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Two new isoprenylated flavone, 8,4′-dimethoxy-6-(4-methyl-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)-flavone (1), 8-hydroxy-4′-methoxy-6-(4-methyl-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)-flavone (2), together with seven known isoprenylated flavonoids (3–9) were isolated from the whole plants of Desmodium caudatum. Their structures were established by their 1D, 2D NMR, and MS spectral data. In addition, compounds 1–9 were tested for their anti-SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractOffshore foundations usually experience long-term cyclic loading, where the weakly bound water at the soil-structure interface can be transformed into free water. The free water enriched at the soil–structure interface would influence the mechanical characteristics of the soil near the interface, weakening the interface strength and posing a significant threat to the safety and stability of offshore foundations. This study proposed a novel concept, i.e. the characteristic water film thickness, to quantify the enrichment degree of water film at the soil–structure interface under cyclic loading. A series of cyclic shearing tests were carried out by using self-developed cyclic loading equipment combined with a small constant temperature centrifuge. The influence of different clay and salt contents on the characteristic water film thickness was investigated and analyzed. It was found that both the kaolin and salt contents significantly impacted the characteristic water film thickness, where it was positively correlated with the kaolin content while negatively correlated with the salt content. The research outcome enriched the understanding of the weakening mechanism underlying the load and deformation transfer between soil–structure interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Engineered T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) exhibit high response rates in B-cell malignancy treatments and possess therapeutic potentials against various diseases. However, the complicated ex vivo production process of CAR-T cells limits their application. Herein, we use virus-mimetic fusogenic nanovesicles (FuNVs) to produce CAR-T cells in vivo via membrane fusion-mediated CAR protein delivery. Briefly, the FuNVs are modified using T-cell fusogen, adapted from measles virus or reovirus fusogens via displaying anti-CD3 single-chain variable fragment. The FuNVs can efficiently fuse with the T-cell membrane in vivo , thereby delivering the loaded anti-CD19 (αCD19) CAR protein onto T-cells to produce αCD19 CAR-T cells. These αCD19 CAR-T cells alone or in combination with anti-OX40 antibodies can treat B-cell lymphoma without inducing cytokine release syndrome. Thus, our strategy provides a novel method for engineering T cells into CAR-T cells in vivo and can further be employed to deliver other therapeutic membrane proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate the finite‐time stabilization of a class of nonlocal Lipschitzian stochastic nonlinear systems with Markovian switching and stochastic inverse dynamics. We first present the finite‐time stability theory for stochastic nonlinear systems with Markovian switching under the framework of weak solutions. Then, a finite‐time controller with state feedback is constructed for a class of stochastic high‐order nonlinear systems with Markovian switching and stochastic inverse dynamics. The trivial weak solution of the closed‐loop system is proved to be globally finite‐time stable in probability. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed design method is verified by a simulation example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, two distributed finite-time neurodynamic algorithms are proposed to collaboratively manage the charging scheme of electric vehicles (EVs) in the microgrid scenario. First, the upper level model is constructed to optimize the disorderly charging problem of EV users under private charging posts , and explore the optimal charging scheme under charging constraints and time-varying conditions to ensure the benefits of users. The lower layer model explores the optimal public charging scheme under the system operation constraint and the supply–demand balance constraint with the objective of minimizing the overall microgrid operation cost. The optimal solution of the upper model, i.e., the load of EV users under the private charging post, is considered as a parameter of the lower model. In this context, two finite-time neurodynamics with fast convergence rate, executed in a distributed manner, are proposed to track the optimal solution of the problem in real time. Furthermore, the stability and convergence in finite time of the two proposed algorithms are proved using Lyapunov theorem and finite time theorem. Numerical case studies of small-scale and large-scale power systems demonstrate the effectiveness, robustness, and real-time performance of the two proposed algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By using the conventional observations, radar data, NCEP/NCAR FNL 1°×1° reanalysis data and numerical simulation data and with the construction and calculation of radar echo parameters, this paper presents the structural characteristics and physical processes of a short-time heavy precipitation supercell that occurred in the squall line process in Shanxi Province on 24 June 2020. The results show that this squall line event occurred in front of a surface cold front, combined with infiltration of low-level cold air and continuous increase of near-surface humidity in the afternoon. The surface mesoscale convergence line and mesoscale dew point front contributed to the development and systemization of the squall line by a large degree. The short-time extremely heavy precipitation in Pingshun County was caused by the development of a supercell from thunderstorm cells on the front side of the squall line. The characteristics of sharp increase in vertical integral liquid water content, persistent increase in reflectivity factor and continuous rise in the echo top height appeared about 23 min earlier than the severe precipitation, which has qualitative indicating significance for the nowcasting of short-time heavy precipitation. A quantitative analysis of the radar echo parameters suggests that the "sudden drop" of FV40 was a precursor signal of cells'coalescence and rapid development to the mature stage. The areal change of the echo core at the 6 km height was highly subject to the merging and developing of cells, the rapid change of hydrometeor particles in clouds and the precipitation intensity. Changes in the cross-sectional area of convective cells at different heights can indirectly reflect the changes of liquid particles and ice particles in clouds, which is indicatively meaningful for predicting the coalescing and developing-to-maturing of cells and heavy precipitation 30-45 min earlier. A comprehensive echo parameter prediction model constructed by the random forest principle can predict the magnitude of short-time heavy precipitation 40-50 min in advance. Numerical simulation reveals that large amounts of water vapor existed in the near-surface atmosphere, and that the cells rapidly obtained moisture from the ambient atmosphere and developed rapidly through maternal feeding. The cold cloud zone was narrow, upright and had a high stretch height. The upward motion in clouds was strong and deep, and very rich in liquid water content. The graupel particles had a large vertical distribution range, the coexistence area of graupel and snow was large, the height of raindrops was close to the surface with a wide horizontal scale, and the precipitation efficiency was high. These may be the important elements responsible for the occurrence of the short-time heavy precipitation that exceeded historical extreme values. On the basis of the above analyses, a comprehensive parameter (CP) prediction model is worked out, which can estimate the developing trend of supercells and the intensity of short-time heavy precipitation about 1 h in advance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to perform a primary simulation on the LFE (Leaking Flow Effect) of a simply-supported pipe with a crack undergoing cross-flow vortex-induced vibration (VIV). The dynamic equation of a horizontal pipe with a leakage subject to a uniform current is established based on modified Hamilton Principle employing equivalent bending stiffness model for the crack and a wake oscillator model to create VIV effect. The displacement and curvature responses of the pipe when the crack occurs at different locations with different crack severities are examined in the subcritical region of interna flow velocity. It has demonstrated (1) the commonly used RMS displacement in VIV analysis is slightly affected by the crack and leakage. However, LFE can cause an obvious shift of the pipe's equilibrium state. When the crack severity is increased or when the crack approaches the midpoint, the static displacement increases significantly. Moreover, LFE can lead to a switch of the dominant mode of VIV, accompanied by a jump variation of dominant frequency and an abrupt decrease/increase of the displacement; (2) a peak in the curvature response is witnessed when crack occurs at the effective positions, and this phenomenon can be enhanced remarkably by LFE. A notable finding is when the crack occurs at the non-effective positions, a peak still appears when the LFE is sufficiently large. This study benefits for optimization of the monitoring system for a submerged floating pipeline. • The mathematical model of a horizontal pipe with a leakage subject to a uniform current is established based on modified Hamilton Principle. • The RMS displacement is slightly affected by the crack and leakage. • LFE (Leaking Flow Effect) can cause an obvious static displacement of the pipe's equilibrium state and lead to a switch of the dominant mode of VIV. • The peak in the curvature of a cracked pipe can be enhanced remarkably by LFE. • When the crack occurs at the non-effective positions of curvature, a peak still appears at the crack when the LFE is sufficiently large. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrofungi are essential in forest ecological functioning. Their distribution and diversity are primarily impacted by vegetation, topography, and environmental factors, such as precipitation and temperature. However, the composition and topographical changes of the macrofungi between the eastern mountainous area and central plains of Jilin Province are currently unknown. For this study, we selected six investigational sites representing three different topographical research sites in Jilin Province to assess macrofungal diversity, and applied a quadrat sampling method. Macro- and micro-morphological characteristics combined with the molecular method were used to identify the collected macrofungi. Meanwhile, selected meteorological data were obtained for statistical analysis. As a result, 691 species were identified, of which Agarics were the most common, accounting for 60.23%, while the Cantharelloid fungi were the least common (0.91%). Furthermore, most of the shared genera (species) were saprophytic. The α diversity showed that the species diversity and richness in Longwan National Forest Park (B2) were the highest at the genus level. The mycorrhizal macrofungi proportion revealed that Quanshuidong Forest Farm (A1) was the healthiest. Finally, species composition similarity decreased with the transition from mountainous to hilly plains. We concluded that the occurrence of macrofungi was most influenced by vegetation. The air humidity, precipitation, and wind velocity were also found to significantly impact the occurrence of macrofungi. Finally, the mycorrhizal:saprophytic ratios and species similarity decreased with the transition from the mountainous area to the plains. The results presented here help elucidate the macrofungi composition and their relationship with environmental factors and topography in Jilin Province, which is crucial for sustainable utilization and future conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the volumetric, microstructural, and shear behaviours of an expansive soil during multiple drying-wetting (DW), freeze–thaw (FT), and drying-wetting-freeze–thaw (DWFT) cycles. Specimens compacted at natural moisture content and dry density were subjected to 1, 4, 6, and 10 DW, FT, or DWFT cycles. Volumetric changes were recorded during the treatments and mercury intrusion porosimetry, and scanning electron microscope tests were conducted to observe the soil's microstructure before and after treatments. As compacted specimens and specimens after different numbers of DW, FT, and DWFT cycles were saturated and sheared under consolidated undrained condition to determine their undrained elastic modulus (Eu), shear strength (qu), total cohesion (c), and friction angle (ϕ). Experimental results show that DW, FT, and DWFT cycles mainly influence the soil's macropores with diameters between 5 and 250 μm. Macropores collapse during DW cycles, which lead to collapse in the soil's global volume. Cracks develop during FT cycles and result in slight swelling in the soil's volume. These two effects offset during DWFT cycles and cause an intermediate volumetric behaviour. The Eu, qu, c, and ϕ decline during DW, FT, and DWFT cycles, and the reduction was most significant during DWFT cycles. They reach an equilibrium after approximately 6 cycles of treatment. A simple normalized model was developed to describe the stress–strain curves considering the influence of DW, FT, and DWFT cycles. Good agreements were achieved between the model predictions and measurements for all stress–strain curves obtained in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutations in RNF216 have been found to be associated with autosomal recessive Huntington‐like disorder. Here, we describe a patient with Huntington‐like disorder caused by a novel de novo RNF216 mutation. The patient started to have choreatic movements of both hands, slowly progressing to head, face, and four extremities, with prominent cognitive deterioration. White matter lesions in cerebral hemispheres and brainstem, cerebellar atrophy, and low gonadotropin serum levels have been demonstrated. We have identified a homozygous deletion of exon 2 in the RNF216 gene by whole‐exome sequencing. Our findings increased genetic knowledge of autosomal recessive Huntington‐like disorder and extended the ethnic distribution of RNF216 mutations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A heavy rainfall event caused by a mesoscale convective system (MCS), which occurred over the Yellow River midstream area during 7-9 July 2016, was analyzed using observational, high-resolution satellite, NCEP/NCAR reanalysis, and numerical simulation data. This heavy rainfall event was caused by one mesoscale convective complex (MCC) and five MCSs successively. The MCC rainstorm occurred when southwesterly winds strengthened into a jet. The MCS rainstorms occurred when low-level wind fields weakened, but their easterly components in the lower and boundary layers increased continuously. Numerical analysis revealed that there were obvious differences between the MCC and MCS rainstorms, including their three-dimensional airflow structure, disturbances in wind fields and vapor distributions, and characteristics of energy conversion and propagation. Formation of the MCC was related to southerly conveyed water vapor and energy to the north, with obvious water vapor exchange between the free atmosphere and the boundary layer. Continuous regeneration and development of the MCSs mainly relied on maintenance of an upward extension of a positive water vapor disturbance. The MCC rainstorm was triggered by large range of convergent ascending motion caused by a southerly jet, and easterly disturbance within the boundary layer. While a southerly fluctuation and easterly disturbance in the boundary layer were important triggers of the MCS rainstorms. Maintenance and development of the MCC and MCSs were linked to secondary circulation, resulting from convergence of Ekman non-equilibrium flow in the boundary layer. Both intensity and motion of the convergence centers in MCC and MCS cases were different. Clearly, sub-synoptic scale systems in the middle troposphere played a leading role in determining precipitation distribution during this event. Although mesoscale systems triggered by the sub-synoptic scale system induced the heavy rainfall, small-scale disturbances within the boundary layer determined its intensity and location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The influence of native secondary succession associated with anthropogenic disturbance on the biodiversity of the forests in subtropical China remains uncertain. In particular, the evolutionary response of small understory shrubs, particularly pioneer species inhabiting continuously disturbed habitats, to topographic heterogeneity and climate change is poorly understood. This study aimed to address this knowledge gap by focusing on the Gaultheria crenulata group, a clade of small pioneer shrubs in subtropical China. Results: We examined the genetic structure and demographic history of all five species of the G. crenulata group with two maternally inherited chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) fragments and two biparentally inherited low-copy nuclear genes (LCG) over 89 natural populations. We found that the genetic differentiation of this group was influenced by the geomorphological boundary between different regions of China in association with Quaternary climatic events. Despite low overall genetic diversity, we observed an isolation-by-distance (IBD) pattern at a regional scale, rather than isolation-by-environment (IBE), which was attributed to ongoing human disturbance in the region. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the genetic structure of the G. crenulata group reflects the interplay of geological topography, historical climates, and anthropogenic disturbance during the Pliocene–Pleistocene-Holocene periods in subtropical China. The observed IBD pattern, particularly prominent in western China, highlights the role of limited dispersal and gene flow, possibly influenced by physical barriers or decreased connectivity over geographic distance. Furthermore, the east-to-west trend of gene flow, potentially facilitated by the East Asian monsoon system, underscores the complex interplay of biotic and abiotic factors shaping the genetic dynamics of pioneer species in subtropical China's secondary forests. These findings can be used to assess the impact of environmental changes on the adaptation and persistence of biodiversity in subtropical forest ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new stilbenes, 5-methoxy-6-(4-methoxystyryl)-3-methylbenzofuran (1) and 5-methoxy-6-(4- hydroxystyryl)-3-methylbenzofuran (2), together with six known ones, bauhiniastatin D (3), gramideoxybenzoin B (4), gramistilbenoid A (5), gramistilbenoid B (6), gramniphenol H (7), and pterostilbene (8), were isolated from the whole plants of Arundina graminifolia. Their structures were established by their 1D, 2D NMR, and MS spectral data. Compounds 1 and 2 were tested for their anti-SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) activity. The results revealed that compound 1 exhibited potential activity with IC50 of 17.4 μM for delta strain and 28.5 μM for Omicron BA.1 strain, compound 2 also showed potential activity with IC50 of 15.3 μM for delta strain and 22.6 μM for Omicron BA.1 strain, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charge transfer reactions are commonly used to explain NOx conversion in nonthermal plasma. An analysis of optical emission spectra induced by pulsed corona discharge in NOx-containing argon suggests that, in fact, the contribution of charge transfer reactions to NOx conversion in nonthermal plasma is negligible. During electrical discharge in such gas mixtures, NO(B), an electronic excited state of NO formed due to the dissociative recombination reactions of NO2+ and N2O+ and the optical emission of NO(B) could be a proof that cations are responsible for NOx conversion. However, the optical emission of NO(B) is not observed, leading to the conclusion that cations are not involved to any measurable degree. Therefore, charge transfer reactions cannot play a significant role in nonthermal plasma largely because the cations are neutralized with electrons before any charge transfer reactions can occur and concentrations of radicals are far higher than those of cations, which inhibits charged particle reactions. Instead, neutral active species, such as atoms, molecular fragments, and excited molecules, are the major active species contributing to nonthermal plasma reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the energy management of an Energy Internet (EI) that integrates multiple energy networks. Based on the structure of EI and the fluctuation of load, an optimal energy management model considering part of the load as time-varying factor is proposed. Under the influence of load, the actual energy management problem (EMP) is formulated as a time-varying optimization problem subject to a set of global and local constraints. Its optimal solution varies continuously with time, which leads to difficulties in obtaining optimal solutions by conventional algorithms. Consequently, to obtain better tracking performance, this paper proposes a distributed inertial projection neurodynamics algorithm (DIPNA) based on the Nesterov accelerated gradient descent method. This algorithm tracks the optimal solution of the EMP with a fast convergence rate O 1 / t 2 , providing a referenceable active power for each energy unit in real time. Finally, the performance evaluation results demonstrated the effectiveness and fast convergence of the proposed algorithm. • Collaborative management of multiple energy sources throughout the energy internet system is achieved. • The model takes into account the fluctuation of load • Proposes a distributed reach dynamics algorithm with fast convergence characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the existence of global weak solutions of stochastic nonlinear impulsive systems is studied. First, a notion of a global weak solution for stochastic nonlinear impulsive systems is introduced. Then, the existence of global weak solutions of stochastic nonlinear impulsive systems is respectively studied for two types of impulse sequences (either finite impulse sequence, or infinite and unbounded impulse sequence). It is proven that there exists a global weak solution to stochastic nonlinear impulsive systems, when the continuous drift and diffusion coefficients satisfy a linear growth condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this paper, finite-time stabilization is investigated for a class of non-local Lipschitzian stochastic nonlinear systems with stochastic inverse dynamics. Different from the existing work about finite-time control, to guarantee the existence of the solution under mild conditions, we study the stabilization in the sense of weak solution. We first present a finite-time stability theory under the framework of weak solution. Then, for a class of stochastic nonlinear systems with stochastic inverse dynamics, a finite-time controller via state feedback is constructively designed under the assumption that the stochastic inverse dynamics is stochastic input-to-state stable. The trivial weak solution of the closed-loop system is proved to be globally finite-time stable in probability. Finally, a simulation example is given to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed design procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Foot-and-mouth disease caused by foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is one of the most highly contagious diseases of domestic animals, and leads to enormous economic loss. Currently there are two main prevention and control strategies for the disease: eradication of the infected animals in FMDV free countries, and vaccination of the susceptible animals in countries with endemic FMDV infection. Early discovery and diagnosis of the source of infection is therefore integral to the containment of FMDV. In this study, a two-step reverse transcription recombinase polymerase amplification assay combined with lateral flow detection (RPA-LFD) was developed to detect FMDV. With incubation at 38 °C, a region of the 2B gene on the FMDV genome was successfully amplified within 20 min using specific primers and a probe. The amplified RPA product can be visualized on a lateral flow dipstick. The RPA-LFD assay was highly sensitive, detecting down to 10 copies of plasmid DNA. There was no cross-reactivity with other pathogens causing vesicular lesions. In addition, 143 clinical samples were used to compare RPA-LFD with real-time PCR, with 98.6% concordance between the assays. Therefore, the developed RPA-LFD assay provides a rapid, simple, highly promising approach to be used as point-of-care diagnostics in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the aim of screening more bioactivity metabolites, in this study, two new stilbenes, 5-methoxy-6-(4- methoxystyryl)benzofuran (1) and 6-(4-methoxystyryl)benzofuran-5-ol (2) were isolated from the leaves and stems of Bletilla striata. Their structures were established by their 1D, 2D NMR, and MS spectral data. Interestingly, the anti-SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) activity revealed that compound 1 exhibited potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity with IC50 of 15.2 μM for the delta strain and 22.8 μM for the omicron BA.1 strain; compound 2 also showed potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity with IC50 of 10.2 μM for the delta strain and 16.8 μM for the omicron BA.1 strain. These values are lower than that of a positive control (with IC50 of 1.2 μM for the delta strain and 3.4 μM for the omicron BA.1 strain). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Random aggregation of nanoparticles typically leads to step-growth kinetics and thus a low concentration of dimers. Here, we report a one-step method to produce gold nanoparticle dimers by exploiting a polystyrene-block-poly (acrylic acid) shell. Methods to fine-tune the surface charge repulsion and swelling allow us to control the extent of aggregation, stopping selectively at dimers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present investigation evaluates the protective effect of Melilotus officinalis (MO) extract on the brain tissues in acute cerebral ischemia. Acute cerebral ischemia was induced by occlusion of carotid artery and rats with cerebral ischemia were treated with MO (100, 250 & 500 mg/kg) for the duration of three days. Cerebral ischemia was confirmed by estimating infract volume and neurological deficit score. Moreover biochemical parameters in plasma such as 6-keto-PGF1α and TXB2 and concentration of cytokine, oxidative stress, apoptosis ratio and protein expressions of Bcl2 & Bax were estimated in the brain tissues. It was observed that treatment with MO significantly (p < 0.01) decreases the infract volume and neurological deficit score than negative control group. There was significant decrease (p < 0.01) in the oxidative stress and cytokine in the brain tissues and increase in the plasma concentration of 6-keto-PGF1α in MO treated group of rats compared to negative control group. Plasma concentration of TXB 2 was significantly enhanced in MO treated group compared to negative control group of rats. It was also found that treatment with MO ameliorates the apoptosis induced by cerebral ischemia. Present study concludes that MO ameliorates apoptosis of brain tissues in cerebral ischemic rats by decreasing cerebral thrombosis, oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sucrose non-fermenting 1-related protein kinases (SnRKs) comprise a major family of signaling genes in plants and are associated with metabolic regulation, nutrient utilization and stress responses. This gene family has been proposed to be involved in sucrose signaling. In the present study, we cloned three copies of the TaSnRK2.10 gene from bread wheat on chromosomes 4A, 4B and 4D. The coding sequence (CDS) is 1086 bp in length and encodes a protein of 361 amino acids that exhibits functional domains shared with SnRK2s. Based on the haplotypes of TaSnRK2.10-4A (Hap-4A-H and Hap-4A-L), a cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) marker designated TaSnRK2.10-4A-CAPS was developed and mapped between the markers D-1092101 and D-100014232 using a set of recombinant inbred lines (RILs). The TaSnRK2.10-4B alleles (Hap-4B-G and Hap-4B-A) were transformed into allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR) markers TaSnRK2.10-4B-AS1 and TaSnRK2.10-4B-AS2, which were located between the markers D-1281577 and S-1862758. No diversity was found for TaSnRK2.10-4D. An association analysis using a natural population consisting of 128 winter wheat varieties in multiple environments showed that the thousand grain weight (TGW) and spike length (SL) of Hap-4A-H were significantly higher than those of Hap-4A-L, but pant height (PH) was significantly lower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the energy management problem of the energy Internet under time-varying conditions. In the context of coupled multi-energy networks, the energy Internet is considered to be composed of multiple energy bodies and requires collaborative planning of multiple energy networks. A model for distributed energy management with a non-smooth cost function and line congestion constraints is proposed, with the goal of reducing overall operating costs and improving customer benefits while considering load as a time-varying factor. Then, a neurodynamic time-varying algorithm for addressing the energy management problem executed in a fully distributed manner is proposed. On the one hand, the predictive effect of the differential feedback term is exploited and embedded in the implementation of the proposed algorithm, thus speeding up the convergence. On the other hand, the algorithm is executed in a distributed manner, and only limited information is exchanged among the agents to complete the optimal operation locally, thus reducing the communication burden and ensuring privacy and robustness. Finally, theoretical proofs guarantee the stability of the proposed algorithm, and simulation experiments illustrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed algorithm. • In this paper, a model for EI in a time-varying load scenario is proposed for optimal energy allocation among EBs integrating renewable energy, flexible loads, and multi-energy coupling, while trading energy. • A neurodynamic algorithm implemented in a fully distributed manner that enjoys hardware implementation and parallel computation is proposed in this paper. • The algorithm can effectively tackle EMPs with non-smooth objective functions and constraints under time-varying conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MALAT1 is a conserved long noncoding RNA whose expression correlates with many human cancers. However, its significance in immunity remains largely unknown. Here, we observe that MALAT1 is upregulated in lipopolysaccharide ( LPS)-activated macrophages. Knockdown of MALAT1 increases LPS-induced expression of TNFα and IL-6. Mechanistically, MALAT1 was found to interact with NF-κB in the nucleus, thus inhibiting its DNA binding activity and consequently decreasing the production of inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, abnormal expression of MALAT1 was found to be NF-κB-dependent. These findings suggest that MALAT1 may function as an autonegative feedback regulator of NF-κB to help fine-tune innate immune responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After publication, the authors became aware that the reported data referred to different samples from the ones described in the article due to a technical error. This article has been retracted by the authors due to the reported data referred to different samples from the ones described in the article due to a technical error. [Extracted from the article]

We present a combined experimental and numerical study on the strain rate effect of closed-cell Al-Si-Ti foams having different relative densities fabricated using the powder metallurgy foaming technique. The high strain rate tests were conducted with split Hopkinson pressure bar technique at 800 to 2500 s−1. Two-dimensional mesoscale finite element models were created from tomographic images of the homologous foam. The rate sensitivity of the foam originates mainly from that of its parent material, increasing with increasing relative density. Stress elevation due to other effects, such as micro-inertia, shock wave, and gas pressure in individual cells, is negligible. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Divergolides are a group of structurally unprecedented ansamacrolactam antibiotics with antibacterial and antitumor activities. A biosynthetic gene cluster predicted to encode the biosynthesis of divergolides was cloned and sequenced from endophytic Streptomyces sp. W112. The gene cluster of divergolides (div) spans a DNA region of 61-kb and consists of 20 open reading frames (ORFs) that encode polyketide synthases (PKSs), enzymes for the synthesis of AHBA and PKS extender units, and post-PKS modifications, proposed regulators, and putative transporters. Disruption of the AHBA synthase gene (divK) completely abolished the production of divergolides proved its involvement in the biosynthesis of divergolides. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that the regulatory gene div8 in div gene cluster might encode a positive regulator for the biosynthesis of divergolides. Constitutive overexpression of div8 improved the production of divergolides E, implying that div gene cluster maybe responsible for the biosynthesis of divergolides. These findings set the stage for fully investigating the biosynthesis of divergolides and rational engineering of new divergolide analogs by genetic modifications, and pave the way to further improve the production of divergolides. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aiming at the shortcomings existing in traditional mobile measurement and control system, such as real-time problem and high cost, a multifunctional wireless measurement and control system based on ZigBee and GPRS was designed combining the ZigBee and GPRS technology. The system is compose of sensor node with local measurement and control function, router and coordinator. In the sensor node MC56F8037 was adopted for measurement and control, JN5139 was adopted for ZigBee communication, and series communication was used to exchange data between two components. The coordinator is composed of JN5139, CP2200 and SIM900A module. The multi-interface was implemented in the coordinator besides management of ZiBee network with embedded Ethernet protocol, GPRS protocol and TCP/IP protocol for control based on Internet. The results indicate that the system provides the practical and effective solution for remote monitoring and control with low price and broad market prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metallic foam core of lightweight composite sandwich plates undergoes significant deformation along the thickness direction under shock loading, and hence the transverse normal and shear compressions of the core must be considered. A higher-order theory is used to analyze the transverse normal and shear strains of the core, whilst the Kirchhoff theory is used to analyze the thin composite facesheets because of their high-stiffness. The Hamilton's principle is used to obtain the equations governing the vibration performance of the sandwich plate. The extended Galerkin's method is used to solve the governing equations to obtain the vibration equation of the sandwich plate suitable for numerical analysis. The fourth-order Runge-Kutta method is employed to solve the transverse dynamic displacement of the sandwich plate within the elastic range. The inherent frequency of the sandwich plate is compared with the results of finite element method. Finally, the capacity to absorb energy of the sandwich plate is discussed by using the higher-order theory, and the influence of key system parameters is explored. The results show that the whole structural stiffness is affected by changing the ply angle of the facesheets and the thickness of the core, influencing the vibration characteristic of the sandwich composite; the structural vibration is weakened as energy is dissipated by the material damp; and the metal foam core absorbs most of the energy due to the transverse normal and shear compressions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was used as a molecular tool to evaluate genomes of butternut ( Juglans cinerea), Japanese walnut ( Juglans ailantifolia), black walnut ( Juglans nigra), Persian walnut ( Juglans regia), Manchurian walnut ( Juglans mandshurica), and an interspecific hybrid ( J. ailantifolia × J. cinerea) for species-specific markers. Forty decamer RAPD primers generated 668 RAPD amplicons that were used to characterize bulked DNA pools of butternut, Japanese walnut Persian walnut, Manchurian walnut, and buartnut hybrids and to identify genomic regions found only in Japanese walnut or Manchurian walnut. The amplicons ranged in size from 150 to 2068 bp; sixty-five were polymorphic (9.7%) among the six taxa evaluated. Thirty-eight amplicons were unique to Japanese walnut and buartnut hybrids but absent in butternut. The RAPD markers we used were not sufficiently polymorphic to characterize intraspecific variability within Japanese walnut, butternut, or their hybrids. However, they can be used to identify hybrids based on the presence of introgressed genomic fragments inherited from Japanese walnut. They may also be useful for distinguishing whether Japanese walnut or Manchurian walnut was the parent of a hybrid lineage. The results confirmed that some hybrids can be distinguished by their morphology, and genetic similarity based on RAPDs appears to reflect known pedigree information. These RAPD markers may prove useful for conservation of butternut, an endangered North American species. These results also may prove useful for the molecular identification of species and species hybrids within Juglans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the influence of temperature and moisture histories in terms of freeze-thaw (FT), wetting-drying (WD), and wetting-drying-freeze-thaw (WDFT) cycles on the hydrostructural characteristics of a clay that demonstrates aggregated and dispersed structures, during desiccation. Investigated hydrostructural characteristics include the soil structure, soil-shrinkage characteristic curve (SSCC, relationships between the void ratio, e and the moisture ratio, ϑ), and soil-water characteristic curve (SWCC, relationships between the ϑ and the suction, s). Experimental observations show that compaction-induced structural pores are rigid in the aggregated structure but not rigid in the dispersed structure during desiccation. They collapse during FT, WD, and WDFT cycles and are replaced by micro and visible cracks induced during WD and FT cycles. The amount and distribution of textural pores are similar in specimens with aggregated and dispersed structures. Textural pores shrink after FT, WD, and WDFT cycles. Structural changes due to temperature and moisture histories result in a significant reduction in the clay's water-retention capacity in the low suction range and the global shrinkage. However, they have little impact on the shrinkage limit and plastic limit. SWCCs in the high suction range, which are determined by textural pores, are semblable after cyclic treatments regardless of the different initial structures, indicating that FT, WD, and WDFT cycles result in similar textural pore systems. The slope of the SSCCs in the basic shrinkage stage reduces after FT cycles due to the development of FT-induced microcracks but is less affected by WD and WDFT cycles. The ϑ - s - e relationships of the clay with different temperature and moisture histories and initial structures are found to distribute on a unique surface, which is modeled using a modified SWCC equation and limited experimental measurements in this study. • FT, WD, WDFT cycles lead to varying structural pores but similar textural pores. • Water-retention and shrinkage capacity reduces during three cyclic treatments. • SWCCs related to textural pores become similar after three types of treatments. • A unique surface is established to describe all ϑ - s - e measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The non-polar a-plane (112¯0) InxGa1-xN alloys with different indium compositions (0.074 = x = 0.555) were grown on r-plane (101¯2) sapphire substrates by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition, and the indium compositions x are estimated from x-ray diffraction measurements. The in-plane orientation of the InxGa1-xN with respect to the r-plane substrate is confirmed to be [1¯100]sapphire|| [112¯0]InxGa1-xN and [1¯101]sapphire|| [0001]InxGa1-xN. The effects of substrate temperature, reactor pressure and trimethylindium input flow on the indium incorporation and growth rate are investigated. The morphology of the a-plane InxGa1-xN is found to be significantly improved with the decreasing indium composition x and growth rate. Moreover, the in-plane anisotropic structural characteristics are revealed by high resolution x-ray diffraction employing azimuthal dependence, and the degree of anisotropy decreases with the increase of indium composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Linker histone variants are involved in regulation of chromosome organization and gene transcription; several subtypes are expressed in the maturing oocyte and developing embryo. In Xenopus and mice, the transition between linker histone variants occurred following nuclear transfer, and apparently contributed to donor nuclear reprogramming. To determine whether such linker histone replacement occurred after bovine nuclear transfer, red fluorescent protein (RFP) tagged H1e (somatic linker histone H1e) donor cells and Venus tagged H1foo eggs were created, enucleated eggs were injected with donor cells, and embryos were created by fusion. Using fluorescence microscopy, release of H1e in the donor nucleus, acquisition of H1foo by donor chromosomes, and the H1foo-to-H1e transition were observed in live cells. Linker histone replacement occurred more slowly in bovine than murine embryos. Low levels of diffuse red fluorescence (H1e) in the donor nucleus were detected 5 h after fusion, at which time green fluorescence (H1foo) had incorporated into donor chromosomes. However, complete replacement did not occur until 8 h after fusion. We concluded that the linker histone transition was sufficiently conserved among species, which provided further evidence regarding its important role in nuclear reprogramming. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Two new compounds 6″-O-β-d-apiofuranosyl-trichocarpin (15) and 1-heptade-4,6-diyne-3,10,16,17-tetraol-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (16), together with fourteen known compounds were isolated from Tithonia diversifolia. The chemotaxonomic significance of these compounds was discussed in the article. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Human diets containing oat ( Avena sativa L.) grain offer health benefits resulting in an emerging interest in oat improvement. Information on nitrogen (N) uptake, distribution, and use efficiency (NUE) in oat is limited. A greenhouse study using a 15N-labeling technique was conducted to determine the responses of two contrasting oat genotypes to timing and level of N deficiency. Hulled oat cv. Prescott and hulless cv. AC Gehl were grown in soil-mix pot culture with five N treatments applied through modified Hoagland solutions. Differences in 15N accumulation, 15N distribution, plant N originating from the labeled source, and NUE between the contrasting cultivars, were examined for each N strategy. Level of N deficiency and timing of N supply of 15NH415NO3 greatly affected 15N distribution, the origins of plant N, and the amount of 15N recovered in the plant. When N was supplied from seedling emergence to maturity (T1), AC Gehl accumulated 61% more 15N in the shoots, but 46% less 15N in the grain than Prescott (0.43 vs. 0.80 mg plant-1), indicating that AC Gehl was less effective in producing grain yield than Prescott as AC Gehl produced greater total dry matter (DM). Withholding N supply until flag-leaf stage (FL) increased 15N in the grain of both cultivars by 29.6%, resulting in the highest NUE. In most cases, there were larger portions of plant N derived from the labeled source for AC Gehl than for Prescott. Our results suggest that greater NUE in the newly released AC Gehl was associated with N accumulation in the vegetative tissues. It is concluded that genotype improvement of hulless oat should be focused on enhancing N-translocation efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new cerebrosides, (2 R)- N-{(1 S,2 S,3 R,8 E)-1-[( β- D-glucopyranosyloxy)methyl]-2,3-dihydroxyheptadec-8-en-1-yl}-2-hydroxyhexadecanamide ( 1) and (2 R)- N-{(1 S,2 R,8 E)-1-[( β- D-glucopyranosyloxy)methyl]-2-hydroxyheptadec-8-en-1-yl}-2-hydroxyhexadecanamide ( 2), were isolated from the aerial parts of Tithonia diversifolia ( Hemsl.) A. Gray. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analysis (IR, HR-ESI-MS, and 1D-, and 2D-NMR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of a designed, sterically congested geminal dimethyl-bearing PAR-1 antagonist was achieved by a route of ten steps, with the oxidation of an electron-rich benzaldehyde, the construction of a tertiary alkyl azide, and the selective hydrogenolysis of a 1,5-fused tetrazole to generate the cyclic amidine with Raney-Ni being the key steps. The selective hydrogenolysis of 1,5-fused tetrazole to generate the cyclic amidine with Raney-Ni was discovered and may be generally used for the synthesis of structurally unusual cyclic amidines. Several unsuccessful attempts to construct the desired geminal dimethyl-bearing cyclic amidine were also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A highly enantioselective catalytic route to carbamate- and benzoate-protected β-amino aldehydes and β-amino acids is presented. The amino acid-catalyzed one-pot asymmetric reaction between unmodified aldehydes and α-amido sulfones gives the corresponding β-amino compounds with up to 95:5 dr and 97–>99% ee. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A highly enantioselective organocatalytic domino Michael/aldol reaction is presented. The reaction is catalyzed by chiral amines and gives access to highly functionalized cyclohexanes with one all-carbon quaternary stereocenter and multiple chiral stereocenters in high yields and 83–98% ee. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Sec63 is a key component of the protein translocation machinery in the mammalian endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and involved in the post-translation processing of secretory proteins. The aim of this study was to determine the expression pattern of SEC63 gene in mouse uterus during the early pregnancy. Methods: Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot analyses were used to evaluate the alteration in levels of uterine SEC63 gene expression during the peri-implantation period in mice. Further, both in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to examine the spatial localization of SEC63 gene expression in mouse uterine tissues. The presence of Sec63 protein in human uterine tissue was also detected by immunohistochemical analysis. Statistical analysis was carried out using Tukey test. Results: Uterine SEC63 gene expression was up-regulated and predominantly localized in mouse decidual cells during days 5-8 of pregnancy. More interestingly, Sec63 protein was also detected in human decidua of 10-week pregnancy, whereas was not observed in human endometrial tissues both at proliferative and secretory phases of menstrual cycle. Conclusion: The pattern of SEC63 gene expression is consistent with a possible role for SEC63 in decidualization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel organocatalytic highly enantioselective nitrocyclopropanation reaction of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes is presented. The 1-nitro-2-formylcyclopropane derivatives synthesized from this catalytic transformation were converted to the corresponding β-nitromethyl-acid esters, which are excellent precursors of GABA analogues such as Baclofen, by subsequent organocatalytic chemoselective ring-opening. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The study was conducted to investigate the inhibitory effect of 4-(2-aminoethyl)benzenesulfonyl fluoride hydrochloride (AEBSF) on embryo implantation in mice with a view to identifying whether it might be a suitable agent for postcoital contraception.Study Design: The anti-implantation efficacy of AEBSF was determined by counting the number of visible implanted embryos on Day 8 of pregnancy following a single intrauterine injection of AEBSF at doses of 30, 300 and 3000 microg per mouse uterine horn on Day 3 of pregnancy. The reversibility of the inhibitory effect of AEBSF on implantation was further evaluated by observing the outcome of a subsequent pregnancy without AEBSF treatment.Results: A dose-dependent inhibitory effect of AEBSF on embryo implantation in vivo was observed. Morphological analysis revealed no significant cytotoxicity of AEBSF on the mouse uterine epithelia. Furthermore, the anti-implantation effect of AEBSF was reversible.Conclusion: Intrauterine administration of AEBSF at an appropriate dose might provide a basis for the development of novel contraception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The one-pot combination of amine and heterocyclic carbene catalysis (AHCC) enabled the synthesis of β-hydroxy, β-malonate and β-amino esters from α,β-unsaturated aldehydes with high enantioselectivity (91–97% ee). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hydrogen sulfide dissociation into hydrogen and sulfur has been studied in a pulsed corona discharge reactor (PCDR). Due to the high dielectric strength of pure ( times higher than air), a nonthermal plasma could not be sustained in pure at discharge voltages up to 30kV with our reactor geometry. Therefore, was diluted with another gas with lower dielectric strength to reduce the breakdown voltage. Breakdown voltages of in four balance gases (Ar, He, , and have been measured at different concentrations and pressures. Breakdown voltages are proportional to the partial pressure of and the balance gas. With increasing concentrations, conversion initially increases, reaches a maximum, and then decreases. conversion and the reaction energy efficiency depend on the balance gas and inlet concentrations. conversion in atomic balance gases, such as Ar and He, is more efficient than that in diatomic balance gases, such as and . These observations can be explained by proposed reaction mechanisms of dissociation in different balance gases. The results show that nonthermal plasmas are effective for dissociating into hydrogen and sulfur. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This work reports the effect of capacitance, cathode material, gas flow rate and specific energy input on methane conversion, energy efficiency and product selectivity in a co-axial cylinder pulsed corona discharge reactor. Ethane and acetylene appear to be formed from dimerization of CH3 radicals and CH radicals, respectively, while ethylene is formed mainly from the dehydrogenation of ethane. At a given power input, low capacitance with high pulse frequency results in higher methane conversion and energy efficiency than operation at high capacitance with low pulse frequency. Platinum coated stainless steel cathodes slightly enhance methane conversion relative to stainless steel cathodes, perhaps due to a weak catalytic effect. As specific energy input increases, energy efficiency for methane conversion goes through a minimum, while the selectivity of acetylene has a maximum value. Comparison of methane conversion for different types of plasma reactors shows that the pulsed corona discharge is a potential alternative method for low temperature methane conversion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A direct asymmetric reductive Manich-type reaction that allows for the formation of three contiguous stereocenters with high chemo-, diastereo-, and enantioselectivity is presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A short, direct, catalytic, enantioselective synthesis of polyketide segments and carbohydrates is presented. The novel, direct, one-pot, organocatalytic asymmetric tandem cross-aldol/Horner–Wittig–Emmons reactions assemble polyketide and carbohydrate derivatives in good yield with 93–98% ee. The one-pot catalytic asymmetric tandem reaction was applied to a highly enantioselective formal de novo synthesis of the rare carbohydrate, l-altrose. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A route to 1,2-diols by the direct organocatalytic enantioselective α-oxidation of aldehydes using molecular oxygen is presented. Protected commercially available chiral pyrrolidines catalyze the asymmetric α-oxidation of aldehydes with singlet molecular oxygen with high enantioselectivity to furnish the corresponding diols after in situ reduction in high yield with up to 98% ee. Electrophilic singlet molecular oxygen was photo or chemically generated (‘dark’1O2). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper describes several highly efficient DABCO-catalyzed aza-Michael addition reactions of hydrazones to activated olefins. In most cases, these aza-Michael addition reactions gave the corresponding products in high yields under mild conditions. The plausible reaction mechanism is discussed on the basis of deuterium labeling experiments. Upon treatment with HCl, the corresponding cyclized products can be obtained in high yields from the Michael addition products. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This work explores the effect of gas pressure on the rate of electron collision reactions and energy consumption for NO conversion in in a pulsed corona discharge reactor. A previous study showed that the rate constant of electron collision reactions, multiplied by the electron concentration, can be expressed as . The model parameter remains constant with increasing gas pressure, which verifies the previous assumption that the electron temperature is inversely proportional to gas pressure. However, the model parameter decreases with increasing gas pressure, which indicates that the rate constant of electron collision reactions decreases with increasing gas pressure. The new expression for the rate constant of electron collision reactions, , is more general because it explicitly accounts for the effect of gas pressure that was previously contained in the parameter . The electron mean energy decreases with increasing gas pressure, which results in thermal dissipation of a larger fraction of the energy input to the reactor that heats the gas instead of producing plasma chemical reactions. Therefore, energy efficiency for NO conversion in decreases with increasing gas pressure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]