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Background The overwhelming majority of hangman’s fractures cause anterior dislocation of C2. Hangman’s fracture with C2 posterior dislocation is extremely rare, only one paediatric case was reported in 2018 to date. This kind of injury cannot be catalogued using current classification schemes and no established treatment recommendations exist. The purpose of this article is to report a rare case of a hangman's fracture with C2 posterior dislocation, which does not fit into existing classification systems and discuss management technical notes to avoid pitfalls. Methods Description of case, review of relevant literatures and share our experience. Results A 31-year-old male sustained hangman’s fracture with C2 posterior dislocation after fell into a 50cm deep roadside ditch when riding a motorcycle. Radiograph and computed tomography (CT) on admission showed fractures through both pars of C2 and C2 posterior dislocation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on admission showed high T2-weighted signal intensity of cervical spinal cord and compression of cervical spinal cord by posterior dislocation of C2 vertebral body. A C2-3 anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) was performed. At 6 months after operation, bony fusion was achieved, and MRI showed the T2-weighted signal hyperintensity of cervical spinal cord before surgery disappeared. Conclusion C2–C3 ACDF is recommended for hangman's fractures with C2 posterior dislocation. Traction before surgery is not recommended.

This study aims to characterize the cell atlas of the epididymis derived from a 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD) patient with a novel heterozygous mutation of the nuclear receptor subfamily 5 group A member 1 (NR5A1) gene. Next-generation sequencing found a heterozygous c.124CG mutation in NR5A1 that resulted in a p.Q42E missense mutation in the conserved DNA-binding domain of NR5A1. The patient demonstrated feminization of external genitalia and Tanner stage 1 breast development. The surgical procedure revealed a morphologically normal epididymis and vas deferens but a dysplastic testis. Microfluidic-based single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis found that the fibroblast cells were significantly increased (approximately 46.5%), whereas the number of main epididymal epithelial cells (approximately 9.2%), such as principal cells and basal cells, was dramatically decreased. Bioinformatics analysis of cell-cell communications and gene regulatory networks at the single-cell level inferred that epididymal epithelial cell loss and fibroblast occupation are associated with the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. The present study provides a cell atlas of the epididymis of a patient with 46,XY DSD and serves as an important resource for understanding the pathophysiology of DSD.

Background Given the aging population worldwide and the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been found to be associated with a deterioration in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) symptoms, investigating methods to prevent or delay cognitive decline in preclinical AD and AD itself is important. The trial described in this protocol aims to evaluate the effects of a staged integral art-based cognitive intervention (SIACI) in older adults with CIs (preclinical AD [SCD or MCI] and mild AD), in order to gather evidence on the effects of SIACI on cognition and psychological/psychosocial health gains and determine the mechanisms. Methods The planned study is a single-center, parallel-arm, randomized controlled trial with allocation concealment and outcome assessor blinding. A total of 88 participants will be randomized to two groups: (i) an intervention group that receives the 16-week, 24-session SIACI program and (ii) a waitlist control group (which will receive the SIACI program after completing the follow-up assessment). Global cognitive function, specific domains of cognition (memory, language, executive function, and visuospatial skills), and other health-related outcomes (quality of life, anxiety, depression, sleep quality, and physical activity level) will be measured at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and at the 6-month follow-up. Blood biomarkers, event-related potential (ERP)-P300, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data will be collected at baseline and immediately after the intervention to explore the mechanisms of SIACI. Discussion The trial will elucidate the immediate and long-term effects of SIACI based on neuropsychological testing and blood biomarkers, and neuroscience involving ERP-P300 and MRI parameters will make it possible to explore the mechanisms of SIACI in older adults with CIs. The results will provide evidence on the effectiveness of an AT-based cognitive intervention, which may delay or even halt cognitive decline in preclinical AD and AD itself. Trial registration ChiCTR, ChiCTR2100044959. Registered 03 April 2021.

Purpose Lung cancer is the most common malignant tumor in the world, and its incidence and mortality are very high. This study focuses on the mechanism of non-small cell lung cancer to find new therapeutic targets. Methods We used RT-PCR and Western blot to verify the linear relationship between E2F1 and IRF5 in normal lung tissue and lung cancer tissues. Secondly, we used overexpression and knock down E2F1 in cell lines to detect the expression of IRF5. The prime enzyme reporter plasmid verified that E2F1 binds to the core promoter region of IRF5; finally, CHIP experiments demonstrated that E2F1 binds directly to IRF5. Results We verified that E2F1 and IRF5 are decreased in patient tissues, and there is a strong linear relationship between E2F1 and IRF5. Secondly, we used overexpression of E2F1 or E2F1 siRNA transfected into HCC827 cells and found that E2F1 positively regulates the activity of the IRF5 promoter and the mRNA level of IRF5. Finally, the results of a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that E2F1 bound to the promoter region of IRF5 in vitro. These results suggested that the E2F1 transcription factor is the primary determinant for activating the basal transcription of the IRF5. Conclusion The transcription factor E2F1 positively regulates IRF5 in non-small cell lung cancer.

ObjectiveTo investigate and analyze the situation of hospitalization and medical appraisal of cervical spondylosis in military pilots. MethodsA single-center retrospective study was conducted on the active military pilots hospitalized for cervical spondylosis in our center from January 2010 to December 2019.After inclusion and exclusion criteria, descriptive statistics and analysis were made on age, sex, flight type, flight time, disease type, diagnosis and treatment and medical identification results of the included subjects.ResultsDuring January 2010 to December 2019, 166 military pilots with cervical spondylosis were admitted to our center, accounting for 17.61% of the total orthopaedic diseases, ranking the second place.The hospitalization rate of military pilots with cervical spondylosis in orthopedics department decreased from 2015 to 2019, but the hospitalization rate (193 person-times) was in an increasing trend compared with that in 2010-2014 (148 person-times) (P < 0.05).The average age of the pilots with cervical spondylosis was 37.37±7.37 years old, and there was no significant difference in the age of the pilots of different aircraft types. Compared with the age of other active servicemen in the same period (39.72±8.98 years), the incidence of the pilots tended to be younger (P < 0.05).The average incidence of cervical spondylosis in flight crew was 2597.09±1954.50h, and fighter pilots were more likely to have cervical spondylosis in early flight than those who flew helicopter, transport aircraft and trainer aircraft (P < 0.05).4 cases (2.41%) received surgical treatment, which was significantly lower than that of non-aircrew members (12.09%) (P < 0.05).Among the 166 cases, 87 cases (52.41%) were qualified and returned to work,53 cases of military pilots temporary unqualified flight, 26 cases of military pilots unqualified flight, unable to continue to fly.ConclusionCervical spondylosis of pilots account for the forefront of orthopedic disease spectrum, and the onset age is younger, the treatment is relatively simple, and the qualified rate of flight after treatment is low.

Skp2 is overexpressed in multiple cancers and plays a critical role in tumor development through ubiquitin/proteasome‐dependent degradation of its substrate proteins. Drugs targeting Skp2 have exhibited promising anticancer activity. Here, we identified a plant‐derived Skp2 inhibitor, betulinic acid (BA), via high‐throughput structure‐based virtual screening of a phytochemical library. BA significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) through targeting Skp2‐SCF E3 ligase both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, BA binding to Skp2, especially forming H‐bonds with residue Lys145, decreases its stability by disrupting Skp1‐Skp2 interactions, thereby inhibiting the Skp2‐SCF E3 ligase and promoting the accumulation of its substrates; that is, E‐cadherin and p27. In both subcutaneous and orthotopic xenografts, BA significantly inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of NSCLC through targeting Skp2‐SCF E3 ligase and upregulating p27 and E‐cadherin protein levels. Taken together, BA can be considered a valuable therapeutic candidate to inhibit metastasis of NSCLC., By screening a phytochemical library via high‐throughput molecular docking, we identified that betulinic acid is capable of binding to Skp2 at residue Lys145, leading to decreased protein stability of Skp2 and the accumulation of its substrate protein p27 and E‐cadherin. Betulinic acid significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of NSCLC through downregulating Skp2 both in vitro and in vivo.

Oxygen therapy is a common treatment in neonatal intensive care units, but long-term continuous hyperoxia ventilation may induce acute lung injury (ALI). Gasdermin D (GSDMD)-mediated pyroptosis participates in various diseases including ALI, but the role of GSDMD in hyperoxia-induced ALI is yet understood. Here, we showed a significant increase in GSDMD after exposure to high oxygen. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in GSDMD regulation, we identified the core promoter of GSDMD, −98 ~ −12 bp relative to the transcriptional start site (TSS). The results of mutational analysis, overexpression or siRNA interference, EMSA and ChIP demonstrated that E2F4 and TFAP2A positively regulate the transcriptional activity of the GSDMD by binding to its promoter. However, only TFAP2A showed a regulatory effect on the expression of GSDMD. Moreover, TFAP2A was increased in the lung tissues of rats exposed to hyperoxia and showed a strong linear correlation with GSDMD. Our results indicated that TFAP2A positively regulates the GSDMD expression via binding to the promoter region of GSDMD.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a severe complication of preterm infants characterized by increased alveolarization and inflammation. Premature exposure to hyperoxia is believed to be a key contributor to the pathogenesis of BPD. No effective preventive or therapeutic agents have been created. Stimulator of interferon gene (STING) is associated with inflammation and apoptosis in various lung diseases. Long non-coding RNA MALAT1 has been reported to be involved in BPD. However, how MALAT1 regulates STING expression remains unknown. In this study, we assessed that STING and MALAT1 were up-regulated in the lung tissue from BPD neonates, hyperoxia-based rat models and lung epithelial cell lines. Then, using the flow cytometry and cell proliferation assay, we found that down-regulating of STING or MALAT1 inhibited the apoptosis and promoted the proliferation of hyperoxia-treated cells. Subsequently, qRT-PCR, Western blotting and dual-luciferase reporter assays showed that suppressing MALAT1 decreased the expression and promoter activity of STING. Moreover, transcription factor CREB showed its regulatory role in the transcription of STING via a chromatin immunoprecipitation. In conclusion, MALAT1 interacts with CREB to regulate STING transcription in BPD neonates. STING, CREB and MALAT1 may be promising therapeutic targets in the prevention and treatment of BPD.

Longitudinally oriented microstructures are essential for a nerve scaffold to promote the significant regeneration of injured peripheral axons across nerve gaps. In the current study, we present a novel nerve-guiding collagen-chitosan (CCH) scaffold that facilitated the repair of 30 mm-long sciatic nerve defects in beagles. The CCH scaffolds were observed with a scanning electron microscope. Eighteen beagles were equally divided into CCH group, autograft group and non-graft group. The posture and gait of each dog was recorded at 12 and 24 weeks after surgery. Electrophysiological tests, Fluoro-Gold retrograde tracing test, Histological assessment of gastrocnemius and immunofluorescent staining of nerve regeneration were performed. Our investigation of regenerated sciatic nerves indicated that a CCH scaffold strongly supported directed axon regeneration in a manner similar to that achieved by autologous nerve transplantation. In vivo animal experiments showed that the CCH scaffold achieved nerve regeneration and functional recovery equivalent to that achieved by an autograft but without requiring the exogenous delivery of regenerative agents or cell transplantation. We conclude that CCH nerve guides show great promise as a method for repairing peripheral nerve defects.

Background Intrinsic and acquired chemoresistance remains a critical challenge in lung cancer chemotherapy. Fanconi anemia (FA) pathway plays an important role in antagonizing the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapeutics by repairing DNA damage. We recently demonstrated that the traditional Chinese medicinal herb, Centipeda minima (C. minima), possessed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, the potential anticancer application of C. minima and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Purpose We aimed to investigate the combined anticancer effects of the ethanol extract of C. minima (ECM) and DNA-crosslinking agents on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Methods Cell viability and flow cytometry assay were performed to determine the synergistic cytotoxicity of ECM and DNA-crosslinking agents, cisplatin (CDDP) or mitomycin C (MMC), in NSCLC cells. Western blotting and immunofluorescence were conducted to examine the effects of ECM on protein expression in DNA damage repair pathway. Comet assay was applied to evaluate DNA damage levels. Subcutaneous xenografts of NSCLC were established to evaluate the combined anticancer effects of ECM and CDDP. Results Combined treatments with ECM and DNA-crosslinking agents exhibited synergistic cytotoxic effects against A549 and H1299 cells. FANCD2 was highly expressed in NSCLC that correlates with poor prognosis of NSCLC patients, based on the online database analysis. ECM significantly inhibited DNA damage-induced monoubiquitination and nuclear foci formation of FANCD2, thereby sensitizing NSCLC to CDDP- or MMC-induced DNA damage and apoptosis, as evidenced by increased expression of γ-H2AX, increased cleavage of caspases-3 and PARP, and enhanced Annexin V-FITC/PI staining. Further, ECM can also decrease the protein level of FANCD2 that contributes to the chemosensitizing effects. Moreover, ECM significantly attenuated CDDP-mediated S-phase arrest by antagonizing the activation of ATR/Chk1 pathway in NSCLC cells. Animal experiments further demonstrated that ECM and CDDP combination treatment synergistically inhibited tumor growth by decreasing FANCD2 protein level in tumor tissues. Conclusion Our results demonstrated that ECM can inhibit DNA-crosslinking agents-induced activation of FA pathway by attenuating both the expression and monoubiquitination of FANCD2. ECM and CDDP combination therapy exhibited synergistic anticancer effects both in vitro and in vivo, indicating that ECM and its active components might serve as novel anticancer drugs in the combination chemotherapy.

The molecular mechanisms of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) remain elusive. We found that miR-155 is down-regulated in degenerative nucleus pulposus (NP), and more severe degeneration is correlated with higher matrix metallopeptidase 16 (MMP-16) expression. MMP-16 also degraded matrix aggrecan. Here, we addressed the in vivo miR-155-mediated pathological impact on IDD using a classic puncture mouse model. Lentiviral upregulated-miR-155 or downregulated-miR-155 was transduced into the discs of C57 mice, which was validated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) and in situ hybridization. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting revealed that up-regulation of miR-155 resulted in down-regulation of MMP-16 and an increase in aggrecan and collagen type II in mouse NP; whereas, down-regulation of miR-155 resulted in up-regulation of MMP-16 and a decrease in aggrecan in mouse NP. Radiographic and histological analysis showed that the up-regulation of miR-155 attenuated IDD, while down-regulation of miR-155 resulted in the deterioration of IDD. These findings indicate that decreased miR-155 contributed to the up-regulation of MMP-16 in vivo, and MMP-16 further degraded aggrecan and collagen type II, leading to the dehydration and degeneration of discs. Our findings revealed a therapeutic role for miR-155 in IDD. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Orthopaedic Research Society. J Orthop Res 35:1323-1334, 2017.

Hosta virus X (HVX) is the most economically significant virus infecting hosta (Hosta spp.) plants worldwide, and has been reported from North America, Europe, Asia and Oceania. In May 2019, various viral-like disease symptoms were observed on hosta plants in a park in Harbin City in North-east China, and infection by HVX was confirmed by small RNA sequencing, RT-PCR and electron microscopy. The infectivity of HVX on Hosta ensata, a native species in North-east China, was confirmed by mechanical inoculation. We determined the complete genome sequence of an isolate of the virus, which revealed a high level of sequence similarity with other HVX genome sequences published to date. Phylogenetic analysis of HVX with other potexviruses based on the complete sequences revealed that all four HVX entries clustered to a single clade, which was most closely related to cassava common mosaic virus (CsCMV), hydrangea ringspot virus (HdRSV), plantago asiatica mosaic virus (PlAMV) and tulip virus X (TVX). Two potential recombination events were detected among the four HVX isolates. This work not only reports the complete genome sequence of an HVX isolate in North-east China for the first time, but also suggests the need to prevent further spread of this virus in the region.

Objective: This study tested the efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), compared with Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy (CBT), in alleviating academic procrastination. Method: A total of 60 (53.3% male) undergraduates suffering from academic procrastination were randomly assigned to two treatment groups (ACT and CBT) and a control group. The procrastination symptoms and related psychological mechanisms were assessed immediately after the closure of treatment and at 3-month follow-up (FU). Results: Both therapies showed remarkable short-term effects in decreasing procrastination, but ACT had a better long-term effect. Participants achieved self-esteem enhancement through treatment of both ACT and CBT. While ACT significantly decreased negative affect and improved neuroticism, CBT had a stronger effect on time management. Conclusion: The findings suggest that both CBT and ACT are effective interventions for procrastinators but may have different therapeutic mechanisms.

Background IDC in children, first reported by Baron in 1924, is very rare. OPLL of the cervical spine mainly affect people ages 50–70 years. The coexistence of IDC and OPLL in children is very rare, only six cases with 3 to 24 months’ follow-up were reported to date. Case presentation A 6-year-old boy presented with complains of neck pain at July 2007. The boy was treated by conservative treatment and observed up for 9 years. Neck pain greatly improved after a one-month conservative treatment and never recur. Laboratory tests revealed elevated ESR and CRP at admission and found nothing abnormal at 19-month and 9-year follow-up. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed IDC at C2/3, C3/4 and OPLL at C3/4 at admission and found minor calcification at C2/3 remained but calcification at C3/4 and OPLL at C3/4 completely disappeared at 19-month and 9-year follow-up. Nineteen months after initial diagnosis, restoration of T2-weighted signal intensity of C2/3 and C3/4 discs was observed through MRI. Loss of T2-weighted signal intensity of C2/3 disc and decrease of T2-weighted signal intensity of C3/4 disc was observed at 9-year follow-up. Conclusions IDC with OPLL in children is very rare. Conservative treatments are recommended with affirmative short-term and long-term clinical effects. More intensive observation with long-term follow-ups may be needed to warrant the clinical effects.

The electron localization in Nb-doped CaMnO3 is analyzed in terms of the space and energy distribution of electronic states employing first-principles calculations. The energy difference of Mn 3d states and Nb 4d states makes NbO6 octahedra impede electrical conduction, so the random distribution of Nb in lattices leads to the localization of electrons near the bottom of the conduction bands. Therefore, although more carriers are introduced when Nb-doping content increases, both the electrical conductivity and absolute thermopower decrease in Nb heavy doped CaMnO3. The calculated transport properties agree well with the experimental data, supporting the analysis of localization.

Graphene oxide (GO) with different oxidation degrees were synthesized by harsh oxidation of graphite using the improved Hummers method. The GO/polyimide (PI) mixed matrix membrane was successfully fabricated by in situ polymerization of PI monomers (3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride and 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl ether) with GO. The structure of GO was characterized by Fourier transform infrared, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermal gravimetric analysis–differential thermal analysis. The performance of different GO/PI mixed matrix membranes was evaluated by permeation experiments of CO2/N2 gas mixture (volume ratio, 1:9). Results showed that more polar functional groups were introduced to GO with the increase in oxidation degree of GO in the preparation process, producing fewer layers and more translucent structures. GO with higher oxidation degree has significant effect on its dispersion in the N,N-dimethylacetamide solvent and polymer matrix materials. The permeability of GO/PI hybrid membranes for CO2 and N2 increased. The CO2/N2 permeation selectivity of membranes exhibited a trend of initial increase, followed by a decrease, with the increase in oxidation degree, when the same amount of GO was added. For GO with the same oxidation degree, the permeability and permeation selectivity of hybrid membrane initially increased, and then decreased with the addition content of GO. In the case of hybrid membrane containing 1 wt% monolayer GO, the maximum permeability and permeation selectivity of hybrid membranes for CO2 were 14.3 and 4.2 times more than that of PI membrane without GO, respectively. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The densities, viscosities, and conductivities of the ternary solutions [N-EMP]Br (N-ethyl,methyl-piperidinium bromide) + [N-PMP]Br (N-propyl,methyl-piperidinium bromide) + H2O, [N-EMP]Br + [N-BMP]Br (N-butyl,methyl-piperidinium bromide) + H2O, and [N-PMP]Br + [N-BMP]Br + H2O and their binary subsystems at (293.15, 298.15, 303.15, and 308.15) K and atmospheric pressure were measured. The equations for prediction of the density, viscosity, and conductivity of mixed electrolyte solutions were extended to predict the related properties of mixed ionic liquid solutions. The predicted values agree well with the experimental data, indicating that the examined properties of the ternary aqueous solutions of piperidinium-based ILs can well be predicted from the corresponding data of their binary subsystems of equal ionic strength by using these equations. In addition, the equation of Patwardhan and Kumar, Hu’s equation, and Young’s rule can provide better predictions than the simple equations.

A series of ionic liquids based on N-ethylpiperidinium cations and bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (TFSI) anion were synthesized and their physical and electrochemical properties including melting point, glass transition temperature, density, viscosity, conductivity, heat capacity, thermal decomposition temperature and electrochemical window were investigated. These ionic liquids exhibited relatively high thermal stabilities, wide electrochemical windows and relatively high conductivities. Methoxy or methyl acetate group was introduced into the alkyl chain of the N-ethylpiperidinium cation, and the effect of such introduction on the properties of the corresponding ionic liquids was investigated. The results show that introducing methoxy group into the alkyl chain of N-ethylpiperidinium considerably increases the fluidity (decreases the viscosity and increases the conductivity) and slightly decreases the thermal and electrochemical stabilities of the corresponding dialkyl substituted ionic liquids. By comparison, replacing the n-butyl side group on the piperidinium cation with methyl acetate group significantly decreases the fluidity and slightly decreases the thermal and electrochemical stabilities of the ionic liquid.

Chitosan (CTS) is the partly deacetylated product of Chitin. It contains hydrogen bond and ionic bond, which can form a cage-like molecular network structure and thus it has a strong adsorption. According to the presence of hydroxyl and amino groups of the chitosan, through chemical modification, introduces different groups in repeating units become possible. In this article, different component of the rectorite (REC) were used to intercalate the chitosan in order to have the quaternary ammonium modification. Through this process we could obtain three kinds of chitosan/rectorite modified products. Besides, their structures were observed by using the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). This paper also explained the examination of the adsorption effect of three kinds of chitosan/ rectorite modified products to the methylene blue under different conditions. Whats more, it also discussed the main factors of this effect. The results showed that the three adsorption behavior of adsorbents can be described by using the Freundlich isotherm model. In three kinds of chitosan/ rectorite modified products, 4:1 CTS/REC-ETA demonstrated the best adsorption. Followed was the 2:1 CTS/REC-ETA. And the 8:1 CTS/REC-ETA was the weakest.

The densities and viscosities of the ternary solutions [NCyP][p-TSA] (1-cyclohexyl-2-pyrrolidinone p-toluenesulfonate) + [NCyP][BSA] (1-cyclohexyl-2-pyrrolidinone benzenesulfonate) + H2O and [NMP][p-TSA] (1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone p-toluenesulfonate) + [NMP][BSA] (1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone benzenesulfonate) + H2O and their binary subsystems at (298.15, 303.15, and 308.15) K and atmospheric pressure were measured. The simple equations developed for mixed electrolyte solutions have been invoked to predict the densities and viscosities for these ionic liquid solutions. The predicted values agree well with the experimental data, indicating that the examined properties of the ternary aqueous solutions of pyrrolidone-based ILs can be well predicted from the corresponding data of their binary subsystems of equal ionic strength using simple equations.

Mica glass-ceramics can be applied in all kinds of electrical equipment, locomotive internal circuits in high-speed rail, ordinary electric locomotive and subway locomotive. In this study, mica glass-ceramics were prepared by sintering process using flake mica and waste glass as the main raw material with low cost. Different mica glass-ceramic samples were fabricated by changing the formula of raw materials, molding process and sintering temperature. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, three-point bending test, and balanced-bridge technique were applied to investigate the phase, microstructure, mechanical and electrical resistivities of the samples, respectively. The results show that the optimum sintering temperature is 900 to 1000 °C holding for two hours, the desirable ratio is 70 wt% of mica powder while 30 wt% of glass powder. In that condition the sample could be less porosity, high flexural strength (63.3 MPa) and eligible electrical resistivity (0.4×1013 Ω·cm).

The densities of the binary aqueous solutions of 1-carboxymethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([HOOCMMIm]Cl), 1-carboxymethyl-3-propylimidazolium chloride ([HOOCMPIm]Cl), 1-(2-hydroxylethyl)-3-propylimidazolium chloride ([HOEtPIm]Cl), and the ternary solutions [HOOCMMIm]Cl + [HOOCMPIm]Cl + H2O, [HOEtPIm]Cl + [HOOCMPIm]Cl + H2O, and [HOEtPIm]Cl + [HOOCMMIm]Cl + H2O have been measured at (293.15, 298.15, and 303.15) K, respectively. The densities of the examined ternary solutions have been predicted by the equation of Patwardhan and Kumar established for the density of aqueous electrolyte solutions. The predictions were not very satisfactory probably due to the presence of the functional group −COOH. The coupling of the Patwardhan and Kumar’s equation and the rule of Young and Smith considerably improves the predictions, and the predicted results show excellent agreements with the experimental results.

Hybrid membranes containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were initially prepared to separate benzene/cyclohexane mixtures. Subsequently, MWCNT surfaces were chemically modified using two methods to change the surface polarity of the MWCNTs and improve the distribution thereof in Poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA). This change consequently enhanced the separation performance of hybrid membranes with MWCNTs. Raman spectroscopy was used to characterize the structure of the pristine MWCNTs and the modified MWCNTs. The morphology and distribution of the MWCNTs in PMMA were investigated by transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the addition of MWCNTs clearly improved the separation performance of the hybrid membranes. Surface modification introduced polar groups onto the MWCNT surface, which significantly improved the distribution of MWCNTs in the PMMA membranes and the performance of hybrid membranes. MWCNTs with higher surface polarity also increased the amount of MWCNTs distributed homogeneously in PMMA. Aminated MWCNTs (MWCNT-NH2) showed the highest surface polarity. Thus, the content of MWCNT-NH2 well distributed in PMMA was the highest among the three types of MWCNTs. The highest separation factor for the hybrid membranes with 1.0 wt% MWCNT-NH2 was about seven times that of membranes containing pristine MWCNTs. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

In this study, cross-linked chitosan resins were prepared through inverse suspension and were used to adsorb congo red (CR). FT-IR spectra and SEM technique characterized the chitosan resins. The influences of contact time, temperature, adsorbent dose, initial concentration of CR, and pH of CR solution on the adsorption behavior were investigated. The results showed that the chitosan beads made from 5% chitosan in 2% aqueous acetic acid had smooth surface and strong mechanical strength. When the contact time was 60 min, temperature was 50°C, adsorbent dose was 0.02 g, initial concentration of CR was 80 mg/L, and pH of CR solution was 7, the best adsorption capacity was obtained. The adsorption behavior can be fitted well by the Langmuir isotherm and also obeyed the pseudo-second-order kinetic expression. The intra-particle diffusion studies indicate that the diffusion step was not the only rate-limiting step. Thermodynamic studies illustrated that the adsorption reactions are exothermic and sponta...