Experimental investigation of a novel vertical loop-heat-pipe PV/T heat and power system under different height differences

For a novel vertical solar loop-heat-pipe photovoltaic/thermal system, the height difference between evaporator and condenser plays an important role in the heat transport capacity, which has significant impact on the solar thermal efficiency and parametrical optimization of this system. Therefore, based on the results derived from the authors’ previous analytical investigation and computer modelling studies, a prototype of this novel system was designed, constructed, and an experimental investigation under different height difference was undertaken to study the impact of height difference on the system performance. It was found that the relationship between the solar thermal efficiency of this vertical system and the height difference is nonlinear. In present study, the optimal height difference is around 1.1 m, which was selected as an optimal value for the following experimental investigations, and below 1.1 m, the PV module surface temperature decreased with the increase of the height difference. Furthermore, the transient solar thermal and electrical performance of this system with the selected optimal height difference were investigated under outdoor real weather condition. These results of this experimentation can help optimize the system construction and thus help to develop the high thermal performance and low-cost solar PV/T system for space heating and power generation

Stress background and rock fractures revealed by ultrasonic borehole television in the Fankou Lead-Zinc Mine

The stress background and rock fractures are essential factors affecting the stability of mines. In order to better understand the in situ stress background and rock fractures in the Guangdong Fankou Mine, we use ultrasonic borehole television scanning to measure rock fractures. The results indicate that rock fractures are intensively distributed at depths of −360 m to −450 m below the surface, suggesting the effect of intensive mining activities. The present maximum horizontal principal stress direction is NWW, which is consistent with the regional tectonic stress field direction. Systematic measurement of rock fractures is fundamental for further three-dimensional geological modeling and is significant for mining engineering

Quantitative evaluation of the diagenesis and porosity evolution of tight sandstone reservoirs: A case study of the Yanchang Formation in the southern Ordos basin, China

Evaluation of the pore evolution is key to gaining a better understanding of oil migration and accumulation in tight oil exploration for tight sandstone; to study the diagenesis and porosity evolution of tight sandstone reservoirs, we analysed the 8th member of the Yanchang Formation by core observation, thin section observation, cathodoluminescence, scanning electron microscopy, and logging data analysis. The following conclusions can be drawn (1) In the typical tight sandstone reservoir, numerous secondary pores developed at burial depths in the range of 1300 m to 1400 m, and approximately 1500 m to 1600 m. (2) Compaction was the most influential factor of reservoir density and decreased the average pore size by 24.8%. Carbonate cementation decreased the porosity by 8.2%. The most important diagenetic process for increasing the reservoir porosity was dissolution, which increased the pore size by 5.1%. In addition, chlorite played an active role in inhibiting secondary quartz growth and preserving primary pores. (3) The early gas invasion can inhibit diagenesis, and the organic acids produced by the later oil can increase dissolution, so that the high oil saturation phenomenon becomes more obvious.La evaluación de la evolución de los poros es clave para obtener una mejor comprensión de la migración y acumulación de petróleo en la exploración de petróleo para arenas compactas; Para estudiar la diagénesis y la evolución de la porosidad de los reservorios de arenas compactas, se anlizó el octavo componente de la Formación Yanchang a través de la observación de núcleos, la observación de secciones delgadas, análisis de catodoluminiscencia, microscopía electrónica de barrido y análisis de registro de datos. Del presente studio se pueden extraer las siguientes conclusiones (1) En los reservorios característicos de arenas compactas, se desarrollaron numerosos poros secundarios a profundidades de enterriamiento en el rango de 1300 a 1400 m, y de aproximadamente 1500 m a 1600 m. (2) La compactación fue el factor más influyente en la densidad del yacimiento y disminuyó el tamaño promedio de los poros en un 24.8%. La cementación por carbonato disminuyó la porosidad en un 8,2%. Mientras que el proceso diagenético más importante para aumentar la porosidad del yacimiento fue la disolución, que aumentó el tamaño de los poros en un 5,1%. Además, la clorita desempeñó un papel activo en la inhibición del crecimiento secundario del cuarzo y en la conservación de los poros primarios. (3) La invasión temprana de gas puede inhibir la diagénesis, y los ácidos orgánicos producidos posteriormente por el petróleo pueden aumentar la disolución, por lo que el fenómeno de alta saturación de petróleo se hace más significativo

Metal coordination‐driven assembly of stimulator of interferon genes‐activating nanoparticles for tumor chemo‐immunotherapy

Abstract Activating the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway is critical for enhancing antitumor immunity and remodeling the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Herein, we report the preparation of STING‐activating nanoparticles via metal coordination‐driven assembly of a synthetic STING agonist (i.e., SR717) and a chemotherapeutic drug (i.e., curcumin). After intravenous administration, the assembled nanoparticles could efficiently accumulate in tumors to improve the bioavailability of SR717 and trigger potent STING pathway activation for effective immune responses. Meanwhile, the released curcumin evokes immunogenic cell death in tumors and regulates amino acid metabolism by inhibiting the activation of indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase 1, leading to the reversal of the immunosuppressive TME. The antitumor immunity induced by nanoparticles significantly inhibits the growth of primary, recurrent, and metastatic tumors. The assembled nanoparticles are promising for the co‐delivery of STING agonists and drugs in improved tumor chemo‐immunotherapy

How genomic insights into the evolutionary history of clouded leopards inform their conservation

Clouded leopards ( spp.), a morphologically and ecologically distinct lineage of big cats, are severely threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, targeted hunting, and other human activities. The long-held poor understanding of their genetics and evolution has undermined the effectiveness of conservation actions. Here, we report a comprehensive investigation of the whole genomes, population genetics, and adaptive evolution of . Our results indicate the genus arose during the Pleistocene, coinciding with glacial-induced climate changes to the distributions of savannas and rainforests, and signatures of natural selection associated with genes functioning in tooth, pigmentation, and tail development, associated with clouded leopards’ unique adaptations. Our study highlights high-altitude adaptation as the main factor driving nontaxonomic population differentiation in . Population declines and inbreeding have led to reduced genetic diversity and the accumulation of deleterious variation that likely affect reproduction of clouded leopards, highlighting the urgent need for effective conservation efforts. Genomic research illuminates the evolutionary history and conservation urgency of clouded leopards