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• Developed a modeling method to establish a kind of flexible blade-disk rotor system supported by rolling bearing. • Demonstrated the bifurcation characteristics of the system affected by the parameters of the multi-stage blades. • Blade length and Young's modulus have an obvious effect on the bifurcation characteristics of the system. The dynamic modeling and bifurcation analysis are carried out for a blade-disk rotor system supported by rolling bearing in this paper. Considering the nonlinearity of rolling bearings and the flexible coupling between multi-stage blades and disk, the coupled dynamics model of the blade-disk rotor system is established by using the finite element method. Subsequently, with numerical simulations the steady-state responses of the nonlinear system are obtained. Using the bifurcation diagrams, the time histories, whirling orbits, Poincaré maps and power spectrums, the parametric studies are conducted in detail to investigate the system's bifurcation characteristics. The results indicate that considering the blade mass and stiffness will create a new resonance peak near the first-order resonance of the rotor system with linearized rolling bearing stiffness. For the rotor system with nonlinear rolling bearing forces, with the increase of the blade length, the system motion pattern becomes complex, slender blades will lead to chaotic motion at high speed, and blade stiffness and mass will obviously increase the rotational speed region of quasi-periodic motion. Moreover, the Young's modulus of the blade significantly affects the bifurcation characteristics of the system, i.e., small Young's modulus values make the motion form complex, which leads the range of quasi-periodic motion and chaotic motion increased obviously. The results of this research would be helpful to deepen comprehensive understanding of the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of blade-disk rotor system supported by rolling bearing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron (Fe) deficiency is a general stress for many horticulture crops, causing leaf chlorosis and stunted growth. The basic–helix–loop–helix (bHLH) transcription factor (TF) was reported to function in Fe absorption; however, the regulatory mechanism of bHLH genes on iron absorption remains largely unclear in pear. In this study, we found that PbbHLH155 was significantly induced by Fe deficiency. Overexpression of PbbHLH155 in Arabidopsis thaliana and pear calli significantly increases resistance to Fe deficiency. The PbbHLH155- overexpressed Arabidopsis lines exhibited greener leaf color, higher Fe content, stronger Fe chelate reductase (FCR) and root acidification activity. The PbbHLH155 knockout pear calli showed lower Fe content and weaker FCR activity. Interestingly, PbbHLH155 inhibited the expressions of PbFRO2 and PbbHLH38 , which were positive regulators in Fe-deficiency responses (FDR). Furthermore, yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) and Dual-Luciferase Reporter (DLR) assays revealed that PbbHLH155 directly binds to the promoters of PbFRO2 and PbbHLH38 , thus activating their expression. Overall, our results showed that PbbHLH155 directly promote the expression of PbFRO2 and PbbHLH38 to activate FCR activity for iron absorption. This study provided valuable information for pear breeding. • Overexpression of PbbHLH155 in Arabidopsis thalian a and pear calli significantly increases resistance to Fe deficiency. The PbbHLH155 knockout calli showed lower Fe content and weaker FCR activity. • Overexpression of PbbHLH155 promotes acidification activity in plants. • PbbHLH155 could directly drive the expression of PbFRO2 and PbbHLH38 to activate FCR activity for iron absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac dysfunction, an early complication of endotoxemia, is the major cause of death in intensive care units. No specific therapy is available at present for this cardiac dysfunction. Here, we show that the N-terminal gasdermin D (GSDMD-N) initiates mitochondrial apoptotic pore and cardiac dysfunction by directly interacting with cardiolipin oxidized by complex II-generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) during endotoxemia. Caspase-4/11 initiates GSDMD-N pores that are subsequently amplified by the upregulation and activation of NLRP3 inflammation through further generation of ROS. GSDMD-N pores form prior to BAX and VDAC1 apoptotic pores and further incorporate into BAX and VDAC1 oligomers within mitochondria membranes to exacerbate the apoptotic process. Our findings identify oxidized cardiolipin as the definitive target of GSDMD-N in mitochondria of cardiomyocytes during endotoxin-induced myocardial dysfunction (EIMD), and modulation of cardiolipin oxidation could be a therapeutic target early in the disease process to prevent EIMD. [Display omitted] • GSDMD-N forms mitochondrial pores directly via oxidized cardiolipin in endotoxemia • GSDMD pores form before BAX and VDAC apoptotic pores during cardiomyocyte death • GSDMD-N oligomer-induced mROS release accelerates NLRP3 expression and activation • Complex II is the major contributor to cardiolipin oxidation in cardiomyocytes The mechanism that initiates cardiac dysfunction during endotoxemia remains unknown. Tang et al. show that GSDMD-N triggers early mitochondrial pore and heart dysfunction directly via oxidized cardiolipin by complex II in cardiomyocytes. Such pores further incorporate into BAX and VDAC1 oligomers to exacerbate the apoptotic process in cardiomyocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The WRKY transcription factors (TFs) are involved in aluminum (Al) stress and jasmonic acid (JA)-regulated resistance responses. WRKYs act as regulators of Al-activated malate transporter (ALMT) proteins (anion channels) by directly binding to their promoters and altering malate efflux, thereby regulating Al ion toxicity in plant roots. JA enhances Al-induced root growth inhibition in Arabidopsis. However, the relationship between WRKY and ALMT genes and their involvement in JA-mediated root growth inhibition during Al stress in tomato remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate a similar phenomenon that JA enhances Al-induced root growth inhibition in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). By analyzing RNA-seq data and tissue-specific expression data from public databases, we selected 17 WRKY and 6 ALMT family genes to identify the genes participated in this process. The promoters of many of the selected genes contained MeJA responsive element, G-box (target site of MYC2, a core TF of JA signaling), and W-box (target site for WRKY). Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to evaluate the expression levels of selected WRKY and ALMT genes under AlCl 3 and Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment. SlMYC2-VIGS seedlings and jasmonic acid-insensitive1 (jai1) mutant were also employed to analyze the expression patterns of selected genes. We find that SlALMT3 is responsible for the crosstalk regulatory mechanism between Al and JA in root growth inhibition, and 6 SlWRKYs may act as the upstream regulators of SlALMT3 in this crosstalk response. This study is initial and informative in exploring the crosstalk regulatory mechanism between JA and Al in tomato. • Jasmonic acid enhanced aluminum-induced root growth inhibition in tomato. • Aluminum induced the expression of genes related to JA biosynthesis and signaling. • SlMYC2-VIGS seedlings and jasmonic acid insensitive mutant jai1-1 were employed to evaluate the expression patterns of WRKY transcription factors and ALMT genes. • WRKY and ALMT regulatory module was involved in jasmonic acid-mediated root growth inhibition under aluminum stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the current efficacy, safety, and risk factors of the Woven EndoBridge (WEB) in treating wide-neck intracranial aneurysms. We searched the PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Embase databases between December 1, 2012 and June 30, 2018. Studies were included if they featured ≥5 patients undergoing WEB for wide-neck intracranial aneurysms, reported an angiographic or clinical outcome and risk factors, and were published after December 1, 2012. Major outcomes included initial or short-term complete and adequate occlusion. Secondary outcomes included treatment failure, recanalization, mortality, morbidity, and complication rates. A random-effect model was used to pool the data. To assess risk factors for short-term angiographic outcomes and the most common complications, we conducted subgroup analyses. We included 36 studies (1759 patients with 1749 aneurysms). The initial complete and adequate occlusion rates were 35% and 77%, respectively. The short-term (mean follow-up, 9.34 months) complete and adequate occlusion rates were 53% and 80%, respectively. Thromboembolism and recanalization had the highest occurrence (both 9%), followed by mortality (7%), morbidity (6%), failure (5%) and intraoperative rupture (3%). The following factors were related to higher short-term obliteration rates: unruptured status, in the anterior circulation, a medium neck (4–9.9 mm), newer-generation WEB, and treatment without additional devices. Ruptured status, anterior circulation, preoperative antiplatelet therapy, and newer-generation WEB were not significantly related to thromboembolism. WEB is safe and shows promising efficacy in treating wide-neck intracranial aneurysms. We preliminarily identified several risk factors for short-term angiographic outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Rotating composite Timoshenko beams' dynamic mathematic model is established. • The bending-torsional vibration with geometric and material couplings is studied. • The Green's function element method is developed to solve the governing equations. • Systematic analyses are performed for the rotating speed effects on the solutions. A formulation is presented for steady-state dynamic responses of rotating bending-torsion coupled composite Timoshenko beams (CTBs) subjected to distributed and/or concentrated harmonic loadings. The separation of cross section's mass center from its shear center and the introduced coupled rigidity of composite material lead to the bending-torsion coupled vibration of the beams. Considering those two coupling factors and based on Hamilton's principle, three partial differential non-homogeneous governing equations of vibration with arbitrary boundary conditions are formulated in terms of the flexural translation, torsional rotation and angle rotation of cross section of the beams. The parameters for the damping, axial load, shear deformation, rotation speed, hub radius and so forth are incorporated into those equations of motion. Subsequently, the Green's function element method (GFEM) is developed to solve these equations in matrix form, and the analytical Green's functions of the beams are given in terms of piecewise functions. Using the superposition principle, the explicit expressions of dynamic responses of the beams under various harmonic loadings are obtained. The present solving procedure for Timoshenko beams can be degenerated to deal with for Rayleigh and Euler beams by specifying the values of shear rigidity and rotational inertia. Cantilevers with bending-torsion coupled vibration are given as examples to verify the present theory and to illustrate the use of the present formulation. The influences of rotation speed, bending-torsion couplings and damping on the natural frequencies and/or shape functions of the beams are performed. The steady-state responses of the beam subjected to external harmonic excitation are given through numerical simulations. Remarkably, the symmetric property of the Green's functions is maintained for rotating bending-torsion coupled CTBs, but there will be a slight deviation in the numerical calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common form of intracranial hemorrhage with a substantial recurrence rate. We aimed to investigate the predictive factors for the postsurgical recurrence of CSDH. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with CSDH who underwent surgery in West China Hospital between January 2012 and June 2018. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the relationships between recurrence of CSDH and factors such as age, sex, history of injury, Markwalder grading, computed tomography findings, surgical methods, and outcomes. A total of 328 patients (281 men and 47 women) aged 22–93 years (mean age, 65.14 ± 13.76 years) were included. Computed tomography findings at admission showed mixed density hematoma in 136 patients, isodensity hematoma in 140, high-density hematoma in 34, and low-density hematoma in 18. The mortality and recurrence rate were 0.30% (1 of 328) and 2.44% (8 of 328), respectively. Six months postoperatively, 327 patients had Markwalder grade 0. Hematoma recurred in 8 patients of which 7 were mixed density hematoma and 1 was isodensity hematoma. Six patients who underwent craniotomy had thickened inner neomembrane that was resected. Univariate and multivariate analyses found mixed density hematoma to be an independent risk factor for the recurrence of CSDH. Burr hole craniostomy with irrigation and closed-system drainage is effective for the surgical treatment of CSDH. Mixed density hematoma is an independent predictor for the recurrence of CSDH. Presence of thick inner neomembrane might be the primary cause of CSDH recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Time is a fundamental characteristic for understanding human activities. When analysing temporal pattern of a group of activities, most researchers tend to utilise one temporal attribute when representing time use of activities. Thus, temporal pattern of activities is usually visualised and understood as a profile of various observations listed sequentially over time. This paper aims to investigate the temporal pattern of activities in urban areas from a new perspective. Temporal pattern is visualised and analysed as the distribution of activity points in a two-dimensional temporal plane defined by the start and end time of activities as x and y axes. Kernel density estimation is used as a typical method to observe the temporal pattern of activities in Shanghai based on a one-week smart card dataset generated in the Shanghai's metro system. The results show that the proposed perspective can reveal considerably more information regarding the temporal pattern than a conventional one can. Highlights • We analyse the temporal pattern of activities from a new perspective. • Kernel density estimation is applied to observe the temporal pattern of activities using a big data approach. • Temporal patterns of activities are explored at different spatial scales. • Our new method is able to reveal more information about activities compared with the traditional one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The purpose of this study is to introduce our initial experience with the evaluation of the feasibility of using Willis covered stents (WCSs) in the treatment of complicated ophthalmic artery (OA) segment aneurysms. Methods Of the 162 patients with OA segment aneurysms treated by endovascular techniques in West China Hospital from January 2015 to August 2017, a total of 26 patients treated with WCSs were included in the study. Results Twenty-six patients with 26 aneurysms were included (mean age, 57.0 years; range, 22–76 years). The cohort had 20 patients with large or giant aneurysms, 3 patients with blood blister aneurysms, and 3 patients with pseudoaneurysms. Ten aneurysms were OA type, and 16 were internal carotid artery (ICA) type. Twenty-four patients were treated with 1 stent, and 2 patients were treated with 2 stents. Among the 26 patients, 2 patients had minimal endoleak, and 24 patients had complete occlusion after immediate postoperative angiography. One patient who had complete occlusion experienced contrast agent extravasation, and this phenomenon disappeared by balloon compression during the procedure. The 3- to 15-month angiographic follow-up showed that all patients experienced complete occlusion, including 2 patients with minimal endoleak during immediate postprocedural angiography. Two patient showed signs of in-stent stenosis. Clinical follow-up demonstrated that no delayed thromboembolic or ischemic events were recorded in the stent-grafted vascular region and no bleeding occurred in any of the patients (except 1 patient who experienced subarachnoid hemorrhage, left frontal lobe hemorrhage, and hydrocephalus 10 days after the procedure). Conclusions WCSs may provide an alternative solution for treating complex OA segment aneurysms by reconstruction and preservation of the ICA. Our study also confirms the safety, efficacy, and midterm durability of WCSs for complex OA segment aneurysms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The purpose of the present study was to describe our single-institutional experience of treating direct carotid–cavernous fistulas (DCCFs) with Willis covered stents (WCSs). Methods Of a total of 31 DCCFs, 10 were treated with WCSs (Microport, Shanghai, China) at West China Hospital from January 2015 to December 2016. The indications for treatment, perioperative findings, and postoperative and follow-up results were collected and analyzed. Results All 10 patients had successful deployment of WCSs. Complete exclusion of the fistula was achieved in 6 patients immediately after deployment of 1 stent. Endoleak was observed in 4 patients (patients 2, 4, 5, and 9). Thus, repeat dilation of the stent with greater pressure was performed, which resolved the endoleak in 2 patients (patients 2 and 9). The endoleak of the other 2 patients persisted after repeat dilation of the balloon. Hence, a second stent was deployed in these 2 patients (patients 4 and 5), which eliminated the endoleak in patient 4. However, patient 5 continued to have a minimal endoleak. Nine patients had fistulas successfully occluded by WCSs during the follow-up period. One patient experienced recurrence of a DCCF at the 10-day follow-up point. We chose coil embolization to address this DCCF. No stenosis of the internal carotid artery or DCCF recurrence, except that in the abovementioned patient, was observed. Conclusions WCS was proved to be an alternative treatment method for complex DCCFs through reconstruction and preservation of the internal carotid artery. Our study also confirmed the safety, efficacy, and midterm durability of WCSs for complex DCCFs without any serious delayed complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A thermal-structural analysis of a spacecraft with double solar panels is conducted. • Situations of attitude maneuver and sunrise eclipse transition are considered. • Dynamic characteristics of thermally induced vibration are studied comprehensively. • Effects of spacecraft parameters on system dynamic characteristics are investigated. Abstract The dynamic characteristics of a flexible spacecraft with double solar panels are studied comprehensively in this paper. The spacecraft is subjected to time-varying thermal loading and its solar panels are composed of honeycomb panel. The rigid-flexible-thermal coupling dynamic model of the spacecraft is firstly derived by taking into account the coupling effect among attitude motion, structural deformation and thermal loading. Subsequently, an explicit finite difference algorithm is proposed to solve solar panels' heat conduction problem including the nonlinear boundary conditions relevant to heat radiation. Finally, the coupled thermal-structural analyses are carried out by interactively solving the system's dynamic equations and the heat conduction equations with a two-way coupled approach designed in this paper. The dynamic behaviors of thermally induced responses are studied comprehensively for the cases of attitude maneuver and sunrise eclipse transition. Meanwhile, the effects of solar panels' parameters on the characteristics of spacecraft frequencies and responses are investigated in detail. Graphical abstract Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The thermal-structural analysis for a flexible spacecraft with double solar panels is carried out in this paper through a comparison study with spacecraft having a single panel. The solar panels are composed of honeycomb panel and subjected to time-varying thermal loading. Taking into account the coupling effect among attitude motion, structural deformation and thermal loading, the rigid-flexible-thermal coupling dynamic model of the spacecraft is established by using the Hamiltonian Principle. Based on the finite difference method, an explicit algorithm is developed to solve the transient heat conduction problem of the solar panel. The coupled thermal-structural analysis reveals significant differences between the dynamic characteristics of thermally induced vibration of spacecraft with single and double solar panels. The thermally induced dynamic response significantly affects the attitude of spacecraft with a single solar panel, while it hardly affects the attitude of spacecraft with double solar panels. As the maneuver attitude or the initial incident angle of heat flux increase, the thermally induced vibration of spacecraft with a single solar panel changes from stable to unstable and thermal flutter occurs, while that of spacecraft with double solar panels always keeps stable. Highlights • A thermal-structural analysis is conducted for a spacecraft with double solar panels. • The rigid-flexible-thermal coupling dynamic model of the spacecraft is derived. • An explicit algorithm is proposed to solve solar panels' heat conduction problem. • Dynamic characteristics of thermally induced vibration is investigated in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aim of this study was to identify potential prognostic factors of hemifacial spasm (HFS) after microvascular decompression (MVD), to establish the appropriate way to tackle postprocedure symptoms and complications (PPSCs), and to find the incidence and duration of PPSCs. Methods Two hundred and forty-eight patients with HFS were monitored between December 2009 and December 2014. The mean follow-up duration was 24 months (range, 6–67 months). We divided patients based on their PPSC status and investigated the following factors: age, sex, spasm side, facial nerve block before MVD (botulinum toxin treatment), acupuncture before MVD, duration of HFS, hypertension, diabetes, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection status, herpes simplex virus infection status, smoking status and alcohol use, offending vessels, Chiari malformation, electrophysiologic monitoring results, and postoperative HFS. Univariable analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to find potential risk factors. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to show the duration of postprocedure facial palsy. Results Age (odds ratio [OR], 1.037; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.004–1.072; P = 0.03) and HBV status (OR, 18.256; 95% CI, 2.723–122.415; P = 0.03) were positive predictors of PPSCs. Postoperative HFS (OR, 0.249; 95% CI, 0.084–0.0739; P = 0.012) may be a protective factor for postprocedure facial palsy. Most PPSCs related to cranial nerves recovered spontaneously in 3 months. Infections and cerebrospinal fluid leakages were controlled by medical intervention in 1–2 weeks. The permanent complication rate was only 4.8%. Conclusions Although the incidence of PPSCs after MVD is very high, most PPSCs related to cranial nerves recovered spontaneously in several days. Permanent complications after MVD for HFS are rare. Age may relate to the occurrence of PPSCs, and postoperative HFS may be a protective factor for patients with facial palsy after MVD. Highlights • This study describes the incidence and duration of postprocedure symptoms and complications. • Age may relate to the occurrence of postprocedure symptoms and complications. • Postoperative HFS may be a protective factor for patients with facial palsy after microvascular decompression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although researchers have realised the importance of time for decades in geography and relevant disciplines, they more or less ignore how our understanding can be greatly enriched through the lens of time. One outcome of this ignorance is that there are a limited number of concepts and methods to analyse the temporal pattern of human activities. In this paper, we try to understand the temporal pattern of activities by simultaneously examining the start and end time of activities, rather than from a conventional view, which usually understands a temporal pattern of activities as a profile of an attribute (e.g. the number of activities) on the time axis. To achieve this, we propose a new concept, Temporal Areas of Interest (TAI), defined as the area on a two-dimensional plane using the start and end time as the X and Y axes, where activity points are densely distributed and therefore attracts people's attention/interest. We also propose a general methodological framework for identifying TAIs. The concept and framework are applied using a week's metro smart card data in Shanghai. Results show both the basic rhythm of human activities and reveal some facts that are unexpected or ignored before, such as the large existence of overtime work or similar activities on weekday evenings and weekends. We think that the proposed method provides an alternative way to understand the temporal pattern of activities and a relatively new perspective in evaluating human activity patterns and the urban functions across the city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the present size of modern cities, it is beyond the perceptual capacity of most people to develop a good knowledge about the qualities of the urban space at every street corner. Correspondingly, for planners, it is also difficult to accurately answer questions such as ‘where the quality of the physical environment is the most dilapidated in the city that regeneration should be given first consideration’ and ‘in fast urbanising cities, how is the city appearance changing’. To address this issue, in the present study, we present a computer vision method that contains three machine learning models for the large-scale and automatic evaluation on the qualities of the urban environment by leveraging state-of-the-art machine learning techniques and wide-coverage street view images. From various physical qualities that have been identified by previous research to be important for the urban visual experience, we choose two key qualities, the construction and maintenance quality of building facade and the continuity of street wall, to be measured in this research. To test the validity of the proposed method, we compare the machine scores with public rating scores collected on-site from 752 passers-by at 56 locations in the city. We show that the machine learning models can produce a medium-to-good estimation of people's real experience, and the modelling results can be applied in many ways by researchers, planners and local residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A coupled thermal-structural analysis for an attitude maneuvering spacecraft under solar radiation is conducted and the interaction between the thermally induced vibration and attitude maneuver is studied. The spacecraft consists of a rigid hub and a solar array composed of honeycomb panel. By considering the thermal stress of solar panel, the system's rigid-flexible-thermal coupling dynamic model is established in terms of the Hamiltonian Principle and non-constrained modes. Based on the finite difference method, an explicit recursive algorithm is developed to compute the transient cross-sectional temperature distribution of solar panel which is modeled as a three-layer laminated structure. The coupled thermal-structural analysis reveals that the torque, which can maneuver the spacecraft to the desired attitude in the simulation of rigid-flexible model, cannot accomplish the attitude maneuver mission for a spacecraft under solar radiation even though the desired attitude is small. In the case of large final incident angle of heat flux (the sum of initial incident angle and the maneuver attitude angle), the thermally induced vibration of a spacecraft with small damping may be unstable and the thermal flutter may occur. Moreover, the thermally induced vibration decays with time in the case of large damping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the clinical outcome of anatomic double-bundle (DB) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with a hamstring tendon autograft versus fresh-frozen allograft.Methods: Between January 2010 and December 2011, in a prospective randomized study, we included 157 patients who were planned to receive anatomic DB ACL reconstruction with a hamstring tendon autograft or fresh-frozen allograft. All surgeries were performed by the same senior surgeon with the DB reconstruction technique. The fixation of femoral side grafts was by means of an EndoButton, and the tibial side grafts were fixed with a bioabsorble interference screw augmented with a staple. The same rehabilitation protocol was applied to all the patients. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and at the follow-up points. Evaluations included detailed history, physical examination, radiograph, functional knee ligament testing, KT-2000 arthrometer testing, Harner's vertical jump and Daniel's one-leg hop tests, Lysholm score, Tegner score, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) standard evaluation form, and Cincinnati knee score.Results: One hundred and twenty-one patients (Auto, 62; Allo, 59) fulfilled complete follow-up and got full clinical evaluations. The mean follow-up was 4.6 years (4.0 to 5.5 years) for both groups. No significant differences were found between the 2 groups according to the evaluations aforementioned except that patients in the Allo group had shorter operation time compared with the Auto group (P = .001). Fifty-three (85.5%) patients in the Auto group and 50 (84.7%) patients in the Allo group had a side-to-side difference of less than 3 mm. Four (6.5%) patients in the Auto group and 4 (6.8%) patients in the Allo group had a side-to-side difference of more than 5 mm. Fifty-nine (95.8%) patients in the Auto group and 55 (93.2%) patients in the Allo group were normal or nearly normal according to the overall IKDC. According to the subjective IKDC, the average scores were 90 and 89 points, respectively, for the Auto and Allo groups. The mean Lysholm and Tegner scores were 90 points and 7.9 points for the Auto group, respectively, and 89 points and 7.8 points for the Allo group, respectively. For the Cincinnati knee score, the average scores were 91 and 90 points, respectively, for the Auto and Allo groups. A total of 11.3% (7 of 62) of patients in the Auto group and 11.9% (7 of 59) of patients in the Allo group had an arthritic progression. There was no statistical difference between the 2 groups at the final follow-up.Conclusions: With the anatomic DB ACL reconstruction technique, comparable objective and subjective clinical results can be achieved with the use of a fresh-frozen hamstring tendon allograft compared with an autograft.Level Of Evidence: Level II, prospective randomized clinical trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The urban built environment has been extensively studied as a means to reduce car use, but most of the built environment features that have been examined mostly include so-called 'D-variables', namely, density, (functional) diversity, (road network) design, etc. The influence of the three-dimensional street space, which cannot be directly understood from maps, is much less studied. However, characteristics of the street space are considered to influence people's travel behavior according to urban design and walkability theories. A major reason for this gap is the lack of data providing relevant information. This paper aims to fill the gap by harnessing new urban data to measure these characteristics of the urban environment and analyze their impact on travel behavior, as indicated by the amount of car use. Among the many characteristics of street space, we chose the quality of street buildings, continuity of street walls, and height-width ratio of the street valley as three key characteristics to study. Using Beijing as a case study, we found that the three street space characteristics had a statistically significant relationship with residents' car use, mainly by influencing travel mode choice. The continuity of street walls is the most influential factor in reducing car use. • We expanded existing research by examining the influence of the street space on urban car use. • The streetscape is measured using street view images, deep learning models and building footprint data. • The continuity of street walls is the most influential streetscape feature in reducing car use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between the built environment and travel behavior has long been a hot research topic. However, most existing research focus on aggregate measures of the patterns of daily travel (e.g. vehicle miles travelled, total distance travelled), while the mechanisms and processes that lead to these outcomes are much less researched. We therefore propose an activity-based model that simulates people's detailed decision making in daily travel and the influences of the neighborhood-scale built environment throughout the process, using Beijing as the study case. More specifically, it deals with eight activity types, eleven most common activity plans, 652 traffic analysis zones, six time slots and four travel modes. The model is then applied to simulate how people's travel behavior would change in response to changes in the built environment. The simulation is implemented by changing the built environment conditions. The major advantage of the model lies in its ability to 'trace back' the influence of the built environment on aggregate travel outcomes to detailed travel aspects, such as activity frequency, travel distance for various purposes, mode choice, etc. The simulation results show that although compact design generally reduce VMT, the mechanisms of influence by different built environment variables vary, e.g. through a major impact on the mode choice or through distributed impacts on several travel aspects. • Propose an activity-based model that simulates the detailed influences of neighborhood-scale built environment on travel • The model can 'trace back' the influence of the built environment on aggregate travel outcomes to detailed travel aspects • Although compact design generally reduces car use, the mechanisms of influence by different built environment variables vary [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• SlLBD40 belongs to subfamily II of the LBD family of genes in tomato and was highly expressed in roots and fruit. • SlLBD40 showed an early response to PEG and NaCl treatment. • SlLBD40 expression was dependent on JA signaling and it might be downstream of SlMYC2. • Compared with overexpressing transgenic and WT tomato plants, knockout of SlLBD40 by CRISPR/Cas9 enhanced the drought tolerance of tomato. The LATERAL ORGAN BOUNDARIES DOMAIN (LBD)-containing genes are plant-specific genes that play important roles in lateral organ development. In this study, we identified LBD40 (Solyc02g085910), which belongs to subfamily II of the LBD family of genes in tomato. LBD40 was highly expressed in roots and fruit. LBD40 expression was significantly induced by PEG and salt. Moreover, SlLBD40 expression was induced by methyl jasmonate treatment, while SlLBD40 expression could not be induced in the jasmonic acid-insensitive1 (jai1) mutant or MYC2 -silenced plants, in which jasmonic acid (JA) signaling was disrupted. These findings demonstrate that SlLBD40 expression was dependent on JA signaling and that it might be downstream of SlMYC2 , which is the master transcription factor in the JA signal transduction pathway. Overexpressing and CRISPR/Cas9 mediated knockout transgenic tomato plants were generated to explore SlLBD40 function. The drought tolerance test showed that two SlLBD40 knockout lines wilted slightly, while SlLBD40 overexpressing plants suffered severe wilting. The statistical water loss rate and midday leaf water potential also confirmed that knockout of SlLBD40 improved the water-holding ability of tomato under drought conditions. Taken together, our study demonstrates that SlLBD40 , involved in JA signaling, was a negative regulator of drought tolerance and that knockout of SlLBD40 enhanced drought tolerance in tomato. This study also provides a novel function of SlLBD40 , which belongs to subfamily II of LBD genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The liver plays crucial roles in the regulation of immune defense during acute systemic infections. However, the roles of liver cellular clusters and intercellular communication in the progression of endotoxemia have not been well-characterized. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis was performed, and the transcriptomes of 19,795 single liver cells from healthy and endotoxic mice were profiled. The spatial and temporal changes in hepatocytes and non-parenchymal cell types were validated by multiplex immunofluorescence staining, bulk transcriptomic sequencing, or flow cytometry. Furthermore, we used an adeno-associated virus delivery system to confirm the major mechanisms mediating myeloid cell infiltration and T-cell suppression in septic murine liver. We identified a proinflammatory hepatocyte (PIH) subpopulation that developed primarily from periportal hepatocytes and to a lesser extent from pericentral hepatocytes and played key immunoregulatory roles in endotoxemia. Multicellular cluster modeling of ligand-receptor interactions revealed that PIHs play a crucial role in the recruitment of macrophages via the CCL2-CCR2 interaction. Recruited macrophages (RMs) released cytokines (e.g., IL6, TNFα, and IL17) to induce the expression of inhibitory ligands, such as PD-L1, on hepatocytes. Subsequently, RM-stimulated hepatocytes led to the suppression of CD4+ and memory T-cell subsets partly via the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction in endotoxemia. Furthermore, sinusoidal endothelial cells expressed the highest levels of proapoptotic and inflammatory genes around the periportal zone. This pattern of gene expression facilitated increases in the number of fenestrations and infiltration of immune cells in the periportal zone. Our study elucidates unanticipated aspects of the cellular and molecular effects of endotoxemia on liver cells at the single-cell level and provides a conceptual framework for the development of novel therapeutic approaches for acute infection. The liver plays a crucial role in the regulation of immune defense during acute systemic infections. We identified a proinflammatory hepatocyte subpopulation and demonstrated that the interactions of this subpopulation with recruited macrophages are pivotal in the immune response during endotoxemia. These novel findings provide a conceptual framework for the discovery of rational therapeutic targets in acute infection. [Display omitted] • The periportal zone of the hepatic lobules plays an essential role in the emergence of endotoxemia-associated liver injury. • The reprogramming of hepatocytes into a proinflammatory subpopulation is key in the endotoxemia-induced immune response. • Proinflammatory hepatocytes recruit circulating monocytes to form RMs via CCL2-CCR2 during endotoxemia. • RMs induce inhibitory ligand expression by hepatocytes, leading to T lymphocyte suppression partly via PD-1/PD-L1 interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Melatonin treatment triggered increased carotenoid accumulation. • Melatonin treatment did not enhance carotenoid levels in Nr tomato. • Ethylene acts in melatonin-induced biosynthesis of carotenoids. In tomato, red color is a key commercial trait and arises from the accumulation of carotenoids. Previous studies have revealed that melatonin promotes lycopene accumulation and ethylene production. However, it is unclear if melatonin similarly increases other carotenoids, and whether any increase of carotenoids in tomato fruit is directly related to ethylene production. In this study, changes in carotenoid profiles during fruit ripening were investigated in control (CK) and in fruits treated with melatonin (M50). The α, β-carotene, and lycopene levels were significantly increased in M50, and there was increased carotenoid biosynthetic gene expression. We also observed up-regulated transcript levels of SlRIN , SlCNR , and SlNOR in M50 compared to CK. To better understand the regulation of carotenoid biosynthesis by melatonin and its potential response to endogenous ethylene, we tested an ethylene-insensitive mutant, Never ripe (Nr). Melatonin-treated Nr failed to accumulate more carotenoids compared to CK, although there was significantly changed ethylene production. Additionally, there was no general upregulation of expression of ripening-related genes in this mutant under melatonin treatment. These results suggest melatonin function might require ethylene to promote carotenoid synthesis in tomato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Examining the daily activity pattern of rural residents in consolidated and unconsolidated villages through mobile phone locational data. • Housing land consolidation results in longer distance to work (371 m in average), and shorter distance for nonwork activities (529 m in average). • Housing land consolidation do not necessarily harm the daily life of rural residents. Housing land consolidation and relocation has been widely implemented in rural China as a policy tool to reduce the area of built-up land, reclaim agricultural land, and redistribute the use of land. Despite of the large scale of implementation, the impact of this policy on the daily life of rural people is not sufficiently evaluated. Our work aims to fill in this gap by examining the daily activity pattern of rural residents in consolidated and unconsolidated villages through mobile phone locational data, using the Chengdu city-region as the case. One week's locational data from all phone users of China Unicom was used. We found that housing land consolidation do not necessarily harm the daily life of rural residents, which has been a main concern of many research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The dynamic responses of cracked Timoshenko beams are analytically analyzed. • Couple bending-torsional vibration with damping effect are considered. • The proposed method is efficient for multi-cracked beams. • Systematic analyses are performed for the influence of cracks on the solutions. The explicit expressions of steady-state responses of a coupled bending-torsional Timoshenko beam with cracks and damping effect subjected to external harmonic loadings are presented in this paper. The Green's functions method is employed to obtain the analytical solutions. The beam is split to several segments due to the existence of cracks. General Green's functions of each segment with unknown boundary constants are given by using Laplace transform method. A mixture line-spring is introduced to obtain the compatibility conditions of the cracked cross-section between the segments. Based on the transfer matrix method, those constants in the Green's functions for each segment are determined with those matching conditions, as well as boundary relationships and end boundary conditions. Then, the solutions of the whole cracked beam with one or multiple cracks can be expressed in terms of the piecewise functions. The solutions of the multi-cracked beam cover those of the beam with only one crack and the uncracked beam. The theory developed can be used for the beam with classical boundary conditions, but for illustration, results for a cantilever cracked beam with T shape cross-section are illustrated, emphasizing the effect of cracks on the solutions. Comparisons between results in the published literature and those obtained from the developed method show a good agreement, which confirms the validity and accuracy of the proposed approach. The influences of crack depth, location and number on the natural frequencies are discussed. The changes of the steady-state responses of beam are investigated due to the existence of crack. Moreover, the symmetric property of the Green's functions and damping effect on the amplitude of steady-state responses of the cracked beam are studied particularly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Older adults (aged ≥50) have become a key population of HIV/AIDS epidemic in Sichuan. • HIV through heterosexual transmission has increased to 98.2% of cases in older adults. • There is significant spatial aggregation of HIV/AIDS cases among older adults. • Expanding the scope of HIV testing is an effective way to find HIV/AIDS infections. To describe epidemiological trends and spatial distributions of HIV/AIDS among older adults (aged ≥50) in Sichuan Province, China during 2008–19, and provide scientific reference for HIV/AIDS prevention, intervention and treatment. Data on HIV/AIDS cases reported in 2008–19 was extracted from the Case Report System. The Cochran-Armitage trend test was used to determine epidemic trends. Spatial autocorrelation and space-time analysis were conducted with ArcGIS10.6 and ArcGIS Pro2.4, respectively. A total of 77 854 HIV/AIDS cases among older adults were included in the study. Newly reported cases increased from 320 in 2008 to 22 189 in 2019, and the reported incidence rate (number of new reported cases/older adult population) rose from 0.001% to 0.077%. Infections through heterosexual transmission increased from 65.3% to 98.2% of total cases in older adults in this period. Spatial analysis at the county-level showed significant clustering throughout Sichuan, with the main hot spots concentrated in the southeast. Spatiotemporal analysis indicated that most of the southeastern counties/districts were Consecutive Hot Spots. Older adults have become a key population in the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Sichuan; comprehensive prevention and intervention measures targeted to older adults are urgently needed to control the spread of HIV/AIDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High salinity is harmful to crop yield and productivity. Peroxidases (PRXs) play crucial roles in H 2 O 2 scavenging. In our previous study, PRX63 significantly upregulated in tobacco plants under salt stress. Thus, in order to understand the function of PRX63 in tobacco salt response, we overexpressed this gene in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.), investigated the morphological, physiological and proteomic profiles of NtPRX63 -overexpressing tobacco transgenic lines and wild type. The results showed that, compared with the wild type, the transgenic tobacco plants presented enhanced salt tolerance and displayed lower ROS (reactive oxygen species), malondialdehyde (MDA) and Na+ contents; higher biomass, potassium content, soluble sugar content, and peroxidase activity; and higher expression levels of NtSOD , NtPOD and NtCAT. Protein abundance analysis revealed 123 differentially expressed proteins between the transgenic and wild-type plants. These proteins were functionally classified into 18 categories and are involved in 41 metabolic pathways. Furthermore, among the 123 proteins, eight proteins involved in the ROS-scavenging system, 12 involved in photosynthesis and energy metabolism processes, two stress response proteins, one signal transduction protein and one disulfide isomerase were significantly upregulated. Furthermore, three novel proteins that may be involved in the plant salt response were also identified. The results of our study indicate that an enhanced ROS-scavenging ability, together with the expression of proteins related to energy mobilization and the stress response, functions in the confirmed salt resistance of transgenic tobacco plants. Our data provide valuable information for research on the function of NtPRX63 in tobacco in response to abiotic stress. • Tobacco NtPRX63 gene was cloned and transformed into tobacco. • Transgenic tobacco plants exhibited enhanced salt resistance. • Transgenic tobacco plants showed increased ROS eliminating ability. • ROS-scavenging and energy mobilization ability is vital for tobacco salt resistance. • Histone acetylation and deacetylation may play essential roles in tobacco salt response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new excess phosphate uptaking in an anoxic-aerobic sequencing batch reactor (SBR) using starch as sole carbon source that was different from the traditional biological phosphorus removal in anaerobic-aerobic alternation condition was confirmed and reported previously. To reveal its mechanism and biochemical pathway of metabolism, this study was conducted. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technique was applied to trace the carbon metabolism in the SBR applied by supplying 13 C label starch. Results show that the phosphorus removal reached 80% without any P release during the whole process. The sludge had a very lower accumulation of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) but a higher accumulation of glycogen. The metabolic pathway of glycogn synthesis and phosphorus removal was proposed that during the anoxic phase, the starch was hydrolyzed and then converted to lactic acid by lactic acid producing organism (LPO). Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was generated from the lactic acid formation, and used for polyphosphate (poly-P) synthesis. In the meantime, lactic acid was used to synthesize glycogen by phosphate accumulating organisms (PAOs). In the aerobic stage, PAOs oxidized glycogen to release energy for cell growth and its maintenance, as well as phosphate uptake and poly-P synthesis. The LPO performed the majority of the P removal in the SBR during the anoxic stage. This study improves our understanding to how phosphorus removed in the anoxic-aerobic system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural housing abandonment (RHA) is happening on a large scale in China and accumulatively leads to the phenomenon of village hollowing. This paper conducts a microscopic analysis on the influencing factors of individual decision making in the process of RHA through an empirical study on Pi County in southwest China. Our multi-level logistic regression shows that RHA is mainly influenced by the pulling forces of urban economy and the deteriorated physical condition of rural houses. We discuss that how these factors exert their influence is further linked with the institutional barriers in China that impede the free movement of residents and properties between urban and rural systems, which distorts individual choices towards RHA. Therefore, we suggest policies that promote the equalization of rural and urban residents and recognize the need for the free transfer of rural land and property, as well as the need to develop tools that effectively predict the emergence of RHA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the global mode method (GMM) is proposed to obtain a reduced-order analytical dynamic model for a signal flexible-link flexible-joint (SFF) manipulator. Firstly, the nonlinear partial differential equations (PDE) that govern the motion of the flexible link and flexible joint, respectively, are derived by applying the Hamilton principle. By combining the linearized governing equations of motion for a flexible link and the equation of motion for the flexible joint, the characteristic equation is obtained for the whole system. The natural frequencies and global mode shapes of the linearized model of the SFF manipulator are determined, and orthogonality relations of the global mode shapes are established. Then, the global mode shapes and their orthogonality relations are used to truncate the nonlinear PDEs of the SFF manipulator to a nonlinear ordinary differential equation with a few degrees-of-freedom (DOF). For comparison, two other dynamic models of the SFF are derived by employing the assumed mode method (AMM) and finite element method (FEM). To verify the method proposed, the results from the GMM are compared with those obtained from the FEM. The effects of the link length and payload mass on the convergence of AMM model for the first two frequencies are investigated. Based on the dynamic models, obtained by GMM and AMM, dynamical responses for the system with different numbers of modes are worked out numerically, which are compared with those obtained from FEM. These comparisons show a good agreement between the results of the GMM and that of the FEM model, which indeed proved the accuracy and applicability of the GMM model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method based on Green's functions is proposed for the analysis of the steady-state dynamic response of bending-torsion coupled Timoshenko beam subjected to distributed and/or concentrated loadings. Damping effects on the bending and torsional directions are taken into account in the vibration equations. The elastic boundary conditions with bending-torsion coupling and damping effects are derived and the classical boundary conditions can be obtained by setting the values of specific stiffness parameters of the artificial springs. The Laplace transform technology is employed to work out the Green's functions for the beam with arbitrary boundary conditions. The Green's functions are obtained for the beam subject to external lateral force and external torque, respectively. Coupling effects between bending and torsional vibrations of the beam can be studied conveniently through these analytical Green's functions. The direct expressions of the steady-state responses with various loadings are obtained by using the superposition principle. The present Green's functions for the Timoshenko beam can be reduced to those for Euler–Bernoulli beam by setting the values of shear rigidity and rotational inertia. In order to demonstrate the validity of the Green's functions proposed, results obtained for special cases are given for a comparison with those given in the literature and they agree with each other exactly. The influences of external loading frequency and eccentricity on Green's functions of bending-torsion coupled Timoshenko beam are investigated in terms of the numerical results for both simply supported and cantilever beams. Moreover, the symmetric property of the Green's functions and the damping effects on the amplitude of Green's functions of the beam are discussed particularly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The dynamical model of a three-axis stabilized spacecraft with lateral solar arrays is established. • Comparisons of assumed modes and global modes are presented for the multi-rigid-flexible body coupling modes. • The thermal stress of flexible structures is considered and the finite difference method is adopted. • Thermal response analysis of the spacecraft is given under the thermal alternation. The rigid-flexible-thermal coupling dynamic analysis for a spacecraft in orbit is studied in this paper. The spacecraft consists of a central rigid platform and two groups of lateral solar arrays. There exists the relative motion between the rigid platform and solar arrays, thus the spacecraft is a multi-rigid-flexible bodies coupling system. As the spacecraft in orbit experience different light areas, alternations of the heat flux on solar arrays can result in changes of dynamic characteristics. Considering thermal stress effects of solar arrays, the dynamical model of the spacecraft is established by using Hamiltonian principle. Further, multi-rigid-flexible coupling modes of the system are obtained. The finite difference method is developed to obtained the responses of the spacecraft and the variation of temperature gradients under the different solar radiation. Results of natural characteristics illustrate that constrained modes can be used to discrete the system directly and efficiently. Modal shapes and parameters analysis reveal the rigid-flexible coupling effects of such spacecraft. The thermal-structural analysis demonstrates the thermal alternation may induce the vibration and even change the original vibration of the spacecraft. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analytical solutions of steady-state dynamic responses of axially functionally graded and non-uniformed beams subjected to harmonic loadings with damping effect are presented by using the Green's function element method (GFEM). Dividing the beam into axially homogeneous and uniformed elements, and the Green's function of each element is obtained by employing the Laplace transform technology with boundary relationships, matching conditions and boundary conditions. Then, the Green's function of the beam is given in terms of the piecewise functions. Based on the superposition principle, the expression of the steady-state responses of the beam with various loadings can be directly obtained. In addition, an implicit equation is defined to determine the natural frequencies of the beam. Various beams with different boundary conditions are given as examples to illustrate the use of the approach developed. Comparisons between the results in the published literature and those obtained by GFEM show a good agreement. The influence of the elements' number on the solutions are analyzed, and the results show that GFEM is an efficient approach for studying the dynamic behavior of the beams. The damping effect and symmetric property of the solutions are discussed. Moreover, the displacements time histories of the beams are displayed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• SoHSC70 cDNA was isolated from spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.), and its protein was located in the nucleus and cytoplasm. • Overexpressing SoHSC70 in spinach calli and Arabidopsis enhanced their thermotolerance. • SoHSC70 overexpression altered MDA content, ROS accumulation, and activities of antioxidant enzymes after heat treatment. • Overexpressing SoHSC70 improves heat tolerance by reducing ROS accumulation, improving activities of antioxidant enzymes. High temperature is a major environmental factor affecting plant growth. Heat shock proteins (Hsps) are molecular chaperones that play important roles in improving plant thermotolerance during heat stress. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is very sensitive to high temperature; however, the specific function of Hsps in spinach is unclear. In this study, cytosolic heat shock 70 protein (SoHSC70), which was induced by heat stress, was cloned from spinach. Overexpressing SoHSC70 in spinach calli and Arabidopsis enhanced their thermotolerance. In contrast, spinach seedlings with silenced SoHSC70 by virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) showed more sensitivity to heat stress. Further analysis revealed that overexpressing SoHSC70 altered relative electrical conductivity (REC), malondialdehyde (MDA) content, photosynthetic rate, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and the activities of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and catalase (CAT) after the heat treatment. Taken together, our results suggest that overexpressing SoHSC70 positively affects heat tolerance by reducing membrane damage and ROS accumulation and improving activities of antioxidant enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • PvNAC1 cDNA was isolated from switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) and its protein was located in the nucleus with the C-terminal region containing a transcriptional activation domain. • Overexpression of PvNAC1 increased biomass yield and cellulose content whereas suppressing expression of PvNAC1 by RNAi reduced the biomass dry weight. • Overexpression of PvNAC1 showed more tolerance to salt stress by reducing Na + content in shoot and root, and enhancing ROS scavenging enzyme activities, while RNAi plants were more sensitive to salt stress. • These results show that PvNAC1 functions as a transcriptional activator in response to salt stress and growth. Abstract Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a bioenergy crop; thus, it is important to improve biomass to effectively produce bioethanol, particularly under adverse stress conditions. NAC transcription factors are involved in the abiotic stress response. PvNAC1 was isolated in the nucleus of switchgrass, with its C-terminal region containing a transcriptional activation domain. PvNAC1 expression was induced by dehydration, salt, H 2 O 2 , and abscisic acid treatments. Overexpressing (OE) PvNAC1 improved growth performance, leading to significantly taller and heavier (dry weight) plants. Moreover, cellulose content was significantly higher in OE plants, indicating that PvNAC1 plays an important role regulating growth and bioethanol production. PvNAC1 RNA interference (RNAi) switchgrass plants exhibited reduced dry weight and cellulose content. OE PvNAC1 enhanced tolerance to salt stress, through higher reactive oxygen species scavenging ability and less Na+ and more K+ accumulation in roots and shoots. RNAi plants were more sensitive to salt stress. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction results revealed that some stress responsive genes, three antioxidant enzymatic genes, and an ion homeostasis-related gene were upregulated in OE plants and downregulated in RNAi plants. These results show that PvNAC1 functions as a transcriptional activator in response to salt stress and growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The dynamical model of the spacecraft with two groups of lateral solar arrays is established. • Global modes of the model are obtained and used to discrete the PDEs of the system. • Comparisons of the natural characteristics are performed with finite element model. • Dynamic responses of attitude motion and flexible vibration are performed by simulation examples. Abstract The dynamics and attitude motion of the three-axis stabilized spacecraft installed with lateral solar arrays is investigated in terms of the rigid-flexible coupled global modes of the system. The spacecraft consists of a rigid platform with small moment of inertia and two groups of flexible solar arrays with relatively large moment of inertia installed on the rigid rotation shafts. The rigid-flexible coupled dynamic model of the spacecraft is established by using the Hamiltonian Principle. The global mode method is employed to work out the natural frequency and global modal shapes of the rigid-flexible coupled dynamic model combined with corresponding boundary conditions. To validate the effectiveness of the analytical results obtained by global mode method, the natural frequencies and mode shapes obtained from finite element model using MSC.Patran software are used as a reference. A numerical example is given to show that the results obtained from both methods are matched very well (the relative errors of the corresponding frequencies are small enough) and the rigid motion of the platform is coupled with the vibration mode of the flexible solar arrays. This implies that the global analytical modes can be used to accurately describe the rigid-flexible coupled motion of the spacecraft. By comparing with the finite element model, the reduced dynamical model derived in terms of the global modes of the system has a lower dimension. Numerical simulations for the system with variations of parameters and dynamic responses analysis for different applied forces are performed to illustrate that, the characteristics of the model are affected by inner and external factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]