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Jingfang Granule (JFG) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine prescription to empirically treat skin disease such as urticaria in clinical practice. However, the potential mechanisms of JFG on urticaria are not fully defined.The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanisms of JFG in treating urticaria through an OVA/aluminum hydroxide induced urticaria mice model.KM mice were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with OVA/aluminium hydroxide to establish the model with urticaria. After the mice were administered JFG, itching degree and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining were used to assess the protective effect of JFG on mice with urticaria. The regulatory networks were investigated by proteomics and central carbon metabolomics. Spleen T lymphocyte subsets were detected by flow cytometry. Peripheral blood cytokines were detected using ELISA kits or Cytometric Bead Array (CBA) kits. The protein expression of skin tissue was detected by western blot or immunohistochemical staining.JFG significantly relived skin tissue lesions and skin pruritus in mice with urticaria. Meanwhile, JFG significantly decreased IgE, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-4, TNF-α and IL-17A levels and increased IFN-γ levels in the serum of urticaria mice by inhibiting the expression of inflammation associated proteins including TLR4 and p-NF-κB p65, p-ERK1/2, p-JNK and p-p38, NLRP3, ASC and cleaved caspase-1. The results of proteomics, central carbon metabolomics, western blot and immunohistochemical staining confirmed that JFG inhibited Glycolysis/Gluconeogenesis and Pentose phosphate pathway in the skin tissue of urticaria mice by activating the LKB1/AMPK/SIRT1 axis and then downregulating the protein expressions of Glut1, TORC2, p-CREB, PEPCK, HNF4α and G6Pase.The current study demonstrates that JFG is effective in treating OVA/aluminum hydroxide-induced skin lesions and inflammation in mice, and JFG exhibits the clinical benefits via modulating LKB1/AMPK/SIRT1 axis, which in turn inhibits Glycolysis/Gluconeogenesis and Pentose phosphate pathway.

Background Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an autoimmune mediated inflammatory disease that causes serious economic burden to mankind. Previous studies reported that Jingfang Granules (JFG) had an anti-inflammatory effect. However, there are few studies of JFG on AIH. The aim of the study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of JFG on AIH and its mechanisms of action. Methods The animal model of AIH was constructed by intravenous injection of Concanavalin A (Con A). JFG treatment was given by intragastric gavage (ig) after an hour later of injected Con A. Serum and liver tissues were collected after 24 h treatment. Mortality, histology, levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in serum were to evaluate therapeutic effect of JFG. The apoptosis of hepatocyte was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP biotin nick end labeling assay (TUNEL). The expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 Associated X (Bax), Cleaved-Caspase 3, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa B p65 (NF-κB), Mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways associated proteins, CS, IDH1, ACLY, SUCLG1, and SUCLA2 were measured by western blot. The inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ and anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) were checked by ELISA. The possible target mechanism of JFG in the treatment of AIH was explored by proteomics and metabolomics. Results The results showed that JFG substantially alleviated Con A-mediated hepatitis in mice, which was shown by increased survival rates, decreased of liver injury, aminotransferase, hepatocyte necrosis, and apoptosis. JFG could also regulate the production of inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-10) by reduced the activation of TLR4/NF-κB and MAPK pathways. In addition, it was found that JFG could inhibit the inflammatory pathway by regulating tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle activity. Conclusions These results suggested that JFG played a therapeutic role in Con A-induced AIH by inhibiting liver injury, apoptosis, and inhibiting inflammatory pathway by regulating TCA cycle.

Diabetic skin ulcer is one of the most common complications in patients suffering diabetes mellitus. Xanthohumol (XN), a hop-derived prenylated dietary flavonoid, has multiple health beneficial bioactivities. In the present study, we reported XN alleviates oxidative damage and accelerates diabetic wound healing via Nrf2 activation. In vitro, XN attenuated hydrogen peroxide (H

Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) promotes the oxidative stress of keratinocytes, eventually causing cell damage. The natural bromophenol bis (2,3,6-tribromo-4,5-dihydroxybenzyl) ether (BTDE) from marine red algae has been reported to have a varied bioactivity, however, its antioxidant effect has yet to be investigated systemically. Our present work aimed to explore the antioxidant effect of BTDE both on the molecular and cellular models and also to illustrate the antioxidant mechanisms. Our results showed that BTDE could effectively scavenge ABTS free radicals and protect HaCaT cells from damage induced by H2O2. Mechanism studies in HaCaT cells demonstrated that BTDE attenuated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced ROS production, reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) level, decreased the oxidized glutathione (GSSG)/glutathione (GSH) ratio, and increased the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD). Moreover, BTDE could inhibit the expression of Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and increase the expression of both nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream proteins TrXR1, HO-1, and NQO1. BTDE also activated the upstream signaling pathway of Nrf2 such as AKT pathway, while not activating the ERK or AMPKα pathways. In general, BTDE is a promising antioxidant to protect HaCaT cells against oxidative damage via Nrf2-mediated pathways.

A simple phase-inversion method is employed to achieve anode-supported micro-tubular solid oxide fuel cells based on BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.1Yb0.1O3-δ proton conducting electrolyte. The whole-cell configuration is Ni-BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.1Yb0.1O3-δ|BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.1Yb0.1O3-δ | La0.75Sr0.25MnO3-δ-Sm0.2Ce0.8O2-δ. The novel asymmetric structure of “sponge-like micro-pores electrode | homogeneous porous functional layer” is obtained. The results achieved in the present work include: i) the electrodes reveal the single phase collected by the powder X-Ray Diffractometer analysis; ii) the single cell exhibits uniform distribution of micro sponge-like pores electrodes are well-adhered to the dense, crack-free 12 μm thick electrolyte layer observed by Scanning Electron Microscope; iii) the cells show excellent electrochemical performance with the maximum power densities of 1.01, 0.89, 0.75 and 0.58 W·cm−2 at 750, 700, 650 and 600 °C, respectively, characterized by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy; iv) the cell design especially reveal very low concentration polarization values (0.014–0.019 Ω·cm2 at 750–600 °C).

This study employed a simple phase-inversion method to achieve anode-supported micro-tubular solid oxide fuel cells on the basis of the BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.1Yb0.1O3−δ proton conducting electrolyte. The typical cell with configuration of Ni–BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.1Yb0.1O3−δ|BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.1Yb0.1O3−δ|La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-δ-Sm0.2Ce0.8O2-δ. The novel “sponge-like micro-pores electrode | homogeneous porous functional layer” asymmetric pore structure is obtained. Achieved results include: i) the electrodes revealed the single phase collected by the powder X-Ray Diffractometer analysis; ii) observed by Scanning Electron Microscope, the single cell presenting uniform distribution of micro sponge-like pores electrode was well-adhered to the dense and crack-free 12 μm thick electrolyte layer; iii) the cells showed excellent electrochemical performance with the maximum power densities of 1.070, 0.976, 0.815, and 0.700 W cm−2 at 750, 700, 650 and 600 °C, respectively, characterized by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy; iv) the designed cell clearly indicated a very low concentration polarization value (0.01 and 0.02 Ω cm2 at 750 and 700 °C). Our findings provide a promising approach to improve intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells performance by optimizing the electrode-electrolyte interface microstructure, based on proton and oxide ion mixed conductor electrolytes.

Tape casting is conventionally used to prepare individual, relatively thick components (i.e., the anode or electrolyte supporting layer) for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). In this research, a multilayer ceramic structure is prepared by sequentially tape casting ceramic slurries of different compositions onto a Mylar carrier followed by co-sintering at 1400 °C. The resulting half-cells contains a 300 μm thick NiO–yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) anode support, a 20 μm NiO–YSZ anode functional layer, and an 8 μm YSZ electrolyte membrane. Complete SOFCs are obtained after applying a Gd0.1Ce0.9O2 (GDC) barrier layer and a Sm0.5Sr0.5CoO3 (SSC) -GDC cathode by using a wet-slurry spray method. The 50 mm × 50 mm SOFCs produce peak power densities of 337, 554, 772, and 923 mW/cm2 at 600, 650, 700, and 750 °C, respectively, on hydrogen fuel. A short stack including four 100 mm × 150 mm cells is assembled and tested. Each stack repeat unit (one cell and one interconnect) generates around 28.5 W of electrical power at a 300 mA/cm2 current density and 700 °C.

Microwave-assisted rock fracturing has been widely applied to satisfy increasing demands for safety, high efficiency and energy saving. During microwave irradiation, rock damage occurs as a result of the irregular distribution of induced temperatures and resulting thermal stresses. This non-uniform temperature distribution may develop from either (1) intrinsic rock heterogeneity, or (2) from the impingement of a heterogeneous or focused electromagnetic field density. However, prior models have rarely been concerned with the impact of the latter phenomenon and no rational methods to define the accurate location of the initial fracturing are available. A nested spherical mechanical model is proposed to address this deficiency where the heated volume is divided into three zones: an interior high temperature zone (H zone), a transition zone (T zone) and a low temperature external zone (L zone). The thermal stress coupling coefficient is defined. The proposed model is verified against experiments conducted in this work and by others. As a result of this mechanical model, the geometric dimensions of the three regions have an important influence on the variation of the maximum compressive/tensile stress. The thermal stress coupling coefficient is closely related to the location of the maximum compressive/tensile stress and the thermal stress distribution. Fractures develop first in the extensional T zone. The proposed model enables the prediction of the likelihood, location and severity of fracturing to develop and therefore enables the potential optimization of the fracturing process.

In the field of power engineering, in order to promote the integration of various types of information resources, the demand for power enterprise information database platforms is increasing. The power enterprise information automation system can guarantee the reliability of the power system operation and the security of the power grid system. During the operation, it can make the work of employees more convenient. This paper proposes a model of power enterprise information database construction based on data mining and ERP technology to form a standardized collection of basic information for power enterprises. By using data mining technology, the information needed can be searched from a large amount of data information. The application of data mining technology in the information automation control system of power enterprise is of great significance, which promotes the development and innovation of power enterprise and improves the economic benefits of power enterprise.

The high pressure turbine is subjected to the inlet hot gas resulting from the combustor, which is generally non-uniform. The strong non-uniform temperature at the turbine inlet is known as...

A simple modification of a conventional nickel-yttria stabilized zirconia (Ni-YSZ) anode for a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) by BaCO3 can enhance the coking resistance of the anode in carbon-containing fuels. In this study, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and thermo-gravimetric analysis are used to investigate the chemical reactions among BaCO3, NiO, and YSZ to understand the phase formation and compositions during fabrication process. Our results indicate that BaCO3 reacts readily with YSZ to produce a BaZr1−xYxO3−δ (BZY) phase at temperatures higher than 900 °C. For the mixture of BaCO3 and NiO, both BaNiO3 and BaNiO2.36 are formed at 900 °C, which are unstable at elevated temperatures, in the presence of YSZ, or under a reducing atmosphere. The results imply that a BZY/YSZ-BaO/Ni anode can be easily created by a simple heat-treatment (e.g., during cell fabrication) and a subsequent reducing process (e.g., exposure to the fuel) of a mixture consisting of BaCO3, NiO, and YSZ.

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) with graded porous cathode were fabricated via a multilayer tape casting and co-firing technique, which is a low-cost and reproducible fabrication process. The effects of pore formers on the electrochemical performance of graded cathode are studied to minimize cathodic polarization resistance. Examination of the microstructures reveals that the multilayer single cell had no delamination, observable cracks, or other large defects. The cell prepared by the co-firing process exhibits low interfacial polarization resistance and high power density at the operating temperature range of 700–800 °C. This simple fabrication technique can be used for optimization of electrode microstructures and cost-effective fabrication of high-performance SOFCs.

Part I of this study presented a computational model-based approach for enhancing the performance of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) with designed microarchitecture. The performance of such SOFCs was predicted to greatly improve through a systematic computational design and optimization approach. Part II here proves through experimental fabrication and characterization that microarchitectured SOFC performance can be improved as predicted by the model. A real and specific SOFC is chosen, fabricated and characterized to demonstrate the proof-of-concept. Fabrication techniques using sintering and laser ablation are demonstrated. Pore size and geometry are characterized by interferometry-based surface profilometry and scanning electron microscopy. SOFC button cell performance testing including power output performance and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy are performed. The results show that SOFC performance in a microarchitectured cell can be improved over a baseline button cell by 9–17% in current density and by 7–19% in power density.

A relatively high open circuit voltage (OCV) of 1.047 V at 600 °C was reported recently for a cell based on a BaZr 0.1 Ce 0.7 Y 0.1 Yb 0.1 O 3–δ (BZCYYb)-NiO anode-supported thin SDC electrolyte, demonstrating a peak power density of 0.50 W/cm 2 . In this study, an equivalent circuit model was developed for interpreting the behavior of this SDC-based SOFC. The mechanism behind the high OCV and the corresponding high peak power density were elucidated via separating the polarization processes and the corresponding characteristic frequencies, especially those for oxygen ion diffusion through the interlayer at the anode/electrolyte interface. Theoretical analysis and data fitting based on the presented circuit model indicate that the inter-diffusion layer between Ni-BZCYYb and SDC effectively suppresses electronic conduction while maintaining the catalytic activity and ionic conductivity. More importantly, careful analysis of the characteristic frequencies offers a powerful approach to assigning a specific part of the impedance data (e.g., an impedance arc or loop) to the corresponding physicochemical process. Further, any sharp change in the characteristic frequency for a physicochemical process also reflects a change in the inherent nature of that process under the testing conditions. Once validated by more experimental results under a broader range of testing conditions, the presented equivalent circuit model, in turn, may be used to predict fuel cell performances and optimize the operating conditions.

Carbon deposition on nickel anodes degrades the performance of solid oxide fuel cells that utilize hydrocarbon fuels. Nickel anodes with BaO nanoclusters deposited on the surface exhibit improved performance by delaying carbon deposition (i.e., coking). The goal of this research was to visualize early stage deposition of carbon on nickel surface and to identify the role BaO nanoclusters play in coking resistance. Electrostatic force microscopy was employed to spatially map carbon deposition on nickel foils patterned with BaO nanoclusters. Image analysis reveals that upon propane exposure initial carbon deposition occurs on the Ni surface at a distance from the BaO features. With continued exposure, carbon deposits penetrate into the BaO-modified regions. After extended exposure, carbon accumulates on and covers BaO. The morphology and spatial distribution of deposited carbon was found to be sensitive to experimental conditions.

Coking is a major cause of performance degradation of Ni-based anodes in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) powered by carbon-containing fuels. While modification of Ni surfaces using a thin coating of BaO, BaZr0.9Y0.1O3–d (BZY), and BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.1Yb0.1O3–d (BZCYYb) was reported to alleviate the problem, the mechanism is yet to be understood. In this study, in situ Raman spectroscopy and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) are used to probe the surface chemistry of BaO, BZY, and BZCYYb. Analyses of the time-resolved spectral features of C–C bonds, −OH groups, and −CO3 groups reveal the interactions between surface functional groups and gas species (hydrocarbon, water steam, and CO2). While the switching from −OH to −CO3 groups is irreversible on BaO surfaces, it becomes reversible on both BZY and BZCYYb surfaces. Although the −OH mediated carbon removal is observed on the surfaces of all three catalysts, the −CO3 is found effective for carbon removal only on the BZCYYb surface.

Thermally robust and chemically inert Ag@SiO2 nanoprobes are employed to provide the surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) effect for an in situ/operando study of the early stage of carbon deposition on nickel-based solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anodes. The enhanced sensitivity to carbon enables the detection of different stages of coking, offering insights into intrinsic coking tolerance of material surfaces. Application of a thin coating of gadolinium doped ceria (GDC) enhances the resistance to coking of nickel surfaces. The electrochemically active Ni-YSZ interface appears to be more active for hydrocarbon reforming, resulting in the accumulation of different hydrocarbon molecules, which can be readily removed upon the application of an anodic current. Operando SERS is a powerful tool for the mechanistic study of coking in SOFC systems. It is also applicable to the study of other catalytic and electrochemical processes in a wide range of conditions.

Information from ex situ characterization can fall short in describing complex materials systems simultaneously exposed to multiple external stimuli. Operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) was used to probe the local atomistic and electronic structure of specific elements in a La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O(3-δ) (LSCF) thin film cathode exposed to air contaminated with H2O and CO2 under operating conditions. While impedance spectroscopy showed that the polarization resistance of the LSCF cathode increased upon exposure to both contaminants at 750 °C, XAS near-edge and extended fine structure showed that the degree of oxidation for Fe and Co decreases with increasing temperature. Synchrotron-based X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy tracked the formation and removal of a carbonate species, a Co phase, and different oxygen moieties as functions of temperature and gas. The combined information provides insight into the fundamental mechanism by which H2O and CO2 cause degradation in the cathode of solid oxide fuel cells.

Yttrium and indium co-doped barium zirconate is investigated to develop a chemically stable and sintering active proton conductor for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). BaZr0.8Y0.2-xInxO3- δ possesses a pure cubic perovskite structure. The sintering activity of BaZr0.8Y0.2-xInxO3- δ increases significantly with In concentration. BaZr0.8Y0.15In0.05O3- δ (BZYI5) exhibits the highest total electrical conductivity among the sintered oxides. BZYI5 also retains high chemical stability against CO2, vapor, and reduction of H2. The good sintering activity, high conductivity, and chemical stability of BZYI5 facilitate the fabrication of durable SOFCs based on a highly conductive BZYI5 electrolyte film by cost-effective ceramic processes. Fully dense BZYI5 electrolyte film is successfully prepared on the anode substrate by a facile drop-coating technique followed by co-firing at 1400 °C for 5 h in air. The BZYI5 film exhibits one of the highest conductivity among the BaZrO3-based electrolyte films with various sintering aids. BZYI5-based single cells output very encouraging and by far the highest peak power density for BaZrO3-based proton-conducting SOFCs, reaching as high as 379 mW cm−2 at 700 °C. The results demonstrate that Y and In co-doping is an effective strategy for exploring sintering active and chemically stable BaZrO3-based proton conductors for high performance proton-conducting SOFCs.

aInterdisciplinary School of Green Energy, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 689-798, Korea bSchool of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA cFuel Cell Laboratory, New and Renewable Energy Research Division, Korea Institute of Energy Research, Daejeon 305-343, Korea dDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Dong-Eui University, Busan 614-714, Korea

As e-commerce continues to develop, many colleges and universities have reformed their talent training accordingly. In particular, Shenzhen Tourism College of Jinan University has conducted continuous and in-depth exploration of the training mode established for e-commerce professionals. By interviewing previous graduates and tracing their career trajectories, this paper explored the adaptability of the existing talent training model to social demand, and summarized the talent training approaches that meet market demand. With Shenzhen Qianhai Patozon Network Technology Co., Ltd. as a study case, e-commerce graduates and the top management were interviewed to obtain insights into the professional knowledge and skill learning experience of senior executives at college. In addition, the influence of undergraduate talent training on the formation of innovation and entrepreneurship consciousness was discussed. Finally, corresponding measures and suggestions were proposed for enhancing the talent training plan and reforming the e-commerce major.

Cermet membranes composited of Ni and doped barium cerate have been widely studied for hydrogen separation; however, their practical application is limited primarily by the relatively low permeation rate and instability of doped barium cerate in H2O and CO2 containing gases. Here we report our findings on the development of a thin-film cermet membrane consisting of Ni and BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.1Yb0.1O3−δ (BZCYYb), supported on a porous Ni–BZCYYb substrate. High fluxes of 1.12 and 0.49 ml min−1 cm−2 have been demonstrated at 900 °C and 700 °C, respectively, when hydrogen was used as the feed gas on one side and N2 as the sweep gas on the other side. Most importantly, the high-performance membrane can be easily fabricated by a cost-effective particle-suspension coating/co-firing process, offering great promise for large scale hydrogen separation applications.