Occurrence Of Damage Research Articles

Fireproof Cavity Structure with Enhanced Impact Resistance and Thermal Insulation toward Safeguarding.

Developing devices emphasizing safety protection is becoming increasingly important due to the widespread occurrence of impact damage and thermal hazards. Herein, the F-SSG/TPU-based circular cavity structure (FC) is developed through a convenient and efficient template method, which can effectively achieve anti-impact and thermal insulation for protection. The flame-retardant shear stiffening gel/thermoplastic urethane (F-SSG/TPU) is synthesized through the dynamic interaction between the SSG, TPU, and modified ammonium polyphosphate (APP@UiO-66-NH2) by thermo-solvent reactions. The developed FC can dissipate the impact force from 4.19 to 0.99 kN at 45 cm impacting heights, indicating good anti-impact performance. Moreover, the thermal insulation test demonstrates that the FC achieves a temperature drop of 76 °C at 160 °C attributed to the unique cavity structure design. Under the continuous shock of high-temperature flame, FC remains intact, and its performance is almost undamaged. These results elaborate that the designed FC can effectively resist various damage, such as high-temperature shock and collision. Then, a wearable wristband integrated with FC is developed which exhibits superior impact resistance and heat insulation properties compared with commercial wristbands. In short, this cavity structure based on high-performance F-SSG/TPU material shows promising potential applications in the protection field.

Peat-based amendment of soils reduces the complexity of the volatile profile in cultivated black truffles.

Truffle cultivation is evolving rapidly and new agronomic practices such as 'truffle nests' (localized peat amendments of the orchard soil) are being developed. Truffle nests improve the shape of truffles and their depth in the soil and reduce the occurrence of insect damage but have also raised concerns about their impact on the ripeness and maturity of the harvested truffles. In this study, the effect of the nests on the volatile organic compounds profile and the aromatic profile of black truffles was evaluated, as well as the existence of perceptible sensorial differences in truffles. For this, truffles growing in nests were compared with truffles growing in the bulk soil of the same host tree. Gas chromatography showed that nest truffles had a less complex volatile organic compound profile than bulk-soil truffles. Olfactometry indicated that nest truffles were associated with higher modified frequency values of odorants corresponding to sulfur-containing compounds. Despite this, sensory evaluation with consumers could not clearly show that nest truffles can be distinguished sensorially from bulk-soil truffles. The results prove that soil conditions can influence the aromatic profile of truffles and thus suggest the possibility of managing truffle aroma using agronomic practices. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Case report: Mixed hydrofluoric and nitric acid mist inhalation poisoning

IntroductionHydrofluoric and nitric acids are strongly acidic substances with strong oxidation and are widely used in industrial production. Chemical pneumonia caused by the inhalation of strong acids has occasionally been reported. Severe chemical pneumonia can lead to acute pulmonary edema and life-threatening acute respiratory distress syndrome. The treatment of chemical pneumonia mainly relies on symptomatic and supportive treatment such as anti-inflammatory and anti-infection.Case descriptionThis study reports three cases of chemical pneumonia caused by the inhalation of a mixed hydrofluoric and nitric acid mist during an occupational exposure accident. After appropriate emergency symptomatic treatment, such as oxygenation and excretion promotion, cough, and difficulty in breathing were alleviated but not completely cleared.DiscussionMost of the literature reports damage caused by hydrogen fluoride on the skin and mucosal burns, and reports on lung damage caused by the inhalation of large amounts of hydrogen fluoride gas are relatively rare. Usually in the early stage of this kind of patients can have elevated blood picture, hypoxemia, pulmonary CT inflammatory plaque changes, so as to have obvious respiratory irritation symptoms. When inhaling a large amount of hydrofluorine mixed nitric acid mist, in addition to considering the occurrence of severe pneumonia, we should also be alert to the occurrence of other organ damage and electrolyte disorder.ConclusionAs occupational hydrogen fluoride gas inhalation poisoning often occurs in groups, improving the safety facilities and standard operations of small- and medium-sized enterprises is necessary. For medical workers, it is necessary to be alert to the occurrence of severe toxic pneumonia and severe fluorosis.

Effect of Natural Ionizing Radiation on Health Indicators in Region with Monazite Sand in Brazil

Abstract Objective This article compares the occurrence of cancer and germinal damage in the city of Guarapari-Espírito Santo (ES), an area with high natural ionizing radiation, with other coastal cities. Material and Methods The evaluated cities were: Guarapari (ES), Campos (Rio de Janeiro), Rio Grande (Rio Grande do Sul), and Ilhéus (Bahia); the following factors were considered: mortality rate % from tumors (2007–2017), mortality rate % from tumors up to 15 years of age (2007–2017), hospital morbidity rate % from tumors up to 15 years of age (2008–2018), and hospital morbidity rate % from congenital malformation and chromosomal anomalies (2008–2018). Radiometric surveys were conducted by the Applied Physics Group at Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo. Results The natural radiation levels recorded in Guarapari resulted in accumulated dose between 3.65 and 10.95 mSv/year, and 1 mSv in the other cities. The highest average cancer mortality rates were: Rio Grande = 22.4%; Guarapari = 17.6%; Campos = 16.7%; and Ilhéus = 11.8%. The proportional hospital mortality and morbidity rates for cancer up to 15 years of age are as follows: Ilhéus = 3.36 and 5.87%; Rio Grande = 0.79 and 7.38%; Guarapari = 0.64 and 7.25%; and Campos = 0.39 and 9.13%. The hospital morbidity rate due to congenital malformations and chromosomal anomalies was 0.72% for Campos, 0.63% for Rio Grande, 0.62% for Guarapari, and 0.43% for Ilhéus. Conclusion There was no increase in cases of cancer or germ damage in Guarapari. These results indicated a dose threshold in the induction of these damages, contradicting the current linear no-threshold theory.

Pyroptosis: An Accomplice in the Induction of Multisystem Complications Triggered by Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common respiratory disorder, primarily characterized by two pathological features: chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) and sleep deprivation (SD). OSA has been identified as a risk factor for numerous diseases, and the inflammatory response related to programmed cell necrosis is believed to play a significant role in the occurrence and progression of multisystem damage induced by OSA, with increasing attention being paid to pyroptosis. Recent studies have indicated that OSA can elevate oxidative stress levels in the body, activating the process of pyroptosis within different tissues, ultimately accelerating organ dysfunction. However, the molecular mechanisms of pyroptosis in the multisystem damage induced by OSA remain unclear. Therefore, this review focuses on four major systems that have received concentrated attention in existing research in order to explore the role of pyroptosis in promoting renal diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurocognitive diseases, and skin diseases in OSA patients. Furthermore, we provide a comprehensive overview of methods for inhibiting pyroptosis at different molecular levels, with the goal of identifying viable targets and therapeutic strategies for addressing OSA-related complications.

Detection and Prediction of Probe Mark Damage in Wafer Testing

In wafer testing, the test probe needs to contact the surface of the semiconductor wafer to measure electrical parameters such as resistance, capacitance, and current. The probe mark damage frequently occurs on the machine during wafer testing. This phenomenon causes inaccuracies in electrical parameter testing, significantly reducing the yield in IC packaging processes and resulting in substantial manufacturing cost losses. Therefore, this study proposed an effective probe mark damage detection and prediction method to prevent significant yield reduction due to inaccurate testing. This study uses importance analysis from random forests and correlation analysis to identify the critical parameters influencing probe mark damage. Introducing these parameters into a Sparse Transformer with hybrid normalization can successfully train an intelligent model for predicting the occurrence of probe mark damage. The model accurately predicts the probability of probe mark damage and promptly adjusts machine parameters to avoid inaccuracies in electrical parameter settings. The proposed approach can outperform other methods, achieving two very high accuracies of 95.1% (at room temperature) and 93.5% (at high temperature) and significantly reducing the occurrence of large-area probe mark damage.

Nrf-2/HO-1 activation protects against oxidative stress and inflammation induced by metal welding fume UFPs in 16HBE cells

As one of the main occupational hazards, welding fumes can cause oxidative damage and induce series of diseases, such as COPD or asthma. To clarify the effects of the metal fume ultrafine particulates (MF-UFPs) of welding fumes on oxidative damage, UFPs were collected by melt inert gas (MIG) and manual metal arc (MMA) welding, and the composition was confirmed. Human bronchial epithelial 16HBE cells were treated with 0–1000 µg/cm2 MF-UFPs to analyse the cytotoxicity, oxidative stress and cytokines. The protein and mRNA expression of Keap1-Nrf-2/antioxidant response elements (AREs) signalling pathway components were also analysed. After 4 h of treatment, the cell viability decreased 25% after 33.85 and 32.81 µg/cm2 MIG/MMA-UFPs treated. The intracellular ATP concentrations were also decreased significantly, while LDH leakage was increased. The decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and increased ROS suggested the occurrence of oxidative damage, and the results of proteome profiling arrays also showed a significant increase in IL-6 and IL-8. The expression of AREs which related to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory were also increased. These results indicate that the MF-UFPs can cause oxidative stress in 16HBE cells and activate the Nrf-2/ARE signalling pathway to against oxidative damage.

СИСТЕМА "АЛЬТРА" ДІАГНОСТУВАННЯ СТАНУ ІЗОЛЯЦІЇ ЕЛЕКТРИЧНОЇ МЕРЕЖІ ТА ЗАХИС-ТУ ЇЇ ВІД ОДНОФАЗНИХ ЗАМИКАНЬ

One of the problems in an electrical network with an isolated (compensated) neutral is the selective determina-tion of a damaged element during a single-phase earth fault. Taking into account the negative impact of single-phase earth faults on the equipment of electrical networks with an isolated or compensated neutral, as well as improving the electrical safety conditions of people and animals, it is necessary to install selective protections with the of turning off of damaged element. Selective operation of protections against such damage can be en-sured on the basis of the analysis of zero-sequence currents, phase voltages and zero-sequence voltage of the bus section from which these feeders are powered. As operational experience has shown, selective operation of pro-tection against single-phase earth faults in such networks can be ensured only with the use of digital devices. The work considers the "Altra" system, designed for diagnosing the state of insulation, protecting feeders of 6-35 kV from single-phase earth fault, recording analog and binary signals of electrical installations. Altra digital protec-tion simultaneously covers up to 28 feeders, which provides comprehensive protection against single-phase earth faults of all substation feeders. The working algorithm of the developed protection against single-phase earth faults is based on the analysis of the transient process immediately after the occurrence of damage, which provides selective identification of the damaged feeder both in networks with an isolated neutral and in networks with a compensated. The system organizes the recording of oscillograms of emergency processes and infor-mation about damage by "Altra" devices, followed by their transfer to the dispatcher's automated workplace. This makes it possible to carry out a detailed analysis of accidents and diagnose the insulation of the electrical net-work.

Damage characterization and modelling of FRP laminated composites subjected to external edge-on impact

This paper presents both experimental and numerical investigations into the edge-on impact behavior of T700/YPH307 composite laminates with varying lay-up designs and impact energy levels. Various non-destructive testing techniques, including visual inspection, ultrasonic C-scanning and X-ray computed tomography (CT), were used to detect the post-impact damage status and further reveal its 3D spatial distribution. A continuum damage mechanics (CDM) model, incorporating in-plane shear nonlinearity, fracture plane angle within anisotropic materials, as well as fiber kinking failure in longitudinal compression, was established using an explicit solver. Detailed comparison of the experimental and numerical results was conducted in mechanical response curves and failure mechanisms, where a good agreement was observed. Parameter analyses on the in-situ strengths and the friction coefficient were also performed, offering guidelines for the edge-on impact modelling. Failure mechanisms induced by edge-on impact typically exhibit two distinct features: a highly localized debris wedge, which can be regarded as a trigger in the subsequent occurrence of damage, and the bending fracture of the outer plies resulting from the wedge effect during the oscillating stage of an impact force plateau. Besides, higher impact energy exacerbated internal damage, while the influence of the lay-ups was relatively limited.

Composite delamination damage location based on non-orthogonal air-coupled ultrasonic guided waves and Artifact-Reduction damage index

This study focuses on the localization of delamination damage in composite materials. Due to the attenuation of the air-coupled ultrasound at the gas–solid coupling interface, the signal-to-noise ratio of the air-coupled ultrasonic signal is low, which results in low accuracy of damage detection. This paper proposes a method to locate delamination damage in composite materials. This method uses non-orthogonal Air-coupled Ultrasonic Guided Waves for B-scan; an artifact-reduction damage index (ARDI) is designed with the proportion of the scan paths containing damage information to the entire scan paths. These two exquisite designs improve detection accuracy. Finally, the probability of damage occurrence is calculated, and the detection of the damage location is achieved, with the positioning error of the damage being less than 1.5%.

Predictive Factors of Renal Insufficiency Among Patients with Diabetes and Hypertension in Northeastern Communities of Thailand

The purpose of this study was to study the predictive factors of chronic renal insufficiency in patients with diabetes, hypertension, and diabetes and hypertension in Tajong Subdistrict, Lahan Sai District, Buriram Province. This study, a retrospective case-control study, analyzed data from a 2023 database of patients with chronic diseases in Northeastern Thailand. A study of 4 3 5 community diabetes and hypertension patients analyzed predictive factors of renal insufficiency using SPSS, utilizing descriptive statistics, chi-square, and binary logistic regression analysis. The results showed that the subjects had an average glomerular filtration rate of 73.90 ml/min/1.73m2 (S.D. = 24.02), which was classified as the most abnormal filtration rate of 67.80%. CKD stage 2 (eGFR 60-89 ml/min/1.73m2) is the most. Among patients with diabetics, the predictive equation for renal insufficiency is -2.82+2.808 Age + 4.675BUN. In patients with hypertension, there is a prediction equation for the occurrence of renal insufficiency: -3.391 + 2.246Sex + 2.246Age + 2.637BUN, and in patients with hypertension and diabetics is an equation for predicting the occurrence of renal insufficiency: -4.021 + 1.554sex + 2.023Age + 3.332BUN. It is proposed that gender, age, and BUN all influence the occurrence of renal damage in patients with diabetes, hypertension, and diabetes plus hypertension. As a result, the healthcare team should have standards for assessing risk and preventing renal insufficiency in diabetic and hypertensive patients. Additional research should be conducted to examine the factors associated with kidney deterioration in patients who are unable to control their blood sugar levels.

Molecular epidemiology and vaccine compatibility analysis of seasonal influenza A viruses in the context of COVID-19 epidemic in Wuhan, China.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the global influenza vaccination and the epidemics of seasonal influenza. To further explore the molecular epidemiology of influenza viruses and assess vaccine effectiveness, we collected influenza cases in Wuhan during the 2022-2023 influenza season. Among 1312 clinical samples, 312 samples tested positive for influenza viruses using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. These positive samples included 146A/H1N1 subtypes (46.8%), 164A/H3N2 subtypes (52.6%) and 2 influenza B virus types (0.6%). Based on the whole genome sequence information of hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) from 27A/H1N1 influenza virus strains and 26A/H3N2 influenza virus strains obtained in this study, a phylogenetic analysis was conducted. The analysis revealed that all A/H1N1 strains belonged to the evolutionary branch 6B.1A.5a.2a, and they exhibited specific substitutions at positions K71Q, Q206E, E241A, and R276K. Similarly, all A/H3N2 strains were classified into the 3C.2a1b.2a.1a subclade and displayed amino acid substitutions at positions S172H, N175Y, I176T, K187N, and S214P. Notably, the A/H3N2 strains also acquired a new potential glycosylation site at position N174. Using an epitope model, the predicted vaccine effectiveness was assessed for the A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 strains. The predicted vaccine effectiveness against the Wuhan influenza epidemic strain was over 85% for the A/H1N1 vaccine strain. However, the effectiveness against the A/H3N2 vaccine strain was only 48.7%. To further verify the protection of influenza vaccine against circulating influenza viruses in the region, we conducted in vivo and in vitro animal studies. The results of in vitro neutralization experiment showed that rabbit serum antibodies inoculated with quadrivalent isolated influenza vaccine had neutralization ability against all 24 isolated influenza viruses. In vivo experiments showed that vaccinated mice had fewer lung lesions when infected with the influenza strain circulating in Wuhan, suggesting that vaccination can effectively reduce the occurrence of severe lung damage. These findings emphasize the importance of accurately predicting seasonal influenza strains for effective influenza prevention and control, especially during the co-circulation of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses. This study provides valuable information on the seasonal influenza virus in Wuhan during the COVID-19 pandemic and serves as a basis for vaccine prediction and updates.

AKR7A5 knockout promote acute liver injury by inducing inflammatory response, oxidative stress and apoptosis in mice.

Alcohol liver disease has become a worldwide critical health problem. The ingested alcohol could be converted into acetaldehyde or combined with free fatty acids to induce the endoplasmic reticulum oxidative stress in the liver. Coincidentally, AKR7A5 has both aldehyde detoxification and antioxidant effects. Therefore, we discuss the possible role and mechanism of AKR7A5 in the acute alcohol injury of mice liver. There were four experiment groups, the C57BL/6 mice of wild-type mice (WT) or AKR7A5-/- mice (KO) were intragastrically administrated with saline or 50% ethanol at 14 mL/kg, respectively. Compared to the WT + alcohol group, abnormal liver function, disordered hepatic cord, severe congestion in the hepatic sinus and the space of the hepatic cord, occurrence of oxidative stress, DNA damage and different expressions of apoptosis-related proteins were detected in the KO + alcohol group. Meanwhile, the biological process enrichment analysis showed that the down-regulated proteins were related to the metabolism of fatty acid, the up-regulated proteins positive regulation of reactive oxygen species metabolic process, negative regulation of coagulation and haemostasis. In conclusion, single ethanol binge combined with the absence of AKR7A5 caused more severe inflammatory response, oxidative stress, apoptosis of endogenous pathways, abnormal lipids metabolism and disordered coagulation in mice liver.

Effects of human–wildlife conflict on local people's livelihoods and wildlife conservation in and around Alitash National Park, northwest Ethiopia

Human–wildlife conflict has become one of the fundamental aspects of wildlife management. It threatens both wildlife and human welfare. People have injured, abused, and killed wildlife in response to perceived and/or actual damage from wildlife. Such negative interactions are common in adjacent protected areas (PAs) where people and wildlife share the same resources. However, the local contexts of the conflict around the most newly established PAs remain unaddressed. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of human–wildlife conflict on local people's livelihoods and wildlife conservation in and around Alitash National Park, Ethiopia. The data were collected by interviewing 198 households from 11 villages and conducting 3 focus group discussions and 12 key informant interviews. The survey questions were designed to understand the occurrence of wildlife damage, species involved, losses incurred, and local people's perception and reaction. The results revealed that 59.6% of the surveyed households encountered at least a single type of wildlife‐caused damage. Crop damage was the most prevalent, encountered by more than half (54%) of the households, of which 34.4 and 19.6% lost at most 25 and 75% of their crop fields, respectively. Common warthog, African porcupines, and common baboon were the top‐ranked wildlife species involved in crop‐raiding. The livestock loss from 2016 to 2020 was 287.89 tropical livestock units, which were shared by 47.5% of the respondents. Human attacks were rare, although 18 attacks by lion, spotted hyena, and leopard were reported by the study participants. The responses of the victims were negative and full of resentment to the wildlife. This undermines conservation efforts and the socio‐economic welfare of the local people. Thus, providing alternative livelihood opportunities and creating a context‐based conservation scheme along with continuous conservation education would help to reduce the negative effect of human–wildlife conflict on both wildlife and people.

Trends in the incorporation of nanomaterials in asphalt binders to improve rheological properties

Asphalt binders play a significant role in the performance of pavements. The current volume of traffic and loads on highways contribute to the occurrence of damages that affect the performance and lifespan of the asphalt mix. In this context, the development of optimized materials can help reduce damages and increase the lifespan of the pavement. One way to improve asphalt performance, that is, improving rheological, mechanical, and durability properties, is by incorporating nanomaterials. Through a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis, this study aimed to verify the recent scientific scenario on the subject, aiming to identify trends and prospect content for future work. Thus, bibliometric indexes were analyzed, and the selected articles from the systematic search were summarized, which allowed the identification of the research objectives, the incorporated materials, and their optimal contents. Additionally, the asphalt matrices used, the tests performed, and the highlights regarding mechanical and rheological gains were identified. Finally, it was concluded that the study achieved its objective, contributing to decision-making in the prospecting of themes for future research.

Bioinspired Bouligand-Structured Cellulose Nanocrystals/Poly(vinyl alcohol) Composite Hydrogel for Enhanced Impact Resistance.

Impact-protective materials are gaining importance because of the widespread occurrence of impact damage. Hydrogels have emerged as promising candidates owing to their lightweight and flexible nature. However, achieving soft impact-resistant hydrogels with exceptional stiffness, strength, and toughness remains a challenge. Inspired by the Bouligand structure found in the smasher dactyl club of stomatopods, we propose a straightforward multiscale hierarchical structural design strategy. This strategy integrates self-assembly and salting-out techniques to enhance the impact resistance of soft hydrogels. Rigid cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) self-assemble into Bouligand-like structures within soft poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) matrix via supramolecular interactions. This rational structural design combines the CNC Bouligand structure with a cross-linked network of soft PVA crystalline domains, resulting in a composite hydrogel with impressive mechanical properties: high tensile fracture strength (30.2 MPa), elastic modulus (62.7 MPa), and fracture energy (75.6 kJ m-2), surpassing those of other tough hydrogels. Moreover, the multiscale hierarchical structure facilitates various energy dissipation mechanisms, including crack twisting, tortuous crack paths, and PVA chain orientation, resulting in notable force attenuation (80.4%) in the composite hydrogel. This biomimetic design strategy opens new avenues for developing soft and lightweight impact-resistant materials.

Study on the molecular mechanism of autophagy and apoptosis induced by ultrafine carbon black in human bronchial epithelial cells and the intervention effect of N-acetylcysteine

Objective: To investigate the molecular mechanism of autophagy and apoptosis induced by ultrafine carbon black in human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B cells), and to study the intervention effect and mechanism of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on ultrafine carbon black-induced oxidative damage in BEAS-2B cells. Methods: In March 2023, BEAS-2B cells were used as research object, an in vitro airway model exposed to ultrafine carbon black was constructed. A control group and three carbon black exposure groups (50, 100, 200 μg/ml) were set up, and the cells were treated with corresponding concentrations of ultrafine carbon black for 24 hours. In addition, the experiment was divided into control group, NAC+ control group, 100 μg/ml carbon black exposure group and NAC+ exposure group. The corresponding groups were treated with 2 mmol/L NAC for 1 h and 100 μg/ml ultrafine carbon black for 24 h, respectively. Cell viability was measured by CCK-8 assay. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was detected by chemical fluorescence method. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT), as well as the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected by colorimetry. The mRNA and protein expressions of autophagy-related genes[Atg5, Atg7, Beclin1, microtubule-associated protein light chain 3B (LC3B), p62 and lysosome-associated membrane protein 2 (LAMP2) ] and apoptosis-related genes [B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), Caspase3, Caspase9 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) ] were determined by fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot. Cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. Results: Compared with the control group, the relative survival rates of BEAS-2B cells in 50, 100, 200 μg/ml carbon black exposure groups were significantly decreased, the levels of ROS and MDA were significantly increased, and the activities of SOD, GSH-Px and CAT were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The relative survival rate, ROS and MDA levels, SOD, GSH-Px and CAT activities were significantly correlated with the exposure dose of ultrafine carbon black (r(s)=-0.755, 0.826, 0.934, -0.810, -0.880, -0.840, P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the relative expression levels of Atg5, Atg7, Beclin1, LC3B, p62, LAMP2, Bax, Caspase3, Caspase9, PARP1 mRNA and Atg5, Atg7, Beclin1, LC3BⅡ, p62, LAMP2, Bax, cleaved Caspase3 (C-Caspase3), cleaved Caspase9 (C-Caspase9), cleaved PARP1 (C-PARP1) protein and the ratio of LC3BⅡ/LC3BⅠ in 50, 100 and 200 μg/ml carbon black exposure groups were significantly increased, while the relative expression levels of Bcl-2 mRNA and protein were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The changes of the above indexes were significantly correlated with the exposure dose of carbon black (r(s)=0.892, 0.879, 0.944, 0.892, 0.828, 0.880, 0.814, 0.794, 0.931, 0.918, 0.813, 0.866, 0.774, 0.695, 0.918, 0.761, 0.794, 0.944, 0.833, 0.866, 0.905, -0.886, -0.748, P<0.05). Compared with 100 μg/ml carbon black exposure group, the relative survival rate, the activities of SOD, GSH-Px and CAT in NAC+exposure group were significantly increased, while the levels of ROS and MDA were significantly decreased, and the relative expression levels of LC3B, p62 and Caspase3 mRNA and protein as well as the ratio of LC3BⅡ/LC3BⅠ were significantly decreased, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the apoptosis rates of BEAS-2B cells in 50, 100, 200 μg/ml carbon black exposure groups were significantly increased (P<0.05), and there was a significant positive correlation between ultrafine carbon black exposure dose and cell apoptosis rate (r(s)=0.944, P<0.05). While compared with 100 μg/ml carbon black exposure group, the apoptosis rate of NAC+exposure group was significantly decreased, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Cell autophagy and apoptosis may be important pathophysiological mechanisms of ultrafine carbon black-induced oxidative damage in BEAS-2B cells. NAC can alleviate the occurrence of BEAS-2B cell damage caused by ultrafine carbon black by regulating oxidative stress and the cascading autophagy and apoptosis pathways.

Interactions between feed protein source and feeding frequency on growth performance and health status of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides).

In order to evaluate the effects of the interaction between different proteins and feeding frequency on largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and to provide scientific guidance for the application of novel proteins and the corresponding optimal feeding strategy, a two-factorial design (5 × 3) with five protein feeds (fishmeal (FM), Clostridium autoethanogenum protein (CAP), Tenebrio molitor (TM), Chlorella meal (ChM), cottonseed protein concentrate (CPC)), and three feeding frequency (1, 2, and 3 times/d; FF1, FF2, FF3) was designed in culturing largemouth bass (initial weight, 2.98 ± 0.22g/fish) for 8weeks. Z-score combined with cluster analysis was used to analyze and compare the effects of different treatments on different indicators, such as growth performance, feed utilization, antioxidant capacity, and immune response to draw a general picture of the relationship among all these massive biomarkers. The results showed that different protein sources and feeding frequencies had significant interactive effects on growth performance, feed utilization efficiency, body lipid, and health status of largemouth bass. Fish fed with ChM feed showed similar performance to that in FM group, implying its potential for complete replacement of fishmeal in largemouth bass. Fish fed with CAP, TM, and CPC feeds showed worse performance compared to FM and ChM groups, characterized by poor growth and feed utilization, enhanced stress, chronic inflammation, and varying symptoms of histological changes in the liver and intestine, which demonstrated the adverse effects of the complete replacement of fishmeal by these three proteins. In terms of feeding frequency, fish fed with FM feed in FF3 group led to liver hypertrophy, fat accumulation, and the risk of fatty liver, while inducing liver inflammation. In addition, the TM and CAP group had the higher expression levels of inflammatory factors at FF3 group, which displayed that the interactions between FM, CAP, TM feeds and feeding frequency at FF3 might aggravate the occurrence of liver inflammation and oxidative damage of hepatocytes. Overall, FF2 had higher feed efficiency, protein efficiency, antioxidant enzyme and lysozyme activities, lower MDA content, and lower gene expression of inflammatory cytokines and could be considered as the optimum feeding frequency for largemouth bass fed with different protein feeds.

Self-powered wearable remote control system based on self-adhesive, self-healing, and tough hydrogels

The advent of the fifth-generation mobile communication network era induces a great potential for the design and development of self-powered wearable electronic devices. Hydrogels, as a typical material for flexible electrodes, have been widely employed in self-powered wearable electronic devices. However, the hydrogel-based triboelectric nanogenerator (H-TENG) is usually compromised by the challenges in data collection, operational stability, and manufacturability due to the unstable combination between the friction layer and the electrode layer, the occurrence of hydrogel damage during prolonged operation, and also the difficulty of machining sticky hydrogel electrodes. In the present study, a composite hydrogel composed of acrylamide, crotonyl alcohol, and 4-carboxyphenylboronic acid was synthesized via ultraviolet crosslinking, which was specially developed for H-TENG and wearable wireless remote control interface, featuring with excellent stretchability and mechanical strength as well as self-healing and self-adhesive properties. The open-circuit voltage of the H-TENG prepared with the hydrogel reached up to 165 V, and the output voltage remained almost unchanged following 10,000 cycles of compression test. Additionally, a wearable wireless remote control system was designed that could accurately control the multiple appliances and adjust different working modes using the H-TENG. Consequently, the development of the H-TENG and wearable wireless remote control system has the potential to provide a new methodology for the application of next-generation wearable devices in various areas, such as smart homes, as a representative example.

Enhanced LaRC05 failure criteria for investigating low-velocity impact on fiber-reinforced composites: An experimental and computational study

A finite element model was developed using both continuum and discrete damage modeling techniques to provide detailed predictions for ply-by-ply damage progression in composite laminates during low-velocity impact (LVI) events. A new fiber failure model was incorporated into the LaRC05 failure criteria to predict fiber pull-out and fiber crushing during the fiber damage evolution. In addition, the selective range golden section search (SRGSS) algorithm was implemented to efficiently predict fiber breakage, pull-out, splitting, kinking and crushing, and matrix cracking. The delamination was captured by cohesive element layers embedded between every adjacent composite ply. The interactions of intralaminar matrix cracking and delamination were modeled by deploying cohesive elements within each composite ply. The prediction results were validated by 30 J and 75 J drop-weight tests with different-sized impactors, as well as X-Ray CT inspections on 254 mm by 304.8 mm [0/45/90/-45]4s IM7/977–3 laminates. The model predicted the maximum deflection and contact duration with <2 % error, and the peak load, damaged areas, and absorbed energy with <8 % error. The matrix fracture plane and the fiber kink band angle were found with 1° precision 48 % faster via the SRGSS algorithm. The detailed sequences of damage occurrence were predicted by analyzing the energy dissipation histories through various damage modes. Although this modeling methodology was developed for LVI scenarios, it has broad applications for predicting failures in composites.