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Small hydropower systems are the best solution for electromechanical components through the use of pump operating at inverse conditions as turbine for power generation in rural settlements of under developed countries especially since its construction and maintenance is cheap. This study investigates the effects of flow rate and internal flow characterization of a model centrifugal pump operating at a rotational speed of n = 1400 rpm with 4 main blades and 4 splitters at a head of 18 (m) and flow of 12.5 (m³/h). The experiment and numerical calculations were performed, and pressure and velocity were analysed based on the results obtained. According to the results obtained, velocity increased by movement of flow through the flow passage. As the discharge increased, head decreased but the power required to run the pump increased. Centrifugal pump can perform in reverse mode as a hydro turbine devoid of any modification on mechanical components with a maximum efficiency of 62.07% recorded at Q = 20 m³/h. The study helps to recognize the numerical flow characterization and serves as a supporting document to provide vital information on centrifugal pumps to other studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuroligin (NLG) 1 is important for synapse development and function, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. It is known that at least some aspects of NLG1 function are independent of the presynaptic neurexin, suggesting that the C-terminal domain (CTD) of NLG1 may be sufficient for synaptic regulation. In addition, NLG1 is subjected to activity-dependent proteolytic cleavage, generating a cytosolic CTD fragment, but the significance of this process remains unknown. In this study, we show that the CTD of NLG1 is sufficient to (a) enhance spine and synapse number, (b) modulate synaptic plasticity, and (c) exert these effects via its interaction with spine-associated Rap guanosine triphosphatase--activating protein and subsequent activation of LIM-domain protein kinase 1/cofilin--mediated actin reorganization. Our results provide a novel postsynaptic mechanism by which NLG1 regulates synapse development and function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a new auxiliary energy power unit, electromechanical flywheel device based on planetary gear mechanism directly influences the power performance and economy performance of electric vehicles. The reliability, safety and economy of electromechanical flywheel device are affected by its own dynamics, mechanics, efficiency and other performance characteristics. Therefore, based on the developed planetary gear mechanism, the electromechanical flywheel device is studied in this paper. Firstly, the device topology, operating mode and other characteristics are analyzed, and the device dynamics model is established. Then, the mathematical model of high-speed flywheel stress analysis is established, and the high-speed flywheel stress and modal characteristics are analyzed. Furthermore, the loss model of the device is established, and the efficiency characteristics of the device under different states of energy (SOE) are analyzed. Finally, the influence of electromechanical flywheel device on vehicle dynamic performance and economic performance is analyzed. Compared with the original single-motor drive scheme, power performance and economical performance have both been improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

State of energy (SOE) indirectly affects the energy utilization efficiency of the vehicle. Considering that SOE can change greatly in a short time when the electromechanical flywheel device is working, it is possible to provide more design space for the optimization of vehicle energy efficiency if we can predict future driving conditions of vehicles and adjust the flywheel SOE in advance. The energy loss model of electromechanical flywheel device was constructed, and the influence law of flywheel SOE on device efficiency was analyzed in this study. Then, a working condition prediction model based on Markov chain was designed and verified according to the historical information of working conditions. Furthermore, the vehicle energy management strategy based on condition prediction was designed, and the vehicle economy was numerically analyzed. Results show that compared with the original energy management strategy without condition prediction, the strategy proposed in this paper can increase the time of flywheel participating in driving and braking by 43.1% and 61.4% respectively under NEDC. The proportion of electromechanical flywheel hybrid system working under high efficiency conditions (efficiency > 90%) was increased by 2.4%, the proportion working under low efficiency conditions (efficiency < 80%) is decreased by 5.5%, and the average driving efficiency under NEDC was increased by 4.7%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work is to explore the effects of herbal medicine on secondary metabolites of microorganisms during fermentation. Clonostachys rogersoniana was found to metabolize only small amounts of polyketide glycosides rogerson B and C on fresh potatoes, but after replacing the medium to the medicinal plant Rubus delavayi Franch., the type and content of the metabolized polyketones showed significant changes. The sugars and glycosides in R. delavayi are probably responsible for the changes in secondary metabolites. Six polyketide glycosides including a new metabolite, rogerson F, and two potential antitumor compounds, TMC-151C and TMC-151D, were isolated from the extract of R. delavayi fermented by C. rogersoniana. In addition, 13C labeling experiments were used to trace the biosynthesis process of these compounds. TMC-151C and TMC-151D showed significant cytotoxic activity against PANC-1, K562 and HCT116 cancer cells but had no obvious cytotoxic activity against BEAS-2B human normal lung epithelial cells. The yields of TMC-151C and TMC-151D reached 14.37 ± 1.52 g/kg and 1.98 ± 0.43 g/kg, respectively, after fermentation at 28 °C for 30 days. This is the first study to confirm that herbal medicine can induce microbes to metabolize active compounds. And the technology of fermenting medicinal materials can bring more economic value to medicinal plants. [Display omitted] • Secondary metabolites of microorganisms can be affected by herbal medicine. • TMC-151 s were enriched by fermentation of R. delavayi with C. rogersoniana. • The yields of TMC-151C and TMC-151D reached 14.37 ± 1.52 and 1.98 ± 0.43 g/kg. • Biosynthetic pathways of TMC-151 s were predicted by 13C labeling experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two previous unreported fusicoccane diterpenoids macrostines A and B, together with seven known compounds were isolated from an extract of the fungus Periconia macrospinosa WTG-10. Their structures were elucidated by detailed analysis of spectroscopic data, NMR calculations with DP4+, and their absolute configurations were further determined by quantum chemical calculations of ECD spectra or X-crystallography. Macrostines A and B showed no cytotoxicity, antimicrobial activity and inhibitory effect on nitric oxide production in LPS-activated RAW264.7 macrophages. Compound 9 showed moderate activity against Bacillus subtilis. [Display omitted] • Two new fusicoccane diterpenoids were isolated from the fungus Periconia macrospinosa WTG-10. • The absolute configurations of new compounds were determined by ECD and X-crystallography. • DP4+ methods were used to assign configurations of new compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An editorial is presented which addresses the problems that are associated with decisions to use or not use chest radiography and computed tomography (CT) in lung cancer screenings in America as of 2017, and it mentions how many cigarette smokers continue to receive chest x-ray screenings rather than CT screenings. A recommendation regarding annual CT lung cancer screenings is examined, along with lung cancer diagnosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.