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To understand isotope distributions of PM 2.5 in residential buildings and apply them for source identification, carbon (δ13C) and lead (Pb) isotope ratios in indoor and outdoor air of residential buildings were analyzed. Moreover, factor analysis (FA) was employed to investigate sources, which were compared through isotopic analyses. The average δ13C values of indoor air are −26.94 ± 1.22‰ and −27.04 ± 0.44‰ in warm (August to October) and cold (February to March) seasons, respectively, and the corresponding values for outdoor air are −26.77 ± 0.54‰ and −26.57 ± 0.39‰. The average 206Pb/207Pb (208Pb/207Pb) ratios of indoor air are 1.1584 ± 0.0091 (2.4309 ± 0.0125) and 1.1529 ± 0.0032 (2.4227 ± 0.0081) in warm and cold seasons, respectively, and the corresponding values for outdoor air are 1.1594 ± 0.0069 (2.4374 ± 0.0103) and 1.1538 ± 0.0077 (2.4222 ± 0.0085). Seasonal variation in δ13C values or Pb isotope ratios of indoor air was not significant, and similar results were obtained for outdoor air. Significant differences were not observed between δ13C values or Pb isotope ratios of indoor and outdoor air. Traffic emission is the major contributor to indoor and outdoor PM 2.5 based on isotopic analyses; this result was consistent with the results of FA. The δ13C values of indoor air in buildings with poor ventilation conditions were significantly lighter than those of outdoor air. In summary, the spatial and seasonal variations of isotopes were similar in residential buildings, which can be used to identify sources of indoor PM 2.5 , and ventilation condition is an influencing factor. [Display omitted] • Multiple isotopes in PM 2.5 in residences were applied to identify sources. • Spatial or seasonal variation of isotope value in residences was not significant. • Traffic-related emission contributes more PM 2.5 to residential buildings. • Multiple isotopes help understand the sources of PM 2.5 in residences. • Ventilation condition affects the application of isotopes in source identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is a complex disease that is strongly associated with defects in signal transduction pathways. A systematic understanding of signal transduction networks in cancer cells will make it possible to develop alternative therapeutic strategies. However, this understanding relies, at least in part, on the detection of endogenous protein-protein interactions (PPIs) that participate in these networks. The aim of this study is to find intervention strategies under the assumptions of inhibiting cell proliferation and activating cell apoptosis. We utilized 115 endogenous HeLa cell PPIs validated by in situ proximity ligation assay and information from on-line databases to reconstruct a cell-type specific signal transduction network. The CellNetAnalyzer were used to analyze the reconstructed network. The computational results from the minimal intervention set (MIS) showed that at least five proteins (AKT, DVL1, EGFR, IGF1R, and PDGFR) inhibited simultaneously in the reconstructed network were required for achieving the goals of drug interventions. By searching the IPA database, the proteins in the MIS, except DVL1, are single targets inhibited by clinic trial drugs to suppress cancer cells. The results suggest that a combination drug treatment may be more efficacious than a single-drug approach. Experiments should be carried out to validate the computational results in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of human computer interaction (HCI) technology has made the teaching curriculum for engineering far more stimulating and approachable. This study proposes the use of a graphical human interface to facilitate learning in an experimental module in mechatronics. Students learn the principles, function, and application of mechatronics via the interface to demonstrate the use of technology in human-computer interaction. This study focused on five main elements: (1) The development and testing of a learning platform for the mechatronics module; (2) learning exercises specifically tailored to laboratory objectives; (3) the convenience and user-friendliness of the proposed system; (4) the technical aspects of the platform in question; (5) the development of approaches to further enhance learning. This paper makes two fundamental contributions to the field ofmechatronics education. First, we have developed a system that provides greater flexibility, accessibility, and ease of use for students. Second, we present an approach to curriculum development that is demonstrably faster in its progress from design to process planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]