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Heating buildings have a huge heat capacity and have abilities to accept fluctuating heat supply from renewables. Creating a low-order scalable model that describes the thermal dynamics of coupled heat transfer, charge, and discharge processes among heating buildings is essential to unlocking the thermal storage potential of building mass and achieving space heating decarbonization. White-box models tend to be too complex and black-box models lack scalability. Thus, a low-order gray-box model with uncertain lumped parameters is proposed based on comprehensive heat transfer analyses and necessary assumptions. Thermal mass in heating buildings is divided into four independent heat storage units. The building envelope that can be heated directly or not is regarded as a different heat storage unit. To reduce the search space dimension of model identification, the decision variables are downsized to essential model parameters based on the sensitivity analysis. Moreover, a progressive dimension reduction method is introduced to further improve the probability that the optimization algorithm converges to a global minimum. Case studies show that the calibrated model with global optimal solutions of uncertain model parameters has a good performance on the prediction of the average temperature of indoor air, the average absolute error is only 0.1 °C. • A low-order gray-box model with uncertain parameters is built for heating buildings. • Thermal mass in heating buildings is divided into four independent heat storage units. • Uncertain model parameters can be reduced based on the sensitivity analysis. • The progressive dimension reduction method is proposed to find a global optimum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Strong interdependence of heat and power generation makes most existing power grids in northern China unfriendly to wind energy. However, wind energy has increased significantly in the past 15 years. Furthermore, most areas in northern China suffer from severe air pollution in winter, which is caused by the substandard emissions from coal-fired heat generators. Therefore, introducing power-to-heat devices and thermal energy storage (TES) system to the existing district energy system (DES) is an effective way to improve wind power integration, reduce operating costs, and bring considerable economic benefits. In order to determine the optimal configurations of additional power-to-heat devices and TES system, a novel two-layer economic optimization model has been proposed. In the outer layer of such model, the annual net profit (ANP) of each clean-heating project is calculated by introducing a traditional economic dispatch model. Regarding the outer layer, the solution space of varied clean-heating schemes is searched globally by the Genetic Algorithms. Results show that both introducing power-to-heat devices and TES equipment possess the highest economic potential. From the economical aspect, it is not necessary to integrate all available wind energy; thus, wind curtailments still exist after conducting the optimal clean-heating improvements. Highlights • A two-layer economic optimization model of clean-heating improvements was proposed. • Total fuel costs of the DES were calculated by an hourly economic dispatch model. • Economic potentials of varied clean-heating projects were compared quantitatively. • The uncertainty of economic parameters and their effects were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many wind farms in northern China have faced a worrying phenomenon “wind curtailment” during the heating seasons. The limited operating flexibility of combined heat and power (CHP) units is one of the major barriers to integrating wind energy. In this study, wind power integration is enhanced by using the free heat storage of the primary district heating network (DHN) and introducing extra heat pumps (HPs). A novel short-term dispatch model is proposed to minimize the total primary energy consumption (TPEC) of the district energy system (DES). After necessary linearization processes, the unit commitment problem can be solved efficiently and analytically by the interior point method. A test DES that contains a real large-scale DHN is utilized to verify the feasibility of the proposed dispatch model. In case studies, comparisons are made to evaluate the improvement of wind power integration and TPEC reduction under different operating scenarios. The results show that both heat storage utilization and electric HP introduction can reduce wind curtailment considerably, however, exhaust heat recycling has a better performance. In addition, using the existing heat storage of the primary DHN could reduce the TPEC of DES further even if electric HPs have already been used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Introducing distributed RESs in an existing DHS has a great energy-saving potential. • Two independent optimization modules are integrated to approach the optimal results. • Virtual split method is proposed to simplify the operating optimization of DHS. • Genetic algorithm is used to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the optimization. Integrating the combined heat and power (CHP) plants with distributed renewable energy stations (RESs) is an important way to promote the low-carbon development of district heating system (DHS) and to further achieve "carbon neutrality" goal in the future. However, when the total capacity of power-to-heat devices is determined by district energy planning, different configurations (quantity, location, and installed capacity allocation) of additional RESs show various energy-saving potential in the long-term operation of DHS. In this study, an integrated optimization model consisting two independent optimization modules is proposed, aiming at maximizing the comprehensive economic benefits of distributed RESs. A novel virtual split method is also introduced to simplify the operating optimization of DHS. In addition, to ensure the reliability and accuracy of optimization calculation, a heuristic optimization tool (genetic algorithm) is applied to solve these non-linear optimization problems. Case studies from a real trans -regional DHS indicate that a reasonable configuration of additional RESs optimizes and equalizes the distribution of pressure and flow in the primary DHN, and the heat dissipation of flow energy in regulating valves and transmission pipelines can be reduced considerably. The proposed integrated optimization model and its solving processes can be migrated to other similar projects worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) cryptic species complex comprises very destructive insect pests for agricultural crops worldwide. In China, the B. tabaci MED species (also known as biotype ‘Q’), has supplanted the MEAM1 species (biotype ‘B’) which is threatening agricultural production around the country. The new anthranilic diamide insecticide, cyantraniliprole, provides one novel step for the management of B. tabaci and the development of resistance to other insecticides. Ryanodine receptors of insect are the main target sites of the diamide insecticides. In this study, the full-length cDNA of a ryanodine receptor gene ( BtRyR ) was cloned and characterized from B. tabaci MED. The cDNAs of BtRyR contain a 15,369-bp open reading frame with encoding 5122 amino acids (GenBank ID: KY244091). BtRyR shares 76–83% identity with other insect RyR isoforms and 42–45% identity with vertebrate RyR isoforms. Spatial and temporal expression of BtRyR mRNA was at the highest relative level in pseudopupae and head, and at the lowest expression level in egg and abdomen. The expression levels of whole body BtRyR mRNA were increased remarkably after insecticide-treatments of adults with cyantraniliprole at 0.01 to 1 mg/l. This structural and expression data on BtRyR provides the basis for further understanding the selective action of cyantraniliprole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The steady-state thermal conditions of district heating (DH) systems refer to temperature distribution from production plants to consumers. Mathematical models of such networks can be applied, either for general understanding of the system, or in combination with production planning and optimization. In this study, the DH system configuration was simplified to two basic elements (branches and nodes), and a novel matrix simulation model was proposed. Because of its matrix form, the thermal simulation model can be solved quickly by matrix operations. In addition, this new model can represent the whole structure of a large DH system, and it is therefore, easy to change or add new components to an existing model. However, due to the uncertainty of some model parameters, the differences between predicted and observed temperature are usually unacceptable. Therefore, model parameters require calibration before obtaining useful results from simulation. In order to solve this problem efficiently and precisely, the aggregated heat conduction coefficient of pipelines was developed, which could reduce the number of uncertain parameters significantly. Furthermore, an implicit calibration method was introduced, and it could transfer the calibration problem to a typical programming problem. The optimal parameters of this simulation model can be obtained by minimizing a nonlinear objective function subject to a set of linear constraints with the help of a powerful searching technique (genetic algorithms). Advanced MATLAB Genetic Algorithm Solver was used in order to help program process more convenient. Moreover, the validity of this implicit calibration method was demonstrated by the observed data from a real DH system in Harbin. For uncalibrated model, the average absolute error of supply temperatures at all substations was 1.4 °C. But for calibrated model I and II, the average absolute error of supply temperatures were only 0.2 °C and 0.1 °C, respectively. Therefore, the accuracy of temperature prediction enhanced significantly after calibration and the proposed optimization method was validated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RNAi-based technologies have the potential to augment, or replace existing pest management strategies. However, some insect taxa are less susceptible to the induction of the post-transcriptional gene silencing effect than others, such as the Lepidoptera. Here we describe experiments to investigate the induction of RNAi in the codling moth, Cydia pomonella , a major lepidopteran pest of apple, pear, and walnut. Prior to a knockdown screen, fluorescently labeled small interfering RNA (siRNA) and double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) derived from green fluorescent protein (GFP) coding sequence were delivered to the surface of artificial diet to which neonate larvae were introduced and subsequently examined for the distribution of fluorescence in their tissues. Fluorescence was highly concentrated in the midgut but its presence in other tissues was equivocal. Next, dsRNAs were made for C . pomonella genes orthologous to those that have well defined deleterious phenotypes in Drosophila melanogaster . A screen was conducted using dsRNAs encoding cullin - 1 ( Cpcul1 ), maleless ( Cpmle ), musashi ( Cpmsi ), a homeobox gene ( CpHbx ), and pumilio ( Cppum ). The dsRNAs designed from these target genes were administered to neonate larvae by delivery to the surface of the growth medium. None of the dsRNA treatments affected larval viability, however Cpcul1 -dsRNA had a significant effect on larval growth, with the average length of larvae about 3 mm, compared to about 4 mm in the control groups. Measurement of Cpcul1 transcript levels by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed a dose-dependent RNAi effect in response to increasing amount of Cpcul1 -dsRNA. Despite their reduced size, Cpcul1 -dsRNA-treated larvae molted normally and matured to adulthood in a manner similar to controls. In an additional experiment, Cpcul1 -siRNA was found to induce similar stunting effect as that induced by Cpcul1 -dsRNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recycling heat from local industrial processes is one of the suitable and strategic opportunities for district heating all over the world. However, in northern China, the majority of low-grade energy has been wasted, the main difficulties are of an institutional and commercial character. The rapid development of renewables and constant promotion of time-of-use tariff policy has provided new chances for power-to-heat implementation and thermal energy storage. In this study, a general configuration optimization framework of additional waste heat recovery and storage (WHRS) devices is proposed, which is based on the cost-benefit analysis. Due to the implicit nature of such an optimization problem, conventional economic dispatch, two-stage branch evaluation, linear programming solver, and two kinds of advanced optimization algorithms (i.e., Genetic Algorithm and Pattern Search) have been integrated systematically. Moreover, case studies and sensitivity analyses are conducted to verify the feasibility of the proposed optimization model and to reveal the effects of uncertain economic parameters, respectively. The results show that the average time-consuming of Pattern Search is only 4.9% of the GA optimizations. When introducing additional WHRS devices with optimal configurations, the total operating costs decreased by 6.9% and the cost proportion of gas boiler declines remarkably from 8.6% to 2.0%. Image 1 • Formulate a general solving strategy based on the two-stage branch evaluation. • The feasible region can be expanded from discrete points to a continuous domain. • Simplify MINLP to a group of LP problems that can be solved quickly and precisely. • The effects of uncertain economic parameters are revealed by sensitivity studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is one of the world's most devastating crop pests, and many populations show high resistance to various insecticides. To determine B. tabaci susceptibility to flupyradifurone and understand mechanisms of resistance, we conducted field monitoring and cross-resistance, synergism, and metabolic enzyme activity assays with two resistant strains: Wuhan (WH) and Xiangyang (XY). Results showed that most field populations were highly susceptible to flupyradifurone. However, WH and XY populations, with resistance ratios of 21.95- and 29.03-fold, respectively, showed a low level of flupyradifurone resistance but no cross-resistance to imidacloprid or cyantraniliprole. Synergism tests demonstrated that piperonyl butoxide (PBO) and triphenyl phosphate (TPP) significantly inhibited flupyradifurone resistance in the XY strain, while PBO significantly inhibited resistance in the WH strain. Increased cytochrome P450 monooxygenase and esterase activity correlated with flupyradifurone resistance in the two resistant strains, indicating putative involvement of these enzymes in detoxification. By rotating flupyradifurone with other chemical agents that lack cross-resistance, development of resistance could be delayed, making flupyradifurone an effective agent for whitefly management in China. • Field resistance to flupyradifurone of B. tabaci in China were monitored in 2017, XY and WH strains showed low level of resistance. • Flupyradifurone showed no cross-resistance to imidacloprid and cyantraniliprole in the tested strains. • TPP and PBO showed significant synergism effects in the XY and WH strain, respectively. • P450 monooxygenases and esterases are possibly involved in flupyradifurone-resistance in XY and WH strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation exerts multiple effects on skin cells, inducing apoptosis, senescence and carcinogenesis. Toll-like receptor 3, a member of pattern recognition receptors, is reported to initiate inflammation by recognizing double-strand RNA (dsRNA) released from UVB-irradiated cells. It has not been studied, however, whether apoptosis induction in UVB irradiation is attributed to TLR3 activation. Here, we report on the pro-apoptotic role of TLR3 in UVB-irradiated epidermal cells. Poly I:C, an analogue of dsRNA that activates TLR3, was used in combination with sub-lethal UVB (4.8 mJ/cm 2 ) irradiation for investigating the effects of TLR3 activation on human immortalized keratinocyte HaCaT cells. Although sub-lethal dose of either Poly I:C or UVB alone did not induce cell death, UVB-Poly I:C co-treatment synergistically induced cell death by activation of caspase-3 and cleavages of ICAD and PARP, with apoptotic features when stained with Annexin V/PI or Hoechst 33342. Treatment with pan-caspase inhibitor, Z-VAD, attenuated UVB-Poly I:C-induced cell death. Silencing TLR3 by siRNA rescued HaCaT cells from UVB-Poly I:C-induced apoptosis. NF-κB, a major downstream component of TLR3 pathway, that usually negatively regulates the classical TLR3 apoptotic pathway, was analyzed by western blotting and immunofluorescence confocal microscopy. The results indicate to our surprise that NF-κB is translocated to nucleus in the cells co-treated with UVB-Poly I:C. The nuclear translocation of NF-κB is attenuated by TLR3 silencing. Treatment with BAY, an inhibitor of NF-κB pathway, blocked UVB-Poly I:C-induced apoptosis. Therefore, we conclude that NF-κB pathway plays a cytotoxic role in UVB-Poly I:C-treated HaCaT cells, mediating TLR3-related apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As well as arising from single point mutations in binding sites or detoxifying enzymes, it is likely that insecticide resistance mechanisms are frequently controlled by multiple genetic factors, resulting in resistance being inherited as a quantitative trait. However, empirical evidence for this is still rare. Here we analyse the causes of up-regulation of CYP6FU1, a monoxygenase implicated in resistance to deltamethrin in the rice pest Laodelphax striatellus. The 5′-flanking region of this gene was cloned and sequenced from individuals of a susceptible and a resistant strain. A luminescent reporter assay was used to evaluate different 5′-flanking regions and their fragments for promoter activity. Mutations enhancing promoter activity in various fragments were characterized, singly and in combination, by site mutation recovery. Nucleotide diversity in flanking sequences was greatly reduced in deltamethrin-resistant insects compared to susceptible ones. Phylogenetic sequence analysis found that CYP6FU1 had five different types of 5′-flanking region. All five types were present in a susceptible strain but only a single type showing the highest promoter activity was present in a resistant strain. Four cis-acting elements were identified whose influence on up-regulation was much more pronounced in combination than when present singly. Of these, two were new transcription factor (TF) binding sites produced by mutations, another one was also a new TF binding site alternated from an existing one, and the fourth was a unique transcription start site. These results demonstrate that multiple cis-acting elements are involved in up-regulating CYP6FU1 to generate a resistance phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Plant growth, biomass allocation and root distribution were investigated in the submerged macrophyte Vallisneria natans growing in heterogeneous sediments. Experimentally heterogeneous sediment environments were constructed by randomly placing 4cm of clay or sandy loam into the top (0–4cm) or bottom (4–8cm) layer within an experimental tray, providing two homogeneous and two heterogeneous treatments. Biomass accumulation was significantly affected by the experimental treatments: higher in the homogeneous sediment of clay (32mg per plant) and the two heterogeneous treatments (about 27mg per plant), but lower in the homogeneous sediment of sandy loam (15mg per plant). Root: shoot ratio was also different among the four treatments. Compared with the treatments of clay in the top layer, plants allocated more biomass to roots at the treatments of sandy loam in the top layer. Heterogeneous sediments significantly affected root distribution pattern. Compared with the treatments of sandy loam in the bottom layer, root number (7–8 versus 13–14) and total root length (3.6–4.0cm versus 29.5–40.0cm) in the bottom layer were significantly higher in the treatments with clay in the bottom layer. These results indicate that both sediment structure and nutrient availability influence growth and root system distribution of V. natans. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We compare multifocal intraocular lenses (MFIOLs) to monofocal IOLs for visual acuity (VA), contrast sensitivity, and adverse events using data from 21 randomized controlled trials with 2951 subjects. There was no statistical difference between uncorrected distance VA and corrected distance VA. Compared with monofocal IOLs, MFIOLs showed a better performance on uncorrected intermediate VA measured at 60 cm and uncorrected near VA; the mean differences were -0.06 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.10, -0.03) and -0.13 (95% CI: -0.20, -0.07). Distance-corrected intermediate VA and distance-corrected near VA were measured wearing distance correction. MFIOLs performed better than monofocal IOLs on distance-corrected intermediate VA at 60 cm and distance-corrected near VA; the mean differences were -0.09 (95% CI: -0.12, -0.06) and -0.31 (95% CI: -0.43, -0.19). The contrast sensitivity of the MFIOL group was lower than that of the monofocal IOL group; mean difference was -0.06 (95% CI: -0.11, -0.02). More patients were spectacle free in the MFIOL group; the risk ratio was 2.86 (95% CI: 1.73, 4.73). More patients were troubled by glare and halos in the MFIOL group; the risk ratios were 1.91 (95% CI: 1.24, 2.95) and 3.08 (95% CI: 2.11, 4.49). We conclude that, compared with monofocal IOLs, MFIOLs give patients better near vision and intermediate vision at 60 cm, both corrected and uncorrected. Patients undergoing MFIOLs implantation are more likely to be spectacle free but have a higher risk of glare, halos, and lower contrast sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Mitochondrial damage is involved in the pathogenesis of post-infarction cardiac injury. However, the upstream regulators of mitochondrial damage have not yet been identified. The aim of our study is to explore the role of Sirt3 in post-infarction cardiac injury with a particular focus on mitochondrial fission and AMPK-Drp1 pathways. Our results indicated that Sirt3 was downregulated in the progression of post-infarction cardiac injury. Overexpression of Sirt3 attenuated cardiac fibrosis, sustained myocardial function, inhibited the inflammatory response, and reduced cardiomyocyte death. Functional studies illustrated that chronic post-infarction cardiac injury was characterized by increased mitochondrial fission, which triggered mitochondrial oxidative stress, metabolic disorders, mitochondrial potential reduction and caspase-9 apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. However, Sirt3 overexpression attenuated mitochondrial fission and thus preserved mitochondrial homeostasis and cardiomyocyte viability. Furthermore, our results confirmed that Sirt3 repressed mitochondrial fission via normalizing AMPK-Drp1 pathways. Inhibition of AMPK activity re-activated Drp1 and thus abrogated the inhibitory effect of Sirt3 on mitochondrial fission. Altogether, our results indicate that Sirt3 enhancement could be an effective approach to retard the development of post-infarction cardiac injury via disrupting mitochondrial fission and normalizing the AMPK-Drp1 axis. Highlights • Overexpression of Sirt3 reduces cardiomyocyte death and cardiac fibrosis in post-infarcted hearts. • Sirt3 inhibits mitochondrial fission in post-infarcted hearts. • Inhibition of mitochondrial fission by Sirt3 maintains mitochondrial function. • Sirt3 regulates mitochondrial fission via modulating AMPK-Drp1 pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Hydraulic and dynamic heat model of indirect connection DHS was completely built. • Function of integration method was further improved for variable flow conditions. • A new integrated heat and power dispatch for wind power integration was proposed. • Built DHS model was embedded into IHPD model to truly use thermal inertia of DHS. • The effects of different operation modes of DHS on IHPD system were performed. Abstract The rational and effective operation regulation mode of a district heating system plays a significant role in heating feasibility, security, and energy savings of an integrate heat and power dispatch system for integrating fluctuating wind power. In this study, a new integrated heat and power dispatch model considering the thermal inertia of an indirect connection district heating system (including the district heating network and buildings) were proposed, in which complete hydraulic and dynamic thermal model of the indirect connection district heating system was first proposed and the function of the integration method was further improved for simulating the dynamic temperature distribution of a district heating network under variable flow conditions. On this basis, the operation regulation modes of the district heating system were respectively applied into the integrated heat and power dispatch model to analyse and compare their effects on an integrated heat and power dispatch system for wind power integration in terms of heating feasibility, security, and energy saving, in which a real indirect connection district heating system in Jilin Province was used. Results demonstrate that the proposed model can truly utilize the thermal inertia of an indirect connection district heating system to increase the wind power integration by regulating the operation of the heat source based on the optimal temperature and flow rate at the heat source and the predicted indoor temperature. Case studies show that applying the "variable temperature-variable flow control mode" to the integrated heat and power system is more economical, which is 0.9% less than the "variable temperature control mode" by reducing the pump power consumption and 2.9% less than the "centralized control with flow varied by steps mode" by promoting wind power integration. Therefore, the proposed integrated heat and power dispatch model can be applied to truly utilize the thermal inertia of an indirect connection district heating system for wind power integration and select the best operation regulation mode of the district heating system for wind power integration in an integrated heat and power dispatch system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing the thermal inertia of a district heating network (DHN) for thermal storage is considered an effective energy-saving method for improving the operational flexibility of combined heat and power (CHP) generation units for wind power integration in an integrated heat and power dispatch (IHPD) system. However, to truly utilize the thermal inertia of the DHN, the supply and return temperatures at the heat source are both necessary to regulate the district heating system (DHS) for wind power integration, whereas the heat output of CHP is not able to do that. Therefore, a new IHPD model that considers the thermal inertia of the DHN was formulated to improve the flexibility of CHP units for wind power integration, in which the first proposed integration model was used to completely simulate the dynamic temperature distribution of the DHS. The optimised supply and return temperatures at the heat source were then obtained to guide the operation regulation of DHS for wind power integration in actual engineering applications. Moreover, the stored thermal energy and the thermal storage rate of the DHN were quantitatively calculated to determine the thermal state of DHN. To analyse the effects of the proposed IHPD model, the approach was compared with a conventional heat and power dispatch model through a case study based on a real DHS. The results demonstrate the advantages of the proposed model in terms of wind power integration, energy saving and operation regulation of DHS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional control strategies in district heating system (DHS) are generally based on meteorological parameters and experience, which rarely consider user's energy-saving behaviors. In new heating mode that integrates heating metering and temperature control, the application of on-off temperature control valves (on-off TCV) makes it possible for users to save energy. This paper proposes a control strategy of DHS that integrates characteristics of user's energy-saving behaviors and realizes combined control of feedforward and feedback. Firstly, we identify user's heating usage based on set indoor temperature and TCV's closing time ratio, and divide regulation periods; secondly, the TCV's closing time ratio of system is used to predict heat load of different regulation periods under different heating modes; finally, the deviation between target indoor temperature and actual value is used to dynamically correct heat load, and then supply curve is obtained and applied. The results show that prediction accuracy is improved. Meanwhile, user's indoor temperature is closer to target value and the system realized energy-saving operation. The energy-saving rates are 4.6%, 2.63% and 19.83% respectively in early cold, alpine cold and late cold periods. Throughout heating season, the proportion of TCV's closing time has a little change and the hydraulic condition is stable. • Integrating laws of user's energy-saving behavior into system's control strategy. • Identifying regulation periods under different heating modes based on the laws. • Introducing into ratio of valve's closing time to optimize prediction model. • Adopting dynamic feedback correction based on prediction. • Carrying out compound control combined feedforward and feedback. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Intermittent heating mode was applied in IHPD systems for wind power integration. • An innovative dual hydraulic parameter calibration method was proposed. • A novel method of optimizing heating start-stop time was developed. • Dynamic hydraulic and thermal conditions of complex DHS were completely simulated. • Effects of intermittent heating mode on IHPD systems were performed. Applying an intermittent heating mode (IHM) in district heating systems (DHSs) during a period of wind power curtailment can effectively decrease the heat demands of the DHSs and increase the operational flexibility of the combined heat and power generation units. Accordingly, it is possible to integrate additional wind power into an integrated heat and power dispatch (IHPD) system. In this study, a new IHPD model with the application of the IHM was built to promote wind power integration. In the IHPD model, to obtain the dynamic hydraulic and thermal conditions of the DHSs and ensure the feasibility of applying the IHM for wind power integration in actual engineering applications, a novel dual hydraulic parameter calibration method was proposed, and an innovative method for determining the optimal heating start-stop times under the IHM was developed. Afterward, the dynamic hydraulic and thermal models of the DHS under the IHM (including corresponding regulation methods) were completely built and embedded into the IHPD model. The effects of the IHM on the IHPD system and optimized hydraulic-thermal characteristics of the DHS were analyzed, based on a real DHS featuring multiple heat sources and looped networks. The results demonstrate that applying the IHM to an IHPD system can significantly increase the operational flexibility of the combined heat and power unit; it can also increase the wind power integration rate from 70.8% to 92.2%, as determined based on a case study. Therefore, the IHM is recommended for application in IHPD systems to promote wind power integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RNA interference (RNAi) efficiency dramatically varies among different insects and among administration methods. Numerous studies have revealed that a poor RNAi response is usually associated with a high double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-degrading activity. Using the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum , we conducted genome-wide identification of genes encoding dsRNA-degrading nucleases of the DNA/RNA non-specific endonuclease superfamily. To achieve a robust RNAi response in T. castaneum , four dsRNase genes were identified in the genome that seemed to be the potential factors reducing RNAi efficacy. Analysis of biochemical properties revealed that optimal conditions for the dsRNA-degrading activity were alkaline (pH 8.0) in the absence of Mg2+ at 37 °C. The dsRNA-degrading activity was predominantly present in the gut, and via heterologous expression and RNAi experimentation, gut-specific TcdsRNase1 was confirmed as the major nuclease performing dsRNA degradation. After a knockdown of the TcdsRNase1 nuclease activity, RNAi efficiency improved from 38.6% to 58.9% and from 20.9% to 53.9% for injection and ingestion of dsRNA, respectively. Our results contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms influencing dsRNA stability and even RNAi efficiency in T. castaneum and point to a good method for improving RNAi efficiency through downregulation of the relevant nuclease activity. Image 1 • We identified four Tribolium castaneum dsRNase genes from the DNA/RNA non-specific endonuclease family. • Optimal biochemical conditions for the dsRNA-degrading activity were found. • TcdsRNase1 was the major nuclease degrading dsRNA. • A knockdown of TcdsRNase1 nuclease activity improved efficiency of RNAi based on either injection or ingestion of dsRNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]