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Silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) ceramics have been used to fabricate microwave-absorbing metastructures, demonstrating impressive absorption capabilities. However, SiOC ceramic metastructures with excellent performance require simple fabrication processes and appropriate mechanical and electromagnetic properties. In this study, a solvent-free photosensitive polysiloxane preceramic was developed by blending methoxy/hydroxy polysiloxanes with acrylates, with a ceramic yield of over 60% after curing using a novel two-step ultraviolet (UV)/thermal method. The composition and microstructure of SiOC ceramics can be designed by controlling the preceramic composition. Dense, crack-free gyroid-shellular shaped triple periodic minimal surface (GS-TPMS) electromagnetic metastructures were fabricated using digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing technology. By designing the porosity of the GS-TPMS structure to 51%, an effective absorption bandwidth that covers the X-band can be achieved at a thickness of 3.1 mm. The honeycomb structure, with a geometric density of 0.69 g/cm3, exhibited a high compressive strength of 107.05 MPa. This paper presents an efficient approach for the prompt and customized fabrication of lightweight ceramic metastructures with outstanding microwave absorption properties. • A solvent-free polysiloxane/acrylate hybrid preceramics is developed for 3D printing. • The UV/thermal two-stage treatment achieved cross-linking curing of the preceramics. • Multiscale design of SiOC ceramics for enhanced microwave absorption properties. • SiOC ceramic metastructures with effective absorption in the X-band are prepared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advent of big data science, the field of geoscience has undergone a paradigm shift toward data-driven scientific discovery. However, the abundance of geoscience data distributed across multiple sources poses significant challenges to researchers in terms of data compilation, which includes data collection, collation, and database construction. To streamline the data compilation process, we present GeoKnowledgeFusion, a publicly accessible platform for the fusion of text, visual, and tabular knowledge extracted from the geoscience literature. GeoKnowledgeFusion leverages a powerful network of models that provide a joint multimodal understanding of text, image, and tabular data, enabling researchers to efficiently curate and continuously update their databases. To demonstrate the practical applications of GeoKnowledgeFusion, we present two scenarios: the compilation of Sm-Nd isotope data for constructing a domain-specific database and geographic analysis, and the data extraction process for debris flow disasters. The data compilation process for these use cases encompasses various tasks, including PDF pre-processing, target element recognition, human-in-the-loop annotation, and joint multimodal knowledge understanding. The findings consistently reveal patterns that align with manually compiled data, thus affirming the credibility and dependability of our automated data processing tool. To date, GeoKnowledgeFusion has supported forty geoscience research teams within the program by processing over 40,000 documents uploaded by geoscientists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disulfidptosis, a new type of regulated cell death associated with the actin cytoskeleton, provides a new therapeutic tool for cancers. The direct relationship between disulfidptosis-related lncRNAs(DRLs) in liver hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) remains unclear. We acquired transcriptomic data, corresponding clinical data, and tumor mutation data of HCC from the TCGA database. First of all, DRLs were determined through correlation analysis. Then, a prognostic model containing six DRLs was created by adopting univariate Cox regression, LASSO algorithm and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Based on the model, 424 HCC patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups. Next, we structured ROC curves and PCA through combining the model and clinical data. Enrichment analysis and immune infiltration analysis were adopted to further explore the relationship between the model and prognosis. In addition, we explored the relationship between the model and tumor mutation burden (TMB). There were significant differences between high- and low- risk groups, and patients in the high-risk group showed poor prognosis. Enrichment analysis suggested that metabolic progress was obviously different between the two groups. According to the analysis of immune infiltration, there were several differences in immune cells, function, and checkpoints. Patients with high-risk and high TMB demonstrated the least favorable prognosis. The two risk groups both manifested visiblly in chemotherapy drug sensitivity. To sum up, we set up a DRL-based signature and that may provide a predictable value for the prognosis and use of chemotherapy drugs for HCC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SiC is recognized as a viable material for electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption due to its unique physicochemical properties. However, there are still some challenges at present, such as poor EMW absorption performance and difficulty in the fabrication of complicated structures for optimized EMW properties. Here, we presented a novel strategy through vat photopolymerization (VPP) 3D printing technology and carbothermal reduction to prepare porous SiC nw /SiC ceramics with controlled topologies and excellent EMW absorption properties. The gradient hole structure produced by carbothermal reduction facilitates material impedance matching regulation and improves incident wave multiple scattering as well as the in-situ grown SiC nw acts as the dipole center and improves incident wave dielectric loss. Porous SiC nw /SiC ceramics achieve improved EMW absorption performance with a minimum reflection loss (RL) of −57.67 dB at a thickness of 2.20 mm and with an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 3.93 GHz at a thickness of 2.60 mm, covering almost the whole X-band, demonstrating outstanding EMW absorption properties. Furthermore, it exhibits the potential in the application of EMW absorbing devices with complex structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternative splicing is an essential regulatory mechanism for development and pathogenesis. Through alternative splicing one gene can encode multiple isoforms and be translated into proteins with different functions. Therefore, this diversity is an important dimension to understand the molecular mechanism governing embryo development. Isoform expression in preimplantation embryos has been extensively investigated, leading to the discovery of new isoforms. However, the dynamics of isoform switching of different types of transcripts throughout the development remains unexplored. Here, using single-cell direct isoform sequencing in over 100 single blastomeres from the mouse oocyte to blastocyst stage, we quantified isoform expression and found that 3-prime partial transcripts lacking stop codons are highly accumulated in oocytes and zygotes. These transcripts are not transcription by-products and might play a role in maternal to zygote transition (MZT) process. Long-read sequencing also enabled us to determine the expression of transposable elements (TEs) at specific loci. In this way, we identified 3,894 TE loci that exhibited dynamic changes along the preimplantation development, likely regulating the expression of adjacent genes. Our work provides novel insights into the transcriptional regulation of early embryo development. Alternative splicing is an essential regulatory mechanism for development and pathogenesis. This study uses single cell sequencing of mouse oocyte to plastocyst to reveal large-scale of isoform switching and transposable element regulation during the maternal-to-zygotic gene transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is a promising energy conversion technology for accelerating the process of carbon neutrality. This paper develops and validates a 1D mathematical model for a planar SOFC (10 cm × 10 cm) along the fluid flow direction with a less than 0.2% deviation. When the SOFC operates in an adiabatic environment with different inlet gas temperatures (T in) and current density (I avg), the distributions of its key parameters are calculated and analyzed. The results show that the optimal inlet gas temperature for the SOFC working in an adiabatic environment is between 873 K and 973 K when I avg varies from 0.05 A cm−2 to 0.25 A cm−2. The maximum temperature appears at the outlet position and between the outlet and the center point along the flue flow for the co-flow and counter-flow SOFC. Compared with the co-flow pattern, the counter-flow design can benefit the fuel cell power output when T in and I avg are identical, especially with lower T in and higher I avg. The output power of counter-flow SOFC is larger 11.3% than that of the co-flow one at most with the research range in this work. • A 1D model of the SOFC is developed and validated within 0.2% deviation. • Distribution characteristics of the SOFC in the adiabatic environment are analyzed. • The temperature gradient of the fuel cell decreases with the inlet gas temperature. • 11.3% more power can be obtained by adopting counter-flow SOFC in adiabatic. • The optimal inlet gas temperature varies from 873 K to 973 K for the adiabatic SOFC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To investigate the impact of endovascular (EV) treatment on liver cirrhosis in Chinese patients with Budd–Chiari syndrome (BCS). Methods: From September 2011 to March 2022, 97 patients from four hospitals in China who were diagnosed with primary BCS complicated with liver cirrhosis and received EV treatment were retrospectively enrolled in this study for clinical analysis. In addition, liver tissues for basic research were acquired from 25 patients between June 2022 and March 2023, including six with benign liver tumors, 11 with BCS before EV treatment, and eight with EV‐treated BCS. Liver cirrhosis was assessed by clinical outcomes, histological studies, and the expression of related genes at the mRNA and protein levels. Results: The patients with BCS had better liver function after EV treatment, evidenced by an increased albumin level and reduced total bilirubin, ALT, and AST. The imaging findings suggested an amelioration of liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension, including increased portal vein velocity (13.52 ± 8.89 cm/s vs. 17.51 ± 6.67 cm/s, p < 0.001) and decreased liver stiffness (30.37 ± 6.39 kPa vs. 23.70 ± 7.99 kPa, p < 0.001), portal vein diameter (14.97 ± 3.42 mm vs. 13.36 ± 2.89 mm, p < 0.001), and spleen volume (870.00 ± 355.61 cm3 vs. 771.36 ± 277.45 cm3, p < 0.001). Furthermore, histological studies revealed that EV treatment resulted in a restoration of liver architecture with reduced extracellular matrix deposition. Meanwhile, hepatic angiogenesis and inflammation, which have a close relationship with cirrhosis, were also inhibited. In addition, the state of hepatocytes switches from apoptosis to proliferation after EV treatment. Conclusions: BCS‐induced liver cirrhosis could be reversed by EV treatment from macroscopic to microscopic dimensions. Our study may provide further insights into understanding BCS and treating cirrhosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six mathematical models were selected for the fitting and regression of the particle size distribution (PSD) of (α,Z)‐2‐amino‐α‐(methoxyimino)‐4‐thiazole‐ethanethioic acid S‐2‐benzothiazolyl ester (MAEM). The goodness‐of‐fit was evaluated by comparing the evaluation indexes such as R2, Akaike's information criterion (AIC), and root mean square error (RMSE). The top three selected models were further applied and compared for the PSD of MAEM produced under two different stirring speeds with distinct differences in regression coefficients. In addition, FBRM monitored the particle number trends on a lab scale under these stirring speeds. Finally, a feasible reaction mechanism was presented in which the dissolution of reactants was the rate‐controlling step which could explain the significant influence on stirring speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The flexible free-standing antibacterial NP-Ag ribbon is fabricated. • The NP-Ag can rapidly release Ag+ in 24 h to damage bacterial membrane. • The NP-Ag can realize rapid antibacterial efficacy in vivo. • The good biosafety in vivo due to the long-term stable Ag+ release of NP-Ag. The biomedical field has the potential to significantly benefit from the use of flexible free-standing Ag nanostructures due to their outstanding mechanical and antibacterial properties. However, the intricate process of synthesizing these nanostructures, as well as the potential toxicity of nanostructured Ag, pose significant challenges. This study used a facile etching method to synthesize the free-standing nanoporous Ag (NP-Ag) ribbons with a homogeneous and bicontinuous three-dimensional ligament structure. The free-standing NP-Ag ribbons demonstrated stable mechanical performance and excellent flexibility when subjected to various deformation states on artificial fingers. Additionally, the NP-Ag ribbons exhibited remarkable antibacterial capacity with rates of 99.81 ± 0.14% against Escherichia coli , 96.11 ± 1.49% against Staphylococcus aureus , and 95.37 ± 1.24% against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The antibacterial mechanism of NP-Ag is attributed to the rapid release of Ag ions (Ag+) in 24 h, causing damage to the bacterial membrane. Moreover, the in vivo results demonstrate that the NP-Ag ribbons provide rapid antibacterial efficacy and are biosafe due to the long-term stable Ag+ release of NP-Ag. The development of these free-standing flexible NP-Ag ribbons offers a new avenue for wearable antibacterial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: The use of sutures to strengthen the anastomosis after rectal cancer surgery to reduce the possibility of anastomotic leakage has been debated. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the influence of intraoperative anastomotic reinforcing sutures on anastomotic leakage of double-stapling anastomosis for laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases was performed to identify literature examining anastomotic leak as the primary outcome to compare studies of laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer using the double-stapling anastomosis technique with or without intraoperative anastomotic reinforcement with sutures. Results: A total of 1122 rectal cancer patients from 5 nonrandomized studies were included in the research. In the combined trial, intraoperative anastomotic reinforcement sutures significantly reduced the incidence of anastomotic leakage in patients who underwent laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.19–0.55; p < 0.0001). With or without intraoperative anastomotic reinforcing sutures, the incidence of postoperative reoperation for anastomotic leak did not differ substantially (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.08–1.21, p = 0.09). Moreover, the surgery was prolonged due to anastomotic reinforcement with sutures (OR, 6.64; 95% CI, − 6.18 to 19.47, p = 0.31). Conclusions: Intraoperative anastomotic reinforcement with sutures may be associated with a lower incidence of anastomotic leakage. The amount of research evidence is limited because most of the studies analyzed did not include patients with factors such as neoadjuvant therapy or prophylactic stomas. Therefore, additional multicenter randomized controlled studies with larger size samples are needed to support the validity of the approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical students report high levels of psychological distress compared to the general population, yet they also underutilize mental health services. Our Mindfulness‐Based Art Workshops (MBAW) combine two established, formal interventions: (a) Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction, an 8‐week group series teaching mindfulness practices, shown to reduce self‐reported measures of stress, and (b) art therapy, the use of art exercises guided by certified therapists, shown to reduce stress and anxiety in hospitalized patients and students. The goal of our study was to determine if a peer‐led, virtual workshop series designed specifically for and by medical students may be a feasible and effective method of adapting these models to improve student well‐being. We hypothesized that virtual, medical student led MBAW are effective in reducing measures of stress, anxiety, and depression in medical students and improving well‐being scores. In 2020, 24 University of Maryland School of Medicine first‐ and second‐year medical students were randomized to either the MBAW or no‐intervention control group. Primary outcomes included (a) short‐term change in State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores and (b) difference in the perceived stress scores between intervention and control group immediately after, and 2, 4, and 6 weeks after a 6‐session intervention. At specific time points, participants completed questionnaires, which included STAI and National Institutes of Health (NIH) Toolbox Perceived Stress survey. We compared the percentage of intervention participants who had clinically significant anxiety before and after MBAW for each session using a generalized estimating equations methodology and compared change from baseline scores between intervention and control groups using a mixed‐effects model for repeated measures analysis. In the intervention group, post‐MBAW STAI scores decreased by 16.2 (p =.0001), 5 (p =.1544), 13.7 (p =.0002), 13.6 (p =.0006), 12.1 (p =.0009), and 11.9 (p =.0011) points after sessions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, respectively. Intervention group perceived stress scores decreased from baseline by 5.9 (p =.07) and 4.7 (p =.09) points more than the control group immediately after, and 2 weeks after the 6‐session intervention. MBAW sessions are effective at significantly reducing short‐term anxiety, and a 6‐session MBAW workshop intervention shows trends toward decreasing levels of perceived stress lasting 2 weeks following the intervention, although these findings were not statistically significant. Future studies should evaluate a larger population to confirm the positive findings of this pilot study, which we hope will encourage medical schools to consider integrating and supporting such programs as a method of addressing the urgent need to aid student well‐being, within logistical, time, and cost constraints of students and administrators. Practitionar points: Mindfulness‐based art workshops (MBAW) significantly reduce State Trait Anxiety Inventory‐State scores in medical studentsPeer‐led, virtual MBAW are well tolerated by students and come at minimal economic and logistical cost to medical school administrationMBAW is a feasible and effective tool to reduce anxiety in medical students [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of their cell structures, elastomeric foams exhibit high compressibility and are frequently used as buffer cushions in energy absorption. Foam pads between two surfaces typically withstand uniaxial loads. In this paper, we considered the effects of porosity and cell size on the mechanical behavior of random elastomeric foams, and proposed a constitutive model based on an artificial neural network (ANN). Uniform cell size distribution was used to represent monodisperse foam. The constitutive relationship between Cauchy stress and the four input variables of axial stretch λU, lateral stretch λL, porosity φ, and cell size θ was given by con-ANN. The mechanical responses of 500 different foam structures (20% < φ < 60%, 0.1 mm < θ < 0.5 mm) under compression and tension loads (0.4 < λU < 3) were simulated, and a dataset containing 100,000 samples was constructed. We also introduced a pre-ANN to predict lateral stretch to address the issue of missing lateral strain data in practical applications. By combining physical experience, we chose appropriate input forms and activation functions to improve ANN's extrapolation capability. The results showed that pre-ANN and con-ANN could provide reasonable predictions for λU outside the dataset. We can obtain accurate lateral stretch and axial stress predictions from two ANNs. The porosity affects the stress and λL, while the cell size only affects the stress during foam compression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• N-ethyl-2,2-diisopropylbutylamide (WS-27) is highly soluble in alcohol solvents. • Hydrogen bond interactions play a significant role for the dissolution of WS-27. • KAT-LSER regression indicates the solvent effect has a great influence on solubility. • Dissolution properties and enthalpy-entropy compensation are deeply discussed. N-ethyl-2,2-diisopropylbutylamide (WS-27) is a new cooling agent with a soothing, long-lasting cooling effect, widely used in personal care and cosmetic products. The dissolution behavior of WS-27 in fourteen mono solvents (methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, n-pentanol, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, propyl acetate, butyl acetate, dichloromethane, cyclohexanone, and acetone) was measured using a dynamic laser monitoring method from 263.15 K to 298.15 K under 101.6 ± 1.2 kPa. In these selected solvents, the solubility of WS-27 increased with increasing temperature. The van't Hoff equation, λh equation, modified Apelblat equation, Wilson model, and NRTL (non-random two-liquid) model were applied to correlate the experimental solubility data of WS-27, and the modified Apelblat equation showed the best-fitting results. In addition, the intermolecular interactions and solvent effect were analyzed using the Hirshfeld surface analysis, molecular electrostatic potential surface analysis, and KAT-LSER model analysis to understand the dissolution behavior of WS-27. The results indicate that the solubility of WS-27 is influenced by multiple factors, and there can be other factors as well. These fundamental data can provide essential information for the crystallization and purification process of WS-27. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoporous Fe-Pd alloy with metastable face-centered cubic (fcc Fe-Pd) phase is prepared by electrochemical dealloying as an electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The nanoporous fcc Fe-Pd alloy achieves an overpotential of 58 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in 1 M KOH, outperforming those of stable body-centered cubic Fe-Pd alloy (bcc Fe-Pd) and commercial Pt/C catalyst. Density functional theory calculation reveals that the metastable fcc structure can tailor the coordination environment and electronic structure of Pd active sites in Fe-Pd alloy. As a result, the d‐band center of Pd active site shifts away from the Fermi level, which weakens the Pd-H interaction and reduces the energy barrier of water dissociation. In addition, the fcc Fe-Pd exhibits good mechanical properties, which maintains the catalytic performance in the deformation state. This work broadens the idea for designing and preparing HER catalysts via metastable phase structure design. [Display omitted] • The metastable fcc structure can tailor the coordination environment and electronic structure of Pd in Fe-Pd alloy. • Compared with the steady state bcc Fe-Pd catalyst, the metastable fcc Fe-Pd catalyst has higher catalytic activity. • The nano-porous catalyst with sandwich structure has good mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: An increasing number of patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH)-induced cirrhosis and variceal bleeding are currently referred for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TIPS in such patients, and to compare these results with data from patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-induced cirrhosis. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study consisted of 211 patients between August 2016 and May 2021, and patients were allocated to AIH (n = 35) and HBV (n = 176) groups according to the etiology of the cirrhosis. The primary endpoint was mortality after TIPS use; the secondary endpoints were recurrent bleeding, overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE), shunt dysfunction, and dynamic changes in liver function over time. Results: During a median follow-up period of 27 months, 23 (10.9%) patients died, 22 (10.4%) experienced recurrent bleeding, 50 (23.7%) experienced OHE, and 25 (11.8%) developed shunt dysfunction. Compared with the HBV group, the AIH group exhibited a similar mortality risk (adjusted hazard ratio, HR 1.199; 95% confidence interval, CI 0.367–3.917; p = 0.764), OHE (adjusted HR 1.023, 95% CI 0.483–2.167, p = 0.954), and shunt dysfunction (adjusted HR 0.862, 95% CI 0.285–2.610, p = 0.792); but a higher risk of recurrent bleeding (adjusted HR 2.731, 95% CI 1.112–6.708, p = 0.028). The dynamic changes in liver function manifested an initial trend toward deterioration, and then subsequent recovery in both the AIH and HBV groups. Conclusions: TIPS is a safe and effective treatment, and should be considered for those patients with AIH-induced cirrhosis and variceal bleeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endoscopic stent placement is a palliative therapy for malignant digestive tract obstruction. However, its use for malignant afferent loop obstruction (mALO) has not been adequately investigated. From March 2009 to December 2020, 137 patients with mALO who underwent endoscopic stent placement at three tertiary care centers were retrospectively enrolled. The primary aim of this study was to compare stent dysfunction (SD) between the covered self-expandable metal stent (CSEMS) and uncovered self-expandable metal stent (UCSEMS) groups, with subgroup analysis among patients with extrinsic and intrinsic tumors separately. Twenty-three patients developed SD in the CSEMS group and 29 patients in the UCSEMS group (log-rank p =.974). The primary contributors to SD included a higher risk of stent migration in the CSEMS group and stent ingrowth in the UCSEMS group (p =.003; p <.001). Among patients with extrinsic tumors, the CSEMS group showed a significantly higher probability of overall SD (p =.008) and stent migration (p =.001) with a shorter time to SD (log-rank p =.006) than the UCSEMS group. Among patients with intrinsic tumors, the CSEMS group showed a significantly lower incidence of overall SD (p <.001) and stent ingrowth (p <.001) with a longer time to SD (log-rank p =.011) than the UCSEMS group. Our results showed no significant difference in SD between the CSEMS and UCSEMS groups for palliation of mALO. Furthermore, subgroup analysis suggested using CSEMSs for patients with intrinsic tumors, and UCSEMSs for those with extrinsic tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous industrial environments and IoT systems in the real world contain a range of sensor devices. These devices, when in operation, produce a large amount of multivariate time series data. These data are interconnected and together reflect the status and changing trends of the devices and environment. To ensure the safety and stability of the working devices, it is of great research value to continuously monitor the generated data and perform accurate and rapid anomaly detection. Moreover, in some emergency situations, after detecting an anomaly, making a preliminary judgment and reporting the type of anomaly can save a lot of precious time and reduce property losses. Therefore, we propose an anomaly detection and classification architecture that can quickly perform sequence modeling. The architecture includes our proposed novel graph learning method and the high-efficiency Transformer model. We use two-stage adversarial training to train the anomaly detection model and apply the model to anomaly classification using a prototype network. Extensive experiments on four public datasets prove that our anomaly detection method outperforms other state-of-the-art methods. We also verify the accuracy of anomaly classification through case studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regulating the thermal system configuration can improve the ramp-up rate of the coal-fired power plants during peak shaving transient processes, while it may bring penalties in the performance of the steam temperature control and thermal efficiency. This study simulated the load ramping up transient processes when throttling the extraction steam of high-pressure heaters. The results show that there is a gap between the needed energy and energy supply caused by drastic fluctuations of reheat steam flowrate. Control schemes of steam temperatures and fuel demands were revised considering the dispatch of the fuel and working medium. According to economic optimality, the order of throttling high-pressure heaters was optimized. By implementing the revised control strategies, the fluctuations of steam temperatures were diminished and the maximum deviation of live and reheat steam temperatures was reduced by 23.5 °C and 11.4 °C, respectively. The flexibility indicator was increased by up to double at most. The average standard coal consumption rate variations with and without the revised control schemes were compared and the maximum difference is 1.23 g kW−1 h−1 with 2.5 % Pe min−1. The flexibility and economic performance were both improved when adopting the revised control schemes. • Stored energy in the thermal system was utilized to increase the ramp-up rate. • Steam temperature deviation can be reduced by more than 50 % via optimizing control. • Optimal throttling schemes can benefit the energy consumption by 1.25 g kW−1. • Flexibility and efficiency are co-improved by adopting the revised control schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of programmed cell death receptor-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death-ligand protein-1 (PD-L1) inhibitors in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) to provide a treatment basis for TNBC. Methods. Published case-control studies on PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in the treatment of TNBC were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases, and collected data were processed by RevMan 5.4. Results. A total of 7 studies with 4340 study subjects were obtained, including 2092 PD-L1-negative cases, 1375 PD-L1-positive cases, and 847 PD-L1 unidentified cases. The use of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors showed no significant impact on patients' progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The use of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in the PD-L1-positive subgroup significantly improved patients' PFS and OS. Treatment with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors presented no significant effect on the incidence of adverse events (AEs) but increased the risk of AE grade ≥3 and severe AEs (SAEs). Conclusion. PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors are effective in the treatment of TNBC, which is strongly correlated with the expression of PD-L1; patient selection and clinical application require further investigation and verification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation using the Viatorr stent remains relatively uncommon in underdeveloped and high-burden disease regions in Asia–Pacific, and there is a lack of comparative studies regarding its prognostic effects compared with the generic stent-graft/bare stent combination. The purpose of this retrospective study is to compare the prognostic endpoints of these two treatments in patients who underwent TIPS creation. Clinical data from 145 patients were collected, including 82 in the combination group and 63 in the Viatorr group. Differences in prognostic endpoints (shunt dysfunction, death, overt hepatic encephalopathy [OHE], rebleeding) between the two groups were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier curves. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify independent risk factors for post-TIPS shunt dysfunction. The TIPS procedure was successful in all patients. After TIPS creation, both groups showed a significant decrease in porto-caval pressure gradient compared to that before TIPS creation. The stent patency rates at 6, 12, and 18 months were high in both the combination and Viatorr groups (93.7%, 88.5%, and 88.5% vs. 96.7%, 93.4%, and 93.4%, respectively). The stent patency rates was higher in the combination group than in the Viatorr group, although not statistically significant (HR = 2.105, 95% CI 0.640–6.922, Log-rank P = 0.259). There were no significant differences in other prognostic endpoints (death, OHE, rebleeding) between the two groups. The Cox model identified portal vein diameter (HR = 0.807, 95% CI 0.658–0.990, P = 0.040) and portal vein thrombosis (HR = 13.617, 95% CI 1.475–125.678, P = 0.021) as independent risk factors for post-TIPS shunt dysfunction. The shunt patency rates between the Viatorr stent and the generic stent-graft/bare stent combination showed no significant difference and the generic stent-graft/bare stent combination may be a viable alternative in areas where the Viatorr stent is not yet available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is a promising power technology, which has the attributes of clean, high efficiency, and high flexibility. In this research, a 3D-dynamic model of a planar SOFC was established and experimentally verified. Based on the developed model, the dynamic response characteristics of SOFC are investigated after every step change in the inlet gas temperature, inlet gas flow, and output voltage. For the output voltage of 0.9V, 0.7V, and 0.6V, the power density varies by +13.6%/-16.7%, +11.0%/-15.3%, and +5.1%/-9.7%, respectively, against every increase/decrease the inlet gas temperature by 100 K. The response processes of the power density to the changes in both inlet gas flow and output voltage are divided into fast-response and slow-response stages. The power density changes in these two stages can be attributed to the change in reactant concentration within the functional layers (fast-response stage) and the slow evolution of cell temperature (slow-response stage), respectively. Subsequently, four control strategies are employed to increase/decrease the power density by 20%. The comparative results show that the integrated control strategy of changing multiple operating parameters simultaneously can reduce the change range of a single controlled parameter, thereby improving the power regulating capability and increasing the regulating speed. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We, the Editors and Publisher of the journal Artificial Cells, Nanomedicine, and Biotechnology, have retracted the following article: Chaoyang Wang, Hao Zi, Yang Wang, Binghui Li, Zheng Ge & Xuequn Ren (2020) LncRNA CASC15 promotes tumour progression through SOX4/Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma. Artificial Cells, Nanomedicine, and Biotechnology, 48:1 763–769, DOI: It has come to our attention that the full authorship list and affiliations for this manuscript were changed after the article was accepted. We have contacted the corresponding author for an explanation, but we have not received a satisfactory explanation. As determining authorship is core to the integrity of published work, we are therefore retracting the article. The corresponding author listed in this publication has been informed. We have been informed in our decision-making by our policy on publishing ethics and integrity and the COPE guidelines on retractions. The retracted article will remain online to maintain the scholarly record, but it will be digitally watermarked on each page as 'Retracted'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purposes of the present study were to introduce an indirect decompression using oblique lateral lumbar interbody fusion combined with anterolateral screw fixation (OLIF-AF) for the treatment of lumbar degenerative disc disease and examine the clinical efficacy and radiographic outcomes. A total of 65 patients had undergone single-level OLIF-AF at L2–L5 from December 2017 to August 2018. The cross-sectional area of the thecal sac was evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging. The disk height, foraminal height (FH), and degree of upper vertebral slippage were evaluated using computed tomography. The visual analog scale score and Oswestry disability index were recorded pre- and postoperatively. The visual analog scale scores and Oswestry disability index had significantly improved after surgery (P < 0.001). At 3 days postoperatively, the cross-sectional area had improved from 93.2 ± 14.4 mm2 to 124.2 ± 7.5 mm2 (P < 0.001), the disk height had increased from 9.9 ± 1.7 mm to 12.7 ± 1.0 mm (P < 0.001), the left FH had increased from 16.6 ± 2.0 mm to 19.6 ± 2.0 mm (P < 0.001). In contrast, the right FH had increased from 16.7 ± 2.1 mm to 19.9 ± 2.0 mm (P < 0.001), and the degree of upper vertebral slippage had decreased from 14.2% ± 3.1% to 4.6% ± 2.8% (P < 0.001), respectively. At the 12-month follow-up examination, these parameters showed no statistically significant differences compared with the values at 3 days postoperatively (P > 0.05). Adverse events were observed in 15 patients (23.1%) patients and included pain at the iliac bone donor site in 1 (1.5%), left thigh pain/numbness in 2 (3.1%), quadriceps weakness in 2 (3.1%), psoas weakness in 3 (4.6%), intraoperative endplate injury in 2 (3.1%) and cage subsidence in 5 (7.7%). Our results have shown that OLIF-AF surgery is a relatively safe and effective surgical option for LDDD at L2–L5. Cage subsidence was the most common operative complication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing devices available on offshore gas/oil platforms are incapable of realizing complete separation of the liquid phase from wet natural gas. This results in eccentric motion of rotors and eventually causes trouble halting of natural-gas compressors. To tackle this problem, use of a novel gas-liquid separator has been reported for offshore oil platform applications. A pilot scale test was performed using the proposed equipment. Results of the test demonstrate that the optimum operating point of the pilot plant corresponds to a flow rate of 90 m3/h (30 °C, 5.0 MPa), and this could be used as a reference for subsequent industrial scale-ups. The results of the pilot test lead to the conclusion that the said novel separator has higher separation efficiency when compared against conventional industrial devices used on oil platforms. Using of the proposed equipment is aimed at alleviating the problem of liquid entrainment of natural gas entering the compressor, increasing compressor service life, and reducing operational and maintenance costs. The proposed study provides a new outlook towards engineering design of offshore-oil-platform equipment of theoretical as well as practical value. • Use of a novel gas–liquid separator to separate the liquid phase from natural gas extracted from the seafloor is proposed. • Operating conditions during the pilot test were maintained identical to those corresponding to industrial operation. • An improvement in separation efficiency was achieved over conventional separators employing cyclone and wire-mesh demisters. • The service life of compressors will be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Polycrystalline Bi 4 (Ti 3- x Fe x /2 Co x /2)O 12 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4) ceramics are prepared by solid state reaction method. The low temperature ferromagnetism is successfully induced by Fe/Co co-doping. Particularly, the x = 0.3 ceramics possess the largest remnant magnetization (2 M r) of about 0.272 emu/g at 100 K. Furthermore, all the doped ceramics undergo a ferromagnetic to paramagnetic transition, and show typical spin glass behavior, which is confirmed by the isothermal remnant magnetization and Memory Effect. The magnetic mechanisms probably originate from the coexistence and competition between ferromagnetic double exchange interactions and antiferromagnetic superexchange interactions, which lead to the appearance of the spin glass behavior in the doped ceramics and the strongest ferromagnetism in the x = 0.3 ceramics. The present work provides basic data and theoretical reference for the exploitation of the new multifunctional materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Diminishing fossil fuel resources have intensified the need for energy saving. Heat transfer is a basic method of energy delivery and convention, and heat transfer during the transient processes may be affected by the dynamic performances of heaters. Analysis of the heater performances during the transient process based on the second law of thermodynamics may show the room for the improvement in energy saving. Variations of boundaries, such as the flow rates and temperatures of the work fluids, may affect the dynamic behaviors of heaters. The variation rates, formats and ranges of the inlet work fluids flow rates and temperatures on the irreversibility and exergy delivery characteristics are discussed in this paper. The average exergy efficiency (η E,avg) of the heater during the transient process with different operational parameters are presented and compared. The results show that, in the identical variation range, the maximum difference in η E,avg with different flow rates and temperature variation rates of the cold work fluid are 0.3% and 0.4%, respectively. With step variation format, the maximum difference in η E,avg for the different variation ranges of the cold work fluid is 0.85%. Highlights • Real-time entropy generation rate of the heater is studied during the transients. • Effects of the variation rate and range for the controlled parameters are explored. • Step and ramp variation formats are selected to exhibit the dynamic behaviors. • Influences of the operational parameters on the exergy efficiency are studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study aimed to explore the function of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in esophageal cancer. Twenty patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and 20 patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA) were enrolled in this study. The levels of CFTR and NF‐κB in tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues were detected, respectively. The expression of CFTR were detected by qRT‐PCR and Western blot in normal esophageal cell line, esophagus squamous cell, carcinoma cell lines, and EA cell lines, respectively. Effects of CFTR silencing and overexpression on NF‐κB protein expression were detected by Western blot. Transwell assay was performed to detect cell invasion. Mouse tumor model was established and the effect of CFTR inhibitor on tumor growth was examined. The expression of CFTR was downregulated in tumor tissues and cancer cell lines. CFTR silencing promoted the expression of NF‐κB‐p65 and NF‐κB‐p50, and the results of CFTR overexpression were reversed. In addition, CFTR silencing promoted the invasion of cancer cells and tumor growth in mice. Besides that, NF‐κB inhibitor reduced the enhancing effects of CFTR silencing on esophageal cell invasion. We conclude that CFTR inhibits the growth and migration of esophageal cancer cells by downregulating of the NF‐κB protein expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geochronological, geochemical, and isotopic studies were carried out on the Paleoproterozoic granitic rocks, widely exposed on the southeastern Liaodong Peninsula in Northeast China, in order to determine their ages and petrogenesis and further to provide constraint on the tectonic nature of the north segment of Paleoproterozoic Jiao–Liao–Ji Belt. The zircons from the monzogranitic gneisses, magnetite‐bearing granitic gneisses, biotite‐monzogranitic gneisses, and amphibole‐bearing granitic gneisses fall into two groups, namely, magmatic and metamorphic. U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopic data show that the magmatic zircons have peak ages of ~2,194, 2,485–2,603, and 2,951 Ma, and these age groups yield εHf values of +0.86 to +9.29, −3.04 to +3.70, and −2.86 and TCDM model ages of 2.19–2.67, 2.76–3.21, and 3.56 Ga, respectively, whereas the metamorphic zircons have a peak age of 1,910 Ma, εHf values of −7.71 to −2.02 and +0.69 to +7.63, with the corresponding TCDM model ages of 2.72 to 3.01 Ga and 2.08 to 2.52 Ga, respectively. Most of these granitic rocks are characterized by depletion in elements such as Nb, Ta, P, Ti, and peraluminous and belong to the high‐ to medium‐K calc‐alkaline series, suggesting I‐type granites, whereas a few samples have high contents of SiO2, alkalis, and TFe2O3 and are metaluminous to weakly peraluminous, which show typical features of A‐type granites. We consider these granitic rocks were emplaced at 2,194 Ma and modified by a regional metamorphic event at 1,910 Ma. The parental magma was originated mainly from the partial melting of Neoarchean–Paleoproterozoic juvenile crustal materials. Taking into account the regional geology, we consider these granitic rocks were formed in relation to subduction at an active continental margin. A crustal growth event took place at 2.5–2.2 Ga and a metamorphic event at ~1.9 Ga. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entropy generation analyses on the transient processes of heat exchangers can guide their designs and operations. A dynamic model of a typical recuperative heater is developed based on mass, energy, and momentum conservation equations. Dynamic behaviors of the heater during transient processes are analyzed based on the second law of thermodynamics. The real-time entropy generation rate due to the heat transfer between the work medium and metal surfaces, and the heat conduction in metals are presented and discussed. A cold fluid flow rate with 20% step increase is adopted as the boundary disturbance, and dynamic performances are obtained. Additional entropy is generated in the heater during the transient processes compared with stationary work conditions. Several design and operation factors of the heater are discussed. Calculation results show that the additional total entropy generation diminishes during the transient processes with the increase in the thermal diffusivity of metal. This rule is also suitable for the influence of thermal transfer resistance between the fluid and metal. By contrast, the metal thickness and specific heat capacity of hot work fluid have opposite influences on the total additional entropy generation of the heater during the transient processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the regional microtensile bond strength (MTBS) and cohesive strength of bovine enamel. The crowns of bovine incisors were sectioned, either horizontally along incisal and cervical thirds to produce horizontal and tangential segments, or longitudinally along the midline to produce longitudinal segments. Half of the horizontal and longitudinal segments were prepared using a 45° bevel. Then, the differently sectioned enamel surfaces were treated with one‐ or two‐step self‐etch adhesives (Clearfil SE Bond or Clearfil S3 Bond) and a composite resin (Clearfil Majesty) was placed. Resin‐bonded enamel samples were cut into beams for use in the MTBS tests. Labial horizontal and longitudinal segments of pure enamel beams were prepared for cohesive strength tests. Enamel microstructures were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. Three‐way anova followed by Tukey's post‐hoc HSD multiple comparisons procedure showed that a 45° bevel cut did not statistically significantly improve enamel MTBS, which varied with the different regions. The longitudinally sectioned resin‐bonded enamel samples had the lowest MTBS, and the horizontal enamel cohesive strength was weaker than that of the longitudinal enamel. The scanning electron microscopy fractographs indicated that rows of parallel prisms were detached from the fractured surfaces. In conclusion, the regional enamel MTBS and the cohesive strength are strongly related to the enamel microstructures and prism orientations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Escitalopram is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and one of the most commonly prescribed newer antidepressants (ADs) worldwide. We aimed to explore the efficacy, acceptability and tolerability of escitalopram in comparison with other ADs in the acute-phase treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods: Medline/PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and Clinical Trials.gov were searched from inception to July 10, 2023. Trial databases of drug-approving agencies were hand-searched for published, unpublished and ongoing controlled trials. All randomized controlled trials comparing escitalopram against any other antidepressant for patients with MDD. Responders and remitters to treatment were calculated on an intention-to-treat basis. For dichotomous data, risk ratios (RRs) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Continuous data were analyzed using standardized mean differences (with 95% CI) using the random effects model. Results: A total of 30 studies were included in this meta‑analysis, among which sixteen trials compared escitalopram with another SSRI and 14 compared escitalopram with a newer AD. Escitalopram was shown to be significantly more effective than citalopram in achieving acute response (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.50—0.87). Escitalopram was also more effective than citalopram in terms of remission (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.30—0.93). Conclusions: Escitalopram was superior to other ADs for the acute phase treatment of MDD in terms of efficacy, acceptability and tolerability. However, no significant difference was found between escitalopram and other ADs in early response or follow-up response to treatment of MDD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electricity generated from renewable energy source fluctuates heavily and can hardly be predicted. The peak shaving (or load cycling) operation of conventional thermal power plants is an effective means to mitigate the mismatch between electricity demands and supplies. Therefore, determining how thermal power plants can operate in a flexible and effective mode is an urgent issue that should be addressed. For thermal power plants, new methods and strategies need to be proposed to face the challenge of the integrating flexibility and energy saving into transient processes. Dynamic performances of thermal power plants during load cycling processes are affected by the coupling of the thermal system and the control system. Feasible approaches from optimizing the coordinated control system (CCS) may radically enhance the peak shaving capacity of thermal power plants. The heat storage in a coal-fired power plant, including heating surface metals and work media, varies with the load rate of the plant. During cycling load operations, the real-time heat storage value of one unit differs from that of the corresponding steady state load command rate. This difference hinders the flexibility of one unit and affects its economic performances during cycling processes. In this paper, a revised water fuel ratio (WFR) control strategy based on heat storage difference was proposed and tested on established coal-fired power plant models. Results show that the accumulation deviations of load rate command and real-time load rate are considerably reduced during load cycling processes when the proposed WFR control strategy is introduced. The revised WFR control strategy diminishes the difference between the target and the actual total power output. When the load cycling rate varies from 10 to 30 MW min −1 between 50% and 100% THA, the standard coal consumption variation rate (Δ b s ) decreases by 0.31–1.01 g kW −1  h −1 during loading up processes, and decreases by 0.26–1.69 g kW −1  h −1 during loading down processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The operational flexibility of a thermal power plant has played an essential and promising role in accommodating the increment of variability in the supply and demand sides in China. The rapid activation of thermal storage in entire coal-fired power plant lies at the heart for the strategy. Understanding the thermodynamic characteristics of the power unit in the transient process quantitatively remains a challenge. In this study, dynamic simulations of an entire 660 MW supercritical coal-fired power plant were conducted via GSE software, and the models were validated in the steady state and transient processes. Then, five different measures were introduced to regulate the extraction steam of high-pressure heaters for operational flexibility. The dynamic characteristics of the main thermodynamic parameters and output power were described and compared. Moreover, the operational flexibility of these measures was discussed. It turns out that: among the five measures, the change degrees of pressure, flowrate, and temperature in main devices increase with the increment in the number of throttled valves and/or the degree of feedwater bypass. The feedwater temperature at steady state reduces by 94.6 °C at most, and the maximum temperature change rate of metal slabs in HP heaters is −44.6 °C min −1 . The dynamic process for output power under different measures has two different ramp stages, namely, a rapid stage and a slow stage. Furthermore, compared with other measures, 100% throttling extraction steam of #1, #2, and #3 HP heaters has the best operational flexibility, that is, the maximum average power ramp rate in a minute, power capacity, and energy capacity are 6.19% of rate power per minute, 48.40 MW, 5.58 MW h, respectively. The average power ramp rate, power capacity and energy capacity increase with the increment in the number of throttled valves and/or the degree of feedwater bypass. This work is expected to provide a detailed reference on the use of turbine thermal storage to improve the operational flexibility of coal-fired power plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the dynamic modeling of the cold end system of a thermal power plant and its operation optimization during cycling load processes. A revised logarithm mean temperature difference is recommended to calculate the heat transfer quantity between exhaust steam and condenser tubes. With this method, a condenser model is developed with a maximum relative error limited within 3%. Coupled with a turbo-generator, a condenser, water pumps, and a cooling tower, a closed cooling system model is established. The total power supply (TPS) during cycling load is calculated and analyzed to optimize the operation during transient processes. A method for obtaining the maximum value of TPS is provided and used to calculate the optimal operating load rate points for switching pumps (OPSP). OPSP increases with the cycling load rate ( V e ) during loading up processes decreases with V e during loading down processes. When V e is identical, OPSP declines with the ambient temperature for the loading up and down processes. TPS during transient processes is relevant with the switching pump load rate. The maximum value of difference in TPS with different switching pump periods is 691.4 (kW h) for switching pump numbers from 3 to 2 during loading down processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on the discovery of granatic magmatism in Southeastern Jilian Province, China. Topics include information on the tectonic conditions of the North China Craton, zircons found in the area being long, columnar or oval shaped, and the gneiss rock found rich in silicon dioxide, calcium oxide, and sodium oxide.

In the present work, the recent advancements in additive manufacturing (AM) techniques for fabricating nanocomposite parts with complex shaped structures are explained, along with defect non-destructive testing (NDT) methods. A brief overview of the AM processes for nanocomposites is presented, grouped by the type of feedstock used in each technology. This work also reviews the defects in nanocomposites that can affect the quality of the final product. Additionally, a detailed description of X-CT, ultrasonic phased array technology, and infrared thermography is provided, highlighting their potential application in non-destructive inspection of nanocomposites in the future. Lastly, it concludes by offering recommendations for the development of NDT methods specifically tailored for nanocomposites, emphasizing the need to utilize NDT methods for optimizing nano-additive manufacturing process parameters, developing new NDT techniques, and enhancing the resolution of existing NDT methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a clean, free, and nondepleting source, solar energy has become the focus of increasing attention in the drying industry. A lignite-fired power plant integrated with a solar dryer (LPPS), in which solar energy is used to dry lignite and the predried lignite is used to generate electricity, is analyzed theoretically in this paper. The aim of this study is to evaluate the energy performance of solar drying under different system parameters. Thermodynamic models, with which the second-law efficiency of the LPPS could be maximized, were developed. A reference case with three kinds of lignite as input fuel was analyzed to quantify the system performance. The first-law and second-law efficiencies were obtained. The solar-to-electric conversion efficiency in the LPPS is more than 34%. Therefore, solar drying is a potential technology that should be promoted in lignite-deposited areas. Moreover, the influence of main parameters on the performance of system was analyzed. Dryer efficiency is determined to have significant influence on the solar-to-electric conversion efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptide from silkworm pupa ( Bombyx mori ) was purified, modified, as well as inhibition mechanism by using molecular docking analysis. Silkworm pupa protein was hydrolyzed by neutral protease and the obtained hydrolysate was subjected to various types of chromatography to acquire peptide isolate. Then the molecular mass and amino acid sequence of the peptide was determined by MALDI-TOF/TOF MS. Subsequently, thermal and digestive stability of the peptide were explored through a high temperature processing and a simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Finally, the peptide was modified to smaller peptides and investigated their potentiate activities. Results showed that the peptide from silkworm pupa was determined to be Gly-Asn-Pro-Trp-Met (603.7 Da) with IC 50 21.70 μM. Stability testing showed that ACE inhibitory activities were not significantly changed at temperature from 40 to 80 °C as well as during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. The inhibitory activity of four modified peptides were Trp-Trp > Gly-Asn-Pro-Trp-Trp > Asn-Pro-Trp-Trp > Pro-Trp-Trp, and the IC 50 of Trp-Trp was 10.76 μM Docking simulation revealed that the inhibitory activity was closely related to the spatial structure of peptide and zinc ions. The purified peptide and four modified peptides may be beneficial as functional food or drug for treating hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flexibility of coal-fired power plants must be improved to satisfy load fluctuations in power grids caused by the rapid spread of power generation capacity from unpredictable renewable energy sources. Startups, shutdowns and large amplitude load cycling have become normal operational states for coal-fired power plants in recent years. The extremely high thermal inertia of a power plant influences the energy consumption of the power plant in load fluctuation processes. To obtain the energy consumption characteristics of power units during transient cycling processes, dynamic models of a 660 MW supercritical unit were established with the GSE software. The heat storage and control systems of the unit were considered. The energy consumption of the power plant was obtained at different cycling rates and compared with the results calculated with steady-state models. Results show that compared with those obtained with steady-state models, the standard coal consumption rate (SCCR) of the power plant increased by 3.57 g (kW h) −1 , which accounts for 1.3% of SCCR at most during the load-up process, and decreased by 2.96 g (kW h) −1 , which accounts for 1.0% of SCCR at most during the load-down process. The average SCCRs of these dynamic and steady-state models differed when the load cycling rates were different. When the load varied between 50% THA and 75% THA, the maximum difference of standard coal consumption rate variation (SCCRV) were 1.2 and 0.26 g (kW h) −1 during the load-up and load-down transient processes, respectively. The maximum differences in SCCRV were 0.85 and 0.34 g (kW h) −1 during load-up and load-down transient processes, respectively, with the load ranging from 75% THA to 100% THA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hierarchical nanoporous structured NPC/BMG composite rods (NPC/BMG: nanoporous copper/bulk metallic glass) were facilely fabricated by one-pot chemical dealloying the Cu 50 Zr 45 Al 5 BMG rods in 0.05 M HF solution for 24 h. The cross-sectional SEM images illustrate that the NPC/BMG composite rods exhibit the perfect combination of inner rod-shaped Cu-Zr-Al amorphous phase core and outer tube-shaped NPC layer with a thickness of 85 μm. As compared to the reported NPC composites, the new composite rods demonstrate remarkable enhanced mechanical properties with an ultrahigh strength of 1500 MPa and a large compression strain of 2.9%. Additionally, the increase in the compression strain is attributed to the formation of the buffer deformation zone resulting from the existence of the outer nanoporous copper tube. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a research report conducted on the Nd (Neodymium) isotopic characteristics of granitoids rocksfrom the New foundland Appalachians. It mentions the general characteristics and composition of the granitoids which include its spatial-temporal variation and deep crustal composition. The National Natural Science Foundation carried out field surveys of granite rocks for the characteristics.

[Display omitted] • A 3D dynamic model of a single repeating unit of RSOC is developed and validated. • The spatial-temporal evolution of the concentration field is obtained and analyzed. • The recovery time of the concentration field determines the total transient time. • Parametric studies of design and operation were done to optimize RSOC behaviors. • Setting H 2 fraction around 0.5 can minimize power overshoot and recovery time. Reversible solid oxide cells (RSOC) have attracted much attention due to their unrivaled efficiency. As one of the most promising energy storage and conversion technologies, the RSOC will have to switch frequently between fuel cell and electrolysis mode to follow the nature of intermittent renewable energy sources and meet time-varying electricity demand. In this paper, a 3D dynamic model of a single repeating unit was developed and validated. Based on this model, the interaction between the transient external electrical performance with the temporal-spatial evolution of the reactant and product concentrations was investigated during the RSOC switching from SOFC to SOEC. Once the mode switching occurs, the power density decreases to a lower value and then asymptotically recovers to a new quasi-steady state. The recovery time of the concentration field within porous electrodes determines the total transient time. In addition, detailed parametric studies for the key design and operational parameters are conducted to find out their impact on the power density overshoot (PDO) and relaxation time (τ 0). The results suggest that shortening the cell length can effectively reduce PDO and τ 0. With the hydrogen molar fraction of the incoming fuel gas (x H 2) equal to 0.2 and 0.8, respectively, the maximum values of PDO and τ 0 are attained. Compared with the maximum value, when adopting 0.4 ≤ x H 2 ≤ 0.6, the PDO and τ 0 can be reduced by 40 % and 25 %, respectively. Extending the mode switching time can effectively reduce PDO and τ 0. The power density drops directly into the quasi-steady state without oscillations when the switching time is more than 0.3 s, and the τ 0 is slightly shorter than the mode switching time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The static tests of 13 SHS X-joints with different brace to chord side length ratios and different types of plates reinforcement under out-of-plane bending in brace were carried out. Experimental test schemes, failure modes of specimens, moment–vertical displacement curves, moment–deformation of the chord, and strain strength distribution curves were presented. The effects of brace to chord side length ratios and plates reinforcement types on out-of-plane flexural property of SHS X-joints were studied. Results show that punching shear of chord face disappeared, concave and convex deformation of chord decreased when either collar plates or doubler plates were welded on chord face. Moment–vertical displacement curves of all specimens have obvious elastic, elastic–plastic and plastic stages. As brace to chord side length ratio increased, the out-of-plane flexural ultimate capacity and initial stiffness of joints with the same plates reinforcement type increased, but ductility of joints decreased. With the same brace to chord side length ratio, the out-of-plane flexural initial stiffness and ultimate capacity of collar plates reinforced joints, doubler plates reinforced joints and unreinforced joints decreased progressively. Thickness of reinforcement plates had an obvious effect on out-of-plane ultimate capacity of SHS X-joints. Thickness of reinforcement plates had no obvious effect on out-of-plane flexural initial stiffness of SHS X-joints when the value of reinforcement plates to chord wall thickness ratio exceeds 1.0. As thickness of reinforcement plates increased, the ductility of reinforced X-joints decreased. The concave and convex deformation of every specimen had good symmetry. The design equations were proposed for collar and doubler plates reinforced SHS X-joints under out-of-plane bending, which were shown to be accurate and reliable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an experimental investigation on the web-crippling behavior in glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) pultruded profiles with rectangular hollow section. There is evidence that GFRP pultruded profiles are particularly susceptible to transverse compressive loads, owing to the much lower mechanical properties in the direction transverse to the pultrusion axis. Although very relevant, the understanding about the web-crippling behavior in GFRP pultruded profiles is still very limited, as attested by the lack of information available in design codes and guidelines. End-two-flange (ETF) and interior-two-flange (ITF) loading conditions were adopted, with specimens seated on a bearing plate. Specimens were also placed on the ground with end (EG) or interior (IG) bearing load to simulate the loading conditions of floor joist members. The effects of the loading positions (end loading or interior loading) as well as the supporting conditions (on a bearing plate or on the ground) on the web crippling behavior are discussed. In addition, tests were performed with three different bearing lengths: 50 mm, 100 mm and 150 mm. Finite element models were developed to numerically simulate the tests performed in the experimental investigations in the terms of ultimate loads and failure modes. Based on the results of the parametric study, a number of design formulas proposed in this paper can be successfully employed as a design rule for predicting web crippling ultimate capacity of pultruded GFRP rectangular hollow sections under four loading and boundary conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the details of experimental and numerical research study on web crippling property of pultruded GFRP I-section under concentrated web crippling loadings. A total of 12 pultruded GFRP I-section with different loading conditions and bearing lengths was tested. The experimental scheme, failure modes and load–displacement curves were also presented. The investigation was focused on the effects of different loading condition and bearing length on web crippling ultimate capacity and ductility of pultruded GFRP I-section. The failure mode comprised longitudinal bending main crack, bending wrinkling cracks and shear cracks. Specimens with interior bearing load had slightly higher ultimate strength and greater deformation capacity than those of specimens with end bearing load. The ultimate strengths usually decreased with the increase of the bearing length except IG condition. Finite element models were developed to numerically simulate the tests performed in the experimental investigations by using commercial ABAQUS software. Based on the results of the parametric study, a number of design formulas proposed in this paper can be successfully employed as a design rule for predicting web crippling ultimate capacity of pultruded GFRP I-section under four loading and boundary conditions by using single parameter analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of a combination of B-doping and vacancy-defect on the atomic adsorption of hydrogen on Pd-decorated graphene have been investigated using density functional theory simulations. The introducing of defect and B-dopant enhanced the adsorption of hydrogen molecule and the PDOS results indicated that the enhancement was contributed by the hybridization of B and H atoms. Furthermore, the adsorption of hydrogen molecule on Pd-decorated double-vacancy (DV) defective graphene lead to dissociated and chemisorbed states with the two separated H atoms bonding to the C atoms at vacancy sites. Interestingly, the B-doping decreased the interaction between the Pd-adatom and the defected graphene but increased the stability of the adsorption of dissociated H 2 . The activated states of H 2 molecule occurred in the adsorption on single-vacancy (SV) defected graphene with stretched H–H bonds. Our results provide a potential approach for the engineering of graphene for hydrogen storage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkali metal salts of the 2-phosphaethynolate anion PCO− synthesized from reactions of CO with NaPH2 or K3P7 have recently become available in quantities for the synthesis of transition metal complexes of the potentially ambidentate PCO ligand (Angew. Chem., Int. Ed., 2013, 38, 10064). This is exemplified by the recently reported rhenium carbonyl complex (triphos)Re(CO)2(PCO) (triphos = MeP(CH2PPh2)3). Density functional theory studies on the related manganese carbonyl complexes Mn(CO)n(PCO) (n = 5, 4, 3) and Mn2(CO)n(PCO)2 (n = 8, 7, 6, 5) are now reported. For the binuclear systems the low-energy Mn2(CO)8(PCO)2 structures are singlet spin state structures having two bridging P-bonded phosphaketenyl μ-PCO ligands without a direct Mn–Mn bond. Carbonyl loss from Mn2(CO)8(μ-PCO)2 is predicted to lead to migration of CO groups from phosphorus to manganese resulting in Mn2(CO)n+2(μ-P2) structures with bridging diphosphido groups as the lowest energy Mn2(CO)n(PCO)2 isomers (n = 7, 6, 5). Isomeric Mn2(CO)6(PCO)2 structures with dihapto bridging η2-μ-PCO ligands at ∼30 kcal mol−1 above the global minimum are also found representing intermediates in the migration of CO groups from phosphorus to manganese. For the mononuclear systems the P-bonded Mn(CO)n(PCO) (n = 5, 4) phosphaketenyl structures are found to lie 20 to 28 kcal mol−1 in energy below the isomeric O-bonded Mn(CO)n(PCO) phosphaethynoxy isomers consistent with previously reported results by Grützmacher and coworkers on R3E(PCO)–R3E(OCP) systems (R = iPr, Ph; E = Si, Sn, Ge, Pb). The lowest energy structure for the tricarbonyl Mn(CO)3(PCO) is a singlet structure with an unusual trihapto η3-PCO ligand. However, higher energy isomeric Mn(CO)3(PCO) structures with P-bonded phosphaketenyl or O-bonded phosphaethynoxy ligands and tetrahedral Mn coordination are also found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The presence of Stone–Wales defect in graphene enhanced the adsorption of H2CO molecule. [•] There was chemical bond forming between H2CO molecule and TM atoms (Cr, Mn and Co) doped defected graphene. [•] The adsorption of H2CO molecule changed the conductance and magnetic properties of Cr and Mn doped defected graphene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To compare the clinical efficacy of video-assisted thoracoscopic direct lung wedge resection (banana peel method) with that of the opposite resection line (traditional method). Methods Review and analysis of 83 cases of video-assisted thoracoscopic wedge resections of lung operations from February 2007 to September 2011. All of the patients were divided into two groups, as follows: Group A: wedge resection of the lung by the opposite resection line (traditional method), 41 cases; Group B: direct lung wedge resection (banana peel method), 42 cases. Both of the groups received video-assisted thoracic surgery. The postoperative follow-up period was 1–6 months, with an average of 3.6 months. The operating conditions (including operation time, transoperative bleeding volume, number of transoperative sutures added, postoperative time to extubation, surgery cost, number of suturing instruments used for incising with the endoscope and the cost of hospitalisation), atelectasis conditions 1 month after the operation and the decreasing lung function conditions were compared between groups. Results Group B's operative time was (62 ± 10) min, significantly less than Group A's (81 ± 16) min ( P < 0.05). The amount of bleeding in Group B was (52 ± 17) ml, which was also significantly less than that of Group A, at (74 ± 21) ml ( P < 0.05). Compared to Group A, Group B had significantly ( P < 0.05) fewer manual sutures and shorter postoperative extubation times. The cost of surgery and number of endoscopic staplers used during the operation in Group B were significantly larger than in Group A; however, the total hospital costs did not differ between the two groups ( P > 0.05). Neither group had any cases of atelectasis based on chest X-ray films taken 1 month after the operation, and no difference was found in the groups' decreased lung functions. Conclusions The video-assisted thoracoscopic direct lung wedge resection (banana peel method) can shorten the operative time, lessen the surgical trauma, reduce the number of additional manual sutures required, and make for an overall more convenient operation, compared to wedge resection of lung by opposite resection line (traditional method). Although operation costs have increased, the total hospital costs have not. Thus, the better choice for video-assisted thoracoscopic lung wedge resections involves the use of direct lung wedge resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The presence of vacancy enhances the adsorption of H2CO molecule on CNTs. [•] There is chemical bond forming between H2CO and Al-doped vacancy-defective CNTs. [•] The C atoms around the single-vacancy defect is more sensitive to detect H2CO molecule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]