Changes In Physical Properties Research Articles

Dynamic ultrasonic response modeling and accurate state of charge estimation for lithium ion batteries under various load profiles and temperatures

Accurate estimation of the State of Charge (SoC) plays a vital role in ensuring the efficient and safe operation of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. However, the flat open circuit voltage (OCV) curve of the LFP battery implies a low sensitivity to SoC, which results in large SoC estimation errors in the presence of noisy terminal voltage measurements. To address this challenge, an SoC estimation methodology utilizing an ultrasonic reflection response model is proposed, which is the first methodology regarding highly accurate and robust ultrasonic model-based SoC estimation under dynamic load profiles. Since ultrasound waves enable non-destructive acquisition of battery internal physical property changes directly associated with SoC, the ultrasonic battery near-surface reflection feature is extracted and demonstrated to exhibit a highly linear correlation with and higher sensitivity to SoC. We pioneeringly construct an empirical differential ultrasonic model to describe how the ultrasonic feature depends on the SoC and dynamic current. The advantage of such an ultrasonic model is demonstrated by theoretical and experimental results of an Adaptive Extend Kalman Filter (AEKF) and an Adaptive H-infinity Filter (AHIF) under various dynamic load profiles and temperatures. The Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) for ultrasonic model-based SoC estimation remains at approximately 1% across all tests, reducing by 36.7% compared to the voltage model, which shows its great potential in accurate SoC estimation.

Formulation and development of a body gel scrub using Areca catechu L. seed extract and microbeads

The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate an antioxidant body gel scrub formulation includingArecaseed extract andArecabeads. TheArecaseed ethanol extract had an IC50 of 183.30 µg/ml, a radical scavenging activity of 49.196%, and a total phenolic content of 21.21 ± 2.32 µg/ml. With a pH of 6.98 at 25 °C and a viscosity of 5,590.457 cP, the optimized formulation contained 1% w/wArecaseed extract, 5% w/w polyvinyl alcohol, 0.5% w/w Carbomer Ultrez 21, and 5% w/wArecamicrobeads. The formulation had a radical scavenging efficiency of 68.66%. Stability tests were carried out under accelerated heating cooling conditions at 40 ± 2 °C, 75 % RH for 48 hours, followed by 4 °C for 48 hours each cycle for 24 days (6 cycles) and 30 days for 4 °C and 30 ± 2 °C, 75% RH, and no significant changes in physical or chemical properties were observed. This body gel scrub formulation shows potential for use in skincare applications due to its antioxidant activity and stability.

Analysis of mechanical and water absorption properties of hybrid composites reinforced with micron-size bamboo fibers and ceramic particles

Abstract Bamboo and its hybrid composites were made using the hand lay-up method to evaluate the change in mechanical and physical properties that occurred through filler addition. Density measurements and tensile test results showed an increment in values when a certain percentage of silicon carbide (SiC) was added. As the SiC percentage grows from 0 to 6 %, the density of the hybrid composite increases from 1.15 to 1.36 gm/cc whereas tensile strength increases from 37 MPa to 42 MPa when 4 wt% SiC is added in 20 wt% of the bamboo composite. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of tensile fractured samples further supported the improvement in tensile characteristics. To examine the impact and hardness characteristics, composites were subjected to the Charpy impact test and hardness test. 4 wt% of SiC addition in 20 wt% of the bamboo composite decreased the impact strength from 28.79 to 27.43 (×10−3 kJ/m2) and increased the hardness from 44 to 55 Hv. The composites’ water absorption behavior demonstrated that the addition of filler lifts the composite’s resistance to absorbing water, preserving the composites’ dimensional firmness and mechanical qualities.

Boron-induced phase transformation of ternary cerium boron silicides

Samples of the alloys CeSi2–хBх (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.5) were prepared and their crystal structures, electrical and magnetic properties were determined. Depending on the amount of boron, x, the phases CeSi2–хBх crystallize in the α-ThSi2 structure type (x = 0, 0.1), or in the α-GdSi2 structure type (x = 0.2, 0.4). Interestingly, as determined by means of X-ray single crystal diffraction crystallizes, CeSi1·5B0.5 crystallizes in the AlB2 structure type (space group P6/mmm, a = 3.9922(2), c = 4.3053(4) Å, 191 reflections with Io ≥ 2σ(Io), R1 = 0.019, wR2 = 0.042). Measurements of the electrical and magnetic properties indicate that phases CeSi2-xBx (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.5) are metallic in character and that phases with B substitution x ≥ 0.2 exhibit correlated magnetic behavior, typically below ∼15 K. Density functional theory calculations were performed to elucidate the change of electronic and physical properties upon boron substitution.

The Impact of Mechanical Compression on the Postharvest Quality of ‘Shine Muscat’ Grapes during Short-Term Storage

Mechanical stress induced by compression during preharvest and postharvest handling of fresh fruit is a major factor influencing the quality of fresh fruit. The degree of compression primarily governs the extent of quality deterioration. However, research on the damage mechanisms of mechanical compression in table grapes remains scarce. This investigation evaluated the impact of varying compression levels (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%) on the postharvest quality attributes of table grapes. Changes in postharvest physical properties (overall appearance and color), structural properties (firmness, springiness, cohesiveness, and chewiness), physiological qualities (total soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, malonaldehyde content, and relative electrical conductivity), and cell microstructure of the berries was determined at 4 °C during 15 d of storage. Mechanical compression contributed to the deterioration of the quality of table grapes during storage, resulting in increased weight loss, decay rate, malonaldehyde content, and relative electrical conductivity; and decreased total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and ascorbic acid content. Furthermore, as compared to the control group, mechanical compression resulted in substantial yellowing and diminished textural qualities of grapes. In particular, compression treatment caused significant deformation of grape cell microstructure. In conclusion, mechanical compression stress significantly affects the physical and physiological properties of postharvest table grapes, as well as the internal cellular organization. As compression levels increase, the quality of table grapes progressively deteriorates, leading to a substantial reduction in storage life and commercial value. This study offers essential information for devising damage prevention strategies in preharvest and postharvest handling of table grapes.

Physical property changes promoting shelf-life extension of soy protein-based high moisture meat analog under high pressure treatment.

The effects of high pressure treatment were investigated on the physical properties and possible shelf-life extension of soy protein-based high moisture meat analog (S-HMMA) produced by the extrusion process. High pressure treatment was applied at 200, 400 and 600MPa for 5, 10 and 15min. Physical properties of S-HMMA including appearance, moisture content, color and texture were analyzed during storage at 4°C for 8weeks. Higher pressure and longer storage time significantly reduced moisture content by creating more air cells and increasing cavitation. L* value of S-HMMA products increased at higher levels of pressurization while increasing storage time tended to decrease lightness. The unpressurized control S-HMMA product showed increasing hardness and toughness, while S-HMMA products subjected to various pressures exhibited higher hardness and toughness over time compared to the control sample at 200-400MPa. Products treated with high pressure (600MPa) showed the highest reductions in microbial growth but the aroma of the beans became more pronounced.

Pressure modulated charge transfer and phonon interactions drive phase transitions in uranium–aluminum laves phases

Lanthanide AB2 intermetallic compounds known as Laves phases have itinerant 3d and localized 4f electrons, which lead to interesting physical properties such as magnetic anisotropy and high Curie temperatures. Actinide Laves phases can display physical properties that are similarly intriguing. However, at reduced A–A spacing the C14 and C15 polytypes may exhibit larger wavefunction overlap for their 5f electron states and distinct characteristics for phases with more delocalized chemical bonding. The C36 polytype, on the other hand, is extraordinarily rare (<5% of known Laves phases). UAl2 is the only known actinide Laves phase to show a pressure-controllable C15 → C36 transition. Here, we apply first principles calculations to determine the origin of the C15 → C36 phase transition and reveal the differences between the corresponding properties of each phase. Pressure increases lead to bond compression–induced electron transfer from Al to U, which drives dynamic instability in the C15 phonon modes because of the uniform U–U bonding environment. The opposite phenomena is observed in C36: varied U–U bonding environments are vibronically more stable after charge transfer. We find that the interplay between charge transfer, chemical bonding, and phononic stability are central to predicting phase transitions and corresponding changes in physical properties for both C15 and C36 UAl2.

Evaluation of EDZ characterization technology for URL based on field investigation at BET

Detailed characterization of the Excavation Damage Zone (EDZ) is an important issue for the high-level radioactive waste (HLW) geological disposal engineering, which is closely related to the long-term safety of the HLW repository. With drill-blast experiment in Beishan Exploration Tunnel (BET, a platform for the field experiment and validation of potential technologies used for China’s HLW disposal engineering in crystalline rock), systematic field tests were carried out to evaluate the suitability of techniques in characterizing EDZ, and to study EDZ characteristic in crystalline tunnel. A series of investigation technologies were used to delineate EDZ and to examine the process of its formation, which includes: p-wave velocity measurement, ground penetrating radar (GPR), acoustic emission (AE) monitoring and borehole televiewer. P-wave velocity measurement along borehole reveal that wave velocity decreased significantly (more than 10%) in 30 cm to 50 cm from the excavation surface, and this zone is defined as EDZ. Clear images of borehole televiewer were obtained, which is helpful for EDZ delineation. GPR and borehole radar were also used for EDZ delineation. Strong reflection signals were detected in the range of 10 cm to 25 cm by GPR with high frequency antenna, indicating significant changes of physical properties of rock-mass in the zone, which is defined as Highly Damaged Zone (HDZ). Moreover, the formation process of EDZ induced by blast in crystalline rock tunnel was analyzed using AE monitoring. Damage process of surrounding rock was divided into blasting damage stage and progressive damage stage. AE events location show the induced cracking activities were clustering within 30 cm to 100 cm from excavation surface. With the experience from field investigation and result analysis, the feasibility and suitability of the techniques for EDZ characterization is evaluated. Finally a specialized EDZ characterization technique system is proposed for underground research laboratory construction in crystalline host rock in Beishan area.

Comparison of chlorination resistance of biodegradable microplastics and conventional microplastics during the disinfection process in water treatments

Nowadays, microplastics (MPs) widely exist in the environment, and water treatment plants are important sources of MPs. Chlorine is widely used in the disinfection process in water treatment plants and has strong oxidation, however, the chemical and physical properties changes of MPs during chlorination were unclear. Thus, in this study, based on the actual used chlorine concentrations, different chlorination conditions were simulated to study the variation of MPs after chlorination. Meanwhile, the produced disinfection by-products were monitored. The results showed that under high chlorination concentration conditions, functional groups of polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polylactic acid (PLA) changed, while no peak shift or change of poly (butyleneadipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) could be detected. Moreover, after chlorination, partial yellowing and cracks appeared on PS, PLA, and PBAT, while PE remained white and showed little morphological changes. Besides, chlorination led to the narrowing of the cold crystallization peak and melting peak of PLA, while chlorination had little influence on the crystal structure of PE and PBAT. Furthermore, the reaction between PLA and chlorine mostly produced more trichloromethane than other types of MPs. Consequently, when chlorine concentrations were in the range of 2.5 to 5000 mg/L, the chlorination resistance was PBAT/PE > PLA > PS. Specifically, PBAT had the strongest chlorination resistance in terms of chemical properties, while PE had the strongest chlorination resistance in terms of physical properties. Therefore, the degradability of biodegradable MPs is not higher than that of conventional MPs in all cases. Moreover, it should be noted that most changes occurred only in high chlorine concentrations. Thus, neither conventional MPs nor biodegradable MPs can be completely degraded during the chlorination process in water treatments.

Linking the rhizosphere effects of 12 woody species on soil microbial activities with soil and root nitrogen status

The rhizosphere effect depicts the changes in soil physical, chemical, and biological properties due to altered microbial activity in response to root activity, which has important implications for soil carbon and nutrient cycling. However, how the plant-induced changes in rhizosphere soil microbial activity correlate with root and soil nutrient status remains uncertain. Here we targeted 12 woody species of distinct growth forms, i.e., tree vs. shrub, in an urban park on a university campus in Beijing, China. We measured root carbon and nitrogen concentrations and soil properties of paired rhizosphere and bulk soils for each plant. We investigated how the rhizosphere effects on microbial properties, as indicated by microbial biomass and potential activity of soil extracellular hydrolases, varied among the 12 woody species and between trees and shrubs, as well as how they were regulated by bulk soil and root nitrogen status. In general, across the 12 species, root nitrogen content, which is a potential indicator of plant life span and nutrient acquisition strategy, was positively correlated with the rhizosphere effect on potential enzyme activity, while the inverse was true for root carbon: nitrogen ratio, which further verified the role of root functional traits in controlling soil nutrient cycling through the rhizosphere effect. Moreover, soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and available nitrogen concentrations were all found to be negatively correlated with the rhizosphere effect on microbial properties, which highlighted the stimulation of rhizosphere microbial activity for nitrogen acquisition (the nitrogen-mining hypothesis). Trees and shrubs exhibited no significant differences in their rhizosphere effects, and there was a potential difference in the role of rhizosphere effect in regulating soil nitrogen cycling between legumes and non-legumes. Overall, our study highlights the role of plant nutrient acquisition strategy and soil nutrient status in regulating the rhizosphere effect of woody species on microbial-driven soil processes, which is essential for a better understanding of mechanisms by which plants sustain their nutrient supply.

Mechanical, physical and compositional effects of Meruliporia incrassata on Southern Yellow Pine

Abstract With the growing risk of fungal degradation in timber-framed structures from significant moisture intrusion events due to climate change, it is increasingly critical to develop mechanistic relationships between fungal degradation mechanisms and the strength of untreated wood components. While extensive work has been performed characterizing wood decay, no study has yet addressed the effects of Meruliporia incrassata on untreated Southern Yellow Pine. This seeks to address this knowledge gap by evaluating the effects of the common brown rot fungus on an ubiquitous building material in the southeast United States – Southern Yellow Pine. Properties of Southern Yellow Pine were evaluated at seven decay stages over the course of 12 weeks of exposure to M. incrassata. Changes in physical properties – mass, density, and moisture content – were measured at each stage. Changes in stiffness were characterized via ultrasonic pulse velocity testing, and thermogravimetric analysis was utilized to assess compositional changes. The study found rapid and significant losses in stiffness at decay stages as early as four-weeks. Hemicellulose and cellulose degradation occurred steadily throughout the decay period. These results can be utilized to develop a stronger understanding of the mechanical behavior of timber-framed structures in the United States degraded by brown rot.

Effects of annealing temperature on microstructural, optical and FTIR properties of NiFe2O4 spinel nanoparticles

In this study, NiFe2O4 spinel nanoparticles were prepared using the hydrothermal method and annealed at different temperatures of 550, 650, 750, and 850 °C. The crystallite size increased from 19.0 to 28.6 nm and the dislocation density decreased from 7.2 ×1014 to 5.3 ×1014m-2. Also, the Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) shifted absorption bands, ν1 (594 to 616 cm−1) and ν2 (400 to 422 cm−1), were observed. The FTIR-shifted absorbance bands have a good correlation with lattice microstructure parameters. Finally, the obtained results can provide useful information about the synthesis of spinel nanoparticles sensitive to lattice defects, using changes in physical properties.

The Impact of the Elemental Interactions on Soil Fertility and Toxicity in the Presence of Wastewater and Biosolids: A Quantitative Evaluation

A field experiment was conducted in Mesologgi, Greece, for the study of the elemental contribution to the soil under the following treatments in four replications i.e.,: a—Wastewater (TMWW), b—Biosolid (BSD), c—(TMWW + BSD) and d—CONTROL (fresh irrigation water). Similarly, the data of a greenhouse experiment conducted in four replications in Agrinion, under the effect of wastewater and biosolids was also taken into account for reasons of comparison. The soil analytical data of these two experiments were chosen to study the elemental interactions under two different experimental conditions The actual scope was the use of the elemental interactions as a tool for the evaluation of their contribution in terms of plant nutrients, and heavy metals to soil fertility and of heavy metals to soil toxicity. Based on the results of elemental contributions obtained for both of the above experimental soils, the key role of elemental interactions as a tool in evaluating the contributed heavy metals, and essential nutrients, as well as in producing quantitative changes in the physical and chemical properties of soil (pH, organic matter, calcium carbonate, and electrical conductivity), was also, studied. According to the obtained results, it was shown that the elemental interactions have shown approximately the same quantitative trend between some of the results obtained, differing in some others, showing higher concentrations. In other words, it was shown that the elemental interactions could be used as an effective tool for the quantitative evaluation of the elemental interactions’ contribution in terms of nutrients to soil fertility, and of heavy metals to soil toxicity, under the reuse of wastewater and biosolids, as well as in terms of changes of the soil physical and chemical properties. However, due to the complex nature of this subject, more detailed research must be conducted on the elemental contributions, so that the plant nutrients, or the heavy metals, eventually be managed effectively to the benefit of the agricultural economy and environmental quality.

Effect of Cold Brew Coffee Storage in Industrial Production on the Physical-Chemical Characteristics of Final Product.

The purpose of this article is to present information about changes in physical properties (pH, TA, and color) and chemical components with bioactive activity in cold brew coffee beverages, during storage before and after HTST processing. Coffee samples were tested using industrial technology (12,000 bottles per batch). The antioxidant activity of the samples was analyzed using ABTS and FRAP methods, the concentration of polyphenols was determined using the UPLC-MS chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry method, and microbiological tests were performed according to PN-ISO/PN-EN ISO standards. The pH value decreased during coffee storage, and the color changed significantly in brightness. Polyphenol concentrations were calculated in the range of 1800 to almost 3400 mg/L, and the antioxidant capacity for ABTS and FRAP reached the ranges of the results successively: 123-195 µMol/100 mL and 158-212 µMol/100 mL. It was observed that HTST pasteurization has a beneficial effect on preserving the beverage in microbiological terms. Also, a positive effect of the process on the release of chemical components responsible for bioactive properties from the beverage was observed, followed by a reduction in antioxidant activity during the first 90 days of storage and between 180 and 270 days during storage.

Rock damage evolution in the production process of the enhanced geothermal systems considering thermal-hydrological-mechanical and damage (THM-D)

Hot dry rocks (HDRs) geothermal relies mainly on enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) for production. During production, the evolution of rock stress distribution will cause damage to the rock, especially near fractures. The application of damage mechanics in the geothermal field has mostly focused on the process of hydraulic fracturing, with limited reports on damage research related to long-term water injection development. According to previous experimental studies, the effect of rock damage is significant and cannot be ignored. Therefore, based on a thermal-hydrological-mechanical and damage (THM-D) coupling model, it studies the rock damage evolution features and its role in changes in rock physical properties. It also analyzed the effects of the initial temperature, injection flow, fracture curvature/number, and stress difference on damage evolution. Results indicate that the damage area and degree continue to increase with time, but the growth rate becomes slower. There are two methods of damage evolution: the new damage caused by the expansion of the low-temperature region is throughout the process, and the original damage is aggravated in the later stages. Damage will cause changes such as reduced Young's modulus (negative feedback) and increased permeability (positive feedback) of the rock matrix, which in turn affect the damage evolution. More, damage increases with the initial rock temperature, injection mass flow, and stress difference increase, and the impact of the fracture curvature is small. The damage of complex fracture reservoirs is more pronounced than that of single fracture reservoirs. This study provides a tool for analyzing the impact of damage on the production performance of HDRs. The investigation of relevant patterns is expected to offer guidance for production strategies.

Relationship between the Dynamics of Flavor Compounds and Microbial Succession in the Natural Fermentation of Zhalajiao, a Popular Traditional Chinese Fermented Chili Paste.

Zhalajiao, a traditional Chinese fermented food, is popular due to its unique flavor. Traditional Zhalajiao fermentation is closely related to flavor compounds production. However, the mechanisms underlying the formation of these crucial flavor components in Zhalajiao remain unclear. Here, we explored the dynamic changes in physical and chemical properties, microbial diversity, and flavor components of Zhalajiao at various fermentation times. In total, 6 organic acids, 17 amino acids, and 21 key volatile compounds were determined as flavor components. In Zhalajiao, Lactobacillus and Cyanobacterium were the main bacteria that were involved in the formation of crucial flavor compounds. Candida showed a significant correlation with 14 key flavor compounds during fermentation (p < 0.05) and was the main fungal genus associated with flavor formation in Zhalajiao. This research offers a theoretical foundation for the flavor regulation and quality assurance of Zhalajiao.

Phase transformation kinetics in a coarse-grain Ti17 alloy determined by laser ultrasonics and dilatometry

Different methods are used to determine the phase transformation titanium alloys. While ex-situ methods require a large number of samples and accurate quantification of the phases, in-situ methods can provide the kinetics of transformation continuously and with less samples. However, the results are based on the changes of physical properties, and the interpretation of the results in terms of phase transformation are not direct. This study compares two in-situ methods to measure the kinetics of phase transformation for a Ti17 alloy, namely: laser ultrasonics for metallurgy (LUMet) and dilatometry. While LUMet is coupled to a Gleeble® 3500 thermo-mechanical simulator with ohmic resistance heating, the dilatometer device uses induction heating. We performed two types of experiments by heating the specimens above the β-transus temperature (∼ 865 °C) and 1) and then fast cooled below the β-transus temperature and held at different temperatures, or 2) continuously cooled at different rates. The β→α + β phase transformation is inferred by the evolution of the longitudinal wave speed with the LUMet method and by the change in the length of the specimen by dilatometry. We obtained the information about the isothermal phase transformation using the normalized changes in length for the dilatometric data and in longitudinal ultrasonic velocity. In the investigated isothermal temperature range (580 – 700 °C), the β →α + β transformation is completed within one hour of holding with the fastest transformation rates at 580 °C. For the continuous cooling treatments, the small change in length measured by dilatometry makes it impractical to use the lever rule to accurately determine the relative transformation fraction. However, we could successfully apply the lever rule to the LUMet data. Furthermore, the derivatives of the change in length and ultrasonic velocity are used to estimate the transformation temperatures as a function of the cooling rates. Further, the in-situ measurements are supplemented with ex-situ characterization of the microconstituents after heat treatments using scanning electron microscopy.

Effects of solvent-free bentonite fluid on physical, rheological and aging properties of SBS modified bitumen

Layered silicate materials were often used for bitumen modification, but their improvement effect on bitumen performance was limited due to their poor compatibility with bitumen. Introducing long-chain organic compounds on the surface of inorganic materials can make them exhibit solvent-free fluid characteristics, which can significantly enhance the compatibility between inorganic and organic materials. In this study, 3-(trimethoxysilyl propyl) dimethyl octadecyl ammonium chloride (DC5700) and nonylphenol polyoxyethylene ether sodium sulfate (NPES) were used to organically treat bentonite (Ben) to prepare solvent-free bentonite fluid (Ben-fluid) so as to effectively improve the overall performance of styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer (SBS) modified bitumen (SMB). Ben and DC5700 organically treated bentonite (DC5700-Ben) were used as comparative samples. The microstructure, ultraviolet reflectance and lipophilicity of Ben, DC5700-Ben and Ben-fluid as well as fluidization characteristics of Ben-fluid were tested and characterized. The results of X-ray diffraction spectrometer and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) demonstrated that DC5700 intercalated into the layers of the Ben and chemically grafted on the Ben surface, and the NPES was anchored on DC5700 molecules through ionic bonds. Compared with Ben and DC5700-Ben, Ben-fluid had the highest ultraviolet reflectance and the best lipophilicity. As the temperature exceeded 82.3 ℃, the fluidization characteristics of Ben-fluid began to appear. Meanwhile, the effects of Ben-fluid on physical, rheological and aging properties of SMB were investigated. Ben-fluid was more conducive to enhance the high-temperature stability of SMB than Ben and DC5700-Ben, and has less adverse effects on the low-temperature physical and rheological properties. The aging results of different SMBs revealed that the change in physical properties of SMB containing Ben-fluid after thermal and ultraviolet aging was significantly lower than that of SMB containing Ben and DC5700-Ben. In addition, FTIR showed that compared with Ben and DC5700-Ben, the Ben-fluid could inhibit the increase of carbonyl index and the decrease of butadiene index of SMB after aging. Comprehensive analysis suggested that Ben-fluid was more conducive to improve the physical, rheological and anti-aging properties of SMB.

Cancer Development in Hepatocytes by Long-Term Induction of Hypoxic Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell (HCC)-Derived Exosomes In Vivo and In Vitro.

Hypoxic tumor cell-derived exosomes play a key role in the occurrence, development, and metastasis of tumors. However, the mechanism of hypoxia-mediated metastasis remains unclear. In this study, hypoxic hepatocellular carcinoma cell (HCC-LM3)-derived exosomes (H-LM3-exos) were used to induce hepatocytes (HL-7702) over a long term (40 passages in 120 days). A nude mouse experiment further verified the effect of H-LM3-exos on tumor growth and metastasis. The process of cancer development in hepatocytes induced by H-LM3-exos was analyzed using both biological and physical techniques, and the results showed that the proliferation and soft agar growth abilities of the transformed cells were enhanced. The concentration of tumor markers secreted by transformed cells was increased, the cytoskeleton was disordered, and the migration ability was enhanced and was accompanied by epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Transcriptome results showed that differentially expressed genes between transformed cells and hepatocytes were enriched in cancer-related signaling pathways. The degree of cancer development in transformed cells was enhanced by an increase in H-LM3-exos-induced passages. Nude mice treated with different concentrations of H-LM3-exos showed different degrees of tumor growth and liver lesions. The physical properties of the cells were characterized by atomic force microscopy. Compared with the hepatocytes, the height and roughness of the transformed cells were increased, while the adhesion and elastic modulus were decreased. The changes in physical properties of primary tumor cells and hepatocytes in nude mice were consistent with this trend. Our study linking omics with the physical properties of cells provides a new direction for studying the mechanisms of cancer development and metastasis.

A continuous 18-10.2 ka paleo-earthquake events revealed by the Luobozhai lacustrine sediments, eastern Tibetan Plateau

To assess the regional seismicity during the late Quaternary, we studied a well−exposed sequence of Luobozhai lacustrine sediments, 14.5 m thick, near Lake Diexi in the upper reaches of the Minjiang River, eastern Tibetan Plateau. High-resolution geochemical, grain-size, and magnetic susceptibility indicators were then used to obtain a continuous record of the changes in elemental and physical properties within the profile to determine additional seismic events that did not result in soft sediment deformation structures. Rapidly deposited layers with underlying soft sediment deformation structures in the Luobozhai section indicate 18 siliciclastic-enriched sandy sediment fluxes from earthquake-triggered landslides or dust of siliciclastic-enriched clastic materials; isolated rapidly deposited layers (without underlying soft sediment deformation structures) record 17 additional earthquake-induced inputs of detrital material into the lake. Hence, there are a total of 35 seismic events (M ≥ 5.0) recorded within the Luobozhai section, which probably reflects the frequent seismicity of Minjiang fault. Optically stimulated luminescence and 14C dating of the Luobozhai section indicates continuous sediment deposition from 18 to 10.2 ka, and had a mean recurrence interval of approximately 224 years. Heavy mineral analysis shows that event layers and non-event layers have different mineral compositions. This reflects changes in sedimentation pre, during, and post a seismic event, especially the co-seismic debris material (e.g., from landslides and/or dust storms) that controls changes in provenance within the drainage basin, and in turn affects the regional erosion rate and weathering patterns. This study opens up new avenues of paleo-earthquake research.