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This research aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of corilagin (Cor) against angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced cardiac fibrosis and its underlying mechanisms. C57BL/6 mice (male, 8-10 weeks) received saline or Ang II (2.0 mg/kg/day) via subcutaneous infusion and intraperitoneal injection of Cor (30 mg/kg) for 28 days. Ang II induction increased the fibrotic area, whereas Cor treatment inhibited the fibrotic area significantly. Cor markedly reduced the Ang II-induced cardiac fibroblasts. Cor significantly inhibited Ang II-induced increase in expressions of smooth muscle alpha-actin (α-SMA), collagen I, collagen III, transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), fibronectin, and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). Cor suppressed the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Cor therapy reduced Ang II-induced malondialdehyde (MDA) content, whereas superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were increased (all, P <.001). Moreover, Ang II induction elevated the expression of phosphorylated phosphatase and tensin homolog (p-PTEN), phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-AKT) (Ser473) and phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR) (Ser 2448), whereas Cor reduced their expressions. Cor treatment inhibited the migration ability of the cardiac fibroblast, whereas a PTEN inhibitor, VO-ohpic, increased the migration capability. Cor could have a protective effect against Ang II-induced cardiac fibrosis via inhibition of the PTEN/AKT/mTOR pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seminal plasma induces immune tolerance towards paternal allogenic antigens within the female reproductive tract and during foetal development. Recent evidence suggests a role for extracellular vesicles in seminal plasma (spEVs). We isolated spEVs from seminal plasma that was donated by vasectomized men, thereby excluding any contributions from the testis or epididymis. Previous analysis demonstrated that such isolated spEVs originate mainly from the prostate. Here we observed that when isolated fluorescently labelled spEVs were mixed with peripheral blood mononuclear cells, they were endocytosed predominantly by monocytes, and to a lesser extent also by T‐cells. In a mixed lymphocyte reaction, T‐cell proliferation was inhibited by spEVs. A direct effect of spEVs on T‐cells was demonstrated when isolated T cells were activated by anti‐CD3/CD28 coated beads. Again, spEVs interfered with T cell proliferation, as well as with the expression of CD25 and the release of IFN‐γ, TNF, and IL‐2. Moreover, spEVs stimulated the expression of Foxp3 and IL‐10 by CD4+CD25+CD127‐ T cells, indicating differentiation into regulatory T‐cells (Tregs). Prior treatment of spEVs with proteinase K revoked their effects on T‐cells, indicating a requirement for surface‐exposed spEV proteins. The adenosine A2A receptor‐specific antagonist CPI‐444 also reduced effects of spEVs on T‐cells, consistent with the notion that the development of Tregs and their immune suppressive functions are under the influence of adenosine‐A2A receptor signalling. We found that adenosine is highly enriched in spEVs and propose that spEVs are targeted to and endocytosed by T‐cells, after which they may release their adenosine content into the lumen of endosomes, thus allowing endosome‐localized A2A receptor signalling in spEVs targeted T‐cells. Collectively, these data support the idea that spEVs can prime T cells directly for differentiation into Tregs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Ischemia‐reperfusion (I/R) injury, resulting from blood flow interruption and its subsequent restoration, is a prevalent complication in liver surgery. The liver, as a crucial organ for carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, exhibits decreased tolerance to hepatic I/R in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), resulting in a significant increase in hepatic dysfunction following surgery. This may be attributed to elevated oxidative stress and inflammation. Our prior research established sinomenine's (SIN) protective role against hepatic I/R injury. Nevertheless, the impact of SIN on hepatic I/R injury in DM rats remains unexplored. Objective and Methods: This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of SIN in hepatic I/R injury in DM rats and elucidate its mechanism. Diabetic and hepatic I/R injury models were established in rats through high‐fat/sugar diet, streptozotocin injection, and hepatic blood flow occlusion. Liver function, oxidative stress, inflammatory reaction, histopathology, and Nrf‐2/HO‐1 signaling pathway were evaluated by using UV spectrophotometry, biochemical assays, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, hematoxylin‐eosin staining, and Western blot analysis. Results: High‐dose SIN (300 mg/kg) significantly attenuated hepatic I/R injury in DM rats, reducing serum activities of ALT and AST, decreasing the AST/ALT ratio, enhancing tissue contents of SOD and GSH‐Px, suppressing the levels of TNF‐α and IL‐6, improving the liver histopathology, and activating Nrf‐2/HO‐1 signaling by promoting Nrf‐2 trans‐location from cytoplasm to nucleus. Low‐dose SIN (100 mg/kg) was ineffective. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that high‐dose sinomenine's mitigates hepatic I/R‐induced inflammation and oxidative stress in diabetes mellitus (DM) rats via Nrf‐2/HO‐1 activation, suggesting its potential as a preventive strategy for hepatic I/R injury in DM patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estimation of knee contact force (KCF) during gait provides essential information to evaluate knee joint function. Machine learning has been employed to estimate KCF because of the advantages of low computational cost and real-time. However, the existing machine learning models do not adequately consider gait-related data's temporal-dependent, multidimensional, and highly heterogeneous nature. This study is aimed at developing a multisource fusion recurrent neural network to predict the medial condyle KCF. First, a multisource fusion long short-term memory (MF-LSTM) model was established. Then, we developed a transfer learning strategy based on the MF-LSTM model for subject-specific medial KCF prediction. Four subjects with instrumented tibial prostheses were obtained from the literature. The results showed that the MF-LSTM model could predict medial KCF to a certain high level of accuracy (the mean of ρ = 0.970). The transfer learning model improved the prediction accuracy (the mean of ρ = 0.987). This study shows that the MF-LSTM model is a powerful and accurate computational tool for medial KCF prediction. Introducing transfer learning techniques could further improve the prediction performance for the target subject. This coupling strategy can help clinicians accurately estimate and track joint contact forces in real time. Gait-related data are temporal-dependent, multidimensional, and highly heterogeneous. Therefore, we designed a multisource fusion recurrent neural network (MF-LSTM) structure and introduced a transfer learning strategy to predict knee contact force (KCF) during gait. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A surfactant-free strategy is developed to synthesize a binary GO/CuFeS x NC. • Ultrathin GO confines small CuFeS x NPs growth while Fe regulates the NPs distribution. • GO/CuFeS x has nanoknife effect, POD-like and photothermal activity, acidic sensitivity. • GO in GO/CuFeS x improves the catalytic ROS generation by "Pseudo-Photo-Fenton" effect. • GO/CuFeS x can localize the catalytic attacks and hyperthermia on the bacteria and biofilm. The strong antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria and biofilm, especially the biofilm with extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) protection and persister cells, not only renders antibiotics ineffective but also causes chronic infections and makes the infectious tissue difficult to repair. Considering the acidic properties of bacterial infection microenvironment and biofilm, herein, a binary graphene oxide and copper iron sulfide nanocomposite (GO/CuFeS x NC) is synthesized by a surfactant free strategy and utilized as an alternative smart nanozyme to fight against the MDR bacteria and biofilm. For the GO/CuFeS x NC, the iron decoration facilitates the well distribution of bimetallic CuFeS x NPs on the GO surfaces compared to monometallic CuS NPs, providing synergistically enhanced peroxidase (POD)-like activity in acidic medium (pH 4 ∼ 5) and intrinsic strong near infrared (NIR) light responsive photothermal activity, while the ultrathin and sharp structure of 2D GO nanosheet allows the GO/CuFeS x NC to strongly interact with the bacteria and biofilm, facilitating the catalytic and photothermal attacks on the bacterial surfaces. In addition, the GO in GO/CuFeS x NC exhibits a "Pseudo-Photo-Fenton" effect to promote the ROS generation. Therefore, the GO/CuFeS x NC can effectively kill bacteria and biofilm both in vitro and in vivo , finally eliminating the infections and accelerating the tissue repair when treating the biofilm-infected wound. This work paves a new way to the design of novel nanozyme for smart antibacterial therapy against antimicrobial resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reliability analysis of the flexible manufacturing cell (FMC) can help enterprises master the system state to formulate maintenance strategies better. However, little seems to have been done to access the reliability of the FMC. The current research on the reliability of the manufacturing system mainly focus on the components, which is not completely in line with the actual production. In this paper, we proposed a multi-state mission reliability analysis method of the FMC considering component reliability, task demand, and product quality. Firstly, the multi-state component reliability is expressed by the universal generating function (UGF) constructed by the performance states and the corresponding probabilities. Secondly, the extended state task network (ESTN) is used to integrate component performance, product quality, and task demand. We study the ESTN of the FMC with different system structures. After the above two steps, the component mission reliability can be expressed by the UGF with fewer states. Finally, the multi-state mission reliability of the FMC can be determined by the fusion rules of the UGF. An actual production case is used to illustrate the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Siloxane‐based molecular material, by virtue of its unique chemical structure, thermal and electrochemical properties, has triggered tremendous research interest and sparked a revolution for energy storage in the past years. Siloxanes and their analogues are generally demonstrated to be more environmentally friendly, durable, and safer when employed to reconstruct the nano‐micro surface structure of electrodes, separators, and their interfaces with electrolytes. To better understand the recent and comprehensive achievement of siloxane‐based materials in energy storage, a systematic summary is necessary to provide important clues, aiming at achieving better electrochemical properties. In this Minireview, siloxane materials are presented comprehensively and systematically in terms of molecule design, functionality, and unique superiority for lithium‐ion batteries and supercapacitors. The challenges, perspectives, and future directions of siloxane‐based organosilicon materials are put forward for higher performance and wider application in electrochemical energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Siloxane‐based molecular material, by virtue of its unique chemical structure, thermal and electrochemical properties, has triggered tremendous research interest and sparked a revolution for energy storage in the past years. Siloxanes and their analogues are generally demonstrated to be more environmentally friendly, durable, and safer when employed to reconstruct the nano‐micro surface structure of electrodes, separators, and their interfaces with electrolytes. To better understand the recent and comprehensive achievement of siloxane‐based materials in energy storage, a systematic summary is necessary to provide important clues, aiming at achieving better electrochemical properties. In this Minireview, siloxane materials are presented comprehensively and systematically in terms of molecule design, functionality, and unique superiority for lithium‐ion batteries and supercapacitors. The challenges, perspectives, and future directions of siloxane‐based organosilicon materials are put forward for higher performance and wider application in electrochemical energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study employed the response surface methodology to experimentally optimize the heat transfer characteristics of a two-phase gravity heat pipe with external fins. The influence of thermal input, fin thickness, width, and spacing on the thermal resistance and heat transfer efficiency of the heat pipe was analyzed by the method of controlled variables, resulting in empirical formulas. A central composite design and response surface methodology were employed to refine the experimental design, with the findings indicating that the adjustment of input thermal power and fin parameters significantly impacts thermal resistance and heat transfer efficiency. Furthermore, the congruence between simulation outcomes and experimental data corroborates the accuracy and reliability of this approach. These insights furnish both a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for augmenting the heat transfer performance of gravity heat pipes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The progression of osteoarthritis (OA) requires the involvement of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation, in which circTMOD3 plays an important role. We predicted that circTMOD3 could interact with miR-27a to inhibit LPS-induced chondrocyte apoptosis and explored the interaction between circTMOD3 and miR-27a in OA. Materials and methods: Total RNAs were isolated from cartilage tissue samples from both OA patients (n = 62) and controls (n = 62) and subjected to RT-qPCRs to determine circTMOD3 and miR-27a (mature and premature) expression. Subcellular location of circTMOD3 and its interaction with premature miR-27a were analyzed using subcellular fractionation assay and RNA-RNA pulldown assay, respectively. CircTMOD3 was overexpressed in chondrocytes to study its role in miR-27a maturation. The roles of circTMOD3 and miR-27a in LPS-induced chondrocyte apoptosis were analyzed using cell apoptosis assay. Results: CircTMOD3 and premature miR-27a levels were increased while mature miR-27a level was decreased in OA. CircTMOD3 was located in both nuclear and cytoplasm fractions of chondrocytes. CircTMOD3 directly interacted with premature miR-27a and promoted LPS-induced chondrocyte apoptosis, while miR-27a inhibited LPS-induced chondrocyte apoptosis. Moreover, circTMOD3 overexpression suppressed miR-27a maturation and reduced the inhibitory effects of miR-27a on LPS-induced chondrocyte apoptosis. Conclusion: CircTMOD3 suppresses miR-27a maturation in OA to promote chondrocyte apoptosis induced by LPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Proposed an understanding-based global–local structure opinion-unaware IQA model. • Modelled the global quality score as the confidence of the object detection network. • Proposed a feature type-enriched distortion detection method. • Proposed a state-of-the-art opinion-unaware IQA method. The opinion-unaware (OU) blind image quality assessment (IQA) method shows broad application prospects due to the explosive growth of unlabelled images. Under a local quality perception framework, many works have focused on extracting more complex natural scene statistical (NSS) features to boost the performance. The framework, however, is seldom studied. In addition, NSS features are designed using the prior knowledge of the human visual system (HVS), which is insufficiently powerful for broad types of distortions. Therefore, this paper proposes a visual perception nature image quality evaluation (VP-NIQE) model. Specifically, we propose an understanding-based global–local structure IQA model to simulate the top-down structure of the HVS in image perception. Furthermore, we enriched the feature types from a more comprehensive perspective in local distortion detection. In addition to the NSS features, histogram and deep-learned features are incorporated to detect the distortions. NSS and histogram features represent the low-level prior knowledge of the HVS, while deep-learned features represent the high-level information behind the data. The proposed method is evaluated on six benchmark databases. The evaluation results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves state-of-the-art performance compared with existing OU methods and even generates competitive performance compared with classical full-reference methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the more significant portion of arrhythmia in clinical practice, with inflammation and fibrosis as its central pathological mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) effects on angiotensin II- (Ang II-) induced AF and its related pathophysiological mechanisms. C57BL/6J mice were randomized and divided into three groups: the control group, the Ang II group, and the ANGPTL4 group (Ang II with ANGPTL4 treatment). Mice were infused with Ang II (2000 ng/kg/min) and were administrated with recombinant human ANGPTL4 (rhANGPTL4, 20 μg/kg/day) for 3 weeks. The fibrosis was evaluated with Masson's trichrome staining in the atrial myocardium. mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6, collagen I, and collagen III were measured using real-time qRT-PCR. Protein levels of PPARα, PPARγ, CPT-1, and SIRT3 were measured using Western blotting. Compared to the control group, the mice infused with Ang II showed electrocardiogram characteristics of AF, and this effect was markedly attenuated in ANGPTL4-treated mice. ANGPTL4 also reversed the increase in cardiomyocyte apoptosis, inflammation, interstitial collagen fraction, and collagen gene expression in mice with Ang II. Mechanistically, ANGPTL4 inhibited the activation of several fatty acid metabolism-related proteins, including PPARα, PPARγ, and CPT-1, and the expression of SIRT3 protein in atrial tissues. In conclusion, ANGPTL4 attenuates Ang II-induced AF and atrial fibrosis by modulation in the SIRT3, PPARα, and PPARγ signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estimation of the sintering state has importance for clinker quality improvements and the safe operation of the rotary kiln. Class imbalanced thermal signals usually pose challenges in feature extraction and abnormal state recognition. In this article, a novel framework that integrates prior knowledge and hidden information is developed for sintering state recognition in the class imbalance condition. For discriminative feature extraction of imbalanced data, a cascaded stack autoencoder (SAE) model is proposed to fuse our prior knowledge and hidden information. The model includes a feature extraction SAE and a deep fusion SAE: the former extracts hidden information from thermal signals, and the latter deeply fuses and compresses our prior knowledge and hidden information. For the class imbalance of sintering samples, we propose a data-dependent kernel modification optimal margin distribution machine (ddKMODM) as a sintering state recognition model. Modifying the original kernel function by a conformal function depending on the data distribution in kernel space, ddKMODM can change the local volume expansion coefficient of the feature space to eliminate the negative effects caused by imbalanced samples. Experiments on real data show that the proposed framework can balance the detection rate of each state in the class imbalanced condition, and its overall sintering state recognition accuracy exceeds 92%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional machine tool reliability modeling methods take static parts as the research object, ignoring the characteristic that the function and performance of computer numerical control (CNC) machine tool are ultimately driven by its most basic actions, and the traditional reliability modeling methods do not fully consider the randomness of machine tool failure. In view of this, this paper gave an improved four‐parameter nonhomogeneous Poisson process reliability modeling method based on meta‐action (MA), and a comprehensive method of system reliability was presented. A CNC machine tool made in China was taken as an example, and the reliability model of MA and the whole machine were built by the proposed method. The proposed method was compared with other methods by Akaike information criterion and Bayesian information criterion, and the method proposed in this paper was proved to be better. The reliability indexes of the system were simulated, and then the general trend of system reliability indexes was obtained by least squares support vector machines. The results verify the applicability and validity of this method, and lay a foundation for further research on the machine tool reliability based on metamotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional liquid acid leaching method for recycling spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has serious environmental pollution and unsafe transportation. In this study, solid sodium bisulfate was applied as a leaching agent to recover lithium, cobalt, nickel and manganese from the cathode active material of spent LIBs in the presence of a reductant, hydrogen peroxide. It was found that the leaching efficiencies were approximately 93.0, 91.5, 95.5 and 96.6%, respectively, for Ni, Co, Mn and Li under the conditions of 1 mol/L NaHSO 4 and 3 vol% H 2 O 2 as reductant within 30 min at 70 °C and a pulp density of 20 g/L. Kinetic data for the dissolution of valuable metals in the temperature range 40–70 °C showed the kinetic model governed by the Avrami equation. The apparent activation energies for leaching of Ni, Co, Mn and Li were determined as 43.8, 44.2, 42.2 and 27.5 kJ/mol, respectively, indicating that the leaching process was controlled by a surface chemical reaction. This process can be a convenient alternative method for recovering valuable metals from spent LiNi 0.5 Co 0.2 Mn 0.3 O 2. • Solid sodium bisulfate was applied to leach valuable metal from spent LIBs. • Solid leaching agent avoided the danger of transportation and storage. • The leaching kinetics of valuable metals were studied systematically. • The leaching mechanism was studied by micro−scale characterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frequent early failures are the key factors restricting the reliability improvement of CNC (computer numerical control) machine tools. In order to eliminate the early failures of CNC machine tools as much as possible, this paper defined the early failures of CNC machine tools strictly and divided the early failures into sudden early failures and progressive early failures. According to the characteristics of sudden early failures, the corresponding reliability analysis model was established by fishbone diagram and 5M1E (man, machine, material, method, measurement, environment) method. Based on the failure time rather than failure time intervals, the reliability analysis model of progressive early failures, which can reflect the dynamic characteristics of CNC machine tool failures, was established by BBIP (bounded bathtub intensity process) method in NHPP (non-homogeneous Poisson process). The reliability evaluation indexes of progressive early failures were given, and the analysis method of the influence of the relationship between former failure and latter failure on the established reliability model was given. CNC machine tools made in China were taken as the example, and the reliability analysis models of sudden early failures and progressive early failures were established and analyzed, respectively. The conclusion that different product failures of the same model could not be analyzed by the same parameter model is obtained. The results also verify the applicability and correctness of the proposed method, which lay a foundation for the elimination of early failure and the improvement of reliability of machine tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular vesicles (EV) are membrane encapsulated nanoparticles that can function in intercellular communication, and their presence in biofluids can be indicative for (patho)physiological conditions. Studies aiming to resolve functionalities of EV or to discover EV-associated biomarkers for disease in liquid biopsies are hampered by limitations of current protocols to isolate EV from biofluids or cell culture medium. EV isolation is complicated by the >105-fold numerical excess of other types of particles, including lipoproteins and protein complexes. In addition to persisting contaminants, currently available EV isolation methods may suffer from inefficient EV recovery, bias for EV subtypes, interference with the integrity of EV membranes, and loss of EV functionality. In this study, we established a novel three-step non-selective method to isolate EV from blood or cell culture media with both high yield and purity, resulting in 71% recovery and near to complete elimination of unrelated (lipo)proteins. This EV isolation procedure is independent of ill-defined commercial kits, and apart from an ultracentrifuge, does not require specialised expensive equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular vesicles (EV) are membrane encapsulated nanoparticles that can function in intercellular communication, and their presence in biofluids can be indicative for (patho)physiological conditions. Studies aiming to resolve functionalities of EV or to discover EV‐associated biomarkers for disease in liquid biopsies are hampered by limitations of current protocols to isolate EV from biofluids or cell culture medium. EV isolation is complicated by the >105‐fold numerical excess of other types of particles, including lipoproteins and protein complexes. In addition to persisting contaminants, currently available EV isolation methods may suffer from inefficient EV recovery, bias for EV subtypes, interference with the integrity of EV membranes, and loss of EV functionality. In this study, we established a novel three‐step non‐selective method to isolate EV from blood or cell culture media with both high yield and purity, resulting in 71% recovery and near to complete elimination of unrelated (lipo)proteins. This EV isolation procedure is independent of ill‐defined commercial kits, and apart from an ultracentrifuge, does not require specialised expensive equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the contact behavior of nominal curved surfaces with random roughness. Design/methodology/approach: A deterministic model was applied to investigate the contact behavior. Numerical calculations were conducted on Gaussian and fractal profiles under a range of loading conditions. The deformation behavior is characterized in terms of three regimes including the elastic, elastoplastic and plastic regimes. Findings: A linear relationship was observed between the real contact areas and normal loads, which is mainly governed by the plastic deformation. Surface roughness changes contact behavior by influence the transition of deformation regimes. Rougher surfaces generally demonstrate higher saturated plastic ratios. Originality/value: The contact behavior of nominally curved surfaces with random roughness is understood in terms of the evolution of real contact areas and plastic ratios. Peer review: The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-05-2019-0190. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early faults of product have plagued many machine tool companies, especially middle-small enterprises limited by capital. To eliminate the early faults and improve the reliability of computerized numerical control (CNC) machine tools, we propose a systematic early fault elimination method based on the after-sale data (customer field data) of CNC machine tools. The proposed method includes four steps: fault data collection; a four-parameter non-homogenous Poisson process (NHPP) model; a mixed fault analysis method that is the combination of fault tree analysis (FTA) method and fault mode, effects, and criticality analysis (FMECA) method; and early fault elimination measures. The first step is the basis of the analysis. The second step is used to determine the early faults from the fault data. The third step is to analyze the early faults determined. Risk priority number (RPN) is calculated to assess the criticality of the fault causes determined by the FTA. The elimination measures are taken in the end. We apply our method to a machine tool company in China, and the results prove the practicality and effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current decomposition methods are not suitable for electromechanical product; the smallest decomposition units obtained by these methods are static parts or components, which cannot reflect the characteristics of electromechanical product that 'action determines motion, and motion determines function'. Meta‐action is the smallest action to realize the function of electromechanical product, and it is reasonable to regard meta‐action as the smallest decomposition unit of electromechanical product. Meta‐action unit is the smallest structural unit to ensure the normal operation of meta‐action, and it is also the smallest carrier of electromechanical product quality characteristics. Meta‐action unit modeling technology is the basis of other subsequent research, so it is necessary to study it. In this paper, detailed criteria for meta‐action decomposition and meta‐action unit separation are formulated, and the standardized structural model, symbolized conceptual model, and assembly model of meta‐action unit are also studied, which provide a basis for mechanical, kinematic, and failure mechanism research of electromechanical product. A CNC (computer numerical control) machine tool made in China is taken as an example for meta‐motion decomposition and meta‐action unit modeling, and the results verify the applicability and correctness of the method proposed in this paper. The proposed method is also applicable to other types of electromechanical product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pitting corrosion significantly undermines the performance of structure. • Quantitative evaluation of pitting non-uniformity. • A proposed non-uniform rust layer model accurately simulates actual rust layers. • Combining μCT detection and image processing techniques provides comprehensive insights into the morphology and expansion behavior of corrosion products. Rebar corrosion and non-uniformity in remaining rebar and corrosion products are critical factors influencing the durability of reinforced concrete structures. This study investigates pit corrosion non-uniformity by designing mortar- rebar samples of three different cover thicknesses. The non-uniformity of rebar and corrosion products' distribution is explored using μCT techniques, and parameter variation laws are derived under different corrosion levels. This study proposes a novel non-uniform rust layer model based on a sine function, which is compared with the existing linear decreasing, semi-elliptic and Gaussian function models. The proposed model provides high goodness-of-fit results and accurately simulates the morphological properties of actual rust layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fossil fuels-related environmental issues, such as global climate change and soil and water acidification, are driving countries to develop biomass energy sources. As a second-generation biofuel with a significant spatiotemporal availability for global consumption, Ganoderma lucidum (GL) calls for the characterization and multi-objective optimization of its pyrolytic performance and byproducts. The GL pyrolysis was divided into three stages, with the main stage occurring between 205 and 630 °C. The activation energy for the main stage was estimated at 221.23 kJ/mol and 222.83 kJ/mol according to the FWO and KAS methods, respectively. The primary volatile products of the GL pyrolysis between 200 and 600 °C included H 2 O, CH 4 , CO 2 , CO, C O, C-O(H), C C, and NH 3. The multi-objective optimization indicated that the GL pyrolysis between 650 and 750 oC jointly led to maximum energy yield and minimum gas emission. Biochar produced from GL (GLB) between 400 and 600 °C enhanced its aromaticity and stabilized the functional groups in the carbon structure. GLB obtained exhibited an increased number of porous structures and decreased aromaticity. These results provide a theoretical and practical basis for enhancing and volarizing the comprehensive circularity of GL biomass. [Display omitted] • The pyrolysis behavior of GL was characterized through thermogravimetric analysis. • The activation energy for the main stage was based on the FWO and KAS methods. • The gaseous products and emission patterns were identified and quantified. • The production and properties of GL-derived biochar were explored. • A multi-objective optimization of energy yield and gas emissions was employed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• In situ corrosion process of steel embedded in mortar was investigated by μCT. • Defects positions greatly influenced the distribution of corrosion products. • Initial defects reduced cracking in mortar except for surface defect. In actual reinforced concrete structures, plenty of initial defects exist, which may greatly influence the behavior of steel corrosion and cracking within concrete cover. Thus, this paper presents an experimental investigation into the effects of initial defects within mortar cover on the corrosion of a steel bar in mortar and on the cracking of mortar cover using X-ray computed tomography. The influence of initial defects with mortar cover at three different positions i.e. interface, middle and surface was investigated for 5%, 30% and 55% corrosion levels of steel. From experimental investigations, it was found that the specimen with interface defect has significant accumulation of corrosion products. The position of cracking within mortar cover induced by steel corrosion was examined. At least one crack connected steel with the initial defects or reached close to the defect. These cracks formed the basis of the development of other cracks. The cracking level was defined in terms of the number of cracks and the volumes of total cracks and followed the sequence of S-SF > S-MD > S-IF, which is consistent with the sequence of volume expansion ratio of steel. The degree of release of rusts was found to depend on the position of the initial defects i.e. the closer the initial defect is to the steel, the better would be the releasing effect of rusts. Finally, comparison between the external and internal corrosion parameters reflecting corrosion level was performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proper contrast usually makes an object distinguishable, while contrast degradation will affect our understanding of the object. Many experiments found that the human visual system is more sensitive to contrast than to luminance in distinguishing an object. However, few studies have been conducted to assess the quality of contrast change effectively. In our study, we first reveal some characteristics of contrast-distorted images by analyzing image data. Based on these characteristics, we then present two novel and fast full-reference image quality metrics: FC-SVD for a full-reference model and RC-SVD for a reduced-reference image quality assessment model, both using singular value decomposition (SVD). The proposed methods are evaluated through four public contrast-related databases (TID2013, TID2008, CCID2014, and CSIQ). The results show that they have excellent performance in prediction accuracy and much lower computation complexity than other state-of-the-art image quality assessment methods. • A comprehensive analysis of the characteristics of contrast-distorted images. • Effective features designed for the quality measurement of contrast-distorted images. • A contrast distortion evaluation model with good performance. • A promising candidate for real-time quality assessment of contrast distortion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many experimental studies to date have investigated CO 2 sequestration in coal using small-scale samples (usually less than 100 mm in length), and the results may not be applicable to large-scale samples which better represent in-situ conditions for the estimation of CO 2 flow behaviours in coal. This study was therefore initiated to determine the sub- and super-critical CO 2 flow characteristics in a large reconstituted bituminous coal sample (203 mm in diameter and 1 m in length) by performing three sets of N 2 and CO 2 injections with injection pressures from 6 MPa to 10 MPa under 11 MPa axial stress and at 37 °C. It was observed that, unlike N 2 permeability which increases with injection pressure, CO 2 permeability exhibits reductions with injection pressure due to greater swelling effects at elevated CO 2 pressures. The second N 2 injections into the coal sample previously flooded with CO 2 showed reductions in permeability compared to the first N 2 injection into the original coal sample, because the coal structure had been altered considerably by the CO 2 flows. The pressure build-up at downstream for CO 2 injection is always lower than that for the first N 2 injection due to reduced CO 2 flows as a result of decreased permeability, which also contributes to the lower pressure development at downstream for the second N 2 injections. The pressure profiles along the sample are similar for the first N 2 and CO 2 injections with relatively greater pressure decays for CO 2 , while considerable pressure reductions were observed for the second N 2 injections, especially in the regions near the injection point where greater CO 2 pressures previously existed, causing greater structural rearrangement in those regions. The second N 2 injection causes less volumetric strain of the sample than the first due to the altered coal structure induced by the prior CO 2 flows which impede gas flow in the sample. • CO 2 permeability reduces with increasing CO 2 injection pressure. • Super-critical CO 2 injection causes greater permeability reductions and reduced pressure development in the sample. • Similar pressure profiles along the sample are found for the first N 2 and CO 2 injections. • The second N 2 injections exhibit lower permeability values and greater pressure decays along the sample. • CO 2 injections produce greater volumetric strain of the sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coating of ZnO-cellulose composites on paper surface has potential technological applications. With this motivation, a simple approach of synthesizing ZnO nanoparticles in cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) by in-situ solution casting is reported in this work. The surface morphology of ZnO nanoparticles combined with cellulose fibers and the distribution of these ZnO-cellulose composites on the paper surface were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that ZnO nanoparticles are easily and uniformly dispersed in the CNC. The ZnO-cellulose composite nanofluids were prepared by dispersing the composites in isopropanol as a base fluid. To determine the protective potential of these coatings, the chemical and mechanical properties of coated papers after dry heat and UV accelerated aging were measured. Also, a good color stability of the paper coated by the nanocomposites was observed through colorimetric measurements. The paper coated with ZnO-cellulose composites was found to possess antibacterial and antifungal activity against five common fungi (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus Versicolor, Rhizopus nigricans, Saccharomycetes, Mucor) observed in the archive or museum and two bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) in common life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Optimal margin distribution machine (ODM) is failed to deal with imbalanced data. • The conventional conformal function of kernel scaling method is not suitable for ODM. • A novel conformal function is designed to improve kernel scaling method for ODM. • Kernel modified ODM (KMODM) can alleviate the skew of separator caused by imbalanced data. • KMODM can inherit the good generalization performance of ODM and obtain a balanced detection rate. Although the optimal margin distribution machine (ODM) has better generalization performance in pattern recognition than traditional classifiers, ODM as well as traditional classifiers often suffers from data imbalance. To address this, this paper proposes a kernel modified ODM (KMODM) to eliminate the side effect of imbalanced data. According to the mechanism of ODM, a novel conformal function is designed to scale the kernel matrix of ODM, this can increases the separability of the training data in the feature space. In addition, to eliminate the skew of the separator toward minority class, KMODM introduces two free parameters in conformal function to balance the influence of different training data on separating hyperplane. Experimental results on two-dimensional visualization data show that KMODM can alleviate the skew of the separating hyperplane caused by imbalanced data. For most of ten UCI data sets, KMODM can broad the margin of the minority class and achieve the highest average G-mean and F1 score. This means that KMODM has more balanced detection rate and better generalization performance compared to other baseline methods, especially in presence of heavily imbalanced training data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adsorption of CO 2 into the coal matrix causes significant alterations in coal's mechanical properties and this process may be further complicated by water+CO 2 saturation. The aim of this study is therefore to investigate the hydro-mechanical property alterations of coal with various fluid saturations under in-situ stress conditions. A series of tri-axial strength tests coupled with acoustic emission (AE) analysis was conducted on high-rank coal subjected to CO 2 , water and water+CO 2 saturations. Based on the experimental results, both the strength and Young's modulus (E) of coal reduced significantly after CO 2 saturation, especially for supercritical CO 2 -saturated coal samples, as 18.73% reduction in strength and 18.12% reduction in E were observed compared to the dry samples. A Langmuir-type curve well fits the changes in strength and E with CO 2 saturation pressure. Adsorption of water causes minor deteriorations in coal's mechanical properties, but this reduction intensifies considerably with the introduction of CO 2 , due to the enhanced dissolution of mineral matter and organic compounds in the CO 2 -acidified solvent environment. With the application of in-situ stress, alterations in the mechanical properties of coal due to fluid adsorption decrease significantly compared to the results of the corresponding uniaxial tests, because of the reduction in fluid saturation and the mechanical strengthening effect in a high stress environment. High-rank coal is expected to experience greater mechanical property deteriorations than low-rank coal due to its highly-developed cleat system. In addition, the AE signals captured in this study further explain the alterations in coal mechanical properties of coal due to fluid saturation. • Coal strength and Young's modulus reduce after CO 2 , water and water+CO 2 saturation. • Water+CO 2 saturation creates the greatest reduction in coal mechanical properties. • Application of confining pressure reduces the alteration of mechanical properties of coal due to fluid saturation. • High-rank coal experiences greater mechanical property deterioration than low-rank coal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An effective and integrated method for deacidification has become an urgent issue in the conversation of paper-based materials with natural aging of books, archives and paper relics. In this research, an efficiency of innovative method for paper deacidification using subcritical R134a combined with pre-synthetic Ca(OH) 2 nanoparticles was evaluated by pH, alkaline reserve, colorimetry and tensile strength. The physicochemical properties of the deacidifying agents and paper samples before and after deacidification were characterized by XRD, SEM and FTIR. Compared with traditional spraying method for Ca(OH) 2 nanoparticles, the subcritical R134a deacidification system (due to its good solvent diffusivity and compatibility) had an obvious advantage in evaluations for all the paper samples. The innovative deacidification was expected to realize the integration of cleaning and deacidification in one working procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The permeability reduction due to the coal matrix swelling induced by the adsorption of CO 2 is the major concern during enhanced coalbed methane recovery (ECBM) as well as CO 2 sequestration in coal reservoir. Many problems arise in the context of this process regarding the coal permeability variations, and very few studies have been made with consideration of long-term CO 2 saturations on gas flow behaviour alterations. The main objective of this study is therefore to examine the influence of both subcritical and supercritical CO 2 flooding durations on N 2 and CO 2 permeability variation of naturally fractured low volatile bituminous coal under various tri-axial conditions. Five CO 2 flooding durations, up to 65 h, both subcritical (6 MPa) and supercritical (14, 20 MPa), were introduced to the sample under three confinements, respectively. Results show that for 11 MPa and 17 MPa confining environment, most permeability reduction occurs during the first CO 2 flooding process, and supercritical CO 2 flooding causes significant higher N 2 permeability reduction (from 14.38% to 50.18%) than subcritical CO 2 (from 4.11% to 11.25%). The permeability reduction rate decreases with time but this reduction continues even after a total of 153 h flooding. Longer permeability reduction process is observed upon supercritical CO 2 adsorption due to the much higher viscosity of supercritical CO 2. Under deep underground condition (>1 km), CO 2 exhibits a N 2 -like flow behaviour because of the dominant poroelastic effect. The influence of CO 2 flooding on permeability alterations has been significantly compromised with much smaller permeability reduction after 20 MPa CO 2 flooding compared with 14 MPa CO 2 flooding (7.33% and 38.75% for 7 MPa CO 2 injection pressure, respectively), along with no apparent permeability reduction for the further CO 2 flooding scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose This study aims to investigate the sliding friction behaviour and mechanism of engineering surfaces.Design/methodology/approach A new numerical approach is proposed. This approach derives the macroscale friction coefficient from microscale asperity interactions. By applying this approach, the sliding friction behaviour under different operating conditions were investigated in terms of molecular and mechanical components.Findings Numerical results demonstrate an independent relationship between normal load and friction coefficient, which is governed by the saturated plastic ratio. Numerical results also demonstrate that under very small load, an increase in load increases the friction coefficient. In addition, numerical results confirm the existence of optimal surface roughness where the friction coefficient is the lowest. For the surface profiles used in the current calculation, an optimal surface roughness value is obtained as Rq = 0.125 μm.Originality/value This new approach characterizes the deterministic relationship between macroscale friction coefficient and microscale asperity molecular/mechanical interactions. Numerical results facilitate the understanding of sliding friction mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • An organic Rankine cycle with heat pump system is proposed for hydraulic systems. • The proposed system applied to a 260-ton hydraulic excavator is investigated. • The optimal working fluid for the proposed system is selected. • The earning of equilibrium temperature shows a maximum at certain oil temperatures. • The economic performance decreases with the increase in ambient temperature. Abstract The operating temperature of hydraulic oils should be controlled within a reasonable range to keep hydraulic systems in good working condition. However, due to the huge energy losses of hydraulic systems, the oil temperature will increase rapidly. In addition, some hydraulic equipment often operate in cold weather conditions. The conventional cooling with radiators and preheating with electric heaters will consume extra energy for hydraulic systems. Therefore, an organic Rankine cycle with heat pump system is proposed to achieve regenerative cooling and energy-efficient preheating. The system can operate in two modes: an organic Rankine cycle mode to produce electricity instead of consuming energy while cooling the hot oil, and a heat pump mode to preheat the oil with less energy before the hydraulic system starts up in a cold environment. The system is applied to a 260-ton hydraulic excavator to investigate the technical feasibility. On average, the calorific power of the excavator is 177 kW at 245 kW of consumed power in a typical cycle. Considering the cost of heat source, the earning of equilibrium temperature is proposed to evaluate the benefit of the organic Rankine cycle. The optimal working fluid is selected by comparing the system performance. Afterward, the peak points of earning of equilibrium temperature at different ambient temperatures are observed. Corresponding to the maximum earning of equilibrium temperature, the output power of the organic Rankine cycle ranges from 7.63 kW to 2.89 kW. These results show significant energy savings by applying the proposed system in the hydraulic system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Using shell-like structures in lithium-ion battery (LIB) can limit the structural degradation/damage induced by the volumetric change during electrochemical cycling. In this work, we synthesize hollow Sn microspheres (Sn-HMSs) via a galvanic replacement reaction, and study the electrochemical performance of the lithium-ion cells with Sn-HMSs as the working electrode. The lithium-ion cells have a charge capacity of 205.9 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g−1. In comparison with the charge capacities of 148 mA h g−1 of solid Sn nanospheres and 516.1 mA h g−1 of hollow Sn nanospheres, the results reported in this work reveal the importance of shell-like structures in the retention of the energy storage for LIBs and the size effect on the energy storage. The smaller the hollow Sn spheres, the better is the cycle performance. There are two modes of structural degradation/damage contributing to the capacity loss during electrochemical cycling; one is the disintegration of the Sn-HMSs, and the other is the fracturing of the electrode layer. Highlights • Sn in the Sn-HMSs exhibits tetragonal crystal structure with the size of 3–8 μm. • There are multi-step reactions involving the lithiation and delithiation. • There are two modes of structural degradation/damage contributing to capacity loss. • One structural degradation mode is the disintegration of the Sn-HMSs. • The other structural degradation is the fracturing of the electrode layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Neglecting irregular of corroded steel bar cross-section reduces the accuracy of the crack theory and simulation. • Quantitative evaluation of the roughness is critical for accurate prediction of concrete deterioration. • A new roughness algorithm based on computer vision and machine learning algorithm is more suitable for steel corrosion field. • Machine learning can build accurate and reliable models between roughness and cover crack. The roughness characteristics caused by pitting corrosion on the reinforcement surface have an important influence on cover cracking. This study proposes two new indicators, R MPC and C MPC , for quantitatively evaluating reinforcement roughness and concavity. Then a novel approach to predicting crack volume was introduced based on ML. Results show that, R MPC is more applicable than commonly used morphological indicators for reinforcement roughness evaluation. The dry-wet cycle corrosion produces more severe section roughness and concavity than the applied current corrosion, up to about 2.4 times. When the corrosion level exceeds 3%, average R MPC of the dry-wet cycle samples are consistently higher. When the corrosion level is less than 1%, the cross-section is typically concave. The introduction of roughness indicators significantly improves the accuracy of crack volume prediction, increasing R 2 value from 0.646 to 0.956. Machine learning prediction models using ensemble learning algorithms demonstrate superior accuracy and stability compared to non-ensemble models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article we reported the formulation of an ionic liquid (IL)-based microemulsion stabilized by the surfactant tween 20 (without cosurfactant). The enzymatic hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl butyrate catalyzed by Candida rugosa lipase was used as a model reaction. In this system, the enzymatic activity was measured as a function of lipase concentration, reaction temperature, pH, and W0 (molar ratio of water to surfactant). The experimental results demonstrated that IL-based microemulsion was used instead of the conventional oil reverse micelle to improve the greenness of the enzyme reactions. The combination of enzyme with IL-based microemulsion represented a promising “green” reaction system for bioconversions because of the unique features of both IL and microemulsions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Immunocompromised patients with periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) are rare and currently there are no reliable guidelines according to which these infections can be successfully managed. The purpose of this study was to report the clinical course of different strategies for treatment of PJI in frail patients.Methods: A retrospective analysis between 2004 and 2015 included 29 immunocompromised patients (13 hips and 16 knees) with chronic PJI who underwent one-stage revision or debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR). Patients were stratified according to the Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) staging system and the clinical course included recurrence of infection and functional outcomes which were extracted from patients' charts. The average follow-up was 68 months (range, 26-149 months).Results: Sixteen of the 29 patients had recurrent infections. At last follow-up, 13 patients were on chronic suppressive antibiotic therapy, three patients died but not one death was considered to be related to the infection. A recurrent infection was observed in 13 of the 24 medically compromised hosts (MSIS type B). Sixteen of the 24 patients underwent one-stage revision; another eight of them underwent DAIR. The infection recurred in three of the five patients (60%) with the worst host grades (MSIS type C). One-stage revision was performed in one of the five patients and the remaining four patients received DAIR.Conclusion: Our results show that we should compromise our expectation and intemperate treatment for such a population. The goals of PJI treatment in these patients should take into account their preferences and may pay more attention to the concept of disease control rather than cure, especially for patients with severe comorbidities (MSIS C).Level Of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the central nervous system (CNS), the apelin/APJ system is broadly expressed. According to some studies, activation of this system protects against excitotoxicity mediated by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and exerts neuroprotective effects. However, the role of this system in epilepsy remains unclear. In the present study, immunofluorescence staining and western blotting were used to assess APJ localization and expression in the brains of mice with recurrent spontaneous seizures induced by kainic acid (KA). Behavior and local field potentials (LFPs) were assessed in mice with KA-induced seizures. Susceptibility to seizures was assessed in a pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure model. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were used to evaluate the role of the apelin/APJ system in regulating synaptic transmission in brain slices from mice in which Mg2+-free medium was used to induce seizures. NMDA receptor GluN2B subunit expression and phosphorylation of GluN2B at Ser1480 were measured in the mouse hippocampus. APJ was primarily localized in neurons, and its expression was upregulated in the epileptic brain. APJ activation after KA-induced status epilepticus (SE) reduced epileptic activity, whereas APJ inhibition aggravated epileptic activity. In the PTZ model, APJ activation reduced and APJ inhibition increased susceptibility to seizures. The apelin/APJ system affected NMDA receptor-mediated postsynaptic currents in patch-clamp recordings. Moreover, APJ regulated the levels of GluN2B phosphorylated at Ser1480 and the abundance of cell-surface GluN2B in neurons. Furthermore, endocytosis of the NMDA receptor GluN2B subunit was regulated by the apelin/APJ system. Together, our findings indicate that the apelin/APJ system modulates seizure activity and may be a novel therapeutic target for epilepsy. • APJ was primarily localized in neurons, and its expression was upregulated in the epileptic brain. • The Apelin/APJ system modulated epileptic seizures in both the KA- and PTZ-induced models. • The Apelin/APJ system regulated the levels of GluN2B phosphorylated at Ser1480 and the endocytosis of GluN2B in neurons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced cardiomyocyte cell apoptosis is critical in developing myocardial infarction. Stachydrine (STA), an active constituent of Leonurus heterophyllus sweet, could have a protective effect on myocardial H/R injury, which remains unexplored. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of STA on H/R injury of cardiomyocytes. Methods: Rat cardiomyocyte H9c2 cells underwent H/R (hypoxia for 4 h and reoxygenation for 12 h). Cells were pretreated with STA (50 µM) 2 h before H/R. Cardiomyocyte injury was evaluated by CCK-8 assay and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL staining and caspase-3 activity. Oxidative stress was assessed by lipid oxidation product MDA and a ROS-scavenging enzyme SOD in culture media. Western blot was performed to measure the protein expressions of SIRT1, Nrf2, and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Results: STA reversed the decrease in cell viability and increased LDH release in H9c2 cells with the H/R insult. STA significantly suppressed oxidative stress, reduced MDA content, and increased SOD activity in H9c2 cells exposed to H/R. STA reduced apoptosis in H9c2 cells exposed to H/R, as evidenced by the reduced TUNEL positive cells and caspase-3 activity. In addition, STA enhanced SIRT1, Nrf2, and HO-1 protein expression in H/R-stimulated H9c2 cells. SIRT1 and Nrf2 involved the protective effect of STA in H/R-exposed H9c2 cells, as the changes in cell viability and caspase-3 activity by STA can be reversed by SIRT1 inhibitor EX-527 or Nrf2 siRNA. Conclusions: Our data speculated that STA protects H/R injury and inhibits oxidative stress and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes by activation of the SIRT1-Nrf2 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced cardiomyocyte cell apoptosis is critical in developing myocardial infarction. Stachydrine (STA), an active constituent of Leonurus heterophyllus sweet, could have a protective effect on myocardial H/R injury, which remains unexplored. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of STA on H/R injury of cardiomyocytes. Methods: Rat cardiomyocyte H9c2 cells underwent H/R (hypoxia for 4 h and reoxygenation for 12 h). Cells were pretreated with STA (50 µM) 2 h before H/R. Cardiomyocyte injury was evaluated by CCK-8 assay and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL staining and caspase-3 activity. Oxidative stress was assessed by lipid oxidation product MDA and a ROS-scavenging enzyme SOD in culture media. Western blot was performed to measure the protein expressions of SIRT1, Nrf2, and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Results: STA reversed the decrease in cell viability and increased LDH release in H9c2 cells with the H/R insult. STA significantly suppressed oxidative stress, reduced MDA content, and increased SOD activity in H9c2 cells exposed to H/R. STA reduced apoptosis in H9c2 cells exposed to H/R, as evidenced by the reduced TUNEL positive cells and caspase-3 activity. In addition, STA enhanced SIRT1, Nrf2, and HO-1 protein expression in H/R-stimulated H9c2 cells. SIRT1 and Nrf2 involved the protective effect of STA in H/R-exposed H9c2 cells, as the changes in cell viability and caspase-3 activity by STA can be reversed by SIRT1 inhibitor EX-527 or Nrf2 siRNA. Conclusions: Our data speculated that STA protects H/R injury and inhibits oxidative stress and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes by activation of the SIRT1-Nrf2 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is great difficulty in quickly calculating the impingement‐free range of motion (IFROM) of hip components with complex shapes after total hip arthroplasty. We have established a new algorithm to investigate the effect of different shapes of hip components on the IFROM and impingement‐free safe zone (IFSZ). Then find the best combination of hip prosthesis and the optimal mounting position of the elevated‐rim liner under different radiographic anteversion (RA) and radiographic inclination (RI) of the cup. We found the larger the opening angle of the beveled‐rim liner and the smaller the cross‐sectional area of the stem neck with an inverted teardrop cross‐sectional shape, the greater the IFROM of the hip component. The beveled‐rim liner in combination with the stem neck with an inverted teardrop‐shaped cross‐section could provide the greatest IFSZ (excluding the flat‐rim liner). The optimal orientation of the elevated‐rim liner was the posterior‐inferior side (RI ≤ 37°), posterior‐superior side (RI ≥ 45°), and posterior side (37° ≤ RI ≤ 45°). Our novel algorithm provides a solution to analyze the IFROM of any hip prosthesis with any complex shape. The shape and size of the cross‐section of the stem neck, the orientation of the elevated rim, and the shape and opening angle of the liner are all critical factors for the quantitative calculation of the IFROM and mounting safe zone of the prosthesis. Stem necks with inverted teardrop cross‐section and beveled‐rim liner improved the IFSZ. The optimal direction of the elevated rim is not constant but varies with RI and RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frictional behaviour of mixed Elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) arises from the coupling of the lubricant fluid and asperity interaction frictions. Due to the difficulties in modelling asperity interaction friction, existing approaches often use a constant friction coefficient obtained in boundary lubrication to approach the asperity interaction friction coefficient in mixed EHL. In this study, the asperity interaction friction is, for the first time, considered to result from either the boundary film friction or solid-to-solid ploughing and adhesion friction depending on the local contact and deformation conditions. The friction of mixed EHL was predicted by the combination result of lubricants fluid, boundary film, and solid-to-solid frictions. This development provides an alternative and cost effective method to estimate friction coefficient in mixed EHL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyethylene oxide (PEO)-coated hollow SnNi nanospheres (SnNi@PEO) and hollow SnNi nanospheres were obtained by a galvanic replacement method using Ni nanospheres as the sacrificial template association with surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS). Compared with hollow SnNi nanospheres and solid Sn nanospheres, the obtained SnNi@PEO were applied for the first time in lithium ion batteries (LIBs) and showed better electrochemical properties (reversible capacity of 560 mAh g −1 after 100 cycles with a coulomb efficiency above 98%). The excellent electrochemical performance of SnNi@PEO can be ascribed to hollow structure and PEO coating to alleviate volume expansion. To further comprehending of the mechanical stability, a diffusion-stress coupled model was solved numerically to simulate the diffusion-induced stress evolution of the single sphere during the lithiation process in LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an analytical model for calculation of corrosion induced stress field and cracking time of concrete cover with initial defects in a reinforced concrete. In the proposed model, two types of initial defects in concrete cover (surface and middle defect) were considered. Experiments were also performed to validate the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed model. Based on the model analysis, it was found out that initial defects have significant influence on the stress distribution, the corrosion induced expansion pressure in concrete cover, the critical mass of corrosion products, and the cracking time of concrete cover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new numerical model for the friction prediction of the mixed elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) is presented. The overall friction coefficient was calculated by integrating the uniform shear stress contributed by the fluid film and asperity interactions. Numerical results demonstrate that: (1) a large load often induces a large friction coefficient, (2) an increase in the surface roughness increases the friction coefficient both in mixed EHL and full film EHL, and (3) the rolling velocity decreases the friction coefficient in mixed EHL due to the increases in hydrodynamic effect and lubricant film thickness. In addition, a stribeck curve is presented to reveal the transition of friction and lubrication conditions from boundary lubrication to mixed EHL and full film EHL. The current approach has proven to be able to predict the friction coefficient over a wide range of loading conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental studies on CO 2 flow behaviour in coal are generally performed on meso-scale specimens (less than 100 mm in length), the results are not applicable at a larger scale. In this study, CO 2 flow behaviours were experimentally tested on macro-scale reconstituted high rank coal samples (203 mm in diameter and 1 m in length). The permeability values, pressure development profiles, volumetric strains of the sample and the CO 2 storage characteristics were recorded and compared to interpret the results. It was observed that CO 2 permeability reduces with injection pressure, especially for supercritical CO 2 injections but lower reduction rates were observed at higher CO 2 injection pressures. With the increase of depth, CO 2 permeability reduces and this reduction is greater for higher injection pressures. Maintaining a relatively high CO 2 injection pressure creates greater pressure development in coal, and the effective zone of influence (areas where the CO 2 pressure may remain at least 90% of the injection pressure) decreases with depth but increases with injection pressure to some extent. CO 2 storage capacity reduces with depth, and the CO 2 injection rate is greater for lower injection pressures during early stages of CO 2 injection. However, the ultimate CO 2 storage capacity increases with CO 2 injection pressure for each injection. [Display omitted] • Coal permeability decreases with CO 2 injection pressure and depth. • Higher CO 2 injection pressure produces greater pressure propagation in the sample. • CO 2 injection rate is greater for lower injection pressures at initial stage. • CO 2 storage capacity reduces with depth. • The ultimate CO 2 storage capacity increases with injection pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimizing the mutual coherence of a learned dictionary plays an important role in sparse representation and compressed sensing. In this paper, a efficient framework is developed to learn an incoherent dictionary for sparse representation. In particular, the coherence of a previous dictionary (or Gram matrix) is reduced sequentially by finding a new dictionary (or Gram matrix), which is closest to the reference unit norm tight frame of the previous dictionary (or Gram matrix). The optimization problem can be solved by restricting the tightness and coherence alternately at each iteration of the algorithm. The significant and different aspect of our proposed framework is that the learned dictionary can approximate an equiangular tight frame. Furthermore, manifold optimization is used to avoid the degeneracy of sparse representation while only reducing the coherence of the learned dictionary. This can be performed after the dictionary update process rather than during the dictionary update process. Experiments on synthetic and real audio data show that our proposed methods give notable improvements in lower coherence, have faster running times, and are extremely robust compared to several existing methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate a Cs excited state Faraday anomalous dispersion optical filter (ESFADOF) operating at 728 nm using a novel pump method, by which the pump beam and the probe beam in the ESFADOF realized here have no a common energy level. Using this method, the ESFADOF achieves a transmission of 2.39% with a bandwidth of 22.52 MHz, which can be applied to both laser frequency stabilization and future four-level active optical clocks. Under the 455 nm laser pump, in addition to 5 2 D 5 / 2 , other states such as 7 2 S 1 / 2 , 7 2 P 3 / 2 , 6 2 P 3 / 2 , 6 2 P 1 / 2 and 5 2 D 3 / 2 have also been populated effectively. Meanwhile, multiple wavelength filters exploiting atomic transitions to these states can be realized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The piston ring-cylinder liner pair is one of the most important tribological systems of an internal combustion engine. The friction loss of the piston ring-cylinder liner pair accounts for the largest portion of total efficiency losses. Therefore, improving the tribological system design of the piston ring-cylinder liner pair can reduce friction losses and bring tremendous economic benefits to society. This paper aims use surface texturing, which is proving to be an effective method, for improving the tribological performance of sliding surfaces. Design/methodology/approach – In this paper, an experimental study using a pin-on-disk tribometer was carried out to evaluate the effects of surface texturing on friction reduction of piston rings under various loads and sliding velocities. Rectangular- and circular-shaped textures with different depths and area densities were produced by a Femtosecond laser. Comparison experiments were conducted with un-textured rings. Findings – The results indicate that the friction performance of the ring surface was significantly improved by surface texturing, and the running-in stage was also shortened. More specifically, it was found that the rectangular-shaped texture had a better effect on friction reduction than the circular-shaped texture. Results also indicate that an optimum texture density existed for the rectangular-shaped texture. Additionally, it was observed that the average friction coefficient reduction of the textured ring decreased with increasing load and increased with increasing sliding velocity. Originality/value – Consequently, these findings provide a more in-depth understanding of the relationship between micro-textures and tribological properties of piston rings in lubricating sliding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced cardiomyocyte cell apoptosis is critical in developing myocardial infarction. Stachydrine (STA), an active constituent of Leonurus heterophyllus sweet, could have a protective effect on myocardial H/R injury, which remains unexplored. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of STA on H/R injury of cardiomyocytes. Methods: Rat cardiomyocyte H9c2 cells underwent H/R (hypoxia for 4 h and reoxygenation for 12 h). Cells were pretreated with STA (50 µM) 2 h before H/R. Cardiomyocyte injury was evaluated by CCK-8 assay and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL staining and caspase-3 activity. Oxidative stress was assessed by lipid oxidation product MDA and a ROS-scavenging enzyme SOD in culture media. Western blot was performed to measure the protein expressions of SIRT1, Nrf2, and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Results: STA reversed the decrease in cell viability and increased LDH release in H9c2 cells with the H/R insult. STA significantly suppressed oxidative stress, reduced MDA content, and increased SOD activity in H9c2 cells exposed to H/R. STA reduced apoptosis in H9c2 cells exposed to H/R, as evidenced by the reduced TUNEL positive cells and caspase-3 activity. In addition, STA enhanced SIRT1, Nrf2, and HO-1 protein expression in H/R-stimulated H9c2 cells. SIRT1 and Nrf2 involved the protective effect of STA in H/R-exposed H9c2 cells, as the changes in cell viability and caspase-3 activity by STA can be reversed by SIRT1 inhibitor EX-527 or Nrf2 siRNA. Conclusions: Our data speculated that STA protects H/R injury and inhibits oxidative stress and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes by activation of the SIRT1-Nrf2 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]