Genes Identification,Molecular Docking and Dynamics Simulation Analysis of Laccases from Amylostereum areolatum Provides Molecular Basis of Laccase Bound to Lignin

An obligate mutualistic relationship exists between the fungus Amylostereum areolatum and woodwasp Sirex noctilio. The fungus digests lignin in the host pine, providing essential nutrients for the growing woodwasp larvae. However, the functional properties of this symbiosis are poorly described. In this study, we identified, cloned, and characterized 14 laccase genes from A. areolatum. These genes encoded proteins of 508 to 529 amino acids and contained three typical copper-oxidase domains, necessary to confer laccase activity. Besides, we performed molecular docking and dynamics simulation of the laccase proteins in complex with lignin compounds (monomers, dimers, trimers, and tetramers). AaLac2, AaLac3, AaLac6, AaLac8, and AaLac10 were found that had low binding energies with all lignin model compounds tested and three of them could maintain stability when binding to these compounds. Among these complexes, amino acid residues ALA, GLN, LEU, PHE, PRO, and SER were commonly present. Our study reveals the molecular basis of A. areolatum laccases interacting with lignin, which is essential for understanding how the fungus provides nutrients to S. noctilio. These findings might also provide guidance for the control of S. noctilio by informing the design of enzyme mutants that could reduce the efficiency of lignin degradation.     

Catalytic steam reforming of tar for enhancing hydrogen production from biomass gasification: a review

Presently, the global search for alternative renewable energy sources is rising due to the depletion of fossil fuel and rising greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Among alternatives, hydrogen (H₂) produced from biomass gasification is considered a green energy sector, due to its environmentally friendly, sustainable, and renewable characteristics. However, tar formation along with syngas is a severe impediment to biomass conversion efficiency, which results in process-related problems. Typically, tar consists of various hydrocarbons (HCs), which are also sources for syngas. Hence, catalytic steam reforming is an effective technique to address tar formation and improve H₂ production from biomass gasification. Of the various classes in existence, supported metal catalysts are considered the most promising. This paper focuses on the current researching status, prospects, and challenges of steam reforming of gasified biomass tar. Besides, it includes recent developments in tar compositional analysis, supported metal catalysts, along with the reactions and process conditions for catalytic steam reforming. Moreover, it discusses alternatives such as dry and autothermal reforming of tar.     

Real-Time Path Planning Based on the Situation Space of UCAVs in a Dynamic Environment

This paper aims to find a reliable, collision-free path in a dynamic environment for highly maneuverable unmanned combat air vehicles (UCAVs). Given the real-time nature of the operational scenario, quick and adaptable reactions of UCAVs are necessary for updates in situational awareness. Therefore, we propose a three dimensional (3D) path planning approach based on the situational space to provide the tactical requirements of UCAVs for tracking targets and avoiding collisions. First, to ensure reliable nonlinear measurements, the interacting multiple model (IMM) algorithm based on a cubature Kalman filter (CKF) is chosen for the tracking and prediction algorithm. A constraint reference frame combining the kinematic model of constant acceleration (CA) is developed to solve the problem of arrival point generation. Second, by analyzing the relative motion between the UCAV and the moving objects, we define the situation space and give the corresponding calculation method. In tracking the moving target, the guidance vector contains the fusion information of displacement and velocity. At the same time, taking advantage of the one-step situation space as the judgment of the threat, we further plan the collision avoidance strategy. Third, as the safety in a practically reachable trajectory of the UCAV possesses the absolute priority, the collision avoidance acceleration accounts for this dominant factor in path planning. Simulations and experimental results prove that the proposed approach can plan a smooth and flyable path in 0.008 s under the premise of soft-landing target tracking.     

Microwave dielectric properties of SrLa[Ga1−x(Mg0.5Ti0.5)x]O4 and SrLa[Ga1−x(Zn0.5Ti0.5)x]O4 (x = 0.2-0.8) ceramics

SrLa[Ga_1−x(R_0.5Ti_0.5)_x]O₄ (R = Mg, Zn) ceramics were prepared by a standard solid state sintering method. The single-phase ceramics with K₂NiF₄-type layered perovskite structure and I4/mmm space group were obtained, indicating that SrLa(R_0.5Ti_0.5) and SrLaGaO₄ can form the unlimited solid solutions. With increasing x for R = Mg and Zn, ε_r increases monotonously, the Qf value first increases and then decreases, while τ_f increases from a negative to a positive value. The optimized microwave dielectric properties were obtained as following: ε_r = 23.3, Qf = 89 400 GHz, τ_f = −0.8 ppm/°C for SrLa[Ga_0.6(Mg_0.5Ti_0.5)_0.4]O₄ and ε_r = 23.3, Qf = 76 200 GHz, τ_f = 0.2 ppm/°C for SrLa[Ga_0.7(Zn_0.5Ti_0.5)_0.3]O₄, indicating that the present solid solution ceramics are the promising candidates as microwave resonator materials for the telecommunication applications.     

Effect of coupling agent content on properties of composites made from polylactic acid and chrysanthemum waste

Chrysanthemum flower is among one of the highly sought after and widely planted flower crops, in particular for cultural and religious ceremonies. However, the chrysanthemum stem and stalk have little value and usually discard as by‐product waste from floristry. The objective of this research is to investigate the potential value of utilizing chrysanthemum stem and stalk as reinforcing fillers for thermoplastic composites. In this study, 2‐mm thick composite sheet containing predefined formulations of polylactic acid (PLA), chrysanthemum waste filler (CWF) ranging from 15 to 60 phr, and maleated polyethylene (MAPE) coupling agent up to 5 phr were prepared with the aid of Haake internal mixer and compression molding. The effect of MAPE loading on tensile, thermal, and morphological properties of PLA/CWF composites was investigated. The findings revealed that PLA/CWF composite attained improved tensile modulus compared to the neat PLA, and the tensile modulus increases with higher concentration of CWF. However, both tensile strength and elongation at break reduces with increase loading of CWF. Overall, PLA/CWF composites with MAPE shows better performance compared to those without MAPE, where an optimum strength of 21.8 MPa can be achieved with 60 phr CW and 3 phr MAPE. The measured tensile strength is comparable to alternatives natural fiber thermoplastic composites demonstrating its potential to be used in non‐structurally demanding application. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 26:10–16, 2020. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers     

近距离煤层群采空区漏风规律及防控措施研究

贵州地区煤层赋存条件复杂,煤层间距小,相邻采空区存在漏风通道的问题。采用SF6示踪法及重点区域指标气体数据分析法,对发耳煤矿采空区漏风规律及其治理措施进行研究。分析结果表明,由于相邻密闭效果欠佳,导致31004开切眼联络巷及31004工作面回风巷密闭漏风严重。31004采空区漏风通道主要是31004开切眼联络巷密闭及10^#煤层开采过程中对上部7^#煤层采空区造成二次扰动形成的纵向漏风通道;漏风量为83 m^3/min,采空区风速约为0.17 m/s。对存在的煤自燃隐患采取了注水降温措施,CO体积分数显著下降至(5~9)×10^-6。为即将开采的50105、50107工作面的煤自燃防控提供了科学依据和管控措施方案。     

Research on heat dissipation performance and flow characteristics of air‐cooled battery pack

With the depletion of fossil fuels and the aggravation of environmental pollution, the research and development speed of electric vehicles has been accelerating, and the thermal management of battery pack has become increasingly important. This paper selects the electric vehicle battery pack with natural air cooling as the study subject, conducts simulation analysis of the heat dissipation performance of battery packs with and without vents. Then this paper researches on the influence of internal flow field and external flow field. Field synergy principle is used to analyze the effect of velocity field and temperature field amplitude. The results show the following: it is found that the maximum temperature rise and the internal maximum temperature difference of the battery pack with vents are reduced by about 23.1% and 19.9%, raising speed value can improve the heat dissipation performance, and raising temperature value can decrease the heat dissipation performance. Reasonable design of the vents can make the inner and outer flow field work synergistically to achieve the best cooling effect. Then the reference basis for the air cooling heat dissipation performance analysis of electric vehicle, battery pack structure arrangement, and air‐inlet and air‐outlet pattern choosing are offered.     

VO2·0.2H2O nanocuboids anchored onto graphene sheets as the cathode material for ultrahigh capacity aqueous zinc ion batteries

Aqueous Zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs), using zinc negative electrode and aqueous electrolyte, have attracted great attention in energy storage field due to the reliable safety and low-cost. A composite material comprised of VO₂·0.2H₂O nanocuboids anchored on graphene sheets (VOG) is synthesized through a facile and efficient microwave-assisted solvothermal strategy and is used as aqueous ZIBs cathode material. Owing to the synergistic effects between the high conductivity of graphene sheets and the desirable structural features of VO₂·0.2H₂O nanocuboids, the VOG electrode has excellent electronic and ionic transport ability, resulting in superior Zn ions storage performance. The Zn/VOG system delivers ultrahigh specific capacity of 423 mAh·g⁻¹ at 0.25 A·g⁻¹ and exhibits good cycling stability of up to 1,000 cycles at 8 A·g⁻¹ with 87% capacity retention. Systematical structural and elemental characterizations confirm that the interlayer space of VO₂·0.2H₂O nanocuboids can adapt to the reversible Zn ions insertion/extraction. The as-prepared VOG composite is a promising cathode material with remarkable electrochemical performance for low-cost and safe aqueous rechargeable ZIBs.

     

Complementary doping of van der Waals materials through controlled intercalation for monolithically integrated electronics

Nano Research - Doping control has been a key challenge for electronic applications of van der Waals materials. Here, we demonstrate complementary doping of black phosphorus using controlled ionic...