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Cu 1.97 Se- x wt. % In 2 O 3 (x = 0–1) bulk composites are fabricated by combining high-temperature melting and spark plasma sintering technology. The doping of In3+in Cu vacancies tunes the carrier concentration and modifies the band structure of Cu 1.97 Se. Additionally, excessive In 2 O 3 particles benefit the construction of multiple lattice defects to strengthen phonon scattering and suppress the long-range migration of Cu ions, resulting in obviously reduced thermal conductivity and improved service stability. Ultimately, a peak ZT value of 1.43 is obtained at 873 K for the Cu 1.97 Se-0.5 wt. % In 2 O 3 bulk specimen, which is almost 150% higher than that of pristine sample. The thermoelectric conversion efficiency and mechanical properties of the composites sample are also measured. The results suggest that Cu 1.97 Se-based nanocomposites offer potential for use in power generation device assembly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Piezo1 channels are mechanosensitive cationic channels that are activated by mechanical stretch or shear stress. Endothelial Piezo1 activation by shear stress caused by blood flow induces ATP release from endothelial cells; however, the link between shear stress and endothelial ATP production is unclear. Experimental Approach: The mitochondrial respiratory function of cells was measured by using high‐resolution respirometry system Oxygraph‐2k. The intracellular Ca2+ concentration was evaluated by using Fluo‐4/AM and mitochondrial Ca2+ concentration by Rhod‐2/AM. Key Results: The specific Piezo1 channel activator Yoda1 or its analogue Dooku1 increased [Ca2+]i in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and both Yoda1 and Dooku1 increased mitochondrial oxygen consumption rates (OCRs) and mitochondrial ATP production in HUVECs and primary cultured rat aortic endothelial cells (RAECs). Knockdown of Piezo1 inhibited Yoda1‐ and Dooku1‐induced increases of mitochondrial OCRs and mitochondrial ATP production in HUVECs. The shear stress mimetics, Yoda1 and Dooku1, and the Piezo1 knock‐down technique also demonstrated that Piezo1 activation increased glycolysis in HUVECs. Chelating extracellular Ca2+ with EGTA or chelating cytosolic Ca2+ with BAPTA‐AM did not affect Yoda1‐ and Dooku1‐induced increases of mitochondrial OCRs and ATP production, but chelating cytosolic Ca2+ inhibited Yoda1‐ and Dooku1‐induced increase of glycolysis. Confocal microscopy showed that Piezo1 channels are present in mitochondria of endothelial cells, and Yoda1 and Dooku1 increased mitochondrial Ca2+ in endothelial cells. Conclusion and Implications: Piezo1 channel activation stimulates ATP production through enhancing mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis in vascular endothelial cells, suggesting a novel role of Piezo1 channel in endothelial ATP production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapeseed oil is one of the most famous edible oils with high affordability and versatility. The fragrant rapeseed oil (FRO) is becoming the most consumed cooking oils in China due to its attractive color, unique flavor and rich nutrition. Presently, at least three types of commercial rapeseed oils, classified as strong, mellow, and light fragrant rapeseed oils (SFRO, MFRO, and LFRO), are produced and consumed, based on odor attributes and appearance originated from roasting, pressing, and refining steps. On this basis, the increasing efforts have been made to identify the compositions of volatile flavors of fragrant rapeseed oils, find the relationship between volatile flavor formation with production processes, and elucidate the forming pathways of characteristic volatile flavors in fragrant rapeseed oils. Herein, we provide a comprehensive overview of typical physical/chemical/nutritional/volatile difference of strong, mellow, and light fragrant rapeseed oils, outline the production processes to result in their difference, and summarize the strategies including optimizing the roasting, pressing, and refining conditions, and increasing the substrate supply to enhance the volatile flavors of fragrant rapeseed oils. Some remaining unanswered questions in improving the quality, retaining the nutrients and controlling formation of the hazards such as benzopyrene were also pointed out. The review hopefully presents a reasonable full picture of production, volatile flavor formation and regulation of fragrant rapeseed oils and benefits for providing the flavor-attractive, nutritional, healthy, and safe fragrant rapeseed oils in the near future. • Classification and production process of fragrant rapeseed oils were reviewed. • A comprehensive difference of three type fragrant rapeseed oils was summarized. • The flavor formation and pathways of fragrant rapeseed oils were outlined. • Regulation strategies to improve the flavor of rapeseed oils were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Bi2Te3/Bi2S3@Bi nanocomposite with a network microstructure was successfully synthesized via a hydrothermal method and spark plasma sintering. This composite was constructed from Bi2Te3 nanoparticles and Bi2S3@Bi nanowires, and its network structure is beneficial for obtaining excellent thermoelectric performance. A ZT peak of 1.2 at 450 K was realized for the nanocomposite sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the utilization of pesticides and fertilizers (e.g. urea), the presence of nitrogen and heavy metals (e.g. copper) can enter and pollute the environment. Biofertilizers can be used to replace chemical fertilizers to increase crop yields and reduce environmental stress. The utilization of hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria (HOB) to be biofertilizers has recently attracted more attention. However, the enrichment of HOB on urea and the effect of copper are undetermined. HOB were successfully enriched using urea in this investigation. The average urea conversion rate (AUCR) was 180.08 mgN/L/d with a hydraulic retention time of 10 h. Microbial community (R 1) was dominated by Hydrogenophaga (83.92%), a biofertilizer-type HOB. After addition of 5.47 mg/L Cu2+, the AUCR was decreased by 16%–151.18 mgN/L/d, and the growth of HOB was inhibited by 48%. Meanwhile, inhibition was also reflected by the increase of polysaccharide content (20.27 ± 0.57 to 33.45 ± 2.53 mg/gVSS) and protein content (106.19 ± 19.39 to 125.14 ± 24.73 mg/gVSS) of extracellular polymeric substances in the HOB. The resulting microbial community (R 2) was changed to Azospiralium -dominated flora (91.33%). Both enriched microbial communities (R 1 and R 2) exhibited the abilities of ACC degradation and phosphate solubilization. This study demonstrates that employing urea can directly enrich biofertilizer-type HOB and copper-tolerant HOB can be obtained in a 5.47 mg/L Cu2+ environment. The results provide potential methods to obtain biofertilizer from copper-containing urea wastewater via HOB. [Display omitted] • Hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria (HOB) were enriched using urea containing Cu(II). • Hydrogenophaga occupied 83.92% of enriched culture without Cu addition. • The average urea conversion rate was decreased by 16% after Cu(II) addition. • The dominated bacteria were shifted to Azospiralium (91.33%) after Cu(II) addition. • Both enriched cultures showed the functions of biofertilizer-type HOB [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The thermoelectric properties of natural chalcopyrite were investigated for the first time. • The TE properties of chalcopyrite were highly enhanced by vacuum annealing. • The natural chalcopyrite is a promising thermoelectric material. This paper focuses on the thermoelectric properties of natural chalcopyrite and provides methods for optimizing its thermoelectric properties. Natural chalcopyrite shows obvious anisotropic thermoelectric properties. Although the thermoelectric properties of natural chalcopyrite are low, they are found to be significantly enhanced by vacuum annealing. Natural chalcopyrite was proven to be feasible and potential thermoelectric materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to manipulate and control the inner surface properties of silica capillary is of crucial importance for analysis of proteins by capillary electrophoresis. In this work, surface-initiated atom transfers radical polymerization (ATRP) of zwitterionic 3-dimethyl(methacryloyloxyethyl) ammonium propane sulfonate (DMAPS) is employed to tailor the functionality of silica capillary in a well-controlled manner. The structure of the coating and the protein separation performance were investigated. The results confirmed that the P(DMAPS) grafting can substantially enhance the performance of the capillary columns. With the versatility of surface-initiated ATRP and the excellent performance of zwitterionic polymer chains, the zwitterionic polymer coated capillary columns can be readily tailored for analysis of proteins by capillary electrophoresis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Sleep has been closely linked to breast cancer risk. However, the association between sleep and breast cancer prognosis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the separate and joint effects of multiple sleep characteristics on breast cancer prognosis among Chinese women.Methods: A total of 1580 breast cancer patients were recruited between October 2008 and December 2014 and followed up until December 31, 2017 in Guangzhou. Multivariate Cox models were conducted to estimate the hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) for breast cancer prognosis in association with sleep characteristics.Results: Long sleep duration at night (>9 h) (HR = 2.33, 95%CI: 1.01-5.42), poor sleep quality (HR = 3.08, 95%CI: 1.74-5.47), and impaired daytime function (HR = 2.49, 95%CI: 1.65-3.79) after diagnosis were associated with an increased risk of breast cancer progression. Both short sleep duration (<6 h) (HR = 2.00, 95%CI: 1.06-3.77, Pinteraction = 0.011) and long sleep duration (>9 h) (HR = 4.69, 95%CI: 1.31-16.78, Pinteraction = 0.187) increased the progression risk only among patients with impaired but not normal daytime function. In addition, daytime napping significantly modified the effect of short sleep duration on the progression (HR = 3.55, 0.59, 95%CI: 1.55-7.97, 0.23-1.53 for patients without and with daytime napping, respectively, Pinteraction = 0.005). Stratification results suggested that the associations were more evident among pre-menopausal patients, although no significant interaction was observed.Conclusion: Our findings suggested that inadequate sleep duration to feel one's best and poor sleep quality after diagnosis were associated with an increased risk of breast cancer progression, particularly for pre-menopausal women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The veined rapa whelk (Rapana venosa) is an economically important gastropod in China, but is considered as an invasive species globally. Only a few studies have examined the R. venosa genome, a genomewide survey is necessary for improving our understanding of the genome structure and size of this organism. Microsatellite markers are powerful tools for characterizing germplasms, genetic diversity and kinship among individuals. The resultant data are applicable to breeding efforts in commercial aquaculture or for understanding invasion mechanisms. Here, we investigated the genome structure of R. venosa on an Illumina Hi-seq platform with ∼92× sequencing depth. We performed a K-mer analysis to estimate genome size, repeat sequences and heterozygosity. Clean reads were de novo assembled for the identification of simple-sequence repeat (SSR) loci that are suitable as markers. The estimated genome size of R. venosa was 2200.07 Mb, with a 1.41% heterozygosity rate and 67.04% repeats. We detected 5,477,450 simple-sequence repeats (SSRs), with 3,400,602 loci present as pure tandem repeats and 2,076,848 as compound motifs. We further selected and characterized 28 polymorphic markers in 78 individuals from Dandong, Laizhou, Weihai and Zhoushan in China. The range of alleles was 2-28 and the observed heterozygosity was 0.2857-0.8676. The data obtained from our genomic survey will aid the design of R. venosa whole-genome sequencing projects and advance the identification of SSR markers. Both these developments are valuable for further studies on ecological, evolutionary and genetic breeding in R. venosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digenite (Cu 1.8 S) has attracted extensive attention as candidate for use in thermoelectric applications due to its low-cost, low-toxicity characteristics, but the thermoelectric (TE) property is still not good. In this work, PbS was used for improving TE properties of polycrystalline Cu 1.8 S bulk. Cu 1.8 S+ x wt% PbS ( x  = 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3) bulk samples were fabricated via mechanical alloying (MA) and spark plasma sintering (SPS) techniques. The effects of adding PbS on the TE performance of Cu 1.8 S were investigated in detail at the temperature between 323 K and 773 K. According to the results, introducing PbS is an efficient approach for optimizing the TE properties of Cu 1.8 S, which is mainly due to the maintained electrical transport properties by the regulated hole carrier concentration and the modified band structure, as well as the reduced the thermal conductivity by the generated point defect and additional interfaces. An optimum thermoelectric figure of merit ( ZT ) value of 1.1 was obtained at 773 K for the Cu 1.8 S sample with 2 wt% PbS, which is 2.2 times higher than that of the pristine Cu 1.8 S (0.49 at 773 K). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phthalate esters (PAEs) and parabens are environmental pollutants that can be toxic to human health. Herein, a cold-adapted esterase from the Mao-tofu metagenome named Est1260 was screened for its PAE-hydrolyzing potential in cold temperatures. The results showed that purified Est1260 could degrade a variety of PAEs and parabens at temperatures as low as 0 °C. After careful analysis of the structural information and molecular docking, site-saturation mutation was conducted at the identified hotspots. Protein expression of variant A1B6 doubled, and its thermal stability significantly improved (24 times) without sacrificing activity at low temperatures. In addition, Est1260 and its variants were activated by NaCl and demonstrated resistance to high concentrations of saline (up to 5 M), making it a potential biocatalyst for bioremediation of PAE and paraben-polluted environments. [Display omitted] • Cold-adapted esterase Est1260 can degrade phthalate esters and parabens at temperatures as low as 0 °C. • Thermal stability of Est1260 can be increased without sacrificing its activity. • Est1260 and variants are activated and highly stable at high concentrations of NaCl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digenite (Cu 1.8 S) as a low-cost, low-toxicity thermoelectric material attracts more and more attention due to its excellent electrical transport. In this paper, the Bi 2 S 3 and Bi 2 S 3 @Bi core-shell were introduced to Cu 1.8 S bulk prepared by mechanical alloying (MA) and spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique. The core-shell structural nanorods were synthesized by a hydrothermal method using Bi 2 S 3 nanorods as the template. The effects of adding Bi 2 S 3 on the thermoelectric properties of Cu 1.8 S were investigated in detail at the temperature between 323 K and 723 K. The power factor of Cu 1.8 S was enhanced by introducing Bi 2 S 3 @Bi core-shell nanorods due to improved Seebeck coefficient. A maximum thermoelectric figure of merit ( ZT ) value of 0.77 was attained at 723 K due to optimized thermal transport properties and to the maintained electrical transport properties, which is 2.4 times higher than that of the pristine Cu 1.8 S (0.32 at 723 K). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanisms underlying female gonadal dysgenesis remain unclarified and relatively unstudied. Whether X-chromosome inactivation (XCI)-escaping genes and microRNAs (miRNAs) contribute to this condition is currently unknown. We compared 45,X Turner Syndrome women with 46,XX normal women, and investigated differentially expressed miRNAs in Turner Syndrome through plasma miRNA sequencing. We found that miR-320a was consistently upregulated not only in 45,X plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), but also in 45,X fetal gonadal tissues. The levels of miR-320a in PBMCs from 45,X, 46,XX, 46,XY, and 47,XXY human subjects were inversely related to the expression levels of XCI-escaping gene KDM5C in PBMCs. In vitro models indicated that KDM5C suppressed miR-320a transcription by directly binding to the promoter of miR-320a to prevent histone methylation. In addition, we demonstrated that KITLG, an essential gene for ovarian development and primordial germ cell survival, was a direct target of miR-320a and that it was downregulated in 45,X fetal gonadal tissues. In conclusion, we demonstrated that downregulation of miR-320a by the XCI-escaping gene KDM5C contributed to ovarian development by targeting KITLG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dissipative particle dynamics with energy conservation (eDPD) is developed to simulate fluid-solid conjugate heat transfer in a microchannel. A temperature reset region placed ahead of a parallel-plate microchannel and a periodic boundary condition with a body force applied in the streamwise direction are used to generate the hydrodynamically developed, thermally developing flow. To insure the temperature and heat flux continuities at the fluid-solid interface, heat transfer in the fluid zone and solid zone is solved entirely, and an equivalent mesoscopic heat friction coefficient is proposed in the eDPD simulation. The results by eDPD method with the new numerical schemes agree well with those by the finite volume method (FVM) for the predictions of heat transfer in a thick-wall microchannel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the history and present status of different categories of biogas production in China, most of which are classified into rural household production, agriculture-based engineering production, and industry-based engineering production. To evaluate the future biogas production of China, five models including the Hubbert model, the Weibull model, the generalized Weng model, the H-C-Z model, and the Grey model are applied to analyze and forecast the biogas production of each province and the entire country. It is proved that those models which originated from oil research can also be applied to other energy sources. The simulation results reveal that China's total biogas production is unlikely to keep on a fast-growing trend in the next few years, mainly due to a recent decrease in rural household production, and this greatly differs from the previous goal set by the official department. In addition, China's biogas production will present a more uneven pattern among regions in the future. This paper will give preliminary explanation for the regional difference of the three biogas sectors and propose some recommendations for instituting corresponding policies and strategies to promote the development of the biogas industry in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phonon heat transport in thin films is solved by using dissipative particle dynamics with energy conserving (eDPD), and the size effect on thermal conductivity is analyzed. When the thickness of a film is comparable with the phonon mean free path, boundary scattering becomes dominant. To incorporate both the phonon–phonon scattering effect and phonon-boundary scattering effect, we adopt a particle–particle collision flux model and a particle–wall collision flux model in eDPD. Using these models, we investigated the heat transport between two parallel and infinite plates for 0.1 < Kn < 10 where the heat transport is both ballistic and diffusive. The temperature jump is observed at the boundaries and the temperature profiles are in good agreement with the solution to the equation of phonon radiative transport (EPRT). Moreover, we vary the thickness of the film and calculate the corresponding effective thermal conductivity to investigate the size influence. The present results are compared with the simple analytical solution based on Matthiessen’s rule and the effective thermal conductivity equation derived from the EPRT and it is found that the effective thermal conductivity can be predicted correctly by eDPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanostructuring is a conventional approach to decrease thermal conductivity, nevertheless, the effect of grain boundaries on scattering phonon is limited. Herein, a new approach of constructing complex nanostructures is proposed. The copper sulfides-based nanocomposites with high thermoelectric properties and phase stability were fabricated by combining with solid-state reaction and spark plasma sintering techniques. The main phase of Cu 12 Sb 4 S 13 and Cu 1.96 S with complex nanostructures is obtained by introducing CoSb 3 additive to Cu 1.8 S matrix. Hole concentration in p-type composites is tailored by regulating Cu vacancies concentration and Co3+ doping in Cu+ sites, resulting in the significantly enhanced Seebeck coefficient and carrier thermal conductivity reduction. Furthermore, an ultralow thermal conductivity of 0.47 W m−1 K−1 at 773 K is achieved due to the tuned carrier concentration and the enhanced phonons scattering by continuous nanopores, extra phase interfaces and nanoprecipitates. The record high ZT of 1.6 is achieved at 773 K in Cu-S based thermoelectric material system for the composite specimen, namely Cu 1.8 S-5 wt.% CoSb 3. Our result provides a new strategy to construct complex nanostructures and realize spontaneous composition regulation in improving TE performance of copper sulfide-based materials. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes an alternative method to decompose carbon emissions changes using distance functions estimated by data envelopment analysis. The proposed approach can measure the effects of technical efficiency change and technical change, the effects of substitution among inputs, and the effects of GDP composition change on the changes in carbon emissions. We apply this method to decompose the carbon emissions at China's provincial levels. For the 30 provinces as a whole during the 11th Five-Year Plan period (2006-2010), empirical results demonstrated that economic growth and the potential carbon factor changes were the largest contributors to carbon emissions increase, while the good output technical changes and energy usage technical changes were the largest components to carbon emissions reduction. The structure effects represented by GDP composition change was a mild contributor to carbon emissions reduction for most provinces. We found that the substitution effects among inputs existed and contributed to carbon emissions increase for most provinces, but their impacts were limited and differed across provinces. The impacts of the good output technical efficiency change and energy usage technical efficiency changes were extremely limited and different across provinces. The empirical results are beneficial to China's central and local governments to make regional adaptive policies to carbon emissions reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three planthopper species, the brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens Stål, the white-backed planthopper (WBPH), Sogatella furcifera Horvath, and the small brown planthopper (SBPH), Laodelphax striatella Fallén, often co-occur in rice grown regions of China. The present investigation examined effects of two pesticides, triazophos (TZP) and jinggangmycin (JGM) (a fungicide), on reproduction of BPH, WBPH, and SBPH. The results showed that TZP stimulated the fecundity of the three planthopper species. Interestingly, JGM stimulated the fecundity of BPH but suppressed the fecundity of WBPH. In addition, TZP and JGM had a significant effect on the preoviposition period (PVD), the oviposition period (OPD), and the longevity of adult females (LAF) of BPH and WBPH. Based on these findings, to avoid resurgence occurrence of planthoppers, we suggest that the application of TZP should be banned in rice fields, that JGM should be used to control rice sheath blight at the early growth stages of rice (with WBPH occurrence and without BPH occurrence). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Cu 1.8 S-Ru composites were fabricated by MA and SPS technology. • The power factor has been overall increased for the Cu 1.8 S. • Alloying with Ru is beneficial for improving the stability of Cu 1.8 S material. • A conversion efficiency of 1.0% is achieved at a ΔT of 480 K in Cu 1.8 S-1% Ru sample. • The Cu 1.8 S-1% Ru bulk obtains the average Vickers hardness of 1.22 GPa. Cu 1.8 S (digenite), a copper sulfide with natural Cu deficiencies, possesses excellent conductivity, low-cost, as well as environmentally friendly features. It has thus recently attracted heightened attention. However, the thermoelectric performance of pristine Cu 1.8 S is poor, and the related mechanical properties have not been deeply investigated, which hinders this material from becoming a candidate for commercial applications. This work proposes an effective approach to synergistically improve the comprehensive performance of polycrystalline Cu 1.8 S-based bulk materials for use in practical applications. Cu 1.8 S- x Ru (x = 0.005, 0.01, 0.02) bulk composites were successfully fabricated by combining mechanical alloying and spark plasma sintering technology. Benefiting from the overall optimized power factor and thermal conductivity by the regulated carrier concentration and enhanced phonon scattering effect from the incorporation of multiscale lattice defects, a peak figure of merit of 1.0 at 773 K was achieved in the Cu 1.8 S-1% Ru bulk specimen. In addition, the introduction of ruthenium could enhance the thermal stability of Cu 1.8 S materials by suppress the Cu ions motion. A conversion efficiency of 1.0% at a temperature difference of 480 K was obtained for the single-leg TE module. Finally, the excellent average Vickers hardness of 1.22 GPa for the Cu 1.8 S-1%Ru bulk composite was higher than that of other state-of-art TE materials. Compositing with ruthenium might be an approach worth promoting to synergistically improve the thermoelectric and mechanical performance of other materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SnSe materials have garnered significant interest due to the intrinsic low thermal conductivity. However, its limited electrical conductivity hinders their practical implementation. This study achieved a high ZT value of 1.40 at 773 K in the samples of n-type polycrystalline SnSe 0.95 + x wt% SmCl 3 + y wt% ErCl 3 (x = 0, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, and 1.5; y = 0, 0.0675, 0.125, and 0.25) since (SmCl 3 , ErCl 3) co-doping decoupled the electrical-thermal transport properties. First, the released electron carrier concentration due to SmCl 3 doping enhanced the electrical transport properties. The SnSe 0.95 + 1.25 wt% SmCl 3 sample exhibited a high power factor of 563 μWm−1K−2 at 773 K. Then, the lattice thermal conductivity markedly decreased with further ErCl 3 doping due to the high-density dislocations and coherent boundary, resulting in effective the phonon scattering. Additionally, the special microtopography was conducive to the decreased lattice thermal conductivity. Therefore, the SnSe 0.95 + 1.25 wt% SmCl 3 + 0.125 wt% ErCl 3 sample achieved a low lattice thermal conductivity value of 0.28 Wm−1K−1 at 773 K. Simultaneously, the (SmCl 3 , ErCl 3) co-doped samples maintained the electrical transport properties than the SmCl 3 -doped samples. Consequently, the SnSe 0.95 + 1.25 wt% SmCl 3 + 0.125 wt% ErCl 3 sample obtained a peak ZT value of 1.40 at 773 K and a competitive average ZT value of 0.37 from 323 to 773 K, and a theoretically calculated conversion efficiency reached 7.2%, which can be applied in the deep space for power generation. This strategy can be utilized to optimize the thermoelectric performance of other thermoelectrical material systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Cu 1.8 S-AgCl composites were fabricated by MA and SPS technology. • Multiple lattice defects are introduced in the Cu 1.8 S-AgCl composites. • The lattice of Cu 1.8 S material has been softened by introducing Ag+. • A record ZT of 1.5 is achieved at 773 K in Cu 1.8 S-1% AgCl specimen. Digenite received extensive attention in recent years owing to the good electrical and thermal stability as well as the characteristics of the environmental benignity and low cost. The major task of Cu 1.8 S material is to further optimize the thermoelectric performance by means of the Seebeck coefficient improvement and thermal conductivity reduction. In this study, the Cu 1.8 S based bulk material with the extraordinary high thermoelectric performance was obtained through alloying with AgCl, in which the Seebeck coefficient has been improved by carefully regulating the excessive hole carrier concentration. Besides, the FESEM, EDS and XPS results reveal that multiple phonon scattering centers have been introduced, and the liquid-like Ag+/Cu+ ions result in the chemical lattice softening and thus the weakened sound velocity. These advantageous factors cause the drastically decreased thermal conductivity as well as the remarkably optimized thermoelectric properties in Cu 1.8 S specimen with 1 wt% AgCl, achieving a record zT value of 1.5 at 773 K, among the currently optimum performance in Cu 1.8 S system materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Mutant from XYL10C_ΔN with improved catalytic activity was obtained through protein engineering. • Synergistic hydrolysis with the engineered xylanase and cellulase excelled other enzyme treatments. • Seawater immersion was helpful for biomass hydrolysis as chemical pretreatment. • Ramulus mori was converted into fermentable sugars with lower energy consumption. Biorefinery of Ramulus mori with lower energy consumption through improved enzyme and pretreatment strategies was reported. Directed evolution and saturation mutagenesis were used for the modification of xylanase, the yield of fermentable sugars and the degree of synergy (DS) were determined for different pretreatment (seawater/non-seawater) and enzyme treatment groups (xylanase/cellulase/co-treatment). The dominant mutant I133A/Q143Y of Bispora sp. xylanase XYL10C_ΔN was obtained with improved specific activity (1860 U/mg), catalytic efficiency (1150 mL/s∙mg) at 40 °C, and thermostability (T 50 increased by 7 °C). With the pretreatment of seawater immersion, the highest yield of fermentable sugars for Ramulus mori at 40 °C reached 199 μmol/g when hydrolyzed with cellulase and I133A/Q143Y, with the highest DS of 2.6; this was 4.5-fold that of the group hydrolyzed by cellulase alone with non-seawater pretreatment. Thus, bioconversion of reducing sugar from Ramulus mori was improved significantly at lower temperatures, which provides an efficient and energy-saving way for biofuel production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Using Rytov approximation and modified von Karman spectrum model of the index-of-refraction, the detection probability of single-photon beam propagation in a atmospheric turbulence communication channel is investigated and developed. In this research, the single-photon beam is assumed as a pulse beam which has an initial Gaussian temporal shape of the pulse and a Laguerre–Gaussian fundamental-model spatial distribution. It is found that in order to obtain the messages probability greater than or equal 0.1, we should encode and dispatch 66680 photons in identical information carriers at the transmitting side, and the radius of the detector at the receiving plane must be at least up to 0.4m when the photons propagate in a turbulent atmosphere communication channel. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We analyze the orbital angular momentum (OAM) crosstalk of single photons propagation through low-order atmospheric turbulence. The probability models of the orbital angular momentum crosstalk for single photons propagation in the channel with the non-Kolmogorov turbulence tilt, coma, and astigmatism and defocus aberration have been established. It is found, for α=11/3, that the turbulent tilt is the dominant aberration which causes the orbital angular momentum crosstalk, the coma is second and the astigmatism is third, but the defocus aberration has no impact on OAM. The results also indicate that the regularities of orbital angular momentum crosstalk caused by the tilt, the coma and the astigmatism are almost the same, respectively. The crosstalk probability of the orbital angular momentum increases as the azimuth mode index p of Laguerre–Gaussian (LG) beam increases, the turbulent strength C n 2 enhances, the orbital angular momentum quantum number rises, the diameter of circular sampling aperture D and the channel zenith angle θ increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• PbBr 2 doped n -type polycrystalline SnSe that forms multi-nanoprecipitates. • The carrier concentration increased to 1.79 × 1019 cm−3 at room temperature. • The thermal conductivity decreased to 0.32 Wm−1K−1 at 773 K. • A ZT peak reaches 1.1 at 773 K along the parallel to SPS pressure direction. Both p - and n -type SnSe single crystals have been reported to possess high thermoelectric performances, thus highlighting the possibility for commercialization. Polycrystalline SnSe that has better mechanical properties however possesses inferior thermoelectric properties compared to single crystal SnSe. In this work, n -type polycrystalline SnSe 0.95 + x wt% PbBr 2 (x = 0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5) samples were synthesized by combining mechanical alloying and spark plasma sintering technology. The effects of PbBr 2 doping on thermoelectric performance of SnSe were studied in detail. The results show that the carrier concentration was dramatically increased from 2.51 × 1017 cm−3 in pure SnSe 0.95 to 1.79 × 1019 cm−3 in SnSe 0.95 + 1.5 wt% PbBr 2 , further resulting in an enhanced electrical conductivity. Multi-nanoprecipitates are present in the samples, including SnO, SnPb and SnBr x O y , which possibly affect the Seebeck coefficient and the lattice thermal conductivity. A peak ZT value of 1.1 was obtained at 773 K for the SnSe 0.95 + 1.0 wt% PbBr 2 sample. This work highlights that PbBr 2 is an effective dopant to improve the TE performance of n -type polycrystalline SnSe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate the application of transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy for exploration of the pelvic cavity exploration in infertile women. Study design A total of 510 infertile women were included in this study from May 1st, 2009 to April 30, 2012 in the clinic of the Hebei Research Institute for Family Planning. Results In 495 of 510 of the patients (97.06%), a successful operation was achieved at the first puncture. Of these 495 patients, 286 (57.78%) showed bilateral patency. Completely normal tubo-ovarian and pelvic structures were observed only in 79 patients (15.96%): 16 patients (3.23%) had bilateral tube obstruction, 18 (3.64%) had hydrosalpinx, and 8 (1.62%) had fimbrial stenosis. Pelvic abnormalities occurred in 240 patients (44.04%), including bilateral and/or unilateral tubo-ovarian adhesions in 80 patients (16.16%) and 160 (32.32%) found with adhesions in other parts of the pelvic cavity. Pelvic endometriosis was found in 82 patients (16.57%) and 19 (3.84%) had two or more lesions in the pelvic cavity. In addition, 9 cases (1.82%) of ovarian cysts, 7 (1.41%) of bilateral vesicular appendices and 43 cases (6.69%) of a unilateral vesicular appendix were observed. In addition, convoluted tubes such as bent or twisted tubes were found in 4 cases of bilateral fallopian tube occlusion patients (0.81%) and 17 cases of unilateral tubal occlusion patients (3.43%). Conclusions Transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy is a feasible, safe, and cost-effective microinvasive technique. This technique can be considered as an alternative procedure for evaluating female infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

InGaO 3 (ZnO) m (m = 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) ceramics are a series of n-type oxide thermoelectric materials with layered structures and low thermal conductivities. Herein, InGaO 3 (ZnO) m (m = 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) ceramics were fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS). Two different trends in the thermoelectric properties of the InGaO 3 (ZnO) m (m = 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) ceramics were observed depending on the odevity of the m value. The InGaO 3 (ZnO) sample exhibited a relatively high electrical conductivity and was therefore selected for vacuum annealing to further improve the electrical transport performance. Oxygen vacancy defects were introduced to the matrix during the annealing procedure, which improved the thermoelectric performance. A maximum ZT of 0.45 was obtained at 973 K for the InGaO 3 (ZnO) sample with a 96 h vacuum annealing treatment, which is 30 times higher than that of the pristine sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digenite (Cu 1.8 S), one of superionic conductors, possesses the exceptional electrical transports performance but unsatisfactory thermal transport properties, which desiderates to be improved to become the candidate for use in the field of thermoelectric application. The porous Cu 1.8 S based composites with Na 2 S polycrystalline bulk samples were prepared via the incorporation of mechanical alloying (MA) and spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique by employing Na 2 S·9H 2 O as a addictive. The hydrate assists to create a porous structure and to refine grains during the fabrication procedure. Benefiting from the strengthened phonons scattering by additional multiscale pores after introducing Na 2 S, the thermal conductivity was dramatically decreased which results in an overall increased thermoelectric efficiency. The optimal thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) of 0.78 at 773 K is obtained for Cu 1.8 S+2 wt % Na 2 S sample, which is 60% higher than that (0.49) of pristine Cu 1.8 S. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A fading-free broadband Φ-OTDR system is proposed for distributed vibration sensing. • Fading-free sensing is realized by fiber embedded with artificial microstructures. • An FDM structure helps the system to expand its frequency response bandwidth. The phase-sensitive optical time domain reflectometers (Φ-OTDR), which can realize distributed acoustic sensing, has been widely applied in health monitoring of civil structures. To break through the limit of the frequency response bandwidth (FRB) and to reduce the fading positions of traditional Φ-OTDR systems, we propose an Φ-OTDR system based on the ultra-weak fiber Bragg grating (UWFBG) array and the frequency-division-multiplexing (FDM) scheme. Taking advantage of UWFBGs, the probability of fading positions occurred on the Rayleigh backscattering (RBS) waveforms can be dramatically reduced, which means the visibility of the system can be enhanced. The FDM structure can enhance the sampling rate by interleaving algorithm, which helps the Φ-OTDR system to expand its FRB. The experimental results show that the frequency of vibration up to 440 kHz can be detected along 330 m UWFBGs, which is approximately three times higher than the upper limit of the FRB of traditional systems. When compared with the traditional scheme that adopts ordinary single-mode fiber as the sensing part, the probability of fading occurrence in the proposed system has been reduced from 10−2 to 10−10. The proposed sensing system in this paper reveals a promising option for the performance enhancement of the Φ-OTDR system, which can offer wider FRB as well as the enhanced visibility characteristic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Becker's Nevus (BN) is a benign hamartoma with an esthetically troublesome condition secondary to hyperpigmentation and hypertrichosis. Many treatment modalities have been utilized with variable outcomes. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light (IPL) in the treatment of BN. IPL was used at filter of 590 nm, fluence of 18–22 J/cm2, double-pulse mode (pulse width of 3–10 ms, pulse delay of 20–30 ms) at 3-month intervals. Final evaluations were performed by physician global assessment and patient satisfaction. Side effects were monitored at each treatment session and follow-up visit. Twenty-four patients (9 females, 15 males) with BN (16 hypertrichotic, 8 atrichotic) completed the study. The mean number of treatment sessions was 5 ± 2.17. The improvement in atrichotic BN group (4.87 ± 0.35) was significantly greater than that observed in hypertrichotic BN group (3.63 ± 0.89) (p =.001). Hair density simultaneously decreased with treatment in hypertrichotic BN. The mean satisfaction score was 5.75 ± 2.05 and 8 ± 0.93 in hypertrichotic and atrichotic BN groups respectively (p =.002). No repigmentation was noted during the follow-up period. No permanent side effects were observed. IPL is an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for patients with hypertrichotic and atrichotic BN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper Sulfide as a type of environmentally friendly and low-cost thermoelectric material has attracted extensive attention in the last few years. However, the thermoelectric performance and stability of pristine copper sulfides are poor because of the excessive hole concentration and Cu-ion migration behavior in the high temperature, which are the key reason why this material system can't become the candidate of commercial application. In this paper, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were coated with CuO by ultrasonic spraying pyrolysis, and then waiting to be compounded with Cu 1.8 S material. A series of copper sulfide-based composites were produced by combining with solid-state reaction (SSR) and spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique. The effect of dispersing CNT/CuO on optimizing thermoelectric properties of copper sulfide was investigated in detail in the temperature range from 323 K to 773 K. Carrier concentration of copper sulfides was tuned by carefully regulating Cu vacancies, resulting in the significantly improved Seebeck coefficient. Meanwhile, the thermal conductivity was drastically decreased owing to the introduced pores and weakened contribution from electrical conductivity. A maximum thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) value of 1.05 was obtained at 773 K for the copper sulfide-based bulk composite, namely Cu 1.8 S-5 wt. % CNT/CuO, which was twice as higher as the pristine Cu 1.8 S specimen. This bulk composite also exhibits a relatively stable thermoelectric performance in the cycling test. • Copper sulfide and CNT/CuO composites were fabricated by SSR and SPS. • The S values of the composites were enhanced from 102 μVK-1–206 μVK-1 compared to the pristine sample. • A peak ZT reached 1.05 at 773 K for the Cu1.8S bulk sample with 5 wt% CNT/CuO. • The stability of composites was improved compared to the pristine sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendrimers have become effective drug carriers and gene transfection vectors for medical biomaterials. In this experiment, UCNPs (NaGdF4:Tm, Yb@NaGdF4) and three-generation PAMAM dendrimers were prepared firstly; then NaGdF4:Tm, Yb@NaGdF4 was modified by Polyacrylic acid(PAA); PAMAM were grafted to the surface of the modified UCNPs by the reaction between amino groups and carboxyl groups; finally, O-nitrobenzaldehyde was grafted to the surface by Schiff base reaction.The synthesized upconversion materials were coated with PAA and PAMAM, then loaded with O-nitrobenzaldehyde to form spherical nanoparticles. The particle size of prepared nanoparticles is 75 ∼ 80 nm. The dendrimer complex can emit ultraviolet light to regulate the pH gradient of aqueous solution under the excitation of near-infrared light (980 nm), and can be used to kill cancer cells by changing the acidity of tissue cells; secondly, the cavity between dendrimers and dendrimers on the surface of the complex can be used in many fields such as drug delivery and gene transfection; the nanoparticles provide a new method for cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Cyclophilin A is identified as a biomarker for inflammation. We elucidated prognostic significance of serum cyclophilin A (CypA) concentrations in acute pancreatitis (AP). Methods In this prospective and observational study, serum CypA concentrations were quantified in 210 AP patients and 100 healthy controls. We recorded local complication, in-hospital mortality and organ failure. Disease severity was assessed using the traditional predictors, namely Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Care Evaluation II score, Ranson score, multiple organ dysfunction score and sequential organ failure assessment score. Results Serum CypA concentrations were significantly lower in controls than in AP group. CypA concentrations after AP were highly correlated with the traditional predictors and other inflammatory mediators, including blood erythrocyte sedimentation rate, procalcitonin levels, white blood cell count and C-reactive protein levels. Serum CypA emerged as an independent predictor for in-hospital local complication, organ failure and mortality. Under receiver operating characteristic curve, serum CypA possessed similar prognostic ability, as compared to the traditional predictors. Its predictive ability was almost similar to that of procalcitonin levels and significantly exceeded those of the other inflammatory mediators. Also, it significantly improved prognostic performance of the traditional predictors. Conclusions Increased serum CypA concentrations have close relation to the severity, inflammation and prognosis, substantializing CypA as a potential prognostic biomarker of AP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract \nDiuretics are drugs that promote the excretion of water and electrolytes in the body and produce diuretic effects. Clinically, they are often used in the treatment of edema caused by various reasons and hypertension. In sports, diuretics are banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Therefore, in order to monitor blood drug concentration, identify drug quality and maintain the fairness of sports competition, accurate, rapid, highly selective and sensitive detection methods are essential. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the pretreatment and detection of diuretics in various samples since 2015. Commonly used techniques to extract diuretics include liquid-liquid extraction, liquid-phase microextraction, solid-phase extraction, solid-phase microextraction, among others. Determination methods include methods based on liquid chromatography, fluorescent spectroscopy, electrochemical sensor method, capillary electrophoresis and so on. The advantages and disadvantages of various pretreatment and analytical techniques are elaborated. In addition, future development prospects of these techniques are discussed.Pretreatment and determination methods of diuretics in diverse samples are reviewed.Applications of novel materials and technologies for SPE and sensors are highlighted.Pros and cons of recent pretreatment and analysis techniques used for diuretics are discussed.Applications of high-resolution mass spectrometry are described in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fly ash-based geopolymer (FAG) possesses extremely low electroconductivity (0.00086 S/m). A new study indicates that graphene could be used as an electron acceptor to improve electroconductivity of geopolymer. In this paper, an electroconductive graphene (GR)/fly ash-based geopolymer (GR/FAG) composite was synthesized by assembly of graphene into the matrix of alkali-activated fly ash-based geopolymer for first time. The results showed that the electroconductivity increased by 348.8 times when adding 1 wt% GR in FAG. The electrochemical impedance of 1.0GR/FAG was much smaller than that of the pure FAG. The N 2 adsorption-desorption isotherms indicated that the graphene could effectively improve the microstructure and pore parameters of FAG. The SEM and EDS results displayed the flake graphene was covered by amorphous fly ash-based geopolymer gels. The XPS results demonstrated that the C C/C C binding energy was predominant surface state. The results of UV–Vis-DRS and PL spectra revealed that the absorption onsets of GR/FAG composites were red-shifted and the photoluminescence intensities progressively decreased with increasing graphene content. The photocatalytic degradation of indigo carmine dye was positive correlation with the electroconductivity of GR/FAG composite, and underwent a degradation mechanism of hydroxyl radical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: The anthelmintic drug nitazoxanide has a mitochondrial uncoupling effect. Mitochondrial uncouplers have been proven to inhibit smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration, inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation of macrophages and improve dyslipidaemia. Therefore, we aimed to demonstrate that nitazoxanide would protect against atherosclerosis. Experimental Approach: The mitochondrial oxygen consumption of cells was measured by using the high‐resolution respirometry system, Oxygraph‐2K. The proliferation and migration of A10 cells were measured by using Edu immunofluorescence staining, wound‐induced migration and the Boyden chamber assay. Protein levels were measured by using the western blot technique. ApoE (−/−) mice were fed with a Western diet to establish an atherosclerotic model in vivo. Key Results: The in vitro experiments showed that nitazoxanide and tizoxanide had a mitochondrial uncoupling effect and activated cellular AMPK. Nitazoxanide and tizoxanide inhibited serum‐ and PDGF‐induced proliferation and migration of A10 cells. Nitazoxanide and tizoxanide inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation in RAW264.7 macrophages, the mechanism by which involved the AMPK/IκBα/NF‐κB pathway. Nitazoxanide and tizoxanide also induced autophagy in A10 cells and RAW264.7 macrophages. The in vivo experiments demonstrated that oral administration of nitazoxanide reduced the increase in serum IL‐1β and IL‐6 levels and suppressed atherosclerosis in Western diet‐fed ApoE (−/−) mice. Conclusion and Implications: Nitazoxanide inhibits the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in ApoE (−/−) mice fed on a Western diet. In view of nitazoxanide being an antiprotozoal drug already approved by the FDA, we propose it as a novel anti‐atherosclerotic drug with clinical translational potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent growing energy crisis draws considerable attention to high‐performance thermoelectric materials. n‐type bismuth telluride is still irreplaceable at near room temperature for commercial application, and therefore, is worthy of further investigation. In this work, nanostructured Bi2Te3 polycrystalline materials with highly enhanced thermoelectric properties are obtained by alkali metal Na solid solution. Na is chosen as the cation site dopant for n‐type polycrystalline Bi2Te3. Na enters the Bi site, introducing holes in the Bi2Te3 matrix and rendering the electrical conductivity tunable from 300 to 1800 Scm–1. The solid solution limit of Na in Bi2Te3 exceeds 0.3 wt%. Owing to the effective solid solution, the Fermi level of Bi2Te3 is properly regulated, leading to an improved Seebeck coefficient. In addition, the scattering of both charge carriers and phonons is modulated, which ensured a high‐power factor and low lattice thermal conductivity. Benefitting from the synergistic optimization of both electrical and thermal transport properties, a maximum figure of merit (ZT) of 1.03 is achieved at 303 K when the doping content is 0.25 wt%, which is 70% higher than that of the pristine sample. This work disclosed an effective strategy for enhancing the performance of n‐type bismuth telluride‐based alloy materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic response characteristics of five tandem circular cylinders in laminar uniform flow are studied numerically by fluid–structure interaction (FSI) computation. The Reynolds number of the incoming flow is fixed at Re = 100 . The five cylinders are elastically mounted in both transverse and streamwise directions with an even center-to-center distance of 4, 6 and 8 times of the cylinder diameter. The non-dimensional mass of each cylinder is m ∗ = 5 , 10 and 15, while the reduced velocity varies in the range of U r = 2–18. An FSI solver based on a modified characteristic-based split finite element method is developed for computation, and its accuracy is validated by evaluating the flow around five stationary circular cylinder and flow-induced vibrations (FIVs) of the one-cylinder and two-tandem-cylinder models against benchmark solutions. By numerical experiments, dynamic behaviors of five tandem cylinders as well as the underlying mechanisms are investigated by analyzing the generated vibration amplitude, frequency, fluid load and vortex pattern in the flow field. Sub-harmonic wake-induced vibration that has not been revealed by the existing two-cylinder and three-cylinder models is observed, and the underlying physics is discussed in detail. The results obtained are insightful into the understanding and control of FIVs of an array of cylindrical structures encountered frequently in various engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The α-imino-ketone nickel catalyst is an emerging versatile platform that is easy to prepare and allows for the production of branched high molecular weight functionalized polyethylenes. However, study on this catalyst system is rare thus far. In this contribution, by introducing different backbones, flexible and rigid axial substituents into the α-imino-ketone framework, a family of cationic nickel catalysts were synthesized and fully characterized. Without the addition of any activator, systematic studies on ethylene polymerization and copolymerization with polar monomers were performed to explore the influence of both backbone and axial substituent on catalytic activity, polymer molecular weight, branching density and incorporation. In particular, owing to the unique semi-opening feature of the α-imino-ketone framework, the preferred nickel catalyst exhibited high activity of 175 kg·mol−1·h−1 to produce functionalized polyethylene with molecular weight of 13.4 kg·mol−1 and comonomer incorporation of 2.9 mol%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the placement feasibility and safety of the newly designed retropharyngeal reduction plate by cadaveric test and to perform morphometric trajectory analysis. Methods: The five cadaveric specimens with intact atlantoaxial joint were enrolled in this study. They were used for simulating the placement process and evaluating the placement feasibility of the retropharyngeal reduction plate. The atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) of five cadaveric specimens were obtained by proper external force after dissecting ligaments. The retropharyngeal reduction plate was placed on atlantoaxial joint of cadaveric specimens. The X‐ray and three‐dimensional (3D) spiral CT were used for evaluating the placement safety of retropharyngeal reduction plate. The DICOM data was obtained after 3D spiral CT scanning for the morphometric trajectory analysis. Results: The reduction plates were successfully placed on the atlantoaxial joint of five cadaveric specimens through the retropharyngeal approach, respectively. The X‐ray and 3D spiral CT showed the accurate screw implantation and satisfying plate placement. The length of the left/right atlas screw trajectory (L/RAT) was, respectively, 1.73 ± 0.01 cm (LAT) and 1.71 ± 0.02 cm (RAT). The length of odontoid screw trajectory (OST) was 1.38 ± 0.02 cm. The length of the left/right axis screw trajectory (L/RAXT) was, respectively, 1.67 ± 0.02 cm (LAXT) and 1.67 ± 0.01 cm (RAXT). There was no statistical significance between left side and right side in terms of AT and AXT (P > 0.05). The angles of atlas screw trajectory angle (ASTA), axis screw trajectory angle (AXSTA), and odontoid screw trajectory angle (OSTA) were 38.04° ± 2.03°, 56.92° ± 2.66°, and 34.78° ± 2.87°, respectively. Conclusion: The cadaveric test showed that the retropharyngeal reduction plate is feasible to place on the atlantoaxial joint, which is also a safe treatment choice for atlantoaxial dislocation. The meticulous preoperative planning of screw trajectory based on individual differences was also vital to using this technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Figures affected by goiter were only sparsely depicted by Peter Paul Rubens and Albrecht Dürer among Flemish artists, because obvious goiter was not common in regions such as the Netherlands and Belgium. However, the recent observation of two figures with a goiter elegantly depicted by Rogier van der Weyden has raised our interest in this topic. When taking a close look at the paintings of this Flemish Renaissance painter, it is interesting to note that 16 portrayed subjects show an abnormal profile of the neck with swelling, suggestive of a presumptive medico-artistic diagnosis of goiter. Van der Weyden travelled to Italy where he soon acquired great fame and was second only to the other Flemish painter of the time, Jan Van Eyck. It is very likely that in Italy he had the opportunity to look at several female figures depicted with goiter, which may have influenced his paintings. Van der Weyden was appreciated because of his style to mix realistic details with idealized softened features to increase the beauty and appeal of his models. It is also likely that the integration of the goiter may have been part of the Renaissance tendency toward a more realistic and precise representation of subjects. The fact that in almost all cases the goiter was a low-to-moderate grade enlargement of the thyroid may confirm our speculation that perhaps the painter used the same model or the template derived from one model for subsequent paintings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed deterioration during rice seed storage can lead to seed vigor loss, which adversely affects agricultural production, the long-term preservation of germplasm resources, and the conservation of species diversity. However, the mechanisms underlying seed vigor maintenance remain largely unknown. In this study, 16 hybrid rice combinations were created using four sterile lines and four restorer lines that have been widely planted in southern China. Following artificial aging and natural aging treatments, germination percentage and metabolomics analysis by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to identify the metabolite markers that could accurately reflect the degree of aging of the hybrid rice seeds. Significant differences in the degree of seed deterioration were observed among the 16 hybrid rice combinations tested, with each hybrid combination having a different germination percentage after storage. The hybrid rice combination with the storage-resistant restorer line Guanghui122 exhibited the highest germination percentage under both natural and artificial storage. A total of 89 metabolic peaks and 56 metabolites were identified, most of which were related to primary metabolism. Interestingly, the content of galactose, gluconic acid, fructose and glycerol in the seeds increased significantly during the aging process. Absolute quantification indicated that galactose and gluconic acid were highly significantly negatively correlated with the germination percentage of the seeds under the different aging treatments. The galactose content was significantly positively correlated with gluconic acid content. Additionally, glycerol showed a significant negative correlation with the germination percentage in most hybrid combinations. Based on the metabolomics analysis, metabolite markers that could accurately reflect the aging degree of hybrid rice seeds were identified. Galactose and gluconic acid were highly significantly negatively correlated with the germination percentage of the seeds, which suggested that these metabolites could constitute potential metabolic markers of seed vigor and aging. These findings are of great significance for the rapid and accurate evaluation of seed aging degree, the determination of seed quality, and the development of molecular breeding approaches for high-vigor rice seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the rational design of metal catalyst in olefin polymerization catalysis, various strategies were applied to suppress the chain transfer by bulking up the axial positions of the metal center, among which the "sandwich" type turned out to be an efficient category in achieving high molecular weight polyolefin. In the α-diimine system, the "sandwich" type catalysts were built using the typical 8-aryl-naphthyl framework. In this contribution, by introducing the rotationally restrained benzosuberyl substituent into the ortho-position of N-aryl rings, a new class of "sandwich-like" α-diimine nickel catalysts was constructed and fully identified. The rotationally restrained benzosuberyl substituents played a "sandwich-like" function by capping the nickel center from two axial sites. Compared to the nickel catalyst Ni1 bearing freely rotated benzhydryl substituent, Ni2 featuring benzosuberyl substituent enabled the increase (8 times) of polymer molecular weights from 8 kDa to 65 kDa in the polymerization of ethylene. By further increasing the steric bulk of another ortho-site of the N-aryl ring, the polymer molecular weight even reached an ultrahigh level of 833 kDa (Mw=1857 kDa) using the optimized Ni3. Notably, these nickel catalysts could also mediate the copolymerization of ethylene with methyl 10-undecenoate, with Ni3 giving the highest copolymer molecular weight (88 kDa) and the highest incorporation of comonmer (2.0 mol%), along with high activity of up to 105 g·mol−1·h−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Based on the assumption of a pulse laser beam with an initial Gaussian temporal shape and a collimated fundamental-model Gaussian beam, the Rytov approximation and Kolmogorov spectrum model for the index-of-refraction fluctuation of atmosphere, the effect of turbulence on the probability density, acquisition transmittance probability, transmittance probability density, acquisition probability of single-photon propagation in atmospheric communication channel with z-tilt and centroid-tilt aberration corrected are studied theoretically. The probability density, acquisition transmittance probability, transmittance probability density and acquisition probability models for single-photon propagation in uplink path and downlink path are derived. Our results shown that the detection probability and the acquisition transmittance probability of the single-photon are obvious increase, when the beams are propagation in the z-tilt corrected communication channel. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The decrease in lattice thermal conductivity is one of the most effective methods for enhancing thermoelectric properties. Achieving lattice thermal conductivity close to the theoretical limit is extremely difficult while maintaining an impressive power factor. By introducing ultrafine bismuth sulfide nanograins, strong phonon scattering was generated by associated multiscale lattice defects to further gain a low lattice thermal conductivity of 0.244 W/m/K approaching Clarke's limitation of 0.242 W/m/K. Simultaneously, the electrical conductivity was increased by S diffusion and suppression of the antisite defects, and a high power factor was maintained to produce an improved ZT peak of 1.2 at 473 K for the Bi 2 Te 2.7 Se 0.3 + 1 wt % Bi 2 S 3 #2 sample. This sample was used to fabricate a small device with a p-leg, and the direct conversion efficiency reached 4.39%. Inverse changes in hardness and Young's modulus in conjunction with Bi 2 S 3 content are first reported in thermoelectric materials, which has potential assistance in synchronously improving their mechanical and thermoelectric properties. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The apolipoprotein A-I mimetic peptide D-4F, among its anti-atherosclerotic effects, improves vasodilation through mechanisms not fully elucidated yet. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor null (LDLr −/− ) mice were fed Western diet with or without D-4F. We then measured atherosclerotic lesion formation, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation and its association with heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide anion (O 2 •-) production, and tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) and GTP-cyclohydrolase 1 (GCH-1) concentration in the aorta. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and aortas were treated with oxidized LDL (oxLDL) with or without D-4F; subsequently, BH4 and GCH-1 concentration, NO and O 2 •- production, eNOS association with HSP90, and endothelium-dependent vasodilation were measured. Unexpectedly, eNOS phosphorylation, eNOS-HSP90 association, and O 2 •- production were increased, whereas BH4 and GCH-1 concentration and NO production were reduced in atherosclerosis. D-4F significantly inhibited atherosclerosis, eNOS phosphorylation, eNOS-HSP90 association, and O 2 •- generation but increased NO production and BH4 and GCH-1 concentration. OxLDL reduced NO production and BH4 and GCH-1 concentration but enhanced O 2 •- generation and eNOS association with HSP90, and impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation. D-4F inhibited the overall effects of oxLDL. Hypercholesterolemia enhanced uncoupled eNOS activity by decreasing GCH-1 concentration, thereby reducing BH4 levels. D-4F reduced uncoupled eNOS activity by increasing BH4 levels through GCH-1 expression and decreasing eNOS phosphorylation and eNOS-HSP90 association. Our findings elucidate a novel mechanism by which hypercholesterolemia induces atherosclerosis and D-4F inhibits it, providing a potential therapeutic approach. [Display omitted] • HSP90-eNOS association in absence of sufficient BH4 is pro-atherosclerotic. • D-4F reduces HSP90-eNOS association to alleviate atherosclerosis. • D-4F increases BH4 level by regulating GCH-1 expression in the aorta. • D-4F maintains eNOS coupling by enhancing BH4 levels to inhibit atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lagrangian coherent structure (LCS) method is introduced to the convection heat transfer problem, and the forced convection heat transfer around a circular cylinder in laminar flow regime is analyzed from the Lagrangian viewpoint. First, the mechanics model of forced convection heat transfer around a circular cylinder is introduced along with the mathematical formulations. Subsequently, an implicit flow solver based on the characteristic-based split finite element method and the dual-stepping method is proposed to solve the flow and heat transfer equations, and the computation of LCS employing the finite-time Lyapunov exponent is discussed in detail. The accuracy and stability of the flow solver are examined carefully utilizing the data reported in the literature, and the grid-independence test is conducted. Finally, the mass and energy transport features around the circular cylinder at Pr (Prandtl number) = 0.7 and Re (Reynolds number) = 20–180 are investigated by relating the instantaneous thermal and vorticity patterns, lift coefficient, drag coefficient, and Nusselt number to the LCSs in the flow field. The results obtained may improve the existing understanding of forced convection heat transfer around a circular cylinder and pave the road for the application of LCSs in convection heat transfer problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sanhuang Xiexin Decoction (SHXD), consisting of Coptis chinensis Franch., Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi and Rheum palmatum L. , is t raditionally used for relieving fever, purging fire for removing toxins, eliminating phlegm and haemostasis, eliminating the wetness-evil from the upper warmer, clearing away the heat-evil and expelling superficial evils. Each of the three herbs contained in SHXD has been indicated to have anti-inflammatory effects in vivo , but its effects on rat NK-cell phenotypes remain unexplored, and the comprehensive mechanism of this compound SHXD in curing the inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) remains to be revealed. The study aim was to assess the effect of SHXD on LPS-induced fever and inflammation in a rat model, reduce NLRP3 activation in NK cells expressing specific cell phenotype antibodies and determine the therapeutic value of this approach in vivo. SHXD extract was prepared and analysed by the developed ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) method for the simultaneous detection of 14 compounds. The main peaks were firstly identified on an Orbitrap via high resolution tandem mass spectrometry (MS). Then, the extract was used in the rat model of LPS-induced inflammation and fever for pharmacologically study the effects of drug treatment. Peripheral blood lymphocyte cells were isolated from the animals, including those subjected to the SHXD extract treatment, and the cell phenotype was determined prior to cell culture and after treating the cell cultures with the extract. The phenotypes of cells harvested using CD3, CD4, CD8a, CD81, CD161 and CD86 antibodies were used to verify the enhanced memory of the peripheral blood lymphocytes cells (PBMC) that were induced into nature killer (NK) cells. The SHXD extract was prepared, analysed and identified via quality control equipment and was observed to have pharmacological effects that reduced NLRP3 activation and fever in rats. The production of NK cells and peripheral blood lymphocytes was induced by the SHXD extract, which manifested as increased levels of CD4+, CD8a+, CD81+, CD161+ and CD86+ cells. The levels of CD3+ cells were significantly different between the model group and the drug-treated or control groups (p < 0.01) with dose independence, while the levels of CD4+ cells were not significantly different between the drug-treated and control groups, with a trend towards lower levels in the model group with dose independence. The levels of CD4+ cells was significantly different between the drug-treated group and the model groups with dose independence (p < 0.05). The levels of CD86+ cells were not significantly different between the drug-treated group and the model and control groups. The levels of CD8a + cells was significantly different between the model group and the drug and control groups (p < 0.05, dose 2.0 μg/ml), with higher levels in the drug-treated group. The levels of CD3+, CD4+, CD8a + cells in the drug treated group have dose dependence with SHXD. This experiment revealed that SHXD reduced NLRP3 activation in the blood of LPS-treated rats, which occurred through the activation of NK cells that expressed CD3, CD8a and CD161. SHXD may possess anti-inflammatory effect via activacting the one of major pharmacology effcet of NK cells that expressed CD3, CD8a and CD161 phenotypes expression. This result demonstrates that SHXD may possess ability to enhance the memory of peripheral blood lymphocytes and natural killer cells. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The cutting-edge technologies for pyrazines were reviewed and compared. • Outlining the progress in various microextraction technologies. • Presenting future recommendations for pyrazines pretreatment and determination. Pyrazines are a class of active aromatic substances existing in various foods. The accumulation of pyrazines has an impact on flavor and quality of food products. This review encompasses the formation mechanisms and control strategies of pyrazines via Maillard reaction (MR), including the new reactants and emerging techniques. Pyrazines characteristics are better understood through the developed sample pretreatments and detection methods. Herein, an in-depth review of pretreatments and analysis methods since 2010 is presented to explore the simple, fast, green, and effective strategies. Sample preparation methods include liquid phase extraction, solid phase extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, and microextraction methods such as liquid phase microextraction, and solid phase microextraction, etc. Detections are made by chromatographic methods, and sensors, etc. Advantages and limitations are discussed and compared for providing insights to further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]