Highly efficient inorganic-coated FeSiAl/biotite soft magnetic composites

FeSiAl/biotite soft magnetic composites were synthesized by mixing atomized FeSiAl and biotite at a specific mass ratio via ball milling. The structures, morphologies, elemental distributions, and magnetic properties of the FeSiAl/biotite composites were systematically studied. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the layered biotite was stripped into nanoflakes via high-speed ball milling and evenly distributed on the surface of FeSiAl, forming an efficient inorganic insulating coating layer. In magnetic performance tests, the FeSiAl/1-wt.%-biotite composite showed not only a high effective permeability but also low eddy current loss. Complex permeability measurements showed that the addition of biotite could reduce the eddy current loss and improve the relaxation frequency of FeSiAl/biotite composites, rendering them suitable for high-frequency applications. The FeSiAl/1-wt.%-biotite mixture exhibited good magnetic properties, with an effective permeability of 106.0, and magnetic loss of 219.0 kWm−3 at f = 50 kHz and Bm = 0.1 

Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Identifies Key Defense Genes and Mechanisms in Mulberry (<i>Morus alba</i>) Leaves against Silkworms (<i>Bombyx mori</i>)

As a consequence of long-term coevolution and natural selection, the leaves of mulberry (Morus alba) trees have become the best food source for silkworms (Bombyx mori). Nevertheless, the molecular and genomic basis of defense response remains largely unexplored. In the present study, we assessed changes in the transcriptome changes of mulberry in response to silkworm larval feeding at 0, 3, and 6 h. A total of 4709 (up = 2971, down = 1738) and 3009 (up = 1868, down = 1141) unigenes were identified after 3 and 6 h of silkworm infestation, respectively. MapMan enrichment analysis results show structural traits such as leaf surface wax, cell wall thickness and lignification form the first physical barrier to feeding by the silkworms. Cluster analysis revealed six unique temporal patterns of transcriptome changes. We predicted that mulberry promoted rapid changes in signaling and other regulatory processes to deal with mechanical damage, photosynthesis impairment, and other injury caused by herbivores within 3–6 h. LRR-RK coding genes (THE1, FER) was predicted participated in perception of cell wall perturbation in mulberry responding to silkworm feeding. Ca2+ signal sensors (CMLs), ROS (OST1, SOS3), RBOHD/F, CDPKs, and ABA were part of the regulatory network after silkworm feeding. Jasmonic acid (JA) signal transduction was predicted to act in silkworm feeding response, 10 JA signaling genes (such as OPR3, JAR1, and JAZ1) and 21 JA synthesis genes (such as LOX2, AOS, and ACX1) were upregulated after silkworm feeding for 3 h. Besides, genes of “alpha-Linolenic acid metabolism” and “phenylpropanoid biosynthesis” were activated in 3 h to reprogram secondary metabolism. Collectively, these findings provided valuable insights into silkworm herbivory-induced regulatory and metabolic processes in mulberry, which might help improve the coevolution of silkworm and mulberry

Rheological Properties, Drug Release Behavior and Cytocompatibility of Novel Hydrogels Prepared from Carboxymethyl Chitosan

International audienc

Compressive deformation behavior of a near-beta titanium alloy

This paper documents an investigation into the compressive deformation behavior of a solution treated near beta titanium alloy. The mechanical testing was carried out at strain rates of 10(-3) S(-1) and 10(3) S(-1) by a numerically controlled hydraulic MTS machine and a Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar test system, respectively. The results show that the work hardening characteristics of the titanium alloy were not significantly influenced by strain rate. Further, the flow stress followed a similar trend in both the low and high strain rate tests because of the formation of a martensitic alpha '' phase. The flow stress at high strain rate (10(3) S(-1)) was slightly lower than that in the quasi-static condition (10(-3) S(-1)). The hardness in the beta phase was higher than that in the martensitic alpha '' phase. Also, the lowest hardness was located in the adiabatic shear bands (ASBs) which were associated with high strain rate deformation. Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) mapping confirmed the presence of the alpha '' phase in deformed specimens at both strain rates. The fracture characteristics were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

FGF21 prevents neuronal cell ferroptosis after spinal cord injury by activating the FGFR1/β-Klotho pathway

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a kind of traumatic nervous system disease caused by neuronal death, causing symptoms like sensory, motor, and autonomic nerve dysfunction. The recovery of neurological function has always been a intractable problem that has greatly distressed individuals and society. Although the involvement of iron-dependent lipid peroxidation leading to nerve cell ferroptosis in SCI progression has been reported, the underlying mechanisms remain unaddressed. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the potential of recombinant human FGF21 (rhFGF21) in inhibiting ferroptosis of nerve cells and improving limb function after SCI, along with its underlying mechanisms. In vivo animal model showed that FGFR1, p-FGFR1, and β-Klotho protein gradually increased over time after injury, reaching a peak on the third day. Moreover, rhFGF21 treatment significantly reduced ACSL4, increased GPX4 expression, reduced iron deposition, and inhibited ferroptosis. Meanwhile, rhFGF21 decreased cell apoptosis following acute spinal cord damage. In contrast, FGFR1 inhibitor PD173074 partially reversed the rhFGF21-induced therapeutic effects. Overall, this work revealed that rhFGF21 activates the FGFR1/β-Klotho pathway to decrease ferroptosis of nerve cells, suggesting that FGF21 could be a new therapeutic target for SCI neurological rehabilitation