Simultaneous Optimization of Heat-Integrated Water Allocation Networks Using the Mathematical Model with Equilibrium Constraints Strategy

A general optimization model is proposed for the simultaneous optimization of integrated water allocation and heat exchanger networks (WAHEN). An improved superstructure and mathematical model for the WAHEN problem is presented. Complementary formulations are applied to model the discrete decisions, and a mathematical model with equilibrium constraints (MPEC) is formulated. Both the MINLP model and the MPEC model are developed and solved for the problem. The effectiveness of the proposed model is illustrated with two case studies. A comparison between the results obtained by the proposed model and those obtained from the model in the literature is carried out. Case studies show that the proposed simultaneous methodology performs well and is efficient

Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Different Silk Yields of Two Silkworm Strains

<div><p>Cocoon and silk yields are the most important characteristics of sericulture. However, few studies have examined the genes that modulate these features. Further studies of these genes will be useful for improving the products of sericulture. JingSong (JS) and Lan10 (L10) are two strains having significantly different cocoon and silk yields. In the current study, RNA-Seq and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were performed on both strains in order to determine divergence of the silk gland, which controls silk biosynthesis in silkworms. Compared with L10, JS had 1375 differentially expressed genes (DEGs; 738 up-regulated genes and 673 down-regulated genes). Nine enriched gene ontology (GO) terms were identified by GO enrichment analysis based on these DEGs. KEGG enrichment analysis results showed that the DEGs were enriched in three pathways, which were mainly associated with the processing and biosynthesis of proteins. The representative genes in the enrichment pathways and ten significant DEGs were further verified by qPCR, the results of which were consistent with the RNA-Seq data. Our study has revealed differences in silk glands between the two silkworm strains and provides a perspective for understanding the molecular mechanisms determining silk yield.</p></div

Gene ontology enrichment of the DEGs between L10 and JS.

<p>Gene ontology enrichment of the DEGs between L10 and JS.</p

Comparison of NSG and qPCR results in SG between L10 and JS.

<p>Comparison of NSG and qPCR results in SG between L10 and JS.</p

KEGG enrichment of the DEGs between L10 and JS.

<p>KEGG enrichment of the DEGs between L10 and JS.</p

Quantitative real-time PCR validation for genes.

<p>Red bars indicate gene expression in JS and blue bars indicate gene expression in L10. A and B are related to spliceosome enriched transcripts, C and D are involved in ribosome biogenesis. Transcripts in JS were significantly higher than L10 between each comparison pair. Genes of the second column (E-I) were with higher expression of SGs in L10. Genes of the third column (J-N) were with higher expression of SGs in JS. <b>A:</b> the anterior SG in L10 or JS; <b>M:</b> the middle SG in L10 or JS; <b>P:</b> the posterior SG in L10 or JS.</p