Activated carbon modified by Mo-doped CQDs: An efficient method to reduce the thermal hazard in toluene adsorption

Hongwei Ren,Hongyu Dong,Tengda Zhao,Zhongqing Yan,Benzhen Jia,Liang Han,Jinfeng Zhang 한국공업화학회 2023 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.127 No.-

Activated carbon (AC) is one of the typical adsorbents for industrial treatment of VOCs, but AC itself has ahigh calorific value. When the heat generated by low-temperature oxidation cannot be released, it is easyto store heat and oxidize spontaneously, resulting in immeasurable harm. Therefore, it is important tostudy and improve the thermal stability of AC. In this study, Mo-doped carbon quantum dots (CQDs)was synthesized to enhance the safety of AC usage. The structure of AC before and after modificationwas characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD). On the modified Mo-doped CQDs/AC, there are more crystallinestructures formed by Mo oxides on the surface, which makes the intermolecular force on the surface ofAC increase. At the same time, Mo oxide has strong oxidation resistance, which can inhibit the thermaldecomposition process of AC, and has stronger stability. The spontaneous combustion tendency and thermalhazard of AC before and after modification were greatly improved. The heat released in the tolueneadsorption by the modified AC at different temperatures was significantly lower than the heat released bythe unmodified AC. According to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, the adsorption performance of ModopedCQDs (2.5 wt%) was 1.6 times higher than that of AC when the system was 25 C. The resultsshowed that Na2MoO4 CQDs modified AC could effectively improve the thermal stability and greatlyreduce the spontaneous combustion tendency. A relative fire safety performance evaluation model wasalso established to comprehensively evaluate the fire risk of VOCs treatment by AC.

Improved mechanical properties, barrier properties and degradation behavior of poly(butylenes adipate-co-terephthalate)/poly(propylene carbonate) films

Hongwei Pan,Yanping Hao,Yan Zhao,Xianzhong Lang,Ye Zhang,Zhe Wang,Huiliang Zhang,Lisong Dong 한국화학공학회 2017 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.34 No.5

Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) was blended with poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) by a twin screw extruder and then the blends were made onto films via the blown film technique. PPC dispersed uniformly in the PBAT matrix, and the glass transition temperature (Tg) of PBAT were decreased with the increasing content of PPC. Wide angle X-ray diffraction confirmed that the crystallite dimension of PBAT was decreased after blending PBAT with the amorphous PPC. The results of mechanical tests indicated that the PBAT/PPC films showed high tensile strength and tear strength. In addition, the PBAT/PPC films showed high carbon dioxide permeability and moderate oxygen and nitrogen permeability. After embedding in soil, the weight loss and mechanical properties analysis demonstrated that the films were remarkably biodegraded. These findings contributed to application of the biodegradable materials, such as design and manufacture polymer packaging.

Advancing real-time hybrid simulation for coupled nonlinear soil-isolator-structure system

Hongwei Li,Amin Maghareh,Johnny W.C. Uribe,Herta Montoya,Shirley J. Dyke,Zhao-Dong Xu 국제구조공학회 2021 Smart Structures and Systems, An International Jou Vol.28 No.1

Experiments involving soil-structure interaction are often constrained by the capacity and other limitations of the shake table. Additionally, it is usually necessary to consider different types of soil in experiments. Real-time hybrid simulation (RTHS) offers an alternative method to conduct such tests. RTHS is a cyber-physical testing technique that splits the dynamic system under investigation into numerical and physical components, and then realistically couples those components in a single test. A limited number of previous studies involving soil-structure interaction have been conducted using RTHS, with a focus on linear models and systems. The presence of isolators was not considered in these studies to the authors’ best knowledge. Herein, we aim to advance the understanding of the RTHS method by developing and demonstrating its use for nonlinear soil-isolatorstructure systems. A sliding mode controller able to deal with both system nonlinearities and wide range of potential uncertainties in such tests is designed and validated using a nonlinear shake table with a nonlinear specimen. By simply changing the numerical model and using the same controller and experimental setup, different soil types and ground motions can readily be considered with this approach. Numerical and RTHS results are compared for verification purposes.

Identification and Functional Characterization of R3 MYB Transcription Factor Genes in Soybean

Shucai Wang,Jinsong Pang,Hongwei Xun,Zhibing Zhang,Yunxiao Zhou,Xueyan Qian,Yingshan Dong,Xianzhong Feng,Bao Liu 한국식물학회 2018 Journal of Plant Biology Vol.61 No.2

In Arabidopsis, trichome formation is regulatedby a MYB-bHLH-WD40 (MBW) transcriptional activatorcomplex, which can activate the expression of GLABRA2(GL2) and R3 MYB genes. GL2 is required for trichomeformation, whereas R3 MYBs inhibit trichome formation byblocking the formation of the MBW complex, thus inhibitingthe expression of GL2. By using the amino acid sequence of theArabidopsis R3 MYB transcription factor TRICHOMELESS1(TCL1) to BLAST the soybean (Glycine max) protein database,we found that there are a total of six R3 MYB genes insoybean, namely Glycine max TRICHOMELESS1 through 6(GmTCL1-GmTCL6). By generating transgenic plants, wefound that trichome formation in soybean plants overexpressingeach of the GmTCLs remained largely unchanged, and theexpression of putative GL1 and GL2 genes in the transgenicplants was unaffected. However, all the GmTCLs interactedwith GLABRA3 (GL3) in transfected Arabidopsis protoplasts,expression each of the GmTCLs in Arabidopsis inhibitedtrichome formation, and the expression levels of GL1 andGL2 were greatly reduced in the Arabidopsis transgenicplants. Moreover, phenotypic complementary analysis showedthat GmTCL1 is functionally equivalent to TCL1. Takentogether, these results suggest that GmTCLs are functionalR3 MYBs, however, they do not regulate trichome formationin soybean.

The Influence of Epoxy Functionalized Acrylate Particles on the Properties of Plasticized PLA Blown Films

Ye Zhang,Yan Zhao,Hongwei Pan,Xianzhong Lang,Huili Yang,Huiliang Zhang,Huixuan Zhang,Lisong Dong 한국고분자학회 2016 폴리머 Vol.40 No.3

Polylactide (PLA) was plasticized with poly(diethylene glycol adipate) (PDEGA). The plasticized PLA was further blended with core-shell structured particles of glycidyl methacrylate-functionalized methyl methacrylate-butyl acrylate copolymer (GACR) using a twin-screw extruder, and the extruded samples were blown using the blown thin film technique. Both PDEGA and GACR significantly influenced the physical properties of the films. Compared to neat PLA, the elongation at break and tear strength of the films were significantly improved. The shear yielding induced by cavitation of GACR particles was the major tearing mechanism. GACR could act as a tear resistance modifier for PLA blown films. The spherulite size of the PLA/PDEGA/GACR films decreased with the addition of GACR. The biodegradability of the PLA/PDEGA/GACR films decreased slightly. These findings contributed new knowledge to the additive area and gave important implications for designing and manufacturing polymer packaging materials.

Effect of TNF-α and IL-6 on Compact Bone-Derived Cells

Zhang Yiming,Li Xianqi,Chihara Takahiro,Dong Hongwei,Kagami Hideaki 한국조직공학과 재생의학회 2021 조직공학과 재생의학 Vol.18 No.3

Background: Although bone tissue engineering has already been applied clinically, its regeneration efficacy is not always sufficient. Local inflammatory cytokines are considered as the major factors that induce apoptosis of transplanted cells, thus leading to insufficient new bone formation. In this study, we focused on the effects of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) on differentiation and apoptosis of compact bone-derived cells (CBDCs). Methods: CBDCs were obtained from mouse legs and cultured. The effects of TNF-α and/or IL-6 on the osteogenic differentiation and apoptosis of CBDCs were analyzed in vitro. To confirm the expression of local inflammatory cytokines in vivo, CBDCs were transplanted to the back of immunocompetent mice. Results: IL-6 exerted inconsistent effects on the expression of the different osteogenic markers tested, while significantly upregulating Fas. By contrast, the addition of TNF-α dramatically reduced the expression of all tested osteogenic markers and increased Fas expression. The highest dose of IL-6 could partially reverse the repressive effect of TNF-α, while the addition of IL-6 further increased Fas expression in CBDCs compared to TNF-α alone. The results from in vivo experiments showed the presence of transplants with and without new bone formation. The transplants without bone formation were characterized by higher IL-6 and lower IL-10 expression than those with bone formation, while the expression of TNF-α did not show notable difference. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest an important role for IL-6 in modulating the efficacy of bone tissue engineering, which can affect osteogenic cells both positively and negatively. Background: Although bone tissue engineering has already been applied clinically, its regeneration efficacy is not always sufficient. Local inflammatory cytokines are considered as the major factors that induce apoptosis of transplanted cells, thus leading to insufficient new bone formation. In this study, we focused on the effects of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) on differentiation and apoptosis of compact bone-derived cells (CBDCs). Methods: CBDCs were obtained from mouse legs and cultured. The effects of TNF-α and/or IL-6 on the osteogenic differentiation and apoptosis of CBDCs were analyzed in vitro. To confirm the expression of local inflammatory cytokines in vivo, CBDCs were transplanted to the back of immunocompetent mice. Results: IL-6 exerted inconsistent effects on the expression of the different osteogenic markers tested, while significantly upregulating Fas. By contrast, the addition of TNF-α dramatically reduced the expression of all tested osteogenic markers and increased Fas expression. The highest dose of IL-6 could partially reverse the repressive effect of TNF-α, while the addition of IL-6 further increased Fas expression in CBDCs compared to TNF-α alone. The results from in vivo experiments showed the presence of transplants with and without new bone formation. The transplants without bone formation were characterized by higher IL-6 and lower IL-10 expression than those with bone formation, while the expression of TNF-α did not show notable difference. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest an important role for IL-6 in modulating the efficacy of bone tissue engineering, which can affect osteogenic cells both positively and negatively.

Effect of glycidyl methacrylate-grafted poly(ethylene octene) on the compatibility in PLA/PBAT blends and films

Ye Zhang,Shiling Jia,Pan Hongwei,Lijuan Wang,Junjia Bian,Yang Guan,Bohao Li,Huiliang Zhang,Huili Yang,Lisong Dong 한국화학공학회 2021 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.38 No.8

A series of poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and glycidyl methacrylate- grafted poly(ethylene octene) (GPOE) blends and films with different GPOE content were prepared by melt blending and blowing film technique. The effect of GPOE on the rheological behavior, melt strength, crystallization behavior, crystallization morphology, miscibility, mechanical property, phase morphology, thermal stability and water vapor permeability were studied. The addition of GPOE improved melt rheological properties. Results of DSC showed that addition of GPOE encouraged the mobility of PLA molecular chains and enhanced crystalline ability. POM observations revealed that the addition of GPOE made the density of spherulite nucleation increase and the size of crystalline particles decrease. From DMA and SEM analysis, it was demonstrated that PLA/PBAT blend was an immiscible system and GPOE in the blend could improve compatibility between PLA and PBAT. Results of mechanical test showed that the PLA/PBAT/GPOE blends and films obtained had excellent mechanical properties. The elongation at break of 50/30/ 20 w/w/w PLA/PBAT/GPOE blend (477%) was higher by about 2.2 times than that of 70/30/0 w/w/w PLA/PBAT/ GPOE blend (220%). The tensile strength of all the PLA/PBAT/GPOE blends exceeded 31 MPa. The tensile strength reached 32.9MPa (MD) and 22.5MPa (TD), the elongation at break exceeded 210% and tear strength exceeded 140 kN/m for 50/30/20 w/w/w PLA/PBAT/GPOE film. With increasing GPOE content, thermal stability and water vapor barrier property also improved.

Numerical Modeling of Creep Degradation of Natural Soft Clays under One-dimensional Condition

Qi-Yin Zhu,Zhen-Yu Yin,Dong-Mei Zhang,Hongwei Huang 대한토목학회 2017 KSCE JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Vol.21 No.5

Creep degradation is a common phenomenon of natural soft clays. This paper focuses on developing a one-dimensional constitutive model considering the influence of bond degradation on the creep behavior for natural soft clays. First, conventional oedometer creep tests are studied and a creep based structure indicator ϖ denoting the difference between the creep coefficient of the reconstituted samples and that of intact samples is proposed. Then, the creep coefficient of intact clay is formulated by this indicator and the intrinsic creep coefficient corresponding to reconstituted clay. This formula is then incorporated into a one-dimensional creep model to describe the creep degradation behavior induced by bond degradation. The model parameters can be determined in a straightforward way from oedometer tests which leads to an easy application of the model for practice. Furthermore, coupled with the consolidation theory, the model is used to simulate oedometer tests at constant strain rate as well as long-term creep tests on sensitive Batiscan clay. The destructuration effects on the evolution of creep coefficient are analyzed. The comparisons between experimental and numerical results show that the proposed model can precisely describe the creep degradation behavior induced by destructuration of natural soft clay under one-dimensional loading.

Tissue Engineering with Compact Bone-Derived Cell Spheroids Enables Bone Formation around Transplanted Tooth

Matsumura Nahomi,Li Xianqi,Uchikawa-Kitaya Eri,Li Ni,Dong Hongwei,Chen Kai,Yoshizawa Michiko,Kagami Hideaki 한국조직공학과 재생의학회 2022 조직공학과 재생의학 Vol.19 No.2

BACKGROUND: Although tooth transplantation is a desirable treatment option for congenital defects of permanent teeth in children, transplantation to a narrow alveolar ridge is not feasible. In this study, we investigated the possibility of bone tissue engineering simultaneously with tooth transplantation to enhance the width of the alveolar bone. METHODS: Bone marrow mononuclear cells or cortical bone-derived mesenchymal stromal cell spheroids were seeded onto atelocollagen sponge and transplanted with freshly extracted molars from mice of the same strain. New bone formation around the tooth root was evaluated using micro-computed tomography and histological analysis. Tooth alone, or tooth with scaffold but without cells, was also transplanted and served as controls. RESULTS: Micro-computed tomography showed new bone formation in the furcation area in all four groups. Remarkable bone formation outside the root was also observed in the cortical bone-derived mesenchymal stromal cell group, but was scarce in the other three groups. Histological analysis revealed that the space between the new bone and the root was filled with collagen fibers in all four groups, indicating that the periodontal ligament was maintained. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the potential of simultaneous alveolar bone expansion employing bone tissue engineering approach using cortical bone-derived mesenchymal stromal cell spheroids for tooth transplantation. The use of an orthotopic transplantation model may further clarify the feasibility and functional recovery of the transplanted tooth over a longer period.

Association of UDP-galactose-4-epimerase with milk protein concentration in the Chinese Holstein population

Li Cong,Cai Wentao,Liu Shuli,Zhou Chenghao,Cao Mingyue,Yin Hongwei,Sun Dong-Xiao,Zhang Shengli,Loor Juan J. 아세아·태평양축산학회 2020 Animal Bioscience Vol.33 No.11

Objective: An initial RNA-Sequencing study revealed that UDP-galactose-4-epimerase (GALE) was one of the most promising candidates for milk protein concentration in Chinese Holstein cattle. This enzyme catalyzes the interconversion of UDP-galactose and UDP-glucose, an important step in galactose catabolism. To further validate the genetic effect of GALE on milk protein traits, genetic variations were identified, and genotypes-phenotypes associations were performed. Methods: The entire coding region and the 5’-regulatory region (5’-UTR) of GALE were re-sequenced using pooled DNA of 17 unrelated sires. Association studies for five milk production traits were performed using a mixed linear animal model with a population encompassing 1,027 Chinese Holstein cows. Results: A total of three variants in GALE were identified, including two novel variants (g.2114 A>G and g.2037 G>A) in the 5’-UTR and one previously reported variant (g.3836 G>C) in an intron. All three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were associated with milk yield (p<0.0001), fat yield (p = 0.0006 to <0.0001), protein yield (p = 0.0232 to <0.0001) and protein percentage (p<0.0001), while no significant associations were detected between the SNPs and fat percentage. A strong linkage disequilibrium (D’ = 0.96 to 1.00) was observed among all three SNPs, and a 5 Kb haplotype block involving three main haplotypes with GAG, AGC, and AGG was formed. The results of haplotype association analyses were consistent with the results of single locus association analysis (p<0.0001). The phenotypic variance ratio above 3.00% was observed for milk protein yield that was explained by SNP-g.3836G >C. Conclusion: Overall, our findings provided new insights into the polymorphic variations in bovine GALE gene and their associations with milk protein concentration. The data indicate their potential uses for marker-assisted breeding or genetic selection schemes.