Preparation and Evaluation of a Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System Loaded with Heparin Phospholipid Complex

A self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) was developed to enhance the absorption of heparin after oral administration, in which heparin was compounded with phospholipids to achieve better fat solubility in the form of heparin-phospholipid (HEP-Pc) complex. HEP-Pc complex was prepared using the solvent evaporation method, which increased the solubility of heparin in n-octanol. The successful preparation of HEP-Pc complex was confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, NMR, and SEM. A heparin lipid microemulsion (HEP-LM) was prepared by high-pressure homogenization and characterized. HEP-LM can enhance the absorption of heparin after oral administration, significantly prolong activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and thrombin time (TT) in mice, and reduce fibrinogen (FIB) content. All these outcomes indicate that HEP-LM has great potential as an oral heparin formulation.     

In Vivo Electrophysiology of Peptidergic Neurons in Deep Layers of the Lumbar Spinal Cord after Optogenetic Stimulation of Hypothalamic Paraventricular Oxytocin Neurons in Rats

The spinal ejaculation generator (SEG) is located in the central gray (lamina X) of the rat lumbar spinal cord and plays a pivotal role in the ejaculatory reflex. We recently reported that SEG neurons express the oxytocin receptor and are activated by oxytocin projections from the paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus (PVH). However, it is unknown whether the SEG responds to oxytocin in vivo. In this study, we analyzed the characteristics of the brain–spinal cord neural circuit that controls male sexual function using a newly developed in vivo electrophysiological technique. Optogenetic stimulation of the PVH of rats expressing channel rhodopsin under the oxytocin receptor promoter increased the spontaneous firing of most lamina X SEG neurons. This is the first demonstration of the in vivo electrical response from the deeper (lamina X) neurons in the spinal cord. Furthermore, we succeeded in the in vivo whole-cell recordings of lamina X neurons. In vivo whole-cell recordings may reveal the features of lamina X SEG neurons, including differences in neurotransmitters and response to stimulation. Taken together, these results suggest that in vivo electrophysiological stimulation can elucidate the neurophysiological response of a variety of spinal neurons during male sexual behavior.     

Preparation and electrochemical characterization of Ti-based amorphous metallic glass with high strength

Ti-based amorphous metallic glasses have excellent mechanical, physical, and chemical properties, which is an important development direction and research hotspot of metal composite reinforcement. As a stable, simple, efficient, and large-scale preparation technology of metallic powders, the gas atomization process provides an effective way of preparing amorphous metallic glasses. In this study, the controllable fabrication of a Ti-based amorphous powder, with high efficiency, has been realized by using gas atomization. The scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive spectrometer, and X-ray diffraction are used to analyze surface morphology, element distribution, and phase structure, respectively. A microhardness tester is used to measure the mechanical property. An electrochemical workstation is used to characterize corrosion behavior. The results show that as-prepared microparticles are more uniform and exhibit good amorphous characteristics. The mechanical test shows that the hardness of amorphous powder is significantly increased as compared with that before preparation, which has the prospect of being an important part of engineering reinforced materials. Further electrochemical measurement shows that the corrosion resistance of the as-prepared sample is also significantly improved. This study has laid a solid foundation for expanding applications of Ti-based metallic glasses, especially in heavy-duty and corrosive domains.     

Mixed phase bioceramics in the CaMgSi2O6 – MoO3 system: Mechanical properties and in-vitro bioactivity

Mixed phase materials in the quasi binary diopside (CaMgSi₂O₆) – molybdite (MoO₃) system were synthesized by a precipitation method. Materials were fabricated with diopside to molybdite ratios of 1:0, 10:1, 5:1, 2:1 and 1:1. XRD, SEM and EDS results show that alongside the initial diopside phase, phases such as calcium molybdate CaMoO₄, rod-like enstatite MgSiO₃ and cristobalite SiO₂ formed as the molybdite content increased, and diopside was entirely absent at the highest molybdite content. At lower Mo content, mixed phase materials showed higher hardness and slower biodegradation in SBF relative to pristine diopside, while maintaining reasonable hydroxyapatite (HAp) formation capability. In contrast, materials with higher molybdite content exhibited lower hardness and bioactivity. The variation in the mechanical and bioactive performance could be attributed to the presence of bulk CaMoO₄, acting as a reinforcement, and rod-like MgSiO₃ with a highly porous and fragile structure. The trend of hardness is not consistent to the proportion of the component phases could be attributed to morphologies, interfaces, and densities of the samples. Both of secondary phases had poorer HAp deposition compared to pure diopside, indicating the MoO₃ addition lowered mixed phase CaMgSi₂O₆ – MoO₃ bioceramics’ ability to form Hap. The results suggest that moderate addition of molybdite to diopside would be an effective pathway towards crystalline bioceramics with enhanced performance.     

A novel method of shrimp blanching by CO2 heat pump: Quality,energy, and economy analysis

To reduce the energy consumption of the shrimp blanching process and improve the economic value of the blanched product, a transcritical CO₂ heat pump blanching system (THPB system) was designed in this paper. The trends of astaxanthin were investigated at atmospheric pressure near boiling temperature, combined with the color and structural properties of shrimp samples, and the optimal blanching times of 270 s and 240 s were obtained at 90°C and 95°C, respectively. In contrast to the fuel blanching system (FB system) at 100°C, the annual standard coal consumption of the THPB system with 90°C blanching is decreased by 79%, and the annual operating cost can be saved by CNY 63,800, with a payback period of about 3.13 years.Industrial relevanceBlanching is one of the effective ways to prolong the shelf life of shrimp. However, the research on the blanching time and temperature of shrimp is not comprehensive. In addition, the traditional fuel blanching process has high energy consumption and pollution, and can no longer meet the quality requirements of the modern food processing industry. Heat pump has been shown to have better performance in food drying, but it is less used in blanching. The information presented in this study may provide other insights into food processing.     

Machine learning algorithm selection for windage alteration fault diagnosis of mine ventilation system

Machine learning algorithms have been widely used in mine fault diagnosis. The correct selection of the suitable algorithms is the key factor that affects the fault diagnosis. However, the impact of machine learning algorithms on the prediction performance of mine fault diagnosis models has not been fully evaluated. In this study, the windage alteration faults (WAFs) diagnosis models, which are based on K-nearest neighbor algorithm (KNN), multi-layer perceptron (MLP), support vector machine (SVM), and decision tree (DT), are constructed. Furthermore, the applicability of these four algorithms in the WAFs diagnosis is explored by a T-type ventilation network simulation experiment and the field empirical application research of Jinchuan No. 2 mine. The accuracy of the fault location diagnosis for the four models in both networks was 100%. In the simulation experiment, the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) between the predicted values and the real values of the fault volume of the four models was 0.59%, 97.26%, 123.61%, and 8.78%, respectively. The MAPE for the field empirical application was 3.94%, 52.40%, 25.25%, and 7.15%, respectively. The results of the comprehensive evaluation of the fault location and fault volume diagnosis tests showed that the KNN model is the most suitable algorithm for the WAFs diagnosis, whereas the prediction performance of the DT model was the second-best. This study realizes the intelligent diagnosis of WAFs, and provides technical support for the realization of intelligent ventilation.     

Microbial coupled photocatalytic fuel cell with a double Z-scheme g-C3N4/ZnO/Bi4O5Br2 cathode for the degradation of different organic pollutants

A novel heterostructure of g-C₃N₄/ZnO/Bi₄O₅Br₂ (ZB-3) was designed, and used in the microbial coupled photocatalytic fuel cell (MPFC). It can effectively improve electron utilization efficiency and pollutant degradation using this double Z-scheme heterojunction structure. The current–time (I–t) curves demonstrated that the current density of ZB-3 was higher than that of ZnO, ZnO/Bi₄O₅Br₂ (ZB-1), g-C₃N₄/ZnO (ZB-2). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) indicated ZB-3 possessed the minimum charge-transfer resistance. This MPFC for degrading rhodamine B (RhB) and tetracycline (TC) under different conditions were developed using these materials. Even in the dark condition, MPFC with g-C₃N₄/ZnO/Bi₄O₅Br₂ demonstrated 93% and 82% degradation efficiency for RhB and TC, respectively. Furthermore, the electron transport mechanism of the MPFC and ZB-3 were proposed. It paves the approach for more efficient pollutant degradation via MFC photocatalysis.     

Activation of LSCF–YSZ interface by cobalt migration during electrolysis operation in solid oxide electrolysis cells

High-temperature water electrolysis through solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC) will play a key role in building a hydrogen economy in the future. However, the delamination between the air electrode and the electrolyte remains a critical issue to be addressed. Previously, it was hypothesized that Co migration may improve the catalytic activity of the SrZrO₃ second phase at the LSCF-YSZ interface, eventually leading to the delamination. In this work, the LSCF-YSZ interfaces sintered at different temperatures were examined in detail. The activation behaviors of the LSCF electrodes upon application with electrolysis current were characterized under different conditions. Further, samples containing purposely added SrZrO₃ interlayer with and without cobalt were fabricated and compared. The activation process is less significant for the sample with cobalt-added SrZrO₃ interlayer than the sample with pure SrZrO₃ layer, supporting the hypothesis that Co migration may lead to the activation behavior.     

One-step preparation of the superhydrophobic Al alloy surface with enhanced corrosion and wear resistance

Corrosion and wear failures are bottlenecks for restricting applications and developments of Al-based functional materials. As a new lubrication technology, superhydrophobic preparation provides an effective way to settle Al alloy corrosion. The preparation methods of superhydrophobic Al alloys are mainly multistep strategies. In this study, superhydrophobic Al alloy, has been prepared by an efficient one-step electrochemical etching process. Meanwhile, its micromorphology has been observed by a scanning electron microscope. The wettability has been measured by video optical contact angle meter. The corrosion behavior has been tested by electrochemical workstation, and wear performance has been characterized by friction tester. The results show that the micro-nanoterraced concave–convex structure has been fabricated and an as-prepared surface exhibits excellent superhydrophobic behavior. Further electrochemical and tribological tests show that corrosion resistance and wear resistance have also been significantly improved. This study provides a new method to prepare wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant Al alloy for widening applications of multifunctional Al-based engineering materials.     

3D printing and controlled release of functional ripening surimi improved by nano starch-xylo-oligosaccharides: Chemical bonds and microstructure influences

To solve the problem of fast release, unsustainability of functional compounds in 3D printed surimi, nano scale of rice starch-xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) was prepared. Meanwhile, its characteristics and printing effects on surimi were determined. Results shown that the nano rice starch and XOS with ratio of 1:2.5 had good characteristics (particle size 444 nm, embedding rate 86%, stable particle size with Na⁺ and heating process). Moreover, it endowed surimi with antioxidant ability and prolonged the release of XOS in surimi during in vitro digestion, which might keep it for continuous release. Additionally, nano starch-XOS increased ionic bonds and hydrogen bonds by 78% and 58% respectively to enhance gel strength, texture of surimi. As well as it also could fill up gel network gaps to form denser structure, which increased self-supporting ability to improve printing effects. While excessive XOS (>1%) could wrap protein to inhibit gel formation to produce burs and pores of printed surimi-XOS, leading to the pores enlargement and collapse due to the enhancement of hydrophobic force and disulfide bonds after ripening. However, nano starch could aggregate XOS to delay the occurrence of collapse (>2% XOS content). Thus, nano starch-XOS could promote the application of functional surimi in 3D printing.