First-principles calculations of the effect of Ge content on the electronic, mechanical and acoustic properties of Li17Si4-xGex

Xiaohong Li,Hong-Ling Cui,Rui-Zhou Zhang 한국물리학회 2019 Current Applied Physics Vol.19 No.6

The electronic, mechanical and acoustic properties of Li17Si4-xGex (x=0, 2.3, 3.08, 3.53, and 4) have been investigated by using first-principles calculations based on the density functional theory (DFT). The research shows that the bulk modulus B, Young's modulus E, shear modulus G, and hardness Hv gradually decrease with the increasing Ge content. Li17Si4-xGex have the brittle nature from the analysis of B/G ratio and Cauchy pressure. The maximum Young's moduli are all along [1 1 0] plane, and the sequence of degree of anisotropic property is Li17Ge4 > Li17Si0.48Ge3.52 > Li17Si0.92Ge3.08 > Li17Si1.7Ge2.3 > Li17Si4. The analysis of acoustic velocity shows that all the sound velocities decrease with the increasing Ge content for Li17Si4-xGex (x=0, 2.3, 3.08, 3.53, and 4), and the longitudinal wave along [111] direction is fastest for the studied compounds. Debye temperature ΘD, vt and vl decrease with the increasing Ge content. The minimum thermal conductivity decreases with the increasing Ge content, and Li17Si4-xGex have low thermal conductivities and are not potential thermal conductors. The analysis of electronic properties indicates that Li17Si4-xGex have the metal nature and anisotropic electrical conductivity. The electric conduction is improved with the increasing Ge content.

Controllable Synthesis of Co-Doped Spinel LiMn2O4 Nanotubes as Cathodes for Li-Ion Batteries

Li-Xin Zhang,Yuan-Zhong Wang,Hong-Fang Jiu,Ya-Lei Wang,Yi-Xin Sun,Zhenzhong Li 대한금속·재료학회 2014 ELECTRONIC MATERIALS LETTERS Vol.10 No.2

Spinel Co-LiMn2O4 nanotubes have been synthesized via solid state reaction using α-MnO2 nanotubes as selftemplates. The as-prepared powders were investigated by XRD, TEM, and galvanostatic discharge/charge analysis. The optimal doping amount was confirmed by galvanostatic charge/discharge measurements. The results indicate that about 67% of initial capacity (115 mAh/g) of LiMn2O4 nanotubes can be retained after 50 cycles. For Co-LiMn2O4 nanotubes, the initial reversible capacity is 126.6 mAh/g and 100 mAh/g can be maintained after 50 cycles. The capacitance retention rate of Co-LiMn2O4 nanotubes is as high as 79%. These results indicate that the doping Co can effectively improve circle stability and electrochemical performance of LiMn2O4 nanotubes.

Investigation of the Phenomenon of Propagated Sensation along the Channels in the Upper Limb Following Administration of Acupuncture and Mock Laser

Shohreh Razavy,Marcus Gadau,Shi Ping Zhang,Fu Chun Wang,Sergio Bangrazi,Christine Berle,Mahrita Harahap,Tie Li,Wei Hong Li,Christopher Zaslawski 사단법인약침학회 2017 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.10 No.5

Background: Similar to De Qi psychophysical responses, propagated sensation along the channels (PSC) is considered an important phenomenon in traditional Chinese acupuncture. In acupuncture clinical trials, different acupuncture manipulation techniques are used to enhance the propagation of sensation along the channels to facilitate an optimum therapeutic result. Aim: To examine and compare the PSC reported by participants in a clinical trial following the administration of acupuncture and inactive mock laser. Methods: The study was embedded in a two-arm parallel design multicenter, randomized clinical trial, the Tennis Elbow AcupuncturedInternational StudydChina, Hong Kong, Australia, Italy (TEA IS CHAI). Needle sensations were measured using a validated instrument, the Massachusetts General Hospital Acupuncture Sensation Spreading Scale. Ninety-six participants with lateral elbow pain were randomly allocated into two groups in a 1:1 ratio; the acupuncture treatment group (n Z 47) and the mock laser control group (n Z 49). Participants in both groups received the intervention at two acupoints, LI10 and LI11, consisting of 2 minutes of either standardized needle manipulation or mock laser at each acupoint with a rest period between each intervention period. Data were collected immediately following the interventions at the first and the ninth session within the clinical trial. Results: Although participants in both groups perceived PSC radiating to similar sites along the upper limb, the frequency of the reported radiation sites among the two intervention groups for both radiation up the limb (p < 0.05) and radiation down the limb (p < 0.001) were statistically significantly different. Among the radiating sensation sites recorded within the two study groups, the sensations were reported as radiating a greater distance down the forearm to the wrist compared to up the arm. Evaluation of PSC across the four study sites revealed a statistically significant difference in frequency of the reported radiation down the limb sites in each study group and radiation up the limb sites only in control group only (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The findings of the study demonstrated that the PSC phenomenon is not just associated with needling but can be perceived when using a mock laser. Trial registration: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry reference: ACTRN12613001138774 on 11th of October 2013.

Evolution of the effect of sulfur confinement in graphene-based porous carbons for use in Li-S batteries

Jia, Xiangling,Zhang, Chen,Liu, Juanjuan,Lv, Wei,Wang, Da-Wei,Tao, Ying,Li, Zhengjie,Zheng, Xiaoyu,Yu, Jong-Sung,Yang, Quan-Hong The Royal Society of Chemistry 2016 Nanoscale Vol.8 No.8

<P>A controllable drying strategy is proposed for the precise and non-destructive control over the structure of a 3D graphene assembly. Such an assembly is used as a model carbon material to investigate the pore structure-dependent shuttle effect and cycling performance of the cathode of a Li-S battery.</P>

Disruption of endothelial barrier function is linked with hyposecretion and lymphocytic infiltration in salivary glands of Sjögren's syndrome

Cong, Xin,Zhang, Xue-Ming,Zhang, Yan,Wei, Tai,He, Qi-Hua,Zhang, Li-Wei,Hua, Hong,Lee, Sang-Woo,Park, Kyungpyo,Yu, Guang-Yan,Wu, Li-Ling Elsevier 2018 Biochimica et biophysica acta. Molecular basis of Vol.1864 No.10

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes hyposecretion in salivary glands. Endothelial tight junctions (TJs) play crucial roles in salivation and barrier function of blood vessels. However, whether the alteration of endothelial TJs were involved in pathogenesis of SS was still unknown. Here, the ultrastructure and function of endothelial TJs in submandibular glands (SMGs) were detected by transmission electron microscopy and in vivo paracellular permeability assay in different aged NOD mouse model for SS. CFSE-labeled lymphocytes were injected into tail vein to trace the infiltration, while claudin-5 expression and distribution were detected by immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and western blot. Results showed that the stimulated salivary flow rate was gradually decreased and lymphocytic infiltration was found as age increased in 12- and 21-week-old NOD mice, but not 7-week-old NOD mice. Blood vessels were dilated, while endothelial TJ width and paracellular tracer transport were increased in 12-week-old NOD mice. Moreover, the injected CFSE-labeled lymphocytes were observed in SMGs of 12-week-old NOD mice. Claudin-5 level was increased and relocalized from the apical portion of neighboring endothelial cells to lateral membranes and cytoplasm in 12-week-old NOD mice. Additionally, the alteration of claudin-5 expression and distribution was further confirmed in labial salivary glands and bilateral parotid glands from SS patients. In cultured human microvessel endothelial cell line (HMEC-1), IFN-γ stimulation significantly increased claudin-5 expression. Taken together, we identified that the endothelial TJ barrier was disrupted and contributed to the development of salivary hyposecretion and lymphocytic infiltration in SS.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Endothelial tight junction barrier is disrupted in hyposecretory submandibular glands from Sjögren's syndrome mouse model </LI> <LI> The disrupted salivary endothelial barrier is linked with lymphocytic infiltration in Sjögren's syndrome mouse model </LI> <LI> The redistribution of claudin-5 is responsible for disrupted endothelial barrier in salivary glands from Sjögren's syndrome </LI> </UL> </P>

Investigation on microstructure, surface properties and anti-wear performance of HVOF sprayed WC–CrC–Ni coatings modified by laser heat treatment

Zhang, Shi-Hong,Cho, Tong-Yul,Yoon, Jae-Hong,Li, Ming-Xi,Shum, P.W.,Kwon, Sik-Chol Elsevier 2009 Materials science and engineering B. Advanced Func Vol.162 No.2

<P><B>Abstract</B></P><P>Laser heat (LH) treatment was found to be an effective method to alter the microstructure and mechanical properties of conventional coatings. In this investigation, the effects of laser scanning velocity on microstructure, microhardness and wear performance of high velocity oxygen fuel sprayed (HVOF) WC–CrC–Ni coatings during laser heating treatment were investigated. The results showed that the microstructure of the HVOF coatings changed greatly after the LH treatment. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns indicated that WC and Cr<SUB>3</SUB>C<SUB>2</SUB>, as primary phases, were present in both the HVOF- and LH-treated coatings, while only a small amount of Ni phase existed in the LH-treated coatings. With the post-treatment process of laser heating, a compact interface was found between the coating and substrate. When the laser scanning velocity decreased, the porosity and thickness of the LH-treated coatings decreased, leading to a gradual increase of microhardness. In the wear test, the friction and wear resistance of the coating were improved significantly with an optimal laser heating process (600W power, 300mm/min scanning velocity). The improvement can be attributed to the improved porosity and hardness, as well as the formation of oxide tribofilms.</P>

Numerical analysis and fluid-solid coupling model test of filling-type fracture water inrush and mud gush

Li, Li-Ping,Chen, Di-Yang,Li, Shu-Cai,Shi, Shao-Shuai,Zhang, Ming-Guang,Liu, Hong-Liang Techno-Press 2017 Geomechanics & engineering Vol.13 No.6

The geological conditions surrounding the Jijiapo Tunnel of the Three Gorges Fanba Highway project in Hubei Province are very complex. In this paper, a 3-D physical model was carried out to study the evolution process of filling-type fracture water inrush and mud gush based on the conditions of the section located between 16.040 km and 16.042 km of the Jijiapo Tunnel. The 3-D physical model was conducted to clarify the effect of the self-weight of the groundwater level and tunnel excavation during water inrush and mud gush. The results of the displacement, stress and seepage pressure of fracture and surrounding rock in the physical model were analyzed. In the physical model the results of the model test show that the rock displacement suddenly jumped after sustainable growth, rock stress and rock seepage suddenly decreased after continuous growth before water inrushing. Once water inrush occured, internal displacement of filler increased successively from bottom up, stress and seepage pressure of filler droped successively from bottom up, which presented as water inrush and mud gush of filling-type fracture was a evolving process from bottom up. The numerical study was compared with the model test to demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of the results of the model test.

Astilbin alleviates sepsis-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting the expression of macrophage inhibitory factor in rats

Hong-bo Zhang,Li-chao Sun,Li-da Zhi,Qian-kuan Wen,Zhi-wei Qi,Sheng-tao Yan,Wen Li,Guo-qiang Zhang 대한약학회 2017 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.40 No.10

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory responsesyndrome caused by severe infections. Astilbin is a dihydroflavonolderivative found in many medicinal and foodplants with multiple pharmacological functions. To investigatethe effects of astilbin on sepsis-induced acute lunginjury (ALI), cecal ligation and puncture was performed onrats to establish a sepsis-induced ALI model; these ratswere then treated with astilbin at different concentrations. Lung injury scores, including lung wet/dry ratio, proteinleakage, myeloperoxidase activity, and inflammatory cellinfiltration were determined to evaluate the effects ofastilbin on sepsis-induced ALI. We found that astilbintreatment significantly attenuates sepsis-induced lunginjury and improves survival rate, lung injury scores, lungwet/dry ratio, protein leakage, myeloperoxidase activity,and inflammatory cell infiltration. Astilbin treatment alsodramatically decreased the production of inflammatorycytokines and chemokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Further, astilbin treatment inhibited the expression andproduction of macrophage inhibitory factor (MIF), whichinhibits the inflammatory response. Collectively, these datasuggest that astilbin has a protective effect against sepsisinducedALI by inhibiting MIF-mediated inflammatoryresponses. This study provides a molecular basis for astilbinas a new medical treatment for sepsis-induced ALI.

<i>Haloactinopolyspora alkaliphila</i> sp. nov., and emended description of the genus <i>Haloactinopolyspora</i>

Zhang, Yong-Guang,Liu, Qing,Wang, Hong-Fei,Zhang, Dao-Feng,Zhang, Yuan-Ming,Park, Dong-Jin,Kim, Chang-Jin,Li, Wen-Jun International Union of Microbiological Societies 2014 International journal of systematic and evolutiona Vol.64 No.6

<P>A facultatively alkaliphilic actinomycete strain, designated EGI 80088<SUP>T</SUP>, was isolated from a saline-alkali soil sample from Xinjiang province, north-west China, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic characterization. Strain EGI 80088<SUP>T</SUP> formed fragmented aerial hyphae and short spore chains, and rod-like spores aggregated at maturity. Whole-cell hydrolysates of the isolate contained <SMALL>ll</SMALL>-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid, and glucosamine, mannose, galactose, glucose and rhamnose as the marker sugars. The major fatty acids identified (>5 %) were anteiso-C<SUB>15 : 0</SUB>, iso-C<SUB>15 : 0</SUB>, summed feature 4 (iso-C<SUB>17 : 1</SUB>I/anteiso-C<SUB>17 : 1</SUB>B), iso-C<SUB>16 : 0</SUB> and anteiso-C<SUB>17 : 0</SUB>. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H<SUB>4</SUB>). The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain EGI 80088<SUP>T</SUP> was 70.6 mol%. EGI 80088<SUP>T</SUP> showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to its closest phylogenetic neighbour <I>Haloactinopolyspora alba</I> YIM 93246<SUP>T</SUP> (98.5 %). The DNA–DNA relatedness value of the strain EGI 80088<SUP>T</SUP> and <I>H. alba</I> YIM 93246<SUP>T</SUP> was 59.3±5.2 %. On the basis of morphological, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic characteristics and DNA–DNA hybridization data, strain EGI 80088<SUP>T</SUP> represents a novel species of the genus <I>Haloactinopolyspora</I>, for which the name <I>Haloactinopolyspora alkaliphila</I> sp. nov. (type strain EGI 80088<SUP>T</SUP> = BCRC 16946<SUP>T</SUP> = JCM 19128<SUP>T</SUP>) is proposed. The description of the genus <I>Haloactinopolyspora</I> has also been emended.</P>

Enzymatic Synthesis of Theanine with Escherichia coli γ-glutamyltranspeptidase from a Series of γ-glutamyl Anilide Substrate Analogues

Hong-juan Zhang,Wei-guo Zhang,Zhi-yuan Wang,Yue-ping Zhan,Li-sheng Xu,Jun-zhong Liu,Qian Liu,Qing-cai Jiao 한국생물공학회 2013 Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering Vol.18 No.2

In order to investigate the catalytic mechanism of Escherichia coli γ-glutamyltranspeptidase, ten para- and meta- substituted γ-glutamyl anilides were chemically prepared and employed as substrates to synthesize L-theanine to assay the activity of γ-glutamyltranspeptidase. The reaction was optimized for γ-glutamyl-p-nitroanilide. Key factors such as substrate specificity, pH, temperature, and the substrate mole ratio were all investigated. Kinetic studies of the acyl transfer reaction were described and the Hammett plot was constructed. This study indicated that the ratelimiting acylation reaction of γ-glutamyltranspeptidase can apparently be accelerated by either the electron-withdrawing or electron-donating substituents of γ-glutamyl anilides. The reaction could be catalyzed by the general acid and carboxy of Asp-433 or phenolic hydroxyl Tyr-444 may be the acid by autodock simulation for all prepared γ-glutamyl anilides.