High Load Research Articles

Investigation on mechanical and thermal behaviour of graphene bonded carbon/Kevlar hybrid fabric polymer composites

The present research is aimed to understand the influence of graphene-reinforced carbon/Kevlar hybrid fabric epoxy composites. Samples HG0, HG2, HG4, and HG6 are fabricated using four layers of fabric mat and with varying graphene weight percentage as 0, 2, 4, and 6 wt.%, respectively. Mechanical characterizations such as hardness, tensile, and flexural strength were individually assessed. Thermal stability is evaluated through thermos-gravimetric analysis. Composite HG6 with high filler loading showed 71% and 114.4% greater tensile and flexural strength compared to unfilled HG0 specimen. Similarly, HG6 exhibited greater thermal stability. Inclusion of graphene particles in higher concentration improved the interfacial bonding between fibre/matrix/filler system. Fracture surfaces are analysed using scanning electron microscopy to understand the failure mechanisms.

High-Area-Capacity Cathode by Ultralong Carbon Nanotubes for Secondary Binder-Assisted Dry Coating Technology.

Thick electrodes with high mass loading and increased content of active materials are critical for achieving higher energy density in contemporary lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Nonetheless, producing thick electrodes through the commonly used slurry coating technology remains a formidable challenge. In this study, we have addressed this challenge by developing a dry electrode technology by using ultralong multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) as a conductive additive and secondary binder. The mixing process of electrode compositions and the fibrillation process of the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) binder were optimized. The resulting LiCoO2 (LCO) electrode exhibited a remarkable mass loading of 48 mg cm-2 and an active material content of 95 wt %. Notably, the thick LCO electrode demonstrated a superior mechanical strength and electrochemical performance. After 100 cycles at a current density of 1/3 C, the electrode still exhibited a capacity retention of 91% of its initial capacity. This dry electrode technology provides a practicable and scalable approach to the powder-to-film LIB electrode manufacturing process.

Bloodborne pathogens in beef herds – a Kansas practitioner’s perspective

Management options for bloodborne diseases depend on preva­lence (herd level and geographic), disease stage and production class. Opportunities to manage disease can be classified ac­cording to disease stage. Newer studies show that, in contrast to older studies, there is not currently a known legal way to clear animals of anaplasmosis. The only currently labeled products for treatment of acute clinical anaplasmosis are injectable oxy­tetracyclines. For a time, an enrofloxacin product (Baytril-CA) was marketed with a label for treatment of anaplasmosis, but the conditional approval application has been withdrawn. Op­portunities for leukosis management are limited to exposure control as there are no effective treatments for animals in the clinical stage and no effective methods to clear infected non-clinical animals. Due to the relatively high prevalence in beef herds, a strict test-and-cull strategy is not practical. Instead identifying animals with high pre-viral load who are most infectious provides an option to decrease disease levels with reasonable economics at the farm level. More research is neces­sary to fully quantify production effects for carrier animals of both bovine leukosis and anaplasmosis.

Bacteriological Analyses of Fish Mucus from Fish Market with Reference to Consumer’s Health

A study was conducted to evaluate the bacteria load present in fish mucus collected from Nanpura wholesale fish market during the period from 30th December 2022 to 20th February 2023. Total 20 fish mucus samples were determined by Total Plate Count (TPC) and identification of bacteria. High bacterial load with pathogens such as Escherichia coli (Gram negative bacteria) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive bacteria) were found in all fresh and marine fish samples from study area. These pathogens can survive and multiply in fish, transferred into consumer by way of food and main source of fish poisoning, diarrhoea, meningitis and septicemia which cause health risk to consumer. The fishes were contaminated with pathogenic bacteria indicated poor handling of fishes, lack of preservation facility and unhygienic condition of study area. Thus, it is strongly recommended to improve the quality control and quality assurance systems of the study area to minimize the prevalence of pathogenic bacteria.

Genomics-informed captive breeding can reduce inbreeding depression and the genetic load in zoo populations.

Zoo populations of threatened species are a valuable resource for the restoration of wild populations. However, their small effective population size poses a risk to long-term viability, especially in species with high genetic load. Recent bioinformatic developments can identify harmful genetic variants in genome data. Here, we advance this approach, analysing the genetic load in the threatened pink pigeon (Nesoenas mayeri). We lifted the mutation-impact scores that had been calculated for the chicken (Gallus gallus) to estimate the genetic load in six pink pigeons. Additionally, we perform in silico crossings to predict the genetic load and realized load of potential offspring. We thus identify the optimal mate pairs that are theoretically expected to produce offspring with the least inbreeding depression. We use computer simulations to show how genomics-informed conservation can reduce the genetic load whilst reducing the loss of genome-wide diversity. Genomics-informed management is likely to become instrumental in maintaining the long-term viability of zoo populations.

XBB.1, BQ1.1 and atypical BA.4.6/XBB.1 recombinants predominate current SARS-CoV-2 Wavelets with flu-like symptoms in Cameroon: A snapshot from genomic surveillance.

As of December 2022, Cameroon had observed a slight resurgence of COVID-19, raising concerns on genomic surveillance of related-SARS-CoV-2 variants under circulation. Following a laboratory-based survey, positive SARS-CoV-2 samples detected from December-2022 through March-2023 were processed for targeted sequencing at the Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre (CIRCB) in Yaoundé-Cameroon. From all positive cases detected, 13 were successfully sequenced (mean age 34 years, 70% female); the majority of the cases were unvaccinated (70%, 9/13) and symptomatic (92%, 12/13); all with flu-like symptoms (100%, 12/12). Following RT-PCR, the median cycle threshold was 22.23 [18-24] for the N gene; and 24.09 [20-26] for the ORF gene, underscoring high viral loads. Phylogenetic analysis of nucleotide sequences identified four major sub-variants in circulation, of which BA.5 (3/13), the recombinants BQ.1.1 (4/13), XBB.1 (4/13) and novel atypical variant of BA.4.6/XBB.1 (2/13). This snapshot surveillance indicates the introduction/emergence and circulation of new Omicron sub-variants, all accompanied by minor/mild symptoms. However, these new sub-variants and recombinants call for continuous genomic surveillance to prevent further resurgence of Covid-19 epidemiological wave.

High loading electrode with superior electron/ion transport network for high performance lithium-ion batteries

High loading electrode design is beneficial to increase the energy density of lithium ion batteries. Two obstacles for the high loading electrode application should be removed, including the limitation on ion/electron transport within high loading electrode and the structure stability. Here, the electron conduction on LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cathodes is enhanced with evenly and tightly Ketjen Black coating via high-speed dry mixing, while carbon nanotube is added to enhance the electron conduction between LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 particles, thus to construct three-dimensional electron migration channel. In addition, the large amount of electrolyte adsorbed by porous Ketjen Black and carbon nanotube enhances the Li+ ion diffusivity in this network. As a result, LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 electrode with only 1 % Ketjen Black and 3 % carbon nanotube can achieve both high electron/Li+ ion diffusivity and high parking density (2.2 g cm−3). A thick electrode with an areal mass loading of 20 mg cm−2 shows a high specific capacity of 111.2 mA h g−1 at 4 C and capacity retention rate of 98.2 % after 100 cycles at 2 C.

Investigation of the Nitriding Effect on the Adhesion and Wear Behavior of CrN-, AlTiN-, and CrN/AlTiN-Coated X45CrMoV5-3-1 Tool Steel Formed Via Cathodic Arc Physical Vapor Deposition

Monolayer (CrN, AlTiN) and bilayer (CrN/AlTiN) coatings are formed on the surface of conventional heat-treated and gas-nitrided X45CrMoV5-3-1 tool steel via Cathodic Arc Physical Vapor Deposition (CAPVD), and the adhesion characteristics and room- and high-temperature wear behavior of the coatings are compared with those of the un-nitrided ones. Scratch tests on the coatings show that the bilayer coating exhibits better adhesion behavior compared to monolayer ones, and the adhesion is further increased in all coatings due to the high load carrying capacity of the diffusion layer formed by the nitriding process. Dry friction tests performed at room temperature reveal that, among ceramic-based coatings, the coating system with a high adhesion has the lowest specific wear rate (0.06 × 10−6 mm3/N·m), and not only the surface hardness but also the nitriding process is important for reducing this rate. Studies on wear surfaces indicate that the bilayer coating structure has a tendency to remove the surface over a longer period of time. Hot wear tests performed at a temperature (450 °C) corresponding to aluminum extrusion conditions show that high friction coefficient values (>1) are reached due to aluminum transfer from the counterpart material to the surface and failure develops through droplet delamination. Adhesion and tribological tests indicate that the best performance among the systems studied belongs to the steel–CrN/AlTiN system and this performance can be further increased via the nitriding process.

Cartilage-Inspired, High-Strength, and Heat-Tolerant Lubricating Hydrogels by Macrophase Separation.

Hydrogels are considered as a potential cartilage replacement material based on their structure being similar to natural cartilage, which are of great significance in repairing cartilage defects. However, it is difficult for the existing hydrogels to combine the high load bearing and low friction properties (37 °C) of cartilage through sample methods. Herein, we report a facile and new fabrication strategy to construct the PNIPAm/EYL hydrogel by using the macrophase separation of supersaturated N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAm) monomer solution to promote the formation of liposomes from egg yolk lecithin (EYL) and asymmetric template method. The PNIPAm/EYL hydrogels possess a relatively high compressive strength (more than 12 MPa), fracture energy (9820 J/m2), good fatigue resistance, lubricating properties, and excellent biocompatibility. Compared with the PNIPAm hydrogel, the friction coefficient (COF 0.046) of PNIPAm/EYL hydrogel is reduced by 50%. More importantly, the COF (0.056) of PNIPAm/EYL hydrogel above lower critical solution temperature (LCST) does not increase significantly, exhibiting heat-tolerant lubricity. The finite element analysis further proves that PNIPAm/EYL hydrogel can effectively disperse the applied stress and dissipate energy under load conditions. This work not only provides new insights for the design of high-strength lubricating hydrogels but also lays a foundation for the treatment of cartilage injury as a substitute material.

Attentional set and explicit expectations of perceptual load determine flanker interference.

Attentional set and explicit expectations of perceptual load determine flanker interference.

Design of in-vessel mirror of ITER poloidal polarimeter

Diagnostics in-vessel mirrors receive high neutron heating loads and high radiation heat loads because it directly faces the plasma. The in-vessel mirror of this study consists of three layers; tungsten mirror, copper-alloy heatsink and stainless-steel mirror mount. The copper-alloy heatsink is actively cooled by cooling-water pipe. The tungsten mirror is attached to the heatsink with contact pressure of 3.5 MPa and is cooled by thermal conduction to the heatsink. The mirror is not rigidly fixed to the heatsink but is able to slide on the surface of the heatsink because thermal stress in the dissimilar materials during baking needs to be avoided. The structural integrity was evaluated according to RCC-MRx code. The highest primary load to the mirror was the acceleration load during plasma disruption, and the highest secondary load was the baking temperature (240 °C). All design criteria specified in RCC-MRx code are satisfied. In addition, the design of the in-vessel mirrors was developed to facilitate adjustment of mirror angle with accuracy of 0.1° A prototype mirror was made to confirm the surface deformation owing to the assembly load. Surface deformation was 6.3 μm and was sufficiently small compared to the laser wavelength.

Transient Temperature at Tool–Chip Interface during Initial Period of Chip Formation in Orthogonal Cutting of Inconel 718

Machining nickel-based super alloys such as Inconel 718 generates a high thermal load induced via friction and plastic deformation, causing these alloys to be among most difficult-to-cut materials. Localized heat generation occurring in machining induces high temperature gradients. Experimental techniques for determining cutting tool temperature are challenging due to the small dimensions of the heat source and the chips produced, making it difficult to observe the tool–chip interface. Therefore, theoretical analysis of cutting temperatures is crucial for understanding heat generation and temperature distribution during cutting operations. Periodic heating and cooling occurring during cutting and interruption, respectively, are modeled using a hybrid analytical and finite element (FE) transient thermal model. In addition to identifying a transition distance associated with initial period of chip formation (IPCF) from apparent coefficient of friction results using a sigmoid function, the transition temperature is also identified using the thermal model. The model is validated experimentally by measuring the tool–chip interface temperature using a two-color pyrometer at a specific cutting distance. Due to the cyclic behavior in interrupted cutting, where a steady-state condition may or may not be achieved, transient thermal modeling is required in this case. Input parameters required to identify the heat flux for the transient thermal model are obtained experimentally and the definitions of heat-flux-reducing factors along the cutting path are associated with interruptions and the repeating IPCF. The thermal model consists of two main parts: one is related to identifying the heat flux, and the other part involves the determination of the temperature field within the tool using a partial differential equation (PDE) solved numerically via a 2D finite element method.

Spherical g-C3N4@PDA nanocarrier for synergistic chemo-photothermal tumor therapy

In this paper, by wrapping the near-infrared (NIR) response polydopamine (PDA) as a nanocoating on the surface of spherical nano graphitic phase carbon nitride (g-C3N4), a multifunctional g-C3N4/PDA (CNP) nanocarrier platform was prepared. The π-conjugation system in PDA and the electronegative hydroxyl groups on the surface of CNP promote the creation of abundant active sites, which had a high drug loading rate of about 98.5 % for the electropositive GA. Due to the strong NIR reaction of CNP, the release of GA from CNP/GA can be greatly accelerated by the rising temperature, bonding disruption and charge transfer. Moreover, the photo-generated electron-hole pairs could be excited by the NIR effect of CNP, which promotes the production of ROS (·OH, ·O2– and 1O2) to induce apoptosis in HepG2 cells. Thus, the present spherical CNP nanocarrier with a combination of enzyme-mimic activity and NIR-responsive properties has a great potential for chemo-photothermal synergistic tumor therapy.

Balanced Mass Transfer and Active Sites Density in Hierarchical Porous Catalytic Metal–Organic Framework for Enhancing Redox Reaction in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Balanced Mass Transfer and Active Sites Density in Hierarchical Porous Catalytic Metal–Organic Framework for Enhancing Redox Reaction in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Bi‐interlayer Strategy for Modulating NiCoP‐based Heterostructure toward High‐performance Aqueous Energy Storage Devices

AbstractNickel‐cobalt (NiCo) phosphides (NCPs) possess high electrochemical activity, which makes them promising candidates for electrode materials in aqueous energy storage devices, such as supercapacitors and zinc batteries. However, the actual specific capacitance and rate capability of NCPs require further improvement, which can be achieved through reasonable heterostructural design and loading conditions of active materials on substrates. Herein, novel hierarchical Bi‐NCP heterogeneous structures with built‐in electric fields consisting of bismuth (Bi) interlayers (electrodeposited on carbon cloth (CC)) were designed and fabricated to ensure the formation of uniform high‐load layered active materials for efficient charge and ion transport. The resulting CC/Bi‐NCP electrodes showed a uniform, continuous, and high mass loading (>3.5 mg) with a superior capacitance reaching 1200 F⋅g−1 at 1 A⋅g−1 and 4129 mF⋅cm−2 at 1 mA⋅cm−2 combined with high‐rate capability and durable cyclic stability. Moreover, assembled hybrid supercapacitors, supercapatteries, and alkaline zinc batteries constructed using these electrodes delivered high energy densities of 64.4, 81.8, and 319.1 Wh·kg−1, respectively. Overall, the constructed NCPs with excellent aqueous energy storage performance are potential for the development of novel transition metal‐based heterostructure electrodes for advanced energy devices.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

Refining the rheological characteristics of high drug loading ointment via SDS and machine learning.

This paper presents an optimized preparation process for external ointment using the Definitive Screening Design (DSD) method. The ointment is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula developed by Professor WYH, a renowned TCM practitioner in Jiangsu Province, China, known for its proven clinical efficacy. In this study, a stepwise regression model was employed to analyze the relationship between key process factors (such as mixing speed and time) and rheological parameters. Machine learning techniques, including Monte Carlo simulation, decision tree analysis, and Gaussian process, were used for parameter optimization. Through rigorous experimentation and verification, we have successfully identified the optimal preparation process for WYH ointment. The optimized parameters included drug ratio of 24.5%, mixing time of 8 min, mixing speed of 1175 rpm, petroleum dosage of 79 g, liquid paraffin dosage of 6.7 g. The final ointment formulation was prepared using method B. This research not only contributes to the optimization of the WYH ointment preparation process but also provides valuable insights and practical guidance for designing the preparation processes of other TCM ointments. This advanced DSD method enhances the screening approach for identifying the best preparation process, thereby improving the scientific rigor and quality of TCM ointment preparation processes.

Development and evaluation of a lyophilization protocol for colorimetric RT-LAMP diagnostic assay for COVID-19

Molecular diagnostics involving nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) are regarded as extremely functional tools. During the 2020 global health crisis, efforts intensified to optimize the production and delivery of molecular diagnostic kits for detecting SARS-CoV-2. During this period, RT-LAMP emerged as a significant focus. However, the thermolability of the reagents used in this technique necessitates special low-temperature infrastructure for transport, storage, and conservation. These requirements limit distribution capacity and necessitate cost-increasing adaptations. Consequently, this report details the development of a lyophilization protocol for reagents in a colorimetric RT-LAMP diagnostic kit to detect SARS-CoV-2, facilitating room-temperature transport and storage. We conducted tests to identify the ideal excipients that maintain the molecular integrity of the reagents and ensure their stability during room-temperature storage and transport. The optimal condition identified involved adding 5% PEG 8000 and 75 mM trehalose to the RT-LAMP reaction, which enabled stability at room temperature for up to 28 days and yielded an analytical and diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 83.33% and 90%, respectively, for detecting SARS-CoV-2. This study presents the results of a lyophilized colorimetric RT-LAMP COVID-19 detection assay with diagnostic sensitivity and specificity comparable to RT-qPCR, particularly in samples with high viral load.

Insight into the tribological properties of cylinder liner-piston ring under the nano BNNs/Cu composite additive lubrication

To improve the tribological properties of the cylinder liner-piston ring, a two-dimensional hexagonal boron nitride/copper composite lubricant additive was prepared and characterized in detail. The tribological properties and lubrication mechanism of nano hexagonal boron nitride composites with different concentrations were studied through the reciprocating friction test on the Rtec friction and wear tester. The results show that copper is successfully reduced and attached to the surface of h-BN nanosheets through the self-polymerization of dopamine, and the spherical structure promotes the interlayer slip of the nanosheets during the reciprocating friction process. The appropriate concentration of nano composite additives has excellent anti-friction and anti-wear properties. At 1 Hz and 100 N, the friction coefficient and wear quality of the nano composite additive with a concentration of 2 wt% were reduced by 29.07% and 76%, respectively. The surface Sq value and Sz value of the cylinder liner sample decreased by 68.06% and 74.47%. At the same time, under the condition of high speed and heavy load, the average wear depth of the cylinder liner sample is reduced by 61.3%. The nano composite material additive forms an excellent friction protective film on the wear surface of the cylinder liner, which can better enter the wear surface of the cylinder liner and produce a filling and repairing effect. The research results provide a method for the use of nano hexagonal boron nitride composite additives to inhibit the wear of cylinder liner-piston ring of Marine diesel engines.

Baicalin nanodelivery system based on functionalized metal-organic framework for targeted therapy of osteoarthritis by modulating macrophage polarization

Intra-articular drugs used to treat osteoarthritis (OA) often suffer from poor pharmacokinetics and stability. Nano-platforms as drug delivery systems for drug delivery are promising for OA therapy. In this study, we reported an M1 macrophage-targeted delivery system Bai@FA-UIO-66-NH2 based on folic acid (FA) -modified metal-organic framework (MOF) loaded with baicalin (Bai) as antioxidant agent for OA therapy. With outstanding biocompatibility and high drug loading efficiency, Bai@FA-UIO-66-NH2 could be specifically uptaken by LPS-induced macrophages to serve as a potent ROS scavenger, gradually releasing Bai at the subcellular level to reduce ROS production, modulate macrophage polarization to M2, leading to alleviation of synovial inflammation in OA joints. The synergistic effect of Bai@FA-UIO-66-NH2 on macrophage polarization and ROS scavenging significantly improved the therapeutic efficacy of OA, which may provide a new insight into the design of OA precision therapy.

Macroscale Superlubricity with High Pressure Enabled by Partially Oxidized Violet Phosphorus for Engineering Steel

AbstractAs a novel cross‐structured 2D material, violet phosphorus (VP) promises to further develop the dynamic performance, energy efficiency, and service lifetime of mechanical components owing to its high strength and toughness, large carrier mobility, wide bandgap, and good friction‐reducing properties. In this work, the partially oxidized violet phosphorus nanosheets (oVP) are synthesized and employed as the lubricating additives in the poly alpha olefin (PAO) oil environment with less oleic acid (OA) improver, which can trigger the macroscale superlubricity on the diamond‐like carbon (DLC) film deposited steel surface at high loading pressures (>800 MPa) and sliding speeds (>0.1 m s−1). The friction coefficient (COF) of the steel‐DLC tribopair lubricated by the oVP‐PAO oil can reduce down to 0.0064 with little wear. At the high‐pressure sliding interface, the force‐thermal coupling action during the running‐in process promotes the cleavage and recombination of oVP nanosheets and OA molecules to form a reliable chemical adsorption tribofilm mainly composed of phosphorus oxides and amorphous carbon, which prevents the original asperities from direct contact and provides an ultralow shear strength. These findings suggest a new method to achieve macroscale oil‐based high‐pressure superlubricity for engineering steel through the lubrication and catalyzation effects of oVP.