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Combining finite time thermodynamics and exergetic analysis, analogous to the definition of ecological efficient power for heat engines, this paper proposes a unified performance indicator for various cycles, exergy-based efficient ecological function (E ɛ ) which is defined as product of exergy-based ecological function and coefficient of performance, and introduces it into performance optimization of endoreversible simple air refrigerator cycle coupled to constant-temperature heat reservoirs. Relations among E ɛ , pressure ratio (π) and heat conductance distribution ratio (u) are derived by using numerical method. The cycle performance indicators which include cooling load (R), coefficient of performance (ɛ), and exergetic loss rate (E out/T 0) under the different maximum objective criteria are compared. Taking π as optimal variable, and taking R, ɛ, cooling load density (r), E ɛ and their combinations as optimization objectives, multi-objective optimizations, totally 15 optimization combinations, are performed by using NASG-II algorithm. The results demonstrate that, the maximum E ɛ criteria can better reflect the compromise among R, ɛ and E out/T 0. The Pareto solution sets are majorly distributed in 2.5–20 when quadru-objective optimizations are performed. The option selected by LINMAP decision-making method is closer to ideal solution when bi-objective optimization of ɛ and r is carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chicken yolk immunoglobulin (IgY), an immunologically active component, is used as an alternative to antibiotics for the treatment of enteritis. In this study, IgY was embedded in a W/O/W emulsion to overcome the digestive barrier and to investigate the protective effect of IgY against LPS-induced enteritis in mice. Four different hydrophilic emulsifiers (T80, PC, SC, and WPI) were selected to prepare separate W/O/W emulsions for encapsulating IgY. The results showed that the IgY-embedded double emulsion in the WPI group was the most effective. IgY embedded in the W/O/W emulsion could reduce the damage of LPS to the mouse intestine and prevent LPS-induced intestinal mucosal damage in mice. It increased the number of cup cells, promoted the expression of Muc2, and increased the mRNA expression levels of KLF3, TFF3, Itln1, and Ang4 (p < 0.05). It also enhanced the antioxidant capacity of the colon tissue, reduced the level of inflammatory factors in the colon tissue, and protected the integrity of the colon tissue. Stable embedding of IgY could be achieved using the W/O/W emulsion. In addition, the IgY-embedded W/O/W emulsion can be used as a dietary supplement to protect against LPS-induced enteritis in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The practical application of Zn metal anodes is currently hindered by uncontrolled dendritic growth and water‐induced parasitic reactions that are closely related to the solvation structure and interfacial transport kinetics of Zn2+. Herein, a facile interface self‐gelation strategy is proposed to stabilize Zn anode by introducing ‐OH‐rich silica aerogel (HSA) on Zn anode surface. The unique interconnected network structure and strong hydrophilia of HSA made the aqueous electrolyte near Zn anode gel rapidly and spontaneously, resulting in the formation of a water‐poor gel interface layer. The interface layer can effectively accelerate the desolvation process and reduce water molecule activity near anode surface through hydrogen bonding interaction, thus achieving rapid Zn migration kinetics and alleviating side reactions. In addition, the well‐defined aerogel nanochannels can provide a fast Zn2+ migration path and homogenize Zn2+ flux, enabling rapid and uniform Zn deposition. As a result, the HSA‐modified Zn (HSA@Zn) anode exhibits excellent long‐term cycling stability (over 6000 h at 4 mA cm−2), and the feasibility for practical application of this HSA@Zn anode is further demonstrate in full cells. The aerogel‐driven interface self‐gelation strategy propose in this work provides new insights into the design of advanced Zn anode for aqueous zinc‐ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The originally published version of this Article contained an error in Figure 2. In panel e, the blue bar was incorrectly labelled 'KRT8(+)/TOMATO(-)'. Furthermore, during the process of preparing a correction, the publication date of the Article was inadvertently changed to June 20th 2018. Both of these errors have been corrected in the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.

Merkel cells are innervated mechanosensory cells responsible for light-touch sensations. In murine dorsal skin, Merkel cells are located in touch domes and found in the epidermis around primary hairs. While it has been shown that Merkel cells are skin epithelial cells, the progenitor cell population that gives rise to these cells is unknown. Here, we show that during embryogenesis, SOX9-positive (+) cells inside hair follicles, which were previously known to give rise to hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) and cells of the hair follicle lineage, can also give rise to Merkel Cells. Interestingly, while SOX9 is critical for HFSC specification, it is dispensable for Merkel cell formation. Conversely, FGFR2 is required for Merkel cell formation but is dispensable for HFSCs. Together, our studies uncover SOX9(+) cells as precursors of Merkel cells and show the requirement for FGFR2-mediated epithelial signalling in Merkel cell specification.

Under the guidance of the CPC, the practice of common prosperity with Chinese characteristics is being advanced while Marxism and the socialist state power are being upheld and the socialist system with Chinese Characteristics is being safeguarded. Rooted in the monumental mission to eliminate poverty and construct a moderately prosperous society in all respects, this endeavor is driven by the intellectual impetus of poverty alleviation and common prosperity, and is steered by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Among the facets of common prosperity with Chinese characteristics, the national governance system, including especially the national economic governance system, stands as the institutional guarantee affirming its practice. Providing the intellectual impetus is the ethos of common prosperity with Chinese characteristics, an inseparable component of the ideological legacy passed down from the founding principles of the CPC. As the work of achieving common prosperity with Chinese characteristics goes forward, its theoretical basis is bound to become more prominent and to evolve further, shaped by practice. It is precisely the combination of the national governance system, intellectual impetus and scientific theory that ensures the steady and far-reaching advance of common prosperity with Chinese characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundSynchrotron radiation experimental methods have unique advantages in studying the structure and physical properties of materials, but it is a challenge for many experimental methods to achieve synchrotron radiation in situ high temperature conditions, especially above 2 000 K. Laser heating methods can achieve rapid, micro-region extreme high temperature conditions, and have become an important tool for the study of high temperature physical properties.PurposeThis study aims to develop a portable laser heating device for Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility (SSRF) in situ experiments in the field of extreme high temperature research, such as high entropy alloys, turbine blades, aviation materials, etc.MethodsA 100 W continuously tunable near-infrared fiber laser was used as the heating souce, the sample was heated up by laser through the focusing lens and generated thermal radiation. The radiation spectrum was collected through the spectral collection focusing lens and measured by spectrometers. The temperature gradient and temperature stability of the sample were fitted by the blackbody radiation method. Finally, the melting experiment of pure tungsten sheets in vacuum was conducted to verify its maximum heating temperature, and the temperature gradient and stability measurement of the device were calibrated with platinum samples.ResultsWe Experimental results show that melting point of about 3 695 K for tungsten sheets in vacuum is achieved using this device, and X-ray diffraction patterns of MoS2 and CTAB-MoS2 materials under 1 608 K in situ are obtained at the surface diffraction beamline station of SSRF.ConclusionsThe laser heating method developed expands the extreme experimental conditions in SSRF, and provides an important means to study high temperature physics for materials.