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This article studies the generalized efficient robust predictive control (GERPC) for the nonlinear systems denoted by interval type-2 (IT2) Takagi–Sugeno (T–S) fuzzy model over networks with consideration of packet dropout, bounded disturbance and adaptive event-triggered scheme (AETS). First, the packet dropout is described by a Bernoulli process, and an AETS with thresholds that can be self-regulated according to different situations is employed to decide whether to release data into the communication network, so as to reduce the data transmission frequency and the network burden; Second, taking into consideration of packet dropout and AETS, a unified IT2 T–S fuzzy control model based on GERPC is established, and the stability of closed-loop system with bounded disturbance is guaranteed by quadratic boundedness (QB) technique; Third, generalized efficient robust predictive controller is designed to obtain a larger initial feasible region, smaller online computation and acceptable control performance. The unconstrained control law is designed offline, and a new variable will be optimized online to achieve good control performance, which is introduced to adjust the control quantity. Then, the convex LMI reformulation method is utilized to handle non-convex terms in optimization problem, and the effectiveness of the GERPC algorithm is proved by the matrix partition technique. At last, the effectiveness of the designed controller based on the GERPC strategy is verified by a given simulation experiment. • A synthesis method of generalized efficient robust predictive control (GERPC) is proposed for IT-2 fuzzy NCSs with data dropout, adaptive event-triggered scheme (AETS) and bounded disturbance, which can obtain good control performance, larger initial feasible region and smaller online computation. • Design a fixed feedback gain offline, and the control perturbation introduced is calculated online. • Introduce an adaptive event-triggered scheme with dynamically adjustable threshold to avoid network communication congestion. • The stability of closed-loop system with bounded disturbance is guaranteed by quadratic boundedness (QB) technique;. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new service life prediction model for marine concrete structures considering the structural shape and time-dependent behaviour of model parameters was proposed in this study. First, a lumped concentration matrix for both triangular elements of two-dimensional diffusion and linear elements of one-dimensional diffusion was developed based on the Galerkin's method of weighted residual and approximate interpolation function, respectively. Then, a dual time-dependent numerical model for chloride diffusion in marine concrete structures was established by considering the time-dependent behaviour of both chloride diffusion coefficient (D) and surface chloride concentration (C s). Meanwhile, a new service life prediction model for marine concrete structures that considers the influences of structural shape and time-dependent behaviour of model parameters was proposed. Finally, the influences of the structural shape and the time-dependency of D and C s on service life were investigated. Analysis results show that the service life would be underestimated if the time-dependent behaviour of D or C s were ignored, while the service life would be overestimated when the influence of structural shape was neglected. Compared with C s , the time-dependent behaviour of D has more significant effects on service life of marine concrete structures. • A new service life prediction model for concrete structures considering structural shape and time-dependency was proposed. • A dual time-dependent chloride diffusion model was developed based on the lumped concentration matrix. • Influences of structural shape on service life of marine concrete structures were investigated. • Influences of time-dependent behaviour of D and C s on service life were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Traditionally, the tracer method has been used to distinguish the supply air and room air in buildings by labeling the target air with a tracer. However, due to difference in the physical properties of the target air and the tracer, use of the tracer method inevitably produces tracer error. Furthermore, due to the lack of an exact comparative reference, it is difficult to determine which tracer is the best to represent the target air distribution. In this study, a method (i.e. self-label method) which can distinguish supply air from ambient air without tracer in numerical simulations has been developed. In this paper, the principle, governing equations, accuracy, and applications of the self-label method are presented. Further, due to its simple and typical mixing characteristics of supply air and ambient air, a jet has been used to validate the numerical model by comparing the numerical results with the classical theoretical and experimental results in the earlier studies. The validity of the self-label method has been verified by comparing the flow rate and the velocity field of the jet with those by the single air approach. The tracer gas error has been compared with the exact reference obtained by self-label method. The results show that the tracer gas error increases with increasing tracer concentration or decreasing air velocity under isothermal conditions. Finally, the dynamic mechanism of the tracer gas error has been analyzed. It shows that an additional concentration buoyancy force can occur, which can cause tracer gas error under isothermal conditions. Highlights • Self-label method to distinguish supply air from room air in CFD simulations. • Principle, governing equations, and accuracy of self-label method are presented. • Potential applications and engineering meaning of self-label method are proposed. • Comparison of the tracer gas error with the exact reference by self-label method. • Analysis of dynamic mechanism of tracer gas error. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studying the controlling factors and prediction model of shale gas adsorption capacity is the key to understand shale gas accumulation potential. Chang 7 shale samples from the southeastern Ordos Basin were studied to reveal and predict methane adsorption capacities, which depend on geological factors in the process of thermal evolution. Geological parameters were researched by a number of laboratorial programs. In addition, two shale samples were selected for experiments at five different temperatures to study the effect of two primary controlling factors, i.e., reservoir pressure and temperature, on adsorption capacity. Geological factors controlling adsorption capacity and a prediction model were confirmed by principal component analysis and stepwise regression using SPSS software. The results show that Chang 7 shale with abundant organic matter and moderate maturity (average TOC 4.04%, Ro 0.99%) has a good hydrocarbon potential, the maximum shale adsorption gas amount is high with 5.01 m 3 /t. Experimental geological parameters can be grouped into five principal components: gas adhesion location and amount, physical property, outside environment, thermal evolution and mineral composition. TOC, formation temperature and mesopore volume were confirmed as the dominating controlling factors of Chang 7 shale methane adsorption capacity. A quantitative prediction model was created and its effectiveness and reliability were verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of ultra-high performance cementitious composite (UHPCC) represents a significant advancement in the field of concrete science and technology, but insufficient hydration and high autogenous shrinkage relatively increase the pores inside UHPCC, in turn, affecting the macro-performance of UHPCC. This paper, initially, optimized the pore structure of UHPCC using different types and dimensions of nanofillers. Subsequently, the pore structure characteristics of nano-modified UHPCC were investigated by the mercury intrusion porosimeter method and fractal theory. Finally, the fluid permeability of nano-modified UHPCC was estimated by applying the Katz-Thompson equation. Experimental results showed that all incorporated nanofillers can refine the pore structure of UHPCC, but nanofillers with different types and dimensions have various effects on the pore structure of UHPCC. Specifically, CNTs, especially the thin-short one, can significantly reduce the porosity of UHPCC, whereas nanoparticles, especially nano-SiO 2 , are more conducive to refine the pore size. Among all nanofillers, nano-SiO 2 has the most obvious effect on pore structure, reducing the porosity, specific pore volume and most probable pore radius of UHPCC by 31.9%, 35.1% and 40.9%, respectively. Additionally, the pore size distribution of nano-modified UHPCC ranges from 10−1nm–105nm, and the gel pores and fine capillary pores in the range of 3–50 nm account for more than 70% of the total pore content, confirming nanofillers incorporation can effectively weaken pore connectivity and induce pore distribution to concentrate at nanoscale. Fractal results indicated the provision of nanofillers reduces the structural heterogeneity of gel pores and fine capillary pores, and induces homogenization and densification of UHPCC matrix, in turn, decreasing the UHPCC fluid permeability by 15.7%–79.2%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, could be programmed in fetal life. Prenatal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure in utero results in increased blood pressure in offspring, but the vascular mechanisms involved are unclear. Pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats were intraperitoneally injected with LPS (0.79 mg/kg) or saline (0.5 ml) on gestation days 8, 10, and 12. The offspring of LPS-treated dams had higher blood pressure and decreased acetylcholine (ACh)-induced relaxation and increased phenylephrine (PE)-induced contraction in endothelium-intact mesenteric arteries. Endothelium removal significantly enhanced the PE-induced contraction in offspring of control but not LPS-treated dams. The arteries pretreated with l -NAME to inhibit nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in the endothelium or ODQ to inhibit cGMP production in the vascular smooth muscle had attenuated ACh-induced relaxation but augmented PE-induced contraction to a larger extent in arteries from offspring of control than those from LPS-treated dams. In addition, the endothelium-independent relaxation caused by sodium nitroprusside was also decreased in arteries from offspring of LPS-treated dams. The functional results were accompanied by a reduction in the expressions of eNOS and soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) and production of NO and cGMP in arteries from offspring of LPS-treated dams. Furthermore, LPS-treated dam’s offspring arteries had increased oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant capacity. Three-week treatment with TEMPOL, a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, normalized the alterations in the levels of ROS, eNOS, and sGC, as well as in the production of NO and cGMP and vascular function in the arteries of the offspring of LPS-treated dams. In conclusion, prenatal LPS exposure programs vascular dysfunction of mesenteric arteries through increased oxidative stress and impaired NO–cGMP signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passive design has widely been identified to be one of the most economical and effective strategies for sustainable building. However, the research on verification of passive design strategies is in its initial stages. Currently, its test method and verification conclusions are not sufficiently scientific to validate. This study introduces a new logical framework to assess building space performance. A multi-criteria approach has been developed to validate and optimize the influence of passive spaces on sustainable buildings from the perspectives of building environment quality and occupant satisfaction. Building environment quality was judged by fieldwork physical environment tests, including indoor thermal, lighting, indoor air quality and acoustics data in the operating phase. A voting method designed to test satisfaction was developed to evaluate the occupants' satisfaction with the building's overall environment and space efficiency. Considering both the relationship between the building and people, and the building and the environment, from the dual perspectives of building design and building environment control, a comprehensive judgment model for a Comfort – Satisfaction Matrix was developed to display the regulation capacity of the building's environmental performance in the passive space. Finally, an in-depth fieldwork survey of six types of passive courtyard spaces in cold climates was conducted as an example to validate the developed multi-criteria approach. The results indicate the level of environmental performance of each object building, and highlight optimized possibilities for passive space and the whole building in the design and renovation phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pressure preservation sampling technology is a crucial method to assess natural gas hydrates. There are limitations to directly applying conventional pressure preservation technology for seafloor drills, such as large and complex structures. The working and design principle of the thin-walled core barrel sealing technique is introduced. To solve the problem of low core recovery percent during sediment drilling, the flow field characteristics of the valve spool in different working conditions are discussed. The area of the cross-section and the calculation method under the typical position are obtained. The valve spool structural parameters are determined and verified by a laboratory drilling test. The results show that: the larger the cone angle of the spool or the smaller the percentage of valve spool cone height to valve spool full cone height (the following is called P), the smaller the opening value when the cross-section area reaches a stable level. When the cone angle is 30, and the P is 20%, the cross-sectional area reaches stable after the opening is 4.5 mm. When the opening exceeds 3.0 mm, the flow rate changes little. When drilling in the sediment, the average coring recovery percent exceeds 70%. • The working principle of the thin-walled core barrel sealing technique is introduced. • The flow field characteristics of the valve spool are discussed. • The area of the cross-section and the calculation method are obtained. • The effects of the valve spool and the drilling speed on the flow field are studied. • When drilling in the sediment, the average coring recovery percent exceeds 70%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An efficient procedure for the synthesis of substituted indenes through the FeCl3·6H2O-catalyzed intramolecular Friedel–Crafts cyclization of aryl-substituted allylic alcohols has been developed. This method features the easily available starting materials, cheap catalyst, simple manipulation, and mild conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A highly efficient and mild Lewis acid-catalyzed coupling reaction of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds with propargylic alcohols has been established. Selective propargylation or allenylation products are obtained depending on the nature of propargylic alcohols. In addition, catalytic quantities of Yb(OTf)3 can also effectively promote the propargylation and allylation of 4-hydroxycoumarins at the 3-position. By applying this reaction as the key step, a multi-substituted furocoumarin can easily be synthesized in a one-pot procedure. The advantages of this method are broad scope, mild conditions, and easy handling since water is the only side product. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: LZAP has been reported to inhibit cellular proliferation and clonogenic growth. Here, we report that decreased LZAP expression promoted cellular transformation, xenograft tumor growth, and xenograft tumor vascularity. Loss of LZAP also increased cellular invasion, and MMP-9 expression dependent on NF-κB. LZAP directly bound to RelA, impaired serine 536 phosphorylation of RelA, increased HDAC association with RelA, inhibited basal and stimulated NF-κB transcriptional activity, and was found at the promoter of selective NF-κB-responsive genes. LZAP protein levels were markedly decreased in 32% of primary HNSCCs (n = 28) and decreased LZAP levels in primary HNSCC correlated with increased expression of the NF-κB-regulated genes IL-8 and IκBα. In aggregate, these data support a role of LZAP in NF-κB regulation and tumor suppression. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A highly efficient and environmentally friendly method for catalytic benzylation/allylation of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds with alcohols has been developed by using Yb(OTf)3 as a catalyst. The reactions proceed smoothly to give the desired products in moderate to excellent yields, mostly at room temperature. The catalyst can be recovered and reused at least six times without visible loss of catalytic activity for such reactions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• MiR-200c was upregulated in papillary thyroid cancer and predicted poor clinical prognosis in patients. • Overexpression of miR-200c could promote the proliferation, migration and invasion of papillary thyroid cancer cells. • MiR-200c exerts its oncogenic role in papillary thyroid cancer via targeting PTEN. MiR-200c has been reported in several types of human cancer. Nevertheless, the expression profile and biological functions of miR-200c remain uncovered papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). The expression level of miR-200c was evaluated in PTC tissues using RT-qPCR. Survival analysis was performed in a cohort of 88 PTC patients. The effects of miR-200c on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion capacities were analyzed using CCK-8 and transwell assays. Target genes of miR-200c were assessed using luciferase reporter assay, RT-qPCR, Western blot and rescue experiments. MiR-200c was found to be upregulated in human PTC tissues and closely associated with pN stage and distant metastasis. High expression of miR-200c was associated with poor clinical prognosis in PTC patients. Whilst overexpression of miR-200c was demonstrated to promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of PTC cells; knockdown of miR-200c showed an opposite inhibitory effect. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assays confirmed that PTEN is a downstream target of miR-200c. Functional assays demonstrated that PTC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were promoted by miR-200c via negative regulation of PTEN. Finally, overexpression of PTEN was shown to partially reverse the tumor promoting effect of miR-200c. In conclusion, this study indicates that miR-200c is a crucial prognostic biomarker of PTC, and that targeting of miR-200c/ PTEN axis may be of therapeutic significance in PTC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), emerging environmental pollutants, infiltrate marine, terrestrial, and freshwater systems via diverse pathways, culminating in their accumulation in the human body through food chain transmission, posing potential health risks. Researches have demonstrated that MNPs disrupt gut microbiota equilibrium and compromise intestinal barrier integrity, as well as traverse the blood-brain barrier, leading to brain damage. Moreover, the complex interaction between the gut and the nervous system, facilitated by the "gut-brain axis," indicates an additional pathway for MNPs-induced brain damage. This has intensified scientific interest in the intercommunication between MNPs and the gut-brain axis. While existing studies have documented microbial imbalances and metabolic disruptions subsequent to MNPs exposure, the precise mechanisms by which the microbiota-gut-brain axis contributes to MNPs-induced central nervous system damage remain unclear. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the microbiota-gut-brain axis, elucidating the pathogenesis of MNPs-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis and its consequent brain injury. It emphasizes the complex interrelation between MNPs and the microbiota-gut-brain axis, advocating for the gut microbiota as a novel therapeutic target to alleviate MNP-induced brain harm. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Anti-impact property of nano-BN filled cementitious composites was studied. • Dynamic mechanical behavior was described with a damage constitutive model. • Nano-BN can modify the micro- and even nanostructure of composites. • Nano-BN refines pore structure of composites and increases their compactness. • Anti-impact property and energy absorption capacity of composites are enhanced. This paper aims to investigate the effect of nano/micro-structures on anti-impact property of nano-boron nitride (nano-BN) filled cementitious composites, and to predict the dynamic mechanical behavior of the composites by introducing a damage constitutive model. It is found that nano-BN can fundamentally modify the micro- and even nano-structures of cementitious composites, and therefore greatly improve the anti-impact property of the composites at the macro level. Specifically, nano-BN refines the pore structure (especially at nano-scale) of composite matrix and increases its compactness. Furthermore, by enhancing polymerization state of silicate tetrahedron in C-S-H gel, nano-BN improves the micromechanical properties of hydration products at different micro-zones. Consequently, dynamic mechanical property of cementitious composites at macro-level is enhanced, and the energy absorption capacity is improved. In addition, dynamic damage model indicates that nano-BN inhibits the damage of cementitious composites, but its inhibition form changes with the strain rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well-known that the Cauchy problem of the compressible liquid crystals flow admits a unique global-in-time solution, belonging to C 0 (R 0 + , H l (R 3)) with l ⩾ 3 ; moreover the lower-order or higher-order derivative of solution enjoys the same decay-in-time rate as well as the linear solution (i.e., the solution of the corresponding linear problem). In this paper we further prove that highest-order derivative of the unique solution also enjoys the same decay-in-time rate as well as the linear solution by developing new analytical skills. In other words, the optimal decay rate for the highest-order derivative of solution can be also obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone cells must constantly respond to hormonal and mechanical cues to change gene expression programs. Of the myriad of epigenomic mechanisms used by cells to dynamically alter cell type-specific gene expression, histone acetylation and deacetylation has received intense focus over the past two decades. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) represent a large family of proteins with a conserved deacetylase domain first described to deacetylate lysine residues on histone tails. It is now appreciated that multiple classes of HDACs exist, some of which are clearly misnamed in that acetylated lysine residues on histone tails is not the major function of their deacetylase domain. Here, we will review the roles of proteins bearing deacetylase domains in bone cells, focusing on current genetic evidence for each individual HDAC gene. While class I HDACs are nuclear proteins whose primary role is to deacetylate histones, class IIa and class III HDACs serve other important cellular functions. Detailed knowledge of the roles of individual HDACs in bone development and remodeling will set the stage for future efforts to specifically target individual HDAC family members in the treatment of skeletal diseases such as osteoporosis. • Our cells bear three main classes of histone deacetylases (HDACs). • Class I HDACs deacetylate histones and regulate chromatin structure. • Class IIa HDACs shuttle between the cytoplasm and the nucleus. • Class III HDACs are NAD+-dependent Sirtuin deacetylases. • Multiple roles of HDACs in skeletal biology are reviewed here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]