379107 and 52309141).
文摘The capillary pressure curve provides fundamental insights into the dynamics of fluid-fluid displacement and phase distributions.Capillary scaling is crucial for extrapolating capillary pressure-saturation data from laboratory tests to field applications.However,the classic scaling method fails to capture the effect of wettability as the pore surface approaches neutral wetting.Here,inspired by the role of pore-filling events in controlling fluid-fluid displacement,we perform a theoretical analysis of the burst events occurring during drainage processes.We find that the median threshold capillary pressure,which corresponds to the occurrence of burst events for the median pore throat,is closely correlated with the capillary pressure curve across various contact angles.Using this concept,we propose a new scaling method for capillary pressure curves under various wetting conditions.We conduct microfluidic experiments and pore-network modeling across different contact angles,porosities,and disorders to evaluate the new scaling methods,indicating that the new scaling method performs better than the Leverett J-function as the contact angle approaches 90°.We further perform geometry analysis on the critical radius of curvature for burst events in an ideal tetrahedral arrangement and extend the new scaling method to 3D(three-dimensional)porous media.Model evaluation shows that the 3D version of the scaling method also performs well but requires fewer parameters compared to the Leverett J-function.Our work enhances the prediction and interpretation of experimental data for capillary pressure curves under various wet conditions,and more importantly,establishes a methodology that relates Darcy-scale flow behavior to pore-scale fluid displacements.
基金supported by Universitas Advent Indonesia(No.067/EKS-SU/V/24 and 389/KEPK-FIK.UNAI/EC/V/24)。
文摘Objective:Hypertension is a serious public health concern that is influenced by a variety of body composition parameters.This study examines the associations between body composition metrics and blood pressure(BP)in a rural population,specifically how variations in body fat distribution and other metrics affect systolic blood pressure(SBP)and diastolic blood pressure(DBP).Methods:A cross-sectional study of 226 participants examined the relationships between body composition metrics—such as total body fat,visceral fat,and body mass index(BMI)—and BP.Correlation and regression analyses were used to assess these relationships.Results:The study found substantial positive correlations between visceral fat and total body fat with both SBP and DBP.Visceral fat was strongly connected with both SBP(r=0.145,P=0.030)and DBP(r=0.331,P<0.01),while total body fat was significantly correlated with DBP(r=0.268,P<0.01)but not SBP.Body composition variables explained 12.8% of the variance in SBP(R^(2)=0.128,P=0.001)and 15.0% in DBP(R^(2)=0.150,P<0.001).Conclusions:The study found substantial connections between body composition,particularly visceral and subcutaneous fat and systolic and DBP.Higher levels of visceral fat were linked to elevate BP.Body composition accounted for a significant amount of BP fluctuation.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.82192900,82192901,82192904,81390540,and 91846303 to L.L.)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.2016YFC0900500 to Y.G.)the Kadoorie Charitable Foundation in Hong Kong,and the Wellcome Trust in the UK(Grant/Award Nos.088158/Z/09/Z,104085/Z/14/Z,and 202922/Z/16/Z to Z.C.).
文摘While a healthy lifestyle is known to reduce the risk of stroke,the extent to which blood pressure(BP)mediates this association remains unclear.The present study aimed to quantify the mediating role of BP in the association between combined lifestyle factors and stroke incidence.Using data from 51929 participants free of major cardiovascular diseases or cancer at baseline,we employed structural equation modeling to assess the mediating effects of systolic(SBP)and diastolic(DBP)blood pressure.During the follow-up,2811 incident stroke cases were identified.A healthy lifestyle was significantly associated with a reduced risk of stroke,with SBP mediating 44.70%(β=-0.0014,95%confidence interval[CI]:-0.0016 to-0.0012)and DBP mediating 37.81%(β=-0.0012,95%CI:-0.0015 to-0.0009)of this association.The mediating effects were attenuated but remained significant for ischemic stroke(SBP:33.21%;DBP:27.24%).In conclusion,approximately two-fifths of the protective association between a healthy lifestyle and stroke may be mediated by BP.These findings suggest that BP control may serve as an important early indicator for evaluating the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions in reducing stroke risk.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos.T2325027,12274448,T2350007,12404239,12174041,12325405,12090054,and T2221001)the National Key R&D Program of China (Grant No.2022YFF0503504)。
文摘The intrinsic pressure framework,which treats self-propelling force as an external force,provides a convenient and consistent description of mechanical equilibrium in active matter.However,direct experimental evidence is still lacking.To validate this framework,here we employ a programmable robotic platform,where a single light-controlled wheeled robot travels in an activity landscape.Our experiments quantitatively demonstrate that the intrinsic pressure difference across the activity interface is balanced by the emerged polarization force.This result unambiguously confirms the theoretical predictions,thus validating the intrinsic pressure framework and laying the experimental foundation for the intrinsic pressure-based mechanical description of dry active matter.
基金the Chinese University of Hong Kong for providing research resources and institutional support
文摘Accurate blood pressure(BP)monitoring is essential for preventing and managing cardiovascular disease.Advancements in materials science,medicine,flexible electronic,and artificial intelligence(AI)have enabled cuffless,unobtrusive BP monitoring systems,offering an alternative to traditional sphygmomanometers.However,extending these advances to real-world cardiovascular care particularly in resource-limited settings remains challenging due to constraints in computational resources,power efficiency,and deployment scalability.This review presents a comprehensive synthesis of AI-enhanced wearable BP monitoring,emphasizing its potential for personalized,scalable,and accessible healthcare.We systematically analyze the end-to-end system architecture,from mechano-electric sensing principles and AI-based estimation models to edge-aware deployment strategies tailored for low-resource environments.We further discuss clinical validation metrics and implementation barriers and prospective strategies.To bridge lab-to-field translation,we propose an innovative"sensor-model-deployment-assessment"co-design framework.This roadmap highlights how AI-enhanced BP technologies can support proactive hypertension control and promote cardiovascular health equity on a global scale.
基金supported by the Basic Science Research Program(2023R1A2C3004336,RS-202300243807)&Regional Leading Research Center(RS-202400405278)through the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)grant funded by the Korea Government(MSIT)。
文摘Wearable sensors integrated with deep learning techniques have the potential to revolutionize seamless human-machine interfaces for real-time health monitoring,clinical diagnosis,and robotic applications.Nevertheless,it remains a critical challenge to simultaneously achieve desirable mechanical and electrical performance along with biocompatibility,adhesion,self-healing,and environmental robustness with excellent sensing metrics.Herein,we report a multifunctional,anti-freezing,selfadhesive,and self-healable organogel pressure sensor composed of cobalt nanoparticle encapsulated nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes(CoN CNT)embedded in a polyvinyl alcohol-gelatin(PVA/GLE)matrix.Fabricated using a binary solvent system of water and ethylene glycol(EG),the CoN CNT/PVA/GLE organogel exhibits excellent flexibility,biocompatibility,and temperature tolerance with remarkable environmental stability.Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirms near-stable performance across a broad humidity range(40%-95%RH).Freeze-tolerant conductivity under sub-zero conditions(-20℃)is attributed to the synergistic role of CoN CNT and EG,preserving mobility and network integrity.The Co N CNT/PVA/GLE organogel sensor exhibits high sensitivity of 5.75 k Pa^(-1)in the detection range from 0 to 20 k Pa,ideal for subtle biomechanical motion detection.A smart human-machine interface for English letter recognition using deep learning achieved 98%accuracy.The organogel sensor utility was extended to detect human gestures like finger bending,wrist motion,and throat vibration during speech.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China NSFC(Grant No.42330602,42275139)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.2024YFF0809401)+2 种基金the Anhui Provincial Natural Science Foundation(Grant No.2208085UQ02)Innovation Center for Fengyun Meteorological Satellite Special Project(Grant No.FY-APP-ZX-2022.0211)the Joint Laboratory of Fengyun Remote Sensing.
文摘Methane is considered a potential biosignature gas.The Mars Science Laboratory(MSL)Curiosity rover has observed seasonal variations in atmospheric methane within Gale Crater,suggesting possible microbial activity.The origin of this methane could be either biological or abiotic or a combination of the two.Different physical mechanisms,involving distinct environmental variables,produce varying concentrations of methane.By analyzing the influence of various environmental variables on methane partial pressures and comparing differences between physical models and empirical measurements,we can better discern methane production mechanisms.This study investigates factors affecting methane cycling.We find that temperature and pressure strongly correlate with Martian atmospheric methane,while Ultraviolet(UV)radiation at the atmospheric boundary and surface UV radiation exhibit weaker correlations.Using Fuller’s method,we successfully reproduce the seasonal methane cycle in Gale Crater.Several potential physical models suggest that gas diffusion driven by variations in pressure and temperature within the shallow subsurface regolith may represent a primary mechanism determining methane concentrations observed in Gale Crater.However,errors in the pressure-dominated model cannot be neglected.As Curiosity enters its uphill exploration phase,we suggest that atmospheric pressure will play a significant role in predicting the methane concentrations that it will detect.
基金supported by Korea Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology(KEIT)grant funded by the Korea Government(MOTIE)(RS-2022-00154720,Technology Innovation Program Development of next-generation power semiconductor based on Si-on-SiC structure)the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)by the Korea government(RS-2023-NR076826)Global-Learning&Academic Research Institution for Master's·PhD students,and Postdocs(LAMP)Program of the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)by the Ministry of Education(No.RS-2024-00443714).
文摘Improving device efficiency is fundamental for advancing energy harvesting technology,particularly in systems designed to convert light energy into electrical output.In our previous studies,we developed a basic structure light pressure electric generator(Basic-LPEG),which utilized a layered configuration of Ag/Pb(Zr,Ti)O_(3)(PZT)/Pt/GaAs to generate electricity based on light-induced pressure on the PZT.In this study,we sought to enhance the performance of this Basic-LPEG by introducing Ag nanoparticles/graphene oxide(AgNPs/GO)composite units(NP-LPEG),creating upgraded harvesting device.Specifically,by depositing the AgNPs/GO units twice onto the Basic-LPEG,we observed an increase in output voltage and current from 241 mV and 3.1μA to 310 mV and 9.3μA,respectively,under a solar simulator.The increase in electrical output directly correlated with the intensity of the light pressure impacting the PZT,as well as matched the Raman measurements,finite-difference time-domain simulations,and COMSOL Multiphysics Simulation.Experimental data revealed that the enhancement in electrical output was proportional to the number of hot spots generated between Ag nanoparticles,where the electric field experienced substantial amplification.These results underline the effectiveness of AgNPs/GO units in boosting the light-induced electric generation capacity,thereby providing a promising pathway for high-efficiency energy harvesting devices.
文摘In this study,the multi-scale(meso and macro)modelling was used to predict the electric response of the material.Porosity was introduced through a sugar-templating process to enhance compressibility and sensitivity.Mean-field homogenization was employed to predict the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites,which was validated experimentally through I–V characterisation,confirming stable Ohmic behavior.The homogenised material parameters were incorporated into COMSOLMultiphysics to simulate diaphragmdeflection and capacitance variation under applied pressure.Experimental results showed a linear and stable capacitance response at the force magnitude of 0–7 N.The Graphene nanoplatelets(GnP)–Polydimethylsiloxane(PDMS)sensor demonstrated superior sensitivity(0.0032 pF/N)compared to the CNT–PDMS sensor(0.0019 pF/N),attributed to improved filler dispersion and higher effective surface area of GnP.Finite element simulations were further conducted to evaluate stress distribution in a GnP–PDMS-based capacitive sensor integrated into a shoe insole for gait analysis.The results correlated well with experimental capacitance changes,validating the sensor’s mechanical reliability and pressure sensitivity.This comparative study establishes the GnP–PDMS composite as a more effective candidate for low-cost,biocompatible,and high-performance flexible pressure sensors in wearable biomedical and gait monitoring applications.
文摘Background:Pressure injury(PI)is a prevalent complication in pediatric cardiac surgery,with higher incidence than in general pediatric populations due to children’s thin skin,underdeveloped subcutaneous tissue,and prolonged intraoperative pressure.Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of the curvilinear supine position(CSP)in preventing PI among children undergoing congenital heart disease(CHD)surgery.Methods:Between October 2024 and February 2025,a single-center randomized controlled trial was conducted.Of the 80 children initially enrolled for congenital heart disease(CHD)surgery,77(aged 1 month to 14 years)completed the study and were included in the final analysis after 3 were excluded due to protocol violations.Participants were randomly assigned to the CSP group(n=38)or the conventional supine position group(n=39).Results:The incidence of PI was significantly lower in the CSP group(2.6%)compared to the control group(20.5%)(p=0.029).Postoperative LDH levels were also significantly reduced in the CSP group(422.67±86.52 U/L vs.592.92±215.71 U/L;p=0.031),while preoperative LDH and surgical variables(e.g.,cardiopulmonary bypass time)were comparable between groups.Although the CSP group had a shorter hospital stay(17.24 vs.22.51 days),the difference was not statistically significant(p=0.085).Caregiver satisfaction was significantly higher in the CSP group(100.0%vs.84.6%;p=0.025).Conclusion:CSP effectively reduces PI incidence,mitigates tissue injury,and enhances caregiver satisfaction in pediatric cardiac surgery,offering a safe and feasible strategy for perioperative PI prevention.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.12075054)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.CUSF-DH-T-2024069)。
文摘The rapid decay of the surface wettability of plasma-treated polymers remains a critical limitation for their practical application in advanced materials.This study introduces a continuous atmospheric pressure plasma(APP)technique for fabricating polyethylene(PE)separators with durable wettability,and elucidates the underlying mechanism.A systematic comparison of APP treatments with non-deposition and deposition gases,including Ar,Ar/O_(2),Ar/tetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane(TMCTS),and Ar/O_(2)/TMCTS,revealed the key impact factors in achieving durable wettability.Owing to the synergistic interactions of SiO_(x)C_(y)H_(z)nanoparticulate deposition,physical etching,and oxidative functionalization,the PE separator treated by Ar/O_(2)/TMCTS exhibited a 17.5-fold electrolyte wetting area compared to the original one.The improved surface energy and roughness of the SiO_(x)C_(y)H_(z)nanoparticle coating enhanced its electrochemical performance.The ionic conductivity increased by 1.9 times,while the charge transfer resistance decreased by 73.7%.Remarkably,owing to further oxidation of the SiO_(x)C_(y)H_(z)nanoparticle coating and the increase in its silica-like structure,the wetting area of the Ar/O_(2)/TMCTS-treated separator was still over 14-fold larger than that of the original separator after aging for 90 days.This study demonstrates an eco-friendly and scalable approach for fabricating high-performance battery separators and provides mechanistic insights into durable wettability by APP.
基金supported by the National Science and Technology Major Program for Noncommunicable Chronic Diseases(2023ZD0503500)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82030102,12126602,91857118)+1 种基金the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences(2021-I2M-1-010,2019-I2M-2-003)the National High Level Hospital Clinical Research Funding(2022-GSP-GG-1,2022-GSP-GG-2)。
文摘Objective Evidence suggests that depleted gut microbialα-diversity is associated with hypertension;however,whether metabolic markers affect this relationship remains unknown.We aimed to determine the potential metabolites mediating the associations ofα-diversity with blood pressure(BP)and BP variability(BPV).Methods Metagenomics and plasma targeted metabolomics were conducted on 523 Chinese participants from the MetaSalt study.The 24-hour,daytime,and nighttime BP and BPV were calculated based on ambulatory BP measurements.Linear mixed models were used to characterize the relationships betweenα-diversity(Shannon and Chao1 index)and BP indices.Mediation analyses were performed to assess the contribution of metabolites to the observed associations.The influence of key metabolites on hypertension was further evaluated in a prospective cohort of 2,169 participants.Results Gut microbial richness(Chao1)was negatively associated with 24-hour systolic BP,daytime systolic BP,daytime diastolic BP,24-hour systolic BPV,and nighttime systolic BPV(P<0.05).Moreover,26 metabolites were strongly associated with richness(Bonferroni P<0.05).Among them,four key metabolites(imidazole propionate,2-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid,homovanillic acid,and hydrocinnamic acid)mediated the associations between richness and BP indices(proportions of mediating effects:14.1%–67.4%).These key metabolites were also associated with hypertension in the prospective cohort.For example,each 1-standard deviation unit increase in hydrocinnamic acid significantly reduced the risk of prevalent(OR[95%CI]=0.90[0.82,0.99];P=0.03)and incident hypertension(HR[95%CI]=0.83[0.71,0.96];P=0.01).Conclusion Our results suggest that gut microbial richness correlates with lower BP and BPV,and that certain metabolites mediate these associations.These findings provide novel insights into the pathogenesis and prevention of hypertension.
基金supported by China International Medical Foundation(Z-2019-42-1908-4)Natural Science Basic Research Program of Shaanxi Province(2019JM-440).
文摘Objective:To investigate the antifibrotic effects of curcumin in a transverse aortic constriction(TAC)mouse model and elucidate its molecular mechanisms.Methods:Male C57BL/6 mice underwent TAC and received vehicle,low-dose curcumin(50 mg/kg),high-dose curcumin(200 mg/kg),high-dose curcumin plus a scrambled control antagomir,or high-dose curcumin plus anti-miR-29b treatments.Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography.Fibrosis was evaluated by histology,collagen volume fraction,and hydroxyproline content.Expression of miR-29b,HDAC4,and fibrosis-related markers(Col1a1,Col3a1,TGF-β1)was measured by quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting assays.Myocardial procollagen type I carboxy-terminal propeptide was determined by ELISA,and HDAC4-specific enzymatic activity was assayed using a fluorogenic kit.Results:Curcumin improved cardiac function,reduced fibrosis,restored miR-29b expression,and suppressed HDAC4 expression and activity in a dose-dependent manner.Furthermore,curcumin decreased myocardial procollagen type I carboxy-terminal propeptide levels,confirming reduced collagen synthesis.Anti-miR-29b administration partially abrogated the antifibrotic and cardioprotective effects of curcumin.Conclusions:Curcumin attenuates pressure overload-induced cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction in a TAC mouse model via modulation of the miR-29b/HDAC4 axis and suppression of collagen synthesis.