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AbstractErastin is the most classical small molecular ferroptosis inducer but its clinical application is hindered due to its poor solubility. Nanotechnology has been used to improve ferroptosis inducer erastin’s solubility. The recently reported erastin-incorporated nanosystems (e.g., nanoparticulate ferritin, poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether-blockpoly(lactide-co-glycolide) (mPEG-PLGA) nanoparticle, exosome, and liposome) could to some degree elevate its solubility, but were still poor in loading capacity. To be specific, the maximum entrapment efficiency and drug loading in previous studies were approximately 36% and 3.7%, respectively. In order to improve drug loading capacity, we constructed a novel carrier based on Vitamin E d-α-Tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) and polyvinyl caprolactam-polyvinyl acetate-polyethylene glycol graft copolymer (Soluplus®) blended micelles. The erastin@TPGS/Soluplus® micelles were prepared by thin film hydration method, and formulation details including dosage of Soluplus®, the weight ratio of TPGS to Soluplus®, the weight ratio of erastin to TPGS/Soluplus® were optimized. The physicochemical properties of the erastin micelles were measured by DLS, TEM, FTIR, and TG-DSC analysis. The products exhibited a nanoscale and uniform particle size (78.11 ± 0.54 nm) and neutral surface charge (-0.43 ± 0.32 mV). Significantly improved entrapment efficiency (89.63 ± 1.81%) and drug loading rate (10.03 ± 0.14%) were obtained, which was over 2-fold of current reports. The in vitro release study demonstrated that erastin could release in a sustained yet complete manner, and the drug release might be governed by multiple mechanisms including anomalous diffusion of non-Fickian diffusion, matrix erosion and sustained release. In summary, this proposed erastin nanosystem provides a new strategy for improving loading capacity, and may probably augment ferroptosis-inducing therapy for cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a health microorganism closely related to human life, especially in food and pharmaceutical industries. S. cerevisiae W303a and CEN.PK2-1C are two commonly used strains for synthetic biology-based natural product production. Yet, the metabolomic and transcriptomic differences between these two strains have not been compared. In this study, metabolomics and transcriptomics were applied to analyze the differential metabolites and differential expression genes (DEGs) between W303a and CEN.PK2-1C cultured in YPD and SD media. The growth rate of W303a in YPD medium was the lowest compared with other groups. When cultured in YPD medium, CEN.PK2-1C produced more phenylalanine than W303a; when cultured in SD medium, W303a produced more phospholipids than CEN.PK2-1C. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that 19 out of 22 genes in glycolysis pathway were expressed at higher levels in CEN.PK2-1C than that in W303a no matter which media were used, and three key genes related to phenylalanine biosynthesis including ARO9, ARO7 and PHA2 were up-regulated in CEN.PK2-1C compared with W303a when cultured in YPD medium, whereas seven DEGs associated with phospholipid biosynthesis were up-regulated in W303a compared with CEN.PK2-1C when cultured in SD medium. The high phenylalanine produced by CEN.PK2-1C and high phospholipids produced by W303a indicated that CEN.PK2-1C may be more suitable for synthesis of natural products with phenylalanine as precursor, whereas W303a may be more appropriate for synthesis of phospholipid metabolites. This finding provides primary information for strain selection between W303a and CEN.PK2-1C for synthetic biology-based natural product production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) materials with many intriguing properties have attracted much attention in photocatalysis. The photocatalytic activity of g‐C3N4 is hindered by serious aggregation and limited exposed active sites. Herein is shown that nanosized g‐C3N4 can be simply obtained by a superfast high‐pressure homogenization approach. The high‐pressure homogenization treatment can provide strong force to cut and/or to exfoliate the bulk g‐C3N4 into nanosized g‐C3N4 with good dispersion. Moreover, choosing different solvents during treatment can cause a different surface structure of as‐prepared nanosized g‐C3N4. In addition, the narrow bandgap properties, the high photogenerated charge carrier separation, and the transport abilities are achieved in as‐prepared nanosized g‐C3N4 because of the retaining conjugated C3N4 system. Specifically, the photocatalytic activities of as‐prepared nanosized g‐C3N4 have been significantly enhanced in terms of degradation of organic dye Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation (10 times higher than that of bulk g‐C3N4). These findings can provide a promising and simple approach to the exfoliation, nanonization, and surface functionalization of 2D layered materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alasdair MacIntyre doubts that Confucianism can discuss the relationship between individuals and community because he maintains that it is impossible to discuss the topic in depth without a Western conception of individual rights. In this article, I show that Neo-Confucianism pays extensive attention to the relationship between individuals and community by working through several Chinese thinkers' theories from the 11th to the 17th centuries. Neo-Confucianism seems to be focused on the exploration of the common principles of a community, but its real intention is ensuring the fundamentality of individual selves and making up for limitations caused by an excess of individual limitations. Thus, a new relationship is formed between individuals and community; that is, all individuals are equal and the common principles of community are independent of any individual. In order to make each individual harmonize with common principles, some mainstream Neo-Confucian thinkers attached great importance to the effort (gongfu 工夫) of "eliminating personal desires" (qu renyu 去人欲) since they thought that personal desires represented a selfish appeal that contradicts common principles. Influenced by this line of thinking, Neo-Confucianism fell into the predicament where individuals were suppressed, but this shortcoming was corrected in its later stage by defending the right to satisfy individual desires for survival. This study shows that Neo-Confucian discourse has given much thought to the problem of the relationship between individuals and community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The freestream turbulence intensity is an important parameter for Tollmien–Schlichting waves and is also used as one of the key variables for the local- and transport-equation-based transition model in the simulations. To obtain the similar turbulence level in the vicinity to the aircraft as the turbulence intensity measured in a wind tunnel or in free-flight conditions, the sustaining turbulence term can be used for the transition model. It is important to investigate the model behavior when the sustaining turbulence is coupled with the frequently used SST-variants for transitional flows. Additionally, it is essential to obtain a nearly independent solution using the same transition model for different users on different meshes with similar grid resolution for purposes of verification and validation. So far, the relevant work has not been performed sufficiently and the sustaining turbulence technology introduces non-independent results into the freestream values. Thus, a modified sustaining turbulence approach is adopted and investigated in several test cases, including a computational effort on NACA0021 test case at 10 angles of attack. The results indicate that the modified sustaining turbulence in conjunction with the SST-2003 turbulence model yields results nearly independent to the freestream value of ω for the prediction of both streamwise and crossflow transition for two-dimensional flows without increasing computational effort too much. For three-dimensional flow, the sensitivity to initial value of ω is reduced significantly as well in comparison to the SST-based transition model, and it is highly recommended to use present sustaining turbulence technology in conjunction with the SST-2003-based transition model for engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The voltage-gated sodium channels play a key role in the generation and propagation of the cardiac action potential. Emerging data indicate that the Na v 1.8 channel, encoded by the SCN10A gene, is a modulator of cardiac conduction and variation in the gene has been associated with arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation (AF) and Brugada syndrome (BrS). The voltage gated sodium channels contain a calmodulin (CaM)-binding IQ domain involved in channel slow inactivation, we here investigated the role of CaM regulation of Na v 1.8 channel function, and showed that CaM enhanced slow inactivation of the Na v 1.8 channel and hyperpolarized steady-state inactivation curve of sodium currents. The effects of CaM on the channel gating were disrupted in the Na v 1.8 channel truncated IQ domain. We studied Na v 1.8 IQ domain mutations associated with AF and BrS, and found that a BrS-linked mutation (R1863Q) reduced the CaM-induced hyperpolarization shift, AF-linked mutations (R1869C and R1869G) disrupted CaM-induced enhanced inactivation, and effects of CaM on both development and recovery from slow inactivation were attenuated in all pathogenic mutations. Our findings indicate a role of CaM in the regulation of Na v 1.8 channel function in cardiac arrhythmias. • Na v 1.8 IQ domain mutations associated with arrhythmia. • CaM regulated Na v 1.8 channel availability and enhanced steady-state inactivation. • CaM regulated Na v 1.8 gating by interacting with the IQ domain. • Arrhythmias mutations in the IQ domain abrogated the hyperpolarization shift induced by CaM. • Arrhythmias mutations perturbed CaM regulation of the Na v 1.8 channel gating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of hyperuricemia (HUA) and gout is associated with dysbiosis of the gut microbiota. Quercetin can reduce serum uric acid levels and thus alleviate HUA by modulating the gut microbiota. However, the detailed mechanisms involved in this process are not fully understood. Here, we showed that quercetin significantly reduced the serum uric acid level in a chicken HUA model by altering the chicken cecal microbiota structure and function and increasing the abundance of Lactobacillus aviarius. An L. aviarius strain, CML180, was isolated from the quercetin-treated chicken gut microbiota. Strain characterization indicated that quercetin promoted the growth of L. aviarius CML180 and increased its adhesion, hydrophobicity, and co-aggregation abilities. Gavage of live L. aviarius CML180 to a mouse model of HUA—established by adenosine and potassium oxonate—reduced the serum uric acid level and alleviated HUA. The ability of L. aviarius CML180 to decrease the level of uric acid was due to its degradation of purine nucleosides, which are the precursors for uric acid production. A nucleoside hydrolase gene, nhy69 , was identified from the genome of L. aviarius CML180, and the resulting protein, Nhy69, exhibited strong purine nucleoside-hydrolyzing activity at mesophilic temperature and neutral pH conditions. These findings provide mechanistic insights into the potential of quercetin to treat HUA or gout diseases via a specific gut microbe. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anatase/brookite TiO2-Bi2WO6 multiheterojunction photocatalyst (TabB) has been synthesized via solvothermal method and its physiochemical properties compared with anatase TiO2-Bi2WO6 (TaB) and brookite TiO2-Bi2WO6 (TbB) with single-heterojunction structure. Based on X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and photoluminescence (PL) analyses, a heterojunction was formed between TiO2 and Bi2WO6 crystals. All of the TaB, TbB, and TabB samples consisted of free plate-like Bi2WO6 particles covered by many TiO2 nanoparticles. Compared with pure TiO2 (anatase and brookite), the absorption band edge of TabB was red-shifted and the bandgap decreased. The photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared samples under visible-light irradiation was investigated using rhodamine B (RhB), revealing photocatalytic activity in the order TabB > TaB > TbB. The heterojunction structure played a vital role in enhancing charge carrier separation and thus enhancing the photocatalytic activity. The related mechanism of the heterojunction photocatalyst is systematically discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) is evidenced to be effective in the prevention and alleviation of metabolic disorders, including obesity, diabetes and fatty liver disease. However, the role of GBE in alleviating fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS) in laying hens and the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Here, we investigated the effects of GBE on relieving FLHS with an emphasis on the modulatory role of GBE in chicken gut microbiota. Results: The results showed that GBE treatment ameliorated biochemical blood indicators in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced FLHS laying hen model by decreasing the levels of TG, TC, ALT and ALP. The lipid accumulation and pathological score of liver were also relieved after GBE treatment. Moreover, GBE treatment enhanced the antioxidant activity of liver and serum by increasing GSH, SOD, T-AOC, GSH-PX and reducing MDA, and downregulated the expression of genes related to lipid synthesis (FAS, LXRα, GPAT1, PPARγ and ChREBP1) and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, TLR4 and NF-κB) in the liver. Microbial profiling analysis revealed that GBE treatment reshaped the HFD-perturbed gut microbiota, particularly elevated the abundance of Megasphaera in the cecum. Meanwhile, targeted metabolomic analysis of SCFAs revealed that GBE treatment significantly promoted the production of total SCFAs, acetate and propionate, which were positively correlated with the GBE-enriched gut microbiota. Finally, we confirmed that the GBE-altered gut microbiota was sufficient to alleviate FLHS by fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). Conclusions: We provided evidence that GBE alleviated FLHS in HFD-induced laying hens through reshaping the composition of gut microbiota. Our findings shed light on mechanism underlying the anti-FLHS efficacy of GBE and lay foundations for future use of GBE as additive to prevent and control FLHS in laying hen industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of new infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) variants is often disastrous in the poultry industry. In this study, an IBV, CK/CH/2010/JT-1, was isolated from an H120- and 4/91-IBV-vaccinated flock in China. Antisera against vaccine strains H120 and 4/91 could not provide effective protection against CK/CH/2010/JT-1 in virus neutralization assays. CK/CH/2010/JT-1 could cause 43.75% mortality with respiratory and severe renal lesions in inoculated chickens. Phylogenetic analysis of the S1 gene showed that CK/CH/2010/JT-1 and 31 other isolates could be grouped as a new genotypic cluster. Recombination analysis revealed that three recombination events could be found in the genome of CK/CH/2010/JT-1 at positions 24709-365, 17160-19811 and 21136-21770. Whole-genome sequence analysis showed that CK/CH/2010/JT-1 originated from multiple template switches among QX-like, CK/CH/LSC/99I-, tl/CH/LDT3/03- and 4/91-type IBVs. All of these data demonstrated that CK/CH/2010/JT-1 is a new recombinant genotype IBV with high virulence. Our findings suggest that the surveillance of new genotype strains of IBV is very important for developing more effective anti-IBV strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the characteristics of fire smoke spread and temperature distribution of a large indoor pedestrian street under different heat release rates and smoke exhaust modes, this paper focuses on the analysis of fire smoke spread, visibility, smoke temperature distribution and variation curves in an atrium. This paper uses a numerical simulation method to conduct research. PyroSim fire simulation software is used to calculate this project, which is based on a full-scale experimental design scheme. The numerical simulation results show that under the conditions of higher heat release rate, the smoke spread rate is greater than that under the conditions of lower heat release rate. Furthermore, the average temperature of smoke in the atrium is also greater, up to about 400 °C. The conditions of a higher heat release rate also show the characteristics of faster generation, faster spread and a larger volume of smoke. When the smoke exhaust system is turned on, the thickness of the smoke layer and the smoke temperature decrease. There then comes a situation where the stabile section of the fire ends in advance. The simulation results of vertical temperature distribution in an atrium can fit the modified McCaffrey plume model in any case. Under all cases, the smoke temperature reaches the maximum directly above the fire source. The horizontal dimensionless smoke temperature rises under the atrium roof, and decreases exponentially with the dimensionless distance from the fire source. The greater the heat release rate of fire source is, the smaller the attenuation coefficient is, with a more than 50% change. When the smoke exhaust system is turned on, the smoke flow accelerates and the smoke is cooled rapidly. Thus, the attenuation coefficient increases. Additionally, the effect of mechanical smoke exhaust is better than natural smoke exhaust, because mechanical smoke exhaust makes air flow and heat exchange more intense. The variation amplitudes of the attenuation coefficient under natural smoke exhaust and mechanical smoke exhaust are 13% and 22%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cu2+-doped TiO2 film on stainless steel substrates was prepared using sol–gel method. Based on XRD and SEM analysis results, the as-prepared film was mainly in anatase phase. The film was smooth and the thickness of the film was about 2μm. The UV–vis absorption of Cu2+-doped TiO2 was extended to visible range, which is favorable for the utilization of solar light. The photoelectrochemical properties of the samples were investigated via electrochemical impedance spectrum (EIS). The EIS plots demonstrated that the Cu2+-doped TiO2 can be excited under visible light irradiation and the photo-generated electron–hole pairs can be separated efficiently by applying an external bias. The degradation experiments for methylene blue and methyl orange in different processes showed that the photo-response range of TiO2 could be extended by doping Cu2+ ion and the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 could be enhanced with the help of a forward bias. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: While coal seam is being mined, an annular fissure circle with gas accumulation will be formed in the fissure zone as a result of desorption, dissipation and permeation of gas in the goaf area and overlying strata due to fissures from rock caving and mitigation in the roof. The methods for computation of spatial locations of the fissure circle are researched in this paper. Based on these methods, gas drainage technique for the fissure zone is optimized. By applying drill hole returning water method of variables, the height of caving zone that most affects the drainage effects of inclined high dip drill hole was measured on the site. Due to the consistency of the expected height with the computed height of caving lines at different positions, the correctness of the theoretical computation method is further validated. Meanwhile, the parameters of the inclined high dip drill hole at #3311 working face of Hexi Coal Mine are determined by a case study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Stable, neutral TiO2 hydrosols were prepared using TiCl4 as titanium source, HNO3 as peptizing agent, and SiO2 as stabilizer. Based on XRD, TEM, and FTIR measurements, the TiO2 was rodlike anatase crystallite with a major axis of 15–25 nm and a minor axis of 5 nm. Tih name="sbnd" />Si bonds were formed, which suppressed the TiO2 grain growth and stabilized the TiO2 hydrosols. The isoelectric points (IEP) of the series hydrosols were 3.1–4.7 pH values and the absolute zeta potentials of the SiO2-modified TiO2 hydrosols were much higher than 50.0 mV under neutral conditions. Methylene blue and reactive brilliant red X-3B were taken as the simulated pollutants to study the adsorption and photocatalytic properties of the obtained hydrosols. The results suggested that the prepared hydrosols had strong adsorption capacity for cationic pollutants rather than anionic ones, and high photodegradation rate of both cationic and anionic pollutants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Blue mold caused by Penicillium italicum is one of the two major postharvest diseases of citrus fruits. The interactions of pathogens with their hosts are complicated, and virulence factors that mediate pathogenicity have not yet been identified. In present study, a prediction pipeline approach based on bioinformatics and transcriptomic data is designed to determine the effector proteins of P. italicum. Three hundred and seventy-five secreted proteins of P. italicum were identified, many of which (29.07%) were enzymes for carbohydrate utilization. Twenty-nine candidates were further analyzed and the expression patterns of 12 randomly selected candidate effector genes were monitored during the early stages of growth on PDA and infection of Navel oranges for validation. Functional analysis of a cell wall integrity-related gene Piwsc1, a core candidate, was performed by gene knockout. The deletion of Piwsc1 resulted in reduced virulence on citrus fruits, as presented by an approximate 57% reduction in the diameter of lesions. In addition, the mycelial growth rate, spore germination rate, and sporulation of ΔPiwsc1 decreased. The findings provide us with new insights to understand the pathogenesis of P. italicum and develop an effective and sustainable control method for blue mold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the optimal duration of applying a venous foot pump (VFP) in the prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) following hip and knee arthroplasty. Methods: A total of 230 patients undergoing hip and knee arthroplasty between March 2021 and March 2022 in orthopaedic departments of four major teaching hospitals were prospectively enrolled. Patients were randomly divided into five groups based on the duration of the VFP application. Postoperative deep vein thromboses (DVT), including proximal, distal, and intermuscular DVT, were recorded for analysis. Postoperative blood coagulation examinations, such as D-dimer and active partial thromboplastin time (APTT), pain outcome, and degree of comfort were also collected. Results: Two of the 230 patients withdrew due to early discharge from the hospital, and 228 patients were included in the final analysis. The mean age was 60.38 ± 13.33 years. The baseline characteristics were comparable among the five groups. Compared with the other groups, patients treated with 6-hour VFP had the lowest incidence of DVT (8.7%, 4/46), followed by those treated with 1-hour VFP (15.2%, 7/46), 12-hour VFP (15.6%, 7/45), 18-hour VFP(17.8%, 8/45) and 20-hour VFP(21.7%, 10/46), but with no significant difference (P = 0.539). Regarding postoperative blood coagulation examinations, patients treated with 6-hour VFP had the lowest D-dimer (P = 0.658) and the highest APTT (P = 0.262) compared with the other four groups. 6-hour VFP also had the lowest pain score (P = 0.206) and the highest comfort score (P = 0.288) compared with the other four groups. Conclusions: Six hours may be the optimal duration of applying VFP for the prevention of VTE in patients undergoing hip and knee arthroplasty in terms of VTE incidence, postoperative blood coagulation examinations, pain outcomes, and comfort scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth and reproduction of plants are highly size-dependent and markedly affected by light intensity. Vallisneria spinulosa S.Z.Yan is a common submersed macrophyte and is widely used in current lake restoration projects. The size of plants to be used to get optimal restoration results is not known, however, and may vary with water clarity. In this study, the effects of different plant sizes (large, medium and small, i.e. approximately 2.40 g, 1.01 g and 0.27 g per plant) on the growth and reproduction of V. spinulosa were tested under three light intensities (high, medium, low, i.e. 25%, 6% and 1% of full sunlight, respectively). Both plant size and light intensity were found to be of great significance for plant growth and reproduction. The relative growth rate (RGR) of biomass was higher for small than for large plants at both high and low light, while the absolute growth rate (AGR) of biomass was higher for large-sized plants at medium and high light intensity. Asexual reproduction of V. spinulosa was positively correlated with plant size and more affected by plant size than by light intensity, while sexual reproduction was most affected by light intensity. RGR and AGR of plant height were highest for medium-sized plants at moderate light intensity. Therefore, the size of submersed macrophytes should be considered when using this species in connection with lake restoration. Verification of our results under field conditions is needed, though, before firm conclusions can be reached about the optimal plant size of V. spinulosa to be used in lake restoration as also other factors like, e.g. periphyton shading and wave actions may play a role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Dielectric BT nanoparticles anchoring on the surface of SNCM by simple wet coating method. • Enhanced Li+ ion transport and stabilized cathode/electrolyte interface structure, thus improving the rate performance. • Inhibited diffusion-induced SOC gradient resulting in high structure stability of single crystal NCM. The single-crystal Ni-rich Li(Ni x Co y Mn 1−x−y)O 2 cathode (NCM) demonstrates better cycle performance, enhanced tap density and improved mechanical structure stability, compared with polycrystalline NCM. However, limited Li+ transports, (0 0 3) plane slips and microcracks in large single particles hinder rate capability and cycle performance. To overcome these shortcomings, single-crystal NCM cathodes have been modified by nanosized tetragonal BaTiO 3. Due to the dielectric properties, BaTiO 3 particles induce electric field concentration at the BaTiO 3 -NCM-electrolyte interface. Thus, a large amount of lithium vacancies can be formed, providing sufficient sites for the hopping diffusion of lithium ions, thereby significantly enhancing the diffusion coefficient of Li+. Moreover, the redistribution of charges can inhibit the formation and accumulation of cathode-electrolyte-interface. Owing to the synergetic effect of BaTiO 3 , the BT-modified single-crystal NCM with the optimized loading shows a remarkable initial discharge capacity of 138.5 mAh g−1 and maintains 53.8% of its initial discharge capacity after 100 cycles under 5C at 4.5 V cut-off voltage. Overall, the proposed dielectric cathode-electrolyte-interface strategy can enhance Li+ ion transport and stabilize the interface structure, leading to improved rate performance. Meanwhile, the diffusion-induced state of charge gradient can also be inhibited, resulting in high structure stability of single-crystal NCMs under high rate and cut-off voltage cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a series of numerical simulations were carried out to investigate the effect of fire shutter descending height on the smoke extraction efficiency in a large space atrium. Based on the full-scale fire experiments, this paper carried out more numerical simulations to explore factors affecting the smoke extraction efficiency in the atrium. The smoke flow characteristics, temperature distribution law and smoke extraction efficiency of natural and mechanical smoke exhaust systems were discussed under different heat release rates and fire shutter descending heights. The results show that the smoke spread rate and the average temperature of the smoke are higher with a greater heat release rate. After the mechanical smoke exhaust system is activated, the smoke layer thickness and smoke temperature decrease, and the stable period of heat release rate is shorter. In the condition of natural smoke exhaust, the smoke extraction efficiency increases exponentially with the increase of heat release rate and the descending height of the fire shutter, and the maximum smoke extraction efficiency is 48.8%. In the condition of mechanical smoke exhaust, the smoke extraction efficiency increases with the increase of mechanical exhaust velocity. When the velocity increases to the critical value (8 m/s), the smoke extraction efficiency is essentially stable. The smoke extraction efficiency is increased first with the increase of fire shutter descending height and then has a downward trend when the descending height drops to half, and the maximum smoke extraction efficiency is 70.3% in the condition of mechanical smoke exhaust. Empirical correlations between the smoke extraction efficiency and the dimensionless fire shutter descending height, the dimensionless heat release rate and the dimensionless smoke exhaust velocity have been established. The results of this study can provide a reference for the design of smoke prevention and exhaust systems in the atrium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesoporous composite films of titania (TiO) and antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) were prepared on titanium plate substrates from pastes by the doctor-blade method. The photoelectrochemical properties of the samples with different ATO contents were investigated by the degradation of methylene blue under UV light irradiation. It was found that the photocatalytic activity of TiO was significantly improved with the help of the introduction of ATO nanocrystals and a forward bias. The synergetic effect of ATO and bias was analyzed by electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS). The EIS analysis results demonstrated that the separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs can be efficiently enhanced by introducing ATO nanoparticles and applying an external bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Icing scaling is of great importance for ice wind tunnel experiments and airworthiness certification. In this study, MAEFN (Multi-Autoencoder Fusion Network) method is developed to achieve fast icing image prediction. The novelty of MAEFN lies in its multi-module network structure, which enables the control of the training process. Such a structure can solve the problem that icing image generation networks are difficult to train directly and effectively adjust the accuracy of icing images. MAEFN is divided into four modules, i.e., feature extraction, mapping relationship construction, image generation, and image post-processing. Four neural networks are used to complete different steps, and all models are finally fused into the MAEFN model. MAEFN generates a 120 × 120 icing image through a seven-dimensional icing condition vector and achieves an average pixel accuracy of 98.85% on the supercritical wing. The standard deviation on the validation set is 0.0117, and the pixel accuracy of 680 out of 777 validation images exceeds 98%. It takes 2000 s to train 7000 icing images on V100 GPU. Furthermore, the efficiency of the fast icing algorithm is improved significantly by 25 000 times compared with the traditional icing algorithm, which only costs for a single case. Based on MAEFN, the exhaustive icing scaling method is realized, and similar icing results of four special ice shapes are found from 1 × 106 icing images in a few minutes. The proposed image generation method MAEFN can be further developed for highly complex icing images such as long-time icing results or other anti-icing tasks such as critical icing analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing large neural network models targeting high accuracy and low sample number requirement is an important task in accelerating airfoil ice accretion calculation. Both convolutional neural network and Transformer are potential large-scale architectures for icing image generation. In this study, FSRN (fused super-resolution network) and ViT (Vision Transformer) are designed and applied to predict icing images with complex shapes. The novelty of FSRN lies in dividing the training process into main feature generation and detail information processing, and three branches of SR (super-resolution) networks are applied for multi-inputs and fused to generate icing images. The core part of ViT is the large-scale attention structure which is proven to be powerful in learning features. Both 7-dimensional icing condition vectors and the airfoil image are set as inputs to predict 136×136 icing images, and FocalLoss is chosen as the loss function. FSRN achieves determination coefficients of 0.974 and 0.958 respectively while ViT achieves 0.967 and 0.953 in two validation data sets. FSRN demonstrated greater potential in reducing sample number compared to ViT and MLP (multilayer perceptron). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A frameshift (fs) mutation in the natriuretic peptide precursor A (NPPA) gene, encoding a mutant atrial natriuretic peptide (Mut-ANP), has been linked with familial atrial fibrillation (AF) but the underlying mechanisms by which the mutation causes AF remain unclear. We engineered 2 transgenic (TG) mouse lines expressing the wild-type (WT)- NPPA gene (H-WT-NPPA) and the human fs-Mut- NPPA gene (H-fsMut-NPPA) to test the hypothesis that mice overexpressing the human NPPA mutation are more susceptible to AF and elucidate the underlying electrophysiologic and molecular mechanisms. Transthoracic echocardiography and surface electrocardiography (ECG) were performed in H-fsMut-NPPA, H-WT-NPPA, and Non-TG mice. Invasive electrophysiology, immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and patch clamping of membrane potentials were performed. To examine the role of the Mut-ANP in ion channel remodeling, we measured plasma cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels and protein kinase A (PKA) activity in the 3 groups of mice. In H-fsMut-NPPA mice mean arterial pressure (MAP) was reduced when compared to H-WT-NPPA and Non-TG mice. Furthermore, injection of synthetic fs-Mut-ANP lowered the MAP in H-WT-NPPA and Non-TG mice while synthetic WT-ANP had no effect on MAP in the 3 groups of mice. ECG characterization revealed significantly prolonged QRS duration in H-fsMut-NPPA mice when compared to the other two groups. Trans -Esophageal (TE) atrial pacing of H-fsMut-NPPA mice showed increased AF burden and AF episodes when compared with H-WT-NPPA or Non-TG mice. The cardiac Na+ (NaV1.5) and Ca2+ (CaV1.2/CaV1.3) channel expression and currents (I Na , I CaL) and action potential durations (APD 90 /APD 50 /APD 20) were significantly reduced in H-fsMut-NPPA mice while the rectifier K+ channel current (I Ks) was markedly increased when compared to the other 2 groups of mice. In addition, plasma cGMP levels were only increased in H-fsMut-NPPA mice with a corresponding reduction in plasma cAMP levels and PKA activity. In summary, we showed that mice overexpressing an AF-linked NPPA mutation are more prone to develop AF and this risk is mediated in part by remodeling of the cardiac Na+, Ca2+ and K+ channels creating an electrophysiologic substrate for reentrant AF. • The underlying mechanisms by which an NPPA mutation causes AF are poorly understood. • We engineered 2 transgenic mouse models expressing the wild-type and humanized NPPA mutation. • Mice expressing the NPPA mutation were more prone to AF. • This risk was mediated by remodeling of cardiac Na+, Ca2+ and K+ channels creating a substrate for AF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Highly active nanocrystalline NCM 811 precursor particles were prepared via a microfluidic technology. • The single-crystal NCM 811 material has high a degree of cationic order, excellent elemental distribution, small size (<3 μm). • The as-prepared single-crystal NCM811 material can well balance the cycle and rate performance. Single-crystal LiNi x Mn y Co 1-x-y O 2 (SC-NMC) cathode with electro-chemo-mechanically compliant microstructure is regarded as a promising candidate for high-energy–density lithium ion battery. However, the research of Ni-rich SC-NCM still lags behind its corresponding polycrystalline cathode materials, mainly due to the difficulties in synthesis. Herein, the single-crystal LiNi 0.8 Mn 0.1 Co 0.1 O 2 cathode (SC-NCM811) was successfully synthesized by microfluidic technology combined with the solid-state lithiation process. The nano-sized Ni 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 (OH) 2 precursor prepared via microfluidic technology enhances its accessibility to lithium salts, thus exhibiting high chemical activity for lithiation reaction. As a result, the optimized SC-NCM811 cathode shows relatively small-scale grain size (<3 μm), low cation mixing and well layered structure, which is beneficial to electrochemical kinetics and redox reversibility. The electrochemical characterization results further reveal that the optimized SC-NCM811 cathode can well balance the cycle performance and rate capability, showing good electrochemical performance. Overall, microfluidic technology is expected to provide a new strategy for preparing single-crystal Ni-rich cathode materials, which may extend to the commercial application of other cathode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor stability of lithium metal anodes in liquid electrolytes hinders its practical application in rechargeable batteries with very high energy density. Herein, we present an approach to tackle the intrinsic problems of Li metal anodes from the standpoint of separators. By a facile and versatile method based on mussel-inspired surface chemistry, a hybrid polydopamine/octaammonium POSS (PDA/POSS) coating was spontaneously formed on the surface of PE separators through the self-polymerization and strong adhesion feature of dopamine. This ultrathin PDA/POSS coating endows PE separators with different surface characteristics while keeping its microporous structure almost unchanged. The altered surface characteristics influence the separator/electrolyte interaction, and lead to remarkable enhanced ionic conductivity (from 0.36 mS cm −1 to 0.45 mS cm −1 ) and Li + ion transference number (from 0.37 to 0.47) of PE separators as well as the improved stability of lithium/electrolyte interface, which effectively decreases the electrode polarization and suppresses the lithium dendrites formation, contributing to superior C-rates capability and cycling performance of cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries are affected by the anode materials. SnO is an important anode material due to its high theoretical specific capacity of about 783 mAh/g for next-generation lithium-ion batteries with a higher energy density. In this work, we combined the electrochemical advantages of graphene and TiO, and the Ti-doped composites of SnO/reduced graphene oxide as the anode materials were fabricated by a hydrothermal method. To analyze the structure and electrochemical properties, a series of characterizations including X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electrochemical measurements were performed. The results confirmed that Ti atoms effectively replaced Sn atoms, improving the long-term cycling stability, which exhibited a superior rate capability and maintained a high discharge capacity around 500 mAh/g after 200 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low Li + ion transference number is one fatal defect of the liquid LiPF 6 electrolyte for Li-metal anode based batteries. This work aims to improve Li + ion transference number and ionic conductivity polyethylene (PE) separators. By a simple dip-coating method, the water-borne nanosized molecular sieve with 3D porous structure (ZSM-5) can be coated on PE separators. Especially, the Li + ion transference number is greatly enhanced from 0.28 to 0.44, which should be attributed to the specific pore structure and channel environment of ZSM-5 as well as the interaction between ZSM-5 and electrolyte. Compared with the pristine PE separator, the ionic conductivity of modified separators is remarkably improved from 0.30 to 0.54 mS cm −1 . As results, the C-rate capability and cycling stability are both improved. The Li-metal battery using the ZSM-5-modified PE separator keeps 94.2% capacity after 100 cycles. In contrast, the discharge capacity retention of the battery using pristine PE is only 74.7%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The FTO/TiO 2 heterojunction photocatalysts were prepared and characterized by XRD, SEM, UV–vis and electrochemical impedance measurement. The effect of F doping level on the optical band gap and conductivity of as-prepared FTO samples, as well as the band alignment of FTO/TiO 2 heterojunction photocatalyst was detailed analyzed. In addition, the change of optical band structure and conductivity caused by F doing was correlated with observed carriers transport properties including charge carriers separation, transport and interface transfer in the FTO/TiO 2 heterojunction photocatalyst. Finally, the photocatalytic activity, photoelectrocatalytic performance and their photocatalytic mechanism were systematically discussed. The primary results demonstrate that the heterojunction structure in the FTO/TiO 2 photocatalyst can effectively separate photogenerated carriers; however, the expense of redox ability is unavoidable. Among these, the FTO(1)/TiO 2 sample displays the highest photocatalytic activity, which is attributed to that the benefit of inhibiting recombination has dominant effect on photocatalytic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preparation of the triphasic (anatase/rutile/brookite), biphasic (anatase/brookite), and monophasic (anatase) TiO nanocrystals from peroxotitanium complex (PTC) as precursor by the hydrothermal method was reported in this work. The experimental results indicated that a large window for tuning the phase compositions was achieved by varying the HCl/PTC ratio due to the high stability of PTC. Moreover, the growth mechanism and microstructure evolution of the obtained TiO nanocrystals were discussed. The liquid-phase photocatalytic degradation of phenol under UV illumination was used as a model reaction to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of the synthesized materials. The photocatalytic activity is as follows: anatase/brookite biphase > anatase monophase > anatase/rutile/brookite triphase TiO nanocrystals. The possible photodegradation mechanism was studied by the examination of active species such as ·OH, photogenerated electrons and holes through adding their scavengers such as methanol, t-BuOH, and KSO. Although the anatase/rutile/brookite triphase TiO nanocrystals samples show the most effective separation ability of photo-induced electron-hole pairs, the anatase/brookite biphase TiO nanocrystals samples exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity, which can be attributed to effective formation of the activated radicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work is to gain deeper insight into behavior of p-type DSSCs, paying special attention to photoelectric properties of Li-doped NiO photoelectrode, and studying their effect on interfacial photoelectrochemical processes under illumination and device performance. Here we find that Li-doped NiO photoelectrodes show higher charge carrier densities, down-shift of valence band and narrowing trap energy distribution. Furthermore, the performance enhancement of p-type DSSCs is observed for the Li-doped NiO photoelectrodes with respect to the unmodified ones. These improvement is found to arise from more rapid hole transport combined with reduced recombination, contributing to improved hole collection. With regard to interfacial carriers transfer process, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), intensity-modulated photovoltage spectroscopy (IMPS) and ultra-violet photoemission spectra (UPS) provide evidence that the decreased recombination of Li-doped NiO DSSCs is attributed to the downward shift of valence band, which increases energy barrier of interface recombination. Another reason results in narrowing trap energy distribution of Li-doped NiO photoelectrode, which can weaken energy overlap with the LUMO level of dye, and subsequently the recombination path of hole back transfer to dye is hindered. These findings suggest that it will be important to carefully optimize band edge alignment and trap states distribution of p-type oxide semiconductors film to further improve the efficiency of p-DSSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work reports a simple Ni(CHCOO) post-treatment method, meanwhile represents a series of characterizations of bare and post-treated NiO photocathodes. The investigation enlightens the mechanisms responsible for NiO surface changes and its effects on the charge density, band-edge shifts, hole injection efficiency, interface recombination, transport, collection efficiency, and as the result influence on the photovoltaic devices' performance. The primary results demonstrate that Ni(CHCOO) post-treatment can offer an effective way of decreasing surface NiO(OH) structure, resulting in diminishing the hole recombination, increasing the charge collection efficiency, and leading to 31.3 % increased photovoltaic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acetyl acetone and its derivatives, 3-butyl-2,4-pentanedione and 3-phenyl-2, 4-pentanedione are investigated as co-adsorbents of photoelectrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). The DSSC based on 3-phenyl-2,4-pentanedione co-adsorbent shows the best photovoltaic performance: a maximum monochromatic incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency (IPCE) of 67.3%, a short-circuit photocurrent density (J SC ) of 15.73 mA cm 2 , an open-circuit photo-voltage (V OC ) of 0.74 V and a fill factor (FF) of 0.69, corresponding to an overall conversion efficiency of 8.07% under the standard global AM 1.5 solar light condition. Electrochemical impedance (EIS) data and open-circuit voltage decay (OCVD) data indicate that the electron lifetime is improved by co-adsorption of 3-phenyl-2,4-pentanedione, it is associated with the 3-phenyl-2,4-pentanedione co-adsorbent forms a protect layer of TiO 2 which can inhibit the electron recombination efficiently. The results confirm that the acetyl acetone-typed co-adsorbents with less effect on the adsorption of dye, more hydrophobic structure and stronger electron donating ability, such as 3-phenyl-2,4-pentanedione, can improve the performance of DSSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerical simulation method and aerodynamic interference effects of wing-mounted nacelle aircraft were studied. In aspect of numerical simulation, a practical engineering compatible algorithm for the determination of engine intake and exhaust boundary parameters directly from free stream and engine working conditions was developed. Mesh difference arises from geometry inconsistency between powered and unpowered nacelle, which is a confounding factor when estimating power effect, is eliminated via set up a zero-energy-increase exhaust boundary condition. Then, the credibility of numerical simulation result of complex configuration in aircraft design was improved. The numerical simulation results shown that the engine power has two opposite aspects of effects on wing surface pressure, one is that engine ejection speed the flow up and bring the pressure down, the other is that the engine increased the pressure near the nuzzle. The numerical simulation result also revealed that engine jet stream can induce severe flow interferences on surface of pylon, duel to the flow acceleration through the convergent-divergent duct that composed of fuselage, wing, nacelle and pylon surface. Extending and thickening the pylon appropriately, a better flow channel and pylon surface curvature distribution could achieved, and then the interference of the jet flow and pylon surface is relieved, the shock in the inner side of the pylon is eliminated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] W6+-doped TiO2 nanocrystal colloids were prepared by hydrothermal methods. [•] The properties of TiO2 nanocrystal colloids can be tuned by tungsten doping. [•] W6+-doped TiO2 nanocrystal colloids show higher stability and dispersity. [•] W6+-doped TiO2 nanocrystal colloids show higher photocatalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Morphology control of ZnO bilayer structure films has been obtained via low-temperature hydrothermal process without any surfactant-assistance. ZnO bilayer structures including nanoflower layer on nanorod array structure, nanodendrite layer over nanorod array structure, and double nanorods layers structures were successfully fabricated by controlling the ammonia concentration in the initial hydrothermal solution and the immersing ways. The shape evolution of bilayer structure consisting of nanodendrite layer on the top and nanorod array at the bottom was elucidated by growing–renucleating mechanism. The higher ammonia concentration in the initial hydrothermal solution promotes the secondary nucleation and growth on the surface defects of backbones, resulting in the formation of needle-like nanorods in ZnO nanodendrite–nanorod structure. The ZnO film with nanodendrite–nanorod structure has better optical properties and lesser defects compared to that of nanoflower–nanorod structures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] TiO2 nanoparticles were decorated on ZnO surface by tetrabutyl titanate (TBOT). [•] The simple method allows an easy tune over the TiO2 structure on ZnO surface. [•] The influence of TiO2 modification on electron collection was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the preliminary aerodynamic design phase of transonic wing, inverse design of supercritical airfoils plays an important role in acquiring practical results. However, traditional inverse design approach in transonic regime highly dependents on the manual design experience and physical model simulation, which is time consuming and poses a challenge for its applications in engineering problems. In order to relieve these drawbacks, a novel method is proposed for inverse design of supercritical airfoils based on Wasserstein generative adversarial network (WGAN), genetic algorithm (GA) and deep convolutional neural network (DCNN). This method consists of three stages. First, design characteristics of transonic pressure coefficient (CP) distribution in physics are well captured and imitated by WGAN. Then, GA is used to select task-oriented CP via adjusting controllable latent variables in generator of WGAN. Next, physical-existing CP selected by GA is recovered to corresponding airfoil by DCNN with high efficiency and accuracy. Cases using the dataset sampled based on RAE2822 airfoil are carried out to show effectiveness of submodules involved. Finally, design performance of proposed multistage method is further verified by specific design goals. Test cases indicate that selected CP by GA according to the aerodynamic design criteria can be accurately reflected on inverse designed airfoils, which are confirmed by well agreements between high-fidelity simulation result and selected CP. The proposed method is a promising design approach that can quickly achieve optimal airfoils without significant loss of accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Size-controlled ZrO2 nanorods were prepared via a facile hydrothermal treatment approach in the presence of NH4F as mineralizer. The effects of the type and concentration of mineralizers on the particle size and dispersibility of ZrO2 nanorods were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N2 adsorption–desorption measurements (BET), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), confirming the essential role of F− in tuning the particle size. Humidity sensors based on ZrO2 nanorods with different sizes exhibit different sensitivity depending on their proportion of surface adsorbed oxygen. High sensitivity, linear response, small hysteresis, and rapid response-recovery behavior (5s for adsorption and 38s for desorption) make ZrO2 prepared by our method a good candidate for application in humidity sensor. The complex impedance spectra were used to elucidate its humidity sensing mechanism in detail. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Anatase TiO nanocrystal colloids with high dispersion and photocatalytic activity were rapidly synthesized from peroxo-titanium-acid precursor by microwave-assisted hydrothermal method within 30 min at low temperature (120-180 °C). The transmission electron microscopy results indicate that the as-prepared TiO have a narrow particle size distribution (25-29 nm) and high dispersion. The crystal structure of all these products are pure anatase phase (XRD, Raman), and they show good crystallinity and large surface area (N adsorption-desorption measurements BET). The results of the UV-Visible absorbance and Fourier transform infrared spectra indicate that the surface peroxo group Ti(O) still remains in TiO nanoparticles prepared by microwave-assisted hydrothermal method at 120 °C, and this surface peroxo group can be decomposed effectively by drying at 140 °C. The photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared TiO were evaluated by the degradation of reactive brilliant red X-3B, it is found that the as-prepared TiO exhibited good photocatalytic performance. Moreover, the existence of surface peroxo group greatly suppressed the photocatalytic activity of the TiO nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The effects of K-substitution at La-site of La1−x K x Co0.3Fe0.7O3-δ perovskite on its structure and humidity sensing properties were studied in detail. The XRD, SEM-EDS, N2 adsorption–desorption measurements (BET), ICP-AES and XPS were used to characterize the microstructure of La1−x K x Co0.3Fe0.7O3−δ perovskite. The results show that the partial substitution of K at La-site has no obvious effect on the crystal phase, morphology and surface area of samples, but leads to the increased oxygen vacancies and surface enriched K+. The sensitivity of humidity sensor based on all samples was evaluated by measuring the impedance response to the humidity changes. The partial substitution of K at La-site significantly enhanced the humidity sensitivity of La1−x K x Co0.3Fe0.7O3−δ perovskite at low relative humidity (RH). By correlating the structure of material with its sensing properties, the probable reasons that lead to the remarkable sensitivity enhancement of the K-substitution samples compared with the unsubstituted sample (LaCo0.3Fe0.7O3−δ ) were given; moreover, the sensing mechanism was also discussed by the complex impedance spectra in detail. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Sn4+ doped anatase TiO2 nanocrystals with various amounts of dopant Sn4+ ions were prepared from peroxo-metal-complex precursor by solvothermal method and characterized by XRD, TEM, HRTEM, XPS, ICP-AES and UV–vis spectrophotometer. The experimental results indicated that the dopant Sn4+ substituted Ti4+ in the lattice of TiO2, which reflected in the lattice expansion in both a- and c-direction and change of the binding energy. All the Sn4+ doped TiO2 nanocrystal samples appeared to be anatase evenly with dopant level up to 10mol%. The effect of dopant Sn4+ ions and reaction solvents on physicochemical properties of the obtained Sn4+ doped anatase TiO2 nanocrystals had been discussed. In addition, the growth mechanism and microstructure evolution of Sn4+ doped anatase TiO2 nanocrystals had been suggested. The photocatalytic activity of the Sn4+ doped anatase TiO2 nanocrystals was tested by the degradation of phenol. Compared with the undoped TiO2 sample, the enhanced photocatalytic activity of the Sn4+ doped anatase TiO2 nanocrystals could be attributed to modification of the optical properties and surface state by doping the optimum concentration of Sn4+ ions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The preparation of Ti1−x Sn x O2 nanocrystal colloids from peroxo-metal precursor by hydrothermal method was reported in this work. The obtained materials were investigated by means of XRD, Raman, TEM, XPS, ICP-AES, N2 adsorption–desorption measurements (BET), PL and UV–vis spectroscopies technology. Photocatalytic degradation of phenol was studied under UV illumination. The results indicated that Ti1−x Sn x O2 nanocrystal colloids were obtained in the nanometer scale (less than 10nm) and the crystallite size was smaller than pure TiO2. Anatase phase, mixture phase (anatase and rutile) and rutile phase of Sn-doped TiO2 samples were formed, when x <0.04, 0.04< x <0.06 and x ≥0.06, respectively. The Sn4+ dopants presented substitution Ti4+ into the lattice of TiO2 alongside increasing the surface oxygen vacancies and the surface hydroxyl groups. Regarding photocatalytic activity, Sn-doped TiO2 samples (TiSn3) were nearly four times higher than undoped samples. This obvious beneficial effect could be attributed to high surface area, optimal crystalline phase and surface state modifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Heat transfer distributions, mean flow fields and turbulent flow structures of surface vortex structures are obtained. • DES results are compared with the corresponding RANS and experimental results. • Heat transfer enhancement mechanisms of surface vortex generators have been revealed. • The micro V rib-dimple significantly reduces the dead-air zone in the dimple. Turbulent flow and heat transfer characteristics in the channels with surface vortex structures of micro V-shaped ribs, dimples, and their hybrid structures have been investigated by carrying out delayed detached eddy simulations (DDES) at the Reynolds number of 50,500. It is found that, for the micro V-shaped rib, lower turbulent mixing is produced behind the leeward rib region, while the stronger longitudinal vortex pairs induced by the V-shaped ribs enhance the convective transport of heat. For the dimple, the shed vortices and the shear-layer vortices increase the near-wall turbulent mixing. The complex secondary flows induced by the flow separation, attachment and ejection increase the convective transport of heat. However, the flow separation produces a dead-air zone limiting the further increase of heat transfer enhancement. For the micro V-shaped rib-dimple hybrid structure, the strong downwash flow induced by the micro V rib breaks the recirculation zone inside the downstream dimple and the dimple here works as a vortex amplifier, which produces much stronger longitudinal vortex pairs. This process enhances both the turbulent mixing and convective transport of heat. Therefore, the micro V-shaped rib-dimple hybrid structure provides even more pronounced heat transfer enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anode materials with large capacity have a growing application due to the booming electric vehicle and energy storage market. However, the low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) and poor cycle stability hinder their commercial development. Herein, we investigate the effective and convenient method of preparing Li x Sn-Li 2 O–LiF/reduced graphene oxide (Li x Sn-Li 2 O–LiF/RGO, Li-GFTO) composite anode material with large capacity and high ICE. Firstly, the highly-dispersed fluorine-doped tin oxide and reduced graphene oxide (F–SnO 2 /RGO, GFTO) composite is in-situ synthesized by one-pot reflux method. The fluorine-doped SnO 2 nanocrystals are uniformly anchored on graphene sheets. Secondly, the F–SnO 2 /RGO was lithiated by reacting with the lithium dissolved in the solution of biphenyl and 1,2-dimethoxyethane to get Li x Sn-Li 2 O–LiF/RGO composite. The Li 2 O and LiF will be formed and prevent the diffusion and coarsening of Sn and Li x Sn during cycling. Used as the anode material, the ICE of the Li x Sn-Li 2 O–LiF/RGO composite is as high as 97%. The composite anode material also shows high cycling stability. The residual capacity is as high as 992 mAhg−1 at 0.1 Ag-1 after 100 cycles, and the charge capacity retention is 99%. Most of all, the mild preparation condition promotes the mass production and practical application of tin-lithium alloy based composite anode materials. Image 1 • Li x Sn-Li 2 O–LiF/RGO composite was obtained by the lithiation of F–SnO 2 /RGO. • Initial Coulombic efficiency of Li x Sn-Li 2 O–LiF/RGO composite is as high as 97%. • The residual capacity is as high as 992 mAhg−1 after 100 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serum Golgi protein 73 (GP73) is a promising marker for significant fibrosis in adults. However, current diagnostic value of serum GP73 for liver fibrosis in children is unknown. To investigate the relationship between levels of serum GP73 and liver fibrosis in children, we measured serum GP73 in 86 healthy controls and 183 patients with liver diseases using commercially available double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The value of serum GP73 in fibrosis stage assessment was compared with aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index (APRI). We found that serum GP73 was decreasing with age in healthy controls, while it was increasing with the extent of inflammation and fibrosis in patients with liver diseases. Though area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) of serum GP73 for diagnosing significant fibrosis was nearly equal to APRI (0.62 vs 0.64) in patients aged 3 years or older, AUROC for serum GP73 was superior to APRI (0.76 vs 0.67) in patients aged below 3 years, indicating that serum GP73 is comparable to APRI for diagnosing significant fibrosis in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We identified the first non-ion channel gene (NPPA) encoding atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) linked with familial atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the underlying mechanisms by which NPPA mutations cause AF remain unclear. Objective: To elucidate the underlying molecular and electrophysiologic mechanisms of a novel AF-linked NPPA mutation using patient specific atrial human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs). Methods: Blood was collected from an AF proband carrying a novel NPPA- S64R mutation with early-onset AF and an unaffected family member not harboring the variant (Fig. 1A). Patient-specific hiPSCs were generated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Atrial CMs were generated through a novel retinoic acid (RA) enriching protocol. Results: RA-guided differentiation of hiPSC-CMs generated atrial action potential (AP) morphologies in ≥85% of cells validating our atrial hiPSC-CM model (Fig. 1B). RNA-seq and qPCR demonstrated significant downregulation of Na+ channels including β-subunits in mutant vs control atrial hiPSC-CMs (Fig. 1C-D) and KCNE1 but no change in expression of KCNQ1 and CACNA2D1. Single cell patch clamping revealed a shortened APD in NPPA mutant atrial CMs and a reduced peak Na+ current (INa; Fig. 1E) and density creating a reentrant substrate for AF. Conclusion: Using atrial hiPSC-CMs, we showed that an NPPA AF-linked mutation modulates multiple cardiac ion channels leading to APD shortening creating a reentrant substrate for AF. Thus, modeling AF-linked mutations using atrial hiPSC-CMs may offer a novel platform for identifying novel therapeutic targets for family members with AF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ibrutinib (a Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor, BTKI) is rapidly becoming the treatment of choice for many B-cell malignancies, but its proarrhythmic effects may limit its use. Ibrutinib recipients are at 4-fold increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF) as compared other chemotherapeutic agents but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. GWAS have consistently identified an AF risk locus on chromosome (chr) 4q25, and the nearest gene Pitx2c has been implicated in AF as evidenced by increased AF in Pitx2c+/- mice which serve as an experimental model for clinical AF. Objective: The goal of this study was to assess the role of the late cardiac Na current (INa,L) and oxidative stress in mediating increased susceptibility to AF in Pitx2c+/- mice which are genetically prone to developing AF as well as in atrial human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) exposed to ibrutinib. Method: Pitx2c+/- mice were administered ibrutinib (30mg/kg/day IP) for 14 days. AF inducibility and burden was assessed with transesophageal rapid pacing (TErP). Cellular electrophysiology, mitochondrial fragmentation and oxidative stress were assessed in atrial hiPSC-CMs exposed to ibrutinib for 48 hrs. Results: There was a graded increase in AF episodes and burden with the number of days the Pitx2c+/- mice were exposed to ibrutinib versus controls (Fig. 1A). The action potential duration at 90% repolarization and the INa-L were markedly prolonged (Fig. 1B-C). Furthermore, we observed a significant increase in mitochondrial fragmentation (Fig. 1D-E) and superoxide production (Fig. 1F-G) in ibrutinib treated atrial hiPSC-CMs versus controls. Conclusion: We showed in Pitx2c+/- mice and atrial hiPSC-CMs that ibrutinib-mediated AF may in part be related to enhanced INa-L and mitochondrial dysfunction leading to increased oxidative stress. Patients undergoing ibrutinib treatment may benefit from novel therapies which target mitochondrial dysfunction or the late cardiac sodium current. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TiO2/Bi2WO6 (TB) heterojunction photocatalyst was successfully synthesized and characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, UV-vis and photoluminescence measurement. The heterojunction interface structure of TB heterojunction photocatalyst was optimized via adjusting the ethylene glycol/water (EG/W) ratio. Based on XRD, SEM and TEM, the crystal size of Bi2WO6 reduced from 14.6 nm to 8.8 nm, and the interface structure between Bi2WO6 nanosheets and TiO2 particle significantly changed with increasing EG concentration. Furthermore, the photocatalytic activity and the related mechanism of TB heterojunction photocatalyst were systematically discussed. Among them, TBEG/W sample shows the highest normalized apparent rate constant, which is attributed to its highest electron-hole pairs separation ability driven by optimized heterojunction interface between two semiconductors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]