Abstract
The phenomenon of knowledge overflow and knowledge disorientation is very common in knowledge-intensive enterprise, even though the knowledge management system has been used. A novel ...knowledge push system is designed in order to push proper knowledge actively to the proper designer at the proper time, which is oriented to the product design workflow based on work breakdown structure. The ontology models of product design task and knowledge are established, and fuzzy properties are introduced into knowledge ontology model. A similarity measurement algorithm between ontology models is proposed, which generates the knowledge matching rule. Integrating ontology construction, knowledge matching rule and knowledge control model, a knowledge push system is constructed that is used to achieve precise knowledge pushing. An electronic equipment manufacturing enterprise is taken as the application case to verify the effectiveness of the system.
Artemisia ordosica is one of the main shrubby perennials belonging to Artemisia species of Asteraceae and could be used in folk Chinese/Mongolian medicine to treat symptoms of various inflammatory ...ailments. The present study was conducted to investigate the protective effects of dietary Artemisia ordosica polysaccharide (AOP) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced oxidative stress in broilers via Nrf2/Keap1 and TLR4/NF-κB pathway. A total of 192 1-day-old Arbor Acres male broilers were randomly allotted to four treatments with 6 replicates (n = 8): (1) CON group, non-challenged broilers fed basal diet; (2) LPS group, LPS-challenged broilers fed basal diet; (3) AOP group, non-challenged broilers fed basal diet supplemented with 750 mg/kg AOP; (4) LPS+AOP group, LPS-challenged broilers fed basal diet supplemented with 750 mg/kg AOP. The trial included starter phase (d 1–14), stress period Ⅰ (d 15–21), convalescence Ⅰ (d 22–28), stress period Ⅱ (d 29–35) and convalescence Ⅱ (d 36–42). During stress period Ⅰ (on d 15, 17, 19 and 21) and stress period Ⅱ (on d 29, 31, 33 and 35), broilers were injected intra-abdominally either with LPS solution or with an equal amount of sterile saline. The results showed that dietary AOP supplementation alleviated LPS-induced reduction in antioxidant enzyme activity and excessive production of ROS, 8-OHdG and PC in serum of broilers challenged with LPS. Moreover, dietary AOP supplementation alleviated the decrease of T-AOC and activities of SOD, CAT and GPx in liver of broilers challenged with LPS by increasing expression of Nrf2, and inhibiting over-expression of Keap1 both at gene and protein level. Additionally, dietary AOP supplementation decreased the over-production of IL-1β and IL-6 in liver of broilers challenged by LPS through decreasing mRNA expression of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB P65, IL-1β and IL-6, and alleviating the increase of protein expression of TLR4, IKKβ, NF-κB P65, IL-1β, IL-6, and the decrease of protein expression of IkBα. In conclusion, dietary AOP supplementation could alleviate LPS-induced oxidative stress through Nrf2/Keap1 and TLR4/NF-κB pathway.
•Dietary AOP alleviated LPS-induced liver injure.•Dietary AOP relieved LPS-induced oxidative stress by activating Nrf2/keap1 pathway.•Dietary AOP relieved LPS-induced oxidative stress by suppressing TLR4/NF-κB pathway.
Breaking the Speed Limits of Phase-Change Memory Loke, D.; Lee, T. H.; Wang, W. J. ...
Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science),
06/2012, Letnik:
336, Številka:
6088
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Phase-change random-access memory (PCRAM) is one of the leading candidates for next-generation data-storage devices, but the trade-off between crystallization (writing) speed and amorphous-phase ...stability (data retention) presents a key challenge. We control the crystallization kinetics of a phase-change material by applying a constant low voltage via prestructural ordering (incubation) effects. A crystallization speed of 500 picoseconds was achieved, as well as high-speed reversible switching using 500-picosecond pulses. Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations reveal the phase-change kinetics in PCRAM devices and the structural origin of the incubation-assisted increase in crystallization speed. This paves the way for achieving a broadly applicable memory device, capable of nonvolatile operations beyond gigahertz data-transfer rates.
This study was to investigate the synergistic antibacterial effect and inhibition of biofilm formation of nisin in combination with terpenes (carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde, citral and thymol) against ...Listeria monocytogenes. The bactericidal ranking of terpenes combined with nisin was carvacrol > cinnamaldehyde, citral > thymol. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of nisin and carvacrol when used together was determined to be 0·1563 mg ml−1 + 0·0195 mg ml−1 (nisin at MIC/2 + carvacrol at MIC/16). The addition of nisin at MIC/2 + carvacrol at MIC/2 caused more decrease in membrane potential than carvacrol or nisin at MIC individually. The decrease rates of hlyA and plcA gene expressions caused by nisin at MIC/2 + carvacrol at MIC/2 were significantly higher than those caused by carvacrol or nisin at MIC individually (P < 0·05). Nisin combined with carvacrol showed the highest inhibition activity to the formation of L. monocytogenes biofilm on stainless steel and lettuce. The inhibition effect of nisin at MIC/2 + carvacrol at MIC/16 was significantly higher than that of nisin at MIC/2 and carvacrol at MIC/16 (P < 0·05).
Significance and Impact of the Study: Terpenes as important natural antimicrobials are getting considerable attention in the food industry, but their application is limited because of undesirable flavour and taste. In our study, the inhibitory effects and inhibition of biofilm formation of carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde, citral and thymol against Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19115 were investigated when they were used individually or combined with nisin. We have demonstrated that nisin in combination with carvacrol had the best synergistic antibacterial effect and ability to inhibit biofilm formation. These observations can contribute to the effective application of these antibacterials in the food industry.
•A model of ultrasonic vibration enhanced friction stir welding was developed.•Effects of superimposed ultrasonic vibration on heat generation, temperature profiles and material flow in FSW were ...quantitatively analyzed.•Ultrasonic softening plays a dominant role in UVeFSW, while the thermal effect of ultrasonic vibration is insignificant.•Superimposed ultrasonic vibration in FSW can produce an enhanced plastic material flow and larger TMAZ.
A mathematical model is developed to analyze the effects of superimposed ultrasonic vibration on heat generation, temperature distribution and material flow in friction stir welding process. Ultrasonic softening plays a dominant role in ultrasonic vibration enhanced friction stir welding process, while the thermal effect of ultrasonic vibration is insignificant. Superimposing ultrasonic vibration in friction stir welding process can produce an enhanced plastic material flow, increase the welding speed and welding efficiency, and also improve the weld quality by enhancing the plastic material flow near the tool. The model is validated by a comparison of the calculated thermal cycles and thermo-mechanically affected zone boundaries with the experimentally measured ones.
Objective
Female C57BL/6 mice exhibit less severe chondropathy than male mice. This study was undertaken to test the robustness of this observation and explore underlying mechanisms.
Methods
...Osteoarthritis was induced in male and female C57BL/6 or DBA/1 mice (n = 6–15 per group) by destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) or partial meniscectomy (PMX). Some mice were ovariectomized (OVX) (n = 30). In vivo repair after focal cartilage defect or joint immobilization (sciatic neurectomy) following DMM was assessed. Histologic analysis, evaluation of gene expression in whole knees, and behavioral analysis using Laboratory Animal Behavior Observation Registration and Analysis System (LABORAS) and Linton incapacitance testing (n = 7–10 mice per group) were performed.
Results
Female mice displayed less severe chondropathy (20–75% reduction) across both strains and after both surgeries. Activity levels after PMX were similar for male and female mice. Some repair‐associated genes were increased in female mouse joints after surgery, but no repair differences were evident in vivo. Despite reduced chondropathy, female mice developed pain‐like behavior at the same time as male mice. At the time of established pain‐like behavior (10 weeks after PMX), pain‐associated genes were significantly up‐regulated in female mice, including Gdnf (mean ± SEM fold change 2.54 ± 0.30), Nrtn (6.71 ± 1.24), Ntf3 (1.92 ± 0.27), and Ntf5 (2.89 ± 0.48) (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.05, and P < 0.001, respectively, versus male mice). Inflammatory genes were not regulated in painful joints in mice of either sex.
Conclusion
We confirm strong structural joint protection in female mice that is not due to activity or intrinsic repair differences. Female mice develop pain at the same time as males, but induce a distinct set of neurotrophins. We speculate that heightened pain sensitivity in female mice protects the joint by preventing overuse.
Background
The remodeling patterns in different types of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) have rarely been compared, particularly the difference between eosinophilic and noneosinophilic CRS with nasal ...polyps (CRSwNP). Moreover, whether there is a link between remodeling and inflammation remains controversial.
Objective
To directly compare the remodeling features of different CRS and to explore their relationship with inflammation in Chinese patients.
Methods
Histologic characteristics of surgical samples were analyzed in 33 controls, 72 eosinophilic and 76 noneosinophilic CRSwNP, and 72 CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) patients. Tissue samples from 38 controls, 26 eosinophilic and 26 noneosinophilic CRSwNP, and 32 CRSsNP patients were measured for mRNA and/or protein expression of profibrotic growth factors, metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α, interleukin (IL)‐8, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and myeloperoxidase (MPO).
Results
The amount of collagen decreased, whereas the edema scores increased, from CRSsNP to noneosinophilic CRSwNP and to eosinophilic CRSwNP. Transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β2 protein levels were enhanced in CRSsNP compared with CRSwNP. TIMP‐4 protein levels decreased in eosinophilic CRSwNP compared with noneosinophilic CRSwNP and CRSsNP. The number of neutrophils decreased from CRSsNP to noneosinophilic CRSwNP and to eosinophilic CRSwNP. ECP levels were only up‐regulated in eosinophilic CRSwNP. ECP levels and neutrophil number correlated positively with the severity of edema and fibrosis, respectively. Neutrophils were the major sources of TGF‐β2 in CRSsNP and noneosinophilic CRSwNP.
Conclusion
Distinct remodeling patterns are revealed for different types of CRS, particularly for eosinophilic and noneosinophilic CRSwNP. Tissue remodeling associates with inflammation in CRS.
Summary
Background
CD8+ T cells are important effectors of cell‐mediated immunity; however, their contribution to the pathogenesis of CRS is unclear.
Objective
This study aimed to characterize the ...cytokine‐producing features and cytotoxic activity of CD8+ T cells, and their correlation with inflammation patterns in CRS with nasal polyps.
Methods
The expression of IFN‐γ, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐17A, forkhead box P3 (FOXP3), perforin, and granzyme B in CD8+ T cells was studied by means of flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. The expression of CD8+ T‐cell subset relevant chemokines and chemokine receptors was detected by means of real‐time RT‐PCR or ELISA. The cytotoxic activity of sorted CD8+ T cells was defined by anti‐CD3‐redirected killing assay.
Results
Compared with controls, elevated percentages of total CD8+ T cells and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (Tc) 1 (IFN‐γ+), Tc2 (IL‐4+), and Tc17 (IL‐17A+) cell subset, and decreased percentages of FOXP3+CD8+ regulatory T cells, were found in both eosinophilic and non‐eosinophilic polyps with a Tc2‐skewed and Tc1/Tc17‐dominated response in eosinophilic and non‐eosinophilic polyps, respectively. Nasal CD8+ T cells were found to produce similar or even higher levels of IFN‐γ and IL‐4 compared with CD4+ T cells. Tc1 and Tc17, and Tc2 (IL‐4+ and IL‐5+) cell subset percentages positively correlated with neutrophil and eosinophil counts in sinonasal mucosa, respectively. Strikingly, the expression of perforin and granzyme B and cytotoxic activity were significantly reduced in nasal CD8+ T cells compared with their counterparts in peripheral blood. The expression of CXCL16, CCL17, and CCL20 positively correlated with Tc1, Tc2, and Tc17 cell subset number in sinonasal mucosa, respectively.
Conclusion and Clinical Relevance
CD8+ T cells have low cytotoxic activity; nevertheless, they are a significant and previously underappreciated source of inflammatory cytokine production in polyps. Different Tc cell subset domination may contribute to distinctly biased granulocyte inflammation in eosinophilic and non‐eosinophilic polyps.
•Improved implementation of OpenACC is adopted to accelerate LB simulation.•A speedup around 50–60X can be achieved for multiphysics LB simulation.•Benchmark quality results are obtained with fine ...grid of 20492.
We assess the performance of the combined Open Accelerator (OpenACC) programming standard and graphics processing unit (GPU) accelerator for lattice Boltzmann (LB) simulations of fluid flow, heat and mass transfer. By optimizing the data layout, minimizing the memory access frequency, and adjusting the number of gangs and vector length, we show that the enhanced parallel computations can result in orders of magnitudes of speedup relative to the serial implementation of the LB algorithm. Based on such implementations, benchmark quality results are obtained with fine grid of 20492 for both two-dimensional lid driven cavity flow with Reynolds number up to 7500, and double diffusive cavity flow with solute Rayleigh number up to 108.
To investigate the expression of profilin 2 (PFN2) in gastric cancer and assess its potential value as a novel prognostic indicator and a therapeutic target.
We collected gastric cancer and paired ...adjacent tissues from 100 patients for immunohistochemical detection of PFN2 expression. According to the expression level of PFN2, the patients were divided into two groups with high (46 cases) and low (48 cases) PNF2 expression in cancer tissues, and also into two groups with high (26 cases) and low (49 cases) PNF2 expression in adjacent tissues. Chi-square test, Spearman correlation and KaplanMeier survival analysis were used to analyze the relationship between PFN2 protein expression level and the patients' clinical parameters. We also tested the effects of PFN2 knockdown and overexpression on the proliferation and migration of MKN-45 cells using Transwell assay and CCK-8 assay.
The expression of PFN2 protein was significantly higher in gastric cancer tissues than in adjacent tissues (
< 0.01). PFN2 expression w
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