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With the rapid development of artificial intelligence technology, data-driven advanced models have provided new ideas and means for airfoil aerodynamic optimization. As the advanced models update and iterate, many useful explorations and attempts have been made by researchers on the integrated application of artificial intelligence and airfoil aerodynamic optimization. In this paper, many critical aerodynamic optimization steps where data-driven advanced models are employed are reviewed. These steps include geometric parameterization, aerodynamic solving and performance evaluation, and model optimization. In this way, the improvements in the airfoil aerodynamic optimization area led by data-driven advanced models are introduced. These improvements involve more accurate global description of airfoil, faster prediction of aerodynamic performance, and more intelligent optimization modeling. Finally, the challenges and prospect of applying data-driven advanced models to aerodynamic optimization are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new aerodynamic solution strategy for non-smooth configurations is proposed based on the wall modification model by machine learning to perform numerical simulations, rather than directly describing the global flow field with massive grids. The aerodynamic effect of non-smooth configurations in the presence of pressure gradients is investigated utilizing the proposed method. Flow features of non-smooth surface are provided by high-fidelity surface flow data acquired through lattice Boltzmann method simulation. The wall modification model is constructed by Fruit fly Optimization Algorithm-Generalized Regression Neural Network (FOA-GRNN) to reproduce the behavior of microflow near the non-smooth surface. Typical flow features, e.g., velocity corrections induced by surface texture as the output of the FOA-GRNN model, are imposed on configuration boundaries, improving computational efficiency and wall resolution. The novel aerodynamic solution strategy is validated by comparing the results of the experiment. In addition, the performance analysis of compressor cascade with micro riblet surface utilizing the above method is conducted. The results indicate that the non-smooth surface structure decreases skin friction and turbulent intensity in the flow channel compared with smooth cascade, thus significantly reducing the total pressure loss. The paper shows a positive prospect of the data-driven strategy in evaluating the aerodynamic performances of non-smooth configurations and provides a reliable solution method for the subsequent design of micro-nano surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioinspired grooved surface structure design has been widely used as an efficient passive flow control method in drag reduction. The total drag of plate with grooved surface structure can be decomposed into friction and pressure drag. In this paper, the relationship between them and the distribution of vortex structure in flow field has been analyzed for obtaining the drag reduction mechanism of grooved surface structure. The concept of 'Vortex-Driven Design' is proposed to improve the performance of conventional periodic single-level grooved surface structure. A design scheme of micro-nano scale nested-grooved surface structure with better drag reduction performance is given. The authors conduct numerical simulation of rectangular nested-grooved surface structure in laminar flow considering rarefaction based on Lattice Boltzmann Method at high Knudsen number. The results show that the nested-grooved surface structure induces higher complexity in the secondary vortex structure, and that the changes of vorticity distribution and flow characteristics drive the changes of velocity distribution and shear stress in the grooved surface. Compared with conventional grooved surface structure, the average friction drag of the surface is further reduced. Two geometric optimization cases of the conventional grooved surface and nested-grooved surface are realized by Genetic Algorithm, showing that the maximum drag reduction rate of the optimal nested-grooved surface can reach 18.76% while that of the optimal conventional grooved surface only reaches 13.61%. Based on 'Vortex-Driven Design', an innovative material improvement method for drag reduction is proposed as a new direction for subsequent research on microstructure in terms of drag reduction and energy conservation. • Secondary vortex structure is the key factor to drag reduction of grooved surface. • 'Vortex-Driven Design' is proposed to guide the design of grooved surface. • The conventional grooved surface structure is improved. • Micro-nano nested-grooved surface structure is better in drag reduction. • A geometric optimization of nested-grooved surface structure is conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimization of mechanical properties and regulation in setting time of beta-hemihydrate phosphogypsum (β-HPG) are the key to its utilization in building materials. Calcium sulfoaluminate cement (SAC) can significantly enhance the mechanical properties of β-HPG to form a gypsum-based-composite binder, but have little effect on regulating the setting time. Retarders can regulate the setting time of β-HPG but decrease its mechanical properties. However, the synergistic modification mechanism of retarders and SAC on β-HPG has not been clarified. In this paper, the effects of protein retarder (SC) and citric acid (CA) on the setting time, hydration heat, mechanical properties and microstructure of the β-HPG-SAC composite binder were studied systematically. The results show that incorporating SC and CA can effectively regulate the setting time, but the effects on the mechanical properties differ. SC has a certain optimization effect on mechanical properties at low content, but has a negative effect when the content is over 0.2%, while CA has a continuous negative effect with its increasing content. Specifically, SC hinders the formation of the crystalline structure to a certain extent, and makes the crystallization of β-HPG and the hydration of SAC synergistic, while CA delays the hydration process of β-HPG and SAC simultaneously. Different from SC, CA can inhibit the growth of dihydrate gypsum (DH) crystals in the C-axis direction, transforming long rod crystals into short columns, eventually forming a looser microstructure and decreasing mechanical properties. This work provides an effective method for the modification of β-HPG and the high value-added resource utilization of PG. • SC and CA can effectively regulate the setting time of the composite. • SC has a certain optimization effect on mechanical properties at low content. • The contents of AFt are decreased by the incorporation of retarders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MOF-Ti@PANI core–shell nanoparticles was synthesized using a two-step method. An electrorheological fluid with a concentration of 10w% was prepared by using MOF-T@PANI-0.2 as the dispersed phase, which can exhibit smart electrorheological behavior under external electric field. [Display omitted] • MOF-Ti@PANI core–shell nanoparticles obtained. • The special anisotropic shape, core/shell structure, and nanometer particle size was combined. • Smart electrorheological behavior exhibited obviously. • Large surface area and small pore size bring good interfacial polarization ability. In this paper, a kind of core–shell composite nanoparticles for electrorheological (ER) fluid was successfully prepared and showed good ER effect. The material possesses the high specific surface area and low density of metal organic frameworks (MOFs), and combines with the excellent dielectric properties of polyaniline (PANI). PANI precursors were prepared by a rapid mixing method, and then MOF-Ti (an MOF containing Ti) grew in situ on PANI under the solvothermal conditions. The MOF-Ti@PANI composite nanoparticles with core–shell structure were generated. These characteristics of PANI and MOF-Ti are conducive to stronger interfacial polarization of nanoparticles, which in turn leads to a good ER effect. The nanoparticle morphology as well as its ER and dielectric properties was modulated by using different amounts of PANI addition. The addition amount of PANI had a certain effect on the particle morphology, which was proved by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We also determined particle size at the nanoscale in this process. The measured results of the X-ray powder diffractometer (XRD) are consistent with the characteristic peaks of MIL-125 (a kind of MOF-Ti). The internal chemical structure of the material and the chemical environment of the elements were analyzed using Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Finally, the ER and dielectric properties of the nanoparticles in ER Fluids were investigated using high-speed rotational rheometry and broadband dielectric spectroscopy. The analysis revealed that the MOF-Ti@PANI core–shell nanoparticles have good ER properties under proper coating. For the core–shell modified MOFs, it is expected to be a promising development direction in the field of ER materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the purpose of reducing the flow loss in the compressor cascade, the aerodynamic design of the blade geometry is essential. The traditional aerodynamic design focuses on curve modification, and the surface structure design is rarely considered in the optimization framework. Recent studies have revealed that micro riblet surface provides an excellent application prospect in drag reduction, which offers a new idea for the design of compressor cascade. In this paper, a concept of "geometry-flow loss" control is proposed, and an innovative optimization method combining profile and riblet design is developed further to improve the aerodynamic performances of the compressor cascade. In the design process of multiple iterations, the multi-scale simulations describing the whole flow field with a massive amount of grids would cause unaffordable costs. Therefore, the blade-riblets simplified simulation strategy is employed to evaluate the aerodynamic performances of the cascade profile with riblets and make the profile with riblet design practicable. The flow loss characteristics of the original cascade and two optimal cascades are assessed and verified by wind tunnel tests. The simulation and experimental results both indicate that the profile with the riblet design significantly further reduces the total pressure loss of the compressor cascade compared to the traditional profile design. The proposed concept in this paper increases the dimensionality of the geometry design and further exploits the design potential of the compressor cascade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, in order to overcome computational challenge in numerical simulations of airfoil covered with micro/nanopatterns for aerodynamic drag-reduction design, an ANN-Based boundary strategy is proposed to balance the accuracy and efficiency. Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) is utilized to extract the micro/nanoflow characteristics in the near-wall region considering the rarefied effect and the available microscopic data is used to train the surrogate boundary model by Generalized Regression Neural Network (GRNN). The modified boundary conditions obtained by ANN-Based model replacing the real complex and fine micro/nano structure are applied on the smooth configuration to perform macroscopic simulations. Rectangular riblets as micro/nano pattern are discussed for our study. Various arrangement strategies of rectangular riblets over airfoil are adopted by adjusting the width, height, and coverage area to investigate their effects on aerodynamic performances. The results indicate that for the riblet airfoil, the skin friction reduces and the transition position moves backward compared with those of the smooth airfoil. Furthermore, the lift-to-drag ratio also significantly increases and the rate of improvement is up to 13.8% at the Angle of Attack (AOA) of 1°. This paper shows a perspective in aerodynamic design with micro/nano pattern for drag reduction by providing an innovative multi-scale simplified simulation strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a core–shell structured nanocomposite with excellent electrorheological (ER) properties was successfully prepared for studying ER fluids (ERFs). First, the material was prepared by using chromium (Cr)-ion-doped Ti-based metal–organic frameworks (MOF-Ti) as a template using the solvothermal method, followed by coating with SiO 2 via hydrolysis to form Cr-MOF-Ti/SiO 2 composite. In combination with the advantages of the MOF-Ti structure, such as more active sites and a high specific surface area, doping with transition metal ions and coating with SiO 2 can effectively enhance the interfacial polarisation of the obtained Cr-MOF-Ti/SiO 2 composite and thus improve its ER performance. Analyses were conducted on the morphology, elemental composition and functional groups of the materials using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometer, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller and dielectric analysis. The results indicate successful Cr-ion doping and SiO 2 coating. The ER performance of the composite particles was also evaluated. The results indicate that the SiO 2 -coated sample exhibits superior ER properties, including a smaller leakage current density and higher shear stress. Moreover, the SiO 2 coating enhanced the interfacial polarisation capability of Cr-MOF-Ti, as verified by the dielectric data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In preclinical studies of spinal cord injury (SCI), behavioral assessments are crucial for evaluating treatment effectiveness. Commonly used methods include Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan (BBB) score and the Louisville swim scale (LSS), relying on subjective observations. The CatWalk automated gait analysis system is also widely used in SCI studies, providing extensive gait parameters from footprints. However, these parameters are often used independently or combined simply without utilizing the vast amount of data provided by CatWalk. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a novel approach encompassing multiple CatWalk parameters for a comprehensive and objective assessment of locomotor function. In this work, we screened 208 CatWalk XT gait parameters and identified 38 suitable for assessing hindlimb motor function recovery in a rat thoracic contusion SCI model. Exploratory factor analysis was used to reveal structural relationships among these parameters. Weighted scores for Coordination effectively differentiated hindlimb motor function levels, termed as the Coordinated Function Index (CFI). CFI showed high reliability, exhibiting high correlations with BBB scores, LSS, and T2WI lesion area. Finally, we simplified CFI based on factor loadings and correlation analysis, obtaining a streamlined version with reliable assessment efficacy. In conclusion, we developed a systematic assessment indicator utilizing multiple CatWalk parameters to objectively evaluate hindlimb motor function recovery in rats after thoracic contusion SCI. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium lanthanum titanate Li0.33La0.56TiO3 with a perovskite structure and Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 with a NASICON structure are promising solid lithium-ion conductors. Attrition milling is carried out to alter the particle size and a solid-state reaction method is used to prepare the pellets. The mean volume of Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 and Li0.33La0.56TiO3 tends to increase and to decrease, respectively, with increasing attrition milling time, which is due to the different hardness of the starting materials used. When pressed into pellets, the powders with smaller variation in the particle size possess denser packing and, therefore, higher conductivity. The conductivities of lithium-conductors are in strong correlation with the size of the starting powders and the density of the pellets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed the effects of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-3, and MMP-12 on the degree of carotid atherosclerosis (CAS) and plaque stability, and investigated their correlations with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (CCEs). Two hundred CAS patients were enrolled. Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) was measured using ultrasonic examination. Patients were divided into the no plaque group (NP group), stable plaque group (SP group), and vulnerable plaque group (VP group). The Crouse method was used for the evaluation of plaque scores. Additionally, 60 healthy subjects were enrolled as the control group. Serum triacylglycerol (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were analyzed. The serum protein levels of MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-12 were measured by western blotting. The frequency of CCEs within 2 years was recorded, and its correlation with MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-12 was analyzed. The CAS plaque scores in the SP and VP groups were significantly increased compared with the NP group, and the difference between the SP and VP groups was significant. The levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C of CAS patients were significantly increased compared with those in the control group, but the differences in these indexes between the patient groups were not significant. Western blotting showed that the levels of MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-12 in the patient groups were significantly increased compared with those in the control group, and the protein levels in the VP group were significantly higher than those in the SP and NP groups. Additionally, the levels of MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-12 had significantly positive correlations with the occurrence of CCEs in CAS patients. In conclusion, MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-12 are positively correlated with CCEs in CAS patients. They can be used as markers for the clinical diagnosis and prognosis of CAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) compared to conventional medical management (CMM) for patients diagnosed with chronic pain. Furthermore, the study seeks to compare the utilization of analgesics, as well as the long-term outcomes in terms of quality of life and functional capacity. Data sources: We systematically searched Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, and EMBASE for randomized controlled trials from inception up to February 2022. Review methods: Inclusion and exclusion criteria were set according to the PICOS criteria. We searched for studies in which SCS was compared with CMM alone for chronic pain. Two reviewers independently identified eligible studies and extracted data. Risk of bias assessments were performed according to Cochrane review criteria and Interventional Pain Management Techniques–quality Appraisal of Reliability and Risk of Bias Assessment (IPM-QRB) criteria. Results: The present meta-analysis comprised eight studies and included a total of 893 patients. Our findings demonstrate that spinal cord stimulation (SCS) in combination with conventional medical management (CMM) is associated with a significant reduction in visual analogue scale (VAS) pain intensity (P = 0.0005) and decreased scores on the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) (P < 0.0001). Moreover, SCS plus CMM was found to improve patients' quality of life, as evidenced by improvements in SF-36 scores (P < 0.00001), EQ-5D utility index (P = 0.008), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) (P < 0.00001). Based on the results of four high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the level of evidence supporting the efficacy of SCS for the treatment of painful neuropathy is graded as level I to II. In contrast, there is currently only low-level evidence to support the use of high-frequency stimulation and other chronic pain conditions, which can be attributed to a lack of sufficient randomized controlled trials. Limitations: The principal limitation of our study is the significant heterogeneity observed among the cohorts investigated. The primary source of this heterogeneity is the fact that spinal cord stimulation is indicated for the treatment of multiple chronic pain conditions. Moreover, variations in the stimulation parameters, differences among manufacturers, and the specific surgical implantation settings contribute to the increased heterogeneity observed in our analyses. To address this issue, we conducted a subgroup analysis based on specific situations and performed evidence synthesis to mitigate the potential impact of heterogeneity. These approaches allow for a more precise interpretation of the results and a more accurate evaluation of the quality of the included studies. Conclusions: SCS is an effective treatment to relieve the pain level of chronic pain, decrease analgesic usage, and increase long-term quality of life and functional capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional approaches of design variable generation in nacelle design cases are usually proposed from either of two perspectives: (1) utilizing geometric resemblance to airfoil shape; or (2) selecting flexible geometric parametrization so that any potential geometry can be produced. However, the relationship between geometry and aerodynamic performance objectives is not emphasized in these approaches: design variables are likely not carrying the information that is most needed for aerodynamic optimization, as is the case in nacelle cowl design of drag reduction. In fact, an ideal aerodynamic information should be related with the move of samples toward better aerodynamic performance in design space. As an attempt to fix this issue, this paper proposes a new design variable generation method by extracting objective space (i.e., the aerodynamic performance of samples mapped from nacelle design space) information via linear discriminant analysis (LDA). By accomplishing this "objective space filtration," the aerodynamic performance improvement potential is injected into design variable generation. Proof-of-concept studies of nacelle cowl design are provided in the paper demonstrating a more direct relationship that links: (1) LDA-aided design variables versus cowl drag, and (2) LDA-aided design variables versus shock strength and laminar length, respectively. LDA is used in the studies as a classic technique of classification, so that the analysis of objective space information finds a way to have impact on design space. The new approach outperforms a controlled test realized by Proper Orthogonal Decomposition in terms of reflecting aerodynamic information in design space, in that a localized improvement of aerodynamic objectives can be more clearly seen in the newly generated design variables. The result shows that the new design variable generation helps improve aerodynamic design and that it can be further extended to other cases beyond the scope of nacelle cowl design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cubic-like TiOF 2 @SiO 2 core–shell nanoparticles was synthesized by a two-step method as shown in the figure. The material exhibits smart electrorheological behavior under external electric field. [Display omitted] • cubic-like TiOF 2 @SiO 2 core–shell nanoparticles obtained. • The special unisotropic shape, core/shell structure, and nanometer particle size was combined. • Smart electrorheological behavior exhibited obviously. In this work, TiOF 2 @SiO 2 cubic-like core/shell nanoparticles was prepared using a simple two-step method. The cubic-like Ti-containing precursor is initially prepared via a template-free solvethermal method to provide a huge surface for the coating uniformly with the SiO 2 by a next hydrolysis. Through Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and element mapping, the surface morphology and structure was exhibited. The X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) can test the component, elements, as well as functional groups. And the ER effect at diverse electric field strengths is tested by a HAKKE rotating rheometer. According to the result, it can be concluded that the coating of SiO 2 can decrease the leaking electric current density and increase the shear stress, which makes the special cubic-like TiOF 2 @SiO 2 core/shell nanoparticles become a promising ER material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Berberine can inhibit ferroptosis of motor neurons in rats after spinal cord injury and promote the recovery of motor function. • Berberine inhibits ferroptosis by activating the AMPK-Nrf2-GPX4 signaling pathway. • Compound C inhibits the therapeutic effect of berberine through AMPK-Nrf2-GPX4 signaling pathway. Ferroptosis, characterized by iron-dependent accumulation of lipid peroxides, plays an important role in spinal cord injury (SCI). Berberine (BBR), as a lipid peroxide scavenger, has been widely used in treating other diseases; however, its role in ferroptosis has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, here, to test our hypothesis that BBR can reduce the severity of SCI and promote motor function recovery by inhibiting neuronal ferroptosis, we evaluated the changes in ferroptosis-related indicators after BBR administration by establishing a cellular ferroptosis model and an SCI contusion model. We found that BBR administration significantly reduces lipid peroxidation damage, maintains normal mitochondrial function, reduces excessive accumulation of iron ions, enhances antioxidant capacity, and activates the ferroptosis defense system in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, BBR alleviates neuronal ferroptosis by inducing adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation and up-regulating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein expression to promote glutathione production. BBR administration also significantly improves motor function recovery in SCI rats. Meanwhile, applying the AMPK inhibitor Compound C blocks the neuroprotective and all other effects of BBR. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that BBR can attenuate neuronal ferroptosis after SCI by activating the AMPK–NRF2–HO-1 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peripheral nerve injuries represent one of the most common causes of permanent disabilities. Therapeutic electrical stimulation has been widely used in neural regeneration for decades. Combined with the implantation of a nerve cuff, several outcomes have proven effectiveness and feasibility in neuroprosthetic applications. However, the current electrical stimulation strategy fails to complete nerve repair. There is a lack of research on long‐term implantable nanogenerators in the neurostimulation scenario. Especially considering many disease models, those devices may not reach the in vitro simulative working setting. Thus, an implanted sciatic nerve stimulation system that spontaneously generates biphasic electric pulses in response to rats' movement is developed. The electric signals generated by this device could stimulate injured sciatic nerve by cuff electrode. This work introduces an implantable self‐regulated neural electrical stimulation system generated by a contact separation triboelectric nanogenerator with a nerve cuff electrode and compares it with chronic therapeutic electrical stimulation for sciatic nerve restoration effect. Neural function restoration is observed in gait and histological analysis. Moreover, the upregulation of growth associated protein 43 can be a protentional target. This could have potential clinical application in facilitating closed‐loop energy harvesting for long‐term electrical stimulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, inverse design has been widely used in aerodynamic design. However, the traditional inverse design method is limited to ensure the optimality, accuracy, and reality of the target distribution, which restricts the further development of the inverse design. To address these issues, the framework of nacelle inverse design based on improved Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN) is firstly proposed in this paper. The pressure distribution database obtained by CFD is used for training the GAN model, and the well-trained generator producing a large number of samples is employed for searching the optimal pressure distribution. Especially, in order to enhance the optimization ability of the traditional GAN model, an improved GAN model is proposed by modifying the loss function of the generator and discriminator. Pressure distribution-aerodynamic parameters ANN model and pressure distribution-geometry ANN model are established to evaluate the aerodynamic performance of the target distribution and obtain the nacelle geometry corresponding to the target distribution. The inverse design of the nacelle profile is carried out using the traditional GAN model and the improved GAN model and applied for the spin-forming and non-spin-forming nacelles, respectively. The results show that the inverse design framework with the improved GAN model achieves better optimal results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrochar aging may mitigate the adverse effects of direct hydrochar application on plant growth. However, little is known about the strategies for accelerating aging process and the microbiological mechanisms involved. This study explored the effects of three aging strategies, including the addition of straw and efficient-degrading microorganisms, on the aging processes of food waste-derived hydrochar, and identified the key microbial drivers. The bacterial and fungal sequencing was performed to estimate the species composition in hydrochar at different aging periods (i.e., day 1, 7, 14 and 35). The results showed that the addition of straw and microbial inoculum improved the maximum reaction temperature by 13%, and shortened the aging time by ∼30%. Three bacterial guilds, mainly including Bacillus -like species, were identified that showed significant correlations with the nitrogen and phosphorus dynamics during aging. This study demonstrates the feasibility of manipulating key microbial guilds artificially to achieve efficient harmless-treatment of hydrochar. [Display omitted] • Straw and microbial inoculum addition reduced aging duration by 30%. • Microbial inoculum addition increases the aging reaction temperature by 13%. • Bacteria, rather than fungi, play the critical role in hydrochar aging. • Bacillus and related species drive nitrogen and phosphorus cycles of aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Salinity has obvious effects on plant growth and crop productivity. The salinity-responsive mechanisms have been well-studied in differentiated organs (e.g., leaves, roots and stems), but not in unorganized cells such as callus. High-throughput quantitative proteomics approaches have been used to investigate callus development, somatic embryogenesis, organogenesis, and stress response in numbers of plant species. However, they have not been applied to callus from monocotyledonous halophyte alkaligrass (Puccinellia tenuifora). Results: The alkaligrass callus growth, viability and membrane integrity were perturbed by 50 mM and 150 mM NaCl treatments. Callus cells accumulated the proline, soluble sugar and glycine betaine for the maintenance of osmotic homeostasis. Importantly, the activities of ROS scavenging enzymes (e.g., SOD, APX, POD, GPX, MDHAR and GR) and antioxidants (e.g., ASA, DHA and GSH) were induced by salinity. The abundance patterns of 55 salt-responsive proteins indicate that salt signal transduction, cytoskeleton, ROS scavenging, energy supply, gene expression, protein synthesis and processing, as well as other basic metabolic processes were altered in callus to cope with the stress. Conclusions: The undifferentiated callus exhibited unique salinity-responsive mechanisms for ROS scavenging and energy supply. Activation of the POD pathway and AsA-GSH cycle was universal in callus and differentiated organs, but salinity-induced SOD pathway and salinity-reduced CAT pathway in callus were different from those in leaves and roots. To cope with salinity, callus mainly relied on glycolysis, but not the TCA cycle, for energy supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAO1) is an important opportunistic pathogen that thrives in various environments. It is known that the structural variations of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS), including lipid A moiety play an important role in encountering environmental changes. Genes PA3242 and PA0011 have recently been reported to be responsible for secondary-acylation of lipid A in P. aeruginosa . In this study, we confirmed that the PA3242-dependant secondary acylation affects the growth, antibiotic resistance and virulence of PAO1 and functions as a more predominant acyltransferase than PA0011. PA3242 mutant showed inhibited growth at 37 °C and inviability at 28 °C in rich medium LB. The inactivation of PA3242 leads to more sensitivity to a wide range of antibiotics than PAO1(ΔPA0011). Moreover, the virulence of PAO1(ΔPA3242) was attenuated more significantly than that of PAO1 and PAO1(ΔPA0011). The outer membrane integrity and stability of PAO1(ΔPA3242) were seriously compromised. Furthermore, PAO1(ΔPA3242) lost most of pilus and exhibited severely damaged cell envelope, which is probably responsible for the deficiency of swimming, swarming and twitching. These results partially explained the decreased antibiotic resistance and attenuated virulence of PAO1(ΔPA3242) compared to PAO1(ΔPA0011) and PAO1. Our study demonstrated that PA3242-dependent secondary acylation of lipid A plays a predominant role in growth, antibiotic resistance and virulence of PAO1 than PA0011. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our previous work has demonstrated that the mammalian interleukin-7 (IL-7) gene can enhance the immunogenicity of DNA vaccine. Whether chicken IL-7 (chIL-7) possesses the ability to enhance the immunogenicity of VP2 DNA vaccine of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) remained unknown. To investigate this, we constructed a VP2 antigenic region (VP2 366 ) gene and chIL-7 gene vectors, co-immunized chicken with these vectors and analyzed the effects of the chIL-7 gene on VP2 366 gene immunogenicity. Results showed that co-administrated chIL-7 gene with VP2 DNA vaccine significantly increased specific serum antibody titers against IBDV, and enhanced lymphocyte proliferation and IFN-γ and IL-4 productions. More importantly, chIL-7 gene significantly increased VP2 366 gene-induced protection against virulent IBDV infection, indicating that the chIL-7 gene possessed the capacity to enhance VP2 366 DNA vaccine immunogenicity, and therefore might function as a novel adjuvant for IBDV VP2 DNA vaccine. Mechanically, chIL-7 could stimulate the common cytokine receptor γ chain (γ c ) expressions in vitro and in vivo , which might be involved in chIL-7 enhancement of the immunogenicity of VP2 DNA vaccine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our previous study showed that IL-2 and IL-7 could mutually enhance the immunogenicity of canine parvovirus VP2 DNA vaccine, although the underlying mechanism remained unknown. Here, we used the OVA gene as a DNA vaccine in a mouse model to test their enhancement on DNA vaccine immunogenicity and to explore the molecular mechanism. Results showed that both IL-2 and IL-7 genes significantly increased the immunogenicity of OVA DNA vaccine in mice. Co-administration of IL-2 and IL-7 genes with OVA DNA significantly increased OVA-specific antibody titers, T cell proliferation and IFN-γ production compared with IL-2 or IL-7 alone, confirming that IL-2 and IL-7 mutually enhanced DNA vaccine immunogenicity. Mechanistically, we have shown that IL-2 significantly stimulated generation of IL-7 receptor-expressing lymphocytes, and that IL-7 significantly induced IL-2 receptor expression. These results contribute to an explanation of the mechanism of the mutual effects of IL-2 and IL-7 on enhancing DNA vaccine immunogenicity and provided a basis for further investigation on their mutual effects on adjuvant activity and immune regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human CD83 is type I transmembrane glycoprotein, mainly expressed on mature dendritic cells (DCs), so it was first described as a molecular marker for mature DC. However, increasing evidence has demonstrated that CD83 is also an immunomodulatory molecule either its membrane-bound CD83 (mCD83) or soluble CD83 (sCD83) released from DCs. Intriguingly, the mCD83 possesses stimulatory effects on immune response, on the contrary, the sCD83 has inhibitory effects. Whether the sCD83 has the inhibitory effects on human monocyte differentiation into DCs is unknown. To this end, we prepared the recombinant human sCD83 in HEK293T cells and treated human monocytes being differentiated into DCs in vitro with the sCD83, and evaluate sCD83 inhibitory effects on immune response by analyzing the surface marker pattern of the cells. The results showed that the sCD83, especially glycosylated sCD83 could bind the monocytes and significantly inhibited the depression of CD14 expressions ( P < 0.01) and reduced CD1a, CD80, CD86 and MHC II expressions ( P < 0.01 or P < 0.05) during the differentiation, indicating that the sCD83 can inhibit monocyte differentiation into DCs, and suggesting that a negative feedback regulation may exist in monocyte differentiation into DCs based on sCD83 released from the mature DCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] LT interferes with mouse embryo survival 1 in vitro and in vivo. [•] LT induces Th1 cytokine production having Th1/Th2 cytokines imbalanced. [•] LT activates NLRP3 inflammasome of mouse macrophages to promote IL-1β release. [•] LT subunit A, not subunit B, activates NLRP3 inflammasome. [•] IL-1β-induced inflammation was considered a factor interfering embryo survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection results in extensive tissue inflammation and damage, which are believed to be responsible for increased susceptibility to secondary infection and even for death. However, its pathogenic mechanisms are not fully understood. To explore the mechanism underlying the PRRSV-induced tissue inflammation and damage, we investigated whether PRRSV activates porcine alveolar macrophage (PAM) inflammasomes which mediate por-IL-1β maturation/release and subsequently induce tissue inflammation and injury. Our results showed that PRRSV and its small envelope protein E significantly increased IL-1β release from LPS-primed PAMs; however, only PRRSV not protein E significantly increased IL-1β release from no-LPS-primed PAMs, which indicates PRRSV can activate inflammasomes of PAMs by its encoded protein E. These results provide a molecular basis for the pathogenic mechanism of PRRSV on inducing extensive tissue inflammation and damage, and suggest that the inflammasome may provide a potential therapeutic target for PRRS prevention and treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A new solid-phase extraction adsorbent was prepared by employing a two-step “grafting from” approach to anchor a multidentate N-donor ligand, 5-azacytosine onto hydrothermal carbon (HTC) microspheres for highly selective separation of U(VI) from multi-ion system. Fourier-transform infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies were used to analyze the chemical structure and properties of resultant HTC-based materials. The adsorption behavior of U(VI) onto the adsorbent was investigated as functions of pH, contact time, ionic strength, temperature, and initial U(VI) concentration using batch adsorption experiments. The U(VI) adsorption was of pH dependent. The adsorption achieved equilibrium within 30min and followed a pseudo-second-order equation. The adsorption amount of U(VI) increased with raising the temperature from 283.15 to 333.15K. Remarkably, high ionic strength up to 5.0molL−1 NaNO3 had only slight effect on the adsorption. The maximum U(VI) adsorption capacity reached 408.36mgg−1 at 333.15K and pH 4.5. Results from batch experiments in a simulated nuclear industrial effluent, containing 13 co-existing cations including uranyl ion, showed a high adsorption capacity and selectivity of the adsorbent for uranium (0.63mmolUg−1, accounting for about 67% of the total adsorption amount). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nacelle inlet withdraws designer's attention when considering the pressure distortion at fan entrance during aircraft takeoff at high angle-of-attack. Conventionally, the design is decomposed into separate streamwise profile optimization at several circumferential positions. This causes design efficiency loss since the three-dimensional geometric constraint and aerodynamic performance requests have to be transformed to adapt two-dimensional profile cases. As an attempt to solve this issue, this paper proposes a nacelle inlet design approach of introducing more three-dimensional geometric consideration. Firstly, a library of three-dimensional nacelle inlet geometries is established by fully sampling design space. The samples are then filtered by posing direct three-dimensional geometric constraints. Such design space now contains information relevant to the problem which is then extracted by Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) in form of modes. The selected modes constitute the problem-oriented new design variables that will maintain more geometric three-dimensionality during optimization than conventional approach. The selection assures economical use of data according to the order of importance determined by corresponding eigenvalues of obtained modes. Finally, a proof-of-concept study thereby conducts a surrogate-base optimization (SBO) with Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm where a nacelle inlet is optimized with zero IDCMAX at angle-of-attack of 28° under flow of Ma 0.18, demonstrating the feasibility of the new approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]