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The thermophysical properties of liquid metals and alloys are crucial to explore the intrinsic mechanisms of the solidification process, glass formation, and fluid dynamics. The deep learning approaches have emerged as powerful tools in numerous scientific fields and exhibit extraordinary accuracy in the estimation of physical properties and structural characteristics for various materials. In this Tutorial, focusing on the thermophysical properties of liquid multicomponent alloys, deep learning methods, including both supervised learning and active learning, are introduced. Combined with the verification from electrostatic and electromagnetic levitation experiments, the influences of training parameters and methods on the accuracy to obtain interatomic potential by deep learning are revealed on the basis of deep neural network algorithm. As a result, this prediction method of liquid state properties for multicomponent alloys exhibited the dual advantages of high accuracy derived from density functional theory and low computational cost associated with empirical potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physical properties of liquid alloy are crucial for many science fields. However, acquiring these properties remains challenging. By means of the deep neural network (DNN), here we presented a deep learning interatomic potential for the Ti–Ni–Cr–Al liquid system. Meanwhile, the thermophysical properties of the Ti–Ni–Cr–Al liquid alloy were experimentally measured by electrostatic levitation and electromagnetic levitation technologies. The DNN potential predicted this liquid system accurately in terms of both atomic structures and thermophysical properties, and the results were in agreement with the ab initio molecular dynamics calculation and the experimental values. A further study on local structure carried out by Voronoi polyhedron analysis showed that the cluster exhibited a tendency to transform into high-coordinated cluster with a decrease in the temperature, indicating the enhancement of local structure stability. This eventually contributed to the linear increase in the density and surface tension, and the exponential variation in the viscosity and the diffusion coefficient with the rise of undercooling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The space simulation manufacture of Ti61.1Co28.1Al10.8 alloy from three original states including superheated liquid, undercooled liquid, and semi-solid alloy was accomplished by electromagnetic levitation coupled with die casting (EML-DC) technique. The microscopic segregation was eliminated through remarkable solute trapping under the effects of electromagnetic stirring, microgravity processing and rapid die casting. The hierarchical microstructures with both phase constitution difference and grain size gradient were formed due to the high pressure and rapid quenching by die casting. Furthermore, the efficient modulation of this hierarchical microstructure was achieved by adjusting the original states of alloy before die casting. The hierarchical microstructures displayed gradient micromechanical properties. The ultrafine ternary eutectics at the surface region exhibited high elastic recovery, whereas the microstructures composed of primary TiCo dendrites and TiCo + (βTi) eutectics at the middle region showed lower elasticity but higher hardness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The establishment of reliable materials genome databases involving the thermophysical properties of liquid metals and alloys promotes the progress of materials research and development, whereas acquiring these properties imposes great challenges on experimental investigation. Here, we proposed a deep learning method and achieved a deep neural network (DNN) interatomic potential for the entire Ti–Ni–Cr–Al system from pure metals to quaternary alloys. This DNN potential exhibited sufficient temperature and compositional transformability which extended beyond the training and provided the prediction of the liquid structure and thermophysical properties for metallic materials with both density functional theory accuracy and classic molecular dynamics efficiency. The predicted results agreed well with the reported experimental data. This work opens a feasible way to address the challenges of rapidly and accurately acquiring thermophysical properties data for liquid pure metals and multicomponent alloys, covering a broad temperature range from superheated to undercooled state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The precision location-based services in complex environment is a challenge in the field of navigation and positioning. With the continuous development of wireless communication technology in recent years, cellular network signals such as LTE and 5G have emerged as unique advantages in navigation and positioning applications. This paper presents a time-of-arrival (TOA) estimation method based on machine learning, which can use cellular network signals to obtain accurate ranging results in low signal-to-noise ratio conditions. For this purpose, we first present the cellular network signals that can be applied in navigation and positioning. Then, we describe in detail the process of TOA estimation based on machine learning. Finally, we carried out vehicular experiments in an urban environment to test the performance of the proposed method. The test results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method and achieve metre-level ranging accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on older participants' experiences of and views on a lifelong learning program at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in Hong Kong. As many third age adults tend not to have the opportunity to receive tertiary education when they were young, this program aims to fulfil their dream of studying at a university and boost their self-esteem and self-confidence. Using qualitative research methods, this research was conducted after the MiniU program (supported by the Institute of Active Aging of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 participants after the program. While participants had acquired knowledge and experience of university life from the Mini-U program, they also reported concerns and difficulties with participation including difficulties in memorizing course content and financial difficulties. The program has offered a unique opportunity for enhancing participants' interpersonal relationships and wellbeing. The research also further informs the development of creative lifelong learning programs aimed at improving the well-being of older people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the bond behavior of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) and steel bar, central pull-out tests of 48 cube bond specimens were conducted, the ultimate tension, mean bonding stress, the average slip were evaluated. The influence of embedded length and diameter of reinforcing bar on bonding property of reinforced concrete in UHPC was discussed. The results show that the average ultimate bonding stress increases with the increase of bonding length. When the embedded length is 3d and 4d, the reinforcing bar is pulled out, and when the embedded length is 5d, the reinforcing bar is broken. When the diameter of reinforcing bar increased from 14 to 20 mm, the average ultimate bonding stress increased with increase of the ultimate tensile force. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tribological performance of quaternary Fe–13 pct Ni–10 pct Mo–5 pct Cr alloy was modulated by means of electromagnetic levitation (EML) and drop tube (DT) techniques. In both containerless solidification ways, the wear rate and friction coefficient of this alloy decreased to half of their normal values as undercooling increased. Furthermore, at the same undercooling level, the wear rate and friction coefficient of the alloy processed by DT were lower. The optimized tribological property at the EML state was mainly ascribed to the solid solution strengthening of the Mo element in the (αFe) dendrite and the dispersion strengthening by the Fe2Mo phase. The solubility of Mo in the (αFe) phase was extended by approximately 30 pct with enhanced undercooling, and the interdendritic networklike Fe2Mo phase transformed to tiny dotlike structure distributing more uniformly in the alloy matrix. Under the DT condition, the fine-grained reinforcement of the (αFe) phase became the dominant hardening factor. The grain size of the (αFe) dendrite was reduced by more than an order of magnitude, and the Fe2Mo phase disappeared completely within the small alloy droplet. Meanwhile, the solidification pathways relating to these strengthening mechanisms were explored, together with the crystalline structures of the constituent phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The competitive growth mechanisms of ternary eutectic and peri-eutectic transitions of liquid Fe–Ni–Ti alloys were investigated by drop tube technique. As liquid undercooling and cooling rate increased, the microstructure of eutectic Ni40.6Fe36.4Ti23 alloy transformed from the mixture of primary Ni3Ti phase and ternary eutectic into complete ternary eutectic. The predominant growth mode of independently grown Fe2Ti intermetallic phase varied from nonfaceted to faceted growth, while the γ-Fe(Ni) and Ni3Ti phases kept cooperative growth and formed a lamellar structure owing to the coherent interface along (1 1 ¯ 1) γ and (0001) Ni 3 Ti . The peri-eutectic transformation in Fe66.5Ni17.6Ti15.9 alloy was suppressed due to the preferential growth of the primary α′-Fe phase as droplet size decreased. A needle-like Fe2Ti phase precipitated from the supersaturated α′-Fe phase during rapid solidification, and the α-Fe/Fe2Ti interface was characterized as semicoherent. The wear rate and friction coefficient of the ternary eutectic alloy firstly increased and then decreased as controlled by the combined factors of the microstructural transition and grain refinement. For the peri-eutectic alloy, the refinement of microstructure significantly improved the friction performance after rapid solidification. Moreover, the ternary eutectic alloy had a better wear resistance than peri-eutectic alloy, ascribed to the hardening intermetallic phases and the refined microstructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: lncRNA ABHD11 antisense RNA 1 (ABHD11-AS1) acts as an oncogene involved in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) occurrence and progression. ABHD11-AS1 exerts biologic functions by some miRNAs and proteins to regulate multiple targets. Identification of novel mechanism of ABHD11‐AS1 could be helpful in therapeutic targeting for PTC treatment. Methods: Differentially expressed lncRNAs were selected from TCGA database. qRT‐PCR analysis was applied to examine the expression of ABHD11‐AS1 in PTC cell lines and tissues. The relationship of ABHD11-AS1 expression and clinicopathological features was analyzed by Kaplan–Meier analysis. Two PTC cell lines (TPC-1 and KTC-1) were transfected with pcDNA 3.1, pcDNA3.1-ABHD11-AS1, si-NC and si-ABHD11-AS1, respectively, to verify the ABHD11-AS1 oncogene-regulating capacity to promote tumor progression. The cell metastasis and proliferation had been evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Results: High expression of ABHD11‐AS1 was found in PTC tissues (P < 0.01), which was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). ABHD11-AS1 overexpression noticeably promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities, which were obviously decreased upon ABHD11-AS1 knockdown. ABHD11-AS1 positively regulated EGFR/EPS15L1 pathway, as EGFR, EPS15L1, STAT3, and p-STAT3 were activated. Conclusion: ABHD11‐AS1 promotes tumor progression in PTC by regulating EPS15L1/EGFR pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Plant Science is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Indoor positioning is an important component of location-based service. Moreover, it has extensive applications in areas such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). As a new generation of the mobile communication signal, the introduction of technologies such as multi-carrier, massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), and ultra-dense network (UDN) has enabled 5G NR signal to demonstrate unique technical advantages in the field of indoor positioning. In this paper, for indoor positioning, a subcarrier diversity precision ranging method based on a commercial 5G NR signal is proposed. According to the results of field experiments in the indoor environment, the proposed method significantly improves the ranging precision compared to the Reference Signal Receiving Power (RSRP)-based ranging method. When the diversity ratio is set to 0.25, the 95% cumulative distribution function (CDF) of the overall ranging error is less than 3 meters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Plant Science is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The magnetic and compressive properties of the ternary Ni40.6Fe36.4Ti23 eutectic alloys solidified under electromagnetic levitation condition were investigated. An undercooling range from 32 to 141 K was achieved, and a ternary eutectic consisting of a fibrous Fe2Ti phase and lamellar γ-Fe(Ni) + Ni3Ti phases formed. In the ternary eutectic, the γ-Fe(Ni) and Ni3Ti phases kept cooperative growth, while the Fe2Ti phase grew either cooperatively with these two phases or sometimes independently. Theoretical calculations showed that there existed a vertical flow field and temperature gradient in the center of the levitated alloy droplet, contributing to the directional growth behavior of eutectic grain. The growth velocity of primary Ni3Ti dendrite increased by 2.4 times, while that of ternary eutectic increased by 77% as undercooling rose, and consequently, the microstructures were significantly refined. The temperature stability of coercivity and residual magnetization below ambient temperature was improved once alloy undercooling reached 128 K, ascribed to the enhancement of the exchange coupling effect between the magnetic domains inside refined grains. The fracture strain of the ternary eutectic alloy increased with undercooling because microcrack propagation was further hindered and the plastic deformation was more homogeneous. Meanwhile, the fracture was dominated by transgranular (TG) mode at an undercooling of 132 K because the bonding force of grain boundaries became stronger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic topological semimetals, a novel state of quantum matter with a nontrivial band topology, have emerged as a new frontier in physics and materials science. An external stimulus such as temperature or magnetic field could be expected to alter their spin states and thus Fermi surface anisotropies and topological features. Here, we perform angular magnetoresistance measurements and electronic band structure calculations to reveal the evolution of HoSb's Fermi surface anisotropies and topological nature in different magnetic states. The angular magnetoresistance results show that its Fermi surface anisotropy is robust in the paramagnetic state but is significantly modulated in the antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic states. More interestingly, a transition from the trivial (nontrivial) to nontrivial (trivial) topological electronic phase is observed when HoSb undergoes a magnetic transition from the paramagnetic (antiferromagnetic) to antiferromagnetic (ferromagnetic) state induced by temperature (applied magnetic field). Our study suggests that HoSb provides an archetype platform to study the correlations between magnetism and topological states of matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we investigate the thermal conductivity properties of Si 1 − x Ge x and Si 0.8 Ge 0 Sn 2 y alloys. The equilibrium molecular dynamics (EMD) is employed to calculate the thermal conductivities of Si 1 − x Ge x alloys when x is different at temperatures ranging from 100 K to 1100 K. Then nonequilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) is used to study the relationships between y and the thermal conductivities of Si 0.8 Ge 0.2 Sn 2 y alloys. In this paper, Ge atoms are randomly doped, and tin atoms are doped in three distributing ways: random doping, complete doping, and bridge doping. The results show that the thermal conductivities of Si 1 − x Ge x alloys decrease first, then increase with the rise of x , and reach the lowest value when x changes from 0.4 to 0.5. No matter what the value of x is, the thermal conductivities of Si 1 − x Ge x alloys decrease with the increase of temperature. Thermal conductivities of Si 0.8 Ge 0.2 alloys can be significantly inhibited by doping an appropriate number of Sn atoms. For the random doping model, thermal conductivities of Si 0.8 Ge 0.2 Sn y alloys approach the lowest level when y is 0.10. Whether it is complete doping or bridge doping, thermal conductivities decrease with the increase of the number of doped layers. In addition, in the bridge doping model, both the number of Sn atoms in the [001] direction and the penetration distance of Sn atoms strongly influence thermal conductivities. The thermal conductivities of Si 0.8 Ge 0.2 Sn y alloys are positively associated with the number of Sn atoms in the [001] direction and the penetration distance of Sn atoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we study a one-dimensional degenerate fourth-order parabolic equation (a thin-film model) with a source term. We prove existence of generalized weak solutions for the case n > 0 and study interface propagation properties like: finite speed propagation and waiting time phenomenon for the case 1 < n < 2 . Our analysis is based on applications of global and local energy-entropy a priori estimates. Also, we illustrate some of our main analytical results by numerical simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To estimate a stillbirth rate at 24 or more gestational weeks in 2015–2016 and to explore potentially preventable causes in China. Design: A multi‐centre cross‐sectional study. Setting: Ninety‐six hospitals distributed in 24 (of 34) provinces in China. Population: A total of 75 132 births at 24 completed weeks of gestation or more. Methods: COX Proportional Hazard Models were performed to examine risk factors for antepartum and intrapartum stillbirths. Population attributable risk percentage was calculated for major risk factors. Correspondence analysis was used to explore region‐specific risk factors for stillbirths. Main outcome measures: Stillbirth rate and risk factors for stillbirth. Results: A total of 75 132 births including 949 stillbirths were used for the final analysis, giving a weighted stillbirth rate of 13.2 per 1000 births (95% CI 7.9–18.5). Small for gestational age (SGA) and pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia increased antepartum stillbirths by 26.2% and 11.7%, respectively. Fetal anomalies increased antepartum and intrapartum stillbirths by 17.9% and 7.4%, respectively. Overall, 31.4% of all stillbirths were potentially preventable. Advanced maternal age, pre‐pregnant obesity, chronic hypertension and diabetes mellitus were important risk factors in East China; low education and SGA were major risk factors in Northwest, Southwest, Northeast and South China; and pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia and intrapartum complications were significant risk factors in Central China. Conclusions: The prevalence of stillbirth was 13.2 per 1000 births in China in 2015–2016. Nearly one‐third of all stillbirths may be preventable. Strategies based on regional characteristics should be considered to reduce further the burden of stillbirths in China. The stillbirth rate was 13.2 per 1000 births in China in 2015–2016 and nearly one‐third of all stillbirths may be preventable. The stillbirth rate was 13.2 per 1000 births in China in 2015–2016 and nearly one‐third of all stillbirths may be preventable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fire causes dramatic energy and matter exchanges between biosphere and atmosphere on a regional to global scale. Predicting fires, however, is hindered by the complex interplay of fire, climate, and vegetation. Paleo‐fire records provide critical information beyond instrumental records that cover only the past few decades and may be used to assess the role of fire in large‐scale and long‐term environmental changes. Here we present a 22,000‐year multiproxy record of fire regime from a sediment core retrieved offshore South Java, Indonesia. We use microcharcoal in combination with two molecular markers of burning, levoglucosan and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, to reconstruct fire occurrence as well as fire intensity in the past. We show that fire occurrence and intensity were high during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM; around 21,000 years ago) and low during the Heinrich Stadial 1 and the early Holocene. Both fire regime and vegetation in tropical regions with high annual rainfall were primarily controlled by rainfall seasonality. However, fire additionally stabilized the savannah (rainforest)‐dominated ecosystem during the LGM (early Holocene) but caused transitions between the two vegetation types during the deglaciation and the late Holocene. Key Points: Microcharcoal reflects regional fire occurrence, while the ratio between two novel molecular markers reflects past fire intensityRainfall seasonality controlled both fire regime and vegetationFires of different frequencies and intensities were capable of either stabilizing or destabilizing savannah/rainforest vegetation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Herz is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In a recent paper (Carlier et al. in ESAIM Control Optim Calc Var 18(3):611–620, 2012), an interpolation flow between an evolution by convexity and the geometric flow of motion by principal negative curvature was informally proposed. It is also expected that the geometric flow will eventually convexify the sub-level sets of the initial function u 0 , yielding the quasiconvex envelope of u 0 . In this note, we establish existence and uniqueness of the interpolation flow under appropriate conditions and provide a rigorous proof for its limit behaviour. In addition, we show by example that, contrary to intuition, the proposed geometric flow does not always convexify the sub-level sets of u 0 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Plant Science is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Urban area hotspots can be considered as an ideal representation of spatial heterogeneity of human activities within a city, which is susceptible to regional urban expansion pattern pattern. However, in previous studies most researchers focused on extracting urban extent, leaving the interior variation of nighttime radiance intensity poorly explored. With the help of multi-source data sets such as DMSP/OLS (NTL), LST and NDVI, we proposed an applicable framework to identify and monitor the spatiotemporal trajectory of polycentric urban area hotspots. Firstly, the original NTL dataset were calibrated to reduce inconsistency and discontinuity. And we integrated NTL, LST as well as NDVI and established an urban index TVANUI capturing the approximate urban extents. Secondly, multi-resolution segmentation algorithm, neighborhood statistics analysis and a local-optimized threshold method were employed to get more precise urban extent with an overall accuracy above 85% and a Kappa above 0.70. Thirdly, the urban extents were utilized as masks to get corresponding radiance intensity from calibrated NTL. Finally, we established the Gaussian volume model for each cluster and the resulting parameters were used to quantitatively depict hotspot features (i.e., intensity, morphology and centroid dynamics). All the identified urban hotspot showed our framework could successfully capture polycentric urban hotspots, whose fitting coefficients were over 0.7. The spatiotemporal trajectory of hotspot powerfully revealed the impact of the regional urban growth pattern and planning strategies on human activities in the city of Wuhan. This study provides important insights for further studies on the relationship between the regional urbanization and human activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The undoped and nitrogen-doped SiC bulk crystals irradiated with two neutron fluences were investigated by using confocal micro-Raman spectroscopy to analyze the effect of nitrogen impurity on irradiation damage. We found that the nitrogen impurity can promote the segregation of carbon atoms into graphite during heavy neutron irradiation, demonstrated by the presence of typical D and G graphite bands. Further experimental analysis indicated that the graphite-like aggregations uniformly distribute in SiC and possess much inferior thermal stability to crystalline graphite. The nucleation, namely generation of stable sp2 C==C configuration induced by nitrogen atoms, and growth during neutron irradiation can account for the formation of graphite-like aggregations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The temperature-dependent structure and dielectric properties of Bi 0. 9 5 Ba 0. 0 5 Fe 0. 9 5 Ti 0. 0 5 O3 ceramic are studied systematically. At the temperature range of 25–800 ∘ C, the cell parameters are increasing, this indicates its distorted rhombohedral R 3 c structure. A structural phase transformation from rhombohedral R 3 c to cubic Pm3 m is observed at 850 ∘ C. The thermal expansion coefficients in the temperature range 25–700 ∘ C are calculated. Meanwhile, the temperature-dependent dielectric constant ( 𝜀 ′ ) and dielectric loss (tan δ ) at different frequencies are measured. This work attempts to show the thermodynamic stability and the effect of charge defects on the electric properties for doped BiFeO3 ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Plant Science is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Hypoglycaemia is a key barrier to achieving euglycaemic control in people who are hospitalized. Inpatient hypoglycaemia has been linked to adverse clinical outcomes, including mortality and longer stay in hospital. A number of studies have applied mathematical tools and statistical models to predict inpatient hypoglycaemia and identify factors that may result in hypoglycaemic events. Several different approaches have been tested to prevent inpatient hypoglycaemia. These can be categorized as human intervention, computerized methods or application of medical devices. In this review we provide an overview of the epidemiology of inpatient hypoglycaemia and its impact on patients and hospitals. We also discuss the existing methodology used to predict inpatient hypoglycaemia and the limited number of trials performed to prevent inpatient hypoglycaemia. The review highlights the urgent need for evidence‐based methods to reduce inpatient hypoglycaemia. What's new?: We identified 4572 references in the literature on the prediction, prevention and management of inpatient hypoglycaemia, but only 49 papers were directly relevant to the review.Whilst several papers show an association between hypoglycaemia and subsequent negative clinical and economic impact, there is no evidence that this impact can be reversed by preventing inpatient hypoglycaemia.Several papers have identified multiple predictors of hypoglycaemia through multivariate regression modelling; however, no prospective model has been tested to give an individualized prediction of hypoglycaemia at the point of admission, enabling preventative strategies to be employed.Future research should be conducted to identify prospective predictors of inpatient hypoglycaemia with the aim of developing evidence‐based tools to prevent hypoglycaemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the commonly used existing silicon-on-insulator microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) process, a silicon-oxide-silicon sandwich structure in the sensor device creates parasitic capacitance, which reduces the charge sensitivity. In this letter, for the first time, we demonstrate a vibrating-reed-based electrometry system with high sensitivity and resolution in the silicon-on-glass (SOG) MEMS process. In this letter, we utilize a glass substrate instead of silicon to ameliorate charge sensitivity by reducing the parasitic capacitance. An improved preamplifier circuit topology incorporating with the proposed sensor shows a sensitivity of $1.43\times 10^{\textsf {11}}$ V/C, which is the highest in the literature. In addition, the best charge resolution of 1.03 e/ $\surd $ Hz@5.7 kHz has achieved at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. This result provides strong evidence for the validity of our SOG-based MEMS device as a charge sensor for detecting even a single electron. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermodynamic parameters for a series of Fe(100−x)/2Co(100−x)/2Cux (x from 10 to 90, at. pct) alloys including their characteristic temperatures, the enthalpy and entropy changes of three phase transformations were determined systematically using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The corresponding vertical section of ternary Fe-Co-Cu phase diagram was predicted, and the relationships of the enthalpy and entropy changes vs Cu content were described by polynomial expressions. Metastable phase separation took place in those liquid Fe-Co-Cu alloys with the Cu content 30 ≤ x ≤ 70. The liquid phase separation temperatures were determined to outline the metastable miscibility gap, and the critical undercoolings to initiate phase separation were measured as a range of 57 K to 98 K. After such a phase separation, the liquid phase (to γ(Fe, Co)) exhibited the strongest undercooling ability in the Fe-Co-Cu alloys with x ≤ 70, whereas the solid-state undercooling for the eutectoid transformation is comparatively higher in the alloys with x > 70. The nanomechanical properties of α(Fe, Co) and (Cu) phases were measured by nanoindentation technique. In the Fe20Co20Cu60 alloy, both phases had the lowest nanohardness and reduced elastic modulus, and displayed severe creep behaviors, resulting mainly from its conspicuous liquid phase separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extreme magnetoresistance in nonmagnetic compounds has received considerable attention because this phenomenon challenges the classical understanding of electron transport under a magnetic field. In this study, YBi, which crystallizes in a NaCl-type structure, was synthesized via self-flux method to study its magnetotransport properties and electronic structure. Under zero magnetic field, metallic behavior was observed in the whole temperature interval ranging from 2 to 300 K. Interestingly, extreme magnetoresistance and a resistivity plateau developed when the applied magnetic field was increased; the magnetoresistance reaches 0.8 × 105% at 9 T and 2 K. Multiple bands including one electron pocket and two hole pockets revealed by Kohler's rule and first-principle calculations were responsible for the transport processes. Moreover, the hidden band inversion was also uncovered, which suggests the existence of a topological nature in this compound. The contribution of a single Fermi pocket and the combination thereof for magnetotransport indicate that electron–hole compensation plays an important role in determining the electric properties. All these results point towards YBi being a semimetal member of the RPn family (R = rare earth; Pn = Sb and Bi). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Previously, we have demonstrated that human tissue kallikrein 1 (hKLK1) improves age‐related erectile dysfunction (ED). Autophagy has been implicated in age‐related diseases, including ED. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying hKLK1‐mediated amelioration of age‐related ED via regulation of autophagy remains unknown. To explore the potential mechanism, male wild‐type Sprague‐Dawley rats (WTR) and transgenic rats harboring human KLK1 (TGR) were bred till 4 or 18 months of age and divided into three groups: young WTR (yWTR) as the control group, aged WTR (aWTR) group, and aged TGR (aTGR) group. The erectile function of each rat was evaluated using cavernous nerve electrostimulation. The ratio of intracavernous pressure/mean arterial pressure (ICP/MAP) and total ICP were also measured. Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy were performed to detect the levels of autophagy. The expression levels of related signaling pathways were determined by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. We found that hKLK1 improved the impaired erectile function of aged rats. Compared to the yWTR and aTGR groups, the aWTR group showed reduced smooth muscle/collagen ratio, fewer autophagosomes, and lower expression of Beclin 1 and LC3‐II, which indicate impaired smooth muscle function and low level of autophagy in the smooth muscle cells. Moreover, the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, which is considered to be a negative regulator of autophagy, was upregulated in the aWTR group. hKLK1 may partially restore erectile function in aged transgenic rats by upregulating protective autophagy via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. These observations indicate that hKLK1 is a potential gene therapy candidate for age‐related ED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Microscopy is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Plant Science is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The relationship between gene polymorphisms and the pathogenesis of cerebral palsy (CP) is uncovering recently. Here, we suggested that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of MLEC gene might take part in the pathogenesis of CP. We genotyped and analyzed 6 SNP positions of MLEC gene in 916 CP patients and 957 healthy people, which are from the Chinese Han population. The results indicated significant associations between the risk of CP and rs10431386 [allele: P‐value = .006, odds ratio (OR) = 1.587, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.198‐1.967] and rs7964786 [allele: P‐value = .005, OR = 1.956, 95% CI = 1.238‐2.519] SNP positions of MLEC gene. Further investigations revealed that C alleles of rs10431386 and rs7964786 inhibit the expression of MLEC in blood of CP patients and macrophage cell line. in vitro experiments revealed that MLEC promotes M1 to M2 macrophage polarization. The results of in vitro studies suggest that C alleles of rs10431386 and rs7964786 on MLEC promotes CP by inhibiting M1 to M2 macrophage polarization. Generally, this work suggested the contribution of MLEC gene polymorphisms to the pathogenesis of CP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To compare bolus insulin delivery patterns during closed-loop home studies in adults with suboptimally [HbA1c 58–86 mmol/mol (7.5%–10%)] and well-controlled [58 mmol/mol (< 7.5%)] Type 1 diabetes. Methods Retrospective analysis of daytime and night-time insulin delivery during home use of closed-loop over 4 weeks. Daytime and night-time controller effort, defined as amount of insulin delivered by closed-loop relative to usual basal insulin delivery, and daytime bolus effort, defined as total bolus insulin delivery relative to total daytime insulin delivery were compared between both cohorts. Correlation analysis was performed between individual bolus behaviour (bolus effort and frequency) and daytime controller efforts, and proportion of time spent within and below sensor glucose target range. Results Individuals with suboptimally controlled Type 1 diabetes had significantly lower bolus effort (P = 0.038) and daily bolus frequency (P < 0.001) compared with those with well-controlled diabetes. Controller effort during both daytime (P = 0.007) and night-time (P = 0.005) were significantly higher for those with suboptimally controlled Type 1 diabetes. Time when glucose was within the target range (3.9–10.0 mmol/L) during daytime correlated positively with bolus effort (r = 0.37, P = 0.016) and bolus frequency (r = 0.33, P = 0.037). Time when glucose was below the target range during daytime was comparable in both groups (P = 0.36), and did not correlate significantly with bolus effort (r = 0.28, P = 0.066) or bolus frequency (r = –0.21, P = 0.19). Conclusion More frequent bolusing and higher proportion of insulin delivered as bolus during hybrid closed-loop use correlated positively with time glucose was in target range. This emphasises the need for user input and educational support to benefit from this novel therapeutic modality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid ternary FeCoCu alloy was undercooled by up to 357 K (0.21 T ) with glass fluxing method and its rapidly solidified microstructures were investigated by EDS and EBSD technologies. The ternary FeCoCu alloy rapidly solidifies with rapid dendritic growth of the primary γ-Fe phase within 37-243 K undercooling range. When the alloy melt is undercooled to 243 K, an obvious phase separation takes place and the uniform alloy melt separates into (Fe, Co)-rich and Cu-rich phases within 243-357 K undercooling range. The primary γ-Fe phase takes place in a solid-state phase transformation and becomes α-Fe phase in the final microstructure. The microstructure of α-Fe phase transforms from coarse dendrite at small undercoolings to equiaxed grain at large undercoolings. EBSD analysis reveals that the coarse α-Fe dendrites grows anisotropically with a $$\left\langle {110} \right\rangle$$ preferred orientation on condition that undercooling is less than 178 K, whereas no apparent preferred growth orientation is found in the equiaxed grains once undercooling exceeds this critical value. The growth velocity of primary γ-Fe dendrite increases up to 37 ms as undercooling increases to 243 K, but it decreases as undercooling further increases, ascribing to that the dendrite growth is impeded by phase separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel lipolytic enzyme-producing endophytic strain PC2 was successfully isolated from the seeds of an ideal bioenergy plant Pistacia chinensis Bunge. Based on the analysis of morphology and 16S rRNA sequence, bacterial strain PC2 was identified as a subspecies of Pseudomonas putida, therefore named as P. putida PC2. Whole-genome sequencing showed PC2 contained a 1224-nucleotide lipase gene (named lip-PC2) predicted to encode a 407-amino-acid protein. Purified lipases from both the original PC2 strain and heterologously expressed Escherichia coli were nearly 50 kD with specific activity of 9.48 U/mL. LIP-PC2 displayed the maximal activity at 50°C or pH 8.0, and maintained above 80% relative activity in the range of from 40 to 60°C or pH in the range of from 6.0 to 8.0, indicating thermostable and alkaline properties. Enzyme activity was enhanced by Mg, Na and Mn, but strongly inhibited by Cu, Zn Co, EDTA as well as organic solvents and surfactants. Additionally, the analysis of amino acid sequence and structure indicated that LIP-PC2 was a novel member belonging to family I.3 of bacterial lipolytic enzymes and its catalytic triad was consisted of Ser-200, Asp-342 and His-374. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Plant Science is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Plant Science is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Plant Science is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Using a combination of advanced DFT/TDDFT calculations together with ultrafast and stationary spectroscopies we have investigated the photochemistry and cationic complexation ability of 1-pyridinio-benzimidazolate (PyB) and analogs substituted by 15-aza-5-crown (PyB–Aza) or dimethyl-amino groups (PyB–DiMe). Focusing on PyB–Aza, the first aim was to assess the competitive complexation of the imidazole bridge vs. the macrocycle. In acetonitrile, it was found by absorption and emission that the imidazole moiety binds efficiently through lateral electrostatic interaction of high charge density cations and especially Ca2+ to form a 1 : 1, metal : ligand (M : L) complex. Modulation of the complexation toward para substitution of the phenyl ring with a donor group is reported with values ranging from log K = 3.4 to 6.8. Complexation values are properly predicted by DFT calculations. From a photochemical point of view, for the same series, the trend is parallel to the rate of the photo-release process, found to be less than 200 femtosecond (fs), the fastest photorelease characteristic time reported so far. Unlike photoinduced charge transfer molecules linked with an aza-crown group, the mechanism appears simpler with no participation of loose complexes due to the macrocavity effect. Relaxation mechanisms after cation ejection are discussed as well. Finally, even if any photoinduced translocation of cation is reported for the PyB–Aza molecule between two complexation sites, a discussion about the use of betaine pyridinium as a molecular tool for the smart manipulation of cation systems is initiated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]