Sheath Structure Research Articles

Polytropic Behavior in the Structures of Interplanetary Coronal Mass Ejections

The polytropic process characterizes the thermodynamics of space plasma particle populations. The polytropic index, γ, is particularly important as it describes the thermodynamic behavior of the system by quantifying the changes in temperature as the system is compressed or expanded. Using Wind spacecraft plasma and magnetic field data during 1995 February–2015 December, we investigate the thermodynamic evolution in 336 interplanetary coronal mass ejection (ICME) events. For each event, we derive the index γ in the sheath and magnetic ejecta structures, along with the pre- and post-event regions. We then examine the distributions of all γ indices in these four regions and derive the entropic gradient of each, which is indicative of the ambient heating. We find that in the ICME sheath region, where wave turbulence is expected to be highest, the thermodynamics takes longest to recover into the original quasi-adiabatic process, while it recovers faster in the quieter ejecta region. This pattern creates a thermodynamic cycle, featuring a near adiabatic value γ ∼ γ a (=5/3) upstream of the ICMEs, γ a − γ ∼ 0.26 in the sheaths, γ a − γ ∼ 0.13 in the ICME ejecta, and recovers again to γ ∼ γ a after the passage of the ICME. These results expose the turbulent heating rates in the ICME plasma: the lower the polytropic index from its adiabatic value and closer to its isothermal value, the larger the entropic gradient, and thus, the rate of turbulent heating that heats the ICME plasma.

Comparison study of clinicopathological features of cellular schwannoma between retroperitoneum and other sites.

Cellular schwannoma (CS) is a relatively rare neural tumor with few reports. This study aimed to compare the clinicopathological characteristics of CS in the retroperitoneum and other sites by analyzing the hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining results, to provide some help for pathological diagnosis. A total of 79 CS cases from the Department of Pathology, Peking University International Hospital were collected, and the diagnosis was based on the 5th WHO classification of soft tissue tumors. The staining results of HE and IHC were judged and analyzed according to the instructions. The t-tests, Chi-square test and Fisher's exact probability test were used for statistical analysis. Compared with other sites, the volume of retroperitoneal CS tumors were larger (t=4.265, P=0.001) and more likely to recur (χ2=4.223, P=0.04). Nerve sheath structures were rare around the tumors (χ2=60.096, P=0.000). Immunohistochemically, there was a difference in the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), Cytokeratin (CK), and myelin basic protein (MBP) between the two groups (χ2=54.290, P=0.000; χ2=4.879, P=0.027; χ2=31.792, P=0.000). But there was no difference in expression between the two groups in the other indexes. It founded that Retroperitoneal CS was often positive for GFAP and CK, suggesting it originated from unmyelinated Schwann cells. CS in other sites, the expression of GFAP and CK was often negative, indicating they derived from myelinated Schwann cells. The expression of MBP in the peripheral nerve sheath structure of CS can be used to determine whether the tumor originates from myelinated or unmyelinated Schwann cells. These findings may provide a reference for revealing pathogenesis, diagnosis and evaluating prognosis of CS.

Pickering Emulsion-Templated Nanocomposite Membranes for Excellent Demulsification and Oil-Water Separation.

A worldwide steady increase in oily wastewater, due to oil spillage and various industrial discharges, requires immediate efforts toward development of an effective strategy and materials to preserve the natural water bodies. Designing a superwettable fibrous membrane of robust structure and anti-fouling property for efficient separation of oil-water mixtures and emulsions is therefore highly demanding. The electrospun fibrous membrane, which possesses porosity and flexibility and properties including superwettability and tunable functionality, can be considered as apposite materials for this cause. In this approach, we combined two strategies, viz., Pickering emulsion and near gel resin (nGR) emulsion electrospinning together to produce a fibrous nanocomposite membrane for efficient oil-water separation and demulsification. nGR Pickering emulsions were stabilized using hydrophilic SiO2 nanoparticles and successfully optimized for fabricating the crosslinked core sheath-structured fibrous membrane. The prepared membrane provided twofold functionality due to the core sheath structure of the fibers. The crosslinked polystyrene core offered high oil adsorption capacity, whereas SiO2-functionalized crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol sheath provided a rough, superhydrophilic surface with underwater oleophobic behavior to the membrane. The optimized SiO2-Pickering emulsion-templated nanocomposite membrane demonstrated excellent underwater anti-oil adhesion behavior (UWOCA ∼148°) with efficient oil-water separation capacity of more than 99% and separation flux up to 3346 ± 91 L m-2 h-1. The membrane was evaluated against various oil-water emulsions and found to have a superior separation efficiency. Moreover, excellent anti-oil adhesion property provided the intact membrane, where consistent separation performance was achieved up to 10 separation cycles without any loss. The membrane was used for separation of hot oil-water emulsions and showed no structural disintegration or loss in separation performance when exposed to elevated temperatures. The developed nanocomposite membranes could efficiently be used for separation and demulsification, and their applications can be explored in various other fields including selective sorption, catalysis, and storage in future.

Experimental Investigation of Bi-Directional Flax with Ramie Fibre-Reinforced Phenol-Formaldehyde Hybrid Composites.

Modern research focuses on natural, green, and sustainable materials that can be used to replace conventional materials. Because of their beneficial qualities, natural fibre composites are being thoroughly researched. This research focuses on the development of a flax fibre reinforced with phenol-formaldehyde resin hybridization with ramie fibre through a vacuum infusion process. Eight different sequences were fabricated using a core-sheath structure and were mechanically characterized as per ASTM standards. The fabrication technique influences the adhesion of the matrix with reinforcement. The results also reveal that composite having ramie as a sheath layer and flax as a core delivers good mechanical characteristics compared to vice versa. The laminate H exhibited highest mechanical properties among all the eight laminates produced for this study. It exhibited a tensile strength of 54 MPa, tensile modulus of 0.98 Gpa, elongation of 7.1%, flexural strength of 143 Mpa, and compressive strength of 63.65 Mpa. The stress strain curves revealed that all the laminates exhibited ductile behaviour before failing during the tensile test and flexural test, respectively. The stacking sequence of the laminate H influenced the mechanical properties exhibited by it and its counterparts. A morphological study was carried out to analyse the failure surfaces. Morphological analysis exhibited few defects in the laminate after the tests. The composites developed delivers better mechanical properties than commercial composites available on the market, which can be used in lightweight structural applications.

Characterization of an Etch Profile at a Wafer Edge in Capacitively Coupled Plasma.

Recently, the uniformity in the wafer edge area that is normally abandoned in the fabrication process has become important for improving the process yield. The wafer edge structure normally has a difference of height between wafer and electrode, which can result in a sheath bend, distorting important parameters of the etch, such as ionic properties, resulting in nonuniform etching. This problem nowadays is resolved by introducing the supplemented structure called a focus ring on the periphery of the wafer. However, the focus ring is known to be easily eroded by the bombardment of high-energy ions, resulting in etch nonuniformity again, so that the focus ring is a consumable part and must be replaced periodically. Because of this issue, there are many simulation studies being conducted on the correlation between the sheath structural characteristics and materials of focus rings to find the replacement period, but the experimental data and an analysis based on this are not sufficient yet. In this study, in order to experimentally investigate the etching characteristics of the wafer edge area according to the sheath structure of the wafer edge, the etching was performed by increasing the wafer height (thickness) in the wafer edge area. The result shows that the degree of tilt in the etch profile at the wafer edge and the area where the tilt is observed severely are increased with the height difference between the wafer and electrode. This study is expected to provide a database for the characteristics of the etching at the wafer edge and useful information regarding the tolerance of the height difference for untilted etch profile and the replacement period of the etch ring.

Physiology of PNS axons relies on glycolytic metabolism in myelinating Schwann cells.

While lactate shuttle theory states that glial cells metabolize glucose into lactate to shuttle it to neurons, how glial cells support axonal metabolism and function remains unclear. Lactate production is a common occurrence following anaerobic glycolysis in muscles. However, several other cell types, including some stem cells, activated macrophages and tumor cells, can produce lactate in presence of oxygen and cellular respiration, using Pyruvate Kinase 2 (PKM2) to divert pyruvate to lactate dehydrogenase. We show here that PKM2 is also upregulated in myelinating Schwann cells (mSC) of mature mouse sciatic nerve versus postnatal immature nerve. Deletion of this isoform in PLP-expressing cells in mice leads to a deficit of lactate in mSC and in peripheral nerves. While the structure of myelin sheath was preserved, mutant mice developed a peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral nerve axons of mutant mice failed to maintain lactate homeostasis upon activity, resulting in an impaired production of mitochondrial ATP. Action potential propagation was not altered but axonal mitochondria transport was slowed down, muscle axon terminals retracted and motor neurons displayed cellular stress. Additional reduction of lactate availability through dichloroacetate treatment, which diverts pyruvate to mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, further aggravated motor dysfunction in mutant mice. Thus, lactate production through PKM2 enzyme and aerobic glycolysis is essential in mSC for the long-term maintenance of peripheral nerve axon physiology and function.

Non-flammable ultralow concentration mixed ether electrolyte for advanced lithium metal batteries

• The non-flammable ultralow concentration characteristics guarantees the high security, low viscosity and high wettability of electrolyte. • The strong Li + −FSI − interaction promotes the formation of aggregates and anion-derived decomposition on lithium metal anode. • Inorganic-rich solid electrolyte interface enables uniform, dense Li deposits and highly reversible Li deposition/stripping. • Li||Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 and Li||sulfur full cells with stable cycling were achieved. High energy density lithium (Li) metal batteries (LMBs) hold great promise to become next-generation energy storage devices. However, their commercialization process is severely hindered by low Coulombic efficiency (CE) and potential safety hazard caused by non-uniform Li deposition and flammable electrolytes. Herein, a brand-new ultralow concentration (0.3 M) mixed ether electrolyte is proposed to regulate the electrolyte structure, flammability and solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) composition for LMBs. The high proportion of flame retarded inert solvent (94% by volume) remarkably improves the security of LMBs and promotes anions involving in Li + solvent sheath structures. Therefore, differing from Li + −solvent dominant solvent sheaths in traditional low concentration electrolyte, the abundant Li + −anion aggregate cluster in this ULCE could lead to sufficient decomposition of anion and formation of inorganic-rich SEI. Based on this electrolyte design, the average Li deposition/stripping CE reaches > 99.3% under 2 mA cm −2 and 1 mAh cm −2 among 250 cycles. Moreover, superior electrochemical performance of Li||Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 and Li||sulfur full cells also confirm the practical application value of this ULCE. This work proposes a fresh strategy to design low concentration electrolytes with unique solvated structures for high energy density metal batteries. The lithium dendrite and safety hazard caused by inapposite electrolyte and unstable solid electrolyte interface (SEI) severely hindered practical application of lithium metal batteries (LMBs). A non-flammable ultralow concentration mixed ether electrolyte was proposed with high security, high wettability, optimized electrolyte structures and SEI components. The strong Li + −FSI − interaction induced anion-derived inorganic-rich SEI, enabling high Coulombic efficiency and cycling stability of LMBs.

Oligodendroglial macroautophagy is essential for myelin sheath turnover to prevent neurodegeneration and death.

Although macroautophagy deficits are implicated across adult-onset neurodegenerative diseases, we understand little about how the discrete, highly evolved cell types of the central nervous system use macroautophagy to maintain homeostasis. One such cell type is the oligodendrocyte, whose myelin sheaths are central for the reliable conduction of action potentials. Using an integrated approach of mouse genetics, live cell imaging, electron microscopy, and biochemistry, we show that mature oligodendrocytes require macroautophagy to degrade cell autonomously their myelin by consolidating cytosolic and transmembrane myelin proteins into an amphisome intermediate prior to degradation. We find that disruption of autophagic myelin turnover leads to changes in myelin sheath structure, ultimately impairing neural function and culminating in an adult-onset progressive motor decline, neurodegeneration, and death. Our model indicates that the continuous and cell-autonomous maintenance of the myelin sheath through macroautophagy is essential, shedding insight into how macroautophagy dysregulation might contribute to neurodegenerative disease pathophysiology.

A clinical case of POL3A-associated hypomyelinating leukodystrophy with spinal cord lesion with a debut in early childhood

Leukodystrophies are a group of hereditary progressive diseases of the central nervous system characterized by selective lesions in white matter with specific involvement of glial cells. There are hypomyelinating (absence of myelin deposition), demyelinating (loss of previously deposited myelin), dysmyelinating (deposition of structurally or biochemically abnormal myelin), and myelinolytic leukodystrophies (myelin vacuolization). Hypomyelinating leukodystrophies (HL), like most leukodystrophies, debut in childhood or adolescence and are characterized by a progressive course of the disease. HL occurs as a result of impaired synthesis of proteins responsible for the development, structure, and integrity of the myelin sheath, involved in the processes of transcription and translation. In the latter group, the main role is assigned to HL associated with biallelic mutations in the genes of the RNA polymerase III transcription complex, POLR3: POLR3A, POLR3B, POLR1C, and POLR3K. The diagnosis can be confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. POLR3A-associated HL is manifested by hypomyelination, hypodontia, and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. The magnetic resonance features of POLR3-associated HL include diffuse hypomyelination with relative preservation of the dentate nuclei, anterolateral nuclei of the thalamus, globus pallidus, pyramidal tracts at the level of the posterior part of the internal capsules, and the corona radiata. In some cases, thinning of the corpus callosum and atrophy of the cerebellum were also noted. The article presents a clinical case of a patient with POL3A-associated HL with spinal cord injury with the debut in early childhood.

Autoreactive lymphocytes in multiple sclerosis: Pathogenesis and treatment target.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by destruction of the myelin sheath structure. The loss of myelin leads to damage of a neuron’s axon and cell body, which is identified as brain lesions on magnetic resonance image (MRI). The pathogenesis of MS remains largely unknown. However, immune mechanisms, especially those linked to the aberrant lymphocyte activity, are mainly responsible for neuronal damage. Th1 and Th17 populations of lymphocytes were primarily associated with MS pathogenesis. These lymphocytes are essential for differentiation of encephalitogenic CD8+ T cell and Th17 lymphocyte crossing the blood brain barrier and targeting myelin sheath in the CNS. B-lymphocytes could also contribute to MS pathogenesis by producing anti-myelin basic protein antibodies. In later studies, aberrant function of Treg and Th9 cells was identified as contributing to MS. This review summarizes the aberrant function and count of lymphocyte, and the contributions of these cell to the mechanisms of MS. Additionally, we have outlined the novel MS therapeutics aimed to amend the aberrant function or counts of these lymphocytes.

Organic-walled tentaculids of Late Devonian (Frasnian) deposits of the Appalachian and Michigan Basins, Laurussia (NY, MI, OH)

This is the first report of organic-walled tentaculid remains from Givetian through Frasnian age deposits of the Michigan and Appalachian Basins in western Laurussia. This adds to the geographic scope of similar finds that have been described from the Frasnian through the Famennian in eastern Laurussia. However, those previous specimens were retrieved through palynological preparations and more closely resemble sheath structures rather than the full forms found herein, which were retrieved through complete maceration with ammonium surfactants.

Magnolol effectively ameliorates diabetic peripheral neuropathy in mice

BackgroundDiabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of diabetes lacking efficient treatment. Magnolol (MG), a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonist, is a natural product derived from Magnolia officinalis and widely used to treat a variety of diseases as a traditional Chinese medicine and Japanese Kampo medicine. PurposeHere, we aimed to investigate the potential of MG in ameliorating DPN-like pathology in mice and decipher the mechanism of MG in treating DPN. Materials and methods12-week-old male streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetic (T1DM) mice and 15-week-old male BKS Cg-m+/+Lepr db/J (db/db) type 2 diabetic mice (T2DM) were used as DPN mice. MG was administrated (i.p) daily for 4 weeks. Peripheral nerve functions of mice were evaluated by measuring mechanical response latency, thermal response latency and motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV). The mechanisms underlying the amelioration of MG on DPN-like pathology were examined by qRT-PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry assays, and verified in the DPN mice with PPARγ-specific knockdown in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neuron and sciatic nerve tissues by injecting adeno-associated virus (AAV)8-PPARγ-RNAi. ResultsMG promoted DRG neuronal neurite outgrowth and effectively ameliorated neurological dysfunctions in both T1DM and T2DM diabetic mice, including improvement of paw withdrawal threshold, thermal response latency and MNCV. Additionally, MG promoted neurite outgrowth of DRG neurons, protected sciatic nerve myelin sheath structure, and ameliorated foot skin intraepidermal nerve fiber (IENF) density in DPN mice by targeting PPARγ. Mechanism research results indicated that MG improved mitochondrial dysfunction involving PPARγ/MKP-7/JNK/SIRT1/LKB1/AMPK/PGC-1α pathway in DRG neurons, repressed inflammation via PPARγ/NF-κB signaling and inhibited apoptosis through regulation of PPARγ-mediated Bcl-2 family proteins in DRG neurons and sciatic nerves. ConclusionsOur work has detailed the mechanism underlying the amelioration of PPARγ agonist on DPN-like pathology in mice with MG as a probe, and highlighted the potential of MG in the treatment of DPN.

Ultrathin Fiber-Mesh Polymer Thermistors.

Flexible sensors enable on‐skin and in‐body health monitoring, which require flexible thermal protection circuits to prevent overheating and operate the devices safely. Here, ultrathin fiber‐mesh polymer positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistors via electrospinning are developed. The fiber‐type thermistors are composed of acrylate polymer and carbon nanofibers. The fibrous composite materials are coated with a parylene to form a core–sheath structure, which improves the repeatability of temperature characteristics. Approximately 5 µm thick fiber‐type thermistors exhibit an increase in the resistance by three orders of magnitude within ≈2 °C and repeatable temperature characteristics for up to 400 cycles. The mesh structure enables the thermistor layer to be ultra‐lightweight and transparent; the mesh‐type thermistor operates with a fiber density of 16.5 µg cm−2, whose fiber layer has a transmittance of more than 90% in the 400–800 nm region. By fabricating the mesh thermistor on a 1.4 µm thick substrate, the thermistor operates without degradation when wrapped around a 280 µm radius needle. Furthermore, the gas‐permeable property is demonstrated by fabricating the fibrous thermistor on a mesh substrate. The proposed ultrathin mesh polymer PTC thermistors form the basis for on‐skin and implantable devices that are equipped with overheat prevention.

Characteristics and evolution of sheath and leading edge structures of interplanetary coronal mass ejections in the inner heliosphere based on Helios and Parker Solar Probe observations

Context. We investigated the plasma and magnetic field characteristics of the upstream regions of interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) and their evolution as function of distance to the Sun in the inner heliosphere. Results are related both to the development of interplanetary shocks, sheath regions, and compressed solar wind plasma ahead of the magnetic ejecta (ME). Aims. From a sample of 45 ICMEs observed by Helios 1/2 and the Parker Solar Probe, we aim to identify four main density structures; namely shock, sheath, leading edge, and ME itself. We compared characteristic parameters (proton particle density, plasma-beta, temperature, magnetic field strength, proton bulk speed, and duration) to the upstream solar wind in order to investigate the interrelation between the different density structures. Methods. For the statistical investigation, we used plasma and magnetic field measurements from 40 well-observed Helios 1/2 events from 1974–1981. Helios data cover the distance range from 0.3–1 au. For comparison, we added a sample of five ICMEs observed with the Parker Solar Probe from 2019–2021 over the distance range of 0.32–0.75 au. Results. It is found that the sheath structure consists of compressed plasma as a consequence of the turbulent solar wind material following the shock and lies ahead of a region of compressed ambient solar wind. The region of compressed solar wind plasma is typically found directly in front of the magnetic driver and seems to match the bright leading edge commonly observed in remote sensing observations of CMEs. From the statistically derived density evolution over distance, we find the CME sheath becomes denser than the ambient solar wind at about 0.06 au. From 0.09–0.28 au, the sheath structure density starts to dominate over the density within the ME. The ME density seems to fall below the ambient solar wind density over 0.45–1.18 au. Besides the well-known expansion of the ME, the sheath size shows a weak positive correlation with distance, while the leading edge seems not to expand with distance from the Sun. We further find a moderate anti-correlation between sheath density and local solar wind plasma speed upstream of the ICME shock. An empirical relation is derived connecting the ambient solar wind speed with sheath and leading edge density. We provide constraints to these results in this paper. Conclusions. The average starting distance for actual sheath formation could be as close as 0.06 au. The early strong ME expansion quickly ceases with distance from the Sun and might lead to a dominance in the sheath density between 0.09 and 0.28 au. The leading edge can be understood as a separate structure of compressed ambient solar wind directly ahead of the ME and is likely the bright leading edge of CMEs often seen in coronagraph images. The results allow for better interpretation of ICME evolution and possibly the observed mass increase due to enlargement of the sheath material. The empirical relation between sheath and leading edge density and ambient solar wind speed can be used for more detailed modeling of ICME evolution in the inner heliosphere.

A minimal model of elastic instabilities in biological filament bundles

We present a model of a system of elastic fibres which exhibits complex, coupled, nonlinear deformations via a connecting elastic spring network. This model can capture physically observed deformations such as global buckling, pinching and internal collapse. We explore the transitions between these deformation modes numerically, using an energy minimization approach, highlighting how supported environments, or stiff outer sheath structures, favour internal structural collapse over global deformation. We then derive a novel analytic buckling criterion for the internal collapse of the system, a mode of structural collapse pertinent in many biological filament bundles such as the optic nerve bundle and microtubule bundles involved in cell abscission.

How can “my shoes” affect the amphibian health? A study of the toxicity of microplastics from shoe sole (Polyvinyl chloride acetate) on Physalaemus cuvieri tadpoles (Anura, Leptodactylidae)

More recently, many studies have reported the impacts of microplastics (MPs) on the health of organisms. However, our knowledge of its effects on some vertebrate groups, such as amphibians remains incipient. Thus, we evaluated whether the exposure of Physalaemus cuvieri tadpoles to MPs from shoe soles can induce harmful effects on their health. After 30 days of exposure to different MP concentrations (2 ×105 MP particles/m3 and 4 ×106 MP particles/m3), we noticed that the tadpoles ingested particles with a mean diameter of 148.8 µm and irregular shapes, which accumulated in the intestinal tube. Such accumulation was associated with a lower-body condition index, non-uniformity in the keratinized structures of the jaw sheath, alterations in the intestine position in the abdominal cavity, bowel tube winding condition, and the emergence of dark regions in the intestine like pseudomelanosis. The reduction of superoxide dismutase and catalase activities suggests that MPs have affected the antioxidant system. The minor nitrite production provides evidence that the production of nitric oxide by cells of the intestinal immune system has been affected. In addition, we observed a significant reduction in the size (area, perimeter, and diameter) of MPs after ingestion, which suggests that tadpoles can act as vectors for their dispersal of MPs from shoe soles in the environment. The principal component analysis and integrated biomarker response assessment also confirm that higher MPs concentration induces a more stressful response. Therefore, our study demonstrates that “my sneakers,” while seemingly harmless, can pose a health risk to amphibians.

Ultra-stable Li||LiFePO4 batteries via advanced designing of localized high concentration electrolyte

The High-Performance Li-LiFePO4 batteries (Li||LFP) realized by highly compatible electrolytes are considered to be the breakthrough point to achieve the stability and high energy density of lithium-ion battery (LIB) systems. However, the current prevailing commercial electrolytes can hardly be compatible with both LFP cathode and lithium anode simultaneously to an ideal extent. On this very note, we designed an advanced ether-based localized high concentration electrolyte (abbreviated as “ADE”), which exhibits extreme compatibility with LFP-based lithium metal batteries (Fb-LMBs). Equipped with ADE-electrolyte, the Li||LFP coin cell system can carry out more than 4000 fast-charging/discharging (3C for charge and 6C for discharge, respectively) rigorously cycles. Each cycle can not only sacrifice just 0.145‱ capacity on average compared with the original value, but also cycle at elevated temp (>200 fast charging/discharging cycles under 60 °C). This performance remains rare in liquid electrolyte systems in previous reports. The significantly enhanced electrochemical performance can be ascribed to the stabilization of both LFP-cathode/electrolyte and Li-metal-anode/electrolyte interphases. In addition, due to its specific solvated sheath structure, its wettability and flame-retarding properties are superior to those of the control group. This work expands the space for designing a stable fast-charge LFP-based system and sheds light on the possibility of replacing the most popular graphite||LFP system with Li ||LFP configuration with high energy density and stable cyclic performance.

Facile and scalable fabrication of stretchable flame-resistant yarn for temperature monitoring and strain sensing

Electronic textiles with functions of temperature monitoring and human motion detection have attracted considerable interest, especially those which can be operated under extreme conditions such as high temperature. However, the restricted working conditions and poor stretchability have limited the practical application of most reported electronic textiles. Herein, we report a facile and scalable strategy to fabricate flame-resistant sensing yarn with a core–sheath structure for temperature monitoring and strain sensor applications via a large-scale spinning technique. The hierarchical yarn comprises a spandex filament as the core, carbon nanotube (CNT)-coated aramid fibers as the middle layer, and aramid fibers as the sheath. The obtained spandex/CNT@Aramid/Aramid (SCAA) yarn exhibited stretchability up to 160 % with excellent thermal resistance, outstanding thermal insulation performance, and temperature monitoring ability within a wide-range of 50–400 °C. Additionally, SCAA-based textiles showed excellent strain sensing performance in a wide operating temperature range (0–300 °C). Based on the above, a SCAA-based textiles which can transmit high-temperature alarms through active (stretching) and passive (thermosensation) modes was designed, enabling temperature monitoring presenting at extremely high temperatures. We believe this work will contribute to the development of practical sensing e-textiles towards applications in harsh environment.

Electrospun Core-Sheath Nanofibers with Variable Shell Thickness for Modifying Curcumin Release to Achieve a Better Antibacterial Performance.

The inefficient use of water-insoluble drugs is a major challenge in drug delivery systems. Core–sheath fibers with various shell thicknesses based on cellulose acetate (CA) were prepared by the modified triaxial electrospinning for the controlled and sustained release of the water-insoluble Chinese herbal active ingredient curcumin. The superficial morphology and internal structure of core–sheath fibers were optimized by increasing the flow rate of the middle working fluid. Although the prepared fibers were hydrophobic initially, the core–sheath structure endowed fibers with better water retention property than monolithic fibers. Core–sheath fibers had flatter sustained-release profiles than monolithic fibers, especially for thick shell layers, which had almost zero-order release for almost 60 h. The shell thickness and sustained release of drugs brought about a good antibacterial effect to materials. The control of flow rate during fiber preparation is directly related to the shell thickness of core–sheath fibers, and the shell thickness directly affects the controlled release of drugs. The fiber preparation strategy for the precise control of core–sheath structure in this work has remarkable potential for modifying water-insoluble drug release and improving its antibacterial performance.

Expression and Mechanism of TXNIP/NLRP3 Inflammasome in Sciatic Nerve of Type 2 Diabetic Rats.

Objective To determine the expression profiling and mechanism of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP)/nucleotide-binding domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway in sciatic nerve (SN) of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats. Methods Ten out of the 35 healthy SD rats (specific pathogen free) purchased were randomized into the control group, while the others were established a T2DM model by feeding a high-fat and high-sugar diet plus laparoscopic injection of 1% streptozotocin (STZ). The successfully modeled rats were subgrouped into two arms: a DM group with 10 rats and a resveratrol- (RES-) treated DM intervention group with 11 rats. Normal saline to control and DM groups. Alterations in fasting blood glucose (FBG) and body weight (BW) at different time points after administration were observed. Sciatic nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) and mechanical pain threshold (MPT) were measured. TXNIP, NLRP3, caspase-1, and interleukin- (IL-) 1β levels in rat SN tissue were determined. Results DM group rats showed higher FBG and lower BW than control rats at different time points (P < 0.05). The FBG of DM intervention group at 2, 4, and 6 weeks after administration was lower, and the BW at 4 and 6 weeks after dosing was higher than DM group. Higher MPT and SNCV were determined in DM intervention group versus DM group (P < 0.05). DM group rats had disordered, swollen, and dissolved SN myelin sheath structure; TXNIP inhibition led to a small amount of nerve myelin fragments and mild pathological changes. Lower TXNIP, NLRP3, caspase-1, and IL-1β protein levels were found in DM intervention group versus DM group (P < 0.05). Conclusion The pathogenesis of peripheral neuropathy in T2DM rats may be linked to TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway activation, indicating the potential of this pathway as a therapeutic target for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).