Mix proportion and microscopic characterization of coal-based solid waste backfill material based on response surface methodology and multi-objective decision-making.

The mix proportion of multi-source coal-based solid waste (CSW) for underground backfilling affects transportation and support performance of backfill materials, and even the backfilling cost. In this study, the optimal mix proportion of desulfurization gypsum (DG), furnace bottom slag (FBS) and gasification fine slag (GFS) is determined by the Response Surface Methodology-Box Behnken Design (RSM-BBD). Then the fluidity, bleeding rate, 3-day strength, 7-day strength and preparation cost are evaluation indicators, the optimal mix proportion of backfill materials is determined by the multi-objective decision-making method (MDM). Finally, the microstructure of the backfill material with optimal mix proportion was studied by TGA, MIP, SEM-EDS and XRD. The results show that the mix proportion of CSW with the optimal comprehensive index is coal gangue (CG): coal fly ash (CFA): DG: FBS: GFS = 1:1.5:0.2:0.1:0.1, the mass concentration is 78%, and ordinary Portland cement (OPC)/CSW = 7.5%. The weight loss phenomenon of the backfill material with the optimal mix proportion occurs continuously during the heating process, mainly due to the evaporation of crystal water, structural water and hydroxyl water. There are dense narrow-necked pores in the backfill material, and the pore connectivity is poor. There is no hydration reaction occurs between CSW particles, and the strength increase of the backfill material mainly depends on the hydration reaction of cement. In ettringite, part of Al2O3 is replaced by SiO2, and part of CaSO4 is replaced by CaCO3. This study provides a reference for the engineering application of underground backfilling with multi-source CSW.

Research status of comprehensive utilization of coal-based solid waste (CSW) and key technologies of filling mining in China: A review.

Coal-based solid waste (CSW) is the solid waste generated in the process of coal mining, washing and pyrolysis, which is an important industrial solid waste. The comprehensive utilization of CSW is a key link in the process of clean and efficient utilization of coal, and the use of CSW for coal mine filling mining is an important means of "harmless, resourceful and large-scale" utilization. In order to study the research status of comprehensive utilization of CSW and key technologies of filling mining in China, this paper combs and analyzes the current situation of comprehensive utilization of CSW from three parts, namely, physical and chemical properties of CSW, Industry-related policies, and ways and means of comprehensive utilization. It is found that coal mine filling mining is a green disposal method with relatively reliable technical means, low supervision cost and large-scale disposal of CSW in the comprehensive utilization of CSW in China. Furthermore, an analysis was conducted on the current research status of key technologies in the CSW filling and mining process, including the integration of "mining, selection and filling", adsorption and complexation passivation of heavy metals in CSW, the preparation of CSW collaborative filling materials, and monitoring and control of the whole filling process, etc. Based on the above analysis and research, it was pointed out that there were some problems, namely: (1) large output of CSW and low level of comprehensive utilization; (2) high investment and high cost of CSW filling and mining; and (3) imperfect CSW waste filling mining theory and technology. In response to these issues, prospects have been made from the aspects of policy incentive mechanisms, collaborative utilization of CSW with multi-industry links, and the theory and technology of CSW filling mining. This study provided reference and inspiration for the comprehensive utilization of CSW in the world, and provides guidance for the large-scale promotion and application of CSW filling mining methods.

Comparison of ciprofol-alfentanil and propofol-alfentanil sedation during bidirectional endoscopy: A prospective, double-blind, randomised, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Although propofol is widely used for gastrointestinal endoscopic sedation, cardiopulmonary adverse events remain common. Ciprofol is a new intravenous anaesthetic agent demonstrating respiratory and hemodynamic stability. AIMS: This study aimed to clarify the benefits of ciprofol combined with alfentanil in bidirectional endoscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy followed by colonoscopy) to reduce adverse events and improve post-endoscopic recovery. METHODS: A total of 185 patients scheduled to undergo bidirectional endoscopy were randomly divided into two groups: ciprofol combined with alfentanil or propofol combined with alfentanil. All patients received 7 µg/kg alfentanil intravenously before the study drugs were administered. The propofol group received a bolus of 1.2 mg/kg (0.12 ml/kg) propofol intravenously, whereas the ciprofol group received a bolus of 0.3 mg/kg (0.12 ml/kg) ciprofol intravenously. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with cardiopulmonary adverse events (i.e., any one of the airway obstruction, apnoea, hypotension, hypertension, bradycardia, tachycardia or arrhythmias). RESULTS: Compared with propofol, ciprofol reduced cardiopulmonary adverse events by 43.51 % (34.4% vs. 60.9 %, P <0.001), mitigated respiratory adverse events by 54.74 % (17.2% vs. 38.0 %, P = 0.002) overall and by 59.05 % (12.9% vs. 31.5 %, P = 0.002) during the induction period. CONCLUSIONS: Ciprofol can significantly decrease respiratory depression events and provides a better sedative efficacy than propofol with higher recovery quality and satisfaction.

Diffusion law of coal gangue slurry and the application of fluidized filling technology of gangue in caving area.

In order to deeply study the basic characteristics, diffusion laws, and flow laws of coal gangue and coal gangue slurry, the basic characteristic parameters of coal gangue and coal gangue slurry were obtained through particle size distribution test, electron microscope scanning test, X-ray diffraction test, X-ray fluorescence spectrum test, and angle of repose test. The conveying performance test of coal gangue slurry was carried out, and based on this, a simulation test of coal gangue slurry caving areas was designed. The diffusion and flow laws of coal gangue slurry under the same inclination angle were summarized, and the field test of fluidization filling in the caving areas was conducted. The results show that: (1) The water-to-gangue ratio was the main controlling factor for the conveying performance of coal gangue slurry. The extensibility, slump, and bleeding rate of the coal gangue slurry increased with the increase of the water-to-gangue ratio. (2) The diffusion profile of coal gangue slurry at different dip angles was arc-shaped, and the diffusion distance of slurry increased with the increase of infiltration time. However, there were differences in the sustained diffusion ability of different dip angles. (3) At the same time interval, the spatial accumulation patterns of scattered gangue in different regions will lead to differences in the diffusion speed of the slurry. (4) Both burying and hanging pipes in the falling area can safely and efficiently fill the gangue slurry. The diffusion distance of the caving areas in the test working face was basically consistent with the diffusion distance of the slurry in the simulation test of the coal gangue slurry caving areas.

Comparison of cortical versus cancellous bone fixation in tendon-to-bone healing with a rat trans-calcaneal suture model for Achilles tendon sleeve avulsion.

BACKGROUND: Trans-calcaneal suture technique is an economical and effective method for repairing Achilles tendon sleeve avulsion. Whether cancellous bone fixation upon this technique could accelerate tendon-to-bone healing is unknown. The purpose of this study is to compare the effect of cortical versus cancellous bone fixation on tendon-bone healing with a novel rat trans-calcaneal suture model. METHODS: Trans-calcaneal suture treatment was carried out on the right hindlimb in male Sprague-Dawley rats (N = 80). They were randomly divided into the cortical group (Achilles fixed to the calcaneal cortical bone, n = 40) and the cancellous group (Achilles fixed to the calcaneal cancellous bone, n = 40). Gait analysis and immunohistochemistry were performed 1, 4, 7, and 14 days after the operation. Gross observation, biomechanical analysis, micro-CT, and histological analysis were performed 4 and 8 weeks after surgery. Independent-samples t tests were used for comparison between groups. RESULTS: At 1, 4, and 7 days, the swing time of the affected limb in the cancellous group decreased, while the duty cycle, the maximum contact area, the print area, and the mean intensity increased significantly. The cross-sectional area of the tendon-bone junction in the cancellous group was smaller, and the failure load and stiffness were higher 4 weeks after the operation. The cancellous group showed more proportion of new bone and a relatively well-organized and dense connective tissue interface with better fibrocartilage-like tissue at 4 weeks after the operation. The ratio of ED2 + macrophages in the cancellous group was significantly higher than in the cortical group on 1, 4, 7, and 14 days. There were no significant differences in gait at 2 weeks, in appearance, biomechanics, new bone formation, and histology at 8 weeks after surgery between the two groups. CONCLUSION: In the new rat trans-calcaneal suture model, cancellous fixation can accelerate tendon-to-bone healing in the early stage, which perhaps is related to the abundant bone marrow tissue in the cancellous bone that modulates the inflammatory processes.

Clinicopathological features and prognosis of primary membranous nephropathy in combination with crescent.

OBJECTIVE: The incidence of primary membranous nephropathy with crescentic bodies is low, but the specificity of its clinical presentation, pathology and prognosis is of great interest. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathological and prognostic characteristics of patients with crescentic MN in our hospital over the past 4 years. METHODS: Ten patients with combined crescentic primary membranous nephropathy diagnosed by renal biopsy at our hospital from 2018 to 2021 were retrospectively analysed and compared with 39 patients with PMN (simple random sample) during the same period for clinicopathological and prognostic comparisons. RESULTS: The 10 patients had higher 24 h urine protein quantification, creatinine levels on renal biopsy, interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy, and interstitial inflammatory cell infiltration than the control group (P < 0.05); there were no significant differences in anti-PLA2R antibodies and PLA2R staining of renal tissue (P > 0.05); At follow-up, the poor outcome of crescentic MN treatment and the low clinical remission rate were found, with the percentage of crescentic bodies being a factor in patient prognosis (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Crescentic MN has a low prevalence and maybe a specific type of PMN; it has more severe clinical symptoms and pathology than PMN, and the crescentic proportion is strongly associated with renal prognosis. Intensive treatment is recommended for these patients.

Study on Mix Proportion Optimization and Microstructure of Coal-Based Solid Waste (CSW) Backfill Material Based on Multi-Objective Decision-Making Model.

The preparation of underground-backfill material from CSW can be used for large-scale disposal of solid waste. The proportion of backfill material plays an important role in transportation and backfilling effect, and the mix-proportion optimization of backfill material is essentially a multi-factor and multi-objective optimization problem. In this paper, to obtain the mix proportion of backfill materials with optimal comprehensive-evaluation indexes, and suitable for the engineering application, the fluidity and strength of backfill material, mainly composed of coal gangue(CG), fly ash (FA), flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FGD gypsum), and gasification coarse slag (GCS), were tested by single-factor transformation method, and the effects of various solid wastes on the slump-flow, bleeding rate and early strength of backfill material were analyzed. The optimal mix proportion of CSW with the slump-flow, bleeding rate, and 3-day and 7-day strengths as the evaluation indicators is FA: GCS: FGD gypsum: CG = 25%:25%:25%:25%, according to the multi-objective decision model. Furthermore, the comprehensive evaluation index that meets the requirements of mine backfilling is obtained by changing the ordinary portland cement (OPC) content, that is, the optimal OPC content is 10% of the total solid waste, and the mass concentration is 78%. Finally, the pore structure, micromorphology, and composition of the backfill material with the optimal mix proportion were studied by Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry (MIP), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (SEM-EDS). The research results provide a good reference for the field application of CSW for underground backfilling.

Experimental Study on the Optimization of Coal-Based Solid Waste Filling Slurry Ratio Based on the Response Surface Method.

The large production and low comprehensive utilization rate of solid waste from coal power base affects the efficient and coordinated development of regional resources and the ecological environment. In order to promote utilization of solid waste from coal power base, coal gangue, fly ash, and gasification slag are mixed as raw materials to prepare filling materials, and a study on the evolution law of the mechanical properties of coal-based solid waste filling body is systematically carried out. After clarifying the physical and chemical properties of the filling materials, the Box-Behnken experimental design method was used to study the effects of slurry mass fraction, coal gangue, fly ash, and gasification slag on the strength of the filling body based on the response surface-satisfaction function coupling theory. Furthermore, a multivariate nonlinear regression model was constructed for the strength of the filling body at different maintenance ages. Based on the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the response surface function, the impact mechanism of influencing factors and their interaction on the strength of filler were revealed. The results show that the strength of the filler is affected by single factors and interactions between factors. The interaction of slurry mass fraction and gangue dosing has a significant effect on the strength of the filler in the early stage; the interaction of fly ash and gangue dosing has a significant effect on the strength of the filler in the middle stage; the interaction of slurry mass fraction and gasification slag dosing has a significant effect on the strength of the filler in the final stage. The mixed filling materials significantly affect the strength of the filler as the maintenance time is extended. The mixed filling materials are extensively interlaced with the hydration products, calcium alumina, and calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) gel, forming a stable three-dimensional spatial support system as the maintenance time increases. The best ratio to meet the requirements of mine filling slurry pipeline transportation and filling body strength was selected using the regression model and the proposed economic function of filling material.

Intestinal Bacterial Diversity and Functional Analysis of Three Lepidopteran Corn Ear Worm Larvae.

Insects, as the most abundant animal group on earth, and their symbionts help their hosts to adapt to various environments. Conogethes punctiferalis, Ostrinia furnacalis and Helicoverpa armigera are three main pests co-occurring in the ear stage of corn, which significantly affect the yield and quality of corn. The purpose of this study was to compare the diversity and function of the intestinal bacteria of the three co-occurring lepidopteran pests, C. punctiferalis, O. furnacalis and H. armigera, and to explore the reason of their prevalence from the microbiota's view. Our results showed the difference of diversity and abundance of the gut bacteria of three co-occurring lepidopteran pests at the ear stage. Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were the dominant phyla, and the Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcaceae were the dominant families in the three pests. Compared with the other two pests, Bacteroidetes was found much more in C. punctiferalis. In addition, C. punctiferalis showed more correlation and similarity in bacteria composition with corn endophytic bacteria, as well as had obvious advantages in metabolic, environmental information processing, cellular processes and organic systems function pathways. Our findings may provide insight into the prevalence of corn earworm larvae from the perspective of gut microbiota and function prediction.

Accumulation of Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and Cd in Aboveground Organs of Chinese Winter Jujube from the Yellow River Delta, China.

In the present study, winter jujube organs including fruit, fruiting leaf and foliage leaf, and associated soils in 14 typical orchards in Binzhou City, Shandong Province, China were collected and determined for the mass fractions of Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Cd. The mass fractions of Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Cd in plant tissues generally showed an order of Cu > Zn > Ni > Co > Cd as well as those in the soils decreased as Zn > Cu > Ni > Co > Cd. The values of single factor index and Nemerow pollution index suggested the jujube fruits were not polluted by heavy metals. Values of estimated daily intake for all the elements were far below their associated acceptable reference values, indicating no health risks would be caused by a single trace element. The results of targeted hazard quotient (THQ) of the metals in the fruits decreased as Cu > Ni > Zn > Cd accompanying total THQ (TTHQ) lower than 1 showing no hazard would be caused by those metals. Correlation analysis showed soil might not be the main source of heavy metals in winter jujube organs. Bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) for Co, Ni, Zn and Cd in fruits and leaves were far below 1 suggesting their low bioavailablities. The relatively great BAFs of Cu in the leaves might be due to the application of fertilizers and pesticides containing great amounts of Cu through soil and foliar spraying. To sum up, heavy metals tended not to be a major threat to winter jujube cultivation, and winter jujube had great edible safety.

Transcriptomic Profile Identifies Hippocampal Sgk1 as the Key Mediator of Ovarian Estrogenic Regulation on Spatial Learning and Memory and Aß Accumulation.

Previous studies have shown that ovarian estrogens are involved in the occurrence and pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) through regulation on hippocampal synaptic plasticity and spatial memory; however, the underlying mechanisms have not yet been elucidated at the genomic scale. In this study, we established the postmenopausal estrogen-deficient model by ovariectomy (OVX). Then, we used high-throughput Affymetrix Clariom transcriptomics and found 143 differentially expressed genes in the hippocampus of OVX mice with the absolute fold change ≥ 1.5 and P < 0.05. GO analysis showed that the highest enrichment was seen in long-term memory. Combined with the response to steroid hormone enrichment and GeneMANIA network prediction, the serum and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 gene (Sgk1) was found to be the most potent candidate for ovarian estrogenic regulation. Sgk1 overexpression viral vectors (oSgk1) were then constructed and injected into the hippocampus of OVX mice. Morris water maze test revealed that the impaired spatial learning and memory induced by OVX was rescued by Sgk1 overexpression. Additionally, the altered expression of synaptic proteins and actin remodeling proteins and changes in CA1 spine density and synapse density induced by OVX were also significantly reversed by oSgk1. Moreover, the OVX-induced increase in Aß-producing BACE1 and Aß and the decrease in insulin degrading enzyme were significantly reversed by oSgk1. The above results show that multiple pathways and genes are involved in ovarian estrogenic regulation of the function of the hippocampus, among which Sgk1 may be a novel potent target against estrogen-sensitive hippocampal dysfunctions, such as Aß-initiated AD.

Steroid receptor coactivator-1: The central intermediator linking multiple signals and functions in the brain and spinal cord.

The effects of steroid hormones are believed to be mediated by their nuclear receptors (NRs). The p160 coactivator family, including steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1), 2 and 3, has been shown to physically interact with NRs to enhance their transactivational activities. Among which SRC-1 has been predominantly localized in the central nervous system including brain and spinal cord. It is not only localized in neurons but also detectable in neuroglial cells (mainly localized in the nuclei but also detectable in the extra-nuclear components). Although the expression of SRC-1 is regulated by many steroids, it is also regulated by some non-steroidal factors such as injury, sound and light. Functionally, SRC-1 has been implied in normal function such as development and ageing, learning and memory, central regulation on reproductive behaviors, motor and food intake. Pathologically, SRC-1 may play a role in the regulation of neuropsychiatric disorders (including stress, depression, anxiety, and autism spectrum disorder), metabolite homeostasis and obesity as well as tumorigenesis. Under most conditions, the related mechanisms are far from elucidation; although it may regulate spatial memory through Rictor/mTORC2-actin polymerization related synaptic plasticity. Several inhibitors and stimulator of SRC-1 have shown anti-cancer potentials, but whether these small molecules could be used to modulate ageing and central disorder related neuropathology remain unclear. Therefore, to elucidate when and how SRC-1 is turned on and off under different stimuli is very interesting and great challenge for neuroscientists.

Dynamical reciprocity in interacting games: Numerical results and mechanism analysis.

We study the evolution of two mutually interacting pairwise games on different topologies. On two-dimensional square lattices, we reveal that the game-game interaction can promote the cooperation prevalence in all cases, and the cooperation-defection phase transitions even become absent and fairly high cooperation is expected when the interaction becomes very strong. A mean-field theory is developed that points out dynamical routes arising therein. Detailed analysis shows indeed that there are rich categories of interactions in either the individual or bulk scenario: invasion, neutral, and catalyzed types; their combination puts cooperators at a persistent advantage position, which boosts the cooperation. The robustness of the revealed reciprocity is strengthened by the studies of model variants, including the public goods game, asymmetrical or time-varying interactions, games of different types, games with timescale separation, different updating rules, etc. The structural complexities of the underlying population, such as Newman-Watts small world networks, Erdos-Rényi random networks, and Barabási-Albert networks, also do not alter the working of the dynamical reciprocity. In particular, as the number of games engaged increases, the cooperation level continuously improves in general. However, our analysis shows that the dynamical reciprocity works only in structured populations, otherwise the game-game interaction has no any impact on the cooperation at all. In brief, our work uncovers a cooperation mechanism in the structured populations, which indicates the great potential for human cooperation since concurrent issues are so often seen in the real world.

Analytical solution of epidemic threshold for coupled information-epidemic dynamics on multiplex networks with alterable heterogeneity.

The phase transition of epidemic spreading model on networks is one of the most important concerns of physicists to theoretical epidemiology. In this paper, we present an analytical expression of epidemic threshold for interplay between epidemic spreading and human behavior on multiplex networks. The threshold formula proposed in this paper reveals the relation between the threshold on single-layer networks and that on multiplex networks, which means that the theoretical conclusions of single-layer networks can be used to improve the threshold accuracy of multiplex networks. To verify how well our formula works in different networks, we build a network model with constant total number of edges but gradually changing the heterogeneity of the network, from scale-free network to Erdos-Rényi random network. By use of theoretical analysis and computer simulations, we find that the heterogeneity of information layer behaves as a "double-edged sword" on the epidemic threshold: The strong heterogeneity can effectively improve the epidemic threshold (which means the disease outbreak requires a higher infection probability) when the awareness probability α is low, while the opposite effect takes place for high α. Meanwhile, the weak heterogeneity of the information layer is effective in suppressing the epidemic prevalence when the awareness probability is neither too high nor too low.

Effects of aging on the histology and biochemistry of rat tendon healing.

INTRODUCTION: Tendon diseases and injuries are a serious problem for the aged population, often leading to pain, disability and a significant decline in quality of life. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of aging on biochemistry and histology during tendon healing and to provide a new strategy for improving tendon healing. METHOD: A total of 24 Sprague-Dawley rats were equally divided into a young and an aged group. A rat patellar tendon defect model was used in this study. Tendon samples were collected at weeks 2 and 4, and hematoxylin-eosin, alcian blue and immunofluorescence staining were performed for histological analysis. Meanwhile, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot were performed to evaluate the biochemical changes. RESULTS: The histological scores in aged rats were significantly lower than those in young rats. At the protein level, collagen synthesis-related markers Col-3, Matrix metalloproteinase-1 and Metallopeptidase Inhibitor 1(TIMP-1) were decreased at week 4 in aged rats compared with those of young rats. Though there was a decrease in the expression of the chondrogenic marker aggrecan at the protein level in aged tendon, the Micro-CT results from weeks 4 samples showed no significant difference(p>0.05) on the ectopic ossification between groups. Moreover, we found more adipocytes accumulated in the aged tendon defect with the Oil Red O staining and at the gene and protein levels the markers related to adipogenic differentiation. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that tendon healing is impaired in aged rats and is characterized by a significantly lower histological score, decreased collagen synthesis and more adipocyte accumulation in patellar tendon after repair.

A high-resolution, ultrabroad-range and sensitive capacitive tactile sensor based on a CNT/PDMS composite for robotic hands.

Tactile sensors are of great significance for robotic perception improvement to realize stable object manipulation and accurate object identification. To date, developing a broad-range tactile sensor array with high sensitivity economically remains a critical challenge. In this study, a flexible capacitive tactile sensor array, consisting of a carbon nanotube (CNT)/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) film, parylene films, and two polyimide (PI) films patterned with electrodes, is facilely prepared. The CNT/PDMS film, acting as a giant dielectric permittivity material, is utilized to improve the sensitivity, while the parylene film serves as the scaffold architecture to extend the working range of the tactile sensor array. Also, it is promising to realize mass production for this sensor array due to the scalable fabrication procedure. The as-prepared sensor exhibits excellent sensing performance with a high sensitivity of 1.61% kPa-1 (<1 MPa), an ultra-broad pressure working range of 0.9 kPa-2.55 MPa, an outstanding durability, a stability up to 5000 cycles, and a fast response time. By integrating our tactile sensor array with a robotic gripper, we show that robots can successfully differentiate object shapes and manipulate light and heavy objects with a closed-loop pressure feedback, demonstrating its great potential in robotic perception and wearable applications.

Development overview of paste backfill technology in China's coal mines: a review.

After years of development, paste backfill technology has become an important part of China's green safety mine construction and coal green mining technology system in the new era. In this paper, the research status of paste backfill technology in China's coal mines is expounded from the aspects of paste backfill materials, strata control theory, and paste backfill technological process. Based on the statistics of the distribution number of coal mines adopting paste backfill technology, several typical paste backfill mines are listed, and the parameters of backfill panel, geological conditions, and paste backfill effect are analyzed, the general conditions of applying paste backfill technology in coal mines are summarized. Finally, some problems in the application of paste backfill technology are pointed out, and the future development of backfill mining is prospected from the research and development of backfill materials, deep underground backfill mining, intelligent paste backfill, and other aspects. This paper provides a reference for a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the current development status of paste backfill technology in China.

A20/Nrdp1 interaction alters the inflammatory signaling profile by mediating K48- and K63-linked polyubiquitination of effectors MyD88 and TBK1.

A20 is a potent anti-inflammatory protein that mediates both inflammation and ubiquitination in mammals, but the related mechanisms are not clear. In this study, we performed mass spectrometry (MS) screening, gene ontology (GO) analysis, and coimmunoprecipitation (co-IP) in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory cell model to identify novel A20-interacting proteins. We confirmed that the E3 ubiquitin ligase Nrdp1, also known as ring finger protein 41 (RNF41), interacted with A20 in LPS-stimulated cells. Further co-IP analysis demonstrated that when A20 was knocked out, degradation-inducing K48-linked ubiquitination of inflammatory effector MyD88 was decreased, but protein interaction-mediating K63-linked ubiquitination of another inflammatory effector TBK1 was increased. Moreover, western blot experiments showed that A20 inhibition induced an increase in levels of MyD88 and phosphorylation of downstream effector proteins as well as of TBK1 and a downstream effector, while Nrdp1 inhibition induced an increase in MyD88 but a decrease in TBK1 levels. When A20 and Nrdp1 were coinhibited, no further change in MyD88 was observed, but TBK1 levels were significantly decreased compared with those upon A20 inhibition alone. Gain- and loss-of-function analyses revealed that the ZnF4 domain of A20 is required for Nrdp1 polyubiquitination. Upon LPS stimulation, the inhibition of Nrdp1 alone increased the secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α but decreased IFN-ß secretion, as observed in other studies, suggesting that Nrdp1 preferentially promotes the production of IFN-ß. Taken together, these results demonstrated that A20/Nrdp1 interaction is important for A20 anti-inflammation, thus revealing a novel mechanism for the anti-inflammatory effects of A20.

Dynamic tensile properties, deformation, and failure testing of impact-loaded coal samples with various water content.

Disc coal samples with different water content were tested using the split Hopkinson press bar test system. Their dynamic tensile failure process was monitored via an ultra-high-speed digital image correlation system. The deformation trend and failure characteristics as a function of the water content were analyzed, and the water content effect on dynamic mechanical properties was investigated. The results demonstrated that the dynamic stress-strain curve of the coal samples consisted of four stages. As the water content increased, the coal sample brittleness degraded, while its ductility was enhanced. Quadratic polynomial functions can describe dynamic peak stress, peak strain, and loading pressure. Under different loading pressures, the dynamic peak stress exhibited a concave bending trend as the water content increased. The coal sample's dynamic tensile strength had a strong rate correlation, and the saturated coal sample exhibited the highest rate correlation. Under high-rate loading, the inertia effect and the Stefan effect of water in coal samples hinder the initiation and propagation of coal sample cracks, improving the coal sample's strength. The research results provide a basic theoretical basis for the prevention and control of rock burst in coal mines.

Collective firing patterns of neuronal networks with short-term synaptic plasticity.

We investigate the occurrence of synchronous population activities in a neuronal network composed of both excitatory and inhibitory neurons and equipped with short-term synaptic plasticity. The collective firing patterns with different macroscopic properties emerge visually with the change of system parameters, and most long-time collective evolution also shows periodic-like characteristics. We systematically discuss the pattern-formation dynamics on a microscopic level and find a lot of hidden features of the population activities. The bursty phase with power-law distributed avalanches is observed in which the population activity can be either entire or local periodic-like. In the purely spike-to-spike synchronous regime, the periodic-like phase emerges from the synchronous chaos after the backward period-doubling transition. The local periodic-like population activity and the synchronous chaotic activity show substantial trial-to-trial variability, which is unfavorable for neural code, while they are contrary to the stable periodic-like phases. We also show that the inhibitory neurons can promote the generation of cluster firing behavior and strong bursty collective firing activity by depressing the activities of postsynaptic neurons partially or wholly.