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Osteosarcoma (OS) is a primary malignant bone tumor most commonly affecting children and adolescents and is characterized by loss of differentiation. Bone morphogenetic protein/retinoic acid inducible neural-specific 3 (BRINP3) has been reported to regulate the differentiation of osteoblasts. However, the role that BRINP3 plays in the progression of osteosarcoma remains unknown. We found in this study that BRINP3 was highly expressed in 64.13% of human osteosarcoma tissues and it was associated with histological grade, tumor recurrence, and poor clinical prognosis of osteosarcoma. In vitro, downregulation of BRINP3 was able to inhibit the proliferation and invasion of osteosarcoma cell lines. Furthermore, BRINP3 interacted with microtubule-associated protein 4 (MAP4) at the protein level, and overexpression of MAP4 could partially reverse the inhibitory effect of downregulated BRINP3 on the proliferation and invasion of osteosarcoma cells, which indicates that downregulation of BRINP3 might suppress the proliferation and invasion of osteosarcoma cells by inhibiting MAP4 expression. Overall, our results demonstrate that BRINP3 functions as an oncogene within osteosarcoma through MAP4 and could therefore be used as a potential biomarker for osteosarcoma diagnostics and therapeutics.

Ischaemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is closely related to cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is the leading cause of death and disability. Exosomes appear to be involved in several diseases, including CVD. However, the role of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes in IRI remains unclear. miRNA expression levels in exosomes from rat normal MSCs or hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) MSCs were determined by qPCR and the two significantly upregulated miRNAs were selected for further investigation. Rat cardiomyoblasts (H9c2) were transfected with either miRNA mimics or scramble controls, followed by H/R induction. The effects of miRNA overexpression and exosome administration on H/R damage were then investigated. H/R increased Faslg, suppressed β-catenin, inhibited cell proliferation and migration, and stimulated apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. miR-149 or Let-7c mimics or exosomes reversed H/R-induced damage. The luciferase reporter assay proved the targeted regulation of Faslg by both miR149 and Let-7c. Inhibition of β-catenin suppressed cell migration, proliferation, and ΔΨm but increased apoptosis and ROS. Overall, bone marrow MSC-derived exosomes protected rat cardiomyoblasts from H/R injury

Recent studies have reported that aberrant PR domain zinc finger protein 14 (PRDM14) expression is associated with the therapeutic sensitivity of cancer cells to drugs. However, its role in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains unclear. The present study aimed to determine the functions of knockdown or overexpression of PRDM14 in the chemosensitivity and glycolysis of LUAD cells. PRDM14 expression was analyzed in lung cancer tissues from patients resistant and sensitive to cisplatin (DDP), as well as in LUAD cell lines A549 and DDP‑resistant A549 (A549/DDP) using reverse transcription quantitative‑PCR and western blotting. Additionally, apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry, and flow cytometry and biochemical analysis was used to analyze glycolysis, indicated by glucose uptake and lactate release. The results of the present study demonstrated that PRDM14 expression was upregulated in patients with DDP‑resistant LUAD and DDP‑resistant cell lines. Overexpression of PRDM14 suppressed the sensitivity of A549 cells to DDP and silencing of PRDM14 using shRNA targeting PRDM14 promoted the sensitivity of A549/DDP cells to DDP, compared with that in the respective control groups. In mice with xenograft tumors, knockdown of PRDM14 using shRNA targeting PRDM14 inhibited the A549/DDP cell‑derived tumor growth compared with scramble shRNA. The results of the glycolysis assays demonstrated that PRDM14 silencing inhibited glucose uptake, lactate release and glucose transporter 1 expression in A549/DDP cells compared with those in the control cells. PRDM14 overexpression relieved the inhibitory effects of 3‑bromopyruvate, a potent glycolytic inhibitor for glycolysis, on glucose uptake and lactate release in A549 cells compared with those in the control cells. Therefore, the results of the present study suggested that PRDM14 may inhibit the chemosensitivity and promote glycolysis in human LUAD cells.

The ischemia-reperfusion (I/R)-caused damage in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) is associated with the disruption of blood-brain barrier (BBB). CXC chemokine ligand 5 (CXCL5) is reported upregulated in ischemia stroke. However, the detailed function of CXCL5 in this pathological process remains largely unclear. To further analyze the function of CXCL5 in ischemia stroke, we constructed oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) model on human BMECs to mimic ischemic stroke condition in vitro. Cell proliferation was analyzed using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. qRT-PCR and western blot were utilized to determine gene expression. The barrier function of BMECs was assessed using fluorescently labeled dextran (FITC-Dextran) assay and Trans-epithelial/endothelial electrical resistance (TEER) technique. Our results indicated that CXCL5 antibody (anti-CXCL5) promoted the proliferation of model cells, whereas reduced its permeability. Moreover, the TEER value of model cells was enhanced in the presence of anti-CXCL5. Therefore, these findings demonstrated that CXCL5 silencing attenuated the ischemic/hypoxic-induced injury in human BMECs. Importantly, human recombinant protein CXCL5 (Re-CXCL5) deeply disrupted the function of BMECs in normoxic condition. Furthermore, p38 inhibitor SB203580 significantly abolished the function of CXCL5 in model cells. Much importantly, the similar results were also obtained in BMECs with normoxic conditions in the presence of Re-CXCL5. These results indicated CXCL5 might regulate the function of BMECs via mediating p38 pathway. This investigation not only enhanced the understanding into the biological effect of CXCL5 in human BMECs with ischemic/hypoxic conditions but also indicated its potential value as a therapeutic target for ischemic-induced brain disease. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Background. Jiangzhi Decoction (JZD), a traditional herb mixture, has shown significant clinical efficacy against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, its multicomponent and multitarget characteristics bring difficulty in deciphering its pharmacological mechanisms. Our study is aimed at identifying the core molecular mechanisms of JZD against NAFLD. Methods. The active ingredients were searched from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database and Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Database (TCMID). The targets of those ingredients were identified using ChemMapper database based on 3D structure similarity. NAFLD-related genes were searched from DisGeNET database and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Then, we performed protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis, functional enrichment analysis, and constructed pathway networks of “herbs-active ingredients-candidate targets” and identified the core molecular mechanisms and key active ingredients in the network. Also, molecular docking was carried out to predict the ligands of candidate targets using SwissDock. Finally, the human hepatic L02 cell line was used to establish the NAFLD model in vitro. The effect and key molecules were validated by Oil Red O staining, biochemical assays, and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Results. We found 147 active ingredients in JZD, 1285 targets of active ingredients, 401 NAFLD-related genes, and 59 overlapped candidate targets of JZD against NAFLD. 22 core targets were obtained by PPI analysis. Finally, nuclear receptor transcription and lipid metabolism regulation were found as the core molecular mechanisms of JZD against NAFLD by functional enrichment analysis. The candidate targets PPARα and LXRα were both docked with hyperin as the most favorable interaction, and HNF4α was docked with linolenic acid ethyl ester. According to in vitro experiments, it was found that JZD had an inhibitory effect on lipid accumulation and regulatory effects on cholesterol and triglycerides. Compared with OA group, the mRNA expression levels of PPARα and HNF4α were significantly upregulated in JZD group ( P < 0.05 ), and LXRα was significantly downregulated ( P < 0.001 ). Conclusion. JZD might alleviate hepatocyte steatosis by regulating some key molecules related to nuclear receptor transcription and lipid metabolism, such as PPARα, LXRα, and HNF4α. Our study will provide the scientific evidences of the clinical efficacy of JZD against NAFLD.

Novel Au@Ni nanoarrays electrode is facilely obtained by firstly template-assisted electro-deposition of Ni nanowire arrays (NAs), followed by galvanostatic deposition of Au catalysts onto the Ni NAs without any conductive agents and binders. The Au@Ni NAs electrode shows a rough surface and fringe with the diameter of ∼90 nm, which assures a high utilization of Au catalysts and provides a large specific surface area. The elemental distribution of Ni mainly exists in the inner layer of a single Au@Ni nanowire with the diameter ∼56 nm, while the elemental distribution of Au catalysts merely appears in the outer layer to form the unique core-shell nanowire structure. The Au@Ni NAs electrode reveals excellent electrochemical property and desirable stability for catalyzing NaBH4 electro-oxidation in basic solutions. The Au@Ni NAs electrode in the 2.00 M NaOH and 0.24 M NaBH4 solution demonstrates an oxidation current density of 2.35 A mg−1 at −0.5 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), which is much higher than that of the noble metal catalysts previously reported, indicating that this material may be hopefully used as anodic catalysts for applying in fuel cells.

Thorn-like Ni@TiC NAs and flake-like Co@TiC NAs electrodes without any conductive agent and binder are simply fabricated by the potentiostatic electrodeposition of Ni and Co catalysts on the TiC nanowire arrays (NAs). The electrocatalytic activity of H2O2 oxidation on the Ni@TiC NAs electrodes is better than that on the Co@TiC NAs electrodes. The Ni@TiC NAs electrodes demonstrate a rough surface and have many nano-needles on the rod edges, which assures the high utilized efficiency of Ni catalysts. These particular three-dimensional structures may be very suitable for H2O2 electrooxidation. The anodic current of Ni@TiC NAs anode reaches 0.32 A cm−2 at 0.3 V in 1.0 M H2O2 + 4 M KOH solution. The DPFCs employing Ni@TiC NAs anodes display the peak power density of 30.2 mW cm−2 and open circuit voltage of 0.90 V at 85.1 mA cm−2 with desirable cell stability at 10 mL min−1 flow rate and 20 °C, which is much higher than those previously reported.

Exosomes have been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of a variety of cardiac disorders. However, the effects of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) exosomes on myocardial infarction is yet to be determined. The current study aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of MSC exosomes on myocardial injuries that are caused by myocardial infarction. MSCs were isolated from rat bone marrow and were used for exosome enrichment using culture medium. Confirmation that MSCs and exosomes had been successfully extracted was performed using flow cytometry, electron microscopy and western blot analysis. A rat myocardial ischemia reperfusion (I/R) model was established by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Rat myocardial injuries were determined using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride, Masson and TUNEL staining. H9c2 cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration were analyzed using 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine, Hoechst staining, flow cytometry and Transwell assays. Marker gene expression was evaluated using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, western blot analysis and immunofluorescence. Rat MSC exosomes were revealed to suppress myocardial injury and the myocardiocyte functions that were induced by I/R. The results also demonstrated decreased apoptotic protease activating factor-1 and increased autophagy-related protein 13 expression. The H9c2 cell proliferation and migration inhibition, as well as cell apoptosis during hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R), were suppressed by rat MSC exosomes, with an alteration of the expression of apoptotic and autophagic genes also being demonstrated. The application of autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine significantly mitigated the effect of exosomes on H9c2 cell proliferation and apoptosis, which were induced by H/R. Rat MSC exosomes inhibited myocardial infarction pathogenesis, possibly by regulating autophagy.

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) plays an important role in protection of ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury in brain and liver. However, role of MEG3 in myocardial I/R injury remains unclear. Here, the role of MEG3 in protection of myocardial I/R injury and its association with microRNA-7-5p (miR-7-5p) was investigated using rat cardiac I/R model and myocardial I/R cell model. Our results showed that MEG3 was significantly up-regulated and miR-7-5p was significantly down-regulated after I/R. Following I/R, the levels of intact PARP and intact caspase-3 were reduced, while the cleaved fragments of PARP and caspase-3 were increased. TUNEL assay showed an increase in cardiomyocyte apoptosis after I/R. The levels of I/R-induced creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were inhibited by knockdown of MEG3 (siMEG3). SiMEG3 increased cell proliferation and inhibited cell apoptosis after I/R. In contrast, overexpression of MEG3 increased the I/R-induced CK and LDH activities and cell apoptosis and decreased cell proliferation. The dual-luciferase reporter system showed a direct binding of MEG3 to miR-7-5p. The level of miR-7-5p was negatively associated with the change in levels of MEG3 in H9c2 cells. The levels of intact RARP1 and caspase-3 were significantly increased by knockdown of MEG3. Co-transfection of miR-7-5p inhibitor with siMEG3 activates CK and LDH, significantly decreased cell proliferation, increased cell apoptosis, and decreased intact poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) and caspase-3. In summary, down-regulation of MEG3 protects myocardial cells against I/R-induced apoptosis through miR-7-5p/PARP1 pathway, which might provide a new therapeutic target for treatment of myocardial I/R injury.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of prolyl 4-hydroxylase beta polypeptide (P4HB) in the chemoresistance of liver cancer. Drug-resistant liver cancer cell lines, such as HepG2/adriamycin (ADR) cells, were treated and screened using adriamycin. Gene interference was used to silence the expression of P4HB in liver cancer cells. Cell viability, invasiveness and migration were assessed using CCK8, Transwell and wound healing assays, respectively. In addition, changes to key genes and proteins in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and β-catenin/Snail pathway were analyzed using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting. Drug-resistant HepG2/ADR cells were successfully cultivated; the IC50 to ADR for HepG2/ADR and HepG2 cell lines was 4.85 and 0.61 µM, respectively. HepG2/ADR cells exhibited higher invasion and migration abilities compared with HepG2 cells (P

For distributed sensing, local power sources are of interest. [...]

Extracting energy from low vibration frequencies (

A low-cost nano-flake Co@carbon sponge (Co NF@carbon sponge) electrode is prepared by a simple sponge carbonization method coupled with direct Co growth on the carbon sponge surface using pulsed electrodeposition. The catalytic activity of sodium borohydride (NaBH4) electrooxidation in an alkaline medium are studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA). The Co NF@carbon sponge electrode reveals a unique three-dimensional (3D) nano-flake structure on the porous network skeleton with a large specific surface area and exhibits superior catalytic performance. The oxidation current density of the Co NF@carbon sponge electrode towards NaBH4 achieves 248 mA cm−2 in 1 mol L−1 NaOH and 0.12 mol L−1 NaBH4 solution at −0.55 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) accompanied with a considerable stability, which is remarkably higher than the electrocatalytic performance of NaBH4 oxidation obtained previously with non-noble metals as catalysts. The induced high catalytic activity greatly contributes to the excellent 3D nano-flake open structure and high electronic conductivity, which guarantees the full utilization of Co surfaces and allows the electrode to possess higher electrocatalytic performance. The novel Co NF@carbon sponge electrode is a hopeful anode with low cost and high performance for the application of fuel cells that employ NaBH4 as the fuel.

Thermochemical heat storage appears to be an attractive alternative solution for long-term heat storage, as it offers large energy capacity and negligible heat loss during long-term storage. Salt hydrate-based sorption is a typical thermochemical heat storage technology, and has become a new research hotpot for long-term thermal storage. It is featured by combined beneficial parameters such as low cost, benign environmental impact, high energy density, and safety operation. In this paper, the advances in the salt hydrate-based sorption technology for long-term heat storage are comprehensively reviewed. Special attentions are paid on the research of sorption properties of pure hydrate salts and composite materials, thermal performance of various sorption reactors, numerical investigation and performance evaluation of the sorption reactor and the whole thermochemical storage system. Finally, based on the understanding of the state of the art, characteristics of the salt hydrates-based seasonal thermochemical storage technology are summarized and the future research directions are discussed.

Background Aging is associated with a decrease in appetite, energy intake and glucose tolerance. Experimental studies have suggested that ghrelin and obestatin play a role in glucose homeostasis and in the regulation of energy metabolism. However, few studies have been performed on the role of ghrelin and obestatin in middle-aged and old adults. Methods In the present study, we investigated the plasma concentrations of ghrelin and obestatin in middle-aged (41-64 years) and old (65-76 years) subjects with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (NDD) and normal glucose tolerance (NGT). We also characterized the relationship among plasma ghrelin and obestatin levels and glucose/lipid metabolism. The fasting plasma ghrelin and obestatin concentrations were analyzed using enzyme immunoassay method. Results Plasma obestatin concentrations in diabetic subjects were significantly lower than those in NGT subjects. Plasma ghrelin were negatively associated with fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) and positively correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In addition, plasma obestatin level was correlated negatively with systolic blood pressure, triglycerides and total cholesterol. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis indicated that UACR was a significantly independent predictor of fasting plasma ghrelin levels. Conclusions Collectively, ghrelin and obestatin levels may be markers reflecting glucose and lipid conditions in NDD. The lower ghrelin levels may be a potential indicator for renal dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Concentrator photovoltaics achieve high efficiency but have so far been impractical for use on rooftops. Here, Price et al. develop a flat-panel concentrating photovoltaic system based on a triple-junction solar cell that operates at fixed tilt over a full day with…

High efficiency concentrating photovoltaics (CPV) can reduce the cost of photovoltaic power in a market dominated by balance of system and soft costs. Planar microtracking aims to provide a CPV solution for rooftops by laterally tracking a dense array of solar cells within a concentrator module having the form factor of standard PV panels. Here, we demonstrate a small-scale proof-of-concept system that reaches 30% power conversion efficiency at over $600\times$ concentration, resulting in 54% more energy generated per unit area than a commercial silicon cell. This represents a milestone for planar microtracking CPV toward a larger scale, fully integrated panel prototype.

Background. Family history of diabetes (FHD) and lifestyle are associated with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), but little is known about the FHD diet interactions. We aimed to analyze the interactions of FHD and lifestyle factors in Chinese T2DM onset.Methods. This was a cross-sectional survey in central urban China (n=1234patients with T2DM andn=8615non-T2DM subjects). The biological interactions, defined by Rothman interactions, between FHD and each dietary factor were analyzed by using the synergy index (S) scores.Results. After adjustment for age, gender, BMI, and WHR, a uniparental FHD (OR=2.84, 95% CI: 2.36–3.42,P<0.001), a paternal history of FHD (OR=2.53, 95% CI: 1.91–3.35,P<0.001), a maternal history of FHD (OR=3.27, 95% CI: 2.67–4.02,P<0.001), a biparental history of FHD (OR=5.26, 95% CI: 2.98–9.31,P<0.001), and a FHD, irrespective of the parent (OR=3.59, 95% CI: 3.08–4.17,P<0.001), were associated with T2DM onset. There were significant interactions between FHD and consuming S=1.54, 95% CI: 1.12–2.12), S=1.51, 95% CI: 1.04–2.17), S=2.17, 95% CI: 1.63–2.88), and no freshly squeezed juice (S=2.25, 95% CI: 1.46–3.49).Conclusions. Risk of T2DM was synergistically affected by FHD and dietary habits. Nutrition educational intervention may decrease the prevalence of T2DM in the Chinese with FHD.

A piezoelectric compliant mechanism (PCM) energy harvester is designed, modeled, and analyzed that consists of a polyvinylidene diflouoride, PVDF unimorph clamped at its base and attached to a compliant mechanism at its tip. The compliant hinge stiffness is carefully tuned to approach a low frequency first mode with an efficient (nearly quadratic) shape that provides a uniform strain distribution. A nonlinear model of the PCM energy harvester under large base excitation is derived to determine the maximum power that can be generated by the device. Simulation results show that the PCM bridge structure self-limits the displacement and maximum strain at large excitations compared with the proof mass cantilever, improving the device robustness. The PCM outperforms the cantilever in both average power and power-strain sensitivity at high accelerations due to the PCM axial stretching effect and its more uniform strain distribution.Copyright © 2016 by ASME

Piezoelectric energy harvesters typically perform poorly in the low frequency, low amplitude, and intermittent excitation environment of human movement. In this paper, a piezoelectric compliant mechanism (PCM) energy harvester is designed that consists of a polyvinylidene diflouoride (PVDF) unimorph clamped at the base and attached to a compliant mechanism at the tip. The compliant mechanism has two flexures that amplify the tip displacement to produce large motion of a proof mass and a low frequency first mode with an efficient (nearly quadratic) shape. The compliant mechanism is fabricated as a separate, relatively rigid frame with flexure hinges, simplifying the fabrication process, and surrounding and protecting the piezoelectric unimorph. The bridge structure of the PCM also self-limits the response to large amplitude impacts, improving the device robustness. Experiments show that the compliant hinge stiffness can be carefully tuned to approach the theoretical high power output and mode shape efficiency.

Reactive oxygen species production has recently been established as an essential contributor in the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Resveratrol, a natural anti-oxidants with biological activity, is known to be an activator of sirtuin1 (Sirt1). Forkhead transcription factor O1 (FoxO1) plays a role not only in regulating metabolism but also in oxidant stress. The present study was carried out to examine whether resveratrol had protective effect on diabetic kidney by modulation of the Sirt1/FoxO1 pathway. To investigate the effect of FoxO1 on oxidant stress, male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with a single dose of 60 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) to induce diabetes. Here we show that the FoxO1 activity was significantly reduced and with a concomitant decrease in the expression of FoxO1 target gene, catalase in diabetic kidney. The FoxO1 downregulation correlated with an increase in the generation of malondialdehyde (MDA), a decrease in the activity of SOD and an increase in the expression of collagen IV and fibronectin proteins in renal cortex of diabetic rats. Treatment with the sirtuin agonist resveratrol, with an increase in the expression of Sirt1, significantly increased FoxO1 activity in diabetic kidney. This correlated with a decrease in the generation of MDA, an increase in the activity of SOD, a partial reversal of collagen IV and fibronectin proteins levels and more improved kidney pathological and biochemical indicators changes. Together these results indicate that it is characterized by decreased activity of FoxO1 in diabetic kidney. These data also suggest that modulation of the Sirt1/FoxO1 pathway may be a potentially useful therapeutic target for DN.

We report here a simple approach to the synthesis of Cu 2 O/TiO 2 core-shell nanocomposites with uniform octahedral structure in solution phase. First, fresh synthesized Cu 2 O octahedra were used as precursor, and butyl titanate (Ti(OBu) 4 ) diluted by ethanol was preliminary hydrolyzed by the water adsorbed on the surface of Cu 2 O, so a very thin TiO 2 condensed on the Cu 2 O surfaces. Then, when a mixture of water and ethanol was dropped into the reaction system, the Ti(OBu) 4 would further hydrolyze and condense around the Cu 2 O to form TiO 2 , so octahedral Cu 2 O/TiO 2 core-shell composites with uniform and compact TiO 2 shells were obtained. This method is suitable for the formation of uniform integrated TiO 2 shells and their thickness can be controlled by adjusting the ratio of water/ethanol (W/E). According to the surface photovoltage spectroscopy of the Cu 2 O/TiO 2 composites, we think the material would have a potential application in photocatalysis and photoelectric transition.

A new method for the synthesis of tridymite is reported in this article. When amorphous SiO2 is treated with ethylene glycol for 3 h at 196°C and then filtered and washed with distilled water, tridymite is obtained. The transmission electron microscopy equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) are used to characterize the crystal materials. The EDX shows the material is pure silica and The XRD pattern shows this silica is tridymite phase. In order to study the formation process of tridymite, all sorts of reaction conditions are discussed in detail. The products obtained at different conditions are characterized by XRD techniques. Finally, a reasonable mechanism is proposed.

A soapless emulsion polymerization method was applied to synthesize CaCO 3 /PMMA spherical composite with different loading of CaCO 3 . CaCO 3 nanoparticles were pretreated with oleic acid after the carbonation process of Ca(OH) 2 slurry by CO 2 , in order to improve the compatibility between the CaCO 3 particles and MMA monomer in emulsion system. The results of photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) showed the particles size of composites were bigger than the pure PMMA. And the size increased with the increase of the content of CaCO 3 nanoparticles. TEM images showed that the morphology of the composite microspheres was uniform and CaCO 3 nanoparticles can be well encapsulated in the polymeric microsphere, and were located at the edge of the spheres. The results of DTG and TG indicated that the CaCO 3 nanoparticles could improve the thermal stability of PMMA. Moreover, capsulation of CaCO 3 by PMMA can increase the acid-resistant of CaCO 3 nanofillers.

The dendrite-shaped aragonite particles have been synthesized through the carbonation route, in which CO 2 gas is bubbled through aqueous slurry of calcium hydroxide, in the presence of polyacrylic acid (PAA) at high temperature. The as-prepared products were characterized with scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope with selected area electron diffraction. It was found that the dendrite-shaped aragonite particle present the single-crystal feature. The effects of the reaction temperature and the concentration of PAA on the crystal polymorphs and morphologies of the as-prepared calcium carbonate were investigated. The results showed that both the organic additive and the reaction temperature turned out to be important parameters for the biomimetic synthesis of the dendrite-shaped aragonite particle. This research may provide new insight into the control of the polymorphs and morphologies of calcium carbonate.

Hydrophobic magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH) 2 ) nanoparticles are prepared by in situ surface modification method with oleic acid (C 17 H 33 COOH, OA) as surface modifier. This reaction proceeds in aqueous solution and includes two processes: the Mg(OH) 2 crystal growth and the surface modification. The Mg(OH) 2 nanoparticles exhibit a lamella morphology with an average width of 60 nm and thickness of 19 nm. These nanolamellas have wormhole-like pores as small as 3.7 nm. The surface modification starts from the C 17 H 33 COO − groups, derived from OA molecules in alkaline milieu, substituted the surface adsorbed –OH groups on Mg(OH) 2 nanolammellas. The C 17 H 33 COO − groups are finally adsorbed onto Mg(OH) 2 nanoparticles with a stable chemical bond. Compared with unmodified blank Mg(OH) 2 product, the product obtained with this method possesses excellent hydrophobic properties such as a high water contact angle of 121° and a well dispersion.

Monodispersed ZnO nanoparticles with mesopores were successfully prepared via a simple route through the transformation of Zn(NH3)42+ precursor in the presence of sodium oleate and hydrazine at 80 °C with the pH of 8.5. Hydrazine and sodium oleate were used to control the size at 30–60 nm and to improve dispersion properties of ZnO nanoparticles. The samples were characterized by TEM, XRD, IR and TG-DTA, and the results suggest that the grains are composed of ZnO and a small quantity of oleate. The oleate plays an important role in preventing the ZnO nanoparticles from aggregating.

Hydrophobic CaCO 3 particles were prepared in situ by carbonation of Ca(OH) 2 slurry in the presence of the ethanol solution of oleic acid by mimicking the process of biomineralization. The weight ratio of oleic acid to CaCO 3 changed from 0.3 to 3 wt.%. By changing the weight ratio of oleic acid to CaCO 3 , the surface property of CaCO 3 particles was changed from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. Floating test and contact angle analysis of the obtained product indicated that the final CaCO 3 obtained was hydrophobic. From the floating test, the active ratio of the modified CaCO 3 might reach 100%. The contact angle of the modified CaCO 3 was 108.77. IR spectrums of the CaCO 3 particles showed the appearance of the alkyl groups from the oleic acid. We have succeeded in surface modification of CaCO 3 with the hydrophobic oleic acid.

Piezoelectric energy harvesters can be used to scavenge energy for unattended sensors in heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) ducts. In this paper, an aeroelastic energy harvester using a pinned-pinned beam is designed, modeled, and analyzed. To obtain the desired model, we use nonlinear Euler-Bernoulli beam theory, a linear piezoelectric constitutive law, and nonlinear pressure dynamics. Compared with the traditional cantilever beam used by previous researchers, the pinned-pinned beam has a higher frequency limit cycle and more efficient mode shape, which ensure higher power output at the same strain level. The pinned-pinned boundary condition also self-limits the response amplitude, limiting strain in the piezoelectric beam and premature failure. Simulation results show that the pinned-pinned beam can harvest at least 4 times more average power than a cantilever beam with the same maximum strain.Copyright © 2015 by ASME

Piezoelectric energy harvesters typically perform poorly in the low frequency, low amplitude, and intermittent excitation environment of human movement. In this paper, a piezoelectric compliant mechanism (PCM) energy harvester is designed, modeled, and analyzed that consists of a PZT unimorph clamped at the base and attached to a compliant mechanism at the tip. The compliant mechanism has two flexures that amplify the tip displacement to produce large motion of a proof mass and a low frequency first mode with an efficient (nearly quadratic) shape. The compliant mechanism is fabricated as a separate, relatively rigid frame with flexure hinges, simplifying the fabrication process and surrounding and protecting the PZT unimorph. The bridge structure of the PCM also introduces an axial tensioning nonlinearity that self-limits the response to large amplitude impacts, improving the robustness of the device. Comparing the time domain performance based on realistic wrist acceleration data, the PCM produces 6 times more average power than a proof mass cantilever with the same unimorph area and natural frequency.Copyright © 2015 by ASME

The development of self-powered wireless microelectromechanical (MEMS) sensors hinges on the ability to harvest adequate energy from the environment. When solar energy is not available, mechanical energy from ambient vibrations, which are typically low frequency, is of particular interest. Here, higher power levels were approached by better coupling mechanical energy into the harvester, using improved piezoelectric layers, and efficiently extracting energy through the use of low voltage rectifiers. Most of the available research on piezoelectric energy harvesters reports Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (PZT) or AlN thin films on Si substrates, which are well-utilized for microfabrication. However, to be highly reliable under large vibrations and impacts, flexible passive layers such as metal foil with high fracture strength would be more desirable than brittle Si substrates for MEMS energy harvesting. In addition, metallic substrates readily enable tuning the resonant frequency down by adding proof masses. In order to extract the maximum power from such a device, a high level of (001) film orientation enables an increase in the energy harvesting figures of merit due to the coupling of strong piezoelectricity and low dielectric permittivity. Strongly {001} oriented PZT could be deposited by chemical solution deposition or RF magnetron sputtering and ex situ annealing on (100) oriented LaNiO3 / HfO2 / Ni foils. The comparatively high thermal expansion coefficient of the Ni facilitates development of a strong out-of-plane polarization. 31 mode cantilever beam energy harvesters were fabricated using strongly {001} textured 1∼3 μm thick PZT films on Ni foils with dielectric permittivity of ∼ 350 and low loss tangent (

To clarify the clinical features and genetic background of a kindred of primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD).Detailed clinical characteristics and laboratory test results from a ten-year old girl diagnosed as PPNAD were collected. Seven members of her family were screened for Cushing syndrome and Carney complex, and their blood DNA was extracted and sequenced for PRKAR1A, PDE11A, PDE8B and CTNNB1 mutations with ABI3730.The girl presented with symptoms and signs of hypercortisolism, while no features of Carney complex were observed. Hypercortisolemia, suppressed corticotrophin and high urinary free cortisol level were revealed. Cortisol level could not be suppressed both in high and low dose dexamethasone suppression test. The diagnosis of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)-independent Cushing syndrome was established. Image and pathology of adrenal glands were in accordance with PPNAD. Other family members showed no evidence of Cushing syndrome or Carney complex. DNA sequencing showed that the patient harbored a missense mutation, C18G. Her father and younger sister were proved to be carriers of this mutation.A Chinese PPNAD family was identified clinically and genetically, and a novel missense mutation of PRKAR1A was found.

To investigate the correlation between serum liver enzymes and onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).A total of 8 779 individuals subjected to a Zhengzhou community survey were enrolled in the study and were tested for the following serum biochemical parameters, including ALT, AST, γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT), TC, TG and blood glucose. All subjects were divided into four groups (Q1-Q4) according to the quartiles of their liver enzyme levels. Logistic regression was performed to explore the odd ratio (OR) for the onset of T2DM in groups of Q2-Q4 compared with the group of Q1.ROC curve was used to analyze the predictive value of elevated liver enzymes for the onset of T2DM.When the quartiles were defined by the GGT level, compared with the group of Q1, the OR for the group of Q4 was 4.043 (95%CI 2.759-5.924) in the male and 4.239 (95%CI 3.172-5.664) in the female, which was higher than the OR when the quartiles were defined by the ALT level. In the ROC curve, the AUC of GGT was larger than those of ALT, AST, BMI, waist circumference and TG, with 0.63 for the male and 0.68 for the female.Serum level of GGT is more closely correlated with the onset of T2MD than the level of ALT or AST. Even the increase of serum GGT within physiological range is a risk factor for the onset of T2DM.

Objective To analyze the DAX1 (NR0B1) (dosage-sensitive sex reversal-adrenal hypoplasia congenita (AHC) critical region on the X chromosome gene 1) gene in two Chinese families with AHC and hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (HHG). Patients and methods Two families with 4 affected males, 5 carrier females, and 4 unaffected males were investigated. Sequencing of the entire 1413-bp coding region of DAX1 (NR0B1) gene was performed in both patients and their family members. Results Two different novel DAX1 (NR0B1) mutations located within exon 1, an insertional mutation at codon 35 leading to a frameshift and a premature stop at codon 46, and a deletion mutation at codon 331 leading to a frameshift and a premature stop at codon 371 were detected. The mothers and sisters of the patients were heterozygotes for the mutations, while their fathers did not carry the mutations. Conclusions Two novel DAX1 (NR0B1) mutations were detected in two Chinese families. These data indicate that molecular analysis of the DAX1 (NR0B1) gene is important for the diagnosis and genetic counseling of children with primary adrenal insufficiency.

A piezoelectric compliant mechanism (PCM) energy harvester is designed, modeled, and analyzed that consists of a polyvinylidene diflouoride, PVDF unimorph clamped at its base and attached to a compliant mechanism at its tip. The compliant hinge stiffness is carefully tuned to approach a low frequency first mode with an efficient (nearly quadratic) shape that provides a uniform strain distribution. A nonlinear model of the PCM energy harvester under large base excitation is derived to determine the maximum power that can be generated by the device. Experiments with a fabricated PCM energy harvester prototype show that the compliant mechanism introduces a stiffening effect and a much wider bandwidth than a benchmark proof mass cantilever design. The PCM bridge structure self-limits the displacement and maximum strain at large excitations compared with the proof mass cantilever, improving the device robustness. The PCM outperforms the cantilever in both average power and power-strain sensitivity at high accelerations due to the PCM axial stretching effect and its more uniform strain distribution.

In the past decade, the demand for polyamide-imide (PAI) and other high-temperature resistant polymeric materials has grown steadily because of their outstanding mechanical properties and excellent thermal and oxidative stability (Zhong, 2002; Sun, 2006; Yanagishita, 2001; Babooram, 2008). PAI is well-known for its low thermal expansion coefficient and dielectric constant. In microelectronics, PAI has been widely used as an interdielectric material, and in the large-scale integrated circuit industry, as an electrical insulation for conventional appliances (Kawakami, 1996, 1998, 2003; Rupnowski, 2006; Wu, 2005). Compared with pure polyimide and polyamide, PAI exhibits better process ability and heat-resistant properties. The application of PAI as a wire-coating material with thermal-resistant properties has attracted increasing interest (Chen, 1997; Ranade, 2002; Ma, 2007). However, with the introduction of higher-surge voltage devices, an increasing number of insulation electric breakdown cases have been reported. Insulation electric breakdown must be prevented because it may lead to electrical component failure or may endanger the people handling the component. Thus, the development of an organic/inorganic composite insulating material is essential in designing insulation for continuous use (Alexandre, 2000; Hossein, 2007; David, 1995; Yang, 2006). Polymer composites have received much attention, as various properties of the original matrix polymer can be considerably improved by adding a limited percentage of inorganic filler (Jiao, 1989; Rangsunvigit, 2008; Xu, 2007; Hwang, 2008; Kim, 2007; Rankin, 1998).

Energy harvesting from human motion addresses the growing need for battery-free health and wellness sensors in wearable applications. The major obstacles to harvesting energy in such applications are low and random frequencies due to the nature of human motion. This paper presents a generalized rotational harvester model in 3 dimensions to determine the upper bound of power output from real world measured data. Simulation results indicate much space for improvement on power generation comparing to existing devices. We have developed a rotational energy harvester for human motion that attempts to close the gap between theoretical possibility and demonstrated devices. Like previous work, it makes use of magnetically plucked piezoelectric beams. However, it more fully utilizes the space available and has many degrees of freedom available for optimization. Finally we present a prototype harvester based on the coupled harvester model with preliminary experimental validation.