Preparation,Characterization and Antioxidant Activity of Inclusion Complex of Bakuchiol with Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin

Bakuchiol isolated from Psoralea corylifolia is a naturally occurring prenylated phenolic monoterpene with a variety of bioactivities. The aim of this study was to improve the water solubility and thermal stability of bakuchiol through complexing it with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin(HP-β-CD). The bakuchiol/HP-β-CD inclusion complex's behavior and characterization were investigated by ultraviolet-visible(UV-vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis(TGA),X-ray diffraction(XRD),~1H nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR), and two-dimensional(2 D) NMR. The obtained results indicated the formation of 1∶1 inclusion complex for bakuchiol with HP-β-CD. Water solubility of bakuchiol was significantly improved by complexation with HP-β-CD as demonstrated by phase solubility studies. The encapsulation of bakuchiol was confirmed by UV-vis, FT-IR, and XRD. The thermal stability was effectively enhanced by TGA and derivative thermogravimetry(DTG) analysis. In vitro antioxidant activity showed that bakuchiol/HP-β-CD inclusion complex had a little higher antioxidant ability than free bakuchiol. Moreover, we got the possible inclusion mode for the bakuchiol/HP-β-CD inclusion complex through NMR analysis. These results suggest that the inclusion complex can be a potentially useful approach in the design of novel formulations of bakuchiol for medical applications.     

Effects of Dimensional Tolerances on the Friction Power Loss of Hydrodynamic Journal Bearing System

According to the dimensional tolerances on hydrodynamic journal bearing system, a nonlinear oil film force model was established,and the Reynolds＇ equation was solved by adopting finite difference method. In order to fulfill different dimensional tolerances in the system,adopting 2kfactor design and using the eccentricity ratio corresponding to the stability critical curve,the effects of the friction power loss brought by the dimensional tolerances of the dynamic viscosity,bearing width,bearing diameter and journal diameter were analyzed. The effect on dynamic characteristics of the hydrodynamic journal bearing system was quantitatively analyzed,and the nonlinear dynamic analysis, modeling and calculation methods were studied while considering the manufacturing tolerances. The results show that in contrast to the impacts of the tolerances in journal diameter,dynamic viscosity and bearing width,the bearing diameter tolerance would lead to the rise in the power loss, and the dimensional tolerances have different degrees of impacts on the journal bearing system. The friction power loss decreased as the eccentricity ratio increased, and when the eccentricity ratio was 0. 695 the power loss came to the minimum.The investigation would find the best solution and reduce energy consumption,then control varieties of nonlinear dynamical behavior effectively,and provide a theoretical basis for hydrodynamic journal bearing system in parameter design.     

Stability of patches of oasis landscape in arid areas:A case study of Sangong River Watershed,Xinjiang,China

The stability of oases is one of the key scientific issues in the process of evolution and management of oases in arid areas. The stability of oases and its representation are also different at different scales. This paper deals with the stability of oases at the landscape patch scale with a case study in the Sangong River Watershed of Tianshan Mountains. We employed the remote sensing, geographic information system and mathematical statistical methods to process the remote sensing images of three periods in 1978, 1987 and 1998, and put forward the approaches for representing the oasis stability at the landscape patch scale. The landscape control capacity of oasis patches is a kind of natural driving forces of the dynamic landscape change. The control capacity of a certain patch type on landscape change increases with its area and shape complexity and contrasts between it and other patches, and reduces with its spatial distances between it and other patches. The patch type with the strongest control capacity should be the matrix of landscape. The conversion of oasis landscape patches results from both natural and anthropogenic driving forces, particularly the anthropogenic driving forces. The higher the conversion proportion is, the lower the stability of patch types is and the stronger the anthropogenic disturbance is. The patch type with the strongest net control capacity in the Sangong River Watershed in 1987 was the desert grassland, which was the matrix of landscapes; but the matrix of landscapes had been changed into the irrigated lands in 1987 and 1998. The control capacities of landscape patches on the oasis landscape evolution have gradually reduced with time in the Sangong River Watershed, and the change extents also have reduced gradually. This reveals that the interaction among the landscape patch types generally tends to reduce, and the natural stability of the oasis landscape patches generally tends to increase. However, the conversion among the landscape patches occurs more frequently due to the increase of intensive human activities, which probably causes the lower stability of environmental resources patch and higher stability of introduced patches in the oasis landscape.     

Synthesis of L-cystine bridgedbis（β-cyclodextrin） and its cooperative binding toward guest molecules

A novel p-cyclodextrin derivative, L-cystine bridged bis(β-cyclodextrin) 1 has been synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR, Raman and combustion analyses. Spectrofluorometric titrations have been performed in aqueous phosphate buffer solution (pH=7.20) at 25℃ to give the complex stability constants (Ks) and Gibbs free energy changes (-△G°) for the stoichiometric 1 : 1 inclusion complexation of 1 with four dyes. The binding abilities and molecular selectivities are discussed from the viewpoint of size/shape-fit and electrostatic interactions between hosts and guests. 2D ROESY investigation for the complexation between host and guest further confirms the cooperative binding of bridged cyclodextrin 1 with guest.     

Synthesis of L-cystine bridged bis(p-cyclodextrin) and its cooperative binding toward guest molecules

A novel p-cyclodextrin derivative, L-cystine bridged bis(β-cyclodextrin) 1 has been synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR, Raman and combustion analyses. Spectrofluorometric titrations have been performed in aqueous phosphate buffer solution (pH=7.20) at 25℃ to give the complex stability constants (Ks) and Gibbs free energy changes (-△G°) for the stoichiometric 1 : 1 inclusion complexation of 1 with four dyes. The binding abilities and molecular selectivities are discussed from the viewpoint of size/shape-fit and electrostatic interactions between hosts and guests. 2D ROESY investigation for the complexation between host and guest further confirms the cooperative binding of bridged cyclodextrin 1 with guest.     

Structural Research on Embedment of a Bare Deflated Spiral Case

Complete bearing spiral case has not been applied to large power stations in China so far. The proposal of applying complete bearing spiral case necessitates an analysis of the reliability of the spiral case structure and the security of units under various working conditions. In combination with practice of a project, this paper presents a three-dimensional nonlinear finite element static analysis of the concrete using a concrete smeared crack model by means of the well-known finite element method （FEM） software ABAQUS. The stress distribution of the spiral case and reinforcing bars, the range of damages in surrounding concrete, and the displacement of structure are quantified. The computational results indicate that the embedment method ensures the structure＇s safety in strength. At the same time, the result shows that this embedment is a kind of preponderant method for embedment in aspects of economy and technique of construction, and the application of this embedment method to the hydropower station is feasible provided that some proper engineering measures are taken to constrain the width of the concrete in accord with the code＇s requirements. The paper proves the security and reliability of the structural design of spiral case in hydropower station accordingly.     

Ultrahigh cycle fatigue fracture mechanism of high-quality bearing steel obtained through different deoxidation methods

The mechanism of oxide inclusions in fatigue crack initiation in the very-high cycle fatigue(VHCF) regime was clarified by subjecting bearing steels deoxidized by Al(Al-deoxidized steel) and Si(Si-deoxidized steel) to ultrasonic tension–compression fatigue tests(stress ratio, R =-1) and analyzing the characteristics of the detected inclusions. Results show that the main types of inclusions in Si-and Al-deoxidized steels are silicate and calcium aluminate, respectively. The content of calcium aluminate inclusions larger than 15 μm in Si-deoxidized steel is lower than that in Al-deoxidized steel, and the difference observed may be attributed to different inclusion generation processes during melting. Despite differences in their cleanliness and total oxygen contents, the Si-and Al-deoxidized steels show similar VHCF lives. The factors causing fatigue failure in these steels reveal distinct differences. Calcium aluminate inclusions are responsible for the cracks in Al-deoxidized steel. By comparison, most fatigue cracks in Si-deoxidized steel are triggered by the inhomogeneity of a steel matrix, which indicates that the damage mechanisms of the steel matrix can be a critical issue for this type of steel. A minor portion of the cracks in Si-deoxidized steel could be attributed to different types of inclusions. The mechanisms of fatigue fracture caused by calcium aluminate and silicate inclusions were further analyzed. Calcium aluminate inclusions first separate from the steel matrix and then trigger crack generation. Silicate inclusions and the steel matrix are closely combined in a fatigue process; thus, these inclusions have mild effects on the fatigue life of bearing steels.Si/Mn deoxidation is an effective method to produce high-quality bearing steel with a long fatigue life and good liquid steel fluidity.     

Ultrahigh cycle fatigue fracture mechanism of high-quality bearing steel obtained through different deoxidation methods

The mechanism of oxide inclusions in fatigue crack initiation in the very-high cycle fatigue(VHCF)regime was clarified by subjecting bearing steels deoxidized by Al(Al-deoxidized steel)and Si(Si-deoxidized steel)to ultrasonic tension-compression fatigue tests(stress ratio,R=−1)and analyzing the characteristics of the detected inclusions.Results show that the main types of inclusions in Si-and Al-deoxidized steels are silicate and calcium aluminate,respectively.The content of calcium aluminate inclusions larger than 15μm in Si-deoxidized steel is lower than that in Al-deoxidized steel,and the difference observed may be attributed to different inclusion generation processes during melting.Despite differences in their cleanliness and total oxygen contents,the Si-and Al-deoxidized steels show similar VHCF lives.The factors causing fatigue failure in these steels reveal distinct differences.Calcium aluminate inclusions are responsible for the cracks in Al-deoxidized steel.By comparison,most fatigue cracks in Si-deoxidized steel are triggered by the inhomogeneity of a steel matrix,which indicates that the damage mechanisms of the steel matrix can be a critical issue for this type of steel.A minor portion of the cracks in Si-deoxidized steel could be attributed to different types of inclusions.The mechanisms of fatigue fracture caused by calcium aluminate and silicate inclusions were further analyzed.Calcium aluminate inclusions first separate from the steel matrix and then trigger crack generation.Silicate inclusions and the steel matrix are closely combined in a fatigue process;thus,these inclusions have mild effects on the fatigue life of bearing steels.Si/Mn deoxidation is an effective method to produce high-quality bearing steel with a long fatigue life and good liquid steel fluidity.     

Research of Inclusion Complexation of 4,4'-Thiodiphenol Effected by β-Cyclodextrin in Aqueous Solutions and the Effect on Photodegradation

The inclusion behavior of 4,4′ -Thiodiphenol (TDP),a typical bisphenol and endocrine disruptor,reacts with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) in aqueous solutions has been investigated by means of UV absorption spectrum and quantum-chemical calculation with Gaussian 98 software. The results show that the inclusion behavior of TDP is quite different in acidic solutions (pH 5.9) from that in alkaline solutions (pH 10.0). This behavior difference is attributed to the different formula structures in aqueous solutions at acidic and alkaline pH values that are demonstrated by quantumchemical modeling and calculation. TDP forms a 1∶1 β-CD inclusion complex in aqueous solutions. The equilibrium constant K was calculated to be 553.49 L/mol at pH 5.9 and 1 318.20 L/mol at pH 10.0 respectively for the inclusion complex reaction by using the modified Benesi-Heldbrand equation. After inclusion TDP's structure is changed especially at the inclusion part with the bond order becoming larger,which results in inhibitive photodegradation during direct photooxidation and H2O2 assisted photooxidation.     

New Synthesis of Pt-Ru Nanoparticles on Surface Modified Carbon Vulcane XC-72 as an Effective Catalyst for Direct Methanol Fuel Cell

1 Results Pt-Ru nanoparticles are synthesised on the surface oxidized carbon Vulcane XC-72 as catalyst support by chemically anchoring Pt and Ru onto the surface of modified carbon vulcane XC-72 (by refluxing in 70% HNO3 at 120 ℃ for 12 h to introduce surface functional groups) .The nanoparticles of Pt and Ru are synthesized by reduction of H2PtCl6 and K4Ru(CN)6 with sodium borohydride in a 5.5 buffer solution of sodium citrate,the complexation of citrate with metal ions is beneficial to the formation of nanoparticles.The electro-oxidation of liquid methanol as a thin layer of this catalyst on glassy carbon electrode is investigated at room temperature by cyclic voltammetry.The results demonstrate that the prepared catalyst is more active than ordinarily carbon-supported Pt and Pt-Ru catalysts[1,2].TEM images and SEM are also carried out.     

Synthesis and Spectrum Characteristic of the Inclusion Complex of β-CD and Pyridine-CuI

The β-Cyclodextrin consists of seven D-glucopyranoside units, which are linked by α-1, 4-glycosidic linkages. The shape of CD can be presented as a truncated cone. Its inner is hydrophobic and exterior is hydrophilic for the aggregation of the hydroxyl groups, which results in cyclodextrin to have the ability of inclusion different compounds.     

Synthesis and Spectrum Characteristic of the Inclusion Complex of β-CD and Pyridine-CuI

1Introduction The β-Cyclodextrin consists of seven D-glucopyranoside units, which are linked by a-1, 4-glycosidic linkages. The shape of CD can be presented as a truncated cone. Its inner is hydrophobic and exterior is hydrophilic for the aggregation of the hydroxyl groups, which results in cyclodextrin to have the ability of inclusion different compounds.     

Research of Inclusion Complexation of 4,4＇-Thiodiphenol Effected by β-Cyclodextrin in Aqueous Solutions and the Effect on Photodegradation

The inclusion behavior of 4, 4＇ -Thiodiphenol （TDP）, a typical bisphenol and endocrine disruptor, reacts with β-cyclodextrin （β-CD） in aqueous solutions has been investigated by means of UV absorption spectrum and quantum-chemical calculation with Gaussian 98 software. The results show that the inclusion behavior of TDP is quite different in acidic solutions （pH 5.9） from that in alkaline solutions （pH 10.0）. This behavior difference is attributed to the different formula structures in aqueous solutions at acidic and alkaline pH values that are demonstrated by quantum- chemical modeling and calculation. TDP forms a 1 ： 1 fl-CD inclusion complex in aqueous solutions. The equiiibrium constant K was calculated to be 553.49 L/mol at pH 5.9 and 1 318.20 L/mol at pH 10.0 respectively for the inclusion complex reaction by using the modified Benesi-Heldbrand equation. After inclusion TDP＇s structure is changed especially at the inclusion part with the bond order becoming larger, which results in inhibitive photodegradation during direct photooxidation and H2O2 assisted photooxidation.     

Characteristics of Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>, MnS,and TiN inclusions in the remelting process of bearing steel

The Al₂O₃, MnS, and TiN inclusions in bearing steel will deteriorate the steel's mechanical properties. Therefore, elucidating detailed characteristics of these inclusions in consumable electrode during the electroslag remelting process is important for achieving a subsequently clean ingot. In this study, a confocal scanning violet laser microscope was used to simulate the remelting process and observe, in real time, the behaviors of inclusions. The obtained images show that, after the temperature exceeded the steel solidus temperature, MnS and TiN inclusions in the specimen began to dissolve. Higher temperatures led to faster dissolution, and the inclusions disappeared before the steel was fully liquid. In the case of an observed Al₂O₃ inclusion, its shape changed from angular to a smooth ellipsoid in the region where the solid and liquid coexisted and it began to dissolve as the temperature continued to increase. This dissolution was driven by the difference in oxygen potential between the inclusion and the liquid steel.     

A new biselector chiral stationary phase derived from tartaric acid and its enantioseparation evaluation

Two chiral selectors were synthesized from tartaric acid. The selectors were simultaneously immobilized on 3-aminopropyl silica gel to obtain a new biselector chiral stationary phase (CSP) in order to determine the influence of selector structure of biselector CSPs on the chiral recognition capability. For comparison, the single-selector CSP was also prepared. The biselector CSP shows an improved overall chiral recognition capability in comparison with the single-selector CSP. During the enantioseparation, temporary diastereoisomers are likely formed by complexation between a chiral analyte and the two selectors on the biselector CSP. The functional groups in the two selectors are complementary in electronic effect and/or in steric hindrance for the chiral recognition.     

Progress on the Electrolytes for Dye-sensitized Solar Cells

1 Results The development of a new type of solar cell has been promoted by public concern about pollution and energy consumption.Since the prototype of a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSC) was reported in 1991 by M.Gratzel,it has aroused intensive interest over the past decade due to its low cost and simple preparation procedure.The typical cell is a sandwiched structure consisting of a dye-sensitized TiO2 electrode,a platinized counter electrode and a filled redox couple electrolyte between the electrodes.The electrolyte plays an important role in the photoelectronic performance and long-term stability for DSCs.In this review,the progress on the electrolytes in dye-sensitized solar cells is reported.A novel concept both thermoplastic and thermosetting gel electrolytes is proposed.Based on the new electrolytes,two quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells with good photovoltaic performance and long-term stability are fabricated,which are two kinds of the most available electrolytes for DSCs in practical uses and industrialization.     

Nonlinear Analyses of the Dynamic Properties of Hydrostatic Bearing Systems

Nonlinear analyses of hydrostatic bearing systems are necessary to adequately model the fluid-solid interaction. The dynamic properties of linear and nonlinear analytical models of hydrostatic bearings are compared in this paper. The analyses were based on the determination of the aperiodic border of transient processes with external step loads. The results show that the dynamic properties can be most effectivelyimproved by increasing the hydrostatic bearing crosspiece width and additional pocket volume in a bearing can extend the load range for which the transient process is aperiodic, but an additional restrictor and capacitor (RC) chain must be introduced for increasing damping. The nonlinear analyses can also be used to predict typical design parameters for a hydrostatic bearing.     

Experimental Research on Resonance Response Differences of the Rotor System with Sliding and Rolling Bearings

Most of the research work on bearing-rotor systems usually simplifies the supporting bearing as a spring or damp system, and ignores that the resonance responses involve obvious differences when the same rotor system is supported by varying types of bearings. Aiming at the resonance responses of coast down running tests of the rotor system, we employed two different bearings in experiments: One is the fluid film journal bearing, and the other is the rolling element bearing. The experimental results obtained with the above bearings are compared. The resonance test Bode plots and orbit shapes of the rotor shaft are established. Also, summarized under resonance are the dynamic characteristics and regularities of the two types of bearing-rotor systems. The natural frequency and resonance mode of the same rotor system will change thoroughly with the type of supporting bearings. The results are helpful for system modeling, security running, dynamic design, the study of dynamic characteristics, and the fault diagnose of bearing-rotor systems.     

A numerical study on the gas fluidisation of secondary agglomerates of nanoparticles

Numerical simulations are performed on the gas fluidization of the secondary agglomerates of SiO₂ and SiC nanoparticles. An Eulerian two-fluid approach is used, which models the solids stress modulus with an empirical Jung-Gidaspow relationship and the drag force based on the secondary agglomerates. The results show the behaviour of particulate fluidisation of the secondary agglomerates of nanoparticles. The fluidised bed has a very high expansion ratio but without distinct bubbles. A three-zone distribution of time-averaged particle concentration is observed along the bed height. These are a dense zone in the lower part of the bed, a dilute zone at the top part, and a transitional zone lies in between. The radial distribution of particle concentration is found to be nearly homogeneous in both the dilute and transitional zones. The modelling results are compared with experimental results reported in the literature and reasonably good agreement has been achieved.     

Study on the Characterization and Kinetics of Immobilized Lipase

1 Rusults Most enzymes, including lipase, play a key role in biotechnology, but their usage is quite limited because of poor recovery, yield, limited re-usability and rapid inactivation in the soluble state. Immobilization enzymes offer advantages over free enzymes because of the availability of a choice of batch or continuous processes, rapid termination of reactions, controlled product formation, ease of enzyme removal from the reaction mixture, and adaptability to various engineering designs.In this study, lipase from Candida Antarctica was immobilized on magnetic composite microsphere by physical adsorption. Different factors which affect enzymatic activities was investigated by measuring the hydrolysis of olive oil, and comparative studies of pH,temperature, thermal stability and apparent Km between free lipase and immobilized lipase were conducted. The value of apparent Km of immobilized lipase was lower than that of the free lipase. The optimum pH and temperature of the immobilized lipase were 8.0 and 50 ℃. Meanwhile,We found the immobilized lipase exhibited remarkable stability in medium alkalinity, good reusability and better thermal stability.