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The method used and results found by the team "ASTL-NUAA" from NUAA for the problem of GTOC 11 are presented in the paper. The problem is mainly decomposed into three parts: multiple targets flyby sequence optimization for the Mother Ships, station-building database construction problem of asteroid transfer arcs, and station-building mission planning. Therefore, a three-step optimization framework is proposed to solve the problem. After analyzing the data of all the asteroids and selecting according to the orbital elements and mass of the asteroids, an asteroid candidate set RS1 is chosen as candidate targets for the Mother Ships. A two-level optimization algorithm based on a genetic principle is applied to solve the two-impulse asteroid flyby problem and rapidly determine the asteroid sequence of each Mother Ship. Subsequently, a method of filtering input data for the time-optimal rendezvous problem by the optimal flight time and the corresponding optimal relative phase is proposed to construct a station-building database with less computation burden. The optimal relative phase is obtained by solving free final-phase continuous low-thrust time-optimal problem. The station-building database is composed of the results of continuous low-thrust time-optimal rendezvous problems. At last, a branch-and-bound algorithm based on the greedy strategy is adopted to rapidly get the result by maximizing the minimal mass among the stations. The final score of our solution is 4315.6663, which is obtained after the competition. • The method used and results found by NUAA for the GTOC 11 is presented. • The flyby sequence of asteroids is obtained by the two-level optimization algorithm. • For less computation burden, a filter strategy is proposed to filter the input of time-optimal problem. • To assign asteroids, the branch-and-bound algorithm is applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] We study a minimal extension of the standard model by introducing three right-handed neutrinos and a new scotogenic scalar doublet, in which the mass splittings between neutral and charged components are responsible for the W -boson mass newly measured by the CDF Collaboration. This model can not only generate non-vanishing Majorana neutrino masses via the interaction of right-handed neutrinos and scotogenic scalars, but also explain the Universe's missing matter in the form of FIMP dark matter. We also study the influence of the mass splitting on the first order electroweak phase transition, and find that it can further enhance the transition strength and thus induce gravitational waves during the phase transition, which may be detected in the forthcoming detectors such as U-DECIGO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of renewable, hydrophobic, and biodegradable intelligent packaging materials as an alternative to petroleum-based plastic products has become a new research focus in recent years, but remains a challenge. Herein, regenerated cellulose/curcumin composite films were fabricated by dispersing hydrophobic curcumin uniformly in a hydrophilic cellulose matrix using an aqueous alkali/urea solvent based on the pH-driven principle of curcumin. In addition, a unilateral hydrophobic modification was carried out using chemical vapor deposition of methyltrichlorosilane to obtain Janus structure. The composite films exhibited high transparency in the visible light spectrum, excellent antioxidation, thermal stability, mechanical strength, gas barrier properties, and antibacterial activity. Furthermore, the films demonstrated the capability to lower the overall levels of volatile basic nitrogen in stored fish. The color of the films shifted from a pale yellow to a reddish-brown over time during storage. The composite films can be completely degraded after approximately 98 days in soil with an average environmental temperature of 29 °C. This work provided a facile strategy to prepare biodegradable cellulose/curcumin films with Janus structure as packaging materials which could preserve the freshness of food products while offering visual monitor of their freshness in real-time. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Excessive osteoclast activation is a leading cause of osteoporosis. Therefore, identifying molecular targets and relevant pharmaceuticals that inhibit osteoclastogenesis is of substantial clinical importance. Prior research has indicated that transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) impedes the process of osteoclastogenesis by engaging the nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway, thereby suggesting TAZ activation as a potential therapeutic approach to treat osteoporosis. (R)-PFI-2 is a novel selective inhibitor of SETD7 methyltransferase activity, which prevents the nuclear translocation of YAP, a homolog of TAZ. Therefore, we hypothesized that (R)-PFI-2 could be an effective therapeutic agent in the treatment of osteoporosis. To test this hypothesis and explore the underlying mechanism, we first examined the impact of (R)-PFI-2 on osteoclastogenesis in bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) in vitro. (R)-PFI-2 treatment inhibited TAZ phosphorylation induced by NF-κB, thereby enhancing its nuclear localization, protein expression, and activation in BMMs. Moreover, (R)-PFI-2-induced TAZ activation inhibited osteoclast formation in a dose-dependent manner, which involved inhibition of osteoclastogenesis through the TAZ and downstream NF-κB pathways. Furthermore, (R)-PFI-2 inhibited osteoclastogenesis and prevented ovariectomy-induced bone loss in vivo in a mouse model. Overall, our findings suggest that TAZ activation by (R)-PFI-2 inhibits osteoclastogenesis and prevents osteoporosis, indicating an effective strategy for treating osteoclast-induced osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autophagy‒lysosome abnormalities are associated with the malignant progression of cancer. Transcription factor EB (TFEB) is the master transcriptional regulator of the autophagy‒lysosome machinery, and its abnormal activity is associated with autophagy–lysosome dysfunction. Polyphyllin II (PPII), an active steroidal saponin isolated from the rhizomes of Paris polyphylla, has been demonstrated to have antitumor activity. Here, we explored the antitumor activity of PPII in breast cancer (BC) and further clarified its mechanism. Autophagosome was detected by transmission electron microscopy, an autophagy indicator system, and western blot. The effect of PPII on lysosomal activity was evaluated by flow cytometry, a lysosomal cathepsin activity assay, and acridine orange staining. The effect of PPII on the signaling pathway was evaluated by Western blot, gene expression measurement, gene alterations. The binding of PPII and MOB1 was examined through a drug affinity responsive target stability assay. The pharmacokinetic parameters of PPII were evaluated in Sprague-Dawley rats. PPII exhibits therapeutic potential in BC by inducing the accumulation of autophagosome. PPII promotes the cytoplasmic retention of YAP/TFEB, which is responsible for the accumulation of autophagosome in BC. PPII activates Hippo signaling to promote cytoplasmic retention of YAP. PPII activates Hippo signaling by accelerating acetylation of MOB1 through a direct binding interaction. Taken together, these results confirm that acetylation of MOB1 mediates PPII-induced autophagosome accumulation in BC by promoting cytoplasmic retention of the YAP/TFEB coactivator complex. PPII is expected to be a drug candidate for the treatment of BC based on lysosomal biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the characteristics of lift-off velocity with analytically derived vector expression. Compared with a single asteroid system, there is an external perturbed body that has influence on the dynamic environment of the target body surface for a binary asteroid system. Binary asteroid systems modeled by ellipsoid-sphere model are classified as two cases: synchronous system and non-synchronous system. The effects of different factors on the lift-off velocity related with the dynamic characteristics of the systems are analyzed. In the synchronous system, the lift-off velocity curves are similar with those in the single asteroid system. The maximum relative difference in lift-off velocity caused by perturbed bodies of different masses is less than 8%, according to maximum and minimum lift-off velocity distributions. The density/spin parameter and ellipticity parameter have other different influences on lift-off velocity. As for a non-synchronous system, the distributions of the maximum and minimum lift-off velocity with different poses are studied and their trends for one period are summarized. The minimum lift-off velocity is found to be close to zero in the low latitude at some certain time points that are affected by the spin ratio. • The lift-off velocities for both synchronous system and non-synchronous system are derived. • The lift-off velocities on the surface of Didymos are calculated and analyzed. • The effects of different parameters on the lift-off velocity are analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

E26 transformation specificity-1 (ETS1) is a transcription factor that is overexpressed in breast cancer (BC) and promotes tumor progression. Sculponeatin A (stA), a new diterpenoid extracted from Isodon sculponeatus , has no reported antitumor mechanism. Here, we explored the antitumor activity of stA in BC and further clarified its mechanism. Ferroptosis was detected by flow cytometric, glutathione, malondialdehyde, and iron determination assays. The effect of stA on the upstream signaling pathway of ferroptosis was detected by Western blot, gene expression, gene alterations and other approaches. The binding of stA and ETS1 was examined through a microscale thermophoresis assay and a drug affinity responsive target stability assay. An in vivo mouse model experiment was performed to evaluate the therapeutic and potential mechanism of stA. stA exhibits therapeutic potential in BC by inducing SLC7A11/xCT-dependent ferroptosis. stA decreases the expression of ETS1, which is responsible for xCT-dependent ferroptosis in BC. stA inhibits the transcriptional expression of xCT by directly binding to the ETS domain of the ETS1 protein. In addition, stA promotes proteasomal degradation of ETS1 by triggering ubiquitin ligase synoviolin 1 (SYVN1)-mediated ubiquitination. The K318 site of ETS1 mediates ubiquitination of ETS1 by SYVN1. In a mouse model, stA inhibits tumor growth without causing obvious toxicity. Taken together, the results confirm that stA promotes the ETS1-SYVN1 interaction to induce ferroptosis in BC mediated by ETS1 degradation. stA is expected to be used in research of candidate drugs for BC and drug design based on ETS1 degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we determine the biderivations of the block Lie algebras B ( q ) for all q ∈ C . More precisely, we prove that the space of biderivations of B ( q ) is spanned by inner biderivations and one outer biderivation. Applying this result we also find all commuting maps on B ( q ) . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nano LiFePO4/C particles with high capacity and high rate were fabricated by one-step solid-state reaction using nano Fe2O3, LiH2PO4 and sucrose as raw materials. The effect of synthesis temperature on the morphology and the electrochemical performance was investigated. LiFePO4/C materials were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TG), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and the elemental analyzer. The results show that nano Fe2O3 can reduce and make uniform the LiFePO4 grain size (<100nm) effectively as well as accelerate the solid-state reaction kinetics which is a convenient way for industrialization. The precursor sintered at 740°C for 5h exhibits the highest electrochemical capacity (166.9mAh/g at 0.1C) and the best rate performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In order to study electron transfer trends between metal complexes binding to DNA, a series of complexes [M(phen)3]n+ [M=Os(II), Ru(II), Co(III) and Zn(II); phen=1,10−phenanthroline, n=2 or 3] were computed using the DFT-B3LYP method and LanL2DZ basis set. Furthermore their spectroscopic, thermodynamic and photochemical characteristics have been determined experimentally. An interesting theoretical trend is found that the frontier molecular orbital energies of [Co(phen)3]3+ are all rather low, in particular, its LUMO energy is even lower than the HOMO energy of [Ru(phen)3]2+, in contrast, complexes [Os(phen)3]2+ and [Zn(phen)]32+ do not have such electronic structure characteristics. The energy difference (Δ&epsiv;) between HOMO of [Ru(phen)3]2+ and LUMO of [Co(phen)3]3+ may be regarded as a driving force for electron transfer between the both metal complexes binding to DNA. In order to confirm the notion about a driving force, the luminescence quenching experiments among these complexes in DNA medium have been designed and performed. The results show that in DNA medium, the luminescence emitted by Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes can be quenched by [Co(phen)3]3+ but not by [Os(phen)3]2+ or [Zn(phen)3]2+, respectively, and thus the notion about a driving force for electron transfer between metal complexes in DNA medium can be confirmed. In addition, the trend in the binding constant (Kb) of [M(phen)3]2+ obtained from the experiments follows the order of Kb [Zn(phen)32+]<Kb [Ru(phen)32+]<Kb [Os(phen)32+] and it is just consistent with that from the theoretical prediction. Finally, the theoretical computations also suggest that the max (λ) electronic absorption band of [Co(phen)3]3+ should be assigned to 1LMCT band and that of [Zn(phen)3]2+ should be assigned to 1LLCT band, in contrast to 1MLCT bands of [Os(phen)3]2+ and [Ru(phen)3]2+. The theoretical results can be used to well explain some related experimental phenomena and regularities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Porous materials are widely used for noise control treatments. Sound-absorb cotton is commonly used in the transportation industry such as automobiles and airplanes because of its excellent sound absorption performance. In this paper, two typical acoustical models were used to evaluate the sound absorption coefficient of sound-absorb cotton. By comparing the measurement results with those of acoustical models, suitable model for sound-absorb cotton can be found. Physical parameters are measured and calculated by experimentally and inverse methods. Porosity and density are directly measured, while airflow resistivity is measured by changing boundary conditions between sample and container. Tortuosity and characteristic length are identified by using material acoustic parameters identification software, when samples considered as limp and rigid skeleton-type respectively. When all parameters of the samples are obtained, then the sound absorption coefficient of the sample can be simulated by material acoustic simulation software. This paper, also investigated the effect on sound absorption coefficient by airflow resistivity due to different boundary conditions. The conclusion of the theoretical model applicable to sound-absorb cotton can be drawn from the results obtained, also proved the best method of airflow resistivity measure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerobic glycolysis has been recognized as a hallmark of human cancer. G protein pathway suppressor 2 (GPS2) is a negative regulator of the G protein-MAPK pathway and a core subunit of the NCoR/SMRT transcriptional co-repressor complex. However, how its biological properties intersect with cellular metabolism in breast cancer (BC) development remains poorly elucidated. Here, we report that GPS2 is low expressed in BC tissues and negatively correlated with poor prognosis. Both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that GPS2 suppresses malignant progression of BC. Moreover, GPS2 suppresses aerobic glycolysis in BC cells. Mechanistically, GPS2 destabilizes HIF-1α to reduce the transcription of its downstream glycolytic regulators (PGK1 , PGAM1 , ENO1 , PKM2 , LDHA , PDK1 , PDK2 , and PDK4), and then suppresses cellular aerobic glycolysis. Notably, receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1) is identified as a key ubiquitin ligase for GPS2 to promote HIF-1α degradation. GPS2 stabilizes the binding of HIF-1α to RACK1 by directly binding to RACK1, resulting in polyubiquitination and instability of HIF-1α. Amino acid residues 70–92 aa of the GPS2 N-terminus bind RACK1. A 23-amino-acid-long GPS2-derived peptide was developed based on this N-terminal region, which promotes the interaction of RACK1 with HIF-1α, downregulates HIF-1α expression and significantly suppresses BC tumorigenesis in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, our findings indicate that GPS2 decreases the stability of HIF-1α, which in turn suppresses aerobic glycolysis and tumorigenesis in BC, suggesting that targeting HIF-1α degradation and treating with peptides may be a promising approach to treat BC. [Display omitted] • GPS2 suppresses glycolytic metabolism in breast cancer. • GPS2 suppresses glycolytic metabolism by downregulating the protein expression of HIF-1α. • GPS2 reduces HIF-1α protein stability through RACK1-mediated ubiquitination. • GPS2-derived peptide suppresses breast cancer by promoting HIF-1α degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to harness the full capability of ultraviolet and visible light in the dielectric barrier discharge induced non-thermal plasma (DBD-NTP) process, g-C 3 N 4 /TiO 2 catalysts were prepared and utilized in this process. Synergistic degradation of acid orange 7 (AO7) dye by DBD-NTP and g-C 3 N 4 /TiO 2 was conducted, and the performance, degradation pathways and synergistic catalytic mechanism were investigated. The results showed that the degradation rate of AO7 in the DBD-NTP and g–C 3 N 4 –15/TiO 2 process increased by 39.1% compared with that in the single DBD-NTP process at 12 min discharge time. At 20 W input power, initial concentration of AO7 was 5 mg/L, catalytic dosage was 0.5 g/L, initial pH value was 10.0 and air flow rate was 52 L/h, the degradation rate of AO7 reached 100.0% after 12 min discharge time. Higher discharge power and initial concentration of AO7 inhibited AO7 degradation, whereas increasing the air flow rate and initial pH value of the solution promoted AO7 degradation. The degradation pathways of AO7 consisted of azo structure destruction, ring opening reaction, hydroxylation, carboxylation and mineralization reaction. The results of radical trapping experiment showed that O 2 −, h+, OH, O 3 and H 2 O 2 were the main reactive species for AO7 degradation in the DBD-NTP and g–C 3 N 4 –15/TiO 2 process. The Z-scheme photocatalytic mechanism for the g-C 3 N 4 /TiO 2 catalyst was proposed. • Non-thermal plasma and g-C 3 N 4 /TiO 2 were used to ignite aqueous AO7 degradation. • g-C 3 N 4 /TiO 2 catalysts were excited by DBD induced non-thermal plasma. • Z-scheme photocatalytic mechanism for the g-C 3 N 4 /TiO 2 composite was proved. • Degradation intermediates and pathways of AO7 dye were detected and proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acoustic parameter measurement of porous materials is critical to the simulation of sound absorption. In all parameters of the material the airflow resistivity measurement is greatly affected by the environment and boundary conditions, so the result is unstable. The influence of different boundary conditions on the measurement of polyurethane's airflow resistivity is studied in this paper. Airflow resistivity is measured under different boundary conditions. To verify the test results, the porosity also was measured and the tortuosity and characteristic lengths were calculated in the software by using appropriate acoustic model. The sound absorption coefficient is obtained by AMDesigner (AMDesigner, which is a commercial software about porous materials simulation developed by Jinxiang Pang) after inputting all above material parameters. Comparing the absorption coefficient measured by experiment with that obtained by simulation. It shows that after using petroleum jelly sound absorption simulated by AMDesigner is agreement well with the measurement value in the whole frequency band. When add two rings sound absorption by simulation and test match well under low-frequency region. While directly measuring the airflow resistivity after cutting, the results from test and simulation just get poorly agreement. The conclusion from the paper could provide more experiences for airflow resistivity measurement of porous foam material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transcription factor, signal transducer, and stimulator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a potential target in osteoarthritis (OA) treatment. Although xanthatin (XA), a biologically active substance derived from Xanthium strumarium L, specifically inhibits STAT3 phosphorylation at Tyr705, the mechanism underlying its inhibitory effect on OA progression remains unclear. In this study, our objective was to explore the therapeutic effects exerted by XA on OA and the underlying molecular mechanisms. The effects of XA treatment on mouse OA models subjected to destabilization of the medial meniscus using medial collateral ligament transection, as well as on interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-induced mouse chondrocytes, were examined. Histological changes in cartilage and subchondral bone (SCB), as well as changes in the expression levels of osteophytes, cartilage degeneration- and osteoclast differentiation-related factors, and the role of XA-related signaling pathways in human cartilage tissue, were studied using different techniques. XA inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation at Tyr705 and further attenuated the activity of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in chondrocytes and osteoclasts. In vitro , XA administration alleviated pro-inflammatory cytokine release, extracellular matrix catabolism, and RANKL-mediated osteoclast differentiation. In vivo , intraperitoneal injection of XA exerted a protective effect on cartilage degeneration and SCB loss. Similarly, XA exerted a protective effect on human cartilage tissue by inhibiting the STAT3/NF-κB signaling pathway. Overall, our study elucidated the therapeutic potential of XA as a small-molecule inhibitor of STAT3-driven OA progression. This discovery may help enhance innovative clinical interventions against OA. [Display omitted] • XA was identified as a specific STAT3 (Tyr705) inhibitor for OA treatment. • XA protects AC and SCB via STAT3/NFκB signaling. • XA selectively targets Tyr705 activation in STAT3. • XA prevents early SCB osteoporosis and cartilage decomposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compares dosimetric parameters in these following 3 neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) methods in treating locally advanced esophagus cancer: helical tomotherapy (TOMO), volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). It is aimed to ascertain the efficient technique that kept high target coverage and availed the dose sparing of bone marrow (BM). This research collected data on 11 patients from October 2014 to June 2017 who received NCRT for pathologically confirmed esophageal cancer. The prescription doses to the planning target volume (PTV) were all given as 60 Gy (2 Gy per fraction, 5 days a week). Three physicists via Varian Eclipse Treatment Planning System and Accuray planning stations redesigned 5 radiotherapy plans (fixed 5-field IMRT, fixed 7-field IMRT, 2-arc VMAT, 3-arc VMAT, and TOMO) for each of the patients. At the end of the planning, we then appraised the dosimetric quality based on the PTV parameters and the doses to organs at risk (OARs). In the study VMAT reached the highest conformity index (CI; 2 arcs VMAT: 0.74 ± 0.10; 3 arcs VMAT: 0.78 ± 0.07; p < 0.05), and IMRT the lowest homogeneity index (HI; fivefields IMRT: 0.12 ± 0.03; sevenfields IMRT: 0.10 ± 0.02; p < 0.05). Besides, 7 fields IMRT (0.10 ± 0.02) achieved superior HI to that of 5 fields IMRT (0.12 ± 0.03, p < 0.01). TOMO (p < 0.05) and VMAT (p < 0.05) were both significantly superior to IMRT in terms of the dose to lung (V 5 , V 10 , V 15 , V 20 , and V 30). These 5 radiation techniques were similar regarding the dose to heart (V 5 , V 20 , and V 30), but IMRT (5 fields IMRT: 19.27 ± 5.33; 7 fields IMRT: 20.05 ± 4.19) significantly raised the dose to the V 50 of the heart when compared to VMAT (2 arcs VMAT: 16.6 ± 5.68; 3 arcs VMAT: 15.04 ± 5.75; p < 0.05) and TOMO (15.05 ± 4.7, p < 0.05). VMAT reduced the dose to BM (V 5 , V 10 , V 20 , and V 30) as compared to TOMO (p < 0.05) and IMRT (p < 0.05). The CI of VMAT was the supreme one in those of the techniques in this study, so was the HI of IMRT. VMAT also provided another advantage that it reduced the dose to the BM. TOMO ameliorated the dose sparing of the lung, but the dose that the BM absorbed from TOMO was of some concern about BM toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uncovering the highly complex driving mechanisms behind ecosystem services (ESs) supply-demand matching relationships is of great significance for achieving sustainable eco-environment and land planning. Unfortunately, the effects within this process are still inadequate and spatially explicit knowledge of the surplus-deficit status for multiple ESs remain under-researched. The study area is the Bairin Left Banner, located in North East of China. In detail, a comprehensive framework was proposed to fill this research gap by coupling the assessment of ESs supply-demand, spatial correlations and driving analysis. The results showed that: (1) the surplus for all ESs was dominant in northern mountains covered with forests whereas deficit was observed in southern urban areas. Specifically, the spatially mismatched supply-demand pattern for habitat quality and carbon storage was predominant while that relation for soil conservation and water yield was spatially aligned in general. (2) the relationships between ESs supply and demand were affected by different socio-ecological factors with positive effects from natural drivers while negative influences from social factors on the whole. The supply-demand matching degrees for habitat quality and water yield were more susceptible to slope and population density. Precipitation and vegetation were proved to be dominant factors for controlling surplus of soil conservation while the supply-demand pattern for carbon storage was mainly affected by vegetation and population. (3) The results of multi-scale geographically weighted regression showed its superiority with more accurate estimations compared to traditional methods. Drastic human activities would adversely affect ESs supply-demand matching while abundant precipitation coupled with more vegetation could create favorable conditions for forming surplus ESs status. Based on these new findings, some land planning and eco-environment management measures were suggested to achieve the supply-demand coordination of various ESs in arid regions. The proposed framework could deliver deeper insights into the field of ESs supply-demand analysis and the targeted proposals were also valuable for policymaking worldwide. [Display omitted] • The mechanism of ESs supply-demand matching is illustrated with accurate results. • Different supply-demand relations of ESs are affected by diverse drivers. • The ESs supply-demand balance is dominated by human beings. • More water coupled with higher vegetation could contribute to ESs surplus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper is intended to introduce a method and results of the NUAA team for problem A of the 9th China Trajectory Optimization Competition (CTOC-9). The cluster analysis, leader-follower system and repeat-groundtrack orbit are employed to obtain the solution with excellent performance index. The optimized process is performed in two parts. The first part is to search the monitoring sequence of GEO satellite beams. These beams have been grouped based on their monitoring features before searching, which is the critical factor that makes us in a dominant position. The simplified gains calculation model, which is built based on the leader-follower cluster system, is used to estimate monitoring gains. The second part is the configuration optimization of the monitoring cluster, which is transformed into the trajectory design of the followers because the leader's trajectory has been fixed. Based on the proposed formation configuration strategy, the trajectories of followers are solved by the genetic algorithm. The final result shows that it takes only 20.428 days to complete the mission, which ranks the first place in this competition. Highlights • The beams are grouped for the design of the efficient monitoring strategies. • A simplified model is proposed to estimate the gains in sequence optimization. • A new model is developed to reduce the difficulty of configuration optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a two-step synthesis route combining an electrospinning method and a hydrothermal process was used to prepare MoS 2 /CNFs hybrid. CNFs was applied as the matrix for the nucleation and growth of MoS 2 nanosheets. In this hybrid, the crisscrossed MoS 2 nanosheets were randomly aligned and densely packed over the surface of CNFs. We probed the photocatalytic activity of MoS 2 /CNFs hybrid to degrade rhodamine B (Rh B) in an aqueous solution under visible light irradiation. The hybrid displayed higher photodegradation performance relative to MoS 2 and mechanical mixture of MoS 2 with CNFs, with 67% Rh B completely degraded over 5 h-period. We attributed such enhancement in photocatalytic activity to the enhanced absorption property and electrical conductivity due to the synergy between MoS 2 and CNFs. The hybrid can furthermore be easily separated from the solution and reused for the subsequent photodegradation cycles. We verified the negligible loss in the photodegradation activity of MoS 2 /CNFs hybrid towards Rh B during the three subsequent cycles. The high photocatalytic activity and recyclability of the hybrid render its practical application to degrade organic pollutants (i.e., dye compounds) in industrial wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using platelet-derived growth factor B chain dimer (PDGF-BB) as the model target, a background current eliminated electrochemical aptameric sensing platform for highly sensitive and signal-on detection of protein is proposed in this paper. Successful fabrication of the biosensor depends on ingenious design of aptamer probe, which contains the aptamer sequence for PDGF-BB and the recognition sequence for Eco RI endonuclease. In the absence of PDGF-BB, the ferrocene labeled aptamer probe folds into a hairpin structure and forms a recognition site for Eco RI. By treatment with endonuclease, the specific and cleavable double-stranded region is cut off and redox-active ferrocene molecule is removed from the electrode surface, and almost no peak current is observed. When binding with target protein, the designed aptamer probe changes its conformation and dissociates the recognition double strand. The integrated aptamer probe is maintained when exposing to Eco RI endonuclease, resulting in obvious peak current. Therefore, a signal-on and sensitive sensing strategy for PDGF-BB detection is fabricated with eliminated background current. Under the optimized experimental conditions, a wide linear response range of 4 orders of magnitude from 20 pg mL −1 to 200 ng mL −1 is achieved with a detection limit of 10 pg mL −1 . Moreover, the present aptameric platform is universal for the analysis of a broad range of target molecules of interest by changing and designing the sequence of aptamer probe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance and aim of the study: Wen Luo Yin (WLY) is a traditional Chinese formula, which has the traditional use of scattering cold pathogen, draining dampness, freeing the flow of network vessels and relieving pains. It is extensively used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients for more than 2000 years, but its actions on angiogenesis of RA have not been clarified. The present study aims to determine the anti-angiogenic activity of WLY on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model and in human fibroblast-like synoviocytes of RA (HFLS-RA) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Materials and methods: For in vivo experiment, arthritis was induced by immunization with bovine II collagen in DA rats. Treatment with WLY (3.45, 6.9, 13.8g/kg, p.o., daily), or vehicle began from day 1 to day 28 of first immunization. The arthritis score, arthritis incidence, microfocal computed tomography analysis and histopathology evaluation of inflamed joints were assessed. Angiogenesis was measured by synovial vessel density with immunohistochemistry and histomorphometric analysis in synovial membrane tissues of joints. For in vitro experiments, HFLS-RA and HUVEC were used. Assays to determine HFLS-RA migration and adhesion were performed in the presence of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)165 or interleukin (IL)-1β and/or the WLY (8, 16, 32mg/ml). Angiogenesis was assessed by measuring the migration, adhesion, and tube formation of HUVEC. Further the effect of treatment with WLY on expression levels of angiogenic activators in sera of CIA rats and in IL-1β-induced HFLS-RA were evaluated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Results: WLY significantly decreased the arthritis score and arthritis incidence, and inhibited inflammation, pannus formation, cartilage and bone destruction of inflamed joints in CIA rats. More interestingly, doses of 3.45–13.8g/kg WLY could markedly reduce the capillaries, small, medium and large vessel density in synovial membrane tissues of inflamed joints. Moreover, WLY suppressed the VEGF-induced chemotactic migration of HFLS-RA and HUVEC, and inhibited matrigel-induced cell adhesion of them. It also disrupted tube formation of HUVEC on matrigel. Furthermore, WLY significantly reduced the expression of angiogenic activators including tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1β, IL-17, VEGF, VEGFR, angiopoietin (Ang)-1, Ang-2 and Ang-2 receptor in sera of CIA rats and/or in IL-1β-induced HFLS-RA/HUVEC. Conclusions: Our data suggest for the first time that WLY posses the anti-angiogenic effect in RA both in vivo and in vitro by downregulating angiogenic activators. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: This study aimed at examining the efficacy of bone marrow mononuclear cell (BMMNC) delivery through graft vessel for patients with a previous myocardial infarction (MI) and chronic heart failure during coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Background: Little evidence exists supporting the practice of BMMNC delivery through graft vessel for patients with a previous MI and chronic heart failure during CABG. Methods: From November 2006 to June 2009, a randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to test the efficacy and safety of CABG for multivessel coronary artery disease combined with autologous BMMNCs in patients with congestive heart failure due to severe ischemic cardiomyopathy. Sixty-five patients were recruited, and 60 patients remained in the final trial and were randomized to a CABG + BMMNC group (n = 31) and a placebo-control group (i.e., CABG-only group, n = 29). All patients discharged received a 6-month follow-up. Changes in left ventricular ejection fraction from baseline to 6-month follow-up, as examined by magnetic resonance imaging, were of primary interest. Results: The overall baseline age was 59.5 ± 9.2 years, and 6.7% were women. After a 6-month follow-up, compared with the placebo-control group, the CABG + BMMNC group had significant changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (p = 0.029), left ventricular end-systolic volume index (p = 0.017), and wall motion index score (p = 0.011). Also, the changes in the distance on the 6-min walking test as well as B-type natriuretic peptide were significantly greater in the CABG + BMMNC group than in the control group. Conclusions: In summary, patients with a previous MI and chronic heart failure could potentially benefit from isolated CABG (i.e., those who received CABG only) combined with BMMNCs delivered through a graft vessel. (Stem Cell Therapy to Improve Myocardial Function in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting [CABG]; NCT00395811) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, we introduce a vector-valued Tikhonov-type regularization algorithm for an extended-valued multiobjective optimization problem. Under some mild conditions, we prove that any sequence generated by this algorithm converges to a weak Pareto optimal solution of the multiobjective optimization problem. Our results improve and generalize some known results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The new ligand 2′-(3″,4″-methylene-dioxyphenyl)imidazo[4′,5′-f] [1,10]phenanthroline (mip) and its Ru(II) complexes [Ru(2,9-dmp)2(mip)]2+ (1) (2,9-dmp=2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthrolline) and [Ru(4,7-dmp)2(mip)]2+ (2) (4,7-dmp=4,7-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthrolline) were synthesized and characterized. The binding properties of the two complexes to calf-thymus DNA (CT-DNA) were investigated by different spectrophotometric methods and viscosity measurements. Both 1 and 2 bind to CT-DNA in an intercalative mode, but with different binding strengths. Complex 2 can emit luminescence in the Tris buffer at ambient temperature, however, complex 1 showed no fluorescence emission, neither alone nor in the presence of CT-DNA. The circular-dichroism signal of the dialysate of the racemic complex against CT-DNA suggests that complexes 1 and 2 interact enantioselectively with CT-DNA. Furthermore, complexes 1 and 2 have been found to be an efficient photosensitiser for cracking DNA plasmid. Theoretical calculations for 1 and 2 were also carried out applying the density functional theory (DFT) method and applied to explain some obtained experimental observations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We derive the bulk viscous damping timescale of hybrid stars, neutron stars with quark matter core. The r-mode instability windows of the stars show that the theoretical results are consistent with the rapid rotation pulsar data, which may give an indication for the existence of quark matter in the interior of neutron stars. Hybrid stars instead of neutron or strange stars may lead to submillisecond pulsars. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) Coriolis vibratory ring gyroscope, which utilizes Byran effect to detect rotation, is regarded as a two-dimensional derivative of vibrating shell gyroscope. The MEMS ring gyroscope has a symmetrical structure, higher mechanical sensitivity, better shock resistance and lower temperature sensitivity. Therefore, the ring gyroscope considered as candidates for high-performance MEMS gyroscopes. Moreover, ring resonator preparation is compatible with the recent popular MEMS process technology, which has a higher CSWaP (cost, size, weight, and power). This paper analyzes the progress of research into the MEMS ring gyroscopes. Firstly, working mechanism and different detection methods are introduced; secondly, process techniques and materials are reviewed; thirdly, structural styles of the ring resonators are reported; fourthly, characteristics of the ring resonators are analyzed; fifthly, error suppression and performance improvement strategies of the ring gyroscopes are investigated; and finally, some viewpoints and prospects of the MEMS ring gyroscopes are presented. [Display omitted] • Fused silica is the best processing material for ring resonators. • Multi-ring resonators have a significant potential for performance improvement. • Ring gyroscopes are more suitable for rate mode based on n=2 wineglass mode. • Compensation method for ring gyroscopes is applicable to axisymmetric gyroscopes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]