Search

[Display omitted] • Developed a novel in vivo-in vitro model for walnut oral processing. • Quantified changes in physical texture and flavor during oral processing. • Identified 61 volatile compounds affecting walnut flavor perception. • Demonstrated a decrease in walnut hardness and chewiness with processing. • Highlighted key taste compounds: glutamic acid, alanine, arginine, sucrose. Consumer preferences for walnut products are largely determined by the flavors released during mastication. In this study, a peeled walnut kernel (PWK) model was established with oral parameters decoupled using a Hutchings 3D model. The model explored in vitro variations using head-space solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and intelligent sensory techniques. The fracture strength, hardness, particle size, adhesiveness, springiness, gumminess, and chewiness were significantly reduced during mastication. We identified 61 volatile compounds and found that 2,5-dimethyl-3-ethylpyrazine is a key component, releasing predominantly baking and milky notes. Glutamic acid, alanine, arginine, and sucrose were identified as the key compounds in taste perception. The method can help establish a mastication model for nuts and facilitate breakthroughs in the development of walnut products and processing methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Essential hypertension is a common disease that could result in various health problems and remains a major threat to public health. This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to examine the therapeutic effects of Tai chi on adults with essential hypertension in China. Method Four English databases and three Chinese databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from the earliest data available to October 31 st 2016. Methodological quality was evaluated and a meta-analysis was also performed. Results Twenty trials met the eligibility criteria showed that Tai chi exerted favorable effects on the systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) [SMD = −0.84, 95% CI (−1.18, −0.50)], body mass index [SMD = −0.39, 95% CI (−0.73, −0.06)], waist circumference [SMD = −0.53, 95% CI (−0.74, −0.32)], nitric oxide (NO) content and quality of life of participants compared with no-treatment. Compared with antihypertensive drugs, Tai chi showed favorable effects on SBP, DBP, NO and quality of life of hypertensive patients. Compared with wellness education and walking, Tai chi also showed a reduction on blood pressure. Conclusion Although some of the RCTs suggested that Tai chi can be useful in the management of hypertension, further rigorous studies would be required to look into the potential of Tai chi as preventative measure and method of management of hypertension in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The zeolite Y is considered as a leading catalyst for FCC industry. The acidity and porosity modification play important roles in determining the final catalytic properties of zeolite Y. The alkaline treatment of zeolite Y by dealumination and alkaline treatment with NaOH and NaOH&TBPH was investigated. The zeolites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, low-temperature adsorption of nitrogen, transmission electron microscope, NMR, NH 3 -TPD and IR study of acidity. Accordingly, the hierarchical porosity and acidity property were discussed systematically. Finally, the catalytic performance of the zeolites Y was evaluated in the cracking of 1,3,5-TIPB. It was found that desilication with NaOH&TBPH ensured the more uniform intracrystalline mesoporosity with higher microporosity, while preserving higher B/L ratio and moderate Brønsted acidities resulting in catalysts with the most appropriated acidity and then with better catalytic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-temperature buoyant jets are common pollutants in hot-rolling plants. Owing to the constraints of the process equipment, local exhaust hoods cannot be set near the buoyant jet source, resulting in low ventilation efficiency and high energy consumption. To efficiently control the high-temperature buoyant jet, spray-local exhaust ventilation (SLEV) is used in this study. The aspects discussed the flow-field characteristics, ventilation performance and recommended optimization parameter order for initial spray droplet diameter, spray angle, and exhaust velocity. The results showed that when the initial droplet diameter was 50 μm ≤ D < 100 μm, the spray gained significant entrainment and cooling effect on the buoyant jet, and when it increased to 150 μm, the spray gained almost no effect. Besides, when the spray angle was 20°< α ≤ 80°, the control ability of the spray on buoyant jet was enhanced; when α ≤ 20°, it was difficult to control buoyant jet owing to the small coverage of the droplets. In addition, the spray helps the escaped buoyant jet to be captured by the exhaust hood. The capture efficiency of the SLEV was higher than that of the local exhaust ventilation (LEV) at the same exhaust velocity. Finally, the exhaust hood and spray parameters must be matched for efficient buoyant jet control since they are interactive. The interaction between the exhaust velocity and initial spray droplet diameter can exert a greater impact on the capture efficiency than the interaction between the exhaust velocity and spray angle. The research results provide guidance for the application of SLEV and reduce ventilation energy consumption. • Flow field characteristics of spray-local exhaust ventilation (SLEV) were given. • Initial spray droplet diameter and angle to effectively control buoyant jet were obtained. • Compared with LEV, SLEV may have higher efficiency at lower exhaust velocity. • The recommended parameter order of SLEV to efficiently control buoyant jet was given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Infantile anorexia is clinically characterized by poor or loss of appetite and arises in the first 3 years of life and appears to be increasing. In TCM, chiropractic therapy is used for this condition. A systematic review of the efficacy and safety of chiropractic therapy for the treatment of anorexia in infants was performed in order to provide a scientific basis for its clinical application. Methods Two review authors independently searched the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang databases, Chinese VIP Information, PubMed database and Manual, Alternative and Natural Therapy Index System (MANTIS) from inception to May 2015. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of infants or children (≤14 years of age) with anorexia were included. The methodological quality of trials was assessed in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Review of Interventions, Version 5.0.1. We used Revman 5.1 software provided by the Cochrane Collaboration for data analyses. In addition, a funnel plot was used to evaluate publication bias. Results A total of five RCTs and 371 participants were included in the systematic review. The homogeneity of the five trials was very good. Combined effects showed OR = 6.90, 95%CI(3.02, 15.77), and the test of combined effect showed Z = 4.58, P < 0.00001. The differences were statistically significant. These results showed that chiropractic therapy was superior to the control group, and it was effective for the treatment of infantile anorexia. The funnel plot was symmetric, and the study bias was relatively small. Conclusions Chiropractic therapy in infantile anorexia was superior to traditional Chinese medicine or Western medicine treatment. However, the quality of trials included was low. Therefore, more rigorous studies with high-quality trials and large samples were needed to prove the benefit of chiropractic therapy and provide high levels of evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent breakthroughs in stem cell biology, especially the development of induced pluripotent stem cell technique, have generated tremendous enthusiasm and efforts to explore the therapeutic potential of stem cells in regenerative medicine. Improved understanding of stem cell biology, in addition to better control of stem cell fate, is critical to realize this potential. Small molecules, targeting specific signaling pathways and/or mechanisms, have been shown to be useful chemical tools in manipulating cell fate, state and function. These small molecules are starting to play increasingly important roles in both elucidating the fundamental biology of stem cells and facilitating the development of therapeutic approaches toward regenerative medicine. Such approaches could involve cell replacement therapies using homogenous functional cells produced under chemically defined conditions in vitro and the development of small-molecule drugs that can stimulate patients’ endogenous cells to repair and regenerate. Here, we review recent progress in using small molecules to sustain pluripotency, or induce differentiation of embryonic stem cells. We also highlight small molecules that can replace transcription factors and/or enhance efficiency during somatic cell reprogramming. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Ni/hierarchical ZSM-5 catalyst was developed to upgrade phenolic bio-oil. • Mesopores and strong acidities resulted in high catalytic HDO activity. • Metal-support interaction also promoted the occurrence of HDO. • The selectivity to deoxygenated products retains above 97.0% after seven cycles. Hierarchical ZSM-5 with mesopores were derived from seed directing crystalline process. The efficient encapsulation of nickel metal was achieved by a simple incipient wetness impregnation method, and a stable Ni/hierarchical ZSM-5 hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) catalyst was fabricated. The synthesized catalysts were characterized by XRD, N 2 -adsorption, FTIR, H 2 -TPR, NH 3 -TPD and TEM and were further tested for the hydrodeoxygenation of bio-derived guaiacol. Nickel particle size of about 6 nm and strong metal-support interaction were found for Ni/H-Z5 catalysts. It was discovered that the hydrodeoxygenation activity of the catalyst can be greatly improved by mesopores and strong acid sites. The reaction pathways were carefully studied to elucidate the effect of mesopores and acid sites. The Ni/ZSM-5 catalyst can be recycled seven times without loss of its initial selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatocytes are the primary functional cells of the liver, performing its metabolic, detoxification, and endocrine functions. Functional hepatocytes are extremely valuable in drug discovery and evaluation, as well as in cell therapy for liver diseases. However, it has been a long-standing challenge to maintain the functions of hepatocytes in vitro. Even freshly isolated hepatocytes lose essential functions after short-term culture for reasons that are still not well understood. In the present study, we find that mechanical tension-induced yes-associated protein activation triggers hepatocyte dedifferentiation. Alleviation of mechanical tension by confining cell spreading is sufficient to inhibit hepatocyte dedifferentiation. Based on this finding, we identify a small molecular cocktail through reiterative chemical screening that can maintain hepatocyte functions over the long term and in vivo repopulation capacity by targeting actin polymerization and actomyosin contraction. Our work reveals the mechanisms underlying hepatocyte dedifferentiation and establishes feasible approaches to maintain hepatocyte functions. • Mechanical tension-induced Yap activation triggers hepatocyte dedifferentiation • Confinement of cell spreading is sufficient to inhibit hepatocyte dedifferentiation • A chemical cocktail, LBDXL, maintains hepatocyte functions by targeting stress fibers • LBDXL hepatocytes resemble primary hepatocytes in gene expression and functions It has been a long-standing challenge to maintain the functions of hepatocytes in vitro. Sun et al. find that mechanical tension-induced Yap activation triggers hepatocyte dedifferentiation. Alleviation of mechanical tension by confining cell spreading or treatment with a small molecule cocktail targeting actin/actomyosin dynamics could maintain hepatocyte functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most effective methods for producing radioisotopes aimed at Nuclear Medicine applications , such as 99mTc and 99Mo , is to use a compact proton accelerator located near hospitals. Target utilization efficiency is a critical factor in the production of these isotopes , through the 100Mo(p, 2n)99mTc and 100Mo(p, pn)99Mo nuclear reaction routes. To maximize the utilization efficiency, a multi-layer target structure was developed aimed at achieving a high radionuclidic purity (RNP) level. The yield and RNP of different target structures were calculated and compared by using FLUKA code, and benchmark experiments were conducted using a proton beam at the China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) Associated Proton Experimental Platform (APEP). Results showed that the multi-layer target structure has the potential to significantly reduce production costs compared to a single-layer target. The multi-layer target structure is being adopted for the production of both 99mTc and 99Mo at APEP, with an expected 99mTc yield of up to 60 MBq enough for preclinical studies after 100Mo target being irradiated for about 2 h at a beam intensity of 62.5 μA. • FLUKA calculated Mo-99/Tc-99m yields, purity under different conditions. • Study provides general rule for Mo-99/Tc-99m production using 100Mo(p,2n)99mTc and 100Mo(p,pn)99Mo reaction pathways. • Proposed multi-layer target scheme for increased yield, cost reduction. • Verified multi-layer target structure can increase yield, reduce costs under APEP beam conditions. • Scheme superiority preliminarily verified through experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims: Hepatocyte-like cells can be derived from pluripotent stem cells such as embryonic stem (ES) cells, but ES cell-derived hepatic cells with extensive capacity to repopulate liver have not been identified. We aimed to identify and purify ES cell-derived hepatoblast-like progenitor cells and to explore their capacity for liver repopulation in mice after in vitro expansion. Methods: Unmanipulated mouse ES cells were cultured under defined conditions and allowed to undergo stepwise hepatic differentiation. The derived hepatic cells were examined by morphologic, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, gene expression, and clonal expansion analyses. The capacities of ES cell-derived hepatic progenitor cells to repopulate liver were investigated in mice that were deficient in fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (Fah) (a model of liver injury). Results: Mouse ES cells were induced to differentiate into a population that contained hepatic progenitor cells; this population included cells that expressed epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) but did not express c-Kit. Clonal hepatic progenitors that arose from single c-Kit−EpCAM+ cells could undergo long-term expansion and maintain hepatoblast-like characteristics. Enriched c-Kit−EpCAM+ cells and clonally expanded hepatic progenitor cells repopulated the livers of Fah-deficient mice without inducing tumorigenesis. Conclusions: ES cell-derived c-Kit−EpCAM+ cells contain a population of hepatoblast-like progenitor cells that can repopulate livers of mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To solve the easy deactivation of zeolite catalyst in methanol to propylene (MTP) reaction, hierarchical ZSM-11 zeolite composed of loosely aggregating ultra-small nanocrystals (∼10 nm) were prepared using vinyltrimethoxysilane-methyl methacrylate (VTMS-MMA) copolymer latex as a "bond blocker". The structure and texture properties of the as-synthesized zeolite were systematically characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N 2 adsorption desorption, NH 3 -TPD, and thermogravimetric analysis (TG). The results showed that as compared with the parent ZSM-11-0 without adding the latex, the hierarchically porous ZSM-11- x (1 ≤ x ≤ 3) zeolite synthesized with VTMS-MMA copolymer latex had a higher surface area, mesopore volume, and moderate acidity. Due to the nanocrystallization of the primary grain in the polycrystalline aggregates, the micropores channels in the as-synthesized ZSM-11- x (1 ≤ x ≤ 3) were effectively shortened and abundant intercrystalline mesopores resulted from loosely aggregating of the ultrasmall primary crystals were therefore introduced, which offered the optimized ZSM-11-1 catalysts with a longer catalyst life (46 h) and a higher propylene yield (∼40.5 %) in MTP. Active R–Si(OH) 3 species yielded from the hydrolyzation of the vinyl trimethoxysilane copolymer segment of CPMMA-VTMS suffers from polycondensation reaction with the hydroxyl groups of silicon (aluminum) and then form R–Si(OT) 3 (T = Al or Si) on the surface of the primary microcrystals, locally inhibiting the continuous growth of primary microcrystals. [Display omitted] • Polycrystal ZSM-11 aggregates composed of loosely aggregating ultrasmall nanocrystal. • Active R–Si(OH) 3 species acting as a "bond blocker" inhibit the growth of microcrystals. • Increased C 3 = selectivity and catalytic life while suppressed HTI of C 3 and coke deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the evolution characteristics of the pore-fracture structures and seepage properties of coal in the process of spontaneous combustion, a high-temperature tube furnace was used to heat the coal samples. The coal samples were scanned using Xray-CT scanning technology, and the CT 3D reconstruction technology was used to extract the 3D pore structure and equivalent pore network model of each group of coal samples. Firstly, the specific surface area and volume of pore cleavage is statistically characterized; the change rules of E p , E t , L c , and C n are quantitatively analyzed. At 200 °C, the coal body produces a large number of pore fractures, the development of coal samples is more significant, and the pore-specific surface area and the number of pore throats reached their maximum value. In addition, the changes of fractal dimension, porosity, connectivity, and permeability of coal with temperature were discussed, and the best permeability of the coal was achieved at 200 °C. The connectivity and permeability were weakened with the further increase of temperature, and the structural changes had a close influence on the gas seepage pressure and seepage flow rate. The results of the study provide important engineering guidance for deepening fire prevention in coalfields. • The specific surface area and number of pore throats of coal samples heated at 200 °C reach the maximum. • Coal samples heated at 200 °C under air atmosphere have high fractal dimension and porosity. • Coal samples heated at 200 °C under an air atmosphere have the strongest connectivity and permeability. • The change of pore fracture structure has a close influence on the gas seepage pressure and seepage flow rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A study on the influence of chemical dosing on biological phosphorus and nitrogen removal was carried out through batch experimental tests by lab-scale and a full-scale wastewater treatment plant (employing a typical anaerobic–anoxic–oxic treatment). Results indicated that the inhibition of aluminum salt on biological phosphorus release and uptake processes is significant, as well as the inhibition of aluminum salt on Ammonia-Oxidizing Bacteria (AOB) is dominantly observed in the nitrification process and is recoverability. The inhibition of iron salt in biological phosphorus and nitrogen removal is weak, and only the inhibition of iron salt on phosphorus release at anaerobic periods emerge under large dosing. Evidence shows persistent inhibition from the accumulation of chemical doses in sludge mass. Intermittent chemical dosing proves recommendable for simultaneous chemical phosphorus removal. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The problem of non-fragile observer-based passive control for uncertain time delay systems subjected to input nonlinearity is investigated by using sliding mode control. A novel control law is established such that the sliding surface in the state-estimation space can be reached in a finite time and chattering reduction is obtained. A sufficient condition for passivity and asymptotic stability of the combined system is derived via linear matrix inequality (LMI). Finally, a simulation example is presented to show the validity and advantages of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper is concerned with the problem of the global asymptotic stability of a class of interval neural networks with discrete and distributed delays of neutral type. Based on the Lyapunov stability theory, a novel robust delay-dependent criterion is derived in terms of linear matrix inequality (LMI). Finally, an example illustrates the validity of the proposed method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Having a tiny scale and few identifiable features, small objects are particularly difficult to detect, especially when the image resolution is not high. Further, large-scale variation across object instances places a burden on small object detection. In view of the insufficient detection ability of YOLOF (You Only Look One-level Feature) detector for small objects at low resolution, we propose an effective method, named YOLOFs, to boost small object detection precision in the case of object instances scale variation. The proposed three key modules (feature fusion module, visual perception module and feature encoding module) expand the receptive field of the network and greatly improve small object detection precision. Extensive experiments on the COCO, VOC, and Fire datasets prove the effectiveness of our method while keeping the detector simple and accurate. Without bells and whistles, our method outperforms YOLOF 5.1 AP (average precision), 6.2 AP, and 4.9 AP on small object detection at 704 × 704 , 608 × 608, and 512 × 512 resolutions, respectively, and it also achieves better performance on the VOC and Fire datasets. Our code will be made publicly available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]