TGFβ-1 Induced Cross-Linking of the Extracellular Matrix of Primary Human Dermal Fibroblasts

Excessive cross-linking is a major factor in the resistance to the remodelling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) during fibrotic progression. The role of TGFβ signalling in impairing ECM remodelling has been demonstrated in various fibrotic models. We hypothesised that increased ECM cross-linking by TGFβ contributes to skin fibrosis in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). Proteomics was used to identify cross-linking enzymes in the ECM of primary human dermal fibroblasts, and to compare their levels following treatment with TGFβ-1. A significant upregulation and enrichment of lysyl-oxidase-like 1, 2 and 4 and transglutaminase 2 were found. Western blotting confirmed the upregulation of lysyl hydroxylase 2 in the ECM. Increased transglutaminase activity in TGFβ-1 treated ECM was revealed from a cell-based assay. We employed a mass spectrometry-based method to identify alterations in the ECM cross-linking pattern caused by TGFβ-1. Cross-linking sites were identified in collagens I and V, fibrinogen and fibronectin. One cross-linking site in fibrinogen alpha was found only in TGFβ-treated samples. In conclusion, we have mapped novel cross-links between ECM proteins and demonstrated that activation of TGFβ signalling in cultured dermal fibroblasts upregulates multiple cross-linking enzymes in the ECM.     

Development and evaluation of sub-element testing of SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composites at elevated temperatures

SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) are being developed for use in aero-engines to replace nickel superalloy components. Sub-element testing acts as the key stepping stone in bridging understanding derived from basic coupon testing and more complex component testing. This study presents the development of high temperature C-shape sub-element testing with the use of digital image correlation to study damage progression. The specimen is designed with a bias towards a mixed mode-stress state more similar to what a CMC component may see in service. Both monotonic and fatigue tests were completed on C specimens and compared with predicted behaviour from modelling. Test data from both test types suggested that specimens were failing once they reached a critical radial stress level. However evidence from fractography of specimens showed that in both monotonic and fatigue tests radial cracks (driven by hoop stresses) are initiating prior to circumferential cracks.     

Microstructure,wear and corrosion characteristics of multiple-reinforced (SiC–B4C–Al2O3) Al matrix composites produced by liquid metal infiltration

In this study, AA7075 aluminum matrix composites reinforced with the combination of SiC, Al₂O₃, and B₄C particles were fabricated by the liquid metal infiltration method. The effects of the relative ratio of B₄C and Al₂O₃ particles on the microstructural, wear, and corrosion features of the composite samples were analyzed using XRD, light metal microscopy, SEM, EDS, Brinell hardness, ball-on-disc type tribometer, and potentiodynamic polarization devices. It was determined that infiltration occurred more successfully, and homogenously distributed particles with reduced porosity were obtained as the amount of Al₂O₃ increased. Worn surface studies revealed that the specimens were predominantly worn by abrasion and adhesion. The increase in B₄C/Al₂O₃ ratio caused a decrease in the hardness and wear strength, whereas it increased the corrosion resistance.     

High strain rate compressive response of the Cf/SiC composite

Carbon fiber reinforced ceramic owns the properties of lightweight, high fracture toughness, excellent shock resistance, and thus overcomes ceramic's brittleness. The researches on the advanced structure of astronautics, marine have exclusively evaluated the quasi-static mechanical response of carbon fiber reinforced ceramics, while few investigations are available in the open literature regarding elastodynamics. This paper reports the dynamic compressive responses of a carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide (C_f/SiC) composite (CFCMC) tested by the material test system 801 machine (MTS) and the split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). These tests were to determine the rate dependent compression response and high strain rate failure mechanism of the C_f/SiC composite in in-plane and out-plane directions. The in-plane compressive strain rates are from 0.001 to 2200?s^?1, and that of the out-plane direction are from 0.001 to 2400?s^?1. The compressive stress-strain curves show the C_f/SiC composite has a property of strain rate sensitivity in both directions while under high strain rate loadings. Its compressive stiffness, compressive stress, and corresponding strain are also strain rate sensitive. The compressive damage morphologies after high strain rate impacting show different failure modes for each loading direction. This study provides knowledge about elastodynamics of fiber-reinforced ceramics and extends their design criterion with a reliable evaluation while applying in the scenario of loading high strain rate.     

Effect of the ZIF‐8 Distribution in Mixed‐Matrix Membranes Based on Matrimid® 5218‐PEG on CO2 Separation

In theory, the combination of inorganic materials and polymers may provide a synergistic performance for mixed‐matrix membranes (MMMs); however, the filler dispersion into the MMMs is a crucial technical parameter for obtaining compelling MMMs. The effect of the filler distribution on the gas separation performance of the MMMs based on Matrimid®‐PEG 200 and ZIF‐8 nanoparticles is demonstrated. The MMMs were prepared by two different membrane preparation procedures, namely, the traditional method and non‐dried metal‐organic framework (MOF) method. In CO₂/CH₄ binary mixtures, the MMMs were tested under fixed conditions and characterized by various methods. Finally, regardless of the MMM preparation procedure, the incorporation of 30 wt % ZIF‐8 nanoparticles allowed to increase the CO₂ permeability in MMMs. The ZIF‐8 dispersion influenced significantly the separation factor.     

亲水作用色谱-串联质谱法测定动物源运动食品中3种氨基糖苷类抗生素的残留量

该研究建立了一种亲水交互作用色谱-串联质谱（HILIC-MS/MS）法测定动物源运动食品中潮霉素B、新霉素、安普霉素3种氨基糖苷类抗生素残留量的方法。结果表明，样品经Sielc Obelisc R柱分离，采用0.1%甲酸水溶液-乙腈梯度洗脱，可以实现3种目标物组分的分离。在此条件下，3种氨基糖苷类抗生素在5～500 ng/mL的质量浓度范围内线性关系良好，相关系数R2为0.999 5～0.999 9，检出限均为15 μg/kg，定量限均为50 μg/kg，保留时间的日间和日内相对标准偏差（RSD）分别为3.5%～7.9%和3.5%～4.1%，峰面积的日间和日内RSD分别为3.6%～7.4%和3.2%～3.9%，加标回收率为85.7%～93.6%，回收率试验结果的RSD为3.1%～5.2%。该方法可以满足动物源运动食品中3种氨基糖苷类抗生素的检测需求。     

基于改进LFM算法的主动解列断面搜索方法

针对传统解列断面算法复杂度高的问题,提出一种基于改进LFM算法的解列断面搜索方式。首先,基于节点间电气联系和能量转移分布熵完成电网加权复杂网络建模;其次,基于主动解列断面约束条件,对LFM算法做适应性改良;最后,通过改进LFM算法得到解列断面,并在IEEE39节点系统中验证了算法有效性。仿真结果表明,改进LFM算法可充分考虑传统解列断面的约束条件,在算法具有较低复杂度的同时对系统运行状态更强的适应性。     

Revealing the dimensional stability mechanisms of SiC/Al composite under long-term thermal cycling

Long-term thermal cycling causes irreversible dimensional changes of the material, which in turn affects the reliability of precision instruments. In this paper, dimensional stability mechanisms of SiC/Al composites during thermal cycling were revealed using high-precision thermal dilatometer, XRD and spherical aberration correction transmission electron microscope (Cs-TEM). First, how the factors including dislocations, internal stress and precipitates affect the dimensional change of SiC/Al composites were separately introduced. Then, the integrated effect of these factors affecting the dimensional stability of SiC/Al composites was further discussed. Among them, the integrated effect of dislocation-internal stress in SiC/pure Al composites leads to an increase in dislocation density and average lattice constant, which leads to an increase in dimensional change. The integrated effect of dislocation-internal stress-precipitates in SiC/2024Al composites leads to a decrease in the average lattice constant and some changes in the precipitation behavior (including the type, density and lattice constant of the precipitates), which ultimately leads to a decrease in dimensional change. The dimensional change of the two types of composites was semi-quantitatively estimated. Finally, the reasons for the significantly higher dimensional stability of the SiC/2024Al composites were given.     

Surface generation mechanism of ceramic matrix composite in ultrasonic assisted wire sawing

Ceramic matrix composites (CMC) are highly required in many fields of science and engineering. However, the CMC parts always have poor surface finish. This study attempts to improve cutting performance of CMC material by combing the advantages of ultrasonic assisted cutting and diamond wire sawing. Cutting force, surface roughness, machined edge and tool wear are analyzed based on experimental results. It shows that the oscillatory movement of tool edges provides positive effect on particle ejection and residual material reduction. Ductile chip formation can be achieved due to the small tip radius of grits. Obvious decrease in cutting force, surface roughness and tool wear are obtained. Moreover, burrs, fuzzing and fracture are reduced. Meanwhile, both the surface characteristics and shape accuracy are significantly improved. These results provide a valuable basis for application of ultrasonic assisted wire sawing and understanding of CMC cutting mechanisms.     

Effect of carbon nanotubes grown temperature on the fracture behavior of carbon fiber reinforced magnesium matrix composites: Interlaminar shear strength and tensile strength

The design of an interfacial structure is particularly important for load transfer in composites. In this paper, different amounts of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were grafted onto the carbon fiber (CF) surface by adjusting grown temperature using injection chemical vapor deposition (ICVD). The prepared CF preform grafted with CNTs (CNTs-CF) were used to reinforce magnesium alloy by squeeze casting process. The microstructures were analyzed by means of optical microscope (OM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and tensile strength of the composites were determined by double-notch shear test and tensile test. The results indicated that moderate ILSS was more conducive to improving the tensile properties of carbon fiber reinforced magnesium matrix (C_f/Mg) composites. Compared with C_f/Mg, the tensile strength of composite with CNTs increased by about 80%. For C_f/Mg composites grafted with CNTs, CNTs had the effects of delaying crack propagation and increasing energy consumption by the pull-out and bridging mechanism, which were the main reasons for improving the strength. The analysis of shear fracture surface showed that the crack propagation path can be optimized by adjusting the amounts of grafted CNTs. The presence of CNTs affects the stress distribution and consequently the crack initiation as well as the crack propagation.