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Point-scatterer detection plays a key role in medical ultrasound B-mode imaging. Speckle noise and insufficient spatial resolution are important factors affecting point-scatterer detection. To address this issue, normalized spatial autocorrelation in ultrasound B-mode imaging (NSACB) is proposed. First, the acquired data are pre-processed by adding Gaussian white noise (GWN) with a certain signal-to-Gaussian white noise ratio (SGWNR). Next, normalized spatial autocorrelation is applied to the pre-processed data, and the data are divided into several new signals with different spatial lags. Then, the new signals are performed unsigned delay multiply and sum. Finally, the NSACB beamformed data are bandpass filtered by extracting the frequency component around twice the center frequency. Simulated and in vitro experiments were designed for validation. Simulations revealed that the lateral resolution of NSACB measured by the –6-dB mainlobe width can reach as high as 11.11% of delay and sum (DAS), 25.01% of filtered delay multiply and sum (F-DMAS) and 50% of LAG-FDMAS-SCF. The sidelobe level of the NSACB can be reduced at most by 28 dB. Experimental results of simple and complex scatterer phantoms indicate the image resolution of the proposed NSACB can even reach up to 18.76% of DAS, 27.28% of F-DMAS and 14.29% of LAG-FDMAS-SCF. Compared with these methods, the proposed NSACB can reduce the sidelobe level at least by 18 dB. Although the proposed method causes loss of the ability to observe hypo-echoic structures, these results suggest future work to determine the ability to detect breast microcalcifications, kidney stones, biopsy needle tracking and other scenarios requiring scatterer detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research studies the axial mechanical behaviors of Concrete-Filled Double Skin Steel Tubular (CFDST) columns under thermal and mechanical coupling conditions. Through experiment and numerical simulation, the investigation assesses the impact of variables such as fire duration time, concrete cube compressive strength, yield strength of the outer steel tube, axial load ratio and hollow ratio on the residual bearing capacity of CFDST columns after fire. Results from the experiment and numerical simulation indicate that the columns' ultimate bearing capacity after fire improves with material strength enhancement but diminishes with fire duration time. Notably, applying initial loads before fire does not further reduce the ultimate bearing capacity of CFDST columns after fire. The study further reveals that a column with a hollow ratio of 0.52 significantly outperforms those with hollow ratios of 0.31 and 0.72 in terms of ultimate bearing capacity after fire. To carry out the mechanism analysis of columns under thermal and mechanical coupling conditions, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) models are developed, with their accuracy corroborated by experimental data. This research also elucidates the dynamic axial load distribution of the column components during the whole process of fire. In terms of fitting degree and safety, the T/CCES 7–2020 code emerges as a superior guideline for evaluating the ultimate bearing capacity of CFDST columns after fire, as compared to other relevant standards. • Concrete-filled double skin steel tubular columns under combined temperature and axial force. • The effects of t h , f cu , f syo , n and χ are considered. • The mechanism analysis of columns is studied by finite element analysis models. • Temperature effect coefficients are proposed to modify the existing formulas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given an undirected complete graph G = (V , E) with nonnegative edge weight function obeying the triangle inequality, a set { C 1 , C 2 , ... , C k } of cycles is called a cycle cover if V ⊆ ⋃ i = 1 k V (C i) , where V (C i) represents the set of vertices in C i , and its cost is given by the maximum weight of the cycles. The Minimum Cycle Cover Problem (MCCP) aims to find a cycle cover of cost at most λ with the minimum number of cycles. We propose new LP relaxations for MCCP as well as its variants, called the Minimum Path Cover Problem (MPCP) and the Minimum Tree Cover Problem, where the cycles are replaced by paths or trees. Moreover, we give new LP relaxations for a special case of the rooted version of MCCP/MPCP. We show that these LP relaxations have significantly better integrality gaps than the previous relaxations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The minimum cycle cover problem. • A simplified approach of analysis. • An O (n 2) time 24/5-approximation algorithm. • A new O (n 3) time 14/3-approximation algorithm. • An improved O (n 5) time 32/7-approximation algorithm. Given an undirected weighted graph G = (V , E) with nonnegative weight function obeying the triangle inequality, a set { C 1 , C 2 , ... , C k } of cycles is called a cycle cover if V ⊆ ⋃ i = 1 k V (C i) and its cost is given by the maximum weight of the cycles. The Minimum Cycle Cover Problem aims to find a cycle cover of cost at most λ with the minimum number of cycles. An O (n 2) 24/5-approximation algorithm and an O (n 5) 14/3-approximation algorithm are given by Yu and Liu (Improved approximation algorithms for some min-max cycle cover problems. Theoretical Computer Science 654 (2016) 45–58). However, the original proofs for approximation ratios are incomplete. In this paper we first present a corrected simplified analysis on the 24/5-approximation algorithm. Based on the simplified approach of analysis and some new observations, we present a new 14/3-approximation algorithm that runs in O (n 3) and give an improved 32/7-approximation algorithm that runs in O (n 5). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • NF-κB and MAPK signaling are activated by renal I/R. • VEGF depletion by siRNA completely abrogates the impact of miR-377 on renal I/R-induced oxidative stress. • I/R stimulates miR-377 expression. Abstract MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in kidney development and maintenance of kidney physiological functions. MiR-377 has been reported to regulate inflammation in cardiac and cerebral ischemia. However, it remains unclear whether it has a similar function in renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Using I/R model mice, miR-377 expression was determined by qRT-PCR in the renal tissues. Renal function was assessed by detection of the concentrations of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (Cr). Oxidative stress was evaluated by ELISA analysis of oxidation-related enzymes and molecules. Inflammatory factor concentration and other protein levels were analyzed by the ELISA assay and Western blot, respectively. Our study found that renal I/R stimulated miR-377 expression, while the inhibition of miR-377 attenuated renal I/R injury, and blocked renal I/R-induced oxidative stress and inflammation. Meantime, NF-κB and MAPK signaling were activated by renal I/R, which could also be reversed by miR-377 inhibitor. Furthermore, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) depletion by siRNA completely abrogated the impact of miR-377 on renal I/R-induced oxidative stress, inflammation and renal dysfunction. In conclusion, renal I/R induced miR-377 expression, which upregulated VEGF expression to attenuate renal I/R-induced oxidative stress and inflammation, and finally ameliorated renal dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High concentrations of geogenic phosphorus (P) in coastal aquifer systems pose a serious and continuous threat to the health of marine ecosystems. A major source for geogenic P enrichment in aquifer systems is the mineralization of P-containing organic matter. However, the mechanisms that drive the enrichment remain unclear. Therefore, our study sought to characterize the occurrence, sources, and enrichment mechanisms of geogenic P in a coastal confined aquifer system of the Pearl River Delta, southern China. To achieve this, we conducted Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS) and fluorescence excitation-emission-matrix spectra (EEMs) as well as hydrochemistry and stable carbon isotope analyses. Our findings indicated that intense degradation of P-containing organic matter produced up to 8.07 mg/L of geogenic P in a reducing environment with abundant organic matter. The dissolved organic matter (DOM) of high-P groundwater (P > 1 mg/L) contained more humic-like fluorophores and exhibited higher humification. Groundwater with high P concentrations contained more aliphatic compounds and highly unsaturated-low O compounds, and the enrichment of P was mostly associated with CHOP compounds in the region of aliphatic compounds and CHON2P compounds in the region of highly unsaturated-low O compounds. Different types of dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) can be mineralized into P, and even the mineralization of phosphonates takes precedence over the more unstable phosphate esters. P produced by the metabolism of different types of DOP was assimilated by marine microorganisms (e.g., heterotrophic bacteria and archaea), and the newly synthesized organic P compounds by chemosynthesis were subsequently released into the groundwater. Over time, P continues to be enriched in the aquifer system. This study provides new insights into subsurface P cycling in coastal aquatic systems. [Display omitted] • High geogenic P in groundwater is mainly attributed to DOP mineralization. • DOM characterization to elucidate P enrichment in groundwater is highlighted. • DOM of high-P groundwater exhibits higher humification. • High-P groundwater contains more aliphatic and highly unsaturated compounds. • Phosphonates may be preferentially utilized over phosphate esters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The configurations of burner streams under oxy-fuel combustion are highly affected by its increased initial oxygen level. In this study, an air combustion and oxy-fuel combustion compatible configuration strategy for burner streams is proposed for a 200 MW e tangentially fired boiler, by aid of numerical simulation. Firstly, to achieve a momentum of primary and secondary streams that is similar to that of air combustion, the tertiary stream is switched-off in oxy-fuel combustion. In addition, the opposing tangential primary stream technology is suggested to reduce the gas temperature deviation in the upper furnace, which affects the quality of the steam and the safe operation of the boiler. For the present study, the appropriate opposing tangential angle is 5°–7° relative to the original primary stream design, and the ratio of opposing tangential momentum flow moment should be controlled at the low limit of 0.8 to decrease gas temperature deviation. To achieve a supported flame by the secondary stream, the momentum of the bottom secondary stream in oxy-fuel combustion should not be less than that in air combustion. The study illustrates for the first time that, the key design features of tangentially fired burners under oxy-fuel combustion. Although there are significant changes in the oxidant volume, oxidant composition, and chemical reaction under oxy-fuel combustion conditions, the design criteria of oxy-fuel tangentially fired boiler, in terms of momentum of the primary stream, momentum of the bottom secondary stream, and momentum ratio and momentum flow moment ratio of the secondary stream to primary stream, are consistent with those under air combustion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Al 2 O 3 non-gradient ceramic coating (marked as 1# coating) and NiCrAlY/Al 2 O 3 gradient ceramic coating (marked as 2# coating) were prepared with the plasma spraying and slurry spraying methods, respectively. The coating specimens were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffractometry. The high temperature oxidation kinetics curves of the coatings were examined; the bonding strength between the coatings and the metal substrates was studied, and analyses were conducted on the thermal shock resistance and the failure mechanism of the coatings. The results show that spraying of Al 2 O 3 ceramic slurries can effectively fill the cracks generated during the process of plasma spraying of NiCrAlY coatings, and metallurgical bonds form between the coatings and the metal substrates. α-Al 2 O 3 and rutile TiO 2 are the main crystalline phase structures of the temperature resistant ceramic coatings. The oxidation rate constant of 2# coating was 1.323 × 10 − 4 mg 2 cm − 4 h − 1 , which shows the best resistance to high temperature oxidation. The effect of high-temperature melting of the Al metal in the bonding layer was found to be beneficial to the bonding strength. Under the same temperature conditions, 2# coating had a higher bonding strength than 1# coating, and when the oxidation time was 96 h, its bonding strength reached up to 26.9 MPa. The thermal expansion coefficient of the NiCrAlY bonding coating fell between those of the metal substrate and ceramic top coating, thus reducing the thermal expansion coefficient difference between the two and decreasing the rate of propagation of the cracks to improve the thermal shock resistance of the coating. An integrated study indicated that 2# coating had a better heat protective performance for the metal substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Farnesol, a quorum-sensing molecule in Candida albicans, can affect the growth of certain microorganisms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro activity of farnesol against vaginal Lactobacillus spp., which play a crucial role in the maintenance of vaginal health.Methods: Growth and metabolic viability of vaginal Lactobacillus spp. incubated with different concentrations of farnesol were determined by measuring the optical density of the cultures and with the MTT assay. Morphology of the farnesol-treated cells was evaluated using a scanning electron microscope. In vitro adherence of vaginal Lactobacillus cells treated with farnesol was determined by co-incubating with vaginal epithelial cells (VECs).Results: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of farnesol for vaginal Lactobacillus spp. was 1500μM. No morphological changes were observed when the farnesol-treated Lactobacillus cells were compared with farnesol-free cells, and 100μM farnesol would reduce the adherence of vaginal Lactobacillus to VECs.Conclusion: Farnesol acted as a potential antimicrobial agent, had little impact on the growth, metabolism, and cytomorphology of the vaginal Lactobacillus spp.; however, it affected their adhering capacity to VECs. The safety of farnesol as an adjuvant for antimicrobial agents during the treatment of vaginitis needs to be studied further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For air conditioning system with multiple chillers, sequencing control is crucial in achieving operating energy efficiency while maintaining indoor thermal comfort in commercial buildings. In this study, an optimal strategy was proposed to improve the chiller sequencing control for energy efficient and reliable operation. The chiller model and the effectiveness- NTU (number of transfer unit) cooling tower model were developed for calculating the maximum cooling capacity of the individual chiller. Then, a simple correlation of maximum cooling capacity of the chiller was established in order to simplify the calculation process. For predicting the chiller partial load ratio ( PLR ) accurately, more accurate part-load performance curves were presented, considering the effect of maximum cooling capacity of chiller. The cooling load characteristic of typical working days in an office building in Zhuhai was also analyzed. Based on the cooling load profiles, the optimal chiller sequencing control strategy was formulated by using chiller model and branch and bound algorithm. In addition, three different chiller sequencing control strategies (strategies A–C) were tested and compared by implementing them in different chilled system configurations in the office building. The results suggest that the performances of strategies are varied for different chilled system configurations. The performance of the optimal strategy C, considering the variation of maximum cooling capacity of chiller, achieves the highest energy efficiency and reliability for different systems, especially for the system configuration in case 1. Strategy B also considers the effect of maximum cooling capacity of chiller and is appropriate for the system of constant speed chiller with dedicated pumps (i.e. case 2). Strategy A is a conventional strategy, which can neither guarantee the energy saving operation of chiller plant nor the sufficient supply of cooling capacity. To conclude, the proposed optimal chiller sequencing control strategy C can be directly applied in the real chiller plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on the recent experimental and numerical results from a 35 MW front wall-fired large pilot boiler. The boiler features a first-of-its-kind compatible design of oxy-fuel combustion and conventional air combustion (air-combustion). A sub-bituminous coal is used as fuel in the experiment. Wet and dry flue gas recycle oxy-fuel conditions are investigated, while air-combustion is also examined for reference. Measured in-furnace temperature, species concentration, exhaust emission, and transferred heat to membrane-wall and superheater are compared between oxy-fuel and air-combustion. Detailed numerical studies of combustion and heat transfer are performed using in-house developed sub-models for oxy-fuel condition, including a radiative property model and a global reaction mechanism. The predicted results agree well with the experimental data. The experimental and numerical results show that stable oxy-fuel combustion is achieved in the 35 MW large pilot boiler. Importantly, the oxy-fuel combustion and air-combustion can operate well with the especially designed burner system at similar heat loads in the experiment. Moreover, similar average temperatures and heat flux distributions are achieved under wet and dry flue gas recycle oxy-fuel conditions with an initial O 2 concentration of 28% in the oxidant. Transferred heat to membrane-wall and superheater in oxy-fuel combustion is slightly greater than in air-combustion. Furthermore, the flue gas recycle ratio significantly influences the heat transfer in oxy-fuel combustion. Increasing the recycle ratio from 0.71 to 0.73 reduces the transferred heat to membrane-wall by approximately 6%, while that of superheaters increases by approximately 4%. The selection of the optimized recycle ratio is a trade-off between boiler performance and flame stability of the burner system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular diffusion can significantly affect the dispersion and mixing processes at small temporal and spatial scales in turbulent flows, especially when differential diffusion among species is considered. Since species mixing takes place at the molecular level, it is very beneficial to study and model this phenomenon from a kinetic viewpoint. However, most molecular simulation methods, such as the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method, are inefficient for high Reynolds or low Knudsen number flows. The diffusive information preservation (D-IP) method, which based on the Fokker–Plank model, can overcome this difficulty. In the current paper, we firstly validate the D-IP method by simulating the decaying homogeneous isotropic turbulence, and then apply it to investigate the effects of molecular diffusion in the turbulent tetrad dispersion. Two typical kinds of particles, i.e., the gas-phase molecules (Schmidt number, Sc = 1) and marked fluid particles (approximately to the soot particle, Sc = ∞), have been considered. The effects of differential diffusion are found to be closely related to the tetrad initial size and weakly dependent on the Taylor-scale Reynolds number. Although the discrepancy of the tetrad size and shape between the gas-phase molecules and marked fluid particles is more significant in the turbulent dissipation scale, this influence can extend to larger scales, i.e., the inertial range, due to the correlated fluctuations and intermittency of the turbulent flows. It indicates that the molecular diffusion as well as the differential diffusion cannot be neglected if interested processes belong to small scales, such as in the combustion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given an undirected weighted graph G = ( V , E ) , a set { C 1 , C 2 , … , C k } of cycles is called a cycle cover of the vertex subset V ′ if V ′ ⊆ ∪ i = 1 k V ( C i ) and its cost is given by the maximum weight of the cycles. The Min-Max Cycle Cover Problem (MMCCP) is to find a minimum cost cycle cover of V with at most k cycles. The Rooted Min-Max Cycle Cover Problem (RMMCCP) is to find a minimum cost cycle cover of V ∖ D with at most k cycles, each of which contains one vertex in D . The Minimum Cycle Cover Problem (MCCP) aims to find a cycle cover of V of cost at most λ with the minimum number of cycles. We propose approximation algorithms for MMCCP and RMMCCP with performance ratios 5 and 6, respectively. These results improve the previous algorithms in term of both approximation ratios and running times. For MCCP we obtain a 14 3 -approximation algorithm that has the same time complexity as the previous best 5-approximation algorithm. Moreover, we transform a ρ -approximation algorithm for TSP into approximation algorithms for MMCCP, RMMCCP and MCCP with ratios 4 ρ , 4 ρ + 1 and 4 ρ , respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate a semi-online scheduling problem on two uniform machines with the speed ratio s . It is assumed that all jobs have their processing times between p and tp ( p > 0 , t ≥ 1 ). The objective is to minimize the makespan. We give the competitive ratio of LS algorithm which is a piecewise function on t ≥ 1 and s ≥ 1 . It shows that LS is an optimal algorithm for most regions on s and t . We further present two optimal algorithms. The algorithm H 1 with competitive ratio of s is optimal for 1.325 ≤ s ≤ 1 + 5 2 and s < t ≤ s 2 − 1 1 + s − s 2 . The algorithm H 2 with competitive ratio of s is optimal for 1.206 ≤ s ≤ 1.5 and s ≤ t ≤ min ⁡ { 2 s − 1 , 2 ( s 2 − 1 ) 1 + s − s 2 } , and it is also optimal for 1 ≤ s ≤ 1 + 17 4 and max ⁡ { 2 s − 1 , − s + 9 s 2 + 8 s 2 s } ≤ t ≤ 2 s with competitive ratio of 1 + t 2 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wavefront coding is an effective way to extend the depth of field of an incoherent imaging system. With a suitable phase mask, the defocus invariant imaging characteristic of an incoherent imaging system can be achieved. In this paper, an effective way to generate new type of phase mask is proposed. On the basis of the new method, the inverse sinusoidal phase mask is proposed to enrich the family of anti-symmetric phase masks. The performances of inverse sinusoidal phase mask are evaluated by comparisons with cubic, sinusoidal and tangent phase masks. Numerical evaluations demonstrate that the proposed phase mask has superior performance in extending the depth of field and small artifacts in restored images, particularly at large defocus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The generation of higher harmonics in capacitively coupled argon plasma (CCP) driven by 8 MHz (60 W), 100 MHz (10-40 W) and dual frequency 8/100 MHz (high frequency power of 10-40 W) are studied when the pressure is 30 mTorr. At dual frequency 8/100 MHz, the number of harmonics in the voltage and current measured on the discharge electrode is the largest, and the number of harmonics increases with the increase of high frequency (HF) power. The amplitude of the corresponding harmonics of dual frequency 8/100 MHz is between single 8 MHz (60 W) and single 100 MHz (10-40 W). The measured voltages on the discharge electrode are used to calculate the electron density, electron temperature, electric field, current density and electron heating of 8 MHz (60 W), 100 MHz (10-40 W) and 8/100 MHz (high frequency power of 10-40 W) at the pressure of 30 mTorr by Particle-in-cell/Monte Carlo collision (PIC/MCC) methods. The simulated results show that the harmonics amplitude of the electric field and current density in the bulk center reach the largest with the HF power increase in 8/100 MHz. The sheath thickness gradually narrows at different HF power with the electron density increase. At dual frequency (8/100 MHz), the electron density and electron temperature are higher than 8 MHz and lower than 100 MHz. The electron heating mainly occurs at the boundary between the sheath and plasma. The plasma series resonance (PSR) effect and dual frequency coupling effect can generate multiple harmonics in dual frequency CCP discharge. The expansion and collapse of sheath indicate that the electrons gain and lose energy respectively because of PSR. • The voltage and current on the discharge electrode are measured to understand the plasma series resonance of CCP. • The PIC/MCC simulation is used to study the discharge characteristic in capacitively coupled argon plasma. • The higher harmonics of the plasma current density are compared with the fundamental frequency by the Fourier components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to develop approaches for the evaluation of heat sink capabilities and deposition propensities of different endothermic fuels in a minichannel. It should be noted that compared with our previous paper [23] which proposed the hydraulic resistance method (HRM) and validated it using one fuel pyrolyzed at different fluid temperatures, the significant one of the innovative points of this paper is that the HRM was corrected and applied to evaluate five different hydrocarbons, which are three pure hydrocarbons (cyclohexane, n-hexane and toluene), one petroleum-derived fuel and one synthetic fuel that were modeled as endothermic fuels. All of these fuels were tested in a minichannel with an internal diameter of 2.0 mm. The qualities of high volumetric heat sink capacity and good anti-coking capability were proven to be two contrary features in endothermic fuels. All of the five hydrocarbons tested had a mass heat sink of approximately 3.4 MJ/kg at a temperature of 750 °C and pressure of 5 MPa. However, the volumetric heat sinks (per unit volume hydrocarbon at the standard condition) were considerably different due to the hydrocarbons’ varying densities. Overall, cyclohexane showed better performance than the other four hydrocarbons, as it had a relatively high volumetric heat sink and good anti-coking characteristics. The coking runs were designed for a steady state at a bulk fluid temperature of 750 °C for 20 min, which allowed measureable coke deposition layers to accumulate on the channel’s inside surface. Another innovative point is that except the HRM, methods used to assess the deposition propensity included pressure drop changes during the coking run process, measurements of coke deposition in the filter, observations of the color features of liquid products and the weighing method, all of those methods are aided for the HRM to better differentiate the deposition propensity for different fuels. These different methods yielded a common conclusion that the coke deposit rates of the tested hydrocarbons could be ranked as follows: endothermic fuel > cyclohexane > n-hexane > toluene. It was found, however, that the deposit thickness was only one of the factors affecting heat transfer performance for different hydrocarbons, and the thickness was far from sufficient to reduce the heat transfer that led to the increased wall temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-capillary method based on the Hagen–Poiseuille theory was proposed for on-line measurements of dynamic viscosity of hydrocarbons at high temperatures and high pressures. A two-capillary viscometer was designed and proved to be applicable to the viscosity measurements in a mini-tube. The standard uncertainty of dynamic viscosity measurements is identified as (2.22–5.28) % (coverage factor k = 2). N-heptane, n-octane and their binary mixture were tested respectively in the calibration experiments of the viscometer. Results showed that the measured maximum relative deviations of all substances were all within 2% and the average absolute deviations were within 0.72%. Finally viscosities of a kerosene kind hydrocarbon fuel were measured using the two-capillary viscometer at temperature from (303.2 to 513.2) K and supercritical pressures of (3.00 and 4.00) MPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flow boiling behavior of cyclohexane was experimentally investigated in a horizontal minichannel with inner diameter of 2.0 mm. The nucleation hysteresis phenomena at onset of nucleate boing (ONB) and characteristics at departure of flow boiling were focused on. Both the temperature overshoot due to nucleation hysteresis and wall superheat to maintain boiling conditions decreased with the increasing pressure. The nucleation hysteresis can be clearly observed at pressure of (1.0 and 2.0) MPa, but disappeared at 3.0 MPa. A wall temperature decrease phenomenon (TDP) was found to occur just before flow boiling heat transfer deterioration (HTD). The magnitudes of TDP would be less than 10 °C, but bigger than the temperature overshoot of about 3 °C at ONB. Wherever HTD happened at the saturation boiling conditions with high or low vapor quality ranging from 0 to 1, the TDP were observed, but suppressed by the increasing pressure. Accordant with nucleate hysteresis, the TDP were clearly recorded at P = 1.0 and 2.0 MPa, but disappeared at 3.0 MPa. The mechanism of TDP before HTD at flow boiling condition, a problem needed extensive focus investigation, may give a better understanding or even a universe CHF mechanism for both dryout and burnout conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The critical heat flux (CHF) for flow boiling of cyclohexane was experimentally investigated in electrically heated minichannels with inside diameters of (1 and 2) mm, and heated lengths of (360 and 710) mm at mass velocities ranging from (318 to 1274) kg/m 2 s, heat fluxes from (50 to 1000) kW/m 2 , and pressures of (1.0, 2.0, 3.0) MPa. Cyclohexane entered the test channel at ambient temperature of about 20 °C, equivalent to high subcooling of (162.1, 206.4 and 236.3) °C at (1.0, 2.0 and 3.0) MPa respectively. The critical vapor qualities ranged from −1.35 to 0.83. Results indicated that CHF of cyclohexane increased with increasing mass velocity and decreasing heated length. Reducing channel diameter at the same length-to-diameter ratio was proved to have no effects on CHF values of cyclohexane at the evaluated conditions. CHF mildly increased with an increase in pressure at higher mass velocities, but critical vapor quality always decreased with the increasing pressure. Experimental CHF data were compared with the Katto–Ohno (1984) correlation and Shah (1987) correlation. Good agreements were achieved between the experimental data and those predicted with most deviations not exceeding 30%. A corrected Katto–Ohno CHF correlation is developed to fit the current experimental data. Excellent agreement was obtained with all the deviations (whatever of saturation CHF or subcooled CHF) in the range of ±10% with RMS error of 5.35%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the online scheduling problem on m parallel machines with eligibility constraints. The jobs arrive over time and have equal processing times. The objective is to minimize the makespan. We develop optimal deterministic online algorithms for the nested processing set case and the inclusive processing set case with an arbitrary number of machines, as well as the tree-like processing set case with three machines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, oxy-fuel combustion in coal-fired plants has become one of the most promising technologies for carbon capture and storage (CCS). Compared with air-fired combustion, high concentrations of CO 2 and H 2 O in the flue gas cause a remarkable change in the pulverized coal combustion and heat transfer characteristics in furnace. In this study, improved models for the gas radiative properties and chemical reaction mechanisms were incorporated into the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code to simulate a 200 MW e tangentially fired utility boiler, which is expected to operate at full load under both conventional air-fired and oxy-fuel combustion. Different flue gas recycle patterns: dry recycle and wet recycle, were also investigated. The results indicate that, stable combustion is achieved by a compatible burner design in both air-fired and oxy-fuel combustion. In the oxy-fuel combustion, the flue gas peak temperature and wall heat flux decrease and high CO concentration appears in the burner region, resulted from higher heat capacity of CO 2 and chemical effect of CO 2 (Liu et al., 2003, Glarborg and Bentzen, 2008). Based on the comparison of the wet recycle and dry recycle, it shows the wet recycle has more advantages than dry recycle. This study indicates a slight increase in total heat transfer, when the oxygen concentration in oxidant increases from 23% to 29%, consistent with the results of Vattenfall and Callide pilot scale oxy-combustion plant. Thus, compared with air-fired combustion, the full load of a boiler may decrease by 5–10% under oxy-fuel combustion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The fate of P fertilizers in Alfisol is controlled by chemical adsorption reactions. • P is primarily immobilized by goethite, kaolinite, and illite in Alfisol. • P adsorbed by illite may serve as an indicator of P availability in Alfisol. Inorganic P is adsorbed by a variety of soil minerals. For acidic subtropical Alfisols with high contents of both (hydr)oxides and clay minerals, there is an underappreciated understanding of the importance of clay minerals to P species and availability varying with soil pH and P concentration. In this study, the rate and equilibrium of P adsorption in a subtropical Alfisol were investigated by combining soil incubation with three types of P fertilizer with multi-surface modelling. Phosphorus species analysis revealed that most of the P was present in the forms of Al-P and Fe-P in the subtropical Alfisol. The multi-surface model calculation showed that goethite, kaolinite, and illite were the most important soil constituents responsible for the immobilization of P. Clay minerals were as important as Al/Fe (hydr)oxides for P adsorption in the subtropical Alfisol. In addition, there was a highly positive linear correlation between P adsorbed by illite and Olsen P, with a slope of approximately to 1. The model analysis also showed that >99% of the P adsorbed by illite was in the form of - S O 2 P O 2 2 - . These results suggest the important role of illite in controlling P availability and that P adsorption by illite may serve as an indicator of P availability in the subtropical Alfisol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury causes high morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. I/R induces acute kidney injury through exacerbating the mitochondrial damage and increasing inflammatory and oxidative responses. Here, we developed the mitochondria-targeted nanocarrier to delivery of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) for renal I/R treatment in animal model. The mitochondria-targeted TPP CoQ10 nanoparticles (T-NP CoQ10) were synthesized through ABC miktoarm polymers method and characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The I/R mouse model and oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (D/R) model were created to examine the role of T-NP CoQ10 on renal I/R. Mitochondrial DNA damage, apoptosis, and inflammatory cytokines were measured in I/R injury mice. Plasma creatinine, urea nitrogen, tubular injury score was tested to assess the renal function. T-NP CoQ10 nanoparticles could be delivered to renal mitochondria preciously and efficiently. T-NP CoQ10 administration attenuated oxidative injury in both cell and animal models significantly, alleviated mtDNA damage, suppressed inflammatory and apoptotic responses, and improved renal function. The mitochondria specific CoQ10 delivery provided a precious and efficient method for protecting inflammatory and oxidative responses of I/R-induced renal damage. • T-NP CoQ10 could be delivered to renal mitochondria. • T-NP CoQ10 attenuates I/R-induced renal impairments. • T-NP CoQ10 may be strategy for the treatment of I/R-induced renal damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper studies the semi-online scheduling on two uniform machines under a grade of service (GoS) provision, where one machine is available for all jobs and the other one is only available for partial jobs. The objective is to minimize the makespan. We consider three variants, where the optimal makespan, the total size of jobs, and the largest job size are known in advance respectively, and design optimal algorithms for all of them. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Spherical TiO2 nanorod aggregates were fabricated by a facile hydrothermal method and studied for exploring the formation mechanism and improving energy conversion efficiency in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). A four-step nucleation and growth process was proposed for the formation of the spherical TiO2 nanorod aggregates. Using the spherical TiO2 nanorod-aggregate photoelectrode for DSSC, an overall energy conversion efficiency of 6.05% and a short-circuit photocurrent density of 17.87mAcm−2 are achieved. These are respectively 46.1% and 44.9% higher than those of the DSSC using the nanoparticle photoelectrode. These improvements are attributed to the multiple functions of spherical TiO2 nanorod aggregates, including large surface area for sufficient dye adsorption, sub-micrometre size for efficient light scattering, open structure for quick electrolyte diffusion, and one-dimensional building units for longer electron lifetime. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We consider the single vehicle scheduling problem in which the customers are located at the vertices of a tree or a cycle, and have release and service time requirements. The objective is to minimize the makespan. In the tour-version the makespan means the time when the vehicle returns to its initial location after serving all customers. While in the path-version the makespan refers to the maximum completion time of all customers. For the problem on a tree, we present a -approximation algorithm for the tour-version and a -approximation algorithm for the path-version. For the problem on a cycle, we present -approximation algorithms for both versions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: TiO2 nanotube was synthesized by a hydrothermal process using TiO2 nanoparticle as starting material, and then it was loaded with Ag through a silver mirror reaction. Further, the Ag loading TiO2 nanotube was decorated by TiO2 via TiCl4 hydrolysis to obtain the TiO2 nanotube with the wall sandwiched by Ag. The TiO2 nanotubes were characterized by transmission electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and UV–vis spectrophotometer. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and transient photocurrent were investigated in a three-electrode system with the TiO2 nanotube films served as photoanodes. The photo-catalytic activity was evaluated by photo-degradation of methyl orange under UV light irradiation. The results show that the sandwiched Ag could inhibit the crystal phase transformation of TiO2 nanotube from anatase to rutile. And the sandwiched nanotube structure exhibits enhanced photo-catalytic performance due to the efficient separation of the photo-generated carriers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper we consider the semi-online scheduling problem with known partial information about job sizes on two identical machines, where all the jobs have processing times in the interval and the maximum job size is . The objective is to minimize the makespan. For and , we obtain lower bounds and on the optimal solution, respectively, which match the upper bounds given by He and Zhang (1999) in . For , we prove that a lower bound on the optimal solution is and design an algorithm with a competitive ratio equal to this lower bound. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Natural convection in a vertically concentric annular space is of fundamental interest and practical importance. However, available open literature on entropy generation analysis for it is still sparse. In the present work we investigate systematically the effects of Rayleigh number, curvature of annulus and Prandtl number on flow pattern, temperature distribution and entropy generation for natural convection inside a vertically concentric annuli with the aid of the lattice Boltzmann method. The analyzed range is wide, varying from steady laminar convection to unsteady transitional state. Furthermore, we analysze the non-linear branch of irreversible phenomena from a thermodynamics view point. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, entropy generation in hydrogen-enriched ultra-lean counter-flow methane–air non-premixed combustion confined by planar opposing jets is investigated for the first time. The effects of the effective equivalence ratio and the volume percentage of hydrogen in fuel blends on entropy generation are studied by numerically evaluating the entropy generation equation. The lattice Boltzmann model proposed in our previous work, instead of traditional numerical methods, is used to solve the governing equations for combustion process. Through the present study, five interesting features of this kind of combustion, which are quite different from that reported in previous literature on entropy generation analysis for hydrogen-enriched methane–air combustion, are revealed. The total entropy generation number can be approximated as a linear increasing function of the volume percentage of hydrogen in fuel mixture and the effective equivalence ratio for all the cases under the present study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, we investigate the online scheduling problem on two uniform machines, where the last job of each machine can be reassigned after all jobs have been assigned. The objective is to minimize the makespan. We prove that the classical List Scheduling algorithm with the competitive ratio is optimal for , where is the speed ratio between the two machines. Also, we prove the lower bound for and design an algorithm that matches the bound. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Rubber asphalt are prepared by treating CRP with NaOH solution and adding TOR. • The optimum concentration of NaOH solution and content of TOR are determined. • Micro mechanism of NaOH and TOR on rubber asphalt are investigated. • Properties of binary compound modified rubber asphalt are evaluated. In view of the problems of poor high-temperature storage stability, high viscosity and easy segregation of rubber powder modified asphalt, the rubber asphalt was prepared using a binary combination of surface treatment crumb rubber powder (CRP) in NaOH solution and a doped trans-polyoctenamer rubber reactant (TOR). Through asphalt softening point, penetration, ductility and segregation tests, a reasonable concentration of 2% NaOH for surface treatment of CRP and an optimum content of 4.5% for TOR were determined. The microscopic mechanism of NaOH and TOR on rubber asphalt was analyzed by tests such as scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy, and the performance of binary compound modified asphalt (NT-RA) was analyzed using segregation test, bending beam rheometer (BBR), dynamic shear rheology (DSR) and Brinell rotational viscosity test. The results show that NaOH solution could remove impurities on the surface of CRP and improve the interfacial adhesion state between asphalt, and TOR can promote the dissolution of CRP in asphalt. The binary compound action significantly improves the storage stability, low-temperature performance and high-temperature performance of rubber asphalt, and effectively reduces the viscosity of rubber asphalt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A matrix binder was modified to possess excellent low-temperature properties and anti-ultraviolet aging properties. • The response surface method was used to determine the dosage of modifies. • The interaction and modification mechanism of modifiers were revealed by FTIR and SEM. In order to improve the high-temperature performance and anti-ultraviolet aging performance of butadiene styrene rubber (SBR) modified asphalt, nano-TiO 2 and Montmorillonite (MMT) were used for composite modification, and the test scheme was determined by Box Behnken Design (BBD). The high-speed shearing method is used to prepare nano-TiO 2 /MMT/SBR composite modified asphalt. Meanwhile, the dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) test and the bending beam rheometer (BBR) test were used to evaluate the rheological properties of the composite modified asphalt before and after aging to evaluate its anti-ultraviolet aging performance. Finally, the interaction and modification mechanism of the modifiers were revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results show that the optimal dosage of nano-TiO 2 , nano-MMT and SBR latex (solid content 60%) are 1.5%, 4%, and 6%, respectively. The synergistic effect of nano-TiO 2 and nano-MMT can significantly delay the conversion process of light components to asphaltenes during asphalt aging, and makes CMI value of SBR modified asphalt significantly reduced and almost stabilized at about 2, and the average stiffness modulus change rate decreases from 0.27 to 0.13, and the carbonyl index dropped from 5.16 to 0.28. SEM test results show that nano-TiO 2 particles can be used as physical cross-linking points to promote the combination of nano-MMT/SBR modifiers and asphalt, making the microstructure of nano-TiO 2 /MMT/SBR modified asphalt more stable and uniform. The modification of Nano-TiO 2 /MMT/SBR to asphalt is a physical modification process, more Si-O-Si functional groups were generated during the aging process of MMT, which further promote the formation of MMT and asphalt network structure. In conclusion, the study of nano-TiO 2 /MMT/SBR composite modified asphalt in this paper provided a reference for the selection of modified asphalt in cold and ultraviolet regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung cancer is the most common cancer and the primary cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Solute carrier family 39 member 5 (SLC39A5) regulates cellular zinc homeostasis and plays a vital role in several human cancers. However, the clinical significance and biological function of SLC39A5 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remain unclear. Hence, we sought to elucidate the role of SLC39A5 in LUAD pathophysiology in this study. The expression and clinical significance of SLC39A5 were evaluated using The Cancer Genome Atlas, the Gene Expression Omnibus, and tissue microarray data. We used the Cell Counting Kit-8, flow cytometry, western blotting, and quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analyses to determine the function of SLC39A5 in vitro. We also used a mouse xenograft model to evaluate the function of SLC39A5 in vivo. Our results indicate that SLC39A5 was upregulated in LUAD tissues compared with that in adjacent non-tumor lung tissues. SLC39A5 overexpression correlated with poor survival in patients with LUAD. SLC39A5 promoted LUAD cell proliferation by accelerating the G1-to-S phase transition and inhibiting apoptosis. SLC39A5 knockdown inhibited the tumorigenesis of LUAD cells in a nude mouse model of xenograft tumors. SLC39A5 promoted LUAD cell proliferation by activating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling. SLC39A5 played an oncogenic role in LUAD by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling. Hence, SLC39A5 may serve as a novel prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for LUAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A simple lattice Boltzmann model is developed for two-dimensional combustion simulations. In this model the time step and the fluid particle speed can be adjusted dynamically, depending on the “particle characteristic temperature”. The algorithm is still a simple process of hopping from one grid point to the next, the same as the standard lattice Boltzmann method. Therefore the outstanding advantages of the standard lattice Boltzmann method are retained in this model besides better numerical stability. Excellent agreement between the present results and other numerical or experimental data shows that this scheme is an efficient numerical method for practical combustion simulations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novel coupled lattice Boltzmann model is developed for two- and three-dimensional low Mach number combustion simulations, in which the fluid density can bear sharp changes. Different to the hybrid lattice Boltzmann scheme [O. Filippova, D. Hanel, A novel lattice BGK approach for low Mach number combustion, J. Comput. Phys. 158 (2000) 139], this scheme is strictly pure lattice Boltzmann style (i.e., we solve the flow, temperature, and concentration fields using the lattice Boltzmann method only); different to the non-coupled lattice Boltzmann scheme [K. Yamamoto, X. He, G.D. Doolen, Simulation of combustion field with lattice Boltzmann method, J. Stat. Phys. 107 (2002) 367], the fluid density in this model is coupled directly with the temperature. In this model the time step and the fluid particle speed can be adjusted dynamically, depending on the “particle characteristic temperature”. And the algorithm is still a simple process of hopping from one grid point to the next, the same as the standard lattice Boltzmann method. Therefore the outstanding advantages of the standard lattice Boltzmann method are retained in this model besides better numerical stability. Excellent agreement between the present results and other numerical or experimental data shows that this scheme is an efficient numerical method for practical combustion simulations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, we will discuss in detail how to use a finite difference lattice Boltzmann equation model in which an external force term is involved to simulate two-way coupling gas–solid flows. The numerical results are found to be in good agreement with analytical data and some other numerical results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A batch machine is a machine that can process a number of jobs simultaneously as a batch, and the processing time of a batch is equal to the longest processing time of the jobs assigned to it. In this paper, we present a polynomial time approximation scheme (PTAS) for scheduling a batch machine to minimize the total completion time with job release dates. Also, we present a fully polynomial time approximation scheme (FPTAS) for scheduling an unbounded batch machine, which can process an arbitrary number of jobs simultaneously, to minimize the total weighted completion time with job release dates. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Flow regime identification based on local parameters of axial upward two-phase flow in vertical tube bundles, at high-temperature and high-pressure, was performed using optical probes. A staggered arrangement of the tube bundles was simulated inside a non-circular test channel, the tube size and pitch are same as that in a real steam generator of a PWR under design. Optical probes were utilized to acquire the void fraction, interface frequency, and fluctuation characteristics of the local void fraction at two typical locations (centroid of the three tubes, named op-1, and centre of the minimum gap between two tubes, named op-2). The system pressure ranged from 5 to 9 MPa, mass flux from 100 to 350 kg m−2 s−1, thermodynamic steam quality from 0 to 1, and inlet fluid temperature from 263.9 to 303.3 °C, depending on the saturation pressure. This study investigated local parameters and flow pattern characteristics of high-pressure steam-water two-phase flow in vertical tube bundles using optical probes, with the measurement error of less than 2%. Results showed that local void fraction at op-1 was much larger than that at op-2, and the local void fraction difference between op-1 and op-2 increased first and then gradually decreased, which was primarily affected by the transition in flow regimes. The flow pattern characteristics of steam-water two-phase flow were described based on three aspects, namely, variation in interface frequency with local void fraction, fluctuation characteristics of local void fraction, and statistical analysis of local void fraction deviating from the average. Additionally, the flow regime identification criteria, applicable to the steam-water two-phase flow in vertical tube bundles, were proposed based on local parameters. • A new tube bundle geometry was designed and applied to this study. • Optical probes were utilized to acquire the extensive local parameters. • Effects of flow patterns on local parameters were discussed. • Flow regime identification criteria were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work we introduce the Minimum Rural Postmen Cover Problem (MRPCP) and the Minimum Chinese Postmen Cover Problem (MCPCP). The MRPCP aims to cover a given subset R of edges of an undirected weighted graph G = (V , E) by a minimum size set of closed walks of bounded length λ. The MCPCP is a special case of the MRPCP with R = E. We give the first approximation algorithms for these two problems, which have constant approximation ratios of 5 and 4, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose The imaging features of sigmoid plate dehiscence-induced pulsatile tinnitus have been presented. The origin of the sigmoid plate dehiscence, however, remains unclear. Our aim was to assess the prevalence and extent of sigmoid plate dehiscence on computed tomography (CT) images in multiple age groups to determine whether this condition is more likely to be congenital or acquired. Materials and methods We retrospectively reviewed contrast-enhanced CT images of sigmoid plates of temporal bones in 504 patients. Each temporal bone was characterized as normal or dehiscent. Patients were then subcategorized into four age groups, and the prevalence and extent of dehiscent sigmoid plates in each group were calculated and compared. Results Overall, 80 patients had sigmoid plate dehiscence, nine of whom had it bilaterally. In successively older age groups, the prevalences of sigmoid plate dehiscence were 18.9%, 20.1%, 14.5%, and 12.7%, respectively. Respective average anteroposterior bony defect diameters were 3.7 ± 1.7, 3.0 ± 1.3, 3.1 ± 1.5, and 3.0 ± 1.1 mm. Respective average vertical bony defect diameters were 3.6 ± 2.3, 2.6 ± 1.2, 3.2 ± 1.5, and 3.0 ± 1.7 mm. The prevalence and extent of sigmoid plate dehiscence were not statistically different among the four age groups. Conclusions The similar radiologic prevalence and extent of dehiscent sigmoid plates among the age groups suggest that the dehiscence is more commonly a congenital than an acquired condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A certain amount CaCO 3 exists under oxy-fuel combustion. • The viscosity of fly ash particles was higher under oxy-fuel combustion. • The particles were stickier and more easily coalesced under oxy-fuel combustion. • The slagging trend under oxy-fuel combustion was greater. Global warming has attracted extensive attention due to increasing CO 2 emissions. Oxy-fuel combustion has become an important topic in the domain of energy saving and emission reduction due to its high efficiency in CO 2 reduction. The slagging characteristics of coal ash under oxy-fuel combustion conditions are the premise for the successful application of this technology. In this study, we relied on a tubular furnace and flat flame-assisted entrained flow reactor to test coal ash under different atmospheres. The slagging trend of Shenhua coal under oxy-fuel combustion, including its melting point, mineral species, particle size, and morphology, was analyzed. A comparative analysis of different ash samples obtained from different experimental platforms was also conducted. Results showed that the oxy-fuel combustion atmosphere exerted a minimal effect on the melting point of Shenhua coal ash. Moreover, a high oxygen concentration corresponded to a relatively high melting point of ash. Ca existed in the form of CaO under air combustion, and a certain amount of undecomposed CaCO 3 appeared under oxy-fuel combustion. Given the same oxygen concentration, the average particle size under oxy-fuel combustion was smaller than that under air combustion. Moreover, particle adhesiveness was stronger and particles more easily gathered under oxy-fuel combustion than under air combustion. Particle aggregation was also more obvious under oxy-fuel combustion than under air combustion. Therefore, the slagging trend under oxy-fuel combustion was obviously higher than that under air combustion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Propofol defends against Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion-induced ALI. • Propofol defends against rI/R-induced ALI by inhibiting the autophagy and apoptosis. • Propofol defends against rI/R-induced ALI by inhibiting the MAPK signals. Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion (rI/R)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) is a major problem in rI/R. The objective of the current study was to explore the defensive roles of propofol (Pro), an intravenous anesthetic, on rI/R-induced ALI through mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. Rats were divided into Sham, Pro (10 mg/kg), rI/R, rI/R + Pro (5 mg/kg), and rI/R + Pro (10 mg/kg) groups. Rats were treated with Pro at 1 h after rI/R treatment. Serum and lung tissues at 24 h after rI/R were collected to evaluate morphological changes and the expression of myeloperoxidase (MPO), inflammatory cytokines, and crucial proteins in the MAPK pathway. Pro attenuated the production of mediators, resulting in reduced levels of autophagy and apoptosis by restricting the MAPK pathway in rI/R-induced ALI model. Pro represses rI/R-induced pulmonary autophagy and apoptosis by decreasing the production of inflammatory molecules, and the effects of Pro are involved in the inhibition of the MAPK pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudocapacitor has recently emerged as an important electrical energy storage technology that plays a critical role in portable electronic device, hybrid electric vehicle, backup energy system, and so on. In spite of the great advances, preparing ultra-stable pseudocapacitor with excellent electrochemical performance is still very challenging. Herein, we developed a simple but novel self-template method to synthesize hierarchical hollow NiMoS 4 nanospheres with ultrathin shell thickness. During the preparation, nickel-molybdenum oxides coated SiO 2 precursors were firstly synthesized. After a sulfidation process with Na 2 S under hydrothermal condition, the precursors were transformed into hierarchical hollow NiMoS 4 nanospheres. Simultaneously, the interior SiO 2 was well etched by tuning the initial Ni/S molar ratio. In addition, hollow NiMoS 4 nanospheres with different shell thickness were also prepared. Remarkably, the obtained NiMoS 4 nanospheres show a very high electrochemical activity due to their fascinating structural and compositional features. The electrode prepared from the NiMoS 4 nanospheres delivers a high specific capacity of 1094 C g−1 current density of 1 A g−1 with enhanced cycling stability of 97.95% capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles, making them to be potential electrode materials for SCs and other related energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Existing drift-flux models for rod bundle were assessed by the present experimental data. • A new drift-flux model was developed by considering the effects of flow parameters and flow regime. • The effectiveness and generality of the new model was verified by a series of existing experimental data. The present paper is Part Ⅱ of an investigation into void fraction measurement and modeling in a triangular-array rod bundle geometry under high-pressure conditions (P = 5–9 MPa and G = 100–350 kg m−2 s−1). In Part I of the study, the experimental facility and measurement techniques were described, and the measured local, chordal, and area-averaged void fractions were presented and analyzed. In this paper, six existing drift-flux models for rod bundles are assessed using the present data. Results show that most of the models are inconsistent with the measured void fraction under low void fraction conditions. This is because the effects of pressure and mass flux on drift-flux parameters are not considered. Hence, a new drift-flux model is developed with flow parameters and flow regime transition being considered. Additionally, the general applicability of this new model is verified by both the present data and existing data in the literatures. Results show that the new drift-flux model agrees well with the experimental data, with the relative deviations of void fraction less than 20%, indicating that the new model is applicable under a wide range of mass-flux conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• For evaluation of UV aging properties of SBS-Modified Asphalt, three kinds of SBS modifiers(KTR101 (40/60), 1301-1H (30/70) and YH796 (20/80)) are examined. • High and low temperature performance of SBS-modified asphalt after UV aging are evaluated. • Furthermore, two indices including softening point increment (SPI) and the complex shear modulus aging index (G*AI) are utilized to evaluate the UV aging degree of SBS modified asphalt. • Finally, FTIR and SEM tests are conducted to investigate SBS-modified asphalt structure and microscopic characteristics after UV aging. SBS modified asphalt with different block ratios (40/60, 30/70, 20/80) was prepared using a high-speed shearing apparatus to study the effect of the ultraviolet absorber (UV-531) on its properties. A melt blending method was used to prepare the modified asphalt with three doses of UV-531. The ultraviolet aging of asphalt was simulated in an indoor chamber. Dynamic shear rheological test, bending beam rheological test and force ductility test were used to assess the effects of different doses of UV-531 on high and low temperature performance of asphalt material modified with SBS of different block ratios. The results showed that UV-531 has little effect on the complex shear modulus of SBS-modified asphalt, and has a great influence on the phase angle of SBS-modified asphalt. The structural characteristics of SBS modifier is an important factor affecting the rheological properties at high temperature. UV-531 affects the distribution state of SBS modified medium hard segment (S) and soft segment (B) in asphalt, and has great influence on the low temperature performance of SBS-modified asphalt with different block ratios. The degree of aging and chemical changes in the UV-SBS modified asphalt were studied according to its softening point increment (SPI), complex shear modulus aging index (G*AI), infrared spectrum and scanning electron microscope. These results suggest that the degradation reaction of SBS modifier under UV leads to a significant reduction of polybutadiene segment (B) and cracking of SBS-modified asphalt. UV-531 can effectively reduce the aging of SBS-modified asphalt and prevent the decomposition reaction of SBS modifier in asphalt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Void fraction measurements of steam–water flow in a vertical rod bundle were conducted by three different techniques. • The effects of pressure, mass velocity and volumetric quality on void fraction were investigated. • The consistency among different measurement techniques were examined under the same experimental conditions. • An assessment of four correlations were carried out against the present void fraction data. Void fraction is a fundamental parameter to characterize two-phase flows and is very important for the proper design and safety operation of steam generator in a nuclear power plant. In the present work, void fraction measurements of steam–water two-phase upward flow in a triangular-configured vertical rod bundle were conducted at pressures from 5 to 9 MPa and mass velocities from 100 to 350 kg·m−2·s−1. Local, chordal and average void fractions were measured by the optical probe (OP), gamma-ray densitometry (GD), and differential pressure (DP) methods respectively. The effects of pressure and mass velocity on void fractions were investigated in detail. The results showed that a non-uniform distribution of local void fractions could be clearly revealed. The average void fractions obtained by GD and DP were found to approach the volumetric quality under higher pressure and higher mass velocity conditions owing to the homogeneous flow trends. This also occurred under a high volumetric quality condition for the homogeneous vapor flow and low volumetric quality condition for the homogeneous bubble flow. The results obtained from the different techniques were compared for the same experimental conditions. It was found that the void fractions measured by both OP and DP agreed well with that of GD, with relative deviations less than 10% and 15% respectively. Besides, an assessment of four void fraction correlations was carried out to predict the present area-average void fraction data from GD. The results showed that both the Bestion correlation and the Chexal and Lellouche correlation predict the present data well when measured void fraction greater than 0.3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Characteristics of DOM in coastal and inland aquifers are contrasting. • Types of DOM and N-containing DOM utilized differ in coastal and inland aquifers. • Less-degraded DOM leads to higher production efficiency and level of NH 4 + in coastal aquifer. • Heteroatom-containing DOM is predominantly of microbial-derived and accumulates gradually. Elevated concentration levels of geogenic ammonium in groundwater arise from the mineralization of nitrogen-containing natural organic matter in various geological settings worldwide, especially in alluvial-lacustrine and coastal environments. However, the difference in enrichment mechanisms of geogenic ammonium between these two types of aquifers remains poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, we investigated two representative aquifer systems in central Yangtze (Dongting Lake Plain, DTP) and southern China (Pearl River Delta, PRD) with contrasting geogenic ammonium contents. The use of optical and molecular characterization of DOM combined with hydrochemistry and stable carbon isotopes has revealed differences in DOM between the two types of aquifer systems and revealed contrasting controls of DOM on ammonium enrichment. The results indicated higher humification and degradation of DOM in DTP groundwater, characterized by abundant highly unsaturated compounds. The degradation of DOM and nitrogen-containing DOM was dominated by highly unsaturated compounds and CHO+N molecular formulas in highly unsaturated compounds, respectively. In contrast, the DOM in PRD groundwater was more biogenic, less degraded, and contained more aliphatic compounds in addition to highly unsaturated compounds. The degradation of DOM and nitrogen-containing DOM was dominated by aliphatic compounds and polyphenols and CHO+N molecular formulas in highly unsaturated compounds and polyphenols, respectively. As DOM degraded, the ammonium production efficiency of DOM decreased, contributing to lower ammonium concentrations in DTP groundwater. In addition, the CHO+N(SP) molecular formulas were mainly of microbial-derived and gradually accumulated with DOM degradation. In this study, we conducted the first comprehensive investigation into the patterns of groundwater ammonium enrichment based on DOM differences in various geological settings. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]