Measurement of linear shear through optical vortices in digital shearing speckle pattern interferometry.

Digital shearing speckle pattern interferometry (DSSPI) is a powerful interferometric technique used to visualize the slope contours undergoing static and dynamic deformations. Precise determination of the shear amount is crucial for quantitative analysis in DSSPI. However, accurately measuring the shear amount is often challenging due to factors such as optical device dimensions, deflections, aberrations, and misalignments. In this paper, we propose a novel method utilizing optical vortices deflection in pseudo-phase for shear measurement. This method eliminates the need for attaching calibration objects and replacing the light source, making it applicable to inaccessible or fragile samples. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method in determining shear amounts in DSSPI. The method can be easily automated and integrated into existing setups, offering broader application prospects.

Discotic Liquid Crystal Epoxy Resins Integrating Intrinsic High Thermal Conductivity and Intrinsic Flame Retardancy.

The integration of intrinsic thermal conductivity and intrinsic flame retardancy of epoxy resins shows wider application prospects in electricals and electronics. Discotic liquid crystal epoxy (D-LCE) is synthesized from pyrocatechol, 2-allyloxyethanol, and 3-chloroperoxybenzoic acid. P/Si synergistic flame-retardant co-curing agent (DOPO-POSS, DP) is synthesized from p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 9, 10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene 10-oxide (DOPO), and amino terminated polysilsesquioxane (POSS). Finally, D-LCE is cured within liquid crystal range with 4, 4'-diaminodiphenyl methane (DDM) and DP, to obtain intrinsic highly thermal conductive/flame-retardant epoxy resins (D-LCERDP ). D-LCERDP-10.0 (10.0 wt% DP) synchronously possesses excellent intrinsic thermal conductivity and intrinsic flame retardancy, with thermal conductivity coefficient in vertical and parallel direction (λ⊥ and λ∥ ) of 0.34 and 1.30 W m-1 K-1 , much higher than that of general bisphenol A epoxy resin (E-51, λ⊥ of 0.19 W m-1 K-1 , λ∥ of 0.65 W m-1 K-1 ). The limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of D-LCERDP-10.0 reaches 31.1, also better than those of E-51 (19.8) and D-LCER (21.3).

Spatial and temporal dynamics of agricultural residue resources in the last 30 years in China.

The availability and distribution of biomass resources are important for the development of the bioenergy industry in a region. Biomass resources are abundant in China; however, the raw material is severely deficient, which makes the Chinese bioenergy industry an embarrassment and a contradiction. Unclear reserves and distribution and changing trends of biomass resources are the reason for this situation. A collection coefficient model of Chinese agricultural residue resources was established and the spatial and temporal pattern dynamics of agricultural residue resources in the last 30 years were analyzed. The results show that agricultural residue resources increased in stages from 1978 to 2011, including a rapid increase from 1978 to 1999, a significant fall from 2000 to 2004, and a slow increase from 2004 to 2011. Crops straw and livestock manure are the main ingredients of agricultural residue resources with proportions of 53-59% and 31-38%, respectively. However, the former has gradually decreased, while the latter is increasing. This mainly resulted from the strategic reorganization of the Chinese agriculture structure and the rapid development of large-scale livestock breeding and agricultural mechanization. Large regional differences existed in Chinese agricultural residue resources, and three distribution types formed, including resource-rich areas in North China, Northeast and Inner Mongolia, resource-limited areas in Central and Southwest China, and resource-poor areas along Northwest and Southeast coasts. This pattern is a reverse of the distributions of climatic conditions, water resources, economic development, human resources, and technological levels. Finally, it can be predicted that livestock manure and biomass conversion technology at low temperature will play increasingly significant roles in bioenergy industry development.

Psoriasis to Psoriatic Arthritis: The Application of Proteomics Technologies.

Psoriatic disease (PsD) is a spectrum of diseases that affect both skin [cutaneous psoriasis (PsC)] and musculoskeletal features [psoriatic arthritis (PsA)]. A considerable number of patients with PsC have asymptomatic synovio-entheseal inflammations, and approximately one-third of those eventually progress to PsA with an enigmatic mechanism. Published studies have shown that early interventions to the very early-stage PsA would effectively prevent substantial bone destructions or deformities, suggesting an unmet goal for exploring early PsA biomarkers. The emergence of proteomics technologies brings a complete view of all involved proteins in PsA transitions, offers a unique chance to map all potential peptides, and allows a direct head-to-head comparison of interaction pathways in PsC and PsA. This review summarized the latest development of proteomics technologies, highlighted its application in PsA biomarker discovery, and discussed the possible clinical detectable PsA risk factors in patients with PsC.

Platelet-Rich Plasma in Female Androgenic Alopecia: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: The population of young women who suffered from female pattern hair loss (FPHL) or female androgenic alopecia (AGA) is gradually increasing. Platelet-rich plasma is a novel and promising therapeutic method as a nonsurgical treatment for FPHL. Objective: To summarize different preparation methods of PRP and treatment regimes in FPHL, qualitatively evaluate the current observations, and quantitively analyze the efficacy of PRP in FPHL treatment. Methods: Six databases, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, LILACS, and CNKI, were searched with terms "platelet-rich plasma," synonyms for AGA and FPHL. Meta-analysis was conducted with enrolled observational studies and randomized controlled trials separately. Results: We evaluated 636 studies and 12 trials from all searched databases. A total of 42 studies of 1,569 cases, including 776 female participants covering 16 randomized controlled trials and 26 observational trials, were included for qualitative synthesis study and systematic review. PRP showed positive efficacy in treating FPHL in hair density compared to the control groups with odds ratio (OR) 1.61, 95% CI 0.52-2.70, and compared to baseline with OR 1.11, 95% CI 0.86-1.37. Conclusion: PRP showed excellent efficiency as a novel therapy of FPHL through hair density evaluation. Further studies are needed to define standardized protocols, and large-scale randomized trials still need to be conducted to confirm its efficacy.

Nociceptive Sensory Fibers Drive Interleukin-23 Production in a Murine Model of Psoriasis via Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide.

Neuroimmunity is involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, but the mechanism underlying the interaction between the nervous system and the interleukin (IL)-23/IL-17 immune axis is yet unclear. This study reveals the essential role of the sensory neuron-derived calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in imiquimod (IMQ)-induced expression of IL-23. First, we show that the increased nociceptive behavior was consistent with the development of psoriasiform dermatitis, which requires intact sensory innervation. Systemic ultrapotent Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) agonist (resiniferatoxin, RTX) treatment-induced sensory denervation resulted in a significant decrease in IL-23 expression in this model, while the recombinant IL-23 treatment induced IL-17A expression was intact after RTX treatment. In addition, IMQ exposure induced a transient increase in CGRP expression in the dorsal root ganglion. The neuron-derived CGRP expression was completely abolished by sensory denervation, thereby downregulating IL-23 expression, which could be reversed through the introduction of CGRP into the denervated dorsal skin. Our results suggest that nociceptive sensory neurons may drive the production of IL-23, resulting in IL-17A production from γδ T cells via the neuropeptide CGRP in the pathology of psoriasis.

Highly Thermal Conductivities, Excellent Mechanical Robustness and Flexibility, and Outstanding Thermal Stabilities of Aramid Nanofiber Composite Papers with Nacre-Mimetic Layered Structures.

Aramid nanofiber (ANF) paper has shown potential applications in flexible electronics. However, its inherent low thermal conductivity coefficient (λ) values might threaten the safety of devices under a high-power working condition. In this work, polydopamine-functionalized boron nitride nanosheet (BNNS@PDA)/ANF thermally conductive composite papers with nacre-mimetic layered structures were prepared via highly efficient vacuum-assisted filtration followed by hot pressing. For a given BNNS loading, the surface functionalization of BNNS could further enhance the thermal conductivities and mechanical properties of BNNS@PDA/ANF composite papers. BNNS@PDA/ANF composite papers presented anisotropic thermal conductivities, and the through-plane (λ⊥) and in-plane (λ∥) values of the 50 wt % BNNS@PDA/ANF composite papers reached 0.62 and 3.94 W/mK, 181.8 and 196.2% higher than those of original ANF paper, respectively, which were also higher than those of 50 wt % BNNS/ANF composite papers (λ⊥ = 0.52 W/mK and λ∥ = 3.33 W/mK). The tensile strength of the 50 wt % BNNS@PDA/ANF composite papers reached 36.8 MPa, 30.5% higher than that of 50 wt % BNNS/ANF composite papers (28.2 MPa). In addition, the heat resistance index (THRI) of the 50 wt % BNNS@PDA/ANF composite papers was further increased to 223.1 °C. Overall, our fabricated BNNS@PDA/ANF composite papers possess highly thermal conductivities, excellent mechanical robustness and flexibility, and outstanding thermal stabilities, showing great potential applications in the fields of intelligent wearable equipment, flexible supercapacitors, and flexible electronics.

Tunable and Processable Shape-Memory Materials Based on Solvent-Free, Catalyst-Free Polycondensation between Formaldehyde and Diamine at Room Temperature.

Compared with traditional thermosets, malleable thermosets have more applications in aerospace, biotechnology, and construction. Here we report a one-step, solvent-free, catalyst-free polycondensation method between diamine and formaldehyde to prepare a series of malleable hemiaminal dynamic covalent networks (HDCNs). The materials have excellent malleability and reprocessability by hot pressing. The Young's modulus and breaking strength of HDCNs obtained by the polycondensation of formaldehyde and 4,4-diaminodiphenylmethane (MDA) are as high as 1.6 GPa and 60 MPa, respectively, which can be facilely adjusted through the introduction of polyetheramine-400 (PEDA). Moreover, the HDCNs feature the shape memory ability with a recovery ratio above 93.5% and can be recycled by the addition of different monomers. This promising HDCN, prepared from economical raw materials, may have vast applications in industries.

Reduced Graphene Oxide Heterostructured Silver Nanoparticles Significantly Enhanced Thermal Conductivities in Hot-Pressed Electrospun Polyimide Nanocomposites.

Graphene presents an extremely ultra-high thermal conductivity, well above other known thermally conductive fillers. However, graphene tends to aggregate easily due to its strong intermolecular π-π interaction, resulting in poor dispersion in the polymer matrix. In this study, silver nanoparticles anchored reduced graphene oxide (Ag/rGO) were first prepared using one-pot synchronous reduction of Ag+ and GO solution via glucose. The thermally conductive (Ag/rGO)/polyimide ((Ag/rGO)/PI) nanocomposites were then obtained via electrospinning the in situ polymerized (Ag/rGO)/polyamide electrospun suspension followed by a hot-press technique. The thermal conductivity (λ), glass transition temperature (Tg), and heat resistance index (THRI) of the (Ag/rGO)/PI nanocomposites all increased with increasing the loading of Ag/rGO fillers. When the mass fraction of Ag/rGO (the weight ratio of rGO to Ag was 4:1) fillers was 15%, the corresponding (Ag/rGO)/PI nanocomposites showed a maximum λ of 2.12 W/(m K). The corresponding Tg and THRI values were also enhanced to 216.1 and 298.6 °C, respectively. Furthermore, thermal conductivities calculated by our established improved thermal conduction model were relatively closer to the experimental results than the results obtained from other classical models.

The stiffness-thermal conduction relationship at the composite interface: the effect of particle alignment on the long-range confinement of polymer chains monitored by scanning thermal microscopy.

The polymer/filler interface is usually considered as a thermal barrier in composites due to the mismatch of the phonon frequency across the interface. How the interface plays its role in thermal conduction has not yet been fully understood. In this work, scanning thermal microscopy is used to map the probe current across the composite interface and force-displacement curves are obtained to assess the polymer stiffness. The microscale stiffness-thermal conduction relationship is investigated at the composite interface in three representative cases: a single aggregated particle domain, two neighboring particle domains and two parallelly aligned particle chains. In the studied poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/Fe3O4 composites, it is revealed that the interface property dominates the thermal conduction behavior rather than particle percolation. The long range order of polymer chains surrounding the particle domains is responsible for the enhanced crystallinity and thermal conductivity of the composites. With magnetic alignment of Fe3O4 particles, PVA crystallinity and thermal conductivity can be further enhanced. The macroscopic thermal conductivity measurement is highly consistent with the microscale observation. Specifically, with only 2.3 vol% loading of Fe3O4 in PVA, the thermal conductivity can be increased by 56% to 0.42 W m-1 K-1. By the magnetic alignment of the particles at the same loading, 133% enhancement of thermal conductivity (∼0.63 W m-1 K-1) can be achieved. This work presents an experimental study on the exploration of the interface property-thermal conductivity relationship in differently structured micro-domains and reveals the positive role of the composite interface in thermal conduction.

Conjugated polymer covalently modified graphene oxide quantum dots for ternary electronic memory devices.

Zero dimensional graphene oxide (GO) quantum dots (GOQDs) have been expected to play an important role in the development of new memory materials. When the size of GO was reduced to that of GOQDs, both the electron affinity and ionization potential of GO were found to be decreased, and this was followed by the elevation of lowest energy unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy level. This implies that the electron withdrawing ability of GOQDs is weaker than that of GO. In this work, a novel arylamine-based polyazomethine covalently functionalized graphene oxide quantum dots (TPAPAM-GOQDs), which was synthesized using an amidation reaction, was for the first time used to fabricate a ternary memory device with a configuration of gold/TPAPAM-GOQDs/indium tin oxide. The current ratio of OFF : ON-1 : ON-2 was found to be 1 : 60 : 3000. Its conductive nature was also revealed using an in situ conductive atomic force microscopy technique. This memory device could potentially increase the memory capacity of the device from the conventional 2n to 3n when compared to binary memory devices.

Synthesis of oxazolidine-2,4-diones by a tandem phosphorus-mediated carboxylative condensation-cyclization reaction using atmospheric carbon dioxide.

The oxazolidine-2,4-dione motif is found frequently in biologically important compounds. A tandem phosphorus-mediated carboxylative condensation of primary amines and α-ketoesters/base-catalyzed cyclization reaction have been developed. These processes provide a novel and convenient access to various oxazolidine-2,4-diones in a one-pot fashion using atmospheric carbon dioxide and readily available substrates under very mild and transition-metal-free conditions.