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This study assessed the role of second-look automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) adjunct to mammography (MAM) versus MAM alone in asymptomatic women and compared it with supplementing handheld ultrasound (HHUS). Women aged 45 to 64 underwent HHUS, ABUS, and MAM among six hospitals in China from 2018 to 2022. We compared the screening performance of three strategies (MAM alone, MAM plus HHUS, and MAM plus ABUS) stratified by age groups and breast density. McNemar's test was used to assess differences in the cancer detection rate (CDR), the false-positive biopsy rate, sensitivity, and specificity of different strategies. Of 19,171 women analyzed (mean [SD] age, 51.54 [4.61] years), 72 cases of breast cancer (3.76 per 1000) were detected. The detection rates for both HHUS and ABUS combined with MAM were statistically higher than those for MAM alone (all p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in cancer yields between the two integration strategies. The increase in CRD of the integrated strategies was higher in women aged 45-54 years with denser breasts compared with MAM alone (all p < 0.0167). In addition, the false-positive biopsy rate of MAM plus ABUS was lower than that of MAM plus HHUS (p = 0.025). Moreover, the retraction in ABUS was more frequent in cases detected among MAM-negative results. Integrated ABUS or HHUS into MAM provided similar CDRs that were significantly higher than those for MAM alone in younger women (45-54 years) with denser breasts. ABUS has the potential to avoid unnecessary biopsies and provides specific image features to distinguish malignant tumors from HHUS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The economy, independence, stability and flexibility are integrated evaluated. • All energy technologies improve integrated building performances. • Grid-friendly performance is not inconsistent with the economic efficiency. • The variational preference of the building owner is considered in the evaluation. • Both capacity and quality are taken into account in the flexibility evaluation. Modern buildings are faced with many new external challenges, such as the development of the electricity market, which require buildings to have additional capabilities, such as grid friendliness and the ability to operate independently. The development of these capabilities requires an assessment method for guidance; however, most of existing evaluation methods for building energy systems are one-dimensional and thus cannot meet the needs of buildings. This study presents a comprehensive evaluation framework for building energy systems that accounts for economic efficiency, independence, and building–grid interaction performance. Initially, dimensionless indicators are developed based on the consideration of basic and grid-friendly performances. Subsequently, a multi-level indicator system is established. Additionally, an evaluation approach based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process is introduced for the evaluation of grid-friendly building energy systems. The proposed method is then applied to evaluate various building energy system scenarios under various boundary conditions with variable weight strategies. The impact of different energy technologies on stability, independence, flexibility, and economic efficiency is discussed. The findings ultimately indicate that grid-friendliness, as an inherent attribute, is not incompatible with the basic performance of building energy systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of grid-friendly buildings helps to enhance the supply–demand interaction, thereby improving the energy system efficiency. The relevant evaluation indicators are mainly based on the building operation results and the aspect of effect evaluation. Even the flexible prediction of buildings is executed using operation results prediction. Although effect evaluations are accurate, the data requirements are high, and a certain threshold for promotion occurs. This inability to evaluate grid-friendly buildings rapidly prompted the development of a method to estimate the influence of buildings on the grid based on planned capacity by referring to Hooke's law. First, the relationship between building flexibility, power grid, and end-user fluctuation is quantified by analogy to Hooke's Law. The electricity equivalent and intermittent consideration are then used to establish a calculation method for the degree of influence. The rationality of the method is then verified by simulating the running results of different planning schemes using a testing platform built in Python. The traditional method is then conducted. The consistency between the traditional method and the proposed method is analyzed, as well as the grid-friendly potential and response effect of different energy technologies. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hollow carbon@SnO 2 @graphene composite was fabricated by hard template method combined with layer by layer self assembly modification method based on internal-external double protection strategy. The ∼45 nm thick active SnO 2 existed uniformly between the ∼20 nm thick carbon layer and graphene layer to form a three-dimensional porous composite structure. The prepared composite electrode exhibited stable and high capacity of 1015 mAh g −1 over 600 cycles at 500 mA g −1 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single porous In 2 O 3 nanosheets and In 2 O 3 /C nanosheet composite with double phases of c-In 2 O 3 and rh-In 2 O 3 were fabricated by a facile one-step solvothermal treatment of a mixture of d -fructose and In(NO 3 ) 3 using urea as a precipitating agent in water–ethanol mixed solution followed by calcination. The effect of solution on the fabrication of In 2 O 3 nanosheets was investigated and a possible mechanism was proposed to explain the formation of nanosheets. In 2 O 3 /C nanosheet composite electrode exhibited a high lithium storage capacity of 869 mAh g −1 after 100 cycles at 100 mA g −1 , excellent rate and long-term cycling performance. The superior electrochemical performance could be ascribed to the incorporation of carbon and the unique nanosheet architecture of the nanocomposite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the rice fields in Sanjiang Plain of Northeast China have drawn more and more attention because of the unique high-latitude location and the important contributions to rice production and methane emission. In the present study, a rice field soil in Sanjiang Plain was anaerobically incubated in presence and absence of rice straw at three temperatures (10 °C, 30 °C and 45 °C). The community structure and activity dynamics of methanogenic archaea were investigated by the terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses in combination with cloning and sequencing of mcrA genes and transcripts and archaeal 16S rRNA genes. We found rice straw addition significantly shortened the lag phase of methanogenesis and enhanced the production of CH4 and the accumulation of methanogenic precursors (CO2, H2 and acetate). The T-RFLP analysis of mcrA gene revealed that structure of methanogenic archaeal community was relatively stable during the anoxic incubation. By contrast, analysis at the transcript level showed a highly dynamic composition of the active methanogens. In the beginning and early stages of incubation, Methanosarcinaceae actively utilized the accumulated acetate and H2/CO2 for CH4 production. Then the different methanogenic community developed along with the incubation time, and each representative methanogen group became predominant in different temperatures and treatments. At 10 °C, Methanobacteriales became more abundant in the soil without straw, while Methanosarcinaceae dominated in the soil with straw. The acetoclastic Methanosaetaceae, in particular, appeared to be active at 30 °C, probably due to the low concentration of acetate. High temperature of 45 °C significantly favored the hydrogenotrophic methanogens, with the increasing abundance of Methanobacteriales early and then the Methanocellales in the later stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel Si/porous-C composite with buffering voids was prepared by the co-assembly of phenol-formaldehyde resin, SiO2 and Si nanoparticles, followed by a carbonizing process and subsequent removal of SiO2 template. Si nanoparticle was coated with a layer of porous carbon shell with rationally designed void in between which provides the accommodating space for the volume change of Si over cycling. The as-prepared composite electrode exhibited good electrochemical performances as an anode material in lithium-ion cells, showing a stable reversible capacity of 980 mAh g−1 over 80 cycles with small capacity fade of 0.17%/cycle and high rate capability (721mAhg−1 at 2000mAg−1). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Carboxymethyl chitosan (C-chitosan) is investigated as a new water soluble binder for Si anode of Li-ion batteries. The Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements reveal that the strong hydrogen bonding is formed between the hydroxylated Si surface and the polar groups (–OH, –COOH and –NH2) of C-chitosan. The Si/C-chitosan anode (Si:carbon black:C-chitosan = 62:30:8 in weight ratio) exhibits a high first discharge capacity (4270 mAh g−1) with a first coulombic efficiency of 89%, and maintains a capacity of 950 mAh g−1 at the current density of 500 mA g−1 over 50 cycles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Increased knowledge of molecular alterations involved in gastric carcinogenesis has provided useful information for diagnosis and prediction. In this study, we investigated the clinicopathological significance of TFF3 expression and Her-2/neu status in gastric adenocarcinoma and explored the correlation between TFF3 expression and Her-2/neu status. A hundred and twenty-six (126) patients having undergone curative gastrectomy were enrolled. Immunohistochemistry for TFF3 was performed on tumor tissues and non-neoplastic resection margins. Her-2/neu status was assessed by immunohistochemical staining and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on tumor tissues. As a result, TFF3 expression and Her-2/neu positivity were detected in 46.8% and 11.9% of the cases, respectively. Patients with negative TFF3 exhibited longer survival than the positive group (P =0.0142), while patients with positive Her-2/neu only showed a tendency toward longer overall survival (P >0.05). However, Her-2/neu was significantly associated with improved disease-free survival (P =0.0234). Multivariate analysis demonstrated Her-2/neu and TFF3 to be independent prognostic indicators of recurrence, and a significantly poor prognosis for expression of TFF3 in patients with Her-2/neu negative tumors. TFF3 is an independent indicator for overall survival in gastric cancer, while Her-2/neu, as a marker of long time survival prediction, seems to be limited. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nano-Si/(multi-wall carbon nanotube) (Si/MWCNT) composite paper was prepared as flexible electrode for lithium ion batteries by a simple filtration method using sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a dispersing/binding agent, followed by a thermal sintering process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that nanosized Si particles were dispersed homogeneously and intertwined by the MWCNT throughout the whole paper electrode. After thermal sintering, Si/MWCNT paper electrode exhibited a significantly improved flexibility with a high Si content of 35.6wt% as compared with before sintering, and retained a specific capacity of 942mAhg−1 after 30 cycles with a capacity fade of 0.46%/cycle. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A highly effective hydroxylated-functionalization of carbon fibres for use as electrodes of all-vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) was developed. Carbon paper made of carbon fibres was hydroxylated ultrasonically with mixed acids (H2SO4/HNO3, =3/1) in a Teflon-lined stainless steel autoclave for different time at 80°C. The structure, composition, and electrochemical properties of the treated samples for positive and negative electrodes of VRFB were characterized with Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and cell charge and discharge tests. The content of hydroxyl group changes from 3.8% for the untreated sample to 14.3% for the carbon paper treated in mixed acids for 10h. The highly hydroxylated sample shows its high activity toward the redox reactions of V(II)/V(III) and V(IV)/V(V). The VRFB using the carbon paper treated for 8h as the electrodes exhibits excellent performance under a current density of 10mAcm−2. The average voltage efficiency reaches 91.3%, and the average energy efficiency reaches 75.1%. The mechanisms for the high hydroxylation of the carbon fibres with the mixed acids and the high activity of the treated sample toward the vanadium redoxs are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: It was found in this study that while addition of the predicted intermediate product benzoate did not, addition of cyclohex-1-ene or cyclohexane carboxylate did inhibit the biotransformation of o-phthalate in sulfate-reducing o-phthalate-adapted sediment slurries under a CO2/H2 atmosphere. Biotransformation rates of benzoate were slightly higher than those of o-phthalate in sediment slurries amended with o-phthalate plus benzoate. By using the most probable number (MPN) method to determine the number of o-phthalate transformers, similar growth dynamics of o-phthalate transformers were observed in sediment slurries amended with or without benzoate. The number of benzoate transformers (1×109cellsg−1 of sediment) remained the same in sediment slurries repeatedly amended with a mixture of o-phthalate and benzoate after their transformation. o-Phthalate transformers decreased about three orders (1×109 to 1×106cellsg−1 of sediment) of magnitude after biotransformation of o-phthalate, and remained at the low number thereafter until re-amendment with o-phthalate. o-Phthalate transformers increased to 1×108cellsg−1 of sediment just prior to the onset of biotransformation of the o-phthalate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Discusses the problems related to watershed management faced by Taiwanese people. Factors contributing towards watershed management problem; Importance of slope stabilization for the protection of watersheds; Reasons behind the need for watershed management in the country.

Sub-stoichiometric WO 2.9 has gained great attention in the field of gas sensor due to the appropriate oxygen vacancy. Herein, novel WO 2.9 hierarchical structures assembled by nanosheets are synthesized in large-scale through de-alloying the two-phase W/Cu pseudo alloy and then thermal annealing them in air ambient. During the growth process, Cu powder is introduced as host frameworks to support the hierarchical structure. By controlling the ratio of Cu and W powder, the diameters and the morphologies of microflowers can be precisely modulated. We compare the gas sensing characteristics of hierarchical W/WO 2.9 or WO 2.9 structure to trimethylamine (TMA) molecules with W/Cu ratios ranging from 1/9 to 9/1. Interestingly, the WO 2.9 sensor prepared with W/Cu ratio of 1/9 displays the best performance including highest response to TMA and rapidest response/recovery time, which are mainly due to its largest specific surface area and most energetic reaction sites. The selectivity and stability measurements further confirm the superior performances of WO 2.9 sensors to TMA and the excellent stability of the sensors. Our devices provide a facile and low cost way to fabricate high performance gas sensors which is strongly response to TMA. [Display omitted] • Novel oxygen-deficient WO 2.9 hierarchical structures assembled by nanosheets were reported. • WO 2.9 hierarchical structures were synthesized by the acid etching strategy with the two-phase W/Cu pseudo alloy as raw material. • WO 2.9 hierarchical structures with the W/Cu ratio of 1/9 exhibit excellent gas sensing properties to trimethylamine at 220 °C. • WO 2.9 hierarchical structures show high response of 95 to 50 ppm trimethylamine. • The superior gas sensing properties are mainly attributed to the high surface area and energetic reaction sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is still a great challenge to develop high performance anode materials for sodium ion battery (SIB) with high rate and long cycle. In this work, we try to use one step polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-induced method to prepare three dimensional (3D) carbon coated In 2 S 3 nanowires assembled graphene composites as high performance SIB anode. PVA can successfully regulate and control the In 2 S 3 structure from nanoparticles, nanosheets to nanowires. Under the adsorption of oxygen-containing functional groups of graphene skeleton, the presence of PVA backbone can also induce the 1D anisotropic growth of In 2 S 3 nanowires. Meanwhile, the PVA layer also becomes a uniform carbon layer after carbonization and is coated on the outer surface of In 2 S 3 nanowires. The as-prepared 3D carbon coated In 2 S 3 nanowires assembled graphene composite electrode displays superior sodium storage performance, which can show a high reversible capacity of 509 mAh g −1 and maintain the super stable reversible capacities of 360, 256 and 165 mAh g −1 at 0.5, 2 and 6 A g −1 for 1000 cycles, respectively, which can be attributed to the 3D porous graphene composite structure, homogeneous carbon coated on In 2 S 3 nanowire surface and S doped in carbon structure edge sites enhancing pseudocapacitive contributions. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The catalytic pyrolysis of "algae-to-fuel" was enhanced on amphiphilic SO 3 H-SBA-15. • Chlorella pyrolysis behavior was studied based on kinetic free model. • Palmitic acid reactivity elucidated the pyrolysis & deoxygenation reaction pathway. • n-C16 cracking illustrated the starting cracking temperature declining on catalyst. • SO 3 H-SBA-15 was promising for better fuel production in aqueous conversion. The aim of this work was to propose a novel process to make Chlorella pyrolyzed and in situ upgraded to fuel over amphiphilic SO 3 H-SBA-15 catalysts. This strategy is developed to build a Pickering emulsion system through the w/o (water/decalin) droplets. Chlorella catalytic pyrolysis has been conducted under the different heating rates to get the activation energy 166 kJ/mol (α = 0.5) according to the kinetic-free model. Palmitic acid, as a model compound, was employed for TG and DRIFTS analysis to elucidate the pyrolysis and deoxygenation reaction pathway. n-hexadecane pyrolysis at 3 MPa N 2 illustrated the peak cracking temperature declining from thermally 422 °C to catalytically 413 °C. N 2 physisorption of the fresh and post-reaction catalysts indicated that there is little catalyst decay. With improved thermal stability and hydrophobicity, the SO 3 H-SBA-15 catalysts showed enhanced performance for Chlorella pyrolysis, and revealed the promising application for better fuel production in aqueous conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adult stem cells are essential for tissue regeneration. However, the mechanisms underlying the activation of quiescent adult stem cells remain elusive. Using skeletal muscle stem cells, also called satellite cells (SCs), we demonstrate prevalent intron retention (IR) in the transcriptome of quiescent SCs (QSCs). Intron-retained transcripts found in QSCs are essential for fundamental functions including RNA splicing, protein translation, cell-cycle entry, and lineage specification. Further analysis reveals that phosphorylated Dek protein modulates IR during SC quiescence exit. While Dek protein is absent in QSCs, Dek overexpression in vivo results in a global decrease of IR, quiescence dysregulation, premature differentiation of QSCs, and undermined muscle regeneration. Moreover, IR analysis on hundreds of public RNA-seq data show that IR is conserved among quiescent adult stem cells. Altogether, we illustrate IR as a conserved post-transcriptional regulation mechanism that plays an important role during stem cell quiescence exit. • Quiescent muscle stem cells possess widespread intron retention • Dek regulates intron removal during muscle stem cell activation • Dek overexpression promotes intron removal and disrupts quiescence • Intron retention is a common feature among quiescent adult stem cells Yue et al. revealed prevalent intron retention in quiescent muscle stem cells. Dek mediates intron removal during the quiescence exit of muscle stem cells and promotes muscle stem cell activation. Intron retention is a common feature among quiescent adult stem cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The novel Sn/SnSb nanoparticles homogeneously dispersed on a N-doped graphene sheets were prepared and excellent electrochemical performance were achieved. • A highly dispersed 3–6 nm diameter Sn-SnSb alloy composite anchored on nitrogen-doped graphene sheets. • The electrode could maintain high rate and ultra-stable cycle performance over 1000 cycles toward sodium storage. • The specical 3D composite structure with highly dispersion properties provides the rapid Na+ diffusion and electronic transfer channels. High theoretical capacity and low discharge platforms of Sn and Sb-based materials are an auspicious anode material for sodium ion batteries. Although, their large volume change before and after sodium insertion during cycling leads to unstable electrode structure and poor cycle performance. In view of the above, a thermo chemical strategy by a simple one-pot for producing 3–6 nm diameter homogeneously dispersed Sn/SnSb nanoparticles on a nitrogen-doped graphene sheet with a large-scale and low-cost feature for high performance sodium ion battery is reported. Highly dispersed nano Sn-SnSb alloy/graphene composite electrode not only had good stress adaptability and good integrity protection to prevent agglomeration and polarization during cycling, and also provided the rapid Na+ diffusion and electronic transfer channels, thus showing high rate and ultra-stable cycle performance. The as-prepared electrode could maintain the super stable reversible capacities of 251.8, 146.2 and 60.2 mAh g−1 at 1, 4 and 10 A g−1 over 1000 cycles, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease that affects an estimated 3% of the world's population. PSORI-CM02 is an empirically developed Chinese medicine formula optimised from Yin Xie Ling, summarised by national medical master Guo-Wei Xuan, that has been used for decades to treat psoriasis in the Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine. However, its anti-psoriatic mechanisms are still poorly understood. In this study, we explored the effects of PSORI-CM02 on autophagy and the underlying mechanisms in TNF-α-stimulated HaCaT cells and in a mouse model of imiquimod-induced psoriasis.Methods: Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay. Apoptosis was detected by annexin V-FITC/PI double-staining and caspase-3 assays. Autophagy was detected by electron microscopy, RT-PCR and western blotting. The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway was analysed by western blotting and immunochemical analysis.Results: PSORI-CM02 induced autophagy and thus inhibited the proliferation of HaCaT cells via suppression of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. In mice with IMQ-induced psoriasis, PSORI-CM02 relieved psoriasis symptoms, induced autophagy and inhibited the phosphorylation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in the skin.Conclusion: These results suggest that PSORI-CM02 treats psoriasis by inducing autophagy via inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A district load forecasting approach based on the Python framework was proposed. • A heat DR model combining price elasticity and load rebound was developed. • Dynamic pricing strategies were established to optimize customers' load demands. • The proposed IDR model could effectively improve demand-side load flexibility. Decarbonization of district energy systems is essential for China to meet its carbon neutrality goal by 2060. Most existing district energy systems are missing historical load data and have incomplete information, resulting in a lack of data support for the low-carbon transition. Moreover, demand-side load flexibility has not been fully exploited in the planning stage. In this paper, we developed a two-stage computational approach to optimize district loads. We first established an integrated Python framework, incorporating the TEASER simulation tool and AixLib model library, to efficiently calculate baseline loads through the bottom-up modeling and simulation of district buildings. Then, a price-based integrated demand response strategy was introduced. A mixed-integer nonlinear programming model was formulated to optimize the energy pricing strategy with the objective of minimum load fluctuations. Finally, a case study was employed to illustrate the feasibility of the calculation method, showing a normalized mean bias error of 7.17%. The results further demonstrated that the strategy could reduce the peak electric and heat loads by 3.55% and 9.57%, and increase load rates by 3.85% and 9.48%, respectively. The strategy could assist district energy service providers to optimize equipment capacity configuration and enhance the low-carbon planning potential of energy systems from the demand-side. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The methyl-lysine readers plant homeodomain finger protein 20 (PHF20) and its homolog PHF20-like protein 1 (PHF20L1) are known components of the nonspecific lethal (NSL) complex that regulates gene expression through its histone acetyltransferase activity. In the current model, both PHF homologs coexist in the same NSL complex, although this was not formally tested; nor have the functions of PHF20 and PHF20L1 regarding NSL complex integrity and transcriptional regulation been investigated. Here, we perform an in-depth biochemical and functional characterization of PHF20 and PHF20L1 in the context of the NSL complex. Using mass spectrometry, genome-wide chromatin analysis, and proteindomain mapping, we identify the existence of two distinct NSL complexes that exclusively contain either PHF20 or PHF20L1. We show that the C-terminal domains of PHF20 and PHF20L1 are essential for complex formation with NSL, and the Tudor 2 domains are required for chromatin binding. The genome-wide chromatin landscape of PHF20-PHF20L1 shows that these proteins bind mostly to the same genomic regions, at promoters of highly expressed/housekeeping genes. Yet, deletion of PHF20 and PHF20L1 does not abrogate gene expression or impact the recruitment of the NSL complex to those target gene promoters, suggesting the existence of an alternative mechanism that compensates for the transcription of genes whose sustained expression is important for critical cellular functions. This work shifts the current paradigm and lays the foundation for studies on the differential roles of PHF20 and PHF20L1 in regulating NSL complex activity in physiological and diseases states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A Bi-Bin method is proposed to reduce uncertainty scenarios and applied in the robust model. • The robust method can be solved efficiently under thousands of uncertainty scenarios. • The uncertainties and cross-correlations of the demand and source are investigated. • The deterministic and the proposed robust optimization models are conducted and compared. • Two schemes are conducted to test the proposed robust optimization model. The demand and renewable energy uncertainties introduce significant complexity to the design of renewable cooling sources. Conventional design method may introduce a risk of suboptimal solution due to overlooking the multiple uncertainties. The stochastic programming model is widely used for optimal design of building cooling sources, while it may encounter computational burden when considering a large number of uncertainty scenarios. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a computational model for design of renewable cooling sources, which can account for multiple uncertainties and can be solved efficiently. This paper proposes a robust optimization model for sizing a renewable building cooling source when there are cooling demand and renewable energy uncertainties. A scenario reduction method, named the Bi-Bin method, is proposed to improve computational efficiency. To illustrate the model's application, the design of a renewable cooling source for a factory building is investigated. The results indicated that the robust model for the design of a building cooling source with 3000 uncertainty scenarios could be solved efficiently in 372 s. The equivalent annual cost optimized by the robust model was slightly higher, at 1.5%, than that optimized by the deterministic model; however, the renewable cooling source optimized by the deterministic model could be unreliable considering multiple uncertainties, with a the maximum failure rate up to 3.9% and a maximum shortage of cooling energy of 595 kW. The results showed that the proposed approach can result in an economical and reliable cooling source under demand and renewable energy uncertainties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrochemical performance of biomass-derived carbon materials is strongly correlated to the chemical compositions and processing conditions. In this work, we demonstrate a crosslinker-free sol-gel method to synthesize N-doped porous carbon aerogels from agar hydrogels. The most significant distinction of our method from the existing carbon-production protocols is the involvement of potassium hydroxide (KOH) and urea, the two structure and composition modifiers. We establish the correlations between the dual modifiers and the physical and electrochemical properties of the resultant carbon aerogels as supercapacitor electrodes. Specifically, electrochemical tests reveal that both KOH and urea are indispensable to obtain carbon aerogels with surface areas surpassing 2000 m2/g and a gravimetric capacitance approaching 400 F/g at 0.5 A/g. The capacitance remains among the top of the porous carbon supercapacitor electrodes reported in the literature. In addition, the carbon aerogels are highly robust with only 4% capacitance loss after 10000 consecutive charge-discharge cycles. We expect the incorporation of KOH and urea in organic carbon precursors is effective and general in elevating the capacitance and rate capability of biomass-derived carbons, and will greatly enrich the material tool box for designing electrochemical devices including supercapacitors, batteries and fuel cells. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decarbonization of building space heating is essential for China to meet its carbon neutrality goal by 2060. Cascaded latent heat storage (CLHS) coupled with electric heating is a promising technology to promote renewable energy consumption, reduce carbon emissions, and save on heating bills. However, few studies have focused on the thorough investigation of the superiority of the CLHS system over a non-cascaded system. This study investigated the effects of heat transfer fluid (HTF) flow rates, HTF inlet temperatures, and number of stages on the thermodynamic performance of non-cascaded and CLHS systems based on energy and entransy analysis. Results showed that, compared with the non-cascaded system, the charged thermal energy and discharged thermal energy of the two-stage CLHS system increased by 26.5%–44.6% and 19.8%–74.5%, respectively, and the entransy increase of cold HTF increased by 20.0%–75.7%; while, in heating systems, it is not guaranteed that thermodynamic performance improves by using more stages in the CLHS system. [Display omitted] • Thermophysical performance of the cascaded latent heat storage systems was studied. • A full-scale experimental cascaded latent heat storage system was established. • Energy and entransy analysis of cascaded latent heat storage systems was presented. • Thermal performance is significantly improved by multiple PCMs over single PCM. • CLHS technology improves building heating performance in engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Three-dimensional C@CoO@graphene composite with hollow carbon core and graphene outer layer is fabricated. Benefiting from the coverage of graphene oxide structure, the porous CoO layer can be stabilized and formed between carbon layer and graphene structure. The special nanocomposite exhibits high reversible capacity, good rate capability at high current densities and long-life performance, and retains a high capacity of 861 mAh g−1 at 500 mA g−1 over 700 cycles, making it a promising anode material for Li-ion batteries (LIBs). Graphical abstract Three-dimensional C@CoO@graphene composite exhibited stable and high capacity of 861 mAh g−1 over 700 cycles at 500 mA g−1. Image Highlights • Three-dimensional C@CoO@graphene with hollow carbon core and graphene outer layer is fabricated. • Porous CoO layer can be stabilized and formed between carbon layer and graphene structure. • The prepared electrode exhibited a high capacity of 861 mAh g−1 over 700 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano-Si composite with a <10 nm homogenous porous carbon coating layer was fabricated by a facile approach with phenolic resin as carbon source, Pluronic 123 (P123) as pore forming agent and cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) as surfactant. The composite electrode exhibited a high lithium storage capacity of 960 mAh g −1 over 100 cycles at 1 A g −1 and could maintain reversible capacities of 810 mAh g −1  at 0.5 A g −1 over 400 cycles. The superior electrochemical performance could be due to the homogeneous and unique porous thin carbon shell for Si. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Flow cytometry (FC) is a critical diagnostic approach for guiding targeted chemotherapy and cellular immunotherapy for relapsed and refractory lymphoma patients. The aim of the study was to investigate the value of ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) to improve the quality of FC specimens in relapsed and refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (R/R DLBCL).Methods: Twenty patients with R/R DLBCL after standard treatment were included. The primary lesions of all cases were confirmed by pathology. FNA and core needle biopsy (CNB) were both used for ultrasound-guided puncture, the specimens obtained by FNA are directly examined by FC, and the specimens by CNB were subjected to FC after grinding. The accuracy of FC with the two methods were evaluated using histopathology as the gold standard.Results: Of the 20 R/R DLBCL cases, 19 were diagnosed as DLBCL pathologically and one was diagnosed as inflammatory granuloma. Among the specimens obtained by CNB, 14 cases examined by FC after grinding showed abnormal mature B cells, five cases were missed, all cases are not misdiagnosed. Among the specimens obtained by FNA, 18 cases showed FC-confirmed abnormal mature B cells, one case was missed, all cases are not misdiagnosed. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of FC with CNB and FNA were 73.68 % (14/19) vs 94.73 % (18/19), 100 % (1/1) vs 100 % (1/1), and 75 % (15/20) vs 97.14 % (19/20), respectively. The sensitivity of the two puncture methods of FC of DLBCL was statistically different (p < 0.001).Conclusion: Sampling with ultrasound-guided FNA is of great value to improve the quality of FC specimens. FNA can significantly improve the sensitivity and accuracy of FC diagnosis in R/R DLBCL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new design method of phase change heat storage device is presented. • The coupling effect of coil structure and device dimensions is investigated. • The novel non-uniform fin distribution significantly improved melting uniformity. • The configurations of the LTES device for optimum performance are suggested. • For the optimized device, the mass of fully melted PCM is increased by 24.5% Thermal energy storage technology incorporating phase change materials (PCM) is a feasible option to take advantage of off-peak electricity tariff for achieving the function of "peak load shaving" and energy efficiency economically in electric heating systems. However, the low thermal conductivity of phase change materials in these systems limits its application. In this work, a design of non-uniformly distributed fin configuration was proposed, considering the optimization of the non-uniform arrangement and coil structure to enhance heat transfer. A two-dimensional CFD model has been developed and validated with test data. The coil inner diameter, tube pitch, row spacing and fin height were optimized based on the simulated temperature variations and visualizations of the PCM during charging and discharging processes. Results demonstrated that the mass of fully melted PCM is increased by 24.5%, and the outlet water temperature is about 3℃ higher for the optimal non-uniform finned coil structure. Additionally, the influence of the device overall dimensions on the PCM utilization rate is also demonstrated in this study. After optimization, the heat energy discharged-charged ratio can be increased by 39.6% to achieve a better thermal energy discharging efficiency. The results may provide valuable references for appropriate latent thermal energy storage design solutions in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many genetic factors influence the growth and feed intake of birds. In the current study, we evalu-ated the association of 8 previously reported SNP in the chicken leptin receptor (LEPR) gene with BW, BW gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Four SNP with a very low minor allele frequen-cy were removed by genotype quality control. The ex-perimental population consisted of 796 pedigreed males from 2 genetically unrelated yellow meat-type chicken strains, 335 chickens from N202, and 461 chickens from N301. The BW at 49 (BW49) and 70 d of age (BW70) and FI (from 49 to 70 d of age) were measured individu-ally. The BWG and FCR were calculated based on BW and FI in the interval between 49 to 70 d. The results indicated that rsl4657336, rsl3684613, rsl3684615, and rsl3684616 were found in strong linkage disequilibrium. This linkage disequilibrium block was significantly as-sociated with BW49 (P < 0.05), BW70 (P < 0.05), and FI (P < 0.05) in the N202 strain, and FCR (P < 0.01) in the N301 strain, respectively. In addition, the GTACGTAC diplotype had the highest BWG and FI in both strains. The association revealed in this study suggests the need for further functional study on the role of LEPR gene in regulating feed intake and FCR of chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: This work aims to design a modified Fraser's classification and report the clinical outcomes of a series of 28 floating knees. Methods: Between January 2006 and December 2009, 31 consecutive patients with 31 floating knees were treated at the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University. In total, 28 cases were available for analysis. The floating knees were classified based on a modified Fraser's classification. Twelve cases were temporarily stabilised by an external fixator. Definitive fixation was performed for tibia and femur fractures using either nailing or plating. Functional outcomes were assessed according to the criteria established by Kalstrom and Olerud. The patients were followed up for a mean of 29 months (range, 12–60 months). Results: The floating knees were classified as three types: type I, extra-articular fracture; type II, articular surface involved; and type III, patella involved. Type II injuries were subdivided into type IIA injury (articular simple) and type IIB injury (articular complex). According to the modified classification, there were 11 cases of type I, 2 cases of type IIA, 8 cases of type IIB and 7 cases of type III injury. Complications were found in seven cases, including three cases of infection, two cases of knee instability and two cases of knee stiffness. The functional outcomes were 7 excellent, 13 good, 5 acceptable and 3 poor. The excellent or good rate was 91% (10/11) in type I, 100% (2/2) in type IIA, 63% (5/8) in type IIB and 43% (3/7) in type III injuries. Conclusion: The modified Fraser's classification provides a more reliable basis for surgeons to monitor results and compare treatment results with other surgeons. According to the modified classification, the results of type IIA injury appeared to be comparable to those of type I injury. Type IIB and type III injuries represent the fracture types with the worst prognosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Growth and feeding traits such as BW, BW gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), and feed conver-sion ratio (FCR) are of economic importance in poultry production. In this study, 8 SNP of the transforming growth factor 33 (TGF-/Â3) gene, which are located in the proximity of quantitative trait loci affecting BW and FCR, were selected to be genotyped by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry in 2 yellow meat-type chicken populations with 724 birds in total. Body weights at 49 (BW49) and 70 (BW70) d of age and FI in the interval were recorded, and respective BWG and FCR were calculated for each bird. Two SNP with a very low minor allele frequency (<1%) were discarded from further analysis. The re-sults showed that both rsl3586818 and rsl4535174 had significant effects (P <0.05) on BWG and FCR, and that rsl4535177 was significantly (P <0.05) associ-ated with BW49, BW70, and FI. Furthermore, birds with the GA genotype of rsl3586818 showed strongly higher FCR and lower BWG (P <0.05) compared with AA individuals. The TT birds had significantly larger BWG (P <0.05) than GT birds in rsl4535174, whereas FCR was the opposite. Individuals with the GC geno-type of rsl4535177 had significantly higher BW49, BW70, FCR, and FI (P <0.05) than those with the GG genotype. Additionally, liaplotypes based on 3 SNP of rsl3586818, rsl4535174, and rsl4535177 were signifi-cantly associated with FCR (P <0.05). The SNP and analyzed haplotypes identified in this study might be used as potential genetic markers in meat-type chicken breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Δ EGFR is a potent glioblastoma oncogene which has been studied primarily as a plasma membrane kinase. Using intracranial xenograft studies in mice, we show that blocking Δ EGFR access to the nucleus attenuates its tumorigenicity and, conversely, that promoting nuclear accumulation enhances this, providing the first in vivo evidence that the nuclear actions of Δ EGFR contribute strongly to its oncogenic function. Nuclear actions of Δ EGFR include regulation of gene expression by participation in chromatin-bound complexes, and genome-wide mapping of these sequences by chromatin immunoprecipitation and massively parallel sequencing identified 2294 peaks. Bioinformatic analysis showed enrichment of the E-box motif in the dataset, and c-Myc and Δ EGFR were corecruited to the promoters of and transcriptionally activated a subset of nuclear Δ EGFR chromatin targets. Knockdown of c-Myc decreased the expression of these targets and diminishedΔ EGFR-stimulated anchorage- independent colony formation. We conclude that transcriptional regulation of target genes by association with gene regulatory chromatin in cooperation with c-Myc by nuclear Δ EGFR makes a unique contribution to its oncogenicity and propose that this venue provides new targets for therapeutic intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A retro-inverso peptide is made up of D-amino acids in a reversed sequence and, when extended, assumes a side chain topology similar to that of its parent molecule but with inverted amide peptide bonds. Despite their limited success as antigenic mimicry, retro-inverso isomers generally fail to emulate the protein-binding activities of their parent peptides of an a-helical nature. In studying the interaction between the tumor suppressor protein p53 and its negative regulator MDM2, Sakurai et al. (Sakurai, K., Chung, H. S., and Kahne, D. (2004) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 126, 16288-16289) made a surprising finding that the retro-inverso isomer of p53(15-29) retained the same binding activity as the wild type peptide as determined by inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The authors attributed the unusual outcome to the ability of the D-peptide to adopt a right-handed helical conformation upon MDM2 binding. Using a battery of biochemical and biophysical tools, we found that retro-inverso isomerization diminished p53 (15-29) binding to MDM2 or MDMX by 3.2-3.3 kcal/mol. Similar results were replicated with the C-terminal domain of HIV-1 capsid protein (3.0 kcal/mol) and the Src homology 3 domain of Abl tyrosine kinase (3.4 kcal/mol). CD and NMR spectroscopic as well as x-ray crystallographic studies showed that o-peptide ligands of MDM2 invariably adopted left-handed helical conformations in both free and bound states. Our findings reinforce that the retro-inverso strategy works poorly in molecular mimicry of biologically active helical peptides, due to inherent differences at the secondary and tertiary structure levels between an L-peptide and its retro-inverso isomer despite their similar side chain topologies at the primary structure level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We performed a comprehensive alanine scan of human α-defensin HNP1 and tested the ability of the resulting analogs to kill Staphylococcus aureus, inhibit anthrax lethal factor, and bind human immunodeficiency virus-1 gp120. By far, the most deleterious mutation for all of these functions was W26A. The activities lost by W26A-HNP1 were restored progressively by replacing W26 with non-coded, straight-chain aliphatic amino acids of increasing chain length. The hydrophobicity of residue 26 also correlated with the ability of the analogs to bind immobilized wild type HNP1 and to undergo further self-association. Thus, the hydrophobicity of residue 26 is not only a key determinant of the direct interactions of HNP1 with target molecules, but it also governs the ability of this peptide to form dimers and more complex quaternary structures at micromolar concentrations. Although all defensin peptides are cationic, their amphipathicity is at least as important as their positive charge in enabling them to participate in innate host defense. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]