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Theoretical modeling of the solid‐state photocatalysis is one of the important issues as various useful photocatalysts have been developed to date. In this work, we investigated the mechanism of the alcohol photooxidation on niobium oxide (Nb2O5) which was experimentally developed, using the density functional theory (DFT)/time‐dependent (TD)DFT calculations based on the cluster model. The alcohol adsorption and the first hydrogen transfer from hydroxy group to surface occur in the ground state, while the second hydrogen transfer from CH proceeds in the excited states during the photoirradiation of UV or visible light. The spin crossing was identified and the low‐lying triplet states were solved for the reaction pathway. The photoabsorption in the visible light region was characterized as the charge transfer transition from O 2p of alcohol to Nb 4d of the Nb2O5 surface. The spin density and the natural population analysis indicated the generation of spin density in the moiety of carbonyl compound and its dissipation to the interface of the surface, which partly explains the electron paramagnetic resonance measurement. It was confirmed that the rate determining step is the desorption of carbonyl compound and water molecule in agreement with the experimental rate equation analysis. The present findings with the theoretical modeling will provide useful information for the further studies of the solid‐state photocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Scutellarin, which is obtained from Erigeron breviscapus Hand-Mazz (EBHM), is a flavonoid that has demonstrated the ability to safeguard neural stem cells from hypoxia-induced damage and prevent cell apoptosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the beneficial impacts of Scutellarin on mitophagy in both in vivo and in vitro models of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Materials and Methods: Prior to inducing models of myocardial I/R injury, mice were administered either Scutellarin (50 mg/kg/day) or a vehicle for seven consecutive days. The mice underwent I/R injury (30 min of left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery ligation followed by 120 min of reperfusion). Myocardial injury markers were assessed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The size of the myocardial infarction was measured via 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride triazole staining, and the protein expression of LC3 and caspase-3 was determined through Western blot analysis. In vitro experiments were conducted utilizing cultured H9C2 cells subjected to an oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation model to investigate the underlying mechanism(s) of Scutellarin's positive effects (50 µM). Results: It shows that Scutellarin treatment reduced the size of the myocardial infarctions and decreased the levels of myocardial injury markers. Western blot analysis showed that protein expression of caspase-3 was decreasing and the ratio of LC3Ⅱ to LC3Ⅰ was increasing in the Scutellarin group. In vitro , Scutellarin decreased oxidative stress markers, stabilized mitochondrial membrane potential (∇Ψm), decreased mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening rate, promoted mitochondrial fusion, inhibited mitochondrial fission, and increased adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and cell viability. Scutellarin increased the commitment of mitophagy by regulating Pink and Parkin, while apoptosis decreased. cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation were also modulated by Scutellarin. Conclusion: The myocardial protective effect of Scutellarin may be associated with the phosphorylation of CREB and ERK1/2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The irreversibility of the thermoelectric cooling (TEC) model could analyze and optimize refrigeration performance. In present work, a one-dimensional thermal conductivity model of the internal irreversible thermoelectric element was first established. Subsequently, two categories of evaluation indexes were further analyzed, i.e., cooling capacity Qc and coefficient of performance (COP). The thermodynamic model of TEC was then established jointly with finite time thermodynamics. The influences of current and the ratio of heat transfer areas between cold and hot sides on the steady-state characteristics of TEC were further discussed under Newtonian linear heat transfer. In addition, a transient thermodynamic model of TEC equipment was built to compare the effects of pulse width, pulse gradient, and pulse current on the cold side temperature of the TEC module. Theoretical results demonstrated that the effective working range of the steady-state operating current is 2A ≤ I ≤ 25A, and the area ratio of heat transfer between cold and hot sides is 0.07 ≤ x ≤ 1. The cooling capacity (Qc) and coefficient of performance (COP) could reach up to about 50W and 2.0, respectively. In addition, the increase of external heat transfer capacity of the hot side could reduce the transient supercooling temperature and the peak overshoot temperature, simultaneously. Afterward, the cooling capacity was remarkably enhanced. Current research could provide a reliable support for the optimization design and performance improvement of the thermoelectric cooler. Thermal conductivity model of internal irreversible thermoelectric element was established; Effects of cold and hot ends on the TEC were discussed under Newtonian linear heat transfer; Effects of pulse width, gradient and current on TEC cold end temperature were investigated; Heat transfer capacity of TEC hot end could reduce supercooling and overshoot temperatures; The irreversibility of TEC model will enhance its potentials for low grade energy exploitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the key control equipment for the transmission of the fluid medium, butterfly valves are widely used in transmission systems of media in the energy, chemical industry, metallurgy, aerospace engineering, and other fields, playing an important role in the stability and reliability of system operation. When the flow cross section suddenly changes, the pressure rapidly decreases the downstream, leading to cavitation in butterfly valves. Cavitation causes serious erosion and damage in the valve core and pipeline surface, resulting in leakage and noise problems in butterfly valves, which seriously affects the regulation performance and lifetime of butterfly valves. In this study, numerical analyses are conducted to investigate cavitation evolution at the transient regulation of a butterfly plate through a butterfly valve model. Moreover, the effects of the valve opening degree and rotating speed on the cavitation volume and distribution, rate of cavitation volume change, growth–collapse rate of cavitation, and correlation between cavitation and vortex in the opening and closing processes of butterfly valves are investigated. Due to the influence of transient regulation and flow hysteresis, the characteristic parameters and evolution of cavitation exhibit different behaviors in the opening and closing processes of butterfly valves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Acute primary angle closure (APAC) is often characterized by acute elevation of intraocular pressure accompanied by severe ocular and systemic symptoms. Excessive collagen accumulation, which can be caused by upregulated heat shock protein 47 (HSP47) expression, can produce scarring in rat conjunctival blebs. Meanwhile, the presence of HSP47 in human aqueous humor and its levels are yet to be determined. Methods: We examined 32 consecutive patients with APAC and 16 age-matched participants without APAC scheduled for cataract surgery who were enrolled as a control group. Aqueous humor samples were collected from all subjects at the time of surgery and compared between the subjects with and without APAC. Results: The levels of HSP47 in the aqueous humor of patients with APAC (1,210.4 ± 450.2 pg/mL) were found to be significantly increased (p = 0.001) compared with those in the control group (863.4 ± 240.0 pg/mL). Notably, the levels of HSP47 negatively correlated with the age of patients with APAC (p = 0.023). Conclusion: HSP47 was upregulated in the aqueous humor of patients with APAC and may play a role in scarring after trabeculectomy for APAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar energy could be effectively exploited and transferred by the solar collectors, where thermal transport efficiency was inhibited by actual operations and applications. In present research, solar collector combined with pulsating heat pipes (PHP) was proposed to enhance solar energy conversion and management. Fluid temperature oscillation, flow patterns and motions, heat transfer mechanisms inside present facility were comprehensively investigated, which aimed to suitably determine the flow stability of working fluid for PHPs, such that the whole system performance could be fully optimized. Firstly, an experimental investigation was comprehensively conducted to obtain the flow motions, temperature oscillation, and thermal resistance of PHPs, under multi-parameter conditions. Our results indicated that heat transfer performance was promoted with an increase in thermally driven force, accompanied by which low frequency with "small amplitude" transformed to high frequency with "bulk amplitude". In addition, filling ratio of 25% even a minimum input power generally results in dry-out phenomena, superior liquid-vapor patterns and heat transfer performance were observed as filling ratio was 60%. Following that, theoretical modeling results confirmed that, within the critical pipe diameter, larger saturated vapor pressure and lower surface tension were significantly beneficial for the application of PHPs-solar collector. Considering dimensionless parameters and experimental data, Genetic Algorithm-Back Propagation Neural Network (GA-BPNN) was further built to predict the heat transfer performance of PHPs, which was in great agreement with the experimental data. Optimal filling ratios were further confirmed depending on the best Ku performance, within average deviation being no more than 10%. Present theoretical and experimental researches could facilitate the optimization and application of PHP- solar collectors, greatly exploiting solar energy for buildings. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The annular swirling flow reactor excels in liquid–liquid mixing. • Conical structure effectively inhibits attenuation of swirling flow intensity. • Main mass transfer region of the reactor is near the central conical wall. • The swirling flow reactor exhibits superior crystal preparation capability. • In reaction crystallization, the swirling flow reactor shows unique potential. This study investigates the performance of an annular conical swirling flow reactor in liquid–liquid reactions for the preparation of inorganic salt particles. Utilizing Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) measurements and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, it was observed that the conical design effectively inhibited the attenuation of swirling flow intensity along the axial direction, with the primary mass transfer region close to the central conical wall. In comparison to a stirred reactor, calcium carbonate particles synthesized in the swirling flow reactor exhibited more uniform morphology, smoother and defect-free surface. Notably, the average particle size remained consistently within 5–6 μm (excluding the 0.3 M feedstock), whereas stirring led to particles with an average size ranging from 8-11 μm. Analysis of the residence time distribution curve revealed minimal back mixing in the swirling flow reactor, ensuring nearly equal growth time for salt particles, thus yielding particles with a uniform size distribution. As a result, the swirling flow reactor presents compelling prospects for applications in reactive crystallization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the problems of low power generation efficiency and low security of solar photovoltaic cells, a novel and versatile PV panel cooling strategy was proposed; which employed an absorbent hydrogel evaporative (AHE) cooling with 3D porous copper foam (CF) composite structure as an effective cooling component. By comparing natural cooling, comprehensive indoor simulated and outdoor experimental studies were conducted to explore the feasibility of enhancing the electrical output performance of PV cells. The effects of solar irradiation, environment humidity, ambient temperature and wind speed on heat transfer performance and the generated electricity power efficiency of PV with CF-AHE cooling panel were comprehensively analyzed and discussed. Present research demonstrated that the CF-AHE cooling layer of three solar irradiations (0.8, 1.0 and 1.2 sun conditions) could remove 449∼713W/m2 of heat from a photovoltaic cell, which significantly out-performed that of general cooling methodology depending on wind or buoyancy driven ventilation. The results further indicated that CF-AHE significantly reduces the cell temperature, enhancing the temperature uniformity of PV cell modules, i.e., the PV cell temperature ranges from 43–46 °C, markedly lower than the 53–66 °C observed with natural cooling. Additionally, average electrical efficiencies were enhanced by 4.69 %, 8.53 % and 12.84 % compared with that of natural cooling method, respectively. Subsequently, in the field test conducted in Wuhan city of China , current results further showed that our proposed cooling unit has boosted the power generation of PV panels by 14.01 % and reduced PV surface temperature by no less than 10 °C, simultaneously. Therefore, CF-AHE cooling structure can furnish excellent heat transfer characteristics and efficient electrical generation performance of PV panel. This research will provide valuable guidance for design of photovoltaic-AHE cooling systems and verifies the feasibility of such systems. [Display omitted] • Nano structures of porous copper foam and absorbent hydrogel were firstly designed. • An absorbent hydrogel evaporative (AHE) cooling with 3D porous copper foam (CF) was proposed. • Power generation and thermal management of PVs could be simultaneously enhanced by CF-AHE. • Potentials on commercial PVs have been demonstrated both by on-site and lab experiments. • AHE-CF could be especially advantageous in the regions of high temperature and humidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apelin is a key hormone in cardiovascular homeostasis that activates the apelin receptor (APLNR), which is regarded as a promising therapeutic target for cardiovascular disease. However, adverse effects through the β-arrestin pathway limit its pharmacological use. Here, we report cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of APLNR-G i1 complexes bound to three agonists with divergent signaling profiles. Combined with functional assays, we have identified "twin hotspots" in APLNR as key determinants for signaling bias, guiding the rational design of two exclusive G-protein-biased agonists WN353 and WN561. Cryo-EM structures of WN353- and WN561-stimulated APLNR-G protein complexes further confirm that the designed ligands adopt the desired poses. Pathophysiological experiments have provided evidence that WN561 demonstrates superior therapeutic effects against cardiac hypertrophy and reduced adverse effects compared with the established APLNR agonists. In summary, our designed APLNR modulator may facilitate the development of next-generation cardiovascular medications. [Display omitted] • Structures of the human APLNR bound to different profile agonists • Twin hotspots in APLNR are key determinants for signaling bias • Rational design of two exclusively G-protein-biased agonists of APLNR • WN561 exhibits cardioprotective functions with reduced cardiac hypertrophy By reporting molecular basis for binding and activation of APLNR-G i1 complex by apelin and biased agonists, this work reveals key determinants for APLNR signaling bias and further designs and generates exclusive G-protein-biased agonists that exhibit efficient therapeutic effects against cardiac hypertrophy and reduced adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Highly dispersed copper species are successfully constructed in 20CuCe. • The oxidized Cu species are proved as actives sites. • The bulk oxygen in CeO 2 diffuses to surface to keep Cu species oxidized. • New recognitions in the interaction between copper and ceria for the WGSR. To prepare supported catalysts with high loading and high dispersion of active metals is a crucial challenge in heterogeneous catalysis. Here we report the fabrication of very reactive catalyst that contains finely dispersed copper with 20 wt% content supported on high-surface area CeO 2 for the water–gas shift (WGS) reaction. This copper-ceria catalyst shows superb activity with a CO consumption rate of 116.7 μmol CO g cat -1 s−1 at 300 ℃, nearly one order of magnitude more active than other copper-based catalysts ever reported. Based on the precise and integrated characterizations, the oxidized not the metallic Cu are proved to be active centers where the adsorbed CO directly reacted with bridged —OH groups to finish the WGS reaction. The oxidized Cu sites are confirmed to be originated from the activation effect from Cu to CeO 2 , which promotes the oxygen of CeO 2 diffuse from the bulk to surface, making Cu oxidized even under reductive atmosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intra-abdominal infection after curative surgery for colorectal cancer is a serious complication associated with an increased risk of recurrence. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS)—an essential component of the cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria—were found to exert a protumorigenic effect by stimulating the inflammatory pathology and formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). This study was conducted to test whether LPS-induced formation of NETs promotes the development of cancer and metastasis. Methods: The clinical characteristics, incidence of relapse, and serum myeloperoxidase–DNA complexes of 40 patients with infection and 40 patients without infection after curative surgery were analyzed. The effects of LPS on the induction of NETs were evaluated in a mouse model of colorectal cancer and liver metastasis. The toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9)—a DNA receptor—was knocked down to assess its effect on the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and activities implicated in the formation of NETs. Results: Analysis of the clinical data obtained from these patients showed the significant relation of the formation of NETs and incidence of metastasis and survival rates. Subsequent in vitro experiments revealed an increased level of citrullinated-histone H3 and myeloperoxidase–DNA in LPS-injected mice with colorectal cancer. In the mimic metastatic model, injection of LPS enhanced the metastatic capacity, which was then attenuated by DNase I. This suggested that the formation of NETs was activated by LPS. Injection of TLR9-knockdown HCT116 cells in mice, followed by induction through LPS, mitigated the level of citrullinated-histone H3 and myeloperoxidase–DNA. This finding implied that the formation of NETs was suppressed. Conclusion: These findings shed light on the mechanism underlying the relationship between the elevated rate of colorectal cancer recurrence in patients who underwent surgery and the incidence of infection. This mechanism involves the protumorigenic activities of LPS-induced formation of NETs. The NETs which could be mediated by the TLR9 and the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: As the promising catalysts for the water‐gas shift (WGS) reaction, the activity of Au‐CeO2 composites is susceptible to the aggregation size and electronic state of Au species. Previous reports were extensively focused on the discrepancy between nonmetallic Au and metallic Au nanoparticles, whereas the understanding of the authentic role of the isolated Au atoms was limited. Herein, we investigated the catalytic behavior and structural information over two types of Au/CeO2 catalysts, in which the predominant conjunctions were isolated Au1‐CeO2 and Aun‐CeO2, respectively. Based on comprehensive characterizations, particularly by in‐situ Raman and in‐situ DRIFTS, we found that the isolated Au atoms were responsible for enhancing the reducibility of the CeO2 matrix. The CO adsorption ability on the isolated Au sites was significantly inferior to clustered Au atoms, especially at relatively high temperatures (> 200 °C). As a result, the boosted O vacancy on the isolated Au1‐CeO2 conjunctions could improve the H2O activation ability for the Au‐CeO2 catalysts and demonstrate a comparable activity to the clustered Aun‐CeO2 sites. This work might deepen understanding of the catalytic function for the isolated Au1 site within Au/CeO2 systems while catalyzing the WGS reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microshock tubes are always used to induce shock waves and supersonic flows in aerospace and medical engineering fields. A needle-free drug delivery device including a microshock tube and an expanded nozzle is used for delivering solid drug powders through the skin surface without any injectors or pain. Therefore, to improve the performance of needle-free drug delivery devices, it is significantly important to investigate shock waves and particle-gas flows induced by microshock tubes. Even though shock waves and multiphase flows discharged from microshock tubes have been studied for several decades, the characteristics of unsteady particle-gas flows are not well known to date. In the present studies, three microshock tube models were used for numerical simulations. One microshock tube model with closed end was used to observe the reflected shock wave and flow characteristics behind it. The other two models are designed with a supersonic nozzle and a sonic nozzle at the exit of the driven section, respectively, to investigate particle-gas flows induced by different nozzles. Discrete phase method (DPM) was used to simulate unsteady particle-gas flows and the discrete random walk model was chosen to record the unsteady particle tracking. Numerical results were obtained for comparison with those from experimental pressure measurement and particle visualization. Shock wave propagation was observed to agree well with experimental results from numerical simulations. Particles were accelerated at the exit of microshock tube due to the reservoir pressure induced by reflected shock wave. Both sonic and supersonic nozzles were underexpanded at the end of microshock tubes. Particle velocity was calculated to be smaller than gas velocity, which results from larger drag of injected particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Butterfly valve is widely used to transport cryogenic medium such as liquid natural gas (LNG), liquid nitrogen and so on. When the pressure of cryogenic fluid is lower than the saturated vapor pressure corresponding to the local temperature, the cryogenic fluid will produce the phase transformation from liquid to gas, which is called as cryogenic cavitation. Cavitation phenomenon is the main cause of cavitation erosion, vibration and noise, which seriously affects the stable operation of the system and the lifetime of the valves. Cryogenic medium is more easily cavitated in the process of transportation and regulation due to its unique thermal sensitivity. In order to explore the evolution mechanism of cryogenic cavitation through butterfly valves, numerical simulations were carried out to study the dynamic evolution of cryogenic cavitation through a butterfly valve model at different valve opening degrees. By considering the thermal effect of cryogenic medium, the traditional cavitation model is modified and verified by experimental results. The evolution including generation, development and collapse of cryogenic cavitation is observed and discussed in details at each valve opening degree. The relationship of cryogenic cavitation and vortex structure is revealed and entropy production is obtained to indicate the intensity of dynamic evolution of cryogenic cavitation through butterfly valve. • A modified cavitation model was proposed and verified by experimental results. • The periodic evolution of cryogenic cavitation was observed and discussed in details. • The spatial and temporal relationship between cryogenic cavitation and vortex was revealed. • The irreversible energy loss induced by cryogenic cavitation was investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Emerging evidence has shown that interleukin (IL)-17A is implicated in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis (AR). Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) orchestrates the immune response toward a Th2 phenotype. Although increased TSLP is found in AR, the contribution of IL-17A in TSLP production by nasal fibroblasts is not well understood. We aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of IL-17A on TSLP production by human nasal fibroblasts (HNFs) from AR patients. Methods: HNFs from AR patients were cultured and stimulated with IL-17A in the absence or presence of a Janus kinase (JAK) 2 or JAK1/3 inhibitor. Western blotting was used to assay phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 in HNFs. The TSLP expression in the cells and culture supernatants was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunoassay. Results: Stimulation with IL-17A induced STAT3 phosphorylation, which was inhibited by the pretreatment with JAK2 inhibitor AZD1480 or JAK1/3 inhibitor tofacitinib. IL-17A promoted the nuclear translocation of NF-κBp65 protein, leading to increased TSLP production, while the pre-incubation with AZD1480 prior to IL-17A attenuated these effects. However, the pre-incubation with tofacitinib before IL-17A stimulation had no impact on the expression of NF-κBp65 and TSLP. Conclusions: IL-17A up-regulated TSLP production by HNFs through JAK2/NF-κB pathway. Although IL-17A induced STAT3 activation through JAK1/2/3, IL-17A-mediated TSLP expression was not dependent on STAT3 signaling. These observations would provide mechanistic insight into therapeutic strategies to improve the immune and inflammation associated with Th17A in the management of AR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to probe broiler responses to the maintenance of adequate level of glycine plus serine in low crude protein (CP) diets by glycine (Gly) addition from 8 to 42 days of age. A total of 1152 7-d-old birds were divided into 8 groups and fed with one of the following diets: (I) normal CP diet; (II, III vIV V) diets with 1.5%, 3%, 4.5% and 6% points less CP than normal diet, respectively; (VI, VII, VIII) diets with 3%, 4.5% and 6% points reduced CP than the normal CP diet, respectively, and added with Gly to achieve 2.32% total Gly + Ser. Each treatment was replicated with 12 cages. Results showed that dietary CP reduction by 3% or higher compromised (p <.05) growth performance and carcase traits of broilers. Gly fortification in the diet with a 4.5% CP reduction produced similar accumulative growth performance relative to normal-CP group. When Gly fortification in the diet with a 6% CP reduction, the accumulative growth performance were improved (p <.05) but were still inferior (p <.05) to those in normal-CP group. Gly fortification supported a similar (p >.05) abdominal fat percentage of birds fed the diet containing 4.5% points less CP as compared with birds fed the normal-CP diet. Comparatively, Gly fortification in the diet with a 6% CP reduction resulted in breast muscle yield, serum UN content on d 21 and albumin content on d 42 comparable to (p >.05) those in normal-CP group. Collectively, the absence of Gly addition allowed dietary CP reduction by no more than 3% to obtain normal performance and carcase traits of broilers. Gly fortification in the diet with a 3% CP reduction induced no improvements in growth performance and carcase traits of broilers. However, maintain a level of 2.32% total Gly + Ser via Gly fortification enabled a reduction of dietary CP by 4.5% without deteriorating the accumulative growth performance and carcase traits of broilers. Gly addition that provides 2.32% total Gly + Ser allows dietary CP reduction of 4.5% without compromising the accumulative growth performance and carcase traits of broilers. Maintaining 2.32% total Gly + Ser via Gly fortification could not completely overcome the depression of growth performance in broilers fed the diet with a 6% CP reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Two-Phase Closed Thermosyphons (TPCTs) could be utilized in built and solar energy exploitations. • Steady-state 2-D numerical model of TPCTs was developed depending on Nusselt approach. • Effect of nanofluid on the fluid flow and thermal efficiency was fully investigated. • Influences of input power and nanofluid on entropy generation and thermal resistance were evaluated. • Present mathematical model and program code were validated with experiment data. Two-Phase Closed Thermosyphons (TPCTs) is a high-efficiency heat transfer technology being widely utilized in the fields of built and solar energy exploitations. In present work, a 2-D steady-state model is innovatively proposed to investigate thermal performance and flow dynamics of a single TPCT containing nanofluids. Conservation equations for mass, momentum, and energy were fully solved by the dichotomy algorithm. The effects of input powers, nanoparticles materials (Al 2 O 3 , Fe 2 O 3 and Cu), and concentration levels (φ = 0–12 wt%) on the thermodynamics and entropy generation of the thermosyphon were numerically investigated and the results were evaluated through those from the pure water. A substantial change in the liquid film thickness, flow velocity profile, interfacial shear force, local heat transfer coefficient, temperature distribution, entropy generation rate and thermal resistance were subsequently obtained when using a nanofluid. Our numerical results revealed that nanofluids in thermosyphon could effectively enhance thermal performance by decreasing the evaporator temperature, thereby reducing overall entropy generation by about 41%, 32% and 29% for Cu, Fe 2 O 3 and Al 2 O 3 in comparison with pure water, respectively. Additionally, entropy generation significantly decays when nanoparticle concentration levels promote. Numerical results further indicate that the flow resistance of working fluid increases, maximum friction entropy generation increases by approximately 36.37%, 15.15%, and 9.09% for Cu, Fe 2 O 3 , Al 2 O 3 of φ = 9 wt%, respectively. Moreover, the existence of an optimum concentration level for nanoparticles in maximizing the heat transfer limit was theoretically achieved for all nanofluids. Current results agreed well with experimental data within average deviation being no more than 10%. In conclusions, results suggest that TPCT-solar collect using nanofluid has a low simple payback period to absorb solar radiation to convert thermal energy compared to the conventional one charged with pure water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interleukin-10 (IL-10), a cytokine with anti-inflammatory effects, is produced by renal parenchymal cells and bone marrow derived cells. Both endogenous and exogenous IL-10 are protective in cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury. However, the source of endogenous IL-10 in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity is not clear. Bone marrow chimera experiments in IL10-KO mice indicated that bone marrow derived cells were the primary source of IL-10 in cisplatin nephrotoxicity. Cell specific deletion of IL-10 in T regulatory cells and dendritic cells was accomplished using Foxp3 and CD11c driven cre recombination in IL10flox/flox mice, respectively. Upon treatment with cisplatin, both the IL10flox/flox and the Foxp3YFP-Cre x IL10flox/flox mice developed similar degrees of kidney injury. However, mice with the dendritic cell deletion of IL-10 showed more severe structural and functional changes in the kidney compared to the IL10flox/flox mice. These results indicate that IL-10 from dendritic cells but not from T regulatory cells offers significant endogenous protection against cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oxides and active metals at the interface synergistically activate reactants and thus promote the reaction, but the interface structure often changes dynamically during the reaction. In the conventional supported catalysts, the metals at the interface have been extensively studied, while the structural evolution of oxides is often overlooked due to the interference of the bulk phase signal. In this work, CeO2−CuO inverse catalysts are designed to reveal the dynamic structure evolution of CeO2 in the CeO2−CuO system during the water gas shift (WGS) reaction by in situ Raman, in situ XRD, quasi in situ XPS, and near ambient pressure XPS (NAP‐XPS). CeO2 is partially concealed in the CuO phase in the un‐pretreated catalyst and gradually exposed to the surface, forming an inverse CeOx/Cu structure during the reducing process. This structure exhibits a high catalytic activity in the WGS reaction and remains durable under the reductive conditions. When the inverse CeOx/Cu structure is exposed to the non‐redox conditions, the reconfiguration of the reduced oxide is observed which is caused by the oxygen migration of CeO2. This work explores the structure evolution of CeO2 in CeO2−CuO inverse catalyst under different conditions by in situ characterization technique and provides a reference for monitoring the dynamic changes of oxide structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposed one novel Thermo-Electric Ventilation (TEV) system driven by the concentrated photovoltaic-thermoelectric generator (CPV-TEG), which could use the electric power converted directly from solar energy by CPV-TEG. The effects of incident solar irradiance, number of thermoelectric generators, and ambient air temperatures on the power output of CPV-TEG have been analytically investigated through energy balance and first law of thermodynamics. Furthermore, input current and number of thermoelectric coolers were sensitively varied to optimize the performance of TEV system respectively in heating and cooling modes. Finally, an integrated theoretical and numerical approach was proposed to match the power output of CPV-TEG with the power input of TEV. Modeling results indicate that the output power from CPV-TEG could satisfy the energy demand of TEV system when the input currents of thermoelectric coolers were no more than 2.5 A and 2.8 A respectively for cooling and heating modes. Minimum energy and exergy efficiencies of the system in winter heating mode were confirmed to be 1.67 and 0.24 respectively, which were far higher than that in summer cooling mode. This research may be helpful for enhancing performance and reducing exergy destruction of thermoelectric ventilation system, simultaneously. • A thermoelectric ventilation system driven by photovoltaic-thermoelectric generators was proposed. • Thermodynamic model jointly with energy and exergy analysis fully predicts system performance. • Parameters of thermoelectric ventilation system were identified for improving overall system design. • Performance enhancement and exergy reduction could be simultaneously achieved by strategy operations. • Proposed thermoelectric ventilation system could be an alternative solution for green buildings operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of porous fins on mixed convection inside lid-driven square enclosures were reported in the present work. The porous medium with varying permeability, instead of the solid one, could widely change the baffling performance on the fluid flow, where this characteristic could be beneficial for controlling fluid flow and energy transport, typically electronic cooling process. The top lid could have the two-way movement. The working fluid in the cavity was governed by the N-S equations while that within porous medium was determined by the non-Darcy model called the Darcy-Forchheimer model based on representative element-averaging method. Relevant governing parameters, including Richardson number, Darcy number, quantities, length and distribution ratio of porous fins, are sensitively varied to identify their effects and roles on mixed convection heat transfer. Numerical results illustrate that the mechanism of main circulation development is modified by the additional fins. The adding porous fins with excellent permeability enhance heat transfer dramatically, while these fins with tiny Darcy number deteriorate heat transfer rate. The rate of heat transfer enhancement due to the increasing of the length and quantities of fins decreases. Furthermore, the distribution ratio shows the significant effects on the fluid flow and heat transfer. Present investigations could benefit the microelectronic cooling through the installation of porous-alike materials or modules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The compromised performance of laying hens in the late phase of production relative to the peak production was thought to be associated with the impairment of intestinal functionality, which plays essential roles in contributing to their overall health and production performance. In the present study, RNA sequencing was used to investigate differences in the expression profile of intestinal functionality-related genes and associated pathways between laying hens in the late phase and peak phase of production. Results: A total of 104 upregulated genes with 190 downregulated genes were identified in the ileum (the distal small intestine) of laying hens in the late phase of production compared to those at peak production. These upregulated genes were found to be enriched in little KEGG pathway, however, the downregulated genes were enriched in the pathways of PPAR signaling pathway, oxidative phosphorylation and glutathione metabolism. Besides, these downregulated genes were mapped to several GO clusters in relation to lipid metabolism, electron transport of respiratory chain, and oxidation resistance. Similarly, there were lower activities of total superoxide dismutase, glutathione S-transferase and Na+/K+-ATPase, and reductions of total antioxidant capacity and ATP level, along with an elevation in malondialdehyde content in the ileum of laying hens in the late phase of production as compared with those at peak production. Conclusions: The intestine of laying hens in the late phase of production were predominantly characterized by a disorder of lipid metabolism, concurrent with impairments of energy production and antioxidant property. This study uncovers the mechanism underlying differences between the intestinal functionality of laying hens in the late phase and peak phase of production, thereby providing potential targets for the genetic control or dietary modulation of intestinal hypofunction of laying hens in the late phase of production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the effect of miR-16-5p on lung cancer cell injury and apoptosis, and its mechanism. Methods: LPS induced lung cancer cell A549 injury; qRT-PCR method was applied to detect the expression of miR-16-5p and CXCR3 in A549 cells. Con (without LPS treatment), LPS + miR-NC group (transfected negative control samples), LPS + miR-16-5p group (transfected miR-16-5p mimics); LPS + si-NC group (transfected negative control samples), LPS + si-CXCR3 group (transfected si-CXCR3); LPS + miR-16-5p + pcDNA3.1 group (co-transfected miR-16-5p mimics and pcDNA3.1), LPS + miR-16-5p + pcDNA3.1-CXCR3 group (co-transfected miR-16-5p mimics and pcDNA3.1-CXCR3) were transfected into A549 cells by liposome method. Western blot was used to detect protein expression of CXCR3, IL-6 and TNF-α in A549 cells; apoptosis of A549 cells was detected by flow cytometry. Results: Compared with the control group, the expression of miR-16-5p mRNA was significantly decreased in A549 cells in LPS group, and the mRNA and protein expression of CXCR3 were significantly increased (p <.05). Overexpression of miR-16-5p and knockdown of CXCR3 both can down-regulated protein expression of IL-6 and TNF-α, and up-regulated apoptosis in LPS-induced A549 cell; CXCR3 is a target of miR-16-5p. Overexpression of CXCR3 rescued the protective effect of miR-16-5p on LPS-induced A549 cell injury. Conclusion: miR-16-5p can protect LPS-induced A549 cell injury, and its mechanism may be related to the targeted regulation of CXCR3, which could provide a new target for targeted therapy of lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Interleukin (IL)‐17A is involved in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis (AR). Increased expression of IL‐17A is correlated with disease severity and nasal eosinophilia. However, the molecular mechanisms by which IL‐17A contributes to T‐helper 2 cytokine IL‐13‒driven pathology in AR remain unclear. We sought to obtain mechanistic insight into how IL‐17A and IL‐13 regulate the epithelial production of eotaxin‐3 representing eosinophilic inflammation in AR. Methods: Human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) from AR patients were cultured and stimulated with IL‐17A, IL‐13, or IL‐17A and IL‐13. Phosphorylated signal transducer activator of transcription 6 (p‐STAT6) and suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) in HNECs were assayed using Western blotting. Immunocytochemistry was used to determine p‐STAT6‒positive expression in the cells. Eotaxin‐3 expression in the cells and culture supernatants was evaluated using real‐time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. Results: Stimulation with IL‐13 alone induced STAT6 phosphorylation and promoted p‐STAT6 nuclear translocation, leading to eotaxin‐3 production by HNECs. These effects were further enhanced by cotreatment with IL‐13 and IL‐17A, whereas IL‐17A alone had no impact on STAT6 or eotaxin‐3 expression. Incubation with IL‐17A or IL‐13 increased the level of SOCS1 protein in the cells, whereas the addition of IL‐17A attenuated IL‐13‒induced SOCS1 expression. Conclusion: IL‐17A potentiated IL‐13‒driven STAT6 activation through the downregulation of SOCS1 expression, leading to enhancement of eotaxin‐3 production by HNECs. These factors contributed to eosinophilic inflammation in AR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Differentiating histological invasiveness of lung adenocarcinoma that manifest as pure ground-glass nodules (pGGNs) is challenging. Purpose: To investigate the value of computerized texture analysis for predicting histological invasiveness of pulmonary adenocarcinoma that manifest as pGGNs. Material and Methods: The study consisted of 138 patients with 142 pathologically confirmed lung adenocarcinomas who had undergone computed tomography (CT) imaging. Each nodule was manually segmented and 96 texture features were extracted automatically. Hierarchical cluster analysis, the ReliefF method, and a logistic regression model were used for dimension reduction and feature selection. Performance of the texture features was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: Pathologic analysis confirmed 26 adenocarcinomas in situ (AISs), 71 minimally invasive adenocarcinomas (MIAs), and 45 invasive adenocarcinomas (IACs). Seven best features (10 percentile, maximum 3D diameter, surface volume ratio, elongation, maximum probability, large area low gray level emphasis, and zone entropy) were chosen by using hierarchical cluster analysis and the ReliefF method. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed larger maximum 3D diameter, lower surface volume ratio, and higher zone entropy as independent differentiators of IACs (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.59, P = 0.011; OR = 0.47, P = 0.002; OR = 6.78, P = 0.001, respectively). The accuracy based on the logistic regression model using these features for differentiating IAC from AIS/MIA reached 78.7% with ROC analysis (AUC = 0.861; sensitivity = 78.0%; specificity = 80.0%). Conclusion: In patients with pGGN, computerized texture analysis has the potential to differentiate histological invasiveness; maximum 3D diameter, surface volume ratio, and zone entropy in particular are independent differentiators of IACs from AISs and MIAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation on lipid metabolism in laying hens was investigated. A total of 360 eighteen-wk-old Hy-Line Brown layers were randomly divided into 4 groups that consisted of 6 replicates with 15 birds each. Birds were fed basal diets with 0, 1%, 2%, and 4% CLA addition. The experiment lasted for 56 D after a 7-D adaptation period. Results showed that dietary CLA addition linearly reduced (P < 0.05) abdominal fat percentage but linearly increased (P < 0.05) relative liver weight of layers on day 56. A linear reduction (P < 0.05) in serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level and a linear elevation (P < 0.05) in the ratio of serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level to LDL-C level of layers on both days 28 and 56 were observed with dietary CLA addition, which also linearly decreased (P < 0.05) cholesterol content in the liver of layers on day 56 as well as in eggs on both days 28 and 56. Besides, there were linear reductions (P < 0.05) in the gene expression and contents of hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) and cholesterol 7 alpha hydroxylase 1 (CYP7A1), along with a linear increase (P < 0.05) in the gene expression and content of hepatic low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) in layers responded to dietary CLA addition. In conclusion, dietary CLA supplementation decreased the accumulation of lipids including abdominal fat and cholesterol in the liver and egg of laying hens, probably by upregulating hepatic LDLR expression and downregulating hepatic HMGR and CYP7A1 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging fungal phytodiseases are a food security threat and novel fungicides are in an urgent need. Herein, a series of isobutyrophenone derivatives were designed and synthesized. The derivatives exhibited excellent fungicidal activities against seven fungi. The structure-activity relationship (SAR) study indicated that the introduction of a bromo group at the position 3 or 5 of the phenyl ring, as well as esterification of the 4-hydroxy with a chloroacetyl group, could substantially increase the antifungal activity and spectrum of the compounds. Among all 23 compounds, 2-bromo-3-hydroxy-4-isobutyryl-6-methylphenyl 2-chloroacetate (12b) showed the highest fungicidal activity against all seven tested fungal pathogens with EC 50 values ranging from 1.22 to 39.94 μg/mL and exhibited the most potent inhibition against class II fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase with an IC 50 of 3.63 μM. The lead compounds were proven to be safe to NIH3T3/293 T cells and silkworm larvae, and relatively stable under different harsh conditions. Detached fruit tests showed the practical potential of lead compounds for fruit (or plant) protection. Taken together, our results indicated that the isobutyrophenone derivatives could be further optimized and developed as advanced leads for new fungicides. Unlabelled Image • Novel isobutyrophenone analogs were designed and synthesized. • 2-bromo-3-hydroxy-4-isobutyryl-6-methylphenyl 2-chloroacetate (12b) showed potent broad-spectrum antifungal activity. • Compound 12b exhibited relative stable and non-toxic properties. • Compound 12b could control C. gloeosporioides infection on detached fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The reactivity of Au/TiO 2 -1 0 1 was higher than Au/TiO 2 -0 0 1 during CO oxidation. • Diverse gold status induced different CO adsorption behavior. • The crystal plane of support strongly affected the surface carbonate species. • Different ability of CO adsorption and CO 2 desorption led to disparate reactivity. Supported gold catalysts exhibit very high activity for CO oxidation. However, there is lack of systematic study for supports effect on reactants adsorption and products desorption. Herein, we successfully prepared supported gold catalysts on TiO 2 matrix exposing either {1 0 1} or {0 0 1} crystal plane (labeled as Au/TiO 2 -1 0 1 and Au/TiO 2 -0 0 1 respectively) by deposition-precipitation (DP) method. It is found that the reactivity of Au/TiO 2 -1 0 1 was much higher than Au/TiO 2 -0 0 1 in CO oxidation reaction (9.33 × 10−3 mol CO g Au −1 s−1 vs. 6.23 × 10−4 mol CO g Au −1 s−1 at 30 °C). The gold nanoparticles (∼2 nm) were detected as sole gold species in Au/TiO 2 -1 0 1, while not only gold nanoparticles (∼4 nm) but also clusters (∼1.3 nm) were present in Au/TiO 2 -0 0 1. The difference in gold status induced different CO adsorption situations that CO was more effectively adsorbed on gold nanoparticles in Au/TiO 2 -1 0 1 which existed more Au0 site. Meanwhile, we revealed that the bidentate carbonate, which could either block active sites for the reaction or hinder access of reactants, were adsorbed much more strongly on TiO 2 -0 0 1. While on TiO 2 -1 0 1, bicarbonate was the main surface species which was easier decomposed to form CO 2. Therefore, the differences between Au/TiO 2 -1 0 1 and Au/TiO 2 -0 0 1 in the efficiency of CO adsorption and the ability of CO 2 desorption resulted in disparate reactivity. We reasonably gave the deep insight into the support effect that was intrinsically related to the adsorption and desorption behavior of surface species on the catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/Introduction: The aim of the present study was to identify candidate differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and pathways using bioinformatics analysis, and to improve our understanding of the cause and potential molecular events of diabetic nephropathy. Materials and Methods: Two cohort profile datasets (GSE30528 and GSE33744) were integrated and used for deep analysis. We sorted DEGs and analyzed differential pathway enrichment. DEG‐associated ingenuity pathway analysis was carried out. The screened gene expression feature was verified in the db/db mouse kidney cortex. Then, rat mesangial cells cultured with high‐concentration glucose were used for verification. The target genes of transcriptional factor E26 transformation‐specific‐1 (ETS1) were predicted with online tools and validated using chromatin immunoprecipitation assay quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: The two GSE datasets identified 89 shared DEGs; 51 were upregulated; and 38 were downregulated. Most of the DEGs were significantly enriched in cell adhesion, the plasma membrane, the extracellular matrix and the extracellular region. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis validated the upregulated expression of Itgb2, Cd44, Sell, Fn1, Tgfbi and Il7r, and the downregulated expression of Igfbp2 and Cd55 in the db/db mouse kidney cortex. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that Itgb2 was the target gene of transcription factor Ets1. ETS1 knockdown in rat mesangial cells decreased integrin subunit beta 2 expression. Conclusion: We found that EST1 functioned as an important transcription factor in diabetic nephropathy development through the promotion of integrin subunit beta 2 expression. EST1 might be a drug target for diabetic nephropathy treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies have investigated the vitamin D status in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and its relationship with HBV replication, the results however were inconsistent. The present meta-analysis was carried out to compare the vitamin D levels between patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and healthy controls, and to determine whether vitamin D levels were correlated with HBV viral loads significantly.Methods: A systematic search was conducted via PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library to identify eligible studies until September 28, 2017. We calculated pooled mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to quantitatively estimate the difference of vitamin D levels between CHB patients and controls. In addition, correlation between serum vitamin D levels and HBV viral loads was defined by summary correlation coefficient (r value) and the corresponding 95% CI.Results: A total of 7 studies involving 814 CHB patients and 696 healthy controls were included. A significantly decreased vitamin D levels was found in CHB patients compared with healthy controls: pooled MD (95% CI) was - 2.03 ng/mL (- 2.60, - 1.46). Latitude-stratified subgroup analysis indicated this difference was more obvious in low latitude areas, with a bigger pooled MD (95% CI) of - 2.72 ng/mL (- 4.57, - 0.87). In addition, we observed an inverse correlation between serum vitamin D levels and HBV viral loads: pooled r (95% CI) was - 0.41(- 0.54, - 0.27).Conclusions: Our results showed that vitamin D levels were lower in CHB patients than that of healthy controls and inversely correlated with HBV viral loads, although future comprehensive studies are needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Epithelial thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) promotes Th2 inflammatory responses through induction of OX40 ligand (OX40L) on dendritic cells in allergic rhinitis (AR). Emerging evidence supports the important role of histamine H4 receptor (H4R) in allergic inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the effects of H4R in Th2-cytokine profile mediated by TSLP in AR. Methods: Human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) from AR patients were stimulated with histamine in the presence or absence of H4R agonist (4-methylhistamine, 4-MH) and antagonist (NJ7777120, JNJ) or H1R agonist (2-pyridylethylamine). TSLP protein was measured by Western blotting and ELISA. To further elucidate the role of H4R in the in vivo situation of experimental AR, rats were sensitized and treated with JNJ or 4-MH. TSLP and OX40 ligand (OX40L) in the nasal mucosa were assayed by Western blotting. Th2 cytokines including interleukin-4, 5 and 13 in nasal lavage fluids were detected by ELISA. Results: Histamine alone did not induce TSLP production by HNECs. The pre-incubation with 4-MH prior to histamine promoted TSLP expression, which was inhibited by the stimulation with JNJ prior to histamine and 4-MH. The pre-incubation with 2-pyridylethylamine before histamine stimulation had no impact on TSLP production. In AR rats, the levels of TSLP and OX40L protein were increased as well as Th2 cytokines, which was further up-regulated by 4-MH treatment, while JNJ treatment attenuated these effects. Conclusions: H4R activation induced TSLP production by HNECs, which up-regulated OX40L expression in the nasal mucosa of sensitized rats. These factors promoted Th2-cytokine profile in AR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the problem of wrinkling in traditional multi-point forming (MPF), a new multi-point forming process, namely multi-point forming with individually controlled force-displacement (MPF-ICFD), was proposed. The core idea of this process is to impose a full-area normal constraint on the sheet metal during the whole forming process. Therefore, the deformation sequence of the sheet metal is changed from the local constraint and the whole deformation in the traditional MPF to the whole constraint and the local deformation so as to completely eliminate the noncontact region and avoid wrinkling. In this paper, the saddle surface part was taken as the research object. The influence of normal restraint on critical wrinkle stress is studied by mechanical analysis, and the wrinkle restraint mechanism under normal restraint is revealed. The deformation behavior of saddle surface parts was studied by forming experiments, and the wrinkling law of saddle surface parts under different constraints is obtained. The deformation characteristics of saddle surface parts were analyzed by numerical simulation, and the critical stress distribution rules of the sheet metal were given. It is shown that the critical wrinkling stress of the sheet metal is significantly increased in MPF-ICFD compared with that in traditional MPF, and the increased value is proportional to the magnitude of normal constrained force. Besides, the wrinkling phenomenon of saddle surface parts is significantly suppressed, and the surface quality of workpiece is obviously improved. In addition, the stress state change from compressive stress to tensile stress in the core region of the sheet metal was prone to wrinkle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A thermoelectric cooling model incorporating energy and entropy analysis was proposed. • Comprehensive comparison of two thermoelectric systems, TAC and TSC, was conducted. • Effects of main parameters and material properties on system performance were identified. • Irreversibility and environment impact from thermoelectric cooling were simultaneously evaluated. • Operating modes and transition conditions of TAC and TSC systems were investigated. Abstract Two categories of thermoelectric systems, i.e. thermoelectric active cooling (TAC) and thermoelectric self-cooling (TSC), were broadly applied for electronic cooling. Energy efficiency maximization and entropy generation minimization will be simultaneously achieved for both thermoelectric systems. Thermodynamic models of TAC and TSC systems are established to clarify the effects of main influencing parameters (i.e., applied current, thermal conductance in hot and cold ends) on the energy and entropy performances. Subsequently, under the situation of electronic cooling with constant material properties, a comprehensive performance comparison between TAC and TSC has been conducted, including decision targets, irreversible characteristics and environmental impacts. Furthermore, in order to improve the heat dissipation potential, the effects of material properties on the system performance are also sensitively identified for both TAC and TSC systems. For both systems, internal irreversibility is more pronounced than external one. Numerical results demonstrated that system efficiency of TAC could be higher than that of TSC; the operating mode for TAC could be completely switched to that for TSC when the input power was turned into zero. Present investigation could give suitable guidelines for thermoelectric systems applied for electronic cooling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among currently studied catalysts, CuO-CeO 2 based materials hold the greatest promise for the preferential oxidation of CO (CO-PROX). Recently, many efforts have been concentrated on developing the original nanostructures inherited from metal-organic-frameworks (MOFs), which are considered to be excellent sacrificial templates or precursors to achieve metal oxide (or metal) nanoparticles with unique structure. In this paper, we synthesized CuO-CeO 2 catalysts using an efficient and general strategy derived from Cu x Ce 1−x -BTC MOFs after high temperature treatment. The as-prepared CuO-CeO 2 catalysts display variable morphologies, crystal structures, and specific surface areas based on different ratios of Cu/Ce and calcination temperature. The catalytic performance shows that all CuO-CeO 2 composite catalysts derived from the Cu x Ce 1−x -BTC MOFs via heat treatment exhibit excellent catalytic performance for the CO-PROX reaction, and the Cu 0.3 Ce 0.7 O 2 is the most active catalyst obtained under high calcination temperature at 650 °C for 4 h, demonstrating that the increase of Cu content and high temperature treatment can create more highly dispersed CuO clusters, which is in favor of the CO-PROX reaction. Meanwhile, the in-situ DRIFTS results show that the Cu 0.3 Ce 0.7 O 2 catalyst displays the super CO adsorption capability, which induces the difference of catalytic performance for the CO-PROX reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tea plant (Camellia sinensis (L) O. Kuntze) respond to herbivore attack through large changes in defense related metabolism and gene expression. Ectropis oblique (Prout) is one of the most devastating insects that feed on tea leaves and tender buds, which can cause severe production loss and deteriorate the quality of tea. To elucidate the biochemicals and molecular mechanism of defense against tea geometrid (TG), transcriptome and metabolome of TG interaction with susceptible (SG) and resistance (RG) tea genotypes were analyzed by using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, GC-MS, and RNA-seq technologies. This revealed that jasmonic acid was highly induced in RG, following a plethora of secondary metabolites involved in defense against TG could be induced by jasmonic acid signaling pathway. However, the constitutively present of salicylic acid in SG might be a suppressor of jasmonate signaling and thus misdirect tea plants against TG. Furthermore, flavonoids and terpenoids biosynthesis pathways were highly activated in RG to constitute the chemical barrier on TG feeding behavior. In contrast, fructose and theanine, which can act as feeding stimulants were observed to highly accumulate in SG. Being present in the major hub, 39 transcription factors or protein kinases among putative candidates were identified as master regulators from protein-protein interaction network analysis. Together, the current study provides a comprehensive gene expression and metabolite profiles, which can shed new insights into the molecular mechanism of tea defense against TG. The candidate genes and specific metabolites identified in the present study can serve as a valuable resource for unraveling the possible defense mechanism of plants against various biotic stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Surface tensions on thermal performance were fully investigated for pulsating heat pipe (PHP) with GO (Graphene Oxide) nanofluids; • Thermal performance for modified nanofluid was enhanced compared with traditional nanofluids; • Representative flow patterns from CFD methodology were obtained for PHP with nanofluids; • Nucleate boiling and oscillation of PHP were enhanced at lower surface tension of nanofluids; • PHP with GO nanofluids could be widely applied for built energy conversion and exploitation. Pulsating heat pipe (PHP), as a potential low-grade energy conversion system, has been drawn great attentions in recent years. GO (Graphene Oxide) nanoparticle with SDS (Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate) surfactant based-fluid, as a modified working fluid, was introduced here to enhance thermal performance of PHP. Firstly, an experimental investigation on PHP charged with novel nanofluid has been fully conducted to determine the influence of heat powers and nanoparticle mass concentrations on the thermo-hydrodynamic behavior. Our experimental results indicated that the pumping active and pulsation motions were strengthened for the PHP filled with proposed GO-SDS nanofluid. Average enhancement rates of thermal performance 27 % and 7 % were successfully achieved in optimum concentration 0.1 wt% and filling ratio 60 % of modified nanofluid corresponding to deionized water and GO nanofluid (without SDS solution), respectively. Subsequently, numerical modelling of fluid flow and heat transfer process in PHP with novel nanofluids was established by utilizing CFD/VOF phase interface tracking methodology. The flow behaviors including bubble growth, compression and merging in the process and oscillation heat transfer performance inside PHP were subsequently observed and analyzed. The mechanism of heat transfer enhancement of GO nanofluid PHP with the change of surface tension was further discussed. CFD results demonstrated that lower surface tension of nanofluid causes a 5.11 % reduction in liquid phase fraction of original GO nanofluid, and the activation of nuclear boiling at a lower temperature and the reduction of contact angle. Thereby it promotes the evaporation heat transfer intensity of PHP, then effectively decaying the temperature peak of evaporation section. The modified nanofluid (σ = 42.6 mN/m) was further numerically confirmed a much better heat transfer performance 13 % comparing with that of GO nanofluid without SDS solution (σ = 72.8 mN/m). Present research results could facilitate the applications of PHP with proposed novel nanofluids in the relevant fields, such like building energy conversion and management and electronic cooling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review applied meta-analytic procedures to evaluate the curative effect of trans-septal suturing versus nasal packing after septoplasty. Computerized search of the published literature in PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, WANFANG, CNKI databases. Randomized trials investigating trans-septal suturing versus nasal packing following septoplasty in patients with deviated nasal septum. Adhesion, septal hematoma, bleeding, septal perforation, infection, pain, headache, or residual septal deviation per randomized patients. 19 randomized controlled trials of 1845 subjects were included. Meta-analysis showed that postoperative pain, headache, and adhesion were significantly lower in trans-septal suturing group. Nasal packing and trans-septal suturing technique appear to be equivalent with regard to postoperative bleeding, hematoma, septal perforation, infection, and residual septal deviation. Trans-septal suturing technology is not only associated with less patient pain, headache, and lower occurrence rate of adhesion after septoplasty but it also relates to higher patient satisfaction and an improved quality of life. The suturing technology can be used as a substitute for traditional nasal packing of the first-line treatment. More well-designed studies are needed to confirm the effect of trans-septal suturing following septoplasty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the existence of Stone-Wales (5-7) defect at graphene edge has been clarified experimentally, theoretical study on the formation mechanism is still imperfect. In particular, the regioselectivity of multistep reactions at edge (self-reconstruction and growth with foreign carbon feedstock) is essential to understand the kinetic behavior of reactive boundaries but investigations are still lacking. Herein, by using finite-sized models, multistep reconstructions and carbon dimer additions of a bared zigzag edge are introduced using density functional theory calculations. The zigzag to 5-7 transformation is proved as a site-selective process to generate alternating 5-7 pairs sequentially and the first step with largest barrier is suggested as the rate-determining step. Conversely, successive C2 insertions on the active edge are calculated to elucidate the formation of 5-7 edge during graphene growth. A metastable intermediate with a triple sequentially fused pentagon fragment is proved as the key structure for 5-7 edge formation. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present work is to study the buckling problem with plate/shell topology optimization of orthotropic material. A model of buckling topology optimization is established based on the independent, continuous, and mapping method, which considers structural mass as objective and buckling critical loads as constraints. Firstly, composite exponential function (CEF) and power function (PF) as filter functions are introduced to recognize the element mass, the element stiffness matrix, and the element geometric stiffness matrix. The filter functions of the orthotropic material stiffness are deduced. Then these filter functions are put into buckling topology optimization of a differential equation to analyze the design sensitivity. Furthermore, the buckling constraints are approximately expressed as explicit functions with respect to the design variables based on the first-order Taylor expansion. The objective function is standardized based on the second-order Taylor expansion. Therefore, the optimization model is translated into a quadratic program. Finally, the dual sequence quadratic programming (DSQP) algorithm and the global convergence method of moving asymptotes algorithm with two different filter functions (CEF and PF) are applied to solve the optimal model. Three numerical results show that DSQP&CEF has the best performance in the view of structural mass and discretion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new process of multi-point forming with individually controlled force-displacement (MPF-ICFD) is presented to reduce the springback in the traditional multi-point forming (MPF). An experimental setup was designed and manufactured, and the contrast experiment was conducted to investigate the differences between the traditional MPF and the proposed MPF-ICFD. Furthermore, the stress state and springback mechanism in both processes were analyzed with the plastic forming theory. The differences in springback were also investigated with 1060 aluminum alloy and Q 295 steel. The results showed that the specimens in MPF-ICFD presented an excellent deformation uniformity and are consistent with the target profile. The springback magnitude of 1060 aluminum alloy is 34.63% in MPF while 7.51% in MPF-ICFD, and the springback magnitude of Q 295 steel is 31.16% in MPF while 17.02% in MPF-ICFD. The results demonstrate that the springback can be strongly inhibited by MPF-ICFD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oxidization of unactivated C–H bonds is of great interests in the structural modification of pentacyclic triterpenes. Herein we discovered the unique capability of Streptomyces griseus ATCC 13273 to catalyze the site-selective oxidation of C-29 methyl group to carboxyl group over a range of oleanane triterpenes, oleanolic acid ( 1 ), hederagenin ( 2 ), echinocystic acid ( 3 ), quillaic acid ( 4 ) and senegenin ( 5 ). Along with this reaction the hydroxylation on C-24 and C-21 were also discovered on some substrates. As a result, eight new compounds ( 1c, 2a ∼ 5a and 2b∼4b ) among the ten metabolites were isolated. The anti-inflammatory activities of these compounds were evaluated against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 macrophages, and the products with hydroxyl group on C-21 ( 1c , 2b and 5a ) showed significantly enhanced activities with the IC 50 values of 1.230, 0.078 and 0.015 μM, respectively. Thus S. griseus ATCC 13273 was further proved as a useful biocatalyst to expand the structural diversity of oleanane triterpenes for medicinal chemistry research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sr(ii) and Cu(ii)/Ni(ii) cations are introduced as linkers into basket POM systems, leading to two isostructural 2-D assemblies (H3bth)4[{Sr0.5(H2O)0.5(H2O)}2{Sr(H2O)4}2{Cu0.5(H2O)}2{Sr⊂P6MoV4MoVI14O73}2]·5H2O (1) and (H3bth)4[{Sr0.5(H2O)0.5(H2O)}2{Sr(H2O)3(H2O)0.5(H2O)0.25}2{Ni0.5(H2O)}2{Sr⊂P6MoV4MoVI14O73}2]·3H2O (2) (bth = 1,6-bis(triazole)hexane), which have been characterized by X-ray crystallographic analyses, FT-IR, UV-Vis, TG-DTA, XRD, XPS, BET, and elemental analyses. The compounds are based on four-electron reduced heteropoly blue {Sr⊂P6MoV4MoVI14O73}, which is made up of the tetra-vacant γ-Dawson cluster, {P2Mo14} and the handle-shaped {P4Mo4} segment encapsulated a Sr(ii) ion in the central cave. The compounds exhibit isostructural 2-D dimeric layers linked by Cu(ii)/Ni(ii) and Sr(ii) linkers, which are observed for the first time as 2-D dimeric layer assemblies based on a basket-type cluster. The compounds exhibit highly efficient catalytic ability for the degradation of typical dyes under UV irradiation and bifunctional electrocatalytic behaviors for oxidation of dopamine (DA) and reduction of NO2−. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vaccinium glaucoalbum , a perennial evergreen shrub, is naturally distributed in high-altitude areas. In this study, the composition and content of polyphenolic compounds in the fruit and leaf of V . glaucoalbum were characterized. In total, 24 chemical compounds were detected and identified by HPLC-DAD and HPLC-ESI-MS 2 . Among all the compounds determined, 15 were anthocyanins and detected in fruit, 5 were flavonols and monitored in leaf, and 4 were chlorogenic acids and found in both fruit and leaf. The total anthocyanin content (TAC) of fruit (682 mg/100 g FW) was the highest among wild Vaccinium berries in China which have been investigated for now, and the total flavonol content of leaf was 2764 mg/100 g FW. The antioxidant activity of both fruit and leaf was assessed by DPPH and FRAP assays. Given its high TAC and strong antioxidant activity, the fruit of V . glaucoalbum has great potential in functional food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-surface-area Co-SiO2 nanocomposites were synthesized by a simple two-step procedure with activated carbon as the template. These materials catalyze the decomposition of ammonia to produce COx-free hydrogen. The fresh and used catalysts were characterized by various techniques including X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption-desorption, and transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, temperature-programmed reduction by hydrogen combined with the corresponding in situ XRD analysis was performed to investigate the redox properties of the as-prepared catalysts. The strong interaction between the cobalt species and silica can effectively prevent the active cobalt nanoparticles from agglomerating during calcination and the ammonia decomposition reaction. The ammonia reaction rate reached about 7000 mol NH3 molCo-1 h-1 with a very high GHSV of 124 000 cm3gcat-1 h-1 at 600 8C; this rate was maintained for 48h without any observable deactivation of the as-obtained Co-SiO2 nanocomposite catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To discover new inhibitors on tissue factor procoagulant activity, 20 pentacyclic triterpenes were semi-synthetized through microbial transformation and assayed on the model of human THP-1 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide. In the biotransformation two types of reactions were observed, regio-selective hydroxylation and glycosylation. The bioassay results showed that most of tested compounds were significant effective on this model and two of the biotransformation products 23-hydroxy-28- O - β - d -glucopyranosyl betulinic acid ( 3d ) and 28- O - β - d -glucopyranosyl oleanic acid ( 1a ) exhibited most potential activities with the IC 50 values of 0.028, 0.035 nM respectively. The preliminary structure and activity relationship analysis revealed that the aglycones with single free hydroxyl group on the skeleton ( 1 , 1j ) were less effective than that with more free hydroxyl groups ( 1d , 1f , 2 ), mono-glycosylation can significantly enhance their inhibitory effects. Our findings also provide some potential leading compounds for tissue factor-related diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to effectively harvest solar energy and waste thermal, pulsating heat pipes (PHPs) could be utilized to promote the hot end temperature of the thermoelectric modules (TEMs) and thus enhance its conversion efficiency. This paper explored a novel approach of recovering low grade energy and conversion to electricity utilizing PHP assisted with TEG. This research fully analyzed the effects of various working fluids, input powers, filling ratios, inclination angles and air velocities on the thermo-hydrodynamic and electricity conversion performance of PHP-TEG hybrid system. Our results demonstrated that the peak-to-peak amplitude of output voltage mainly depends on heat inputs and working fluids, and independent of the filling ratios; the inclination angle (from 30° to 90°) has slight effects on the heat transfer performance and thermoelectric generation of PHP-TEG system, due to the advantages of surface tension. In addition, the inlet temperature and flow velocity of cooling water on the thermal recovery efficiency and thermo-electricity conversion performance were further investigated. These results indicated the best heat recovery performance of 80.12% and the maximum thermoelectric conversion efficiency of 1.22% were achieved simultaneously at the situation of 10 °C and 600 mL/min of cooling water. Present investigation could contribute to waste thermal recovery and electronic cooling applications. • A system with pulsating heat pipe (PHP) and thermoelectric generator (TEG) was developed. • Maximum output power was highly dependent on the thermal performance of PHP. • The best performance of this TEG-PHP system mainly depended on working fluid and filling ratio. • Inclination angle has slight influence on the comprehensive performance of PHP-TEG system. • This novel system of TEG-PHP could facilitate efficiently exploitation of solar energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a model of topology optimization with linear buckling constraints is established based on an independent and continuous mapping method to minimize the plate/shell structure weight. A composite exponential function (CEF) is selected as filtering functions for element weight, the element stiffness matrix and the element geometric stiffness matrix, which recognize the design variables, and to implement the changing process of design variables from 'discrete' to 'continuous' and back to 'discrete'. The buckling constraints are approximated as explicit formulations based on the Taylor expansion and the filtering function. The optimization model is transformed to dual programming and solved by the dual sequence quadratic programming algorithm. Finally, three numerical examples with power function and CEF as filter function are analyzed and discussed to demonstrate the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In this study we investigated the impact of ABC stroke score on the recurrence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) following radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA). Methods: A total of 132 patients with PAF who underwent RFCA from October 2018 to September 2019 were included in this study. During the first phase of this study the patients were categorized into two groups based on late recurrence of atrial fibrillation after RFCA. In the second phase, the patients were further divided into two groups based on whether their ABC stroke score was ≥ 6.5. Result: The univariate analysis indicated that the risk factors for late recurrence of PAF included early recurrence, ABC stroke score, CHA2DS2-VASc score, and NT-proBNP (P < 0.05). Cox multivariate regression analysis revealed that ABC stroke score (P = 0.006) and early recurrence (P = 0.000) were independent predictors of late recurrence, and ABC stroke score ≥ 6.5 was a risk for predicting recurrence of PAF after RFCA with a sensitivity of 66.7% and specificity of 65.7%. After the completion of the 1:1 matching, the univariate Cox analysis indicated that an elevated score of ABC stroke (≥ 6.5) was an independent predictor of late recurrence of PAF (HR = 2.687, 95% CI: 1.036–6.971, P = 0.042). However, using an ABC stroke score cut off at 6.4 predicted the recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia with 85% sensitivity and 58.5% specificity. Conclusion: An ABC stroke score ≥ 6.4 is a predictor for late recurrence of PAF after RFCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted to explore the effect of the metabolites of Lactobacillus plantarum on the growth performance and intestinal health of Yellow-feathered broilers. A total of 828 one-day-old Yellow-feathered broilers were randomly divided into two groups, with six replicates in each group and sixty-nine broilers in each replicate. The broilers in the control group were fed with basal diet, and the experimental group added 300 mg/kg the metabolites of Lactobacillus plantarum into the basal diet. The experiment lasted for 63 days. The results showed that compared to the control group, F/G of Yellow-feathered broilers in 1-21 days of the experimental group was decreased by 1.8% (P<0.05), the gene expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 of jejunum were decreased by 50.5%, 72.6%, and 23.1%, respectively (P<0.05), and the score of dung morphology was decreased by 40.3% (P<0.05). The ADG of Yellow-feathered broilers in 22-63 days, the VH in jejunum and ileum, the VH/CD in ileum, and the microbial community abundance of Butyrate-producing bacteria in the experimental group were increased. The study indicates that the metabolites of Lactobacillus plantarum combined with the basal diet can improve the growth performance and intestinal health, and then improve the economic benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compared the efficacy and complication rates of quantitative radiofrequency ablation guided by ablation index (RFCA-AI) with those of second-generation cryoballoon ablation (CBA-2). Consecutive patients (n = 230) with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing a first ablation CBA-2 (92 patients) or RFCA-AI (138 patients) procedure were enrolled in this study. The late recurrence rate in the CBA-2 group was higher than that in the RFCA-AI group (P =.012). Subgroup analysis showed the same result in patients with paroxysmal AF (PAF) (P =.039), but no difference was found in patients with persistent AF (P =.21). The average operation duration in the CBA-2 group (85 [75-99.5] minutes) was shorter than that in the RFCA-AI group (100 [84.5-120] minutes) (P <.0001), but the average exposure time (17.36(13.87-22.49) vs 5.49(4.00-8.24) minutes) in the CBA-2 group and X-ray dose (223.25(149.15-336.95) vs 109.15(80.75-168.7) mGym) were significantly longer than those in RFCA-AI group (P <.0001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that left atrial diameter (LAD), early recurrence, and methods of ablation (cryoballoon ablation) were independent risk factors for late recurrence after AF ablation. Early recurrence of AF and LAD were independent risk factors for predicting late recurrence after AF ablation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]