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Ammonia is a zero-carbon molecule and a promising hydrogen storage material with an increasing global demand. The synthesis of ammonia still relies on the traditional Haber-Bosch method, which has high ammonia production but strict reaction conditions and high energy consumption. It is critical to develop an efficient green ammonia synthesis process. It is presented that shifting or breaking the scaling relationship between the adsorption energy and activation energy of nitrogen over transition metals in traditional catalytic methods can result in a high ammonia production efficiency under mild conditions. This work reviews the current progress in various catalytic ammonia synthesis methods based on the approach of avoiding the scaling relationship. The green plasma ammonia processes focused on N2 and H2/H2O are emphasized in detail, such as plasma-coupled catalysis, plasma-coupled electrocatalysis, plasma-coupled photocatalysis, and plasma-coupled chemical looping due to the N2 activated in plasma. These novel systems are designed to overcome the limitations of a single ammonia synthesis system and are expected to achieve green and sustainable ammonia production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although it was described previously for estrogen (E2) regulation of intestinal epithelial Cl− and HCO3− secretion in sex difference, almost nothing is known about the roles of estrogen receptor (ER) subtypes in regulating E2-modulated epithelial ion transports and epithelial restitution. Here, we aimed to investigate ERα and ERβ subtypes in the regulation of E2-modulated colonic epithelial HCO3− and Cl− secretion and epithelial restitution. Through physiological and biochemical studies, in combination of genetic knockdown, we showed that ERα attenuated female colonic Cl− secretion but promoted Ca2+-dependent HCO3− secretion via store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) mechanism in mice. However, ERβ attenuated HCO3 − secretion by inhibiting Ca2+ via the SOCE and inhibiting cAMP via protein kinases. Moreover, ERα but not ERβ promoted epithelial cell restitution via SOCE/Ca2+ signaling. ERα also enhanced cyclin D1, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and β-catenin expression in normal human colonic epithelial cells. All ERα-mediated biological effects could be attenuated by its selective antagonist and genetic knockdown. Finally, both ERα and ERβ were expressed in human colonic epithelial cells and mouse colonic tissues. We therefore conclude that E2 modulates complex colonic epithelial HCO3− and Cl− secretion via ER subtype-dependent mechanisms and that ERα is specifically responsible for colonic epithelial regeneration. This study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of how ERα and ERβ subtypes orchestrate functional homeostasis of normal colonic epithelial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To resolve the problems pertinent to data loss and privacy leakage caused by hackers in the cloud system during the computational process, the symmetric encryption (SM)-254 algorithm is employed to optimize the security function based on the original algorithm of the cloud system. The personnel data of the supply chain enterprise are loaded through the backpropagation neural network (BPNN) algorithm, and an automated management model of the cloud system is constructed according to the management system and the personnel organization structure of each department. Thus, the automated identification system of the personnel management of the supply chain enterprise is realized. Through the establishment of an automated management system by the cloud system, the accuracy of a cloud system to capture data pertinent to the personnel management of supply chain enterprises has increased by about 90% and the accuracies of both text recognition and image recognition for personnel management systems of supply chain enterprises reach about 92%. Hence, it enables supply chain enterprises to save time, money, and personnel and increases flexibility and brings convenience to personnel management, which is conducive to the personnel training, evaluation, and subsequent development of enterprises. Consequently, automated management gives enterprises an upper hand to use talents flexibly and comprehensively and establish an intact database of human resources (HR). It is found that the security enhancement algorithm of the cloud system can greatly reduce the risk of information leakage in the HR database and greatly improve the operational efficiency of the supply chain enterprise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) is a powerful analytical tool extensively applied in numerous domains. However, there still exists the phenomenon of peaks overlapping in the analysis of isomers with similar structures due to the limited resolution of IMS. In this paper, a dynamic inertia weight particle swarm optimization (DIWPSO) algorithm combined with second-order differentiation is proposed to separate the IMS overlapping peaks efficiently and precisely. Methods: It can identify the component number of overlapping peaks and limit those parameters (ion mobility, intensity, and full-width at half maximum of each single peak) of the peak model in a small range using second-order differentiation. Based on this, DIWPSO that has been set the best operating parameters is capable of accurately separating IMS overlapping peaks to identify the compound within a short time. Results: A comparison between the performance of DIWPSO and the improved particle swarm optimization (IPSO) found that DIWPSO with separation errors less than 2.34% overall outperforms IPSO whose maximum error is up to 5.58%. Moreover, the running time of DIWPSO is 30-80 times less than that of IPSO, and DIWPSO exhibits stronger robustness. Conclusions: This method can automatically identify the component number of IMS overlapping peaks and resolve them with muticomponents and different overlapped degrees rapidly and accurately, which further improves the structural resolution of IMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) is a powerful analytical tool that has been widely applied in many fields. However, the limited structural resolution of IMS results in peak overlapping in the analysis of samples with similar structures. We propose a novel method, improved particle swarm optimization (IPSO), for the separation of IMS overlapping peaks. Methods: This method, which prevents local optimization, is used to identify the peak model coefficients of IMS. Moreover, we use the half-peak width characteristics of IMS to determine the particle position range, which eliminates impossible combinations of single peaks and reduces the difficulty of identification of coefficients. Results: During a comparison in performance between IPSO and the genetic algorithm (GA), the results show that the maximum separation error of IPSO is only 1.45%, while the error of the GA is up to 17.43%. Moreover, the time consumed by IPSO is 95% less than that of the GA, and IPSO has a greater robustness under the same separation error conditions. Conclusions: The method proposed provides accurate analytical results in separating overlapping IMS peaks even in cases of severe overlaps, which greatly enhances the structural resolution of IMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recurving cluster of tropica cyclones (TCs) landing at China in spring has the characteristics of high frequency, strong intensity, severe influence and long lifespan, a better understanding of tropical cyclone tracks and their underlying mechanisms and more accurate prediction are thus of great value for the prevention and mitigation of TC-related disasters. Based on the best track dataset of typhoon during 1951-2018 from Shanghai Typhoon Institute (STI) of Chinese Meteorological Administration, the tracks of tropical cyclones landfalling over the Chinese coast during 1951-2018 are grouped into three clusters through finite mixture model. The ENSO index, PDO index and the 74 circulation indices of the National Climate Center are analyzed by the classification and regression tree (CART) algorithm for the first TC cluster (the northward-moving cluster). The prediction model based on the results of CART for spring track lifespan is built by a random sampling of the data during the 50 years (about 75% ) as a model of the training set, and the training accuracy is 82. 46%. The 17-year ( about 25% ) remaining data are used for testing, with a prediction accuracy of 75%. This study suggests that the finite mixture model algorithm produces a better classification of the northward-going-cluster tracks of TC landfalling over China. In addition, the CART algorithm, which is used for the classification of track lifespan prediction model, not only shows high accuracy, but also the results are easily explained and understood. It provides a novel idea for forecasting the lifespan of tropical cyclones landing at China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we described the structure and working principle of an interruption generator based on voltage source converters (VSCs). The main circuit parameters of the VSCs are determined according to the target of power transfer capability, harmonic suppression, and dynamic response capability. A state feedback linearization method in nonlinear differential geometry theory was used for dq axis current decoupling, based on the mathematical model used in the dq coordinate system of VSCs. The direct current control strategy was adopted to achieve the independent regulation of active power and reactive power. The proportional integral (PI) link was used to optimize the dynamic performance of the controller, and PI parameters were adjusted. Disturbance voltage waves were generated by the regular sampling method. PSCAD/EMTDC simulation results and physical prototype experiments showed that the device could generate various disturbance voltage waveforms steadily, and had good dynamic and steady-state performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to realize small loading and small damping, a mini Magneto-rheological fluid (MRF) damper is suggested by using newmethod of outer coils, and its physical model is established firstly. It was found that the landing force is only 1.74~8N, the landing force is the third-order function with the current by polynomial fitting of the experimental data, which shows a force-current model. The results of force-displacement and force-velocity indicate that it has nonlinear hysteretic damping characteristics. Based on the new mini-mode principle and the damping characteristics, an improved nonlinear dynamics model is proposed, and its parameter expressions are obtained by parameter identification and regression fitting. Model curves fit well with experimental curves, and the improved model has fully demonstrated the dynamic characteristics of the mini-MRF damper. It will provide scientific method and physical model for the small MRF damper development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead (Pb) contamination of urban soil is a threat to human health, and reducing the risk of Pb-contaminated soil is a continuing international concern. Soil stabilization technique has been considered as a promising remediation technique to facilitate the immobilization of Pb in soil. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of different amendments, including H3PO4, Ca(H2PO4)2, H3PO4+Ca(H2PO4)2, and zeolite on Pb levels in two naturally contaminated urban soils. Pb speciation and bioavailability was evaluated by the sequential extraction test (SET) and the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) after a two-month incubation. The application of phosphorus amendments significantly reduced the TCLP-Pb concentration in two soil types and the SET-Pb in Soil 1 (alkaline but with high Pb level), whereas the zeolite amendment diminished the SET-Pb in two soil types and the TCLP-Pb in Soil 1. Nevertheless, regardless of the soil type, the application of phosphorus amendments resulted in a significant increase of residual Pb. These phosphate amendments may be a viable strategy in the in situ remediation of Pb contamination in urban soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Doubled haploid (DH) lines produced via in vivo haploid induction have become indispensable in maize research and practical breeding, so it is important to understand traits characteristics in DH and its corresponding haploids which derived from each DH lines. In this study, a DH population derived from Zheng58 × Chang7-2 and a haploid population, were developed, genotyped and evaluated to investigate genetic architecture of eight stalk traits, especially rind penetrometer resistance (RPR) and in vitro dry matter digestion (IVDMD), which affecting maize stalk lodging-resistance and feeding values, respectively. Results: Phenotypic correlation coefficients ranged from 0.38 to 0.69 between the two populations for eight stalk traits. Heritability values of all stalk traits ranged from 0.49 to 0.81 in the DH population, and 0.58 to 0.89 in the haploid population. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping study showed that a total of 47 QTL for all traits accounting for genetic variations ranging from 1.6 to 36.5 % were detected in two populations. One or more QTL sharing common region for each trait were detected between two different ploidy populations. Potential candidate genes predicated from the four QTL support intervals for RPR and IVDMD were indirectly or directly involved with cellulose and lignin biosynthesis, which participated in cell wall formation. The increased expression levels of lignin and cellulose synthesis key genes in the haploid situation illustrated that dosage compensation may account for genome dosage effect in our study. Conclusions: The current investigation extended understanding about the genetic basis of stalk traits and correlations between DH and its haploid populations, which showed consistence and difference between them in phenotype, QTL characters, and gene expression. The higher heritabilities and partly higher QTL detection power were presented in haploid population than in DH population. All of which described above could lay a preliminary foundation for genetic architecture study with haploid population and may benefit selection in haploid-stage to reduce cost in DH breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors demonstrate that the micro magneto-rheological fluid device is designed by the method of outer magnetic coil to generate a mechanical loading less than 20 N. The results confirm that the method can obtain miniature device easily and control the magnetic field conveniently. The magnetic field, the channel gap, and the initial position of valve plug were optimized by finite element simulation and experimental test. Additionally, an impact force at the beginning can be eliminated by using a modeled synchronous linear current, which indicates that the micro-magnetorheological fluid damper has good soft-landing performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors demonstrate that the micro magneto-rheological fluid device is designed by the method of outer magnetic coil to generate a mechanical loading less than 20 N. The results confirm that the method can obtain miniature device easily and control the magnetic field conveniently. The magnetic field, the channel gap, and the initial position of valve plug were optimized by finite element simulation and experimental test. Additionally, an impact force at the beginning can be eliminated by using a modeled synchronous linear current, which indicates that the micro-magnetorheological fluid damper has good soft-landing performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MCM7 is one of the subunits of the MCM2-7 complex that plays a critical role in DNA replication initiation and cell proliferation of eukaryotic cells. After forming the pre-replication complex (pre-RC) with other components, the MCM2-7 complex is activated by DDK/cyclin-dependent kinase to initiate DNA replication. Each subunit of the MCM2-7 complex functions differently under regulation of various kinases on the specific site, which needs to be investigated in detail. In this study, we demonstrated thatMCM7is a substrate of cyclin E/Cdk2 and can be phosphorylated on Ser-121. We found that the distribution of MCM7-S121A is different from wild-type MCM7 and that the MCM7-S121A mutant is much less efficient to form a pre-RC complex with MCM3/MCM5/cdc45 compared with wild-type MCM7. By using the Tet-On inducible HeLa cell line, we revealed that overexpression of wild-type MCM7 but not MCM7-S121A can block S phase entry, suggesting that an excess of the pre-RC complex may activate the cell cycle checkpoint. Further analysis indicates that the Chk1 pathway is activated in MCM7-overexpressed cells in a p53-dependent manner. We performed experiments with the human normal cell line HL-7702 and also observed that overexpression of MCM7 can cause S phase block through checkpoint activation. In addition, we found that MCM7 could also be phosphorylated by cyclin B/Cdk1 on Ser-121 both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, overexpression ofMCM7-S121Acauses an obviousMphase exit delay, which suggests that phosphorylation of MCM7 on Ser- 121 inMphase is very important for a proper mitotic exit. These data suggest that the phosphorylation of MCM7 on Ser-121 by cyclin/Cdks is involved in preventing DNA rereplication as well as in regulation of the mitotic exit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, bonding strength of thermosonic flip–chip (FC) bonding was tested by a Dage 4000 bonding tester, atomic diffusion of bonding interfaces was detected by a scanning transmission electron microscope, and deformation of the bumps was observed by X-ray inspection system. Experimental results show that moderate ultrasonic power (about 4 W) results in higher shear strength of FC interfaces, while excessively high ultrasonic power induces larger displacement of vibration to damage bonding performance. Appropriate ultrasonic bonding time (about 100 ms) leads to the optimal thickness of atomic diffusion at the interfaces (about 200 nm) and better bonding bump shear strength with an average of 75 g. Overlong ultrasonic bonding time obviously aggravates the deformation of the bumps, which reduces bonding precision, thickens the thickness of atomic diffusion at the interfaces and damages the bonding strength. So, optimized parameters of ultrasonic power of 4 W and ultrasonic bonding time of 100 ms are proposed to improve the quality and performance of FC bonding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Huhehu Sag is a new battlefield for the future oil and gas exploration in the Hailar Basin. At present, exploration of this area stays at a low level and the understanding of the provenance system of the Nantun Formation is comparatively weak. So, to carry out the detailed depiction of the provenance system in the study area is significant for the sedimentary system reconstruction, for the prediction of reservoir distribution and favorable areas. Based on comprehensive analysis of paleogeomorphy, light-heavy mineral and seismic reflection features, sandstone thickness and sandstone percentage, this paper analyzes in detail the provenance system of the Nantun Formation in Huhehu Sag from various angles and levels. It shows that provenances of the Huhehu Sag mainly originated from the eastern Xilinbeier Salient and western Bayan Mountain Uplift. The provenances surrounding the lake basin converged to the center of the basin, among which, the steep slope belt and the gentle slope belt are the main provenances, and the southern uplift is a secondary one. The distribution framework of the provenance fundamentally determines the distribution rules of the depositional system and its sand body developing during the Nantun period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bidirectional interation between pancreatic cancer (PanCa) and diabetes has been confirmed by epidemiological studies, which provide evidence-based medical support for further research into the mechanisms involved in the interaction. We reviewed the literature regarding the role of diabetes in the generation and progression of PanCa and the mechanism by which PanCa induces diabetes for its malignant progression. The effect of antidiabetic drugs on the occurrence and prognosis of PanCa was also reviewed. Diabetes may directly promote the progression of PanCa by pancreatic duct enlargement and hypertension, as well as by enabling an increased tumor volume. Hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, cytokines, hyperglycemia and genotype change are also important factors in the progression of PanCa with diabetes. Hyperglycemia may be the first clinical manifestation and is helpful in the early diagnosis of PanCa. Furthermore, antidiabetic drugs can have different effects on the occurrence and prognosis of PanCa. The bidirectional interation between PanCa and diabetes is involved in the occurrence, proliferation, invasion, metastasis and prognosis of PanCa with diabetes. The discovery of biomarkers for the early diagnosis of PanCa, as well as the novel usage of metformin for its antitumor effects and determining the potential mechanisms of these effects, may be the next direction for PanCa research and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MCM2-7 proteins form a stable heterohexamer with DNA helicase activity functioning in the DNA replication of eukaryotic cells. The MCM2-7 complex is loaded onto chromatin in a cell cycle-dependent manner. The phosphorylation of MCM2-7 proteins contributes to the formation of the MCM2-7 complex. However, the regulation of specific MCM phosphorylation still needs to be elucidated. In this study, we demonstrate that MCM3 is a substrate of cyclin E/Cdk2 and can be phosphorylated by cyclin E/Cdk2 at Thr-722. We find that the MCM3 T722A mutant binds chromatin much less efficiently when compared with wild type MCM3, suggesting that this phosphorylation site is involved in MCM3 loading onto chromatin. Interestingly, overexpression of MCM3, but not MCM3 T722A mutant, inhibits the S phase entry, whereas it does not affect the exit from mitosis. Knockdown of MCM3 does not affect S phase entry and progression, indicating that a small fraction of MCM3 is sufficient for normal S phase completion. These results suggest that excess accumulation of MCM3 protein onto chromatin may inhibit DNA replication. Other studies indicate that excess of MCM3 up-regulates the phosphorylation of CHK1 Ser-345 and CDK2 Thr-14. These data reveal that the phosphorylation of MCM3 contributes to its function in controlling the S phase checkpoint of cell cycle in addition to the regulation of formation of the MCM2-7 complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with higher levels of fasting serum glucose have higher death rates from pancreatic cancer compared to patients with lower levels of fasting serum glucose. However, the reasons have not been studied. The goal of the current study was to examine the neural alterations in pancreatic cancer patients with hyperglycemia and to identify the relationship between the neural alterations and perineural invasion. Methodology/Principal Findings: The clinical and pathological features of 61 formalin-fixed pancreatic cancer specimens and 10 normal pancreases as controls were analyzed. Furthermore, the expression of Protein Gene Product 9.5 (PGP9.5), Myelin P0 protein (MPP), NGF, TrkA, and p75 were examined by immunohistochemistry. The median number of nerves, the median area of neural tissue, and the median nerve diameter per 10 mm2 were larger in the hyperglycemia group than those in the euglycemia group (p = 0.007, p = 0.009, and p = 0.004, respectively). The integrated optical density (IOD) of MPP staining was lower in the hyperglycemia group than those in the euglycemia group (p = 0.019), while the expression levels of NGF and p75 were higher in the hyperglycemia group than those in the euglycemia group (p = 0.002, and p = 0.026, respectively). The nerve bundle invasion of pancreatic cancer was more frequent in the hyperglycemia group than in the euglycemia group (p = 0.000). Conclusions/Significance: Nerve damage and regeneration occur simultaneously in the tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer patients with hyperglycemia; the simultaneous occurrence may aggravate the process of perineural invasion. The abnormal expression of NGF and p75 may also be involved in this process and subsequently lead to a lower rate of curative surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Interfacial microstructures of thermosonic Au wire bonding to an Al pad of die were investigated firstly by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and X-ray micro-diffractometer. The equal-thickness interference structures were observed by HRTEM due to diffusion and reaction activated by ultrasonic and thermal at the Au/Al bond interface. And X-ray diffraction results showed that three different interplanar crystal spacings (‘d’ value) of the interfacial microstructures were 2.2257 Å, 2.2645 Å, and 2.1806 Å respectively from the high intensity of diffraction to the low intensity of diffraction. These indicated that the intermetallic phase AlAu2 formed within a very short time. It would be helpful to further research wire bonding technology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, the vibration characteristics during the flip chip (FC) bonding process were observed by using a laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV), and the atom diffusion features in vertical section of the FC bonding interfaces were inspected by using a high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). Results show that the vibration velocity of a die was about 500mm/s during the traditional FC bonding process, and that of a substrate was only about 180mm/s. It led to the difference of atom diffusion in the FC interfaces. For the given variables, the thickness of atom diffusion at an up-interface (i.e. Au/Al interface) of the FC bonding was about 500nm where was an inter-metallic compound (i.e. AuAl2), and that of atom diffusion at a down-interface (i.e. Au/Ag interface) was about 200nm. Furthermore, the law of ultrasonic energy conversion was found that the ratio of the up-interface to the down-interface in the FC bonding was statistically about 2.21:1. According to this principle, different bonding processes are suggested to improve the performance of two interfaces. The experimental evaluation confirms the effectiveness of the suggested processes on minimizing the inter-metallic compound layer and equilibrating the thickness of atom diffusion at two interfaces. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Driving voltage and current signals of piezoceramic transducer were measured directly by using digital storage oscilloscope, and interface microcharacteristics of the specimens of flip- chip bonding were inspected by using a transmission electron microscope. Results show such a trend that power curves of badly bonding were much lower than that of hard bonding, and indicated a monitoring system of ultrasonic bonding reliability. The acceleration of ultrasonic vibration was about several ten thousand times as acceleration of gravity, which activates dislocations inside the metal crystalline lattice, which act as the fast diffusion channels. Dislocation diffusion is more prominent than the crystal diffusion when the temperature is low. Differing from thermal melting mechanism of the reflow bonding, the ultrasonic bonding is much faster than the reflow solder bonding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zeolites X and Y exchanged with Group IA cations were synthesized by aqueous ion exchange of NaX and NaY and used as catalysts in the oxidation of H2 and CO at temperatures ranging from 473 to 573 K. The CsX zeolite was the most active material of the series for both reactions whereas HX was the least active. Moreover, the oxidation of CO in H2 was very selective (∼80%) over the alkali-metal exchanged materials. Isotopic transient analysis of CO oxidation during steady-state reaction at 573 K was used to evaluate the coverage of reactive carbon-containing intermediates that lead to product as well as the pseudo-first-order rate constant of the reaction. A factor of 4 enhancement in activity achieved by exchanging Cs for Na was attributed to a higher coverage of reactive intermediates in CsX because the pseudo-first-order rate constant was nearly same for the two materials (∼0.7 s-1). The number of reactive intermediates on both materials was orders of magnitude below the number of alkali metal cations in the zeolites but was similar to the number of impurity Fe atoms in the samples. Because the trend in Fe impurity loading was the same as that for oxidation activity, a role of transition metal impurities in zeolite oxidation catalysis is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Channel-select filtering technology is a very promising solution for realizing reconfigurable demultiplexing components required in a flexible coarse wavelength-division multiplexing system. Here, we propose and demonstrate an electro-optic tunable broadband filter based on an asymmetric Mach-Zehnder interferometer formed on lithium niobate for this application. The counter-tapered directional coupler is introduced to replace the conventional one formed with uniform waveguides so that a splitting ratio of 50%:50% is much easier to be realized over a wide wavelength range and, hence, increase bandwidth of the filter. In addition, to reduce the bending loss in the long-wavelength region, the waveguide width and the height of the involved S-bend waveguides are optimized experimentally. Our fabricated filter, which has a total length of ~30 mm, exhibits an extinction ratio of ~15 dB and a wide tuning range of >40 nm with an electrical wavelength tuning sensitivity of ~4.5 nm/V. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It was previously reported that the expression of CD274 was down-regulated in psoriatic epidermis, leading to immune disorders of psoriasis. However, the regulatory mechanisms of CD274 were rarely elucidated.We aimed to explore the regulatorymechanisms of CD274. Skin samples were collected from 18 patients with psoriasis vulgaris and 9 healthy participants for RNA sequencing. Candidate genes were chosen based on degree and k-core difference of genes in the co-expression network. The relations between candidate genes and CD274 were validated by flow cytometry and real-time PCR in primary human epidermal keratinocytes. The therapeutic effect of indirubin was assessed in an imiquimod-treated mouse model. Interferon-γ (IFN-γ), cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 1, Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3), TLR4 and interleukin (IL)-17A were considered as candidate genes. In primary human epidermal keratinocytes, the level of CD274 was obviously increased under the stimulation of IFN-γ and CDK1 inhibitor (indirubin), independent of TLR4, TLR3 or IL-17A. Indirubin alleviated the severity of psoriatic mice in a CD274-dependent manner. Co-expression network analysis served as an effective method for the exploration of molecular mechanisms. We demonstrated for the first time that CD274 was the regulator of indirubin-mediated effect on mouse psoriasis-like skin lesion based on co-expression network analysis, contributing to the alleviation of mouse psoriasis-like skin lesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In near-infrared spectroscopy analysis, the accuracy of instrument wavelength and breadth is crucial as it forms the foundation for transferring different instrument models. Wavelength and absorbance drift in grating-based scanning instruments result from differences in the grating, detector, and wavelength scanning system. Spectral wavelength drift can be corrected using materials such as polyethylene and polystyrene, which have absorption peaks in the near-infrared region. To reduce absorbance drift in spectra at different wavelength points, this article proposes a point-by-point linear correction method for near-infrared spectra using a small number of typical agricultural product samples. The method constructs a linear relationship model for the absorbance of each wavelength point between the main instrument and slave instruments. The study used seven S450 grating-based diffuse reflection near-infrared spectroscopy instruments, one serving as the main instrument and the remaining six as slave instruments. The point-by-point linear correction method was used to correct wheat spectra collected by the slave instruments, and a crude protein content model for wheat was established for prediction. The results showed that the method reduces spectral differences between different instruments, improves spectral consistency, and reduces prediction errors, achieving better model sharing between instruments. After correcting, the average normalized variation coefficient of wheat spectra decreased by 95.12%, from 7.78% to 0.38%, and the average standard deviation of the predicted results decreased by 78.18%, from 0.5321 to 0.1161. The correction effect of the method combined with traditional preprocessing methods was better than using pre-processing methods alone. Overall, the point-bypoint correction method based on a small number of typical agricultural product samples has a significant effect on improving the accuracy of near-infrared spectroscopy analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantum resources, such as discord and entanglement, are crucial in quantum information processing. In this paper, quantum resources are studied from the aspect of quantum state superposition. We define the local superposition (LS) as the superposition between basis of single part, and nonlocal superposition (NLS) as the superposition between product basis of multiple parts. For quantum resource with nonzero LS, quantum operation must be introduced to prepare it, and for quantum resource with nonzero NLS, nonlocal quantum operation must be introduced to prepare it. We prove that LS vanishes if and only if the state is classical and NLS vanishes if and only if the state is separable. From this superposition aspect, quantum resources are categorized as superpositions existing in different parts. These results are helpful to study quantum resources from a unified frame. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the jet performance of a bi-piezoelectric jet dispenser, mathematical and simulation models were established according to the operating principle. In order to improve the accuracy and reliability of the simulation calculation, a viscosity model of the fluid was fitted to a fifth-order function with shear rate based on rheological test data, and the needle displacement model was fitted to a nine-order function with time based on real-time displacement test data. The results show that jet performance is related to the diameter of the nozzle outlet and the cone angle of the nozzle, and the impacts of the flow channel structure were confirmed. The approach of numerical simulation is confirmed by the testing results of droplet volume. It will provide a reliable simulation platform for mechanical collision-based jet dispensing and a theoretical basis for micro jet valve design and improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) was initially introduced for woundmanagement, but its benefits have stimulated the investigation of its use in new clinical scenarios. Most recently, incisional NPWT has been shown to be a benefit. Incisional NPWT applied to skin-containing free tissue transfer has not been well defined. This may originate from concerns of dressing material obscuring frequent examination of the newly transferred tissue or risk of pedicle compression and potential for increased risk of tissue loss. We aim to describe incisional NPWT in cutaneous free tissue transfer. Methods An institutional review board-approved retrospective review of consecutive free tissue transfer patients was completed over a 3-year period. Free tissue transfer procedures were performed in standard manner. After fixation of the flap to the donor site with interrupted sutures, one or two drainage tubes were inserted in the subflap position. The surface of the flap was protected with Vaseline gauze followed by a 1 cm thick layer of sterile cotton. The vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) sponge (KCI, TX) was then placed in the standard fashion and negative pressure at - 125 mm Hg was initiated in a continuous mode. A window was routinely made over the flap's distal region to allow for serial flap examination. For extremity procedures, no splints were utilized, and patients were limited to motion in the hospital bed. NPWT was employed continuously for 7 days and subsequently removed along with operative drains. Results A total of 24 consecutive patients underwent free tissue transfer. The average patient age was 39.8 years with a mean body mass index of 23. Tobacco use was noted in 58% of patients in the series. The indication for the free tissue transfer included trauma (N = 21), malignancy (N = 2), and burn reconstruction (N = 1). The areas of reconstruction included scalp (N = 5), lower extremity (N = 11), and upper extremity (N = 8). Skin-containing free flaps employed consisted of the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous free flap (N = 16), anterolateral thigh free flap (N = 6), thoracodorsal artery perforator free flap (N = 1), and radial forearm free flap (N = 1). The average defect size reconstructed was 238.3 cm² with a mean operative time of 501 minutes. Postoperatively, patients remained in the hospital an average of 15.5 days (range: 9-32 days) with a mean follow-up of 8.1 months. No hematomas, seromas, surgical-site infections, or deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism occurred in the series. None of the flaps required return to the operating room. There were no documented cases of partial or complete flap loss. Conclusions NPWT may be employed in a fashion similar to the standard incisional application. With this technique, serial flap examination remains possible and is not associated with pedicle compression or increased rates of flap loss. Interestingly, no splints were utilized with the VAC device which itselfmay serve as a relative immobilizer of an extremity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microorganisms are important sources of various natural products that have been commercialized for human medicine and animal healthcare. Bacitracin is an important antibacterial natural product predominantly produced by Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis, and it is characterized by a broad antimicrobial spectrum, strong activity and low resistance, thus bacitracin is extensively applied in animal feed and veterinary medicine industries. In recent years, various strategies have been proposed to improve bacitracin production. Herein, we systematically describe the regulation of bacitracin biosynthesis in genus Bacillus and its associated mechanism, to provide a theoretical basis for bacitracin overproduction. The metabolic engineering strategies applied for bacitracin production are explored, including improving substrate utilization, using an enlarged precursor amino acid pool, increasing ATP supply and NADPH generation, and engineering transcription regulators. We also present several approaches of fermentation process optimization to facilitate the industrial large-scale production of bacitracin. Finally, the challenges and prospects associated with microbial bacitracin synthesis are discussed to facilitate the establishment of high-yield and low-cost biological factories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at the shortcomings of the current Canny edge detection method in terms of noise removal, threshold setting, and edge recognition, this paper proposes a method for improving Canny edge detection by geo‐information mapping. The shortcomings of the traditional Canny edge detection method are analyzed by using the Canny optimal criterion and Tobler's First Law, which points out the direction of edge detection optimization by using the difference between edge properties and noise properties. The property characteristics and spatial distribution rules of edge points and edge lines are inspected using the geographic information mapping theory and technical methods, and edge identification criteria are defined at two levels of edge points and edge lines. Finally, the method model of improved Canny edge detection is constructed by combining guided filtering. The experimental results show that the improved edge detection method has the advantages of enriched edge details, accurate edge recognition, and strong self‐adaptive capability. This is a new attempt of geo‐information mapping theory and technical method in image edge detection, which has certain theoretical significance and strong practical guidance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The features of ultrasonic bonding interface were inspected by using a high resolution transmission electron microscope. Stress of ultrasonic bonding interface was analysed by the finite elements simulation. Results show that the high stress of bonding interface was caused by ultrasonic vibration, which increased the dislocation density inside the metal crystalline lattice which provides the fast diffusion channels, and provided driving force for atom inter-diffusion. 'Short-circuit diffusion' during ultrasonic bonding is more prominent than crystal diffusion. For the given ultrasonic bonding parameters, depth of atom diffusion at Au/Al interface of ultrasonic bonding was about 100-300 nm in several ten milliseconds, which forms the bonding strength of 0.65 N, and it is an inter-metallic compound of AuAl2. These will be helpful for further analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate lithostratigraphy framework of the Central Qilian belt is key to understand subduction-collision of the Proto-Tethyan Ocean in the NE Tibetan Plateau. The Dongchagou and the Moshigou formations share similar detrital zircon age populations with youngest age peak at ca. 1.15--1.21 Ga, which is consistent with the granitoid gneiss of the Liujiatai Formation. In combination with rock assemblages, metamorphic facies, and associated oldest granitoid plutons, we revised Precambrian lithostratigraphy of the Central Qilian belt as the >1.2 Ga Huangyuan Group and the ca. 1200--930 Ma Huangzhong Group in this study. The former is the same as the Liujiatai Formation, whereas the later includes the Dongchagou and Moshigou formations. Siliciclastic turbidites of the Qingshipo Formation gradually pass upward into carbonates of the Huashishan Group, we therefore ascribe them to the Huashishan Group. This group unconformably overlies the Precambrian basement of the Central Qilian belt and consists of continental slope to coastal plain deposits with a bi-direction of the S- and N-ward paleocurrent. These sediments contain abundant metamorphic, magmatic, and minor ophiolitic detritus with main age populations of ca. 910 Ma, ca. 487 Ma, and ca. 447 Ma detrital zircons, probably derived from the Central and South Qilian belts. The basement of the Huangzhong Group experienced 440--430 Ma continent-continent collision-related metamorphism and deformation. These results and regional geology demonstrate that the Huashishan Group was formed by arc-continent collision deposition during culmination of the Proto-Tethyan Ocean closure in the Qilian orogenic belt, NE Tibetan Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study renalase's expression and distribution in renal tissues and cells, renalase coded DNA vaccine was constructed, and anti-renalase monoclonal antibodies were produced using DNA immunization and hybridoma technique, followed by further investigation with immunological testing and western blotting to detect the expression and distribution of renalase among the renal tissue and cells. Anti-renalase monoclonal antibodies were successfully prepared by using DNA immunization technique. Further studies with anti-renalase monoclonal antibody showed that renalase expressed in glomeruli, tubule, mesangial cells, podocytes, renal tubule epithelial cells and its cells supernatant. Renalase is wildly expressed in kidney, including glomeruli, tubule, mesangial cells, podocytes and tubule epithelial cells, and may be secreted by tubule epithelial cells primarily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) plays essential roles during multiple stages of mitosis by phosphorylating a number of substrates. Here, we report that the atypical protein kinase Rio2 is a novel substrate of Plk1 and can be phosphorylated by Plk1 at Ser-335, Ser-380, and Ser-548. Overexpression of Rio2 causes a prolonged mitotic exit whereas knockdown of Rio2 accelerates mitotic progression, suggesting that Rio2 is required for the proper mitotic progression. Overexpression of phospho-mimicking mutant Rio2 S3D but not the nonphosphorylatable mutant Rio2 S3A displays a profile similar to that of wild-type Rio2. These results indicate that the phosphorylation status of Rio2 correlates with its function in mitosis. Furthermore, time-lapse imaging data show that overexpression of Rio2 but not Rio2 S3A results in a slowed metaphase-anaphase transition. Collectively, these findings strongly indicate that the Plk1-mediated phosphorylation of Rio2 regulates metaphase-anaphase transition during mitotic progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an approach to build a novel two-level collocation net, which enables calculation of the collocation relationship between any two words, from a large raw corpus. The first level consists of atomic classes (each atomic class consists of one word and feature bigram), which are clustered into the second level class set. Each class in both levels is represented by its collocation candidate distribution, extracted from the linguistic analysis of the raw training corpus, over possible collocation relation types. In this way, all the information extracted from the linguistic analysis is kept in the collocation net. Our approach applies to both frequently and less-frequently occurring words by providing a clustering mechanism and resolve the data sparseness problem through the collocation net. Experimentation shows that the collocation net is efficient and effective in solving the data sparseness problem and determining the collocation relationship between any two words. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pretreatment of waste-activated sludge (WAS) is an effective way to destabilize sludge floc structure and release organic matter for improving sludge digestion efficiency. Nonetheless, information on the impact of WAS pretreatment on digestion sludge microbiomes, as well as mechanistic insights into how sludge pretreatment improves digestion performance, remains elusive. In this study, a genome-centric metagenomic approach was employed to investigate the digestion sludge microbiome in four sludge digesters with different types of feeding sludge: WAS pretreated with 0.25 mol/liter alkaline/acid (APAD), WAS pretreated with 0.8 mol/liter alkaline/acid (HSAPAD), thermally pretreated WAS (thermal-AD), and fresh WAS (control-AD). We retrieved 254 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) to identify the key functional populations involved in the methanogenic digestion process. These MAGs span 28 phyla, including 69 yet-to-be-cultivated lineages, and 30 novel lineages were characterized with metabolic potential associated with hydrolysis and fermentation. Interestingly, functional populations involving carbohydrate digestion were enriched in APAD and HS-APAD, while lineages related to protein and lipid fermentation were enriched in thermal-AD, corroborating the idea that different substrates are released from alkaline/acid and thermal pretreatments. Among the major functional populations (i.e., fermenters, syntrophic acetogens, and methanogens), significant correlations between genome sizes and abundance of the fermenters were observed, particularly in APAD and HS-APAD, which had improved digestion performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacteria and fungi drive decomposition, a fundamental process in the carbon cycle, yet the importance of microbial community composition for decomposition remains elusive. Here, we used an 18-month reciprocal transplant experiment along a climate gradient in Southern California to disentangle the effects of the microbial community versus the environment on decomposition. Specifically, we tested whether the decomposition response to climate change depends on the microbial community. We inoculated microbial decomposers from each site onto a common, irradiated leaf litter within "microbial cages" that prevent microbial exchange with the environment. We characterized fungal and bacterial composition and abundance over time and investigated the functional consequences through litter mass loss and chemistry. After 12 months, microbial communities altered both decomposition rate and litter chemistry. Further, the functional measurements depended on an interaction between the community and its climate in a manner not predicted by current theory. Moreover, microbial ecologists have traditionally considered fungi to be the primary agents of decomposition and for bacteria to play a minor role. Our results indicate that not only does climate change and transplantation have differential legacy effects among bacteria and fungi, but also that bacterial communities might be less functionally redundant than fungi with regards to decomposition. Thus, it may be time to reevaluate both the role of microbial community composition in its decomposition response to climate and the relative roles of bacterial and fungal communities in decomposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diamond amplifiers have been widely applied in Nano actuators and Robots. In order to study the dynamic characteristics of the diamond amplifier system which is used in the piezo jet dispenser, it is simplified as a spring-mass-damper system. The dynamic characteristics of the jet dispenser system are analyzed with the simplified method. The characteristics are also tested. The results agree with the simulation, which proves the method is feasible. It will provide a simplified and intuitive representation of the movement of the amplifier, and also provide reliable simulation and experimental platforms for jet dispensing analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The NF-κB family member RelB is an important transcription factor that is capable of regulating diverse immune and inflammatory responses. However, its role in the regulation of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in vivo is poorly defined. In this study, we demonstrated that germline deletion of Relb resulted in systemic autoimmunity, which is associated with significant accumulation of Foxp3+ Tregs in lymphoid and nonlymphoid organs. Foxp3+ Tregs from RelB-deficient mice were functional and capable of suppressing T effector cells in vitro and in vivo, but Foxp3- T effector cells from RelB-deficient mice showed features of hyperactivation and spontaneously produced high levels of IL-2. Surprisingly, mice with conditional deletion of Relb in T cells (Cd4CreRelbf/f mice) or specifically in Foxp3+ Tregs (Foxp3CreRelbf/f mice) did not show signs of autoimmunity and had similar frequencies of Foxp3+ Tregs in the periphery as wild-type C57BL/6 controls. Both strains of conditional knockout mice also had a normal conventional T cell compartment. However, reconstituting Rag-1-/-Relb-/- hosts with wild-type C57BL/6 bone marrow cells led to hyperactivation of T effector cells, as well as marked expansion of Foxp3+ T cells. These data suggest that the autoimmune phenotype in germline RelB-deficient mice is most likely caused by T cell-extrinsic mechanisms, and further studies are warranted to uncover such mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dwarfing wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) breeding has promoted a dramatic increase in yields. Since the utilized dwarfing genes in wheat are very limited, identification of novel dwarfing genes is necessary for improving the genetic diversity of wheat. In this study, more than 300 dwarfing wheat lines from induced mutation were screened by kompetitive allele-specific PCR and gibberellin (GA) treatment. The 17.49% of Rht-D1b and 1.37% of Rht-B1b dwarfing mutants were identified in this mutant group. Additionally, Rht-D1b mutants showed more effective in reduction of plant height and higher 1000-grain weight comparing with that of Rht-B1b mutants. By combing with comparison of yield components and expression profile of GA biosynthetic genes with wildtype, the GA-responsive mutant dm15 without directly involvement in GA metabolism, significantly increased 1000-grain weight but no change of other yield components in two locations of field experiments. Meanwhile, another elite mutant dm11 with change of GA biosynthetic genes expression was also identified. These mutants will be promising candidates for dwarfing wheat breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) chip integrated with a liquid core waveguide. Due to the total reflection, the chip suppresses the leaky waveguide mode and enables a long propagation distance for SERS signal collection. A 10 nM rhodamine 6G Raman signal was obtained using a QE65000 portable microspectrometer at a low excitation power intensity of 14.5 W/cm². The proposed SERS chip was also used to detect the SERS spectrum of a silkworm DNA solution, the structural information of which was clearly shown. In addition, due to the lower excitation power density, damage to the structure of the biomolecule was avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented related to infection among patients with nephrotic syndromes and systemic vasculitis treated with mycophenolate mofetil.

The article discusses a study on the mantle tissue transcriptome of the pearly oyster P. maxima using Illumina HiSeq 2000 paired-end sequencing technology. The study's aim is to obtain new information on the transcriptome of P. Maxima and promote a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in pearl formation and development. It notes that Illumina paired-end sequencing is a fast and cost effective approach for new gene discovery and molecular marker development.

Acid-base bifunctional organic polymeric catalysts were synthesized with tunable structures. we demonstrated two synthesis approaches for structural fine-tune. In the first case, the framework flexibility was tuned by changing the ratio of rigid blocks to flexible blocks within the polymer framework. In the second case, we precisely adjusted the acid-base distance by distributing basic monomers to be adjacent to acidic monomers, and by changing the chain length of acidic monomers. In a standard test reaction for the aldol condensation of 4-nitrobenzaldehyde with acetone, the catalysts showed good reusability upon recycling and maintained relatively high conversion percentage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In September 2011, two wild populations of pearl oysters were collected separately from Daya Bay, Shenzhen, and from Beibu Bay, Beihai, China. In April 2012, three cultured stocks were established by sampling breeders from the third-generation selected lines. The genetic variation within the five stocks was analyzed using eight SSR primer pairs. The effective population sizes of the five stocks were analyzed using the sibship reconstruction and multiple summary statistics methods. A total of 22–29 alleles were observed in the five stocks, with two to five alleles per locus and means ranging from 2.750 to 3.625 alleles per locus. The average expected and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.3387 to 0.5029 and from 0.2917 to 0.4219, respectively. The effective population sizes of the five stocks ranged from 11.0 to 20.0 when estimated using sibship reconstruction and from 13.7 to 179.4 when estimated using multiple summary statistics. The effective population sizes estimated in the three cultured stocks were smaller than the number of breeders used to produce these stocks. Thus, it may be necessary to augment the number of breeders used to produce progeny stocks in selective breeding programs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]