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Background: Cholesterol (CHO) is an essential component of the body. However, high CHO levels in the body can damage bone mass and promote osteoporosis. CHO accumulation can cause osteoblast apoptosis, which has a negative effect on bone formation. The pathogenesis of osteoporosis is a complicate process that includes oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and inflammation. Geniposide (GEN) is a natural compound with anti-osteoporotic effect. However, the roles of GEN in osteopathogenesis are still unclear. Our previous studies demonstrated that GEN could reduce the accumulation of CHO in osteoblasts and the activation of ER stress in osteoblasts. However, the molecular mechanism of GEN in inhibiting CHO-induced apoptosis in osteoblasts needs to be further investigated. Methods: MC3T3-E1 cells were treated with osteogenic induction medium (OIM). Ethanol-solubilized cholesterol (100 µM) was used as a stimulator, and 10 µM and 25 µM geniposide was added for treatment. The alterations of protein expression were detected by western blot, and the cell apoptosis was analyzed by a flow cytometer. Results: CHO promoted osteoblast apoptosis by activating ER stress in osteoblasts, while GEN alleviated the activation of ER stress and reduced osteoblast apoptosis by activating the GLP-1R/ABCA1 pathway. Inhibition of ABCA1 or GLP-1R could eliminate the protective activity of GEN against CHO-induced ER stress and osteoblast apoptosis. Conclusion: GEN alleviated CHO-induced ER stress and apoptosis in osteoblasts by mediating the GLP-1R/ABCA1 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Learn about the benefits of muscle strength training combined with tai chi for adult skeletal muscle in multiple CT scanning. The study included 182 people over the age of 60 with no long-term history of physical activity and exercise. They were divided into the Taijiquan group (52 people), student muscle strength group (45 people), student muscle group combined with Taijiquan group (45 people), and control group (40 people). The board of directors did not attend. The other three groups received tai chi (more than 4 times a week), muscle strength training, and muscle training combined with tai chi for 6 months. Lumbar spine (L1-4) BMD and Berg scores were approximately the same as those measured in adults before exercise and at 3 and 6 months after exercise. The results showed that there were significant differences in the scores of lumbar spine BMD and Berg Balance Scale between the Taijiquan group and students before and after exercise combined with muscle strength training (P < 0.05 or <0.01). The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The scores of lumbar BMD and Berg Balance Scale in the core muscle strength training combined with Taijiquan group after 6 months of exercise were higher than those after 3 months of exercise (P < 0.05), and the CT value of lumbar vertebral bone calcium was significantly positively correlated with BMD (Pearson correlation coefficients of L5 vertebral body were r = 0.704 , 0.683, 0.728, 0.673, and 0.686, P < 0.01). Single or combined training of core muscle strength or Taijiquan can improve lumbar bone mineral density and balance function in the elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the simplified discrete unified gas-kinetic scheme presented in the former paper is extended from incompressible flow to compressible flow at a high Mach number. In our earlier work, a simplified discrete unified gas–kinetic scheme was developed for low-speed flow in which the Mach number is small for keeping the incompressible property. To simulate compressible flow, the governing equation of the internal energy distribution function presented as potential energy including the Prandtl number effect is introduced to the present method. The velocity field is coupled with density and internal energy by the evolution of distribution functions related to mass, momentum, and temperature. For simplification and computational efficiency, the D2Q13 circular distribution function is applied as the equilibrium model. Compared to our earlier work, higher Mach number flows can be simulated by the proposed method, which is of the ability to simulate compressible flow. A number of numerical test cases from incompressible to compressible flows have been conducted, including incompressible lid-driven cavity flow, Taylor vortex flow, transonic flow past NACA (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics) 0012 airfoil, Sod shock tube, supersonic flow past a circular cylinder, and isentropic vortex convection. All simulation results agree well with the reference data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of "more- and all-electric aircraft" has become increasingly popular over the last two decades, leading to a boost in the extensive utilization of airborne electromagnetic actuators such as permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs). Inevitably, considerable waste heat is generated during operation due to the incomplete energy conversion, which is a great challenge for conventional onboard thermal control systems. If the huge generated heat cannot be removed efficiently there will be a sharp temperature rise in thermal-sensitive components of the onboard devices. This overheating will cause operational failures which are intolerable in aerospace applications. Aiming to improve the current thermal protection system and gain greater compatibility with the current PMSM system, this paper proposes a phase change material-based (PCM-based) thermal protection strategy using commercial wax in two equivalent PMSMs. A comparative investigation shows that the machine temperature with PCM-based cooling strategy can be reduced under most operating conditions (the maximum temperature drop is 13.7 °C), demonstrating the advantages of deploying the proposed PCM-based cooling scheme. Further data processing towards the heat absorption-dissipation matching between the utilized PCM and the working mode of the cooling object is conducted. A dimensionless correlation of dimensionless temperature peak difference (DTPD) as a function of the pulsed factor, presented in Eq. (17), reveals an average relative error of ±4.5%. Based on the correlation, an optimal pulsed factor of ∼1.764 is calculated to reach a matching condition. Such a method can be promoted to wider applications using PCM as a cooling medium beyond the currently-utilized two types of machines in this paper. • Phase-change-material-based cooling for electromagnetic machines is proposed. • Optimal intermittent operating conditions were identified experimentally. • Two different machine types were considered for a broad application. • Based on experimental data, a correlation was developed for a universal guide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A kind of highly efficient and stable OER electrocatalyst, stoichiometric iron vanadium sulfides, is elaborately proposed and fabricated on nickel foam (NF). Due to the unique electronic structure, Fe 1.94 V 1.06 S 4 /NF electrode exhibits an electrocatalytic OER performance superior to the state-of-art NiFe-based ones for water splitting. It requires low overpotentials of 471 ± 13 and 567 ± 11 mV (without iR compensation) to deliver ultrahigh current densities of 1000 and 1500 mA cm−2 during 150 h continuous galvanostatic electrolysis, respectively. [Display omitted] • Stoichiometric iron vanadium sulfides were synthesized on nickel foam (NF). • Fe 1.94 V 1.06 S 4 /NF delivers large current densities at low overpotentials for OER. • The OER performance of Fe 1.94 V 1.06 S 4 /NF is superior to most of the previous electrocatalysts. • Electronic interactions between V2+ and Fe3+ cations in Fe 1.94 V 1.06 S 4 enhance its OER activity. Rational design of inexpensive electrocatalysts with high activity towards oxygen evolution reaction (OER) consisting of a complex four-electron process is of great importance for developing renewable energies in the form of hydrogen fuel from water electrolysis. Herein, we develop an exceptionally active and stable OER electrocatalyst, stoichiometric iron vanadium sulfide (Fe 1.94 V 1.06 S 4) grown on nickel foam (NF). This electrocatalyst affords current densities of 100 and 1500 mA cm−2 at low overpotentials of 193 and 253 mV, respectively, and has stable operation time of exceeding 150 h in alkaline electrolyte, which dramatically outperforms most of the recently reported electrocatalysts (typically, the state-of-the-art NiFe-based electrocatalysts). Systematic investigations on the effects of vanadium and its valence state demonstrate that Fe3+ coupled with V2+ in Fe 1.94 V 1.06 S 4 endows a larger benefit on the OER than the counterparts in FeV 2 S 4 and vanadium-doped pyrrhotite (Fe 7− x V x S 8). Density functional theory (DFT) simulations reveal the highly conductive stoichiometric iron vanadium sulfides and favored binding energetics of the OER intermediates on them with a derived amorphous Fe–V oxyhydroxide overlayer due to the synergistically optimized the electronic structure. Thus, a novel bimetallic system containing low-valent vanadium is anticipated to work effectively to enable the communities to scrutinize and exploit new electrocatalysts for water splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discrete unified gas kinetic scheme (DUGKS) is a new finite volume (FV) scheme for continuum and rarefied flows, which combines the benefits of both the lattice Boltzmann method and UGKS. By the reconstruction of the gas distribution function using particle velocity characteristic lines, the flux contains more detailed information of fluid flow and more concrete physical nature. In this work, a simplified DUGKS is proposed with the reconstruction stage on a whole time step instead of a half time step in the original DUGKS. Using the temporal/spatial integral Boltzmann Bhatnagar–Gross–Krook equation, the auxiliary distribution function with the inclusion of the collision effect is adopted. The macroscopic and mesoscopic fluxes of the cell on the next time step are predicted by the reconstruction of the auxiliary distribution function at interfaces along particle velocity characteristic lines. According to the conservation law, the macroscopic variables of the cell on the next time step can be updated through its flux, which is a moment of the predicted mesoscopic flux at cell interfaces. The equilibrium distribution function on the next time step can also be updated. The gas distribution function is updated by the FV scheme through its predicted mesoscopic flux in a time step. Compared with the original DUGKS, the computational process of the proposed method is more concise because of the omission of half time step flux calculation. The numerical time step is only limited by the Courant–Friedrichs–Lewy condition, and a relatively good stability has been preserved. Several test cases, including the Couette flow, lid-driven cavity flow, laminar flows over a flat plate, a circular cylinder, and an airfoil, and microcavity flow cases, are conducted to validate the present scheme. The observed numerical simulation results reasonably agree with the reported results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the main site for protein synthesis, folding, and secretion, and accumulation of the unfolded/misfolded proteins in the ER may induce ER stress. ER stress is an important participant in various intracellular signaling pathways. Prolonged- or high-intensity ER stress may induce cell apoptosis. Osteoporosis, characterized by imbalanced bone remodeling, is a global disease caused by many factors, such as ER stress. ER stress stimulates osteoblast apoptosis, increases bone loss, and promotes osteoporosis development. Many factors, such as the drug's adverse effects, metabolic disorders, calcium ion imbalance, bad habits, and aging, have been reported to activate ER stress, resulting in the pathological development of osteoporosis. Increasing evidence shows that ER stress regulates osteogenic differentiation, osteoblast activity, and osteoclast formation and function. Various therapeutic agents have been developed to counteract ER stress and thereby suppress osteoporosis development. Thus, inhibition of ER stress has become a potential target for the therapeutic management of osteoporosis. However, the in-depth understanding of ER stress in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis still needs more effort. [Display omitted] • ER stress is implicated in bone remodeling. • ER stress mediates osteogenic differentiation and osteoblast activity. • ER stress regulates osteoclast formation and function. • ER stress has become a target for osteoporosis treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: LncRNA LINC00311 participates in osteoporosis, which shows inverse pathological changes to ankylosing spondylitis (AS), indicating that LINC00311 is also involved in AS.Methods: All the participants were enrolled in Ganzhou People's Hospital between January 2016 and January 2018 after this study was approved by Ganzhou People's Hospital Ethics Committee. Disease activity determination, follow-up and RT-qPCR were carried out during the research.Results: In the present study we found that LINC00311 was upregulated in AS patients comparing to healthy controls, and upregulation of LINC00311 distinguished AS patients from healthy controls. LINC00311 expression levels were positively correlated with disease activity. Comparing to pre-treatment levels, LINC00311 expression level decreased significantly after treatment. During 2-year follow-up, patients with high levels of LINC00311 showed a significantly higher rate of rehospitalization.Conclusions: Therefore, LINC00311 is overexpressed in AS and predict treatment outcomes and recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, a paraffin/liquid metal (LM)/graphene hybrid thermal composite material with a high thermal‐conductivity as well as high latent heat is developed. The paraffin is encapsulated in calcium alginate, which produces leakage‐free phase change material (PCM) capsules. LM is filled among the gaps of PCM capsules to enhance overall heat conduction. Graphene nano‐sheets coating attains efficient heat dissipation because of its high spectral emissivity (>91%) in the spectrum of the mid‐infrared region. The developed material is verified to have strong compatibility and durable stability. The composite is utilized as a thermal buffer (TB) for central processing unit thermal management to demonstrate the synergy of these superior thermal properties. In certain cases, active cooling normally used could be replaced by the developed TB without any energy consumption for thermal management, demonstrating a completely passive cooling strategy. Compared to traditional heat sink active cooling, general energy savings of 10.4–26.3% could thus be achieved by the developed composite in wider operating conditions, proving its potential for more efficient and sustainable data center cooling alongside thermal management of other ground‐based electrical/electronic equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A flexible concentrated solar energy wireless transmission system was developed. • It uses the space sunlight to overcome intermittency of the solar energy application. • Optimal energy transmission modelling and experimental validation was conducted. • Maximum transmitter energy transmission efficiency of 52.0% was obtained experimentally. • Power/weight ratio of the system could be increased by 17.0% by comparing parallels. Solar energy in space is more intensive and continuous compared to that on the Earth, and thus, is encouraged by governments across the world to be utilized for human beings. The continuity of the space sunlight has a great potential to overcome the bottleneck of the variability and intermittency in time and space for ground-based solar energy applications. Space solar power station (SSPS) is known as intermedia that can harvest the space solar energy and transmit it wirelessly to the end-user. However, the current wireless energy transmission via microwave or laser suffers from low energy transmission efficiency because of excessive energy conversion processes. Wireless energy transmission via sunlight without any intermediate energy conversion process was proposed previously theoretically for high energy transmission efficiency, but it also lacks practicability due to heavyweight and inflexibility. Therefore, although promising, practical sunlight-based wireless energy transmission proposals have not ever been presented. Here, through component and structure optimizations in theoretical and experimental approaches, a novel and more practical concentrated solar energy wireless transmission system that transmits the harvested sunlight via lightweight optical fibers is proposed in this paper. It uses a Fresnel lens to collect concentrated solar energy and then, the utilized optical fiber can steer the collected energy to the collimator flexibly. At last, a parallel sunlight beam can be emitted from the collimator to the target end-user. Results show that the transmitter efficiency versus optical fiber length exhibited a linear relationship from both theoretical and experimental approaches. the cloud effect harmed the energy transmission. A maximum transmitter energy transmission efficiency of 52.0% could be attained experimentally. Compared with the performance in the no-cloud condition, the gained voltage could be declined by 37% ∼ 48%. The bending of the optical fiber seemed to not affect much on the energy transmission performance, which guarantees a flexible energy transmission. Besides, the power/weight ratio was increased by 17.0% compared to its counterpart. The innovation of this paper is to reduce the gap between theoretical and practical feasibilities for the proposed system. This paper experimentally demonstrates the feasibility of a wireless concentrated solar energy transmission technology, which promotes the application of SSPS and related aerospace applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A space sunlight energy wireless transmission prototype is established. • System coupling effect was investigated theoretically and experimentally. • Aspheric lenses are more proper to condense sunlight. • Optical fibre bending barely affects efficiency, showing flexible energy transmission. • Multiple engineering applications are identified to pursue carbon neutrality. Advancements in spacecraft formation and space solar power plant technologies promote wireless energy transmission among satellites and the Earth. Although microwave-based, laser-based, and sunlight-based wireless energy transmission technologies have been reported previously, none of them have been practically deployed because of major limitations. In this paper, a concentrated sunlight energy wireless transmission system (CSEWTS) using single plano-convex lenses to harvest space sunlight and a single corresponding optical fibre bundle (OFB) to realize flexible energy transmission is schematically developed and its prototype is established experimentally. This system utilizes sunlight as the transmission media to avoid intermediate energy conversion and where energy efficiency can be enhanced compared to microwave-based or laser-based energy wireless transmission. Furthermore, the OFB-based CSEWTS can lighten the mirror-based system, which was developed previously. Various effects of optical coupling, condenser outline in the energy receiver, smog, distance, and bending were experimentally or theoretically investigated. An optimized coupling incident angle into OFB of 18° was attained theoretically and validated experimentally where an improvement of 19.9% in system efficiency was acquired from a wrong angle to an optimal one. Besides, aspheric lenses were experimentally proved to be more appropriate to condense sunlight where a 16.5% − 19.5% enhancement was obtained. In addition, lens coating, condenser outline in the energy receiver, smog, and distance effects were also analyzed. Smog harms energy transmission which casts shadows on its space-Earth application. Energy transmission to a no-cloud area is the only probable option. The developed technologies can also be used in solar sail spacecraft, contributing to global carbon neutrality and clean aerospace flight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Degenerative disk disease (DDD) remains the leading incentive of severe lumbago. DDD is mainly caused by degeneration of cartilage endplate (CEP). Cartilage endplate stem cells (CESCs) are essential in chondrogenesis and osteogenesis of CEP. This study investigated the mechanism of miR-637 inhibiting osteogenic differentiation of human CESC by regulating WNT5A. Methods: The degenerative CEP (N = 10) and non-degenerative CEP (N = 6) were obtained from patients undergoing disk fusion surgery. CESCs were examined for surface stem cell markers, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels, osteogenic differentiation, osteogenic genes (Runx2, COL1), and chondrogenic gene (COL2). The miR-637 expression in CESCs was detected. The targeting relationship of miR-637 and WNT5A was confirmed. After miR-637 overexpression/WNT5A down-regulation, the action of miR-637/WNT5A on osteogenic differentiation of CESCs was evaluated. After simultaneous overexpression of miR-637/WNT5A, the effect of miR-637 on osteogenic differentiation of CESCs was assessed. Results: miR-637 was down-expressed in degenerative CESCs (D-CESCs), and miR-637 overexpression inhibited the osteogenic differentiation of D-CESCs, while inhibition of miR-637 promoted the osteogenic differentiation ability of D-CESCs. miR-637 targeted WNT5A and down-regulation of WNT5A inhibited the osteogenic differentiation of D-CESCs. Up-regulated WNT5A partially annulled the inhibitory action of miR-637 overexpression on osteogenic differentiation of D-CESCs. Conclusion: miR-637 inhibited osteogenic differentiation of D-CESCs via targeting WNT5A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Despite the flourishing studies of droplet interfacial boiling, the boiling upon vibratory surfaces, which may cause vigorous liquid–vapor-solid interactions, has rarely been investigated. Enhanced boiling normally can be gained from rapid removal of vapor and disturbance of liquid–vapor interface. We hypothesize that the vibratory surfaces enhance both effects with new intriguing phenomena and thus, attain an enhanced boiling heat transfer. We experimentally investigated the impacting fluid dynamics and coupled heat transfer patterns of multiple droplets and a single droplet impinging on still and vibratory surfaces of various materials and different wettability. The boiling under vibratory surfaces with increased vibration velocity amplitude and enhanced wettability can be enhanced by 80% in heat transfer coefficient and Nusselt number, which is attributed to several reasons: shortened bubble lifespan, thinner and smaller bubbles, and enhanced disturbances in liquid–vapor interfaces. The vibration also delays the Leidenfrost point when the droplet impacts a descending surface, which shows that the droplet impact moment (vibration phase angle) is particularly crucial. The descending surface releases the generated vapor actively and facilitates liquid–solid contact, thereby delaying the Leidenfrost. From fundamentals to application, this article strengthens our understanding of vibrated interfacial boiling in scenarios closer to multiple natural processes and practical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was performed to examine the effect of oxymatrine (OMT) on motor functions and histopathologic changes after spinal cord injury and the mechanism underlying its neuroprotective effects. Results suggested that, OMT causes regain of lost motor function near to normal via attenuating oxidative stress, inflammatory response and cellular apoptosis. These observations were further supported by histological examination of spinal cord of rats. It also showed to regulate pro-inflammatory cytokines, Bcl2 family proteins and reduces the level of toll like receptor (TLR-4) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-ĸB) in concentration dependent manner. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway was also regulated by OMT after SCI. It has been suggested that, OMT promotes the recovery of motor function after SCI in rats via multiple mechanism, and this effect may be related to its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To aid with the environmental crisis, a new iron oxychloride/reduced graphene oxide (FeOCl/rGO) heterojunction has been successfully synthesized. The heterojunction shows enhanced photo‐Fenton catalytic activity and stability relative to those of FeOCl under mild conditions (neutral solution and natural light). The surface area, optical adsorption, and electronegativity of FeOCl/rGO are larger than those of FeOCl, and these properties contribute to the enhanced catalytic performance of FeOCl/rGO. Furthermore, the rapid transfer of photogenerated electrons from rGO to FeOCl promotes the reduction of FeIII to FeII, which boosts the production of ·OH radicals. On the basis of active‐species trapping experiments, the ·OH radicals play a primary role, whereas ·O2– radicals play a secondary role. This work demonstrates the first example of the facilitation of Fenton catalytic performance through the introduction of rGO to FeOCl for sunlight‐induced photodegradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a common disorder associated with chronic inflammation and cell death. In this study, an IVDD rat model was created through Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) injection. The degeneration of intervertebral disc tissues was assessed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), followed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin-dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. RNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the IVDD model and control rats. The expression levels of DEGs (DEAD-box polypeptide 3 (DDX3), lysine-specific demethylase 5D (KDM5D), interferon-induced gene-1 (IFIT1), ribosomal protein S10 (RPS10), tenomodulin (TNMD), and pentraxin 3 (PTX3)) were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The regulatory effect of DDX3 on pyroptosis in IL-1β-treated nucleus pulpous (NP) cells was assessed after transfection with siRNA of DDX3. A total of 601 DEGs were identified from the IVDD model rat, and were abundant in extracellular matrix (ECM) organization, ECM-receptor interaction, and inflammatory pathways, including the PI3K-Akt, TNF, and AMPK signaling pathways. DDX3, KDM5D, and IFIT1 levels were notably elevated, whereas RPS10, TNMD, and PTX3 levels were decreased in the IL-1β-induced IVDD rat model. Moreover, silencing DDX3 promoted cell proliferation and abolished IL-1β-induced cell apoptosis and pyroptosis. This study revealed the role of DDX3 in IVDD pyroptosis, providing potential target for IVDD management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Three new triterpene saponins, named Clinoposaponin A, Clinoposaponin B, and Clinoposaponin C along with three known triterpene saponins were isolated from the Tabellae Clinopodii. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by means of various spectroscopic analyses. All of the isolated compounds were tested against Hela, HCT-8, AGS, and MCF-7 human cancer cell lines and showed moderate cytotoxic activities with IC50 values between 4.1 and 19.7μM. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• A visual machine learning was applied to collect microfluidic droplet data. • A dual-directional deep learning model was established to obtain the user-desired droplets. • An active learning algorithm was adopted for the small sampling modelling. • The proposed dual-directional modelling demonstrates a high accuracy of only 9.90% relative error. User-specified droplets generated by microfluidics are critical but requires intensive expertise and much time. Stimulated by data boosts from microfluidic experiments, deep learning has proven to be a powerful modeling approach in microfluidics with high accuracy. However, current deep learning approaches on microfluidics, emphasize droplet size prediction rather than actually obtaining droplets of the user-desired size. Such droplet size predictions invariably overlook the effect of the flow regime, a critical factor when determining the availability of the generated droplets because the flow regime influences the droplets' dispersity. In addition, the big data prerequisite in deep learning models prohibits its extensive application in microfluidics. In order to solve these problems, this paper combines our current extensive experimental data (extracted by the Hough transformer) and the experimental data from previous literature as a co-flowing microfluidics-based droplet database. Based on this database, we established a dual-directional deep learning model where the droplet size variable resides not only in the output (for prediction), but also in the input (for acquisition) when considering the effect of flow regime. The new integrated active learning model fundamentally reduces the training dataset without sacrificing accuracy, thus pioneering small-sampling deep learning modelling in microfluidics. Compared to the single-directional modelling approach, the proposed dual-directional modelling demonstrates obvious improvements where the average relative error is only 9.90 % (obtained droplet size compared to the desired size), an increase of 45.6% compared with that of the single-directional model. The improved deep learning methodology here offers a universally accurate model for co-flowing microfluidic-based droplet acquisitions. It also has great prospects of becoming a prominent data processing structure that boosts, and possibly transforms existing microfluidic research and related fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To study the therapeutic influence of meloxicam-glucosamine sulfate combination in patients with osteoarthritis and their effect on serum CTX-I, CTX-II, COMP and MMP-3. Methods: A total of 88 patients with osteoarthritis were assigned to control (n = 44) and treatment groups (n = 44), using the random number table method. Control group was given 7.5 mg of meloxicam, while treatment group received 0.5 g of glucosamine sulfate capsule in addition to meloxicam. Both groups were treated continuously for 8 weeks. Serum levels of C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I), C-terminal telopeptide of type II collagen (CTX-II), cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) were compared for the two groups after treatment. Results: Lysholm score significantly increased in the two groups after treatment. Serum CTX-I, CTX-II, COMP and MMP-3 in the two groups were significantly lower than before treatment, but the reductions were more pronounced in the treatment group (p < 0.05). During treatment, mild vomiting and pruritus of the skin appeared in both groups, but these were relieved after symptomatic treatment without any serious adverse reactions. Conclusion: Treatment with a combination of meloxicam and glucosamine sulfate produces significant beneficial effects in patients with osteoarthritis by reduction of clinical symptoms, pain relief and reduction of serum CTX-I, CTX-II, MMP-3 and COMP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a novel Ce3+ self-doped CeOx/FeOCl composite was successfully prepared by a facile method for the first time, which showed remarkable catalytic activity as a Fenton catalyst in the degradation of phenol under the conditions of a neutral solution, room temperature and natural light. In CeOx/FeOCl, 5.23% CeOx is the optimal condition, and the degradation constant (k) of CeOx/FeOCl is greater than that of FeOCl by a factor of 10.8. CeOCl in the composite plays a more important role than CeO2, which greatly increases the production of ṖOH radicals. Furthermore, the Ce-doping in FeOCl accelerates the separation efficiency of the photogenerated electron–hole pairs. The increased surface area and surface potential of CeOx/FeOCl than those of FeOCl effectively promote the adsorption of phenol, which is 4.05 times that of FeOCl. According to the DFT calculations, the Ce-doping in FeOCl enhances the structural stability by increasing the strength of the chemical bonds. The adsorption of H2O2 with Ce3+ is energetically favorable, which promotes the production of ṖOH radicals. A synergistic mechanism for the enhanced catalytic performance of CeOx/FeOCl is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Micro-droplet electrohydrodynamic deformations under multi-physics fields were experimentally studied. • A comprehensive micro-droplet deformation database was established for deep learning modeling. • Both DNN and DeepFM algorithms for micro-droplet deformation were leveraged and compared. • The DNN algorithm demonstrates a better universal prediction (relative errors within ±8 %). • The proposed method pioneers small-sample modeling problems in multi-phase fluids. Micro-droplet electro-hydrodynamic deformations under combined shear flow and electric fields were investigated experimentally where droplet deformation mechanisms were revealed. Here two deep learning algorithms (DNN and DeepFM) were applied for better prediction accuracy in deformation characteristics (deformation parameter D and tilt angle ϕ). The DNN model showed better universal predicting accuracy (verified not for our experimental data but for data from previous publications). Specifically, the majority of DNN-based predictions were within a relative error of ±8 %, gaining a major superiority compared with previous prediction models. Additionally, the use of a unique smart-sized training dataset for high accuracy without a large-scale data pool is another innovation, pioneering the deep-learning-based high-accuracy small-sample modeling. Considering the low accuracy from traditional models and the reduction in data scale requirement of the deep-learning-based method developed here, such a method can be extended to other complex multiphysics-controlled microfluidic droplet modeling in chemical and thermo-fluid engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term exposure to glucocorticoid (GC) contributes to the development of osteoporosis (OP), which is correlated with the risk of fracture. Pathologically, GC-induced bone loss is associated with osteoblast apoptosis. Geniposide (GEN), a natural occurring compound derived from Eucommia ulmoides , has been reported to ameliorate dexamethasone (DEX)-induced OP. Our previous study shows that GEN exhibits protective activity against DEX-induced OP by attenuating endoplasmic reticulum stress and decreasing apoptosis in osteoblasts. However, the molecular mechanisms of GEN in inhibiting DEX-induced osteoblast apoptosis still need further elucidation. In this article, a molecular target network of GEN against OP was screened. It was found that GEN might interact with OP by mediating PI3K/AKT pathway, which is the upstream factor in regulating autophagy. GEN exhibited protective activity against DEX-induced apoptosis by activating autophagy in vivo and in vitro. Blockage of autophagy, activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, or inhibition of GLP-1R activity could eliminate the protective effects of GEN against DEX-induced apoptosis. Collectively, GEN ameliorated DEX-induced osteoblast apoptosis by activating autophagy through GLP-1R/PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. [Display omitted] • GEN exhibits protective activity against OP. • GEN inhibits DEX-induced osteoblast apoptosis by activating autophagy. • GEN activates autophagy by mediating PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. • GEN inhibits apoptosis and activates autophagy in GLP-1R-dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Converging evidence reports that the probability of vertical transmission patterns via shared drainage systems, may be responsible for the huge contactless community outbreak in high-rise buildings. Publications indicate that a faulty bathroom exhaust fan system is ineffective in removing lifted hazardous virus-laden aerosols from the toilet bowl space. Common strategies (boosting ventilation capability and applying disinfection tablets) seem unsustainable and remain to date untested. Using combined simulation and experimental approaches, we compared three ventilation schemes in a family bathroom including the traditional ceiling fan, floor fan, and side-wall fan. We found that the traditional ceiling fan was barely functional whereby aerosol particles were not being adequately removed. Conversely, a side-wall fan could function efficiently and an enhanced ventilation capability can have increased performance whereby nearly 80.9% of the lifted aerosol particles were removed. There exists a common, and easily-overlooked mistake in the layout of the bathroom, exposing occupants to a contactless vertical pathogen aerosol transmission route. Corrections and dissemination are thus imperative for the reconstruction of these types of family bathrooms. Our findings provide evidence for the bathroom and smart ventilation system upgrade, promoting indoor public health and human hygiene. [Display omitted] • Traditional ceiling fan fails to remove hazardous plume in bathrooms. • Ventilation deficiency should be responsible for the vertical COVID transmission. • A side-wall fan has the most efficient aerosol removal capability. • In-site experimental conclusions were coherent with the simulation ones. • Bathroom ventilation reconstructions are encouraged to be performed accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]