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Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a frequent threatening head and neck malignancy. Serine hydroxymethyltransferase 2 (SHMT2) was identified to be upregulated in OSCC and its high expression was associated with poor patient prognosis. This paper set out to assess the influence of SHMT2 on OSCC progression and the potential mechanisms related to interleukin enhancer-binding factor 2 (ILF2). First of all, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot examined the expression of SHMT2 and ILF2 in OSCC cells. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays appraised cell proliferation. Terminal-deoxynucleotidyl Transferase Mediated Nick End Labeling (TUNEL) staining was to estimate the apoptotic rate of cells. Further, wound healing and transwell assays verified the migration and invasion of cells. Western blot was adopted to detect the expression of factors related to apoptosis, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The possible interaction of SHMT2 and ILF2 was predicted by a Molecular INTeraction (MINT) and BioGRID databases and determined using co-immunoprecipitation (IP) assay. Subsequently, ILF2 was overexpressed to investigate whether SHMT2 regulated OSCC progression by binding to ILF2. Results implied that SHMT2 possessed increased expression in OSCC cells, and OSCC cell viability, migration, invasion, EMT were inhibited and apoptosis was potentiated after its silencing. ILF2 bound to SHMT2 and ILF2 expression was downregulated after SHMT2 silencing in OSCC cells. Importantly, ILF2 overexpression abolished the suppressive role of SHMT2 interference in the progression of OSCC. Collectively, SHMT2 could promote the progression of OSCC by binding to ILF2.

Fipronil is a broad-spectrum phenyl-pyrazole insecticide that is widely used in agriculture. However, in the environment, its residues are toxic to aquatic animals, crustaceans, bees, termites, rabbits, lizards, and humans, and it has been classified as a C carcinogen. Due to its residual environmental hazards, various effective approaches, such as adsorption, ozone oxidation, catalyst coupling, inorganic plasma degradation, and microbial degradation, have been developed. Biodegradation is deemed to be the most effective and environmentally friendly method, and several pure cultures of bacteria and fungi capable of degrading fipronil have been isolated and identified, including Streptomyces rochei, Paracoccus sp., Bacillus firmus, Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus spp., Stenotrophomonas acidaminiphila, and Aspergillus glaucus. The metabolic reactions of fipronil degradation appear to be the same in different bacteria and are mainly oxidation, reduction, photolysis, and hydrolysis. However, the enzymes and genes responsible for the degradation are somewhat different. The ligninolytic enzyme MnP, the cytochrome P450 enzyme, and esterase play key roles in different strains of bacteria and fungal. Many unanswered questions exist regarding the environmental fate and degradation mechanisms of this pesticide. The genes and enzymes responsible for biodegradation remain largely unexplained, and biomolecular techniques need to be applied in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of these issues. In this review, we summarize the literature on the degradation of fipronil, focusing on biodegradation pathways and identifying the main knowledge gaps that currently exist in order to inform future research. KEY POINTS: • Biodegradation is a powerful tool for the removal of fipronil. • Oxidation, reduction, photolysis, and hydrolysis play key roles in the degradation of fipronil. • Possible biochemical pathways of fipronil in the environment are described.

The herbicide butachlor has been used in huge quantities worldwide, affecting various environmental systems. Butachlor residues have been detected in soil, water, and organisms, and have been shown to be toxic to these non-target organisms. This paper briefly summarizes the toxic effects of butachlor on aquatic and terrestrial animals, including humans, and proposes the necessity of its removal from the environment. Due to long-term exposure, some animals, plants, and microorganisms have developed resistance toward butachlor, indicating that the toxicity of this herbicide can be reduced. Furthermore, we can consider removing butachlor residues from the environment by using such butachlor-resistant organisms. In particular, microbial degradation methods have attracted much attention, with about 30 kinds of butachlor-degrading microorganisms have been found, such as Fusarium solani, Novosphingobium chloroacetimidivorans, Chaetomium globosum, Pseudomonas putida, Sphingomonas chloroacetimidivorans, and Rhodococcus sp. The metabolites and degradation pathways of butachlor have been investigated. In addition, enzymes associated with butachlor degradation have been identified, including CndC1 (ferredoxin), Red1 (reductase), FdX1 (ferredoxin), FdX2 (ferredoxin), Dbo (debutoxylase), and catechol 1,2 dioxygenase. However, few reviews have focused on the microbial degradation and molecular mechanisms of butachlor. This review explores the biochemical pathways and molecular mechanisms of butachlor biodegradation in depth in order to provide new ideas for repairing butachlor-contaminated environments. KEY POINTS: • Biodegradation is a powerful tool for the removal of butachlor. • Dechlorination plays a key role in the degradation of butachlor. • Possible biochemical pathways of butachlor in the environment are described.

Growing lncRNAs have been noted to involve in the initiation and development of several tumours including tongue squamous cell carcinomas (TSCCs). However, the biological role and mechanism of lncRNA RPSAP52 were not well‐explained. We indicated that RPSAP52 was higher in TSCC samples compared with that in control samples. The higher expression of RPSAP52 was positively correlated with higher T stage and TNM stage. Ectopic expression of RPSAP52 induced TSCC cell growth and cycle and induced cytokine secretion including IFN‐γ, IL‐1β and IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10 and TGF‐β. We found that the overexpression of RPSAP52 suppressed miR‐423‐5p expression in SCC‐4 cell. miR‐423‐5p was lower in TSCC samples compared with that in control samples, and miR‐423‐5p level was negatively correlated with higher T stage and TNM stage. Pearson's correlation indicated that miR‐423‐5p was negatively associated with that of RPSAP52 in TSCC tissues. Furthermore, MYBL2 was one direct gene of miR‐423‐5p and elevated expression of miR‐423‐5p suppressed MYBL2 expression and ectopic expression of RPSAP52 increased MYBL2 expression in SCC‐4 cell. Finally, we illustrated that RPSAP52 overexpression promoted TSCC cell growth and cycle and induced cytokine secretion including IFN‐γ, IL‐1β and IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10 and TGF‐β via modulating MYBL2. These data provided new insight into RPSAP52, which may be one potential treatment target for TSCC.

Cypermethrin is a toxic pyrethroid insecticide that is widely used in agricultural and household activities. One of the most serious issues is its persistence in the environment, because it is easily transported to the soil and aquatic ecosystem. The biodegradation of cypermethrin is emerging as an environmentally friendly method for large-scale treatment. This study examined the application of a novel binary bacterial combination-based (Bacillus thuringiensis strain SG4 and Bacillus sp. strain SG2) approach used for the enhanced degradation of cypermethrin from the environment. The bacterial strains degraded cypermethrin (80% and 85%) in the presence of external nitrogen sources (KNO

Biofilm-mediated bioremediation is an attractive approach for the elimination of environmental pollutants, because of its wide adaptability, biomass, and excellent capacity to absorb, immobilize, or degrade contaminants. Biofilms are assemblages of individual or mixed microbial cells adhering to a living or non-living surface in an aqueous environment. Biofilm-forming microorganisms have excellent survival under exposure to harsh environmental stressors, can compete for nutrients, exhibit greater tolerance to pollutants compared to free-floating planktonic cells, and provide a protective environment for cells. Biofilm communities are thus capable of sorption and metabolization of organic pollutants and heavy metals through a well-controlled expression pattern of genes governed by quorum sensing. The involvement of quorum sensing and chemotaxis in biofilms can enhance the bioremediation kinetics with the help of signaling molecules, the transfer of genetic material, and metabolites. This review provides in-depth knowledge of the process of biofilm formation in microorganisms, their regulatory mechanisms of interaction, and their importance and application as powerful bioremediation agents in the biodegradation of environmental pollutants, including hydrocarbons, pesticides, and heavy metals.

Butachlor is a systemic selective pre‐emergent herbicide most commonly used to control grasses and broadleaf weeds. Residual butachlor in soil can have harmful ecotoxological effects and remediation is, therefore, important. Effects of Rhodopseudomonas marshes in wastewater effluent on biorestoration of butachlor in soil were investigated. Over a time period of one day, butachlor induced EthB gene expression to synthesize cytochrome P450 monooxygenase which led to the successful bioremediation of the herbicide. Residual organics in wastewater effluent provided sufficient carbon sources for continued growth of R. marshes beyond one day.

Simultaneous (SPW and propyzamide) wastewater treatment and the production of biochemicals by Rhodopseudomonas capsulata (R. capsulata) were investigated with supplement of soybean processing wastewater (SPW). Compared to control group, propyzamide was removed and biochemicals production were enhanced with the supplement of SPW. Propyzamide induced camH gene expression through activating MAPKKKs gene in MAPK signal transduction pathway. The induction of camH gene and CamH occurs after 1 day for R. capsulata. However, lack of organics in original wastewater did not maintain R. capsulata growth for over 1 day. The supplement of SPW provided sufficient carbon source for R. capsulata under three addition dosages. This new method resulted in the mixed (SPW and propyzamide) wastewater treatment and improvement of biochemicals simultaneously, as well as the realization of reutilization of wastewater and R. capsulata as sludge. Meanwhile, high-order nonlinear mathematical model of the relationship between propyzamide removal rate, Xt and Xt/r, was established.

Reliable and effective techniques for removing contaminants from soil are highly desirable. However, metolachlor residue bioremediation and soil fertility improvement by Rhodospirillum rubrum (R. rubrum) in effluent after wastewater treatment have not yet been investigated. The aims of this study were to investigate the feasibility of bioremediation of metolachlor residues in soil and soil fertility improvement by R. rubrum in effluent and to explain the mechanism that R. rubrum in effluent was induced to express the regulatory gene. Soybean processing wastewater was obtained from Harbin Soybean Products Machining Factory. Soil samples were the surface soil (0–30 cm) from campus (1.77 g/kg total N, 4.15 g/kg total P, 1.58 g/kg total K, 17 g/kg SOM, 0.07 g/kg SMBC). Cytochrome P450 monooxygenase regulatory gene, MAPKKKs gene, was measured by RT-PCR. Compared to control treatment, metolachlor was removed efficiently and soil fertility was remediated by effluent containing R. rubrum. The removal in concentrations reached 2.97 mg/L (99%). Soil organic matter (SOM) and SMBC were enhanced 42 times. Molecular analysis revealed that metolachlor induced cpm gene expression to synthesize cytochrome P450 monooxygenase through activating MAPKKKs gene in MAPK signal transduction pathway. Bioremediation of metolachlor in soil and improvement of soil fertility using R. rubrum in effluent were feasible. Metolachlor, as environmental pressure, induced cpm gene expression to synthesize cytochrome P450 monooxygenase and to remove metolachlor through activating MAPKKKs, MAPKKs, MAPKs genes in MAPK signal transduction pathway.

The microbial degradation of acephate in pure cultures has been thoroughly explored, but synergistic metabolism at the community level has rarely been investigated. Here, we report a novel microbial consortium, ZQ01, capable of effectively degrading acephate and its toxic product methamidophos, which can use acephate as a source of carbon, phosphorus and nitrogen. The degradation conditions with consortium ZQ01 were optimized using response surface methodology at a temperature of 34.1°C, a pH of 8.9, and an inoculum size of 2.4×108 CFU·mL-1, with 89.5% of 200 mg·L-1 acephate degradation observed within 32 h. According to the main products methamidophos, acetamide and acetic acid, a novel degradation pathway for acephate was proposed to include hydrolysis and oxidation as the main pathways of acephate degradation. Moreover, the bioaugmentation of acephate-contaminated soils with consortium ZQ01 significantly enhanced the removal rate of acephate. The results of the present work demonstrate the potential of microbial consortium ZQ01 to degrade acephate in water and soil environments, with a different and complementary acephate degradation pathway.

The thickening of Zizania latifolia shoots, referred to as gall formation, depends on infection with the fungal endophyte Ustilago esculenta. The swollen and juicy shoots are a popular vegetable in Asia. A key role for cytokinin action in this process was postulated. Here, trans-zeatin stimulated swelling in fungi-infected Z. latifolia. A two-component system (TCS) linked cytokinin binding to receptors with transcriptional regulation in the nucleus and played important roles in diverse biological processes. We characterized 69 TCS genes encoding for 25 histidine kinase/histidine-kinase-like (HK(L)) (21 HKs and 4 HKLs), 8 histidine phosphotransfer proteins (HP) (5 authentic and 3 pseudo), and 36 response regulators (RR, 14 type A, 14 type B, 2 type C, and 6 pseudo) in the genome of Z. latifolia. These TCS genes have a close phylogenetic relationship with their rice counterparts. Nineteen duplicated TCS gene pairs were found and the ratio of nonsynonymous to synonymous mutations indicated that a strong purifying selection acted on these duplicated genes, leading to few mutations during evolution. Finally, ZlCHK1, ZlRRA5, ZIRRA9, ZlRRA10, ZlPRR1, and ZlPHYA expression was associated with gall formation. Among them, ARR5, ARR9, and ZlPHYA are quickly induced by trans-zeatin, suggesting a role for cytokinin signaling in shoot swelling of Z. latifolia.

Widespread use of the herbicide glyphosate in agriculture has resulted in serious environmental problems. Thus, environment-friendly technological solutions are urgently needed for the removal of residual glyphosate from soil. Here, we successfully isolated a novel bacterial strain, Chryseobacterium sp. Y16C, which efficiently degrades glyphosate and its main metabolite aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA). Strain Y16C was found to completely degrade glyphosate at 400 mg·L

In recent years, the proportion of organic and inorganic contaminants has increased rapidly due to growing human interference and represents a threat to ecosystems. The removal of these toxic pollutants from the environment is a difficult task. Physical, chemical and biological methods are implemented for the degradation of toxic pollutants from the environment. Among existing technologies, bioremediation in combination with nanotechnology is the most promising and cost-effective method for the removal of pollutants. Numerous studies have shown that exceptional characteristics of nanomaterials such as improved catalysis and adsorption properties as well as high reactivity have been subjects of great interest. There is an emerging trend of employing bacterial, fungal and algal cultures and their components, extracts or biomolecules as catalysts for the sustainable production of nanomaterials. They can serve as facilitators in the bioremediation of toxic compounds by immobilizing or inducing the synthesis of remediating microbial enzymes. Understanding the association between microorganisms, contaminants and nanoparticles (NPs) is of crucial importance. In this review, we focus on the removal of toxic pollutants using the cumulative effects of nanoparticles with microbial technology and their applications in different domains. Besides, we discuss how this novel nanobioremediation technique is significant and contributes towards sustainability.

Simultaneous (SPW and propyzamide) wastewater treatment and the production of biochemicals by Rhodopseudomonas capsulata (R. capsulata) were investigated with supplement of soybean processing wastewater (SPW). Compared to control group, propyzamide was removed and biochemicals production were enhanced with the supplement of SPW. Propyzamide induced camH gene expression through activating MAPKKKs gene in MAPK signal transduction pathway. The induction of camH gene and CamH occurs after 1 day for R. capsulata. However, lack of organics in original wastewater did not maintain R. capsulata growth for over 1 day. The supplement of SPW provided sufficient carbon source for R. capsulata under three addition dosages. This new method resulted in the mixed (SPW and propyzamide) wastewater treatment and improvement of biochemicals simultaneously, as well as the realization of reutilization of wastewater and R. capsulata as sludge. Meanwhile, high-order nonlinear mathematical model of the relationship between propyzamide removal rate, Xt and Xt/r, was established.

Solid–liquid equilibria of the quaternary system (Ca2+, Mg2+//SO32–, SO42–-H2O) and its ternary systems (Ca2+//SO32–, SO42–-H2O; Mg2+//SO32–, SO42–-H2O and Ca2+, Mg2+//SO32–-H2O) at 298.15 K were i...

Simultaneous (SPW and propyzamide) wastewater treatment and the production of biochemicals by Rhodopseudomonas capsulata (R. capsulata) were investigated with supplement of soybean processing wastewater (SPW). Compared to control group, propyzamide was removed and biochemicals production were enhanced with the supplement of SPW. Propyzamide induced camH gene expression through activating MAPKKKs gene in MAPK signal transduction pathway. The induction of camH gene and CamH occurs after 1 day for R. capsulata. However, lack of organics in original wastewater did not maintain R. capsulata growth for over 1 day. The supplement of SPW provided sufficient carbon source for R. capsulata under three addition dosages. This new method resulted in the mixed (SPW and propyzamide) wastewater treatment and improvement of biochemicals simultaneously, as well as the realization of reutilization of wastewater and R. capsulata as sludge. Meanwhile, high-order nonlinear mathematical model of the relationship between propyzamide removal rate, X

Application of traditional bait in freshwater aquaculture caused environment pollution and disease frequent occurrence. Effluent after Rubrivivax gelatinosus ATCC 49846 (R. gelatinosus) wastewater treatment could be re-utilized to culture Crucian carp as microbial feeds and aquaculture water. Therefore, a novel integrated system of wastewater treatment, the improvement of yield, digestion system, intestinal microbiota and aquaculture water quality of Crucian carp by effluent containing R. gelatinosus was proposed and investigated. Crucian carp could grow well in the effluent containing immobilized cells of R. gelatinosus ATCC 49846 in sodium alginate (ER) group. Survival rate and yield under ER group were almost same with control group (CK). The whole fish body composition under ER group were increased compared with CK. Biochemicals and remainder substances in effluent and R. gelatinosus enhanced protease, amylase, lipase activities. Theoretical analysis showed biochemical substances regulated these enzyme activities as component, active center. Moreover, R. gelatinosus and biochemical substances improved intestinal microbiota, the growth of intestinal probiotics and ATP production. Meanwhile, R. gelatinosus in effluent also purified aquaculture water quality. This technology would saved the water of aquaculture, reduced the water pollution and wastewater discharge, and improved the output, digestion system and intestinal microbiota of Crucian carp simultaneously.

Three-dimensional macroporous graphene-based Li2FeSiO4 composites (3D-G/Li2FeSiO4/C) were synthesized and tested as the cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries. To demonstrate the superiority of this structure, the composite’s performances were compared with the performances of two-dimensional graphene nanosheets-based Li2FeSiO4 composites (2D-G/Li2FeSiO4/C) and Li2FeSiO4 composites without graphene (Li2FeSiO4/C). Due to the existence of electronic conductive graphene, both 3D-G/Li2FeSiO4/C and 2D-G/Li2FeSiO4/C showed much improved electrochemical performances than the Li2FeSiO4/C composite. When compared with the 2D-G/Li2FeSiO4/C composite, 3D-G/Li2FeSiO4/C exhibited even better performances, with the discharge capacities reaching 313, 255, 215, 180, 150, and 108 mAh g–1 at the charge–discharge rates of 0.1 C, 1 C, 2 C, 5 C, 10 C and 20 C (1 C = 166 mA g–1), respectively. The 3D-G/Li2FeSiO4/C composite also showed excellent cyclability, with capacity retention exceeding 90% after cycling for 100 time...

A novel graphene-containing Li2FeSiO4 composite (Li2FeSiO4/C/G) has been synthesized successfully which shows superior performance when used as the cathode material for lithium ion batteries. The Li2FeSiO4/C precursor was synthesized via a modified sol-gel method and mixed with graphene oxide nanosheets which were then reduced by annealing to obtain electron conductive graphene. The structure characterizations by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) show that phase-pure Li2FeSiO4/C nanoparticles are mixed homogeneously with graphene nanosheets. When used as the cathode materials for rechargeable lithium ion batteries, the composite Li2FeSiO4/C/G shows superior large capacities and long-time cyclabilities. Specific discharge capacities of 310 mAh g−1, corresponding to 1.86 Li+ ions exchange per Li2FeSiO4 molecule, can be reached at the charging/discharging rate of 0.1 C (1 C = 166 mA g−1). At the high rate of 30 C and 50 C, the composite still shows ∼110 and ∼50 mAh g−1 discharge capacities after 1000 charging-discharging cyclings. These superior–the best up to now–performances of the composite are believed to be the cooperative result of the 3D conducting network, formed by the flexible and planar graphene nanosheets, and the nanoscale sizes of the carbon-coated Li2FeSiO4 particles.

Manganite (γ-MnOOH) nanowires have been synthesized using a hydrothermal method and their electrochemical properties as the anode materials for rechargeable Li-ion batteries have been measured. The results show that the hydroxide ions present in γ-MnOOH do not interfere with the lithium uptake and extraction, making the manganite nanowires able to reversibly react with large amount of Li. The working mechanism of γ-MnOOH as the anode active material for rechargeable Li-ion batteries is examined by TEM and the corresponding SAEDs, and is confirmed to be conversion reactions: during the first discharge, the γ-MnOOH nanowires are reduced into clusters of metallic Mn embedded in an amorphous matrix of Li 2 O and LiOH; the subsequent cycles are reversible redox reactions between metallic Mn and Mn 3 O 4 nanoparticles. The discharge capacity is 1660 mA h g −1 for the first cycle and can stabilize at about 400 mA h g −1 after 20 cycles, which implies that this material can also be a candidate for the anode electrodes for Li-ion batteries.

Objectives Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is the most common oral tumours. MicroRNAs play crucial roles in many cell processes including cell viability, development, apoptosis, migration and invasion. The role of miR-802 in the TSCC is still unknown. Materials and methods The miR-802 expression in TSCC tissues and cell lines was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. CCK-8 assay was performed to measure the cell viability, while the cell invasion assay was used to determine the cell invasion. Dual-luciferase reporter and western blot were used to confirm the potential target gene of miR-802. Results In our study, we demonstrated that miR-802 expression was downregulated in TSCC tissues and cell lines. Elevated expression of miR-802 suppressed the TSCC cell viability and invasion. Moreover, enforced expression of miR-802 increased the expression of E-cadherin, while suppressed the expression of N-cadherin, Snail and Vimentin in the TSCC cell. In addition, we identified the mitogen-activated protein kinase 4 (MAP2K4) as a direct target gene of miR-802 in the TSCC cell. We also demonstrated that the expression of MAP2K4 was higher in the TSCC tissues than that in the adjacent normal tissues. Furthermore, the expression level of MAP2K4 was inversely associated with the expression of miR-802 in TSCC tissues. We also demonstrated that the MAP2K4 expression was upregulated in TSCC cell lines. Elevated expression of miR-802 inhibited TSCC cell viability and invasion through inhibiting MAP2K4 expression. Conclusions Our data revealed that miR-802 played as a tumour suppressor gene and might act as a therapeutic target in TSCC patients.

Phase-pure, monoclinic, and nanostructured Li 2 FeSiO 4 /C composite has been synthesized with poly(ethylene oxide)- b -poly(propylene oxide)- b -poly(ethylene oxide) triblock copolymer P123. The structure of the composite has been characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The Li 2 FeSiO 4 /C composite exhibits superior electrochemical properties as the cathode materials for lithium ion batteries. The discharge specific capacities can reach 230 mAh g −1 at current density of 0.1 C (1 C = 166 mA g −1 ) at room temperature when cycled between 1.5 and 4.8 V ( vs. Li + /Li). Discharge capacities of 185, 150, and 120 mAh g −1 are obtained at high rates of 1 C, 5 C, and 10 C, respectively. The high capacities are believed to be related to both Fe 2+ /Fe 3+ and Fe 3+ /Fe 4+ redox couples, as suggested by the Mossbauer spectra for the electrode materials. The Li 2 FeSiO 4 /C composite also shows excellent rate capability and cyclability. All these results suggest that Li 2 FeSiO 4 /C composite is a very promising candidate as a cheap and sustainable cathode material for the next generation of rechargeable lithium ion batteries.

With the rapid development of the national economy, the mechanical vibration occurring in a high-speed rotary machine may affect or restrict the normal operation of the system and cause immeasurable losses in production and life. In this paper, a self-sensing eddy current damper is proposed and applied to a rotating disk vibration system to realize the active control of vibration. The mechanism and application of self-sensing eddy current damper are mainly studied from the theoretical research and simulation of control algorithm. Based on the theory of eddy current and electromagnetic force generation, the working principle of self-sensing eddy current damper is analyzed based on the theory of double-coil transmission eddy-current detection. The relationship between the vibration displacement and the input and output of the damper is explored. The correctness of the theoretical modeling is verified. The controller based on H∞ method is designed with robust control theory and the controller feedback gain K (s) is analyzed. According to the control structure of the system, simulink simulation model is designed to simulate the rotating disk vibration system with different rotating speed. The vibration displacement responses before and after the control are compared and analyzed. The simulation results show that the designed controller can effectively reduce the lateral vibration of the rotating disk. The verification experiment of self-sensing eddy current damper and the active control experiment of the rotating disk vibration system are carried out. The experimental results are in good agreement with the simulation results.

Hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoflakes and nanocubes were synthesized by liquid–solid-solution method and their properties as anode electrode materials for rechargeable Li+-ion batteries were measured. When changing the water to ethanol volume ratio in the synthesis system, the nanocrystals can be changed from α-Fe2O3 to α-FeOOH, with shapes being tuned from nanoflakes to nanocubes, non-uniform particles and nanowires. When assembled as the anode electrode materials in rechargeable Li+-ion batteries, the hematite nanoflakes showed one more plateau in the first discharge progress of the voltage–composition curves than hematite nanocrystals with other shapes in the literature. X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscope and electrochemical data showed that this extra plateau came from the formation of Li2Fe3O4 nanoclusters and amorphous Li2O. This experiment showed that like sizes, shapes of nanocrystals may also affect the detailed electrochemical progress.

Although various transition metal oxides have been reported to act as low potential Li insertion hosts, the oxyhydroxides have remained unexplored to date. We show here that the hydroxide ions present in transition metal oxyhydroxides do not interfere with the lithium uptake and extraction, permitting very good reversibility of the reduction/oxidation reactions. Goethite (α-FeOOH) nanocrystals can uptake and extract large amount of Li via the conversion reaction mechanism, providing a reversible capacity of 500 mA h g−1 at an average potential of 0.85 V vs. Li/Li+. The mechanism was examined using a combination of X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and the corresponding selected area electron diffractions (SAEDs). The α-FeOOH is reduced into nanoparticles of metallic Fe0 embedded in an amorphous matrix of Li2O and LiOH in the first discharge; the subsequent cyclings are redox reactions between metallic Fe0 and Fe2O3 clusters. Keywords: Nanocrystals, Goethite, Conversion reaction, Anode electrode, Li-ion batteries

Background The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is a safe, simple, inexpensive tool for evaluating the functional exercise capacity of patients with chronic respiratory disease. However, there is a lack of standard reference equations for the six-minute walk distance (6MWD) in the healthy Chinese population aged 18–59 years. Aims The purposes of the present study were as follows: 1) to measure the anthropometric data and walking distance of a sample of healthy Chinese Han people aged 18–59 years; 2) to construct reference equations for the 6MWD; 3) to compare the measured 6MWD with previously published equations. Method The anthropometric data, demographic information, lung function, and walking distance of Chinese adults aged 18–59 years were prospectively measured using a standardized protocol. We obtained verbal consent from all the subjects before the test, and the study design was approved by the ethics committee of Wenzhou People's Hospital. The 6MWT was performed twice, and the longer distance was used for further analysis. Results A total of 643 subjects (319 females and 324 males) completed the 6MWT, and average walking distance was 601.6±55.51 m. The walking distance was compared between females and males (578±49.85 m vs. 623±52.53 m; p < 0.0001) and between physically active subjects and sedentary subjects (609.3±56.17 m vs. 592±53.23 m; p < 0.0001). Pearson’s correlation indicated that the 6MWD was significantly correlated with various demographic and the 6MWT variables, such as age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), heart rate after the test and the difference in the heart rate before and after the test. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that age and height were independent predictors associated with the 6MWD. The reference equations from white, Canadian and Chilean populations tended to overestimate the walking distance in our subjects, while Brazilian and Arabian equations tended to underestimate the walking distance. There was no significant difference in the walking distance between Korean reference equations and the results of the current study. Conclusion In summary, age and height were the most significant predictors of the 6MWD, and regression equations could explain approximately 34% and 28% of the distance variance in the female and male groups, respectively.

Three-dimensional macroporous graphene-based Li2FeSiO4 composites (3D-G/Li2FeSiO4/C) were synthesized and tested as the cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries. To demonstrate the superiority of this structure, the composite's performances were compared with the performances of two-dimensional graphene nanosheets-based Li2FeSiO4 composites (2D-G/Li2FeSiO4/C) and Li2FeSiO4 composites without graphene (Li2FeSiO4/C). Due to the existence of electronic conductive graphene, both 3D-G/Li2FeSiO4/C and 2D-G/Li2FeSiO4/C showed much improved electrochemical performances than the Li2FeSiO4/C composite. When compared with the 2D-G/Li2FeSiO4/C composite, 3D-G/Li2FeSiO4/C exhibited even better performances, with the discharge capacities reaching 313, 255, 215, 180, 150, and 108 mAh g(-1) at the charge-discharge rates of 0.1 C, 1 C, 2 C, 5 C, 10 C and 20 C (1 C = 166 mA g(-1)), respectively. The 3D-G/Li2FeSiO4/C composite also showed excellent cyclability, with capacity retention exceeding 90% after cycling for 100 times at the charge-discharge rate of 1 C. The superior electrochemical properties of the 3D-G/Li2FeSiO4/C composite are attributed to its unique structure. Compared with 2D graphene nanosheets, which tend to assemble into macroscopic paper-like structures, 3D macroporous graphene can not only provide higher accessible surface area for the Li2FeSiO4 nanoparticles in the composite but also allow the electrolyte ions to diffuse inside and through the 3D network of the cathode material. Specially, the fabrication method described in this study is general and thus should be readily applicable to the other energy storage and conversion applications in which efficient ionic and electronic transport is critical.

Nanoworm-like Li2FeSiO4-C composites are synthesized using triblock copolymer Pluronic P123 (poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(propylene oxide)-b-poly(ethylene oxide), EO20PO70EO20) as the structure directing agent (SDA) and under the effects of ethanol. As a polar nonaqueous cosolvent, ethanol has effects on the self-organization behavior of Pluronic P123 in water, which determines the final morphologies of the Li2FeSiO4-C composites synthesized. Li2FeSiO4-C composite nanoparticles are obtained if no ethanol is added into the system during the synthesis process. When tested as lithium-ion battery cathodes, the Li2FeSiO4-C nanoworms show superior electrochemical performances. At the rate of 1 C (1 C=166 mA g(-1)) the discharge capacity of the Li2FeSiO4-C nanoworms can reach 166 mAh g(-1) in the voltage window of 1.5-4.8 V at room temperature. At the rates of 5, 10, and 20 C, the discharge capacities of the Li2FeSiO4-C nanoworms can stabilize at 120, 110, and 90 mAh g(-1), respectively, and do not show obvious declines after hundreds of cycles. This performance of the Li2FeSiO4-C nanoworms at high rates is better than that of the Li2FeSiO4-C nanoparticles synthesized and many other Li2FeSiO4/C composites reported in the literature. The excellent electrochemical performances of the Li2FeSiO4-C nanoworms are believed to be related to the small sizes of the Li2FeSiO4 nanocrystals inside the nanoworms and the carbon that coats and embeds the nanocrystals.

The distinguishing features of supply-chain logistics in iron and steel enterprises was discussed in this paper. The operating framework of supply-chain logistics in iron and steel enterprises was built including stock logistics link, production logistics link, sell logistics link and information system. Led by the framework, the advanced iron and steel enterprises such as POSCO, TATA steel, JFE, Nippon Steel Corporation, and Baosteel group were studied as cases and the conclusion was that integrated supply-chain logistics pattern based on information was adopted in their enterprises but the logistics makers are different according to their own characters. The last, the operation planning of supply-chain logistics in iron and steel enterprises were carried out. It is significance for reference in the field of the supply-chain logistics operation.

To evaluate the occlusion of arteries, 6 conic intravascular endoprosthetic stents of titanium—nickle—alloy were implanted transluminally to right external iliac arteries in 2 normal dogs and 4 normal pigs. The stent was characterised by ductility below 313 K and restoration memory—shape between 313—319 K. The diameter of large end of conic stent was 4.0 mm in dog and 4.5 mm in pig. The topographic anatomy showed that the external iliac artery was near complete occlusion, with a very small lumen (about 1 mm in diameter) residualized in dogs in 6 months, while complete occlusion in pigs in 8 months. The histopathological examination indicated that the arterial intima of upper breach from stented site was smooth, and that neither inflammatory cells infiltration nor foreign giant cell reaction was found. The new—formed granulation tissue inside stent came from emboli organization. These results suggest that shape—memory alloy stent has good biocompatibility and conic intravascular endoprosthetic stent might completely occlude the arterial blood flow.