Background:Tendinopathy alters the compositional properties of the Achilles tendon by increasing fluid and glycosaminoglycan content.It has been speculated that these changes may affect intratendinous pressure,but the...Background:Tendinopathy alters the compositional properties of the Achilles tendon by increasing fluid and glycosaminoglycan content.It has been speculated that these changes may affect intratendinous pressure,but the extent of this relationship remains unclear.Therefore,we aimed to investigate the impact of elevated fluid and glycosaminoglycan content on Achilles tendon intratendinous pressure and to determine whether hyaluronidase(HYAL) therapy can intervene in this potential relationship.Methods:Twenty paired fresh-frozen cadaveric Achilles tendons were mounted in a tensile-testing machine and loaded up to 5% strain.Intratendinous resting(at 0% strain) and dynamic pressure(at 5% strain) were assessed using the microcapillary infusion technique.First,intratendinous pressure was measured under native conditions before and after infusion of 2 mL physiological saline.Next,80 mg of glycosaminoglycans were administered bilaterally to the paired tendons.The right tendons were additionally treated with 1500 units of HYAL.Finally,both groups were retested,and the glycosaminoglycan content was analyzed.Results:It was found that both elevated fluid and glycosaminoglycan content resulted in higher intratendinous resting and dynamic pressures(p <0.001).HYAL treatment induced a 2.3-fold reduction in glycosaminoglycan content(p=0.002) and restored intratendinous pressures.Conclusion:The results of this study demonstrated that elevated fluid and glycosaminoglycan content in Achilles tendinopathy contribute to increased intratendinous re sting and dynamic pressures,which can be explained by the associated increased volume and reduced permeability of the tendon matrix,respectively.HYAL degrades glycosaminoglycans sufficiently to lower intratendinous pressures and may,therefore,serve as a promising treatment.展开更多
The dynamic adsorption of possible intermediates on single-atom catalysts(SACs)under working condition plays a key role in the electrocatalytic performance by the oxygen evolution reaction(OER),and therefore the perfo...The dynamic adsorption of possible intermediates on single-atom catalysts(SACs)under working condition plays a key role in the electrocatalytic performance by the oxygen evolution reaction(OER),and therefore the performance of the dynamic adsorption should be fully considered in the theoretical screening of potential SACs.Based on density functional theory calculations,the OER performance of 27 types of C_(2)N-supported single transition metal atoms(TM@C_(2)N)is systematically investigated without and with considering the dynamic adsorption of possible intermediates.Without considering dynamic adsorption,only Rh@C_(2)N and Ni@C_(2)N are screened out as good catalysts.However,by further considering the dynamic adsorption configurations of possible intermediates,more promising TM@C_(2)N SACs including Fe(Co,Ni,Ru,Rh,Ir)@C_(2)N toward the OER are screened out.The presence of the intermediates(*HO,*O)on SACs could shift their d band center toward lower energy level,which makes the interaction between the adsorbate and SACs moderate and thus enhances their OER performance.The present work is instructive for further screening and designing of efficient single-atom catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction.展开更多
The digital twins concept enhances modeling and simulation through the integration of real-time data and feedback.This review elucidates the foundational elements of digital twins,covering their concept,entities,domai...The digital twins concept enhances modeling and simulation through the integration of real-time data and feedback.This review elucidates the foundational elements of digital twins,covering their concept,entities,domains,and key technologies.More specifically,we investigate the transformative potential of digital twins for the wastewater treatment engineering sector.Our discussion highlights the application of digital twins to wastewater treatment plants(WWTPs)and sewage networks,hardware(i.e.,facilities and pipes,sensors for water quality and activated sludge,hydrodynamics,and power consumption),and software(i.e.,knowledge-based and data-driven models,mechanistic models,hybrid twins,control methods,and the Internet of Things).Furthermore,two cases are provided,followed by an assessment of current challenges in and perspectives on the application of digital twins in WWTPs.This review serves as an essential primer for wastewater engineers navigating the digital paradigm shift.展开更多
BACKGROUND Understanding the impact of early sensory deficits on brain development is essential for understanding developmental processes and developing potential interventions.While previous studies have looked into ...BACKGROUND Understanding the impact of early sensory deficits on brain development is essential for understanding developmental processes and developing potential interventions.While previous studies have looked into the impact of prenatal experiences on language development,there is a lack of research on how these experiences affect early language and brain function development in individuals with sensorineural hearing loss(SNHL).AIM To investigate SNHL effects on early brain development and connectivity in 4-month-olds vs healthy newborns and controls.METHODS The research involved analyzing the functional brain networks of 65 infants,categorized into three groups:28 healthy newborns,224-month-old participants with SNHL,and 15 age-matched healthy participants.The resting-state functional connectivity was measured and compared between the groups using functional near-infrared spectroscopy and graph theory to assess the brain network properties.RESULTS Significant differences were found in resting-state functional connectivity between participants with SNHL and age-matched controls,indicating a developmental lag in brain connectivity for those with SNHL.Surprisingly,SNHL participants showed better connectivity development compared to healthy newborns,with connectivity strengths of 0.13±0.04 for SNHL,0.16±0.08 for controls,and 0.098±0.04 for newborns.Graph theory analysis revealed enhanced global brain network properties for the SNHL group,suggesting higher communication efficiency at 4 months.No significant differences were noted in network properties between 4-month-old SNHL participants and neonates.A unique pattern of central hubs was observed in the SNHL group,with 2 hubs in the left hemisphere compared to 6 in controls.CONCLUSION 4-month-old infants with SNHL have a distinct brain network pattern with efficient long-distance information transmission but less effective local communication compared to age-matched controls.展开更多
Background: This study assessed the effect of a nutrition education intervention. This intervention aimed to improve the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of mothers on food safety in the peri-urban areas of Bobo-Di...Background: This study assessed the effect of a nutrition education intervention. This intervention aimed to improve the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of mothers on food safety in the peri-urban areas of Bobo-Dioulasso in Burkina Faso. Methods: A total of 243 mothers of children under 5 years in the peri-urban of Bobo-Dioulasso were administered the FAO questionnaire for food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices assessment during two cross-sectional surveys, before and after the intervention, in January and October 2017. The intervention included two components consisting of a theoretical phase (counselling and discussion) and cooking demonstrations implemented for ten months. To account for the before-and-after design of the study, the McNemar’s test was used to assess the effect of the intervention on food safety KAP of mothers of children under 5 years. Results: The mean age of mothers was 29 ± 6.2 years and 50.6% of them were between 20 and 29 years old. One for knowledge (cooking thoroughly with, p-value = 0.0001) and another for attitudes (perceived benefits of reheating leftovers before eating them, p-value = 0.0001), significantly increased after the intervention. In terms of food safety practices, all the indicators (cleaning of dirty surfaces, plates and utensils and storage of perishable foods) significantly increased (all p = 0.0001 Conclusion: This study provided some evidence of an effective nutrition education intervention for improving maternal KAP on food safety for their child’s feeding.展开更多
Most olefins (e.g., ethylene and propylene) will continue to be produced through steam cracking (SC) ofhydrocarbons in the coming decade. In an uncertain commodity market, the chemical industry is investingvery li...Most olefins (e.g., ethylene and propylene) will continue to be produced through steam cracking (SC) ofhydrocarbons in the coming decade. In an uncertain commodity market, the chemical industry is investingvery little in alternative technologies and feedstocks because of their current lack of economic viability,despite decreasing crude oil reserves and the recognition of global warming. In this perspective, some of themost promising alternatives are compared with the conventional SC process, and the major bottlenecks ofeach of the competing processes are highlighted. These technologies emerge especially from the abundanceof cheap propane, ethane, and methane from shale gas and stranded gas. From an economic point of view,methane is an interesting starting material, if chemicals can be produced from it. The huge availability ofcrude oil and the expected substantial decline in the demand for fuels imply that the future for proventechnologies such as Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FFS) or methanol to gasoline is not bright. The abundance ofcheap ethane and the large availability of crude oil, on the other hand, have caused the SC industry to shiftto these two extremes, making room for the on-purpose production of light olefins, such as by the catalyticdehydrogenation of orooane.展开更多
Ever since the ureteral stent design was fitted with a curl on both sides to prevent it from migrating up or down the ureter some 40 years ago,its use has gained tremendous momentum,aiding in the rise and evolution of...Ever since the ureteral stent design was fitted with a curl on both sides to prevent it from migrating up or down the ureter some 40 years ago,its use has gained tremendous momentum,aiding in the rise and evolution of endourology and has confidently kept its place in modern time urology.Over the past four decades,several designs,coating and biomaterials have been developed,trying to reduce infection,encrustation and other stent related symptoms.As the ideal stent has not yet been discovered,different ways of helping patients with their complaints have been researched.This review will cover these aspects of stent use in urolithiasis.展开更多
Fermented liquid feed is feed that has been mixed with water at a ratio ranging from 1:1.5 to 1:4. By mixing with water lactic acid bacteria and yeasts naturally occurring in the feed proliferate and produce lactic ...Fermented liquid feed is feed that has been mixed with water at a ratio ranging from 1:1.5 to 1:4. By mixing with water lactic acid bacteria and yeasts naturally occurring in the feed proliferate and produce lactic acid, acetic acid and ethano which reduces the pH of the mixture. This reduction in pH inhibits pathogenic organisms from developing in the feed. In addition, when this low pH mixture is fed, it reduces the pH in the stomach of pigs and prevents the proliferation of pathogens such as coliforms and Salmonella in the gastrointestinal tract. For piglets, the use of fermented liquid feed offers the possibility of simultaneously providing feed and water, which may facilitate an easier transition from sow's milk to solid feed. Secondly, offering properly produced fermented liquid feed may strengthen the role of the stomach as the first line of defense against possible pathogenic infections by lowering the pH in the gastrointestinal tract thereby helping to exclude enteropathogens. Finally, feeding fermented liquid feed to pigs has been shown to improve the performance of suckling pigs, weaner pigs and growing-finishing pigs. In this review, current knowledge about the use of fermented liquid feed in pig diets will be discussed. This will include a discussion of the desirable properties of fermented liquid feed and factors affecting fermentation. In addition, advantages and disadvantages of fermented liquid feed will be discussed including its effects on gastrointestinal health, intestinal pH and the types of bacteria found in the gastrointestinal tract as well as the effects of fermented liquid feeds on pig performance.展开更多
Chemical engineers rely on models for design,research,and daily decision-making,often with potentially large financial and safety implications.Previous efforts a few decades ago to combine artificial intelligence and ...Chemical engineers rely on models for design,research,and daily decision-making,often with potentially large financial and safety implications.Previous efforts a few decades ago to combine artificial intelligence and chemical engineering for modeling were unable to fulfill the expectations.In the last five years,the increasing availability of data and computational resources has led to a resurgence in machine learning-based research.Many recent efforts have facilitated the roll-out of machine learning techniques in the research field by developing large databases,benchmarks,and representations for chemical applications and new machine learning frameworks.Machine learning has significant advantages over traditional modeling techniques,including flexibility,accuracy,and execution speed.These strengths also come with weaknesses,such as the lack of interpretability of these black-box models.The greatest opportunities involve using machine learning in time-limited applications such as real-time optimization and planning that require high accuracy and that can build on models with a self-learning ability to recognize patterns,learn from data,and become more intelligent over time.The greatest threat in artificial intelligence research today is inappropriate use because most chemical engineers have had limited training in computer science and data analysis.Nevertheless,machine learning will definitely become a trustworthy element in the modeling toolbox of chemical engineers.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the effect of osteoporosis and intervertebral disc degeneration on the endplate cartilage injury in rats.Methods:A total of 48 female Sprague Dawley rats(3 months)were randomly divided into Gr...Objective:To investigate the effect of osteoporosis and intervertebral disc degeneration on the endplate cartilage injury in rats.Methods:A total of 48 female Sprague Dawley rats(3 months)were randomly divided into Groups A,B,C and D with 12 rats in each group.Osteoporosis and intervertebral disc degeneration composite model,simple degeneration model and simple osteoporosis model were prepared in Groups A,B and C respectively.After modeling,four rats of each group at 12th.18th and 24th week were sacrificed,Intervertebral height of cervical vertebra C6/C7 was measured.Micro-CT was used to image the endplate of cephalic and caudal cartilage at C6/C7 intervertebral disc.Abraded area rate of C6 caudal and C7 cephalic cartilage endplate was calculated,and then C6/C7 intervertebral disc was routinely embedded and sectioned.stained with safranin O to observe histological changes microscopically.Results:At 12,18 and24 weeks,intervertebral disc height of C6/C7 were(0.58±0.09)mm,(0.53±0.04)mm and(0.04±0.06)mm in Group A rats,(0.55±0.05)mm,(0.52±0.07)mm and(0.07±0.05)mm in Group B rats.At 24th week.intervertebral disc height of Group A rats was significantly lower than that of Group B rats(P<0.05);intervertebral disc height of Groups A and B rats at each time point were significantly lower than that of Groups C and D(P<0.05).There was no significantly statistical difference of intervertebral disc height between Groups C and D(P>0.05).At 12 and 18 weeks,the abraded rate of C6 caudal and C7 cephalic cartilage endplate in Group A rats were significantly higher than that in Groups B.C and D rats(P<0.05);the abraded rate in Group B was significantly higher than that in Groups C and D(P>0.05).Microscopic observation of CT showed that ventral defects in C6caudal or C7 cephalic cartilage endplate in Groups A and B appeared after 12 weeks of modeling;obvious cracks were found in front of the C6 and C7 vertebral body,and cartilage defect shown the trend of"repairing"at 18 and 24 weeks after modeling.Conclusions:Intervertebral disc degeneration and osteoporosis can cause damage to the cartilage endplate.Co-existence of these two factors can induce more serious damage to the endplate.which has possitive correlation with intervertebral disc degeneration.Osteoporosis plays a certain role in intervertebral disc degeneration process,and accelerates the degeneration of intervertebral disc in a specific time window.展开更多
Confluences play a major role in the dynamics of networks of natural and man-made open channels, and field measurements on river confluences reveal that discordance in bed elevation is common.Studies of schematized co...Confluences play a major role in the dynamics of networks of natural and man-made open channels, and field measurements on river confluences reveal that discordance in bed elevation is common.Studies of schematized confluences with a step at the interface between the tributary and the main channel bed reveal that bed elevation discordance is an important additional control for the confluence hydrodynamics.This study aimed to improve understanding of the influence of bed elevation discordance on the flow patterns and head losses in a right-angled confluence of an open channel with rectangular cross-sections.A large eddy simulation (LES)-based numerical model was set up and validated with experiments by others.Four configurations with different bed discordance ratios were investigated.The results confirm that, with increasing bed elevation discordance, the tributary streamlines at the confluence interface deviate less from the geometrical confluence angle, the extent of the recirculation zone (RZ) gets smaller, the ratio of the water depth upstream to that downstream of the confluence decreases, and the water level depression reduces.The bed elevation discordance also leads to the development of a large-scale structure in the lee of the step.Despite the appearance of the large-scale structure, the reduced extent of the RZ and associated changes in flow deflection/contraction reduce total head losses experienced by the main channel with an increase of the bed discordance ratio.It turns out that bed elevation discordance converts the lateral momentum from the tributary to streamwise momentum in the main channel more efficiently.展开更多
The dynamic tensile test of 0.11C-0.62Si-1.65Mn TRIP steel was carried out at different strain rates and test temperatures. The results show that both temperature and strain rate affect the retained austenite transfor...The dynamic tensile test of 0.11C-0.62Si-1.65Mn TRIP steel was carried out at different strain rates and test temperatures. The results show that both temperature and strain rate affect the retained austenite transformation. At high strain rates, the uniform elongation decreases, whereas the total elongation and energy absorption increase. The tensile strength is less strain rate sensitive. With raising test temperature, the tensile strength is reduced and the mechanical properties generally deteriorate, especially at 110℃,However, excellent mechanical properties were obtained at 50℃ and 75℃.展开更多
Differential diagnosis of pediatric vascular liver tumors can be challenging due to inconsistent nomenclature,histologic overlap and the rarity of some entities.Here we give an up-to-date overview of the most importan...Differential diagnosis of pediatric vascular liver tumors can be challenging due to inconsistent nomenclature,histologic overlap and the rarity of some entities.Here we give an up-to-date overview of the most important entities.We discuss the clinic,histology and pathophysiology of hepatic congenital and infantile heman-gioma,hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma and hepatic angio-sarcoma.展开更多
The development of capsule endoscopy(CE) in 2001 has given gastroenterologists the opportunity to investigate the small bowel in a non-invasive way. CE is most commonly performed for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding,...The development of capsule endoscopy(CE) in 2001 has given gastroenterologists the opportunity to investigate the small bowel in a non-invasive way. CE is most commonly performed for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, but other indications include diagnosis or follow-up of Crohn's disease, suspicion of a small bowel tumor, diagnosis and surveillance of hereditary polyposis syndromes, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced small bowel lesions and celiac disease.Almost fifteen years have passed since the release of the small bowel capsule. The purpose of this review is to offer the reader a brief but complete overview on small bowel CE anno 2014, including the technical and procedural aspects, the possible complications and the most important indications. We will end with some future perspectives of CE.展开更多
基金funded by Ghent University Hospital(FIKO21/TYPE2/013)。
文摘Background:Tendinopathy alters the compositional properties of the Achilles tendon by increasing fluid and glycosaminoglycan content.It has been speculated that these changes may affect intratendinous pressure,but the extent of this relationship remains unclear.Therefore,we aimed to investigate the impact of elevated fluid and glycosaminoglycan content on Achilles tendon intratendinous pressure and to determine whether hyaluronidase(HYAL) therapy can intervene in this potential relationship.Methods:Twenty paired fresh-frozen cadaveric Achilles tendons were mounted in a tensile-testing machine and loaded up to 5% strain.Intratendinous resting(at 0% strain) and dynamic pressure(at 5% strain) were assessed using the microcapillary infusion technique.First,intratendinous pressure was measured under native conditions before and after infusion of 2 mL physiological saline.Next,80 mg of glycosaminoglycans were administered bilaterally to the paired tendons.The right tendons were additionally treated with 1500 units of HYAL.Finally,both groups were retested,and the glycosaminoglycan content was analyzed.Results:It was found that both elevated fluid and glycosaminoglycan content resulted in higher intratendinous resting and dynamic pressures(p <0.001).HYAL treatment induced a 2.3-fold reduction in glycosaminoglycan content(p=0.002) and restored intratendinous pressures.Conclusion:The results of this study demonstrated that elevated fluid and glycosaminoglycan content in Achilles tendinopathy contribute to increased intratendinous re sting and dynamic pressures,which can be explained by the associated increased volume and reduced permeability of the tendon matrix,respectively.HYAL degrades glycosaminoglycans sufficiently to lower intratendinous pressures and may,therefore,serve as a promising treatment.
基金This work is supported by the National Key Research and Development Program(No.2018YFA0208600)the National Natural Science Foundation of Chi-na(No.U19A2015,No.22102167)+2 种基金CAS Project for Young Scientists in Basic Research(YSBR-051)Wenhua Zhang is supported by USTC Tang Scholarship and State Scholarship Fund(202206345005)The calculations were performed at the Super-computing Center of University of Science and Technology of China(USTCSCC).
文摘The dynamic adsorption of possible intermediates on single-atom catalysts(SACs)under working condition plays a key role in the electrocatalytic performance by the oxygen evolution reaction(OER),and therefore the performance of the dynamic adsorption should be fully considered in the theoretical screening of potential SACs.Based on density functional theory calculations,the OER performance of 27 types of C_(2)N-supported single transition metal atoms(TM@C_(2)N)is systematically investigated without and with considering the dynamic adsorption of possible intermediates.Without considering dynamic adsorption,only Rh@C_(2)N and Ni@C_(2)N are screened out as good catalysts.However,by further considering the dynamic adsorption configurations of possible intermediates,more promising TM@C_(2)N SACs including Fe(Co,Ni,Ru,Rh,Ir)@C_(2)N toward the OER are screened out.The presence of the intermediates(*HO,*O)on SACs could shift their d band center toward lower energy level,which makes the interaction between the adsorbate and SACs moderate and thus enhances their OER performance.The present work is instructive for further screening and designing of efficient single-atom catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(52321005,52293443,and 52230004)the Shenzhen Science and Technology Program(KQTD20190929172630447)+1 种基金the Shenzhen Key Research Project(GXWD20220817145054002)the Talent Recruitment Project of Guandong(2021QN020106).
文摘The digital twins concept enhances modeling and simulation through the integration of real-time data and feedback.This review elucidates the foundational elements of digital twins,covering their concept,entities,domains,and key technologies.More specifically,we investigate the transformative potential of digital twins for the wastewater treatment engineering sector.Our discussion highlights the application of digital twins to wastewater treatment plants(WWTPs)and sewage networks,hardware(i.e.,facilities and pipes,sensors for water quality and activated sludge,hydrodynamics,and power consumption),and software(i.e.,knowledge-based and data-driven models,mechanistic models,hybrid twins,control methods,and the Internet of Things).Furthermore,two cases are provided,followed by an assessment of current challenges in and perspectives on the application of digital twins in WWTPs.This review serves as an essential primer for wastewater engineers navigating the digital paradigm shift.
基金Supported by the National Social Science Foundation,No.18BY0911.
文摘BACKGROUND Understanding the impact of early sensory deficits on brain development is essential for understanding developmental processes and developing potential interventions.While previous studies have looked into the impact of prenatal experiences on language development,there is a lack of research on how these experiences affect early language and brain function development in individuals with sensorineural hearing loss(SNHL).AIM To investigate SNHL effects on early brain development and connectivity in 4-month-olds vs healthy newborns and controls.METHODS The research involved analyzing the functional brain networks of 65 infants,categorized into three groups:28 healthy newborns,224-month-old participants with SNHL,and 15 age-matched healthy participants.The resting-state functional connectivity was measured and compared between the groups using functional near-infrared spectroscopy and graph theory to assess the brain network properties.RESULTS Significant differences were found in resting-state functional connectivity between participants with SNHL and age-matched controls,indicating a developmental lag in brain connectivity for those with SNHL.Surprisingly,SNHL participants showed better connectivity development compared to healthy newborns,with connectivity strengths of 0.13±0.04 for SNHL,0.16±0.08 for controls,and 0.098±0.04 for newborns.Graph theory analysis revealed enhanced global brain network properties for the SNHL group,suggesting higher communication efficiency at 4 months.No significant differences were noted in network properties between 4-month-old SNHL participants and neonates.A unique pattern of central hubs was observed in the SNHL group,with 2 hubs in the left hemisphere compared to 6 in controls.CONCLUSION 4-month-old infants with SNHL have a distinct brain network pattern with efficient long-distance information transmission but less effective local communication compared to age-matched controls.
文摘Background: This study assessed the effect of a nutrition education intervention. This intervention aimed to improve the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of mothers on food safety in the peri-urban areas of Bobo-Dioulasso in Burkina Faso. Methods: A total of 243 mothers of children under 5 years in the peri-urban of Bobo-Dioulasso were administered the FAO questionnaire for food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices assessment during two cross-sectional surveys, before and after the intervention, in January and October 2017. The intervention included two components consisting of a theoretical phase (counselling and discussion) and cooking demonstrations implemented for ten months. To account for the before-and-after design of the study, the McNemar’s test was used to assess the effect of the intervention on food safety KAP of mothers of children under 5 years. Results: The mean age of mothers was 29 ± 6.2 years and 50.6% of them were between 20 and 29 years old. One for knowledge (cooking thoroughly with, p-value = 0.0001) and another for attitudes (perceived benefits of reheating leftovers before eating them, p-value = 0.0001), significantly increased after the intervention. In terms of food safety practices, all the indicators (cleaning of dirty surfaces, plates and utensils and storage of perishable foods) significantly increased (all p = 0.0001 Conclusion: This study provided some evidence of an effective nutrition education intervention for improving maternal KAP on food safety for their child’s feeding.
基金supported by the Long-Term Structural Methusalem Funding (BOF09/01M00409)by the Flemish Government and the European Union’s Horizon H2020 Programme (H2020SPIRE-0 4-2016) under grant agreement No. 72370 6+2 种基金financial support from SABIC Geleenfinancial support from a doctoral fellowship from the Fund for Scientific Research Flanders (FWO)
文摘Most olefins (e.g., ethylene and propylene) will continue to be produced through steam cracking (SC) ofhydrocarbons in the coming decade. In an uncertain commodity market, the chemical industry is investingvery little in alternative technologies and feedstocks because of their current lack of economic viability,despite decreasing crude oil reserves and the recognition of global warming. In this perspective, some of themost promising alternatives are compared with the conventional SC process, and the major bottlenecks ofeach of the competing processes are highlighted. These technologies emerge especially from the abundanceof cheap propane, ethane, and methane from shale gas and stranded gas. From an economic point of view,methane is an interesting starting material, if chemicals can be produced from it. The huge availability ofcrude oil and the expected substantial decline in the demand for fuels imply that the future for proventechnologies such as Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FFS) or methanol to gasoline is not bright. The abundance ofcheap ethane and the large availability of crude oil, on the other hand, have caused the SC industry to shiftto these two extremes, making room for the on-purpose production of light olefins, such as by the catalyticdehydrogenation of orooane.
文摘Ever since the ureteral stent design was fitted with a curl on both sides to prevent it from migrating up or down the ureter some 40 years ago,its use has gained tremendous momentum,aiding in the rise and evolution of endourology and has confidently kept its place in modern time urology.Over the past four decades,several designs,coating and biomaterials have been developed,trying to reduce infection,encrustation and other stent related symptoms.As the ideal stent has not yet been discovered,different ways of helping patients with their complaints have been researched.This review will cover these aspects of stent use in urolithiasis.
文摘Fermented liquid feed is feed that has been mixed with water at a ratio ranging from 1:1.5 to 1:4. By mixing with water lactic acid bacteria and yeasts naturally occurring in the feed proliferate and produce lactic acid, acetic acid and ethano which reduces the pH of the mixture. This reduction in pH inhibits pathogenic organisms from developing in the feed. In addition, when this low pH mixture is fed, it reduces the pH in the stomach of pigs and prevents the proliferation of pathogens such as coliforms and Salmonella in the gastrointestinal tract. For piglets, the use of fermented liquid feed offers the possibility of simultaneously providing feed and water, which may facilitate an easier transition from sow's milk to solid feed. Secondly, offering properly produced fermented liquid feed may strengthen the role of the stomach as the first line of defense against possible pathogenic infections by lowering the pH in the gastrointestinal tract thereby helping to exclude enteropathogens. Finally, feeding fermented liquid feed to pigs has been shown to improve the performance of suckling pigs, weaner pigs and growing-finishing pigs. In this review, current knowledge about the use of fermented liquid feed in pig diets will be discussed. This will include a discussion of the desirable properties of fermented liquid feed and factors affecting fermentation. In addition, advantages and disadvantages of fermented liquid feed will be discussed including its effects on gastrointestinal health, intestinal pH and the types of bacteria found in the gastrointestinal tract as well as the effects of fermented liquid feeds on pig performance.
基金The authors acknowledge funding from the European Research Council(ERC)under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation(818607)Pieter P.Plehiers and Ruben Van de Vijver acknowledge financial support,respectively,from a doctoral(1150817N)a postdoctoral(3E013419)fellowship from the Research Foundation-Flanders(FWO).
文摘Chemical engineers rely on models for design,research,and daily decision-making,often with potentially large financial and safety implications.Previous efforts a few decades ago to combine artificial intelligence and chemical engineering for modeling were unable to fulfill the expectations.In the last five years,the increasing availability of data and computational resources has led to a resurgence in machine learning-based research.Many recent efforts have facilitated the roll-out of machine learning techniques in the research field by developing large databases,benchmarks,and representations for chemical applications and new machine learning frameworks.Machine learning has significant advantages over traditional modeling techniques,including flexibility,accuracy,and execution speed.These strengths also come with weaknesses,such as the lack of interpretability of these black-box models.The greatest opportunities involve using machine learning in time-limited applications such as real-time optimization and planning that require high accuracy and that can build on models with a self-learning ability to recognize patterns,learn from data,and become more intelligent over time.The greatest threat in artificial intelligence research today is inappropriate use because most chemical engineers have had limited training in computer science and data analysis.Nevertheless,machine learning will definitely become a trustworthy element in the modeling toolbox of chemical engineers.
基金supported by National Science Foundation.Grant No.81171764
文摘Objective:To investigate the effect of osteoporosis and intervertebral disc degeneration on the endplate cartilage injury in rats.Methods:A total of 48 female Sprague Dawley rats(3 months)were randomly divided into Groups A,B,C and D with 12 rats in each group.Osteoporosis and intervertebral disc degeneration composite model,simple degeneration model and simple osteoporosis model were prepared in Groups A,B and C respectively.After modeling,four rats of each group at 12th.18th and 24th week were sacrificed,Intervertebral height of cervical vertebra C6/C7 was measured.Micro-CT was used to image the endplate of cephalic and caudal cartilage at C6/C7 intervertebral disc.Abraded area rate of C6 caudal and C7 cephalic cartilage endplate was calculated,and then C6/C7 intervertebral disc was routinely embedded and sectioned.stained with safranin O to observe histological changes microscopically.Results:At 12,18 and24 weeks,intervertebral disc height of C6/C7 were(0.58±0.09)mm,(0.53±0.04)mm and(0.04±0.06)mm in Group A rats,(0.55±0.05)mm,(0.52±0.07)mm and(0.07±0.05)mm in Group B rats.At 24th week.intervertebral disc height of Group A rats was significantly lower than that of Group B rats(P<0.05);intervertebral disc height of Groups A and B rats at each time point were significantly lower than that of Groups C and D(P<0.05).There was no significantly statistical difference of intervertebral disc height between Groups C and D(P>0.05).At 12 and 18 weeks,the abraded rate of C6 caudal and C7 cephalic cartilage endplate in Group A rats were significantly higher than that in Groups B.C and D rats(P<0.05);the abraded rate in Group B was significantly higher than that in Groups C and D(P>0.05).Microscopic observation of CT showed that ventral defects in C6caudal or C7 cephalic cartilage endplate in Groups A and B appeared after 12 weeks of modeling;obvious cracks were found in front of the C6 and C7 vertebral body,and cartilage defect shown the trend of"repairing"at 18 and 24 weeks after modeling.Conclusions:Intervertebral disc degeneration and osteoporosis can cause damage to the cartilage endplate.Co-existence of these two factors can induce more serious damage to the endplate.which has possitive correlation with intervertebral disc degeneration.Osteoporosis plays a certain role in intervertebral disc degeneration process,and accelerates the degeneration of intervertebral disc in a specific time window.
文摘Confluences play a major role in the dynamics of networks of natural and man-made open channels, and field measurements on river confluences reveal that discordance in bed elevation is common.Studies of schematized confluences with a step at the interface between the tributary and the main channel bed reveal that bed elevation discordance is an important additional control for the confluence hydrodynamics.This study aimed to improve understanding of the influence of bed elevation discordance on the flow patterns and head losses in a right-angled confluence of an open channel with rectangular cross-sections.A large eddy simulation (LES)-based numerical model was set up and validated with experiments by others.Four configurations with different bed discordance ratios were investigated.The results confirm that, with increasing bed elevation discordance, the tributary streamlines at the confluence interface deviate less from the geometrical confluence angle, the extent of the recirculation zone (RZ) gets smaller, the ratio of the water depth upstream to that downstream of the confluence decreases, and the water level depression reduces.The bed elevation discordance also leads to the development of a large-scale structure in the lee of the step.Despite the appearance of the large-scale structure, the reduced extent of the RZ and associated changes in flow deflection/contraction reduce total head losses experienced by the main channel with an increase of the bed discordance ratio.It turns out that bed elevation discordance converts the lateral momentum from the tributary to streamwise momentum in the main channel more efficiently.
基金Item Sponsored by China-Belgium Bilateral Project BIL01
文摘The dynamic tensile test of 0.11C-0.62Si-1.65Mn TRIP steel was carried out at different strain rates and test temperatures. The results show that both temperature and strain rate affect the retained austenite transformation. At high strain rates, the uniform elongation decreases, whereas the total elongation and energy absorption increase. The tensile strength is less strain rate sensitive. With raising test temperature, the tensile strength is reduced and the mechanical properties generally deteriorate, especially at 110℃,However, excellent mechanical properties were obtained at 50℃ and 75℃.
文摘Differential diagnosis of pediatric vascular liver tumors can be challenging due to inconsistent nomenclature,histologic overlap and the rarity of some entities.Here we give an up-to-date overview of the most important entities.We discuss the clinic,histology and pathophysiology of hepatic congenital and infantile heman-gioma,hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma and hepatic angio-sarcoma.
文摘The development of capsule endoscopy(CE) in 2001 has given gastroenterologists the opportunity to investigate the small bowel in a non-invasive way. CE is most commonly performed for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, but other indications include diagnosis or follow-up of Crohn's disease, suspicion of a small bowel tumor, diagnosis and surveillance of hereditary polyposis syndromes, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced small bowel lesions and celiac disease.Almost fifteen years have passed since the release of the small bowel capsule. The purpose of this review is to offer the reader a brief but complete overview on small bowel CE anno 2014, including the technical and procedural aspects, the possible complications and the most important indications. We will end with some future perspectives of CE.
基金supported by grants from Ghent Universityrecipient of a scholarship from the China Scholarship Councilreceived doctoral co-funding from the Special Research Council of Ghent University~~