Formation Mechanism Research Articles

Laser additive manufacturing of TiB2-modified Cu15Ni8Sn/GH3230 heterogeneous materials: Processability, interfacial microstructure and mechanical performance

Cu/Ni heterogeneous materials integrate excellent thermal conductivity and high-temperature mechanical properties, enabling them to be widely used in the aerospace domain. Differences in the thermal and physical properties of the Cu and Ni materials, however, make them difficult to be processed using the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) additive manufacturing process. This study systematically examines the effects of various LPBF process parameters on microstructure, element diffusion, bonding strength and microhardness at the Cu/Ni interface, as well as investigating the mechanisms of defect formation within Cu/Ni heterogeneous materials. The results indicate that a reasonable control of laser energy input (< 100 J/mm3) facilitates the Cu/Ni components through strong interfacial metallurgical bonding without pore defect formation. Compared to single-material Cu alloy, the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of the horizontally bonded Cu/Ni specimen increased by 55.25%, without significant reductions in elongation. The vertically bonded Cu/Ni tensile specimen fractured in the middle of the Cu region rather than the interfacial region, indicating superb interfacial bonding strength. Another advantage lies in the enhancement of thermophysical properties, with a 109.5% increase in thermal conductivity achieved in the LPBF-fabricated Cu/Ni heterogeneous materials compared to the single-material Ni alloy. Quasi-static compression experiments indicated that the Cu/Ni lattice structure could absorb more energy when compressed parallel to the build direction (BD), compared to being perpendicular to the BD. This study provides guidance for the design and manufacture of high-performance Cu/Ni heterogeneous components via LPBF.

Triphenylene-derived oxygen-enriched hierarchical porous carbon nanosheets: Carbonization mechanism and application in zinc-ion hybrid capacitors

Since zinc-ion hybrid capacitor (ZIHC) was first proposed, it has become an international study hotspot in the field of secondary energy for some time. Unfortunately, the unsatisfactory specific capacity of ZIHCs has limited its application in industrial development. Thus, there is an urgent need to synthesize carbon cathode with abundant pore structure and heteroatoms to construct high performance ZIHCs. Herein, we investigate the mechanism of FeCl3-induced carbon formation of triphenylene using FeCl3 as a catalyst and template. And the oxygen-enriched hierarchical porous carbon nanosheets with large specific surface area and abundant pores are successfully synthesized with the assistance of KOH activation strategy. Due to the addition of FeCl3 and KOH, the hierarchical porous carbon nanosheets have a unique pore structure and extremely high pore volume, and oxygen atoms are introduced to provide additional pseudocapacitance. As expected, ZIHCs constructed with the best sample exhibits an impressive specific capacity of 134.1 mAh g−1, a distinguished energy density of 102.04 Wh kg−1 (80 W kg−1) and outstanding cycling stability. This work clearly elucidates the carbon formation mechanism of triphenylene under the catalytic action of FeCl3, and provides another insight for the preparation and optimization of porous carbon for ZIHCs cathode.

Investigation of lubrication mechanism of phosphate ionic liquid by ReaxFF molecular dynamics simulations

The frictional characteristics of the interface between ionic liquid (IL) and metal can be significantly improved by the formation of a tribo-film, while the lubrication mechanism remains unclear. This study utilized reactive force field molecular dynamics (ReaxFF MD) simulation to investigate the tribological properties, interfacial tribochemical reactions, and formation mechanism of the tributyltetradecyl phosphonium di(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate ([P44414] [DEHP]) tribo-film. The findings indicate that the friction coefficients of ILs decrease as the normal pressure increases. The combination of normal pressure and shear force promotes the dissociation of ionic liquid chains and enhances the binding of free radicals to the end faces. The friction force is primarily influenced by the number of Fe-C bonds at the interface, which demonstrates a positive correlation with the normal pressure.

Discovery of a dormant 33 solar-mass black hole in pre-release Gaia astrometry

Gravitational waves from black-hole (BH) merging events have revealed a population of extra-galactic BHs residing in short-period binaries with masses that are higher than expected based on most stellar evolution models -- and also higher than known stellar-origin black holes in our Galaxy. It has been proposed that those high-mass BHs are the remnants of massive metal-poor stars. astrometry is expected to uncover many Galactic wide-binary systems containing dormant BHs, which may not have been detected before. The study of this population will provide new information on the BH-mass distribution in binaries and shed light on their formation mechanisms and progenitors. As part of the validation efforts in preparation for the fourth data release (DR4), we analysed the preliminary astrometric binary solutions, obtained by the Non-Single Star pipeline, to verify their significance and to minimise false-detection rates in high-mass-function orbital solutions. The astrometric binary solution of one source BH3, implies the presence of a $32.70 BH in a binary system with a period of 11.6 yr. radial velocities independently validate the astrometric orbit. Broad-band photometric and spectroscopic data show that the visible component is an old, very metal-poor giant of the Galactic halo, at a distance of 590 pc. The BH in the BH3 system is more massive than any other Galactic stellar-origin BH known thus far. The low metallicity of the star companion supports the scenario that metal-poor massive stars are progenitors of the high-mass BHs detected by gravitational-wave telescopes. The Galactic orbit of the system and its metallicity indicate that it might belong to the Sequoia halo substructure. Alternatively, and more plausibly, it could belong to the ED-2 stream, which likely originated from a globular cluster that had been disrupted by the Milky Way.

Study on the Nanoaggregate Formation Mechanism and Antipyretic Effect of Maxing Shigan Decoction

Study on the Nanoaggregate Formation Mechanism and Antipyretic Effect of Maxing Shigan Decoction

Formation Mechanism and Implementation Path of a Digital Agriculture Innovation Ecosystem

Formation Mechanism and Implementation Path of a Digital Agriculture Innovation Ecosystem

Iron Intermetallic Compounds (IMCs) Formation Mechanism in the Molten Aluminium Zinc (Al-Zn) Coating Alloy

Iron Intermetallic Compounds (IMCs) Formation Mechanism in the Molten Aluminium Zinc (Al-Zn) Coating Alloy

Mechanism behind the Controlled Generation of Liquid Metal Nanoparticles by Mechanical Agitation.

The size-controlled synthesis of liquid metal nanoparticles is necessary in a variety of applications. Sonication is a common method for breaking down bulk liquid metals into small particles, yet the influence of critical factors such as liquid metal composition has remained elusive. Our study employs high-speed imaging to unravel the mechanism of liquid metal particle formation during mechanical agitation. Gallium-based liquid metals, with and without secondary metals of bismuth, indium, and tin, are analyzed to observe the effect of cavitation and surface eruption during sonication and particle release. The impact of the secondary metal inclusion is investigated on liquid metals' surface tension, solution turbidity, and size distribution of the generated particles. Our work evidences that there is an inverse relationship between the surface tension and the ability of liquid metals to be broken down by sonication. We show that even for 0.22 at. % of bismuth in gallium, the surface tension is significantly decreased from 558 to 417 mN/m (measured in Milli-Q water), resulting in an enhanced particle generation rate: 3.6 times increase in turbidity and ∼43% reduction in the size of particles for bismuth in gallium liquid alloy compared to liquid gallium for the same sonication duration. The effect of particles' size on the photocatalysis of the annealed particles is also presented to show the applicability of the process in a proof-of-concept demonstration. This work contributes to a broader understanding of the synthesis of nanoparticles, with controlled size and characteristics, via mechanical agitation of liquid metals for diverse applications.

Construction of CDKN2A-related competitive endogenous RNA network and identification of GAS5 as a prognostic indicator for hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND Competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) is an innovative way of gene expression modulation, which plays a crucial part in neoplasia. However, the intricacy and behavioral characteristics of the ceRNA network in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain dismal. AIM To establish a cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A)-related ceRNA network and recognize potential prognostic indicators for HCC. METHODS The mutation landscape of CDKN2A in HCC was first explored using the cBioPortal database. Differential expression analysis was implemented between CDKN2Ahigh and CDKN2Alow expression HCC samples. The targeted microRNAs were predicted by lncBasev3.0, and the targeted mRNAs were predicted by miRDB, and Targetscan database. The univariate and multivariate analysis were utilized to identify independent prognostic indicators. RESULTS CDKN2A was frequently mutated and deleted in HCC. The single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that CDKN2A participated in cell cycle pathways. The CDKN2A-related ceRNA network-growth arrest specific 5 (GAS5)/miR-25-3p/SRY-box transcription factor 11 (SOX11) was successfully established. GAS5 was recognized as an independent prognostic biomarker, whose overexpression was correlated with a poor prognosis in HCC patients. The association between GAS5 expression and methylation, immune infiltration was explored. Besides, traditional Chinese medicine effective components targeting GAS5 were obtained. CONCLUSION This CDKN2A-related ceRNA network provides innovative insights into the molecular mechanism of HCC formation and progression. Moreover, GAS5 might be a significant prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in HCC.

Biofilm Inhibition on Medical Devices and Implants Using Carbon Dots: An Updated Review.

Biofilms are an intricate community of microbes that colonize solid surfaces, communicating via a quorum-sensing mechanism. These microbial aggregates secrete exopolysaccharides facilitating adhesion and conferring resistance to drugs and antimicrobial agents. The escalating global concern over biofilm-related infections on medical devices underscores the severe threat to human health. Carbon dots (CDs) have emerged as a promising substrate to combat microbes and disrupt biofilm matrices. Their numerous advantages such as facile surface functionalization and specific antimicrobial properties, position them as innovative anti-biofilm agents. Due to their minuscule size, CDs can penetrate microbial cells, inhibiting growth via cytoplasmic leakage, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and genetic material fragmentation. Research has demonstrated the efficacy of CDs in inhibiting biofilms formed by key pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Consequently, the development of CD-based coatings and hydrogels holds promise for eradicating biofilm formation, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy, reducing clinical expenses, and minimizing the need for implant revision surgeries. This review provides insights into the mechanisms of biofilm formation on implants, surveys major biofilm-forming pathogens and associated infections, and specifically highlights the anti-biofilm properties of CDs emphasizing their potential as coatings on medical implants.

Buffering Mechanism in Aortic Arch Artery Formation and Congenital Heart Disease.

The resiliency of embryonic development to genetic and environmental perturbations has been long appreciated; however, little is known about the mechanisms underlying the robustness of developmental processes. Aberrations resulting in neonatal lethality are exemplified by congenital heart disease arising from defective morphogenesis of pharyngeal arch arteries (PAAs) and their derivatives. To uncover mechanisms underlying the robustness of PAA morphogenesis. The second heart field (SHF) gives rise to the PAA endothelium. Here, we show that the number of SHF-derived endothelial cells (ECs) is regulated by VEGFR2 (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2) and Tbx1. Remarkably, when the SHF-derived EC number is decreased, PAA development can be rescued by the compensatory endothelium. Blocking such compensatory response leads to embryonic demise. To determine the source of compensating ECs and mechanisms regulating their recruitment, we investigated 3-dimensional EC connectivity, EC fate, and gene expression. Our studies demonstrate that the expression of VEGFR2 by the SHF is required for the differentiation of SHF-derived cells into PAA ECs. The deletion of 1 VEGFR2 allele (VEGFR2SHF-HET) reduces SHF contribution to the PAA endothelium, while the deletion of both alleles (VEGFR2SHF-KO) abolishes it. The decrease in SHF-derived ECs in VEGFR2SHF-HET and VEGFR2SHF-KO embryos is complemented by the recruitment of ECs from the nearby veins. Compensatory ECs contribute to PAA derivatives, giving rise to the endothelium of the aortic arch and the ductus in VEGFR2SHF-KO mutants. Blocking the compensatory response in VEGFR2SHF-KO mutants results in embryonic lethality shortly after mid-gestation. The compensatory ECs are absent in Tbx1± embryos, a model for 22q11 deletion syndrome, leading to unpredictable arch artery morphogenesis and congenital heart disease. Tbx1 regulates the recruitment of the compensatory endothelium in an SHF-noncell-autonomous manner. Our studies uncover a novel buffering mechanism underlying the resiliency of PAA development and remodeling.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) reduces intestinal fatty acid uptake and chylomicron formation in HFD-fed mice associated with the inhibition of DHHC7-mediated CD36 palmitoylation and the downstream ERK pathway.

The anti-obesity effect of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been well elucidated, but whether CLA affects fat deposition by regulating intestinal dietary fat absorption remains largely unknown. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of CLA on intestinal fatty acid uptake and chylomicron formation and explore the possible underlying mechanisms. We found that CLA supplementation reduced the intestinal fat absorption in HFD (high fat diet)-fed mice accompanied by the decreased serum TG level, increased fecal lipids and decreased intestinal expression of ApoB48 and MTTP. Correspondingly, c9, t11-CLA, but not t10, c12-CLA induced the reduction of fatty acid uptake and TG content in PA (palmitic acid)-treated MODE-K cells. In the mechanism of fatty acid uptake, c9, t11-CLA inhibited the binding of CD36 with palmitoyltransferase DHHC7, thus leading to the decreases of CD36 palmitoylation level and localization on the cell membrane of the PA-treated MODE-K cells. In the mechanism of chylomicron formation, c9, t11-CLA inhibited the formation of the CD36/FYN/LYN complex and the activation of the ERK pathway in the PA-treated MODE-K cells. In in vivo verification, CLA supplementation reduced the DHHC7-mediated total and cell membrane CD36 palmitoylation and suppressed the formation of the CD36/FYN/LYN complex and the activation of the ERK pathway in the jejunum of HFD-fed mice. Altogether, these data showed that CLA reduced intestinal fatty acid uptake and chylomicron formation in HFD-fed mice associated with the inhibition of DHHC7-mediated CD36 palmitoylation and the downstream ERK pathway.

Changes in the avids of IgG antibodies to the S protein of SARS-CoV-2 after coronavirus infection in medical workers of a temporary infections hospital

BACKGROUND: The effector capabilities of humoral immunity are determined not only by the amount of specific antibodies produced in response to an antigenic effect, but also by their qualitative characteristics, which include avidity ― the total strength of binding to the antigen, which determines the duration and effectiveness of post-infectious immunity to SARS-CoV-2.&#x0D; AIM: Is a selective study of the quantity and avidity of IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 over time among medical workers of a temporary infectious diseases hospital in Kazan ― convalescents of COVID-19, during the period from July 2020 to July 2021.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: Determination of IgG to the S antigen of SARS-CoV-2 by ELISA was carried out using the test system SARS-CoV-2-IgG quantitative-ELISA-BEST (Vector-Best, Russia) and expressed in BAU/ml (binding antibody units). Antibody avidity was determined using a 4.0 M urea solution and expressed as avidity indices. 1, 4 and 7 months after COVID-19 asymptomatic (n=34); mild severity (n=42); moderate severity (n=29); reinfected (n=34). When statistically processing the data, descriptive statistics methods and the Wilcoxon matched data test were used. Differences were considered significant at p 0.05.&#x0D; RESULTS: IgG avidity to SARS-CoV-2 depended on the severity of COVID-19. The highest rates of avidity indices were found in the group of those who had a moderate form of COVID-19. If in mild and asymptomatic forms there was a parallel decrease in avidity indices and IgG titer, then in moderate forms an increase in antibody titer was accompanied by a decrease in their avidity 4 months after the infection. 7 months after seroconversion, the IgG level decreased almost twofold, both in mild, asymptomatic and moderate forms. In the group of medical workers who had COVID-19 repeatedly, the initially low levels of avidity indices and antibody titers increased in parallel, while avidity indices after 7 months did not decrease, but remained high. Differences in avidity indices determined the subsequent formation of different trends in the development of the humoral immune response, which were mainly characterized by an uneven decrease in IgG and persistence of IgM antibodies for more than 1 month.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: The research results expand the understanding of the mechanisms of formation of the humoral immune response and the avidity of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in the risk group ― medical workers. The level of humoral immunity decreases in the first six months and varies depending on the severity of COVID-19. The data obtained can be used to identify categories of increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers, make decisions about immunorehabilitation and revaccination against COVID-19.

Direct Synthesis of Layer‐Tunable and Transfer‐Free Graphene on Device‐Compatible Substrates Using Ion Implantation Toward Versatile Applications

Direct synthesis of layer‐tunable and transfer‐free graphene on technologically important substrates is highly valued for various electronics and device applications. State of the art in the field is currently a two‐step process: a high‐quality graphene layer synthesis on metal substrate through chemical vapor deposition (CVD) followed by delicate layer transfer onto device‐relevant substrates. Here, we report a novel synthesis approach combining ion implantation for a precise graphene layer control and dual‐metal smart Janus substrate for a diffusion‐limiting graphene formation to directly synthesize large area, high quality, and layer‐tunable graphene films on arbitrary substrates without the post‐synthesis layer transfer process. Carbon (C) ion implantation was performed on Cu–Ni film deposited on a variety of device‐relevant substrates. A well‐controlled number of layers of graphene, primarily monolayer and bilayer, is precisely controlled by the equivalent fluence of the implanted C‐atoms (1 monolayer ~4 × 1015 C‐atoms/cm2). Upon thermal annealing to promote Cu‐Ni alloying, the pre‐implanted C‐atoms in the Ni layer are pushed toward the Ni/substrate interface by the top Cu layer due to the poor C‐solubility in Cu. As a result, the expelled C‐atoms precipitate into a graphene structure at the interface facilitated by the Cu‐like alloy catalysis. After removing the alloyed Cu‐like surface layer, the layer‐tunable graphene on the desired substrate is directly realized. The layer‐selectivity, high quality, and uniformity of the graphene films are not only confirmed with detailed characterizations using a suite of surface analysis techniques but more importantly are successfully demonstrated by the excellent properties and performance of several devices directly fabricated from these graphene films. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations using the reactive force field (ReaxFF) were performed to elucidate the graphene formation mechanisms in this novel synthesis approach. With the wide use of ion implantation technology in the microelectronics industry, this novel graphene synthesis approach with precise layer‐tunability and transfer‐free processing has the promise to advance efficient graphene‐device manufacturing and expedite their versatile applications in many fields.

Targeted Drug Delivery through the Synthesis of Magnetite Nanoparticle by Co-Precipitation Method and Creating a Silica Coating on it

Billions of dollars are spent annually in the world to treat and investigate problems caused by drug side effects. According to the estimation of health researchers, a huge part of people who take medicine suffer from complications caused by it. In this way, the necessity of using a targeted system in order to deliver medicine to the targeted place without damaging healthy tissues is felt more than before. In recent years, targeted drug delivery systems based on nanoparticles have received much attention. In the same direction, in this research, co-precipitation method was used to prepare magnetic nanoparticles using iron(|) and iron(||) oxides, and further, according to the synthesis steps of magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) and the mechanism of formation and identification of magnetite nanoparticles ( Fe3O4) by examining the infrared pattern (FT-IR) obtained from Fe3O4 nanoparticles, the results of the magnetometric test (VSM) of Fe3O4 nanoparticles, X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD) of Fe3O4 nanoparticles, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) images obtained from Fe3O4 nanoparticles was discussed. After this stage, silica- coated iron nanoparticles (Fe3O4@SiO2) were prepared, and the infrared (FT-IR) pattern of Fe3O4@SiO2) was also investigated. It is worth mentioning that the mechanism of formation and identification of magnetic silica-coated iron nanoparticles (Fe3O4@SiO2) has been described in detail. Therefore, the obtained results indicate that the drug can be guided in a controlled and targeted manner by the magnetic field, and the results of the FE-SEM images show that the obtained product has a spherical morphology and the particle size distribution was less than 100 nm. Therefore, spherical shape and the symmetry of these particles can be helpful for their movement in the liquid mediu.

Migration patterns and health risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic compounds in typical coal fire source.

The Wuda coal fire in Inner Mongolia, China, is a global catastrophic event. It emits a huge volume of organic pollutants, including polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs), which are widely concerning due to their physiological toxicity and environmental persistence. However, there is no systematic study on the enrichment and migration patterns of PACs emitted from coal fires. Here, we compared samples from coal fire sponges and surrounding soil, and analyzed 47 PACs using GC × GC-TOFMS. Data analysis showed that the average content of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (16PAHs) in the coal fire sponge was 15400.65ng/g, which is about 4.2 times higher than that in the surrounding soil. Meanwhile, 31 PACs were detected at levels far exceeding those of 16PAHs. The distribution pattern of PACs showed that coal fire sources are more likely to produce and store 16PAHs while surrounding soils are more likely to be enriched with PAH derivatives. The cancer risk assessment revealed a significant cancer risk in both the coal fires and the surrounding soil. The formation mechanism of oxygenated PAHs was also explored, and it was found that coal fires emit 16PAHs and alkylated PAHs, which oxidize to form oxygenated PAHs during migration to surrounding soils. The value of naphthaldehyde/alkylated naphthalene (< 2) can be referenced as characteristic markers of coal fire pollution. This provides a new perspective on the sources of PACs in the current environment.

Effects of the spacing between plasma channels on the fracture behavior of red sandstone under high-voltage pulse discharge

In rock engineering, high-voltage pulse technology has attracted attention because it offers environmental protection, controllable energy, and repeatable discharge. It is necessary to study the fracture behavior of rock under high-voltage pulse discharge (HVPD) for the parametric design of rock breaking thereby. HVPD experiments were conducted in red sandstone samples with the plasma channel spacing ranging from 26 to 66 mm at intervals of 10 mm. The stress wave generated by HVPD was obtained from the current waveform measured by Rogowski coils. In combination with numerical simulations, the distribution characteristics, propagation process, and formation mechanism of fractures were analyzed. The results showed that after two applications of HVPD at different positions, the sample was both broken down and two plasma channels and radial fractures centered around them were formed within. The stress wave decays exponentially with the increase of the distance from the plasma channel. When the spacing between plasma channels is less than or equal to 46 mm, fracture coalescence occurs between the two plasma channels; thereafter, the fractures formed by the second HVPD face resistance to propagation towards the fracture area formed by the first HVPD. In addition, numerical simulation results indicate that the second HVPD will generate significant tensile stress in the middle region of the two plasma channels, leading to near-horizontal fracture coalescence. When the spacing between plasma channels increases to 56 mm and 66 mm, the tensile stress induced by the second HVPD in the middle region of the sample is small, and it is difficult to form fracture coalescence between the two channels.

Comprehensive characterization of somatic mutations associated with chimeric RNAs in human cancers.

Chimeric RNAs, which can arise from gene recombination at the DNA level or non-canonical splicing events at the RNA level, have been identified as important roles in human tumors. Dysregulated gene expression caused by somatic mutations and altered splicing patterns of oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes can contribute to the development of tumors. Therefore, investigating the formation mechanism of chimeric RNAs via somatic mutations is critical for understanding tumor pathogenesis. This project is the first to propose studying the association between somatic single nucleotide variants and chimeric RNAs, identifying around 2900 somatic SNVs affecting chimeric RNAs in pan-cancer level. The somatic SNVs on chimeric RNAs were commonly observed in various types of tumor tissues, providing a valuable resource for future study. Additionally, these SNVs show distinct tumor specificity, and those with high frequency had a significant impact on the survival time of patients with tumors. Further research revealed that somatic SNVs associated with chimeric RNA (chiR-SNVs) were typically found within 10 nt of the junction site of chimeric RNAs and had a particularly significant effect on chimeric RNAs from different chromosomes. The enrichment analysis revealed that chiR-SNVs were significantly overrepresented in oncogenes and genes related to RNA binding proteins involved in RNA splicing, which could imply that chiR-SNVs may disrupt the process of RNA splicing and induce the occurrence of chimeric RNAs. This study sheds light on the potential molecular interaction mechanism between somatic SNVs and chimeric RNAs, which opens up a new avenue for researching disease pathway and tumorigenesis development.

Antiadhesion Biomaterials in Tendon Repair: Application Status and Future Prospect.

The healing process after tendon injury is often accompanied by the formation of peritendinous adhesion, contributing to limb dysfunction and exerting detrimental effects on the individuals, as well as the development of society and economy. With the continuous development of material science, as well as the augmented understanding of tendon healing and the mechanism of peritendinous adhesion formation, materials used for the fabrication of barrier membranes against peritendinous adhesion emerge endlessly. In this article, based on the analysis of the mechanism of adhesion formation, we first review the commonly used natural and synthetic materials, along with their corresponding fabrication strategies, in order to furnish valuable insights for the future optimization and development of antiperitendinous adhesion barrier membranes. This article also discusses the interaction between antiadhesion materials and cells for ameliorating peritendinous adhesion.

Composition, characteristics, and treatment technologies of condensable particulate matter present in flue gas emitted by coking plants in China

To study the total particulate matter (TPM) in flue gas emitted by coking plants, a sampling system that could be used to collect filterable particulate matter (FPM) and condensable particulate matter (CPM) was designed and developed based on Method 202 recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2017 and HJ 836-2017 issued by China. Using this system, FPM and CPM in flue gas emitted by four coking furnaces named A, B, C, and D were tested in China. Further, 9 water-soluble ions, 20 elements, and organic matter present in the CPM were simultaneously examined to determine their formation mechanisms. Statistical data suggested that the FPM emission level in the coking flue gas was low and the average mass concentration was less than 10 mg/m3. However, with high CPM and TPM emission levels, the TPM mass concentrations of A, B, C, and D were 130 ± 11.1, 84.4 ± 6.36, 35.1 ± 17.0, and 63.8 ± 13.0 mg/m3, respectively. The main component of TPM was CPM, and the average mass concentration of CPM accounted for 98%, 95%, 68%, and 95% of TPM in furnaces A, B, C, and D, respectively. Water-soluble ions were the important components of CPM, and the total concentration of water-soluble ions accounted for 70%, 87%, 42%, and 66% of CPM in furnaces A, B, C, and D, respectively. Toxic and harmful heavy metals, such as Mn, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb, were detected in CPM. The formation mechanism of CPM was analyzed in combination with flue-gas treatment. It was shown that the treatment process “activated carbon– flue-gas countercurrent-integrated purification technology + ammonia spraying” used in furnaces A and B was less effective in removing CPM, water-soluble ions, metals, and compounds than that of “selective catalytic reduction denitrification + limestone–gypsum wet desulfurization (spraying NaOH solution)” in furnaces C and D. Hence, different flue-gas treatment technologies and operation levels played vital roles in the formation, transformation, and removal of CPM from flue-gas. Organic components in CPM discharged from furnace A were determined via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and the top 15 organic components in CPM were obtained using the area normalization method. N-alkanes accounted for the highest proportion, followed by esters and phenols, and most of them were toxic and harmful to humans and ecosystems. Therefore, advanced CPM treatment technologies should be developed to reduce atmospheric PM2.5 and its precursors to improve ambient air quality in China.