Envelope Structure Research Articles

Sphingolipid-Enriched Porcine Placental Extract Promotes the Expression of Structural Genes and Desquamation Enzyme Genes in Cultured Human Keratinocytes.

Porcine placental extract (PPE) is commonly used in various health foods and cosmetics. PPE use in cosmetics predominantly consist of the water-soluble fraction derived from the entire placenta. In this report, we examined the effect of the hydrophobic constituents of the PPE, specifically the sphingolipid-enriched fraction designated as the sphingolipid-enriched porcine placental extract (SLPPE), on the expression of genes associated with skin function in cultured normal human epidermal keratinocytes. Using quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis, we found that SLPPE concentrations ranging from 25 to 100 µg/mL upregulated the gene expression of key components associated with the cornified envelope structure (filaggrin (FLG), involucrin (IVL) and loricrin (LOR)), cornification enzymes (transglutaminase 1 (TGM1) and TGM5) and the desquamation enzymes (kallikrein 5 (KLK5) and KLK7). Additionally, KLK5p and FLG protein (FLGp) were detected in the culture supernatants of keratinocytes treated with SLPPE at these concentrations. These findings suggest that SLPPE is possible to promote the cornification and desquamation in epidermal keratinocytes, and it may offer potential benefits in cosmetics.

Analysis of the influence of outer envelope structure on indoor thermal environment of zero energy building

Zero-energy building is the main development trend in the current construction field. Reducing the carbon emission of the building, enhancing the indoor comfort of the building, and improving the comprehensive performance of the building are the current research hotspots in the field of construction, and it is necessary to explore the impact of the envelope on the performance of the building as the main medium for the transfer of indoor and outdoor heat in the building. In this paper, zero energy consumption buildings in Northwest China are taken as the study application. Numerical simulation and experimental research are combined to compare and analyze the changes of indoor thermal environment under the conditions of external wall insulation layer thickness of 150mm, 140mm, 130mm and window-wall ratio of 0.36 and 0.5 in the heating season. The results show that the indoor comfort level of 130mm is lower than that of 140mm and 150mm external wall insulation layer thickness, and in winter, the increase of window wall ratio improves indoor thermal comfort. In general, increasing the thickness of external wall insulation layer and window wall ratio can be effective means to improve indoor comfort. However, blindly increasing the thickness of insulation layer and window wall ratio will only cause resource waste and cost increase, affecting the long-term development of zero-energy buildings.

Nano-Emulsified Perfluorooctyl Bromide Can Infiltrate Gram-Negative Bacteria and Sensitize Them to Ultrasound.

Gram-negative (G-) bacterial infections remain one of the most urgent global health threats, because the distinctive envelope structure hinders the penetration of therapeutics. Here, we showed that a perfluorooctyl bromide nanoemulsion (PFOB NE) uniquely interacts with G- bacteria. After cell envelope attachment, the PFOB can infiltrate the cell and was diffused throughout. In this process, it impaired the membranes by disintegrating phospholipid molecules, enhancing the consequent ultrasonic cavitation to break the envelope. We identified through ultrasound that the NE had remarkable bactericidal effects against various antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Using in situ sterilization, this approach accelerated the recovery of bacteria-infected murine skin wounds. Thus, combining PFOB and ultrasound might be an alternative tool for conquering the growing threat of G- pathogens.

Composite phase change materials with thermal-flexible and efficient photothermal conversion properties for solar thermal management

Composite phase change material (CPCM) with the advantages of high enthalpy and constant temperature phase change, has been widely used in many fields, such as photovoltaic thermal system, building envelope structure and so on. However, conventional CPCM is often rigid, poor light absorption and low thermal conductivity, which limits the application of solar energy utilization. In this paper, a novel Paraffin wax/Thermoplastic elastomer/Carbon nanotube(PA/SEBS/CNT) with shape stability, thermos-flexibility and high photothermal conversion efficiency was prepared, PA as the phase change material, SEBS as the flexible material and CNT as the light-absorbing material. The results show that the addition of CNT increases the absorbance of PA/SEBS from 0.3 to 1.0, and the photothermal conversion efficiency of PA/SEBS/CNT-10 % is as high as 96.17 %. In addition, the CPCM also has a high enthalpy value of 180 J/g, and a high thermal conductivity of >0.3403 W/(m·K), and also exhibits shape-driven memory. At the same time, outdoor photothermal experiments show that PA/SEBS/CNT has excellent photothermal conversion performance under real sunlight, and the highest temperature can reach 99.51 °C. The new CPCM developed has a broad application prospect in solar thermal systems.

Efficient thermoelectric properties and high UV absorption of stable zinc-doped all-inorganic perovskite for BIPV applications in multiple scenarios

The widespread adoption of building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) is vital in the transition from carbon-based energy systems to renewable energy. Traditional photovoltaic modules are difficult to meet the requirements of building materials. In this paper, all-inorganic perovskite zinc-doped CsPb0.875Zn0.125X3 (X = Cl, Br, and I) systems studied through first principles calculation. The results indicate that the doped materials have better structural and mechanical stability. Pugh's ratio is higher than 1.75, which has good ductility. CsPb0.875Zn0.125Cl3 has high mechanical strength, ensuring the load-bearing requirements. CsPb0.875Zn0.125I3 exhibits high compressibility and can be easily shaped according to specific requirements. This characteristic makes it highly suitable for applications in areas such as flexible photovoltaic buildings and flexible power generation. The low extinction coefficient and refractive index, ranging between 1.45 and 2.00, along with a transmittance of 88.7 % in the visible light range, indicate its potential for application in semi-transparent devices. The peak absorption coefficient of CsPb0.875Zn0.125Br3 reaches up to 6.11 × 105 cm−1 in the ultraviolet region, with a transmittance of 73 % lower than the other two. This makes it more suitable for building envelope structures. CsPb0.875Zn0.125Cl3 exhibits a peak value of the figure of merit at 300 K is 0.34, demonstrating application potential in building temperature difference power generation. CsPb0.875Zn0.125I3 ultra-thin monolayer has an average sound transmission loss greater than 2 dB, which has more sound insulation potential. This article provides a theoretical basis for the regional application of BIPV.

Deep-Plane Rhytidectomy: Pearls in Maximizing Outcomes while Minimizing Recovery.

The deep-plane rhytidectomy was first described in 1990 and has gained traction in the past decade as supported by anatomy, embryology, and clinical evidence. Consumer dissatisfaction in facial rejuvenation procedures often occurs because procedures are too conservative and are undone. From the consumer's perspective, an outcome is a combination of the esthetic result, predictability, and the length of the recovery process. The length of the recovery process is often the limiting issue affecting the consumer's willingness to proceed with the procedure. As one of the early pioneers in deep-plane rhytidectomy, the lead author will define contemporary advances in deep-plane techniques such as dissection entry point, flap design, and flap fixation concepts that allow an aggressive approach to treating both the superficial soft tissue envelope and deeper facial aging structures. These technique modifications and insights will provide the surgeon with an understanding of how to achieve significant, natural, long-lasting results with predictable short recovery periods-maximizing outcomes and minimizing postoperative processes.

Heat loss characteristics of typology-based apartment building external walls for a digital twin-based renovation strategy tool

Information about existing building structures is necessary for creating a renovation strategy. Older buildings are often built using typical building envelope structures. However, this information is presented in the building register at a general level, specifying the material type but not its characteristics. For a cross-regional reconstruction strategy, it is necessary to link the scarce information in the building register with the heat loss characteristics of the building envelope structures. In the current study, we classified external wall solutions according to building typologies and linked this with building register information. The typology database includes log, timber frame, brick, concrete, and aerated lightweight concrete external wall structures. Comparing the typology-based values and the actual situation showed that the wall structures’ expected and actual heat loss characteristics agreed. However, there were also significant deviations, primarily because the data from the building register did not allow for precise classification. Nevertheless, data showed that building typology-based heat loss properties are necessary for developing a district-based renovation strategy.

Cross-regulation in a three-component cell envelope stress signaling system of Brucella.

As intracellular pathogens, Brucella must contend with a variety of host-derived stressors when infecting a host cell. The inner membrane, cell wall, and outer membrane, i.e. the cell envelope, of Brucella provide a critical barrier to host assault. A conserved regulatory mechanism known as two-component signaling (TCS) commonly controls transcription of genes that determine the structure and biochemical composition of the cell envelope during stress. We report the identification of previously uncharacterized TCS genes that determine Brucella ovis fitness in the presence of cell envelope disruptors and within infected mammalian host cells. Our study reveals a new molecular mechanism of TCS-dependent gene regulation, and thereby advances fundamental understanding of transcriptional regulatory processes in bacteria.

Transcriptome Analysis of <i>Escherichia coli</i> Dormant Cystlike Cells

Abstract—The transcriptome of Esherichia coli cystlike dormant cells was investigated. RNA content in a single dormant cell was 0.26 fg, i.e., 13.5 times less than in a cell of a growing culture. The presence of mRNA in E. coli dormant cells has not been reported previously. The pools of gene reads for the dormant and growing cells were characterized, as well as the differential expression of all genes, calculated according to the special algorithm considering the average mRNA amount in a single cell. The notion of the genes active in every cell of the population was introduced. In each cell of the dormant and growing E. coli population, such genes were represented by the transcripts of 21 and 16% of the genes, respectively. The revealed cell heterogeneity in the set of active genes is one of the reasons (and forms) of heterogeneity of bacterial populations. Sixty genes were revealed, for which activity increased twice or more during formation of E. coli dormant cells. These were the genes responsible for genome activity, structure and properties of the cell envelope, cell proliferation, stress adaptation, biofilm formation and functioning, and collective behavior, as well as the genes providing for survival of the cell population during germination of the dormant cells.

Early Planet Formation in Embedded Disks (eDisk). XII. Accretion Streamers, Protoplanetary Disk, and Outflow in the Class I Source Oph IRS 63

We present Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) observations of the Class I source Oph IRS 63 in the context of the Early Planet Formation in Embedded Disks large program. Our ALMA observations of Oph IRS 63 show a myriad of protostellar features, such as a shell-like bipolar outflow (in 12CO), an extended rotating envelope structure (in 13CO), a streamer connecting the envelope to the disk (in C18O), and several small-scale spiral structures seen toward the edge of the dust continuum (in SO). By analyzing the velocity pattern of 13CO and C18O, we measure a protostellar mass of M ⋆ = 0.5 ± 0.2 M ⊙ and confirm the presence of a disk rotating at almost Keplerian velocity that extends up to ∼260 au. These calculations also show that the gaseous disk is about four times larger than the dust disk, which could indicate dust evolution and radial drift. Furthermore, we model the C18O streamer and SO spiral structures as features originating from an infalling rotating structure that continuously feeds the young protostellar disk. We compute an envelope-to-disk mass infall rate of ∼10−6 M ⊙ yr−1 and compare it to the disk-to-star mass accretion rate of ∼10−8 M ⊙ yr−1, from which we infer that the protostellar disk is in a mass buildup phase. At the current mass infall rate, we speculate that soon the disk will become too massive to be gravitationally stable.

Indoor air temperature and relative humidity measurements in Finnish schools and day-care centres

Indoor air temperature and relative humidity measurements of schools and day-care centres in two research projects on indoor air conditions in municipal buildings with mechanical ventilation in Finland were combined for a large sample of occupied spaces with typical conditions experienced by users of the buildings. In addition to user experience, the occupied spaces represented the spaces with determining air humidity load when assessing moisture performance of envelope structures. Indoor air temperature was stable excluding extreme external conditions that caused crossings of limit values. Permanence within limit values of the Finnish Classification of Indoor Environment was inadequate leaving all buildings in the lowest classification level S3. Mechanical ventilation in municipal buildings is designed to keep pollutants at moderate level during high occupancy which results in non-existent indoor air moisture excess, which during winter leads to low indoor air relative humidity. Although dry indoor air provides safety of envelope structures, the drawback is poor performance with regards to the recommended range. Dry indoor air has negative effects on the indoor air quality experienced by the users, causing skin and eye irritation.

Tuning the Envelope Structure of Enzyme Nanoreactors for In Vivo Detoxification of Organophosphates.

Encapsulated phosphotriesterase nanoreactors show their efficacy in the prophylaxis and post-exposure treatment of poisoning by paraoxon. A new enzyme nanoreactor (E-nRs) containing an evolved multiple mutant (L72C/Y97F/Y99F/W263V/I280T) of Saccharolobus solfataricus phosphotriesterase (PTE) for in vivo detoxification of organophosphorous compounds (OP) was made. A comparison of nanoreactors made of three- and di-block copolymers was carried out. Two types of morphology nanoreactors made of di-block copolymers were prepared and characterized as spherical micelles and polymersomes with sizes of 40 nm and 100 nm, respectively. The polymer concentrations were varied from 0.1 to 0.5% (w/w) and enzyme concentrations were varied from 2.5 to 12.5 μM. In vivo experiments using E-nRs of diameter 106 nm, polydispersity 0.17, zeta-potential -8.3 mV, and loading capacity 15% showed that the detoxification efficacy against paraoxon was improved: the LD50 shift was 23.7xLD50 for prophylaxis and 8xLD50 for post-exposure treatment without behavioral alteration or functional physiological changes up to one month after injection. The pharmacokinetic profiles of i.v.-injected E-nRs made of three- and di-block copolymers were similar to the profiles of the injected free enzyme, suggesting partial enzyme encapsulation. Indeed, ELISA and Western blot analyses showed that animals developed an immune response against the enzyme. However, animals that received several injections did not develop iatrogenic symptoms.

Modelling the AM CVn and double detonation supernova progenitor binary system CD-30°11223

ABSTRACT We present a detailed modelling study of CD-30°11223 (CD-30), a hot subdwarf (sdB)-white dwarf (WD) binary identified as a double detonation supernova progenitor, using the open-source stellar evolution software MESA. We focus on implementing binary evolution models carefully tuned to match the observed characteristics of the system including log g and Teff. For the first time, we account for the structure of the hydrogen envelope throughout the modelling, and find that the inclusion of element diffusion is important for matching the observed radius and temperature. We investigate the two sdB mass solutions (0.47 and 0.54 M⊙) previously proposed for this system, strongly favouring the 0.47 M⊙ solution. The WD cooling age is compared against the sdB age using our models, which suggest an sdB likely older than the WD, contrary to the standard assumption for compact sdB-WD binaries. Subsequently, we propose a possible alternate formation channel for CD-30. We also perform binary evolution modelling of the system to study various aspects such as mass transfer, orbital period evolution, and luminosity evolution. Our models confirm CD-30 as a double detonation supernova progenitor, expected to explode ≈55 Myr from now. The WD accretes an ≈0.17 M⊙ thick helium shell that causes a detonation, leaving a 0.30 M⊙ sdB ejected at ≈750 km s−1. The final 15 Myr of the system are characterized by helium accretion which dominates the system luminosity, possibly resembling an AM CVn-type system.

Dynamic Simulation Analysis of Influencing Factors of Energy Consumption of Public Building Envelope in Central China

It difficult for buildings in cold regions to reasonably meet ultra-low energy consumption requirements. To explore the influencing factors of building energy consumption in this type of climatic region, this paper takes a typical public building in Zhengzhou, China as a case study to dynamically simulate an entire building. The influence of the window glass, window-to-wall ratio (WWR), thermal insulation material thickness and other factors on building energy consumption is considered. The sensitivity of envelope design factors to energy consumption is analyzed by the orthogonal test. The results indicate that the effect of changing the technical parameters of the external envelope structure on building energy efficiency is significant. Moreover, range analysis is used to determine the primary and secondary factors with regard to their influence on the energy consumption of the building. The WWR, the type of external window glass and the thickness of the external wall insulation layer should be considered first in energy-saving design; the energy-saving potential of the roof insulation thickness is not as significant as these factors. The results of the study can provide a reference for the energy-saving design of public buildings in Central China.

Interval Adjustable Dual-Wavelength Erbium-Doped Fiber Laser Based on Cascaded Two Mach-Zehnder Interferometers

An interference filter is designed by cascading two Mach-Zehnder interferometers (MZIs), which is then utilized in the construction of a wavelength interval adjustable dual-wavelength Erbium-doped fiber laser (EDFL). Each MZI consists of two 3 dB optical couplers (OCs) connected in series. The input light is split into two arms at the first OC and recombined at the second OC. The first MZI (MZI 1) has a smaller free spectral range (FSR) and is used for selecting the output wavelength of the laser. The second MZI (MZI 2) has a larger FSR and forms an envelope structure on the comb-like spectrum of MZI 1. By adjusting the optical path difference between the two arms of MZI 2, the FSR of the envelope can be changed, thereby altering the interval of the output wavelengths. The implemented filter is inserted into the EDFL to achieve stable dual-wavelength output. By stretching one arm of MZI 2, the interval of the dual-wavelength can be adjusted from 4.64 to 13.94 nm, with the side-mode suppression ratio of over 44 dB for all wavelengths.

Three Dimensional Natures of Massive Star Envelopes

In this paper, we review our current understanding of the outer envelope structures of massive stars based on three-dimensional (3D) radiation hydrodynamic simulations. We briefly summarize the fundamental issues in constructing hydrostatic one-dimensional (1D) stellar evolution models when stellar luminosity approaches the Eddington value. Radiation hydrodynamic simulations in 3D covering the mass range from 13M⊙ to 80M⊙ always find a dynamic envelope structure with the time-averaged radial profiles matching 1D models with an adjusted mixing-length parameter when convection is subsonic. Supersonic turbulence and episodic mass loss are generally found in 3D models when stellar luminosity is super-Eddington locally due to the opacity peaks and convection being inefficient. Turbulent pressure plays an important role in supporting the outer envelope, which makes the photosphere more extended than predictions from 1D models. Massive star lightcurves are always found to vary with a characteristic timescale consistent with the thermal time scale at the location of the iron opacity peak. The amplitude of the variability as well as the power spectrum can explain the commonly observed stochastic low-frequency variability of mass stars observed by TESS over a wide range of parameters in an HR diagram. The 3D simulations can also explain the ubiquitous macro-turbulence that is needed for spectroscopic fitting in massive stars. Implications of 3D simulations for improving 1D stellar evolution models are also discussed.

EEG-based assessment of temporal fine structure and envelope effect in mandarin syllable and tone perception.

Abstract In recent years, speech perception research has benefited from low-frequency rhythm entrainment tracking of the speech envelope. However, speech perception is still controversial regarding the role of speech envelope and temporal fine structure, especially in Mandarin. This study aimed to discuss the dependence of Mandarin syllables and tones perception on the speech envelope and the temporal fine structure. We recorded the electroencephalogram (EEG) of the subjects under three acoustic conditions using the sound chimerism analysis, including (i) the original speech, (ii) the speech envelope and the sinusoidal modulation, and (iii) the fine structure of time and the modulation of the non-speech (white noise) sound envelope. We found that syllable perception mainly depended on the speech envelope, while tone perception depended on the temporal fine structure. The delta bands were prominent, and the parietal and prefrontal lobes were the main activated brain areas, regardless of whether syllable or tone perception was involved. Finally, we decoded the spatiotemporal features of Mandarin perception from the microstate sequence. The spatiotemporal feature sequence of the EEG caused by speech material was found to be specific, suggesting a new perspective for the subsequent auditory brain-computer interface. These results provided a new scheme for the coding strategy of new hearing aids for native Mandarin speakers. Highlights

Біологічні особливості штучного відтворення осетроподібних (Acipenseriformes) видів риб (огляд)

Purpose. To analyze the scientific data of domestic and foreign authors regarding the peculiarities of artificial reproduction of sturgeonss (Acipenseriformes). To investigate the state of study of the phenomenon of polyspermic fertilization in sturgeons and the factors that induce it in the conditions of artificial reproduction and cultivation. Findings. A review analysis of the results of scientific studies by domestic and foreign authors was carried out on the pecularities of artificial reproduction of sturgeons and the phenomenon of polysperm fertilization of their eggs in controlled conditions of aquaculture. It is shown that information on the problems of sturgeon polyspermy and its induction by various factors was practically absent in the available professional literature in recent years. Since during the artificial reproduction of sturgeons, a significant number of embryos have atypical development, which leads to their death even before hatching, it has been suggested that atypical forms of cell division were caused by polyspermy. The conducted studies added to the knowledge about the peculiarities of the structure of the sturgeon egg envelope and the processes that occur during fertilization. Despite the fact that there is a natural mechanism to prevent the possibility of polyspermic fertilization, this phenomenon occurs quite often, causing an impairment of zygote fragmentation at the initial stages of embryogenesis, and therefore a decrease in the yield of larvae. Understaning of the mechanism of blocking polyspermy in sturgeons and the factors that induce it requires further studies. The list of scientific articles includes 61 sources, 58 in English. The published publications mainly cover the period of the last twenty years. Practical value. A review of data from scientific and professional sources on the specified topic will allow a comprehensive approach to the understanding of the peculiarities of artificial reproduction of sturgeons, the phenomenon of polyspermy and increasing the yield of larvae in sturgeon farming. Review material on this topic can be interesting and useful for scientists, practitioners, students whose interests are related to aquaculture and used in the educational process of training specialists in specialty 207 “Aquatic bioresources and aquaculture”. Keywords: aquaculture, sturgeons (Acipen­seriformes), eggs, egg envelope, micropyle, fertilization, cortical reaction, polyspermy, embryos.

THE EFFECTS OF COMPRESSOR PLUG-INS ON THE DYNAMIC RANGE IN MUSIC PRODUCTION

This study investigated the role of dynamic processors in audio processing and music production and the effects of different types of design on the audio signal. It has been tried to give information about the designs and parameters of dynamic processors. In order to create the sound sample analyzed within the scope of the study, a mono sample recording was taken from the virtual instrument plug-in. The sound sample taken from the bass guitar model was preferred in order to contain all the general envelope structure features of an audio signal. In this direction, the sound sample was chosen from the virtual instrument in order to keep it away from external factors during the recording stages and to make the work repeatable and developable. It is used as basic tools for dynamic processors to control and balance audio signals and create sensory effects. In this context, the effects of compressors in the dynamic processor class and their basic parameters and different design types on the audio signal are examined. Differences in tonal characteristics and dynamic changes of different compressor designs have been observed. In this context, the effects of FET, VCA, Vari-Mu, Optical and Digital compressor plug-ins on the audio signal were analyzed and the results were presented. These analyzes can provide guidance for the selection of different compressor designs for lecturers, students, and those interested in and working in the field of music technology. In future studies, the role of different music genres, instruments and recording conditions on the effects of compressor designs can be explored more deeply, and more comprehensive results can be reached by collecting experimental data and using machine learning techniques.

Simulation calculation and analysis of building energy consumption of multi-story glued laminated timber structures

As the only renewable building material, wood has a strong carbon sequestration effect. Thus, timber structures have the natural advantages of saving energy and reducing emissions. Currently, the research objects of building energy consumption are rarely timber structures. To further control the operational energy consumption of timber structures, this paper takes six-story glued laminated timber beam-column frame and light wood-frame shear wall structures as the research objects. Building energy consumption research is conducted through testing the heat transfer coefficient of the envelope structure, air circulation ratio, and Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology on-site. The results show that the energy consumption of the building is consistent with the current energy consumption of small- and medium-sized office buildings, and the heat gain and loss of the building are mainly due to solar radiation and heat conduction of the envelope, respectively. The airtightness of the building has the greatest influence on the energy consumption of the building, and the type of building structure and window-to-wall ratio have little influence on the energy consumption of the building.