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During a survey of the diversity of lignicolous fungi in Yunnan Province, China, we collected and identified five microfungi species from dead woody litters of Castanopsis trees in terrestrial habitats. Through both morphological comparisons and phylogenetic analyses of multi-gene sequences, we identified two taxa as new species and three collections as new host records within Pleosporales. Pseudolophiostoma lincangense sp. nov. is introduced as a sexual morph in Lophiostomataceae, Pleopunctum baoshanense sp. nov. is introduced as a hyphomycetous fungi in Phaeoseptaceae, and Paraphoma aquatica as a first report of sexual morph in Paraphoma. In addition, Occultibambusa kunmingensis and Pleopunctum megalosporum were isolated for the first time from the dead twigs of Castanopsis delavayi and C. calathiformis, respectively. Comprehensive morphological descriptions, illustrations, and phylogenetic analysis results are provided for the above-mentioned species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

South China is a hotspot for fungal diversity. During investigations of saprobic fungi in Yunnan Province, we collected and identified a new species, Queenslandipenidiella lingcangensis, and a new host record of Periconia byssoides from dead woody twigs of Cryptocarya hainanensis and Ehretia acuminata, respectively. Both morphology and multigene phylogenetic analyses of combined ITS and LSU sequence data supported the placement of the new taxa within Queenslandipenidiella with high statistical support. The new taxon is characterised by numerous, erect, hairy, and dark brown to black colonies, macronematous, solitary or gregarious, oblong, dark brown, branching penicillate conidiophores with 5−6-septate, mono- to polyblastic, terminal, narrowly ellipsoidal to subcylindrical, pale brown to brown conidiogenous cells with 1–2-celled, globose to subglobose, aseptate, thick-walled, hyaline greenish-brown to brown conidia. We provide descriptions, illustrations, phylogenetic analyses results, and notes discussing the new species and the new record. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ancient, large-scale river-damming landslide, located 4 km on the upper stream of the dam site of the Batang Hydropower Station, southeastern Tibetan Plateau, China, was investigated herein. We used an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) survey, field investigations, geology and topography maps, borehole surveys, basic laboratory testing, and geological dating to reveal evidence of this river-damming landslide and its cause mechanism. The studied landslide had an estimated volume of 3.5 × 107 m3, blocked the valley, and formed a dam > 170 m in height. A large quantity of lacustrine sediments was discovered on both banks upstream of the residual landslide dam; this had a maximum thickness of 30 m, mainly comprised of fine sand and silt, with particle sizes of 0.01–0.25 mm, and demonstrated that the landslide blocked the Jinsha River. There was a clear geological structural dependence of the slope failure in the landslide area, dominated by a combination of sliding-toppling failure on cataclinal slopes. The slope instability mode was slip-controlled toppling failure within a thin-layered biotite quartz schist that exhibited inferior mechanical properties. The head scarp developed along a bedding plane that dipped steeply in the same direction as the slope. The upstream and downstream lateral scarps formed along the joint sets J2 and J3, respectively, which intersected with the bedding plane, forming a wedge and facilitating slope instability. Rapid river incision, intense tectonic activity, a high and steep slope, and thin-layered steeply dipping strata were the controlling factors for the occurrence of this landslide, all contributing to slope failure. On the basis of our comprehensive analysis of paleoearthquakes, paleoclimate, and geological dating of the landslide, we conclude that this ancient river-damming landslide event was likely triggered by a strong earthquake related to activity on the Xiongsong‒Suwalong fault in the Late Holocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the Shiliushubao landslide's rainfall-induced instability. Using the finite element method and limit equilibrium calculations, coupled transient seepage and stability analyses were carried out to evaluate the dynamic stability of the landslide during numerically simulated rainstorms. A sensitivity analysis of the landslide stability when the landslide was affected by rainfall was also conducted. The results showed that short rainfall durations with low rainfall intensities do not significantly affect landslide stability. However, short rainfall durations with high rainfall intensities have considerable effects on the stability of shallow landslides. Slope stability gradually decreases as rainfall durations increase, but the effect of rainfall duration on stability is much greater for the shallow sliding blocks than it is for the main block. For the same increase in rainfall duration, the safety factors for the shallow blocks decrease more than the safety factor for the main block. Minimum safety factors do not occur immediately during a rainfall but develop during the following days. This behavior demonstrates the hysteresis of rainfall-induced landslide instability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microdochium species are frequently reported as phytopathogens on various plants and also as saprobic and soil-inhabiting organisms. As a pathogen, they mainly affect grasses and cereals, causing severe disease in economically valuable crops, resulting in reduced yield and, thus, economic loss. Numerous asexual Microdochium species have been described and reported as hyphomycetous. However, the sexual morph is not often found. The main purpose of this study was to describe and illustrate two new species and a new record of Microdochium based on morphological characterization and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses. Surveys of both asexual and sexual morph specimens were conducted from March to June 2021 in Yunnan Province, China. Here, we introduce Microdochium graminearum and M. shilinense, from dead herbaceous stems of grasses and report M. bolleyi as an endophyte of Setaria parviflora leaves. This study improves the understanding of Microdochium species on monocotyledonous flowering plants in East Asia. A summary of the morphological characteristics of the genus and detailed references are provided for use in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curcumin is a known naturally occurring anti-inflammatory agent derived from turmeric, and it is commonly used as a herbal food supplement. Here, in order to overcome the inherent hydrophobicity of curcumin (Cur), polylactic acid (PLA) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesised using a solvent evaporation, and an oil-in-water emulsion method used to encapsulate curcumin. Polymeric NPs also offer the ability to control rate of drug release. The newly synthesised NPs were analysed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), where results show the NPs range from 50 to 250 nm. NPs containing graded amounts of curcumin (0 %, 0.5 %, and 2 %) were added to cultures of NIH3T3 fibroblast cells for cytotoxicity evaluation using the Alamar Blue assay. Then, the curcumin NPs were incorporated into an alginate/gelatin solution, prior to crosslinking using a calcium chloride solution (200 nM). These hydrogels were then characterised with respect to their chemical, mechanical and rheological properties. Following hydrogel optimization, hydrogels loaded with NP containing 2 % curcumin were selected as a candidate as a bioink for three-dimensional (3D) printing. The biological assessment for these bioinks/hydrogels were conducted using THP-1 cells, a human monocytic cell line. Cell viability and immunomodulation were evaluated using lactate dehydrogenase (LHD) and a tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) assay, respectively. Results show that the hydrogels were cytocompatible and supressed the production of TNF-α. These bioactive hydrogels are printable, supress immune cell activation and inflammation showing immense potential for the fabrication of tissue engineering constructs. [Display omitted] • Encapsulation of Cur@PLA NPs • Cur@PLA NPs within alginate/gelatin hydrogels modulate anti-inflammatory response of monocytes. • Bioink developed based on Cur@PLA NPs for 3D printable constructs [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of economy and changes in the diversity of human life, the fields of information technology, energy saving, emission reduction, Internet of things (IoTs), as well as wearable equipment upon generating energy portably have attracted wide attention in recent years. Integrated circuit (IC) products with high-performance, low energy consumption, and user-friendly performance are required, in which the power can be self-sufficiently generated. Among these applications, thermoelectric technology based on Seebeck effect has been effectively utilized for power generation, e.g. , micro thermoelectric generators (μ TEGs) with high integration and excellent compatibility virtues can be applied for medical and wearable equipment. Nevertheless, challenges like undesirable heat dissipation, small output power, low energy conversion efficiency, as well as incompatibility between thermoelectric modules and related electric loads, would limit further improvements. By optimizing thermoelectric materials and/or modifying terminal devices, amount of researches have been done to solving these problems. Here in this review, recent advances in low temperature used thermoelectric devices, consisting of constituents' selection, fabrication details, and potential applications have been systematically discussed. In addition, comprehensive strategies different from any previous works, like thermal management structure design, interdisciplinary application scenarios, energy conversion efficiency enhancements through optimizing contact and ZT , as well as adaptive module structures for irregular flat or curved surface have also been proposed, for shedding more light on the approaching potential of thermoelectric technology. • Wide prospects of thermoelectric generators (TEGs) by combining application, module and material have been proposed. • Promising approaches of realizing flexibility in TEGs have been provided for satisfying different application requirements. • The design strategies of TEGs and associated millstones considering structural merits have been updated. • Recent progress of thermoelectric materials used for power generation at room temperature has been systematically reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the course of investigating the systematics of woody litter micromycete associates in Yunnan Province, China, we found one new species in Phaeoseptaceae, one new genus and three new species in Sulcatisporaceae from 16 specimens collected (ten collections of ascomycetous teleomorphs, four collections of hyphomycetous and two collections of coelomycetes anamorphs) from Ailaoshan, Chuxiong, Diqing, Honghe, Kunming, Lancang, Mengla and Yuxi in Yunnan Province. These taxonomic novelties were recognized with the aid of morphological comparisons and phylogenetic analyses of multiple gene sequences (non-translated loci and protein-coding regions). Pleopunctum menglaense sp. nov. is accommodated in Phaeoseptaceae (Pleosporales) based on its hyphomycetous anamorph, which is characterized by superficial sporodochia on the host surface, macronematous, mononematous, cylindrical, unbranched, aseptate, hyaline and smooth-walled conidiophores, monoblastic, terminal, hyaline conidiogenous cells, hyaline, muriform α conidia, and brown, muriform β conidia with tri-lobed wing like basal cells. Kazuakitanaka gen. nov. (type: K. yuxiensis) is introduced in Sulcatisporaceae (Massarineae, Pleosporales) for a saprobic ascomycete with teleomorphic and anamorphic (coelomycetous) features. The teleomorph possesses globose to subglobose ascomata with acentric ostiole, a peridial wall of textura angularis to textura prismatica, cylindric-clavate, pedicellate asci with an ocular chamber, and 1–2-septate, hyaline, fusiform, guttulate ascospores with a distinct mucilaginous sheath. The anamorph features pycnidial conidiomata, phialidic, ampulliform to cylindrical, hyaline conidiogenous cells and ampulliform to cylindrical, one-to-three-septate, hyaline, guttulate conidia. Loculosulcatispora was known only from its anamorph of L. thailandica. We observed the teleomorph of Loculosulcatispora hongheensis sp. nov. and amended the generic description of Loculosulcatispora accordingly. Loculosulcatispora hongheensis is characterized by globose to subglobose ascomata with a central ostiole, a peridial wall of textura angularis to globosa, branched, septate, pseudoparaphyses, clavate asci with a short pedicel and a minute ocular chamber and hyaline, fusiform, 1-septate ascospores with a thick irregular mucilaginous sheath. This study provides some insights into the diversity of fungi on dead woody litter in terrestrial habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone tissue engineering (BTE) is a rapidly growing field aiming to create a biofunctional tissue that can integrate and degrade in vivo to treat diseased or damaged tissue. It has become evident that scaffold fabrication techniques are very important in dictating the final structural, mechanical properties, and biological response of the implanted biomaterials. A comprehensive review of the current accomplishments on scaffold fabrication techniques, their structure, and function properties for BTE is provided herein. Different types of biomaterials ranging from inorganic biomaterials to natural and synthetic polymers and related composites for scaffold processing are presented. Emergent scaffolding techniques such as electrospinning, freeze‐drying, bioprinting, and decellularization are also discussed. Strategies to improve vascularization potential and immunomodulation, which is considered a grand challenge in BTE scaffolding, are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pd-based constituents have been widely used for sensing H 2 due to the incredible selectivity, however, the sensitivity and measuring range in anaerobic ambience are largely limited for these using electronic signals. The variations between Pd and coincided hydride would typically increase resistance upon absorbing H 2 , whereas the intrinsic α - β phase transition alters the regularity of response features. Surprisingly, an inverse response has been detected by alloying Ag into Pd lattice, and this negative trend could be resulting from a new mechanism based on the experimental investigation and first-principles calculations. It is the contribution of modified Pd/Ag ratio, which optimizes the electronic band structure and density of states (DOS), thus a trade-off between free electron concentration and coincided scattering strength, would tune the response trend and make a switch. Consequently, the resistance of films with proper Ag contents, would be decreased at low H 2 concentrations (10 ppm-4 vt.%), and the detection range can be widened as the trend reverses to be positive at high concentrations. These, combined with the ultralow detection limit of 10 ppm, and proportional sensor response values from − 0.5% of 10 ppm H 2 to − 3.8% of 4 vt.% at 1 atm, confirm the promising virtues of anaerobic ambience used Pd-based sensors configuring inverse response. Furthermore, our study elucidates that alloying proper elements into Pd to modify the electronic band structure and DOS on Fermi energy, may be an effective strategy for promoting H 2 sensing features. [Display omitted] • Anaerobic ambience used H 2 sensors with ultralow detection limit and proportional response are fabricated successfully. • The response trend switch is driven by the balance between free electron concentration and coincided scattering strength. • Baseline drifts of Ag alloyed sensors are suppressed to improve the signal-to-noise ratio. • Experimental investigation and calculations are cooperated to connect the response variation with band structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fetuin‐A (Fet‐A), secreted by the liver and adipose tissue, inhibits insulin receptor tyrosine kinase activity and modulates insulin action. Numerous studies have shown association of elevated serum Fet‐A concentrations with obesity, non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, and type 2 diabetes. Both moderate body weight loss (5%–10%) and significant body weight loss have been shown to decrease serum Fet‐A and improve insulin sensitivity. Currently, there are no studies examining the effects of a single bout of exercise on serum Fet‐A or Ser312‐pFet‐A (pFet‐A) responses. We hypothesized that a single bout of moderate‐intensity exercise will lower serum Fet‐A and that these changes will be associated with an improvement in insulin sensitivity. Thirty‐one individuals with obesity and 11 individuals with normal body weight were recruited. Participants underwent a single bout of treadmill walking, expending 500 kcal at 60%–70% VO2max. Oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) were administered before the single bout of exercise (Pre Ex) and 24 h after exercise (24h Post Ex). In individuals with obesity, we observed a transient elevation of serum Fet‐A concentrations, but not pFet‐A, immediately after exercise (Post Ex). Further, a single bout of exercise decreased glucoseAUC, insulinAUC, and insulin resistance index in individuals with obesity. Consistent with this improvement in insulin sensitivity, we observed that Fet‐AAUC, pFet‐AAUC, 2 h pFet‐A, and 2 h pFet‐A/Fet‐A were significantly lower following a single bout of exercise. Further, reductions in serum Fet‐AAUC 24h Post Ex were correlated with a reduction in insulin resistance index. Together, this suggests that alterations in serum Fet‐A following a single bout of moderate‐intensity endurance exercise may play a role in the improvement of insulin sensitivity. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT03478046; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03478046. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On May 12, 2019, a landslide occurred near a construction site of a reservoir dam along the left bank of the Wulong River, Qinghai Province, China. Video footage showed that the entire failure process of the landslide lasted for 15 min. Although an excavator that parked on the foundation pit was buried and the Wulong River was blocked, this landslide did not cause any casualties. Based on field investigations, 3D laser scanning, unmanned aerial vehicle observations, and borehole surveys, this study aims to reveal the cause and initiation mechanisms of the landslide. The landslide developed on a typical dip slope with thick-bedded conglomerates intercalated with a few mudstone layers. The slide mass mainly consisted of conglomerates with a dip angle varying from 20 to 40°, failing along bedding plane contacts with the underlying muddy intercalation. Numerous tension cracks had developed in the upper part of the slope due to stress relaxation during the process of bank slope evolution associated with rapid river incision. These cracks damaged the integrity of the rock mass and promoted rapid rainfall infiltration. The water infiltrated into the slope and deteriorated the mechanical properties of the rock mass, which resulted in long-term deterioration of the slope stability conditions. In addition, the temperature of Tongren County was below zero for 5 months in a year, hence the freeze–thaw cycle of the water filled in the cracks would have reduced the shear strength further. There were 10 days of continuous rainfall before the landslide occurred, and the cumulative precipitation in 2018 and 2019 was also significantly more than that of previous years. Three primary factors are involved in the landslide event: (1) thick-bedded conglomerates intercalated with a few mudstone layers with contrasts in strength, (2) development of numerous relaxation cracks, and (3) long-term rainfall accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenotypic plasticity is commonly considered to contribute to the invasion success of invasive species. However, the importance of phenotypic plasticity, nitrogen (N) levels and warming to the invasion of invasive species is unclear. The effects of warming and N addition on the morphology, biomass allocation and biochemistry traits of Solidago canadensis and their plasticity were investigated by conducting a pot experiment. The results showed that the effect of N addition on biomass was improved for S. canadensis; whereas warming displayed no significant effect, their positive synergistic interact effect resulted in the overall significant increase in plant performance. The mean phenotypic plasticity indices (MPPI) of biochemistry and total parameters demonstrated a difference between operations, and the higher value was observed in N interaction with temperature treatments than N addition or warming alone. The observed MPPI indicated the biochemistry parameters > morphological parameters > allocation parameters. The MPPI of biochemistry parameters, morphological parameters and total parameters exhibited significant and positive correlations with N level and MPPI of morphological parameters was also significantly positively correlated with the fitness of S. canadensis. These results indicated that the global warming and N addition would make the invaded habitat more suitable for the growth of invasive S. canadensis, and even may effectively increase the invasion risk of S. canadensis through the enhanced phenotypic plasticity, which is a crucial factor to help species deal with the changing environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Targeting retinoid X receptor (RXR) has been proposed as one of the therapeutic strategies to treat individuals with metabolic syndrome, as RXR heterodimerizes with multiple nuclear receptors that regulate genes involved in metabolism. Despite numerous efforts, RXR ligands (rexinoids) have not been approved for clinical trials to treat metabolic syndrome due to the serious side effects such as hypertriglyceridemia and altered thyroid hormone axis. In this study, we demonstrate a novel rexinoid-like small molecule, UAB126, which has positive effects on metabolic syndrome without the known side effects of potent rexinoids. Oral administration of UAB126 ameliorated obesity, insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, and hyperlipidemia without changes in food intake, physical activity, and thyroid hormone levels. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that UAB126 regulates the expression of genes in the liver that are modulated by several nuclear receptors, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α and/or liver X receptor in conjunction with RXR. Furthermore, UAB126 not only prevented but also reversed obesity-associated metabolic disorders. The results suggest that optimized modulation of RXR may be a promising strategy to treat metabolic disorders without side effects. Thus, the current study reveals that UAB126 could be an attractive therapy to treat individuals with obesity and its comorbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autophagy, an integral part of the waste recycling process, plays an important role in cellular physiology and pathophysiology. Impaired autophagic flux causes ectopic lipid deposition, which is defined as the accumulation of lipids in non-adipose tissue. Ectopic lipid accumulation is observed in patients with cardiometabolic syndrome, including obesity, diabetes, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular complications. Metformin is the first line of treatment for type 2 diabetes, and one of the underlying mechanisms for the anti-diabetic effect of metformin is mediated by the stimulation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Because the activation of AMPK is crucial for the initiation of autophagy, we hypothesize that metformin reduces the accumulation of lipid droplets by increasing autophagic flux in vascular endothelial cells. Incubation of vascular endothelial cells with saturated fatty acid (SFA) increased the accumulation of lipid droplets and impaired autophagic flux. We observed that the accumulation of lipid droplets was reduced, and the autophagic flux was enhanced by treatment with metformin. The knock-down of AMPKα by using siRNA blunted the effect of metformin. Furthermore, treatment with SFA or inhibition of autophagy increased leukocyte adhesion, whereas treatment with metformin decreased the SFA-induced leukocyte adhesion. The results suggest a novel mechanism by which metformin protects vascular endothelium from SFA-induced ectopic lipid accumulation and pro-inflammatory responses. In conclusion, improving autophagic flux may be a therapeutic strategy to protect endothelial function from dyslipidemia and diabetic complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Senescence-Accelerated Mouse-Prone 8 (SAMP8) mice exhibit characteristics of premature aging, including hair loss, cognitive dysfunction, reduced physical activity, impaired metabolic homeostasis, cardiac dysfunction and reduced lifespan. Interestingly, circadian disruption can induce or augment many of these same pathologies. Moreover, previous studies have reported that SAMP8 mice exhibit abnormalities in circadian wheel-running behavior, indicating possible alterations in circadian clock function. These observations led to the hypothesis that 24 h rhythms in behavior and/or circadian clock function are altered in SAMP8 mice and that these alterations may contribute to perturbations in whole-body metabolism. Here, we report that 6-month-old SAMP8 mice exhibit a more prominent biphasic pattern in daily behaviors (food intake and physical activity) and whole-body metabolism (energy expenditure, respiratory exchange ratio), relative to SAMR1 control mice. Consistent with a delayed onset of food intake at the end of the light phase, SAMP8 mice exhibit a phase delay (1.3–1.9 h) in 24 h gene expression rhythms of major circadian clock components (bmal1, rev-erbα, per2, dbp) in peripheral tissues (liver, skeletal muscle, white adipose tissue [WAT], brown adipose tissue [BAT]). Forcing mice to consume food only during the dark period improved alignment of both whole-body metabolism and oscillations in expression of clock genes in peripheral tissues between SAMP8 and SAMR1 mice. Next, interrogation of metabolic genes revealed altered expression of thermogenesis mediators (ucp1, pgc1α, dio2) in WAT and/or BAT in SAMP8 mice. Interestingly, SAMP8 mice exhibit a decreased tolerance to an acute (5 h) cold challenge. Moreover, SAMP8 and SAMR1 mice exhibited differential responses to a chronic (1 week) decrease in ambient temperature; the greatest response in whole-body substrate selection was observed in SAMR1 mice. Collectively, these observations reveal differential behaviors (e.g. 24 h food intake patterns) in SAMP8 mice that are associated with perturbations in peripheral circadian clocks, metabolism and thermogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of chitosan as a potential excipient in pharmaceutical formulations for the delivery of drugs produced via direct compression tableting has been investigated. Chitosan, N-cinnamyl substituted O-amine functionalized chitosan (cinnamyl-chitosan) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) were formulated, alongside acetaminophen as the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), and magnesium stearate (Mg-St) as lubricant in a series of formulated blends. A control blend of MCC, acetaminophen (20 wt%) and Mg-St (0.5 wt%) was studied alongside two chitosan-bearing blends, containing 20 wt% chitosan and 20 wt% cinnamyl-chitosan separately. Particle size, shape and morphology of the raw powders were studied along with flowability of both raw powders and formulated powder blends. A single-punch tablet machine was used for tablet compaction. The relationship between tablet hardness and compression pressure was evaluated, while the plasticity factor (PF) and elasticity factor (EF) were derived from force-displacement curves. Disintegration and dissolution studies were also carried out to investigate the drug delivery potential of the blends. Blends containing chitosan and cinnamyl-chitosan possess good compaction properties with high elasticity due to their large particle sizes, and show excellent dissolution properties, releasing >80% API within 30 min. With good mechanical strength and superior drug delivery performance, in addition to its enhanced antibacterial and antioxidative effect gained though chemical modification, cinnamyl-chitosan exhibits potential to be used as a new cost-effective pharmaceutical excipient in direct compression tableting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate a deep foundation pit for urban substation construction in Chengdu, China. The pit was excavated in a sandy gravel layer and has a depth of 24.6 m. Detailed field surveys and monitoring were carried out to investigate the deformation characteristics of the foundation pit and its supporting structure related to excavation. Flac3D software was used to analyze the influence of pile anchor design parameters, including pile diameters, pile spacing, anchor cable prestress, anchor angle, and the number of rows of anchor cables, on deformation of the deep foundation pit. The results showed the pile diameter was the most critical influencing factor for pile deformation. The influences of anchor cable prestress and anchor angle on the horizontal displacement of the pile were inferior to the influence of the pile diameter and the number of anchor cable rows. The results reported in this paper provide guidance for the optimal design of foundation pits in settings with similar geological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With unique features like good chemical and thermal stabilities, layered oxygen-containing thermoelectric materials and devices are prospectives for directly converting heat into electricity, or vice versa, which are due to the intrinsic complexity and super-lattice structural features. Moreover, the established literatures on these materials have shown effective strategies based on deep analysis of specific mechanisms. In this work, we have reviewed recent milestones of layered oxygen-containing thermoelectric materials (e.g., Ca 3 Co 4 O 9 , BiCuSeO, and Bi 2 O 2 Se), including the driving mechanisms for choosing promising candidates, pivotal strategies on enhancing the thermoelectric performance, and more importantly, on-going related developments beyond for achieving high efficiency. These unique merits, combined with potential strategies make layered oxygen-containing thermoelectric materials promising for large-scale mid-to-high temperature power generation applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An unstable rock slope called the Guobu landslide, observed in granite with a maximum cumulative displacement of 45 m, located on the upper stream of the dam of the Laxiwa Hydropower Station, China, and directly threatening the safety of the dam and the people living downstream, was investigated. Detailed field surveys, geological structure investigations, remote sensing image analysis, and GPS displacement monitoring were carried out to investigate the deformation characteristics of the slope after reservoir impoundment, historical deformation, ancient landslide reactivation, the influence factors of the large deformation of the slope, and the mechanism. Based on the results of the above analyses, it was seen that there is a clear geological structural dependence of the failure mechanisms in the study area, and that the complex failure mechanisms include toppling, subsiding wedge failure, rockfalls, and tension cracking in deep-seated rock masses. Moreover, analysis of the remote sensing images indicated that the ancient landslide had been reactivated between 2005 and 2008. Detailed field displacement monitoring data showed that the whole slope was deforming significantly and continuously with the increase of the water level in the reservoir. The displacement rate had a positive correlation with the variation of the reservoir water level, increasing and decreasing as the the latter rose and fell, respectively. The vulnerable geological conditions, water infiltration, and the reservoir impoundment were the main factors causing the large deformation of the Guobu landslide. Water infiltration was the driving force resulting in the reactivation of the ancient landslide, and the reservoir impoundment accelerated the slope deformation. The mechanism of the large deformation of the rock slope was a combination of the upper pushing deformation induced by wedging and toppling, due to the ancient landslide reactivation, and the lower traction deformation due to the reservoir impoundment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interfacial reaction of Sn-8Zn-3Bi-xSb (x = 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5) on Cu substrate has been investigated under 150 °C thermal aging up to 720 h and an interfacial reaction mechanism, which governs the aging process, has been proposed. A 1 μm thin layer of scallop-shaped ε-CuZn 5 intermetallic compounds (IMCs) and a 4 μm thin layer of planar γ-Cu 5 Zn 8 IMCs were formed at the interface after solder reflow. During initial aging, ε-CuZn 5 transformed to γ-Cu 5 Zn 8 and the intermetallic layer (IML) at the interface thickened. As aging prolonged, Cu 5 Zn 8 started to degrade due to the depletion of Zn and voids formed throughout the IML. These voids were rapidly filled by diffusing Sn atoms, inducing a tunnelling effect, allowing Sn to reach the Cu substrate and form Cu 6 Sn 5 IMCs at the interface. The thickening of the IML is controlled by a diffusion mechanism and this is suppressed by introducing Sb as a micro-alloying component, hypothetically though the pinning effect to reduce the diffusion rate of Zn in Sn matrix. • Interfacial reaction mechanism for SnZnBi on Cu is elucidated. • Sn diffuses by tunnelling to Cu and forms Cu 5 Sn 6 compounds at the interface. • Sb addition does not alter the reaction mechanism but suppresses IML thickening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In severe operation environments where extreme thermal cycles and long dwells are common, such as the engine compartment of motor vehicles, solder alloys resistant to fatigue under thermomechanical stimuli are required. With this in mind, new third generation lead free alloys are being designed to enhance the toughness of interfacial intermetallic layer (IML), and solid solution strengthening is introduced to compensate for the strength loss due to Ag 3 Sn particle coarsening. In this paper, the reliability of ceramic Ball Grid Array (BGA) assemblies using third generation lead-free alloys under various strain levels and Accelerated Temperature Cycling (ATC) profiles, 0/100 °C and −40/125 °C, are presented. Failure analysis was conducted and cracking along the IML at the solder/package interface was determined to be the root failure mechanism. The ATC test results indicate that the induced fatigue strain on each ring of the BGAs is a function of maximum dwell temperature, alloy choice and temperature change (ΔT) within the thermal cycle, and this is noted to have a significant influence on characteristic lifetimes. Results correlate well with the Coffin-Manson model, and activation energies (E A ) were determined to predict the reliability of the electronic on the premise of the same predominant failure mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pterostilbene, a bioactive component of blueberries and grapes, shows structural similarity to resveratrol, and exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, hypoglycemic, and cholesterol lowering effects. Recent evidence indicates that pterostilbene is an agonist of the nuclear receptor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-α). Since PPAR-α agonists induce peroxisomal proliferation and fatty acid oxidation, we examined gene expression of acyl CoA oxidase (ACO) and carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1 (CPT-1). Pterostilbene treatment, at concentrations that demonstrated over 75% cell viability (20 μM, 50 μM), significantly increased gene expression of ACO, CPT-1, and PPAR-α. Pterostilbene treatment (50 μM) also demonstrated potent activation of AMP-activated kinase (AMPK), compared to AICAR (0.5 mM) or metformin (2 mM), consistent with upregulation in fatty acid oxidation gene expression. Since AMPK activators mimic the actions of insulin by repressing hepatic gluconeogenesis, we examined pterostilbene's effects on hepatic gluconeogenic gene expression. Pterostilbene treatment significantly repressed dexamethasone-induced phosphoenol pyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose6-phosphatase (G6Pase) gene expression, and decreased glucose production in H4IIE cells. Taken together, our studies demonstrate that pterostilbene, a natural compound and PPAR-α agonist, modulate several AMPK-dependent metabolic functions. The results of the present study suggest that pterostilbene may have beneficial effects in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes and related disorders. In this study, we found that pterostilbene activated AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) and increased the expression of fatty acid oxidation genes, including acyl CoA oxidase and carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dense SrLa[Al 1−x (Mg 0.5 Ti 0.5 ) x ]O 4 (x = 0.2–0.8) ceramics were prepared by a standard solid state sintering method. The K 2 NiF 4 –type layered perovskite structure with I 4/ mmm space group was revealed by XRD over the whole composition range, indicating that SrLaAlO 4 and SrLa(Mg 0.5 Ti 0.5 )O 4 can form infinite solid solution. The evaluation of the refined structure was investigated by Rietveld analysis of XRD and Raman spectrum. The dielectric constant ( ε r ) and temperature coefficient of resonant frequency ( τ f ) increased with increasing x, while the Qf value first increased and then decreased. The measured ε r was significantly lower than the predicted value from Clausius-Mosotti relationship, and their difference approached 0 with increasing x, which is mainly attributed to the increasing normalized bond lengths of Sr/La-O(1) and Sr/La-O(2a) bonds. The optimal microwave dielectric properties with ε r = 22.2, Qf = 89,100 GHz and τ f = −0.1 ppm/°C were obtained for x = 0.65, indicating that SrLa[Al 1−x (Mg 0.5 Ti 0.5 ) x ]O 4 solid solution is a promising candidate as low-loss microwave dielectric ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two rock topples with the opposite dip direction, observed in the Ribangliangzi hill and facing the China Provincial Highway S211, are located on the upper stream of the planned dam of Jinchuan Hydropower Station in China. The new site for submerged part of Highway due to reservoir impoundment is designed to be a tunnel crossing the Ribangliangzi hill. However, at this hill, the stratum facing the Dadu River dips southwestward, whereas the stratum facing the Xinzha Gully dips northeastward. Therefore, it's regarded as an important slope structure that may lead to an occurrence of landslide directly threatening the future tunnel excavation stability and slope stability along the highway. This paper reports for the geologic structures of the overturned strata, formative processes and mechanism for toppling on cataclinal slopes. It was concluded that the toppling on cataclinal slopes was caused by a combination of toppling and sliding. Furthermore, to analyse the conditions for toppling on cataclinal slope, the cantilever beam model was established and analyzed the minimum strata dip angle required for toppling more prone to occur on cataclinal slope and the critical length of rock stratum. The results reveal that the toppling will be more prone to occur on cataclinal slope while the strata dip angle is greater than 60°even if under a very small external force or without the assistance of external forces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new poroid wood-inhabiting fungal species, Hyphodermella poroides , is proposed based on morphological and molecular evidences. The species is characterized by resupinate basidiocarps with cream to orange pore surface, a monomitic hyphal system with generative hyphae bearing simple septa, and broadly ellipsoid, hyaline, thin-walled, smooth, IKI−, CB− basidiospores. The phylogenetic analyses based on ITS + nLSU sequences showed that H. poroides formed a single group with a strong support and was closely related to H. corrugata and H. rosae , and then grouped with Pirex concentricus . Both morphological and molecular evidences confirmed the placement of the new species in Hyphodermella . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the dynamic problem for an infinite Euler–Bernoulli beam supported by a transversely isotropic multilayered half-space due to moving loads. By introducing a moving system and using double Fourier integral transform, the analytical layer-element solution for the transversely isotropic layered half-space is obtained, which can be used to derive the equivalent dynamic stiffness of the transversely isotropic layered medium. By virtue of the theory of Euler–Bernoulli beam, the equivalent dynamic stiffness and the boundary conditions, the deflection of beam in integral transform domain is derived. Solutions in physical domain are further acquired by numerical inverse integral transform. The validation examples demonstrate that the presented approach in this paper is accurate and effective. Other numerical examples are carried out to analyze the effect of flexural rigidity of beam, load speed, transverse isotropy and stratified characters of medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dense SrLa( R0.5Ti0.5)O4 ( R=Mg, Zn) ceramics were prepared by a standard solid-state reaction method. The single phase with complex K2NiF4-type layered perovskite structure and I4/ mmm space group was revealed by XRD, and the refined structure was analyzed by Rietveld analysis. Significantly improved dielectric constant was obtained in SrLa( R0.5Ti0.5)O4 ceramics compared to the analogues SrLaAlO4 and SrLaGaO4, which is attributed to the increasing normalized bond lengths of Sr/La-O(1) and Sr/La-O(2a) bonds and the higher polarizability of ( R0.5Ti0.5)3+ than Al3+ and Ga3+. In addition, τ f converts to a positive value with the increase in dielectric constant. The following microwave dielectric properties were obtained in the dense ceramics: εr=25.5, Qf=72 000 GHz, τ f =29 ppm/°C for SrLa(Mg0.5Ti0.5)O4, and εr=29.4, Qf=34 000 GHz, τ f =38 ppm/°C for SrLa(Zn0.5Ti0.5)O4. Furthermore, the stability of K2NiF4-type structure in MLnBO4 [ M=Ca, Sr, Ba; Ln=Y, Sm, Nd, La; B=Al, Ga, (Mg0.5Ti0.5), (Zn0.5Ti0.5)] compounds was discussed in relation to the tolerance factor of perovskite layer and the radius ratio of M2+ and Ln3+, based on which near-zero τ f values are expected to be obtained in SrLa( R0.5Ti0.5)O4-SrLaAlO4 and SrLa( R0.5Ti0.5)O4-SrLaGaO4 unlimited solid solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the effect Sb on the microstructure, thermal and mechanical properties of Sn-8Zn-3Bi alloys was studied. With addition of 0.5–1.5 wt.% Sb, melting temperature and undercooling is slightly increased compared with Sn-8Zn-3Bi alloy, while the pasty range remains unchanged. It was found that the addition of Sb refined the microstructure, resulting in a smaller α-Zn phase, and enlarged the Sn-Zn eutectic area, without intermetallic compound (IMC) formation. Mechanical properties are significantly improved by micro-alloying and this is attributed to solid solution strengthening. With the addition of 1.5 wt.% Sb, tensile strength, yield stress and Young's modulus was improved by 14.5%, 87% and 116.2% respectively, compared with the Sn-8Zn-3Bi solder alloy. Elongation was increased by 28%, due to a more ductile fracture mechanism. The relatively low melting temperature, superior mechanical properties, along with narrow pasty range and undercooling, makes Sn-8Zn-3Bi-xSb alloy system a potential low temperature lead-free alloy for temperature sensitive applications such as optoelectronics, crystal oscillators, MEMS devices, and internet-of-things (IoT) devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its commercial potential and the technological challenges associated with processing, low temperature soldering is a topic gaining widespread interest in both industry and academia in the application space of consumer and “throw away” electronics. This review focuses on the latest metallurgical alloys, tin zinc (Sn–Zn) and tin bismuth (Sn–Bi), for lower temperature processed electronic interconnections. The fundamentals of solder paste production and flux development for these highly surface active metallic powders are introduced. Intermetallic compounds that underpin low temperature solder joint production and reliability are discussed. The influence of alloying on these alloys is described in terms of critical microstructural changes, mechanical properties and reliability. The review concludes with an outlook for next generation electronic interconnect materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the analytical layer-element method is utilized to analyze the plane strain dynamic response of a transversely isotropic multilayered half-plane due to a moving load. We assume that the studied system moves synchronously with the moving load, then the moving load relative to the moving system is considered to be motionless. Therefore, the vertical stress and the vertical displacement under the moving load need not update for the variation of the load position. Based on the governing equations of motion in the moving system, the analytical layer-element solutions for a finite layer and a half-plane in the Fourier transform domain are derived by using the algebraic operations in Ref. [7] . The global matrix of the problem can be obtained by assembling the analytical layer-elements of all layers. The corresponding solution in the frequency domain is further recovered by the inverse Fourier transform. Several examples are given to confirm the accuracy of the proposed method and to illustrate the influence of material properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A flexible and precise forming technology for low-cost, high-efficient and high-quality manufacture of equal-thickness rings is urgently required. To this end, a novel technique for equal-thickness in-plane ring roll-bending of a metal strip (ET-IRS) by twin conical rolls is presented. In this process, the twin conical rolls are placed to form an equal-thickness roll gap. The rolls rotate in opposite directions with identical angular velocity. The strip is bitten into the roll gap by frictional force and compressed equally across its width. Under the varying boundary conditions supported by the varying tangential velocity (VTV) of the rolls and varying deformation zone (VDZ) across the strip width, monotonically varying elongation of the strip is obtained, the coordination of which creates an equal-thickness ring. The results show that the VTV of the rolls plays a major part in ring formation, whereas the VDZ has little influence. However, remarkable coupling effects of VDZ with VTV exist. In comparison with the tangential velocity of the roll, the outlet velocity at the inner half of the strip is larger, but the velocity at the outer half is smaller. As a result, the inner half and the outer half experience frictional drag and traction, respectively, which produces a bending moment acting on the strip. The deformation characteristics of ET-IRS studied by simulation and experiment demonstrate that gradients exist in the radial and hoop strain components and outlet velocity of the strip across its width. Positive radial strain at the inner rim of the strip and negative strain at the outer rim result in positive and negative spread, respectively, leading to minimal resultant spread of the formed ring. The independently adjustable parameters, such as initial position of the strip z 0 , the roll gap t , the friction coefficient μ , the strip width b 0 and the cone-apex angle α , affect the deformation. The gradient of radial strain increases with decreasing z 0 and t and increasing μ and α , and the spread increases with increasing z 0 and α and decreasing t and b 0 . The results indicate the forming mechanism and characteristics of ET-IRS are considerably different from existing processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes an average propulsive speed implementation approach for robotic dolphins theoretically and experimentally. First, it analyzes the motion feature of the robotic dolphin, and finds the strictly corresponding rule between tail’s oscillating frequency and propulsive speed of robotic dolphin. A kinetic energy mapping coefficient (KEMC) is defined to extract the motion feature. Then, it establishes a kinematic feature equation based on the KEMC definition. The feature equation takes the KEMC as a feature data, and describes a kinetic energy mapping relation for robotic dolphin’s motion. Furthermore, by applying the feature equation and KEMC data, it designs an iterative learning identification and adaptive control solution to adjust automatically the average propulsive speed. Simulations prove the system’s convergence and speed adjustment effectiveness. Experiments have been performed in two steps. One, a series of KEMC values are identified through the offline identification, and the distribution of KEMCs is partially known; second, a closed loop control experiment reaches the expected speed target. This study shows that the average speed implementation method based KEMC converts the speed control issue into one kind of pure control problem, and it helps robotic dolphin obtain learning ability and adaptive ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process of erythroid differentiation is orchestrated at the molecular level by a complex network of transcription factors. Erythroid Krüppel-like factor (EKLF/KLF1) is a master erythroid gene regulator that directly regulates most aspects of terminal erythroid differentiation. However, the underlying regulatory mechanisms of EKLF protein stability are still largely unknown. In this study, we identified Vacuolar protein sorting 37 C (VPS37C), a core subunit of the Endosomal sorting complex required for transport-I (ESCRT-I) complex, as an essential regulator of EKLF stability. Our study showed that VPS37C interacts with EKLF and prevents K48-linked polyubiquitination of EKLF and proteasome-mediated EKLF degradation, thus enhancing EKLF protein stability and transcriptional activity. VPS37C overexpression in murine erythroleukemia (MEL) cells promotes hexamethylene bisacetamide (HMBA)-induced erythroid differentiation manifested by up-regulating erythroid-specific EKLF target genes and increasing benzidine-positive cells. In contrast, VPS37C knockdown inhibits HMBA-induced MEL cell erythroid differentiation. Particularly, the restoration of EKLF expression in VPS37C-knockdown MEL cells reverses erythroid-specific gene expression and hemoglobin production. Collectively, our study demonstrated VPS37C is a novel regulator of EKLF ubiquitination and degradation, which plays a positive role in erythroid differentiation of MEL cells by enhancing EKLF protein stability. • VPS37C interacts with EKLF and enhances EKLF protein stability. • VPS37C prevents K48-linked polyubiquitination of EKLF and inhibits proteasome-mediated degradation of EKLF. • VPS37C promotes erythroid differentiation of MEL cells, which depends on EKLF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palladium-based H 2 sensors have attracted increased attention due to the high selectivity for H 2 , yet evident limitations like hydrogen embrittlement and slow response rates, have impeded the further development. Aiming to address these issues, adding other metals to form Pd-based alloys and optimize coincided surface structure, are widely considered as effective approaches. Here in this work, Pd/Ti alloy films with proper elemental ratios were prepared by using a magnetron co-sputtering technique, and the coincided sensing features have been further regulated by in situ nanostructuring. For the Pd/Ti film with an atomic ratio of 74.1/25.9, the H 2 response values characterizations revealed that the limit of detection (LoD) could be 50 ppm at room temperature, combined with a response time of 61.3 s at 2 vt.% H 2 concentration. Based on the first-principles calculations, the effects from hydrogen diffusion process of Pd and Pd/Ti alloys have been evaluated to be ignorable, however, the specific nanostructures constructed on the surface then become the main reason for the boosted response performance. More importantly, the approach of forming proper in situ nanoparticles has been identified as a significant guidance, for extensive and rapid response of H 2 detection of Pd-based sensors used upon low power consumption. • Pd/Ti alloy films with nanoparticles are prepared by magnetron sputtering. • Samples have response to 50 ppm - 4 vt.% H 2 concentration at room temperature. • Nanoparticles can absorb H 2 molecules and facilitate their decomposition into H atoms. • The results of the first-principles calculations confirmed the optimization effect of nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new scene classification method is proposed based on the combination of local Gabor features with a spatial pyramid matching model. First, new local Gabor feature descriptors are extracted from dense sampling patches of scene images. These local feature descriptors are embedded into a bag-of-visual-words (BOVW) model, which is combined with a spatial pyramid matching framework. The new local Gabor feature descriptors have sufficient discrimination abilities for dense regions of scene images. Then the efficient feature vectors of scene images can be obtained by K-means clustering method and visual word statistics. Second, in order to decrease classification time and improve accuracy, an improved kernel principal component analysis (KPCA) method is applied to reduce the dimensionality of pyramid histogram of visual words (PHOW). The principal components with the bigger interclass separability are retained in feature vectors, which are used for scene classification by the linear support vector machine (SVM) method. The proposed method is evaluated on three commonly used scene datasets. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landslide deposits have been observed to reactivate in association with water level fluctuations of reservoirs. The Shiliushubao landslide is an example of a mass movement where an accelerated deformation rate was triggered by the impoundment of a reservoir (the Three Gorges Reservoir in this case). This work investigated the relationship between the stability of this landslide and the variation in the reservoir water level. The stability of the landslide after reservoir impoundment was evaluated from February 2004 to December 2009 based on a sensitivity analysis of the hydraulic conductivity and the fluctuations in the level of the reservoir. The results suggest that the stability of the landslide is influenced by the rate of fluctuation in the level of the reservoir and the hydraulic conductivity. When the surface displacement monitoring data was integrated with the numerical modeling results, it became apparent that the stability of the Shiliushubao landslide increases as the reservoir water level is increased, whereas it decreases as the reservoir water level is lowered to avoid a dam breach during flood season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied theoretically the THz radiation emission induced by an electron beam moving atop a graphene sheet based on a structure consisting of 2D square lattice of dielectric cylinders. Numerical evaluation result shows that the THz radiation frequency can be turned in a range of 10 THz by adjusting the Fermi level or the filling fraction of the dielectric cylinders, and the peak radiation intensity, which largely depends on the velocity of the electron beam, is the order of 10 −3 μJ/cm 2 . These results indicate a promising application in developing the THz radiation source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present here a theoretical analysis of the possibility to combine SERS with THz by investigating the electromagnetic enhancement effects of gold and InSb nanoparticles under THz excitation. By means of the FDTD simulations, the electrical field enhancement, and thus the SERS enhancement factor of the gold and InSb nanoparticles with different sizes and interparticle separations are demonstrated, which indicate that the SERS effect exists in THz range as well and the SERS enhancement factor could reach 10 9 under the condition of certain size and interparticle distance. Therefore the SERS effect could be extended from ultraviolet, visible and near-infrared to THz regime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The designs of most chatbots and voice assistants provide features for the agent to understand what the user said, but not the equivalent features for the user to understand the agent. Although the agents in the study suffered from many under-trained intents and a considerable lack of knowledge in the case of open-domain inquiries, the NCF dialog patterns nonetheless appeared to help users, and agents, manage the interaction, and move on. Keywords: Conversational user interfaces; conversational UX design; Conversation Analysis; chatbots; voice assistants EN Conversational user interfaces conversational UX design Conversation Analysis chatbots voice assistants 168 193 26 04/20/23 20230701 NES 230701 1. Two versions of tutorials were given to the users who are the full-featured agents and the reduced features agents, respectively, since each agent uses different interaction mechanics. Similarly, only one participant in all 23 conversations asked the buddy agent about its hobbies I first i , whereas the full-featured agent brought up its hobby, Splendor, in 13 of the 15 conversations. [Extracted from the article]

Although terahertz radiation can be generated when the electron beam is moving in parallel with the graphene layer loaded on periodic grating structure, there still have some difficulties about the tuning method. Here, we propose a method that by changing the direction of the liquid crystal (LC) molecules to dynamically tune the radiation frequency over a wide range at room temperature. The THz radiation generated by an electron beam moving atop graphene coated on a LC grating structure. This method will be helpful to the future applications of tunable terahertz source in miniaturization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A brief description of the VPN and Web Services technologies and their characteristics is provided. Using VPN technology to solve community e-government network security issues on the public network and using Web Services technology to solve issues of data sharing among heterogeneous systems are analyzed. Then, a constructional idea of community e-government private network based on VPN and Web Services technology is proposed. A VPN design case of a community e-government private network in Guiyang city is given, and the advantages and disadvantages of VPN technology are analyzed. Finally, a community e-government application integration platform example of a community e-government private network in Guiyang city is given, and the advantages and disadvantages of Web Services are analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some physical properties of the naked oat seeds were determined as a function of moisture content ranging from 9.56 to 18.07% (wet basis, w.b.). Seed length, width, thickness, and geometric mean diameter were increased from 7.89 to 8.81 mm, 2.32 to 3.09 mm, 1.85 to 2.77 mm, and 3.24 to 4.22 mm, respectively, with the increase of moisture content. The bulk and true densities of the seed samples were decreased from 682.1 to 533.1 kg/m3 and from 1,280.6 to 1,162.8 kg/m3, respectively. The average static friction coefficients of the seeds on the surfaces of plywood, stainless steel, and polypropylene knitted bags were increased from 0.403 to 0.674, from 0.371 to 0.496, and from 0.562 to 0.765, respectively, when the moisture content of these samples were increased from 9.56 to 18.07% (w.b.). The static angle of repose varied from 24.38° to 39.17° in the moisture content range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of thin-layer drying naked oat cut herbage process (hot air temperature, air velocity, and drying time) on crude protein content were investigated. It was observed that an increase in drying temperature could lead to a significant drop in the crude protein content of naked oat cut herbage. The crude protein content also decreased with an increase in drying time and air velocity, and air velocity had a minimal impact during processing. A thin-layer drying mathematical model of crude protein content for naked oat cut herbage was established. The optimal drying parameters were determined as hot air temperature of 88.6–94.2∘C, air velocity of 0.28–0.32 m/s, and drying time of 16.4–20.6 min. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Based on the study of field background, tectonic evolution and development history of the Yellow River valley, the authors made an in-depth study of the distribution and formation mechanism of the deep concentrated unloading of a typical bank slope developed in broad basin, and found that the concentrated unloading ranges from 2520 to 2650 m at El, the horizontal depth is 40 to 90 m in left bank and 40 to 60 m in right bank. It showed that these deep cracks in concentrated unloading zone generally dip towards the river or to the inner slope with high angle, and the cause of formation due to the category of unloading. The concentrated unloading is the product of the epigenetic deformation along the original tectonic structural planes accompanied by the stress release of slope during the formation process of river bank slope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Currently, no licensed therapy can thoroughly eradicate hepatitis B virus (HBV) from the body, including interferon α and inhibitors of HBV reverse-transcription. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) seem to be a promising tool for treating HBV, but had no effect on the pre-existing HBV covalently closed circular DNA. Because it is very difficult to thoroughly eradicate HBV with unique siRNAs, upgrading the immune response is the best method for fighting HBV infection. Here, we aim to explore the immune response of transgenic mice to HBV vaccination after long-term treatment with siRNAs and develop a therapeutic approach that combines siRNAs with immunopotentiators. Methodology/Principal Findings: To explore the response of transgenic mice to hepatitis B vaccine, innate and acquired immunity were detected after long-term treatment with siRNAs and vaccination. Antiviral cytokines and level of anti-hepatitis B surface antigen antibody (HBsAg-Ab) were measured after three injections of hepatitis B vaccine. Results: Functional analyses indicated that toll-like receptor-mediated innate immune responses were reinforced, and antiviral cytokines were significantly increased, especially in the pSilencer4.1/HBV groups. Analysis of CD80+/CD86+ dendritic cells in the mouse liver indicated that dendritic cell antigen presentation was strengthened. Furthermore, the siRNA-treated transgenic mice could produce detectable HBsAg-Ab after vaccination, especially in the CpG oligonucleotide vaccine group. Conclusions/Significance: For the first time, our studies demonstrate that siRNAs with CpG HBV vaccine could strengthen the immune response and break the immune tolerance status of transgenic mice to HBV. Thus, siRNAs and HBV vaccine could provide a sharp double-edged sword against chronic HBV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]