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• g-C 3 N 4 NSs alleviated growth inhibition and oxidative damage in soybean plants caused by Cd toxicity. • g-C 3 N 4 NSs enhanced stronger Cd-binding capacity by increasing pectin content and its demethylation of RCW. • g-C 3 N 4 NSs improved photosynthetic efficiency by increasing chlorophyll content and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. Cadmium (Cd) pollution poses a serious threat to plant growth and yield. Nanomaterials have shown great application potential for alleviation of Cd toxicity to plants. In this study, we applied graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (g-C 3 N 4 NSs) for alleviation of Cd-toxicity to soybean (Glycine max L.). The g-C 3 N 4 NSs supplementation significantly improved plant growth and reduced oxidative damage in the Cd-toxicated soybean seedlings through hydroponic culture. Particularly, the g-C 3 N 4 NSs dynamically regulated the root cell wall (RCW) components by increasing pectin content and modifying its demethylation via enhancing pectin methylesterase (PME) activity, therefore greatly enhanced stronger RCW-Cd retention (up to 82.8%) and reduced Cd migration to the shoot. Additionally, the g-C 3 N 4 NSs reversed the Cd-induced chlorosis, increased photosynthetic efficiency because of enhancement in F v /F m ration, Y(II) and sugars content. These results provide new insights into the alleviation of Cd toxicity to plants by g-C 3 N 4 NSs, and shed light on the application of low-cost and environmental-friendly carbon-based NMs for alleviating heavy metal toxicity to plants. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords EU countries; Sustainable innovation efficiency; Convergence analysis; Energy and environment constraints Highlights * This paper measures the sustainable innovation efficiency in 27 EU countries considering environmental outputs. * The EU has high efficiency values of sustainable innovation with obvious regional differences. * There are significant convergence trends in regional sustainable innovation efficiency. * Control variables have significant impacts on the convergence of sustainable innovation efficiency in EU regions. Abstract Sustainable innovation strategies have been taken very seriously by the European Union (EU), which aims to reduce energy consumption and environmental pollutants emissions. For the sake of testing the sustainable performance of EU countries empirically, this research evaluates the sustainable innovation efficiency (SIE) of EU countries through a DEA-SBM model and analyzes the convergence trends of the EU regions by convergence analysis. The results show that the EU has attached great importance to sustainable innovation efficiency, indicating that the EU makes a concerted effort in technological innovation, energy saving, and environmental protection. Significant differences exist in SIE among EU regions, even though the southern region has the highest efficiency. In addition, there are distinct convergence trends in regional sustainable innovation efficiency. Control variables have significant impacts on the convergence of SIE in the EU regions. Furthermore, policymakers are also provided with useful decision support for regional sustainable innovation, energy conservation, and emission reduction policies. Author Affiliation: (a) College of Economics and Management, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Hangzhou, 311300, China (b) Urban Development Research Center, Shanghai Urban Construction Vocational College, Shanghai, 200438, China (c) Teaching Research Department, Urban Governance and Crisis Management Research Center, China Executive Leadership Academy Pudong, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201204, China (d) School of Management, Jiangsu University of Technology, Changzhou, 213001, China * Corresponding author. Article History: Received 26 August 2022; Revised 18 October 2022; Accepted 24 October 2022 Byline: Kai Xu [njuxk1988@163.com] (a), Ran Mei [mayran@163.com] (b), Li Liang [tjlilyliang2018@163.com] (c), Wei Sun [swtj1990@126.com] (d,*)

Multiple datasets and computational approaches have been developed for genome-wide circular RNA (circRNA) profiling. The unified key principle in genome-wide circRNA profiling is to identify reads mapped to circRNA-featured back-splicing junctions (BSJs). It is essential to consider cognate linear RNA expression and effects for functional circRNA quantification and characterization. Numerous circular RNAs (circRNAs) produced from back-splicing of exon(s) have been recently revealed on a genome-wide scale across species. Although generally expressed at a low level, some relatively abundant circRNAs can play regulatory roles in various biological processes, prompting continuous profiling of circRNA in broader conditions. Over the past decade, distinct strategies have been applied in both transcriptome enrichment and bioinformatic tools for detecting and quantifying circRNAs. Understanding the scope and limitations of these strategies is crucial for the subsequent annotation and characterization of circRNAs, especially those with functional potential. Here, we provide an overview of different transcriptome enrichment, deep sequencing and computational approaches for genome-wide circRNA identification, and discuss strategies for accurate quantification and characterization of circRNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kiwifruit plants are highly susceptible to increased atmospheric temperature, and the extreme high temperature often causes the loss of production and quality of the fruit. The γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) has been widely proved to play important roles in plants in response to abiotic stresses, showing an important potential for application in agricultural industry to overcome environmental challenges. However, application of GABA in kiwifruit plants to resist external stresses has not been reported yet. This study found that pre-irrigation of kiwifruit plants with 0.5 mM GABA was effective in alleviating the heat damage on them. GABA treatment led to better antioxidant capacity and reduced ROS production in kiwifruit plants under high temperature. Moreover, exogenous GABA protected the photosynthetic system of kiwifruit plants when exposed to high temperature. Particularly, we found that endogenous ABA, Glu, Pro metabolisms were participated in the GABA-mediated heat resistance of kiwifruit plants. Furthermore, GABA treatment induced higher expression of AdHsps in kiwifruit plants, being partly responsible for their better performance under heat stress. In summary, this research first demonstrated that exogenous GABA treatment plays a positive role in kiwifruit plants to response to extreme heat stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Characteristics of PM 2.5 components, VOCs during the haze and dust period were investigated. • SOC were estimated by EC tracer method. • SOA formation were enhanced during dust episode. • Photochemical reactions were responsible for the enhanced SOA formation. To investigate the effect of frequently occurring mineral dust on the formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA), 106 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), trace gas pollutants and chemical components of PM 2.5 were measured continuously in January 2021 in Wuhan, Central China. The observation period was divided into two stages that included a haze period and a following dust period, based on the ratio of PM 2.5 and PM 10 concentrations. The average ratio of secondary organic carbon (SOC) to elemental carbon (EC) was 1.98 during the dust period, which was higher than that during the haze period (0.69). The contribution of SOA to PM 2.5 also increased from 2.75% to 8.64%. The analysis of the relationships between the SOA and relative humidity (RH) and the odd oxygen (e.g., O X = O 3 + NO 2) levels suggested that photochemical reactions played a more important role in the enhancement of SOA production during the dust period than the aqueous-phase reactions. The heterogeneous photochemical production of OH radicals in the presence of metal oxides during the dust period was believed to be enhanced. Meanwhile, the ratios of trans-2-butene to cis-2-butene and m-/p-xylene to ethylbenzene (X/E) dropped significantly, confirming that stronger photochemical reactions occurred and SOA precursors formed efficiently. These results verified the laboratory findings that metal oxides in mineral dust could catalyse the oxidation of VOCs and induce higher SOA production. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords Decabromodiphenyl ethers; Anaerobic digestion; Thermophilic digestion; Degradation pathway Highlights * Temperature accelerates deca-BDE anaerobic digestion, fitting the first-order. * The maximum deca-BDE degradation rate reached 1.1 [mu]g*day.sup.-1. * Bacillus sp. and Methanosarcina sp. accelerate the deca-BDE degradation rate. Abstract Anaerobic digestion of decabromodiphenyl ether was carried out and compared in two continuously stirred anaerobic bioreactors for 210 days under thermophilic and mesophilic conditions. Results show that the degradation of decabromodiphenyl ether followed the first-order reaction kinetics, which exhibited a higher removal rate in the thermophilic reactor when compared to the mesophilic one, reaching its maximum of 1.1 [mu]g*day.sup.-1. The anaerobic digestion of decabromodiphenyl ether was found to involve the replacement of bromines from polybrominated diphenyl ether by hydrogen atoms, gradually forming nona-, octa- and hepta-brominated diphenyl ether, respectively. Under the thermophilic condition, the reactors were dominated by Bacillus sp. and Methanosarcina sp. with high bioactivity and high concentrations of debromination microorganisms. Author Affiliation: (a) Material Cycles Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8506, Japan (b) Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8572, Japan (c) Fujian Ospring Technology Development Co., Ltd., No. 22 Jinrong North Road Cangshan District, Fuzhou, 350000, PR China (d) Sino-Dutch R&D Centre for Future Wastewater Treatment Technologies, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Future Urban Design, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing, 100044, PR China * Corresponding author. Article History: Received 29 November 2020; Revised 12 March 2021; Accepted 3 June 2021 Byline: Chen Shi (a,b,d), Yong Hu (a), Takuro Kobayashi [kobayashi.takuro@nies.go.jp] (a,*), Nan Zhang (b), Hidetoshi Kuramochi (a), Zhenya Zhang (b), Zhongfang Lei (b), Kai-Qin Xu [joexu@nies.go.jp] (a,c,**)

Copper phthalate was employed as antibacterial agent that improve its dispersibility in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fiber. The antibacterial activity of copper phthalate, copper terephthalate and nano-copper oxide were evaluated against Colon bacillus, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, copper phthalate showed the best antibacterial activity. The antibacterial masterbatch of copper phthalate was subsequently prepared by melt blending, which integrated into PET to prepare antibacterial fiber during the spinning process at 285 °C. The sample containing 0.3 % copper phthalate displayed great antibacterial performance and durability against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Gastrointestinal injury is a common complication in patients treated with antiplatelet agents after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, the effects of different antiplatelet regimens on the incidence and severity of gastrointestinal injury have not been well studied, principally due to the lack of a low-risk sensitive and accurate detection system. Trial design OPT-PEACE is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Gastrointestinal injury will be evaluated with the ANKON magnetically controlled capsule endoscopy system (AMCE), a minimally invasive approach for detecting mucosal lesions in the stomach, duodenum and small intestine. Patients without AMCE-detected gastrointestinal erosions, ulceration or bleeding after drug-eluting stent implantation are enrolled and treated with open-label aspirin (100 mg/d) plus clopidogrel (75 mg/d) for 6 months. Thereafter, 480 event-free patients will undergo repeat AMCE and are randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive aspirin plus clopidogrel, aspirin plus placebo or clopidogrel plus placebo for an additional 6 months. A final AMCE is performed at 12 months. The primary endpoint is the incidence of gastric or intestinal mucosal lesions (erosions, ulceration, or bleeding) within 12 months after enrollment. Conclusions OPT-PEACE is the first study to investigate the incidence and severity of gastrointestinal injury in patients receiving different antiplatelet therapy regimens after stent implantation. This trial will inform clinical decision-making for personalized antiplatelet therapy post-PCI.

This paper presents an innovative technique to synthesize a virtual antenna array (VAA) that consumes less energy than conventional antenna arrays that are used in mobile communications systems. We have shown that for a specific spectral efficiency a wireless system using the proposed virtual antenna array consumes significantly less energy per bit (∼3 dB) than a wireless system using a conventional multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) array. This means the adoption of the proposed VAA technology in smartphones, iPad, Tablets and even base-stations should significantly reduce the carbon footprint of wireless systems. The proposed VAA is realized by employing a pair of linear antenna arrays that are placed in an orthogonal configuration relative to each other. This orthogonal arrangement ensures the radiation is circularly polarized. The size of the standard radiating elements constituting the VAA were miniaturized using the topology optimization method. The design of the VAA incorporates substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) and metasurface technologies. The function of SIW in the design was twofold, namely, to reduce energy loss in the substrate on which the VAA is implemented, and secondly to mitigate unwanted electromagnetic interactions between the neighboring radiating elements and thereby enhancing isolation which otherwise would degrade the radiation characteristics of the array. Metasurface technology served to effectively increase the effective aperture of the array with no impact on the footprint of the array. The consequence of SIW and metasurface technologies was improvement in the gain and radiation efficiency of the array. The proposed four orthogonal 4-element VAA covers the entire sub-5 GHz frequency range, and it radiates bidirectional in the azimuth plane and omni-directional in the elevation plane. Moreover, it is relatively easy to design and fabricate. The proposed VAA has dimensions of 0.96λ 0 × 0.96λ 0 × 0.0016λ 0 at mid-band frequency of 3 GHz. VAA has a measured gain of 25 dBi and radiates with 90% efficiency. The average isolation between the linear arrays constituting the virtual array is better than 27 dB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords conservation; evolution; embryonic stem cell; ESC; FAST; long noncoding RNA; lncRNA; RNA processing; PPIE; splicing; subcellular localization; WNT Highlights * Subcellular localization of conserved lncRNAs is different in hESCs and mESCs * Cytoplasmic hFAST but not nuclear mFast promotes WNT signaling in hESC pluripotency * PPIE regulates distinct FAST processing in hESCs and mESCs * RNA processing and localization contribute to lncRNA functional evolution Summary Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) evolve more rapidly than mRNAs. Whether conserved lncRNAs undergo conserved processing, localization, and function remains unexplored. We report differing subcellular localization of lncRNAs in human and mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs). A significantly higher fraction of lncRNAs is localized in the cytoplasm of hESCs than in mESCs. This turns out to be important for hESC pluripotency. FAST is a positionally conserved lncRNA but is not conserved in its processing and localization. In hESCs, cytoplasm-localized hFAST binds to the WD40 domain of the E3 ubiquitin ligase [beta]-TrCP and blocks its interaction with phosphorylated [beta]-catenin to prevent degradation, leading to activated WNT signaling, required for pluripotency. In contrast, mFast is nuclear retained in mESCs, and its processing is suppressed by the splicing factor PPIE, which is highly expressed in mESCs but not hESCs. These findings reveal that lncRNA processing and localization are previously under-appreciated contributors to the rapid evolution of function. Author Affiliation: (1) State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China (2) CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China (3) Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Peking University, 100871 Beijing, China (4) Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, UCONN Health, Farmington, CT 06030, USA (5) School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 100 Haike Road, Shanghai 201210, China * Corresponding author Article History: Received 23 August 2019; Revised 5 January 2020; Accepted 5 March 2020 (miscellaneous) Published: April 6, 2020 (footnote)6 Present address: Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA (footnote)7 These authors contributed equally (footnote)8 Lead Contact Byline: Chun-Jie Guo (1,7), Xu-Kai Ma (2,7), Yu-Hang Xing (1,6), Chuan-Chuan Zheng (1), Yi-Feng Xu (1), Lin Shan (1), Jun Zhang (1), Shaohua Wang (3), Yangming Wang (3), Gordon G. Carmichael (4), Li Yang (2,5), Ling-Ling Chen [linglingchen@sibcb.ac.cn] (1,5,8,*)

Keywords Straw open field burning (SB); Determinants; Up-scaling analysis; Commodity grain base; Newly industrializing countries; Northeast China Highlights * Hypotheses of the reasons for straw burning were asserted. * Distribution of the intensity of straw burning in northeast China was analyzed. * Factor analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were conducted. * Relative influences of variables on the intensity of straw burning were pinpointed. * Policy implications for addressing straw burning in northeast China were proposed. Abstract Soil depletion caused by SB and its negative repercussions on food safety and the sustainable development of agriculture are essential concerns in newly industrializing countries. Understanding and curtailing SB in specific regions is related to the analysis of its structural characteristics and justice transition. Due to the banning policy in China, the large-scale interview of farmers' motivations and behavior regarding SB is impracticable. As such, we attempted to improve the understanding of the influencing factors of SB in northeast China (a commodity grain base) by applying the up-scaling method, by using MODIS fire data on cropland, statistical socioeconomic data, and resource and environment data as well as factor analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. We found that bio-physical factors, agricultural input-output, economic development, and crop types are significant determinants of the intensity of SB. In the end, we asserted policy implications for addressing SB in northeast China. Author Affiliation: (a) School of Geographical Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China (b) Key Laboratory of Geographical Processes and Ecological Security in Changbai Mountains, Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, Jilin, China (c) Institute for Northeast China Research, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, Jilin, China * Corresponding author. School of Geographical Sciences, Northeast Normal University, 5268 Renmin Street, Changchun, 130024, PR China. Article History: Received 18 September 2018; Revised 17 October 2019; Accepted 22 December 2019 Byline: Yangang Fang [fangyg578@nenu.edu.cn] (a,b,c,*), Kai Xu (a), Xiaoyi Guo (a,b,**), Ying Hong (a)

NISC Comparative Sequencing Program (11) Keywords B cell ontogeny; broadly neutralizing antibody; fusion peptide; HIV-1 vaccine; immune monitoring; interaction hotspot; multidonor antibody class Highlights * Vaccine elicitation of FP-directed antibody that neutralizes up to 59% of HIV * Development for five NHP lineages of vaccine-induced broadly neutralizing antibodies * FP-carrier effective at priming and Env-trimer effective at maturing * Priming with a target subregion induces antibodies with target-interaction hotspots Summary The vaccine-mediated elicitation of antibodies (Abs) capable of neutralizing diverse HIV-1 strains has been a long-standing goal. To understand how broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) can be elicited, we identified, characterized, and tracked five neutralizing Ab lineages targeting the HIV-1-fusion peptide (FP) in vaccinated macaques over time. Genetic and structural analyses revealed two of these lineages to belong to a reproducible class capable of neutralizing up to 59% of 208 diverse viral strains. B cell analysis indicated each of the five lineages to have been initiated and expanded by FP-carrier priming, with envelope (Env)-trimer boosts inducing cross-reactive neutralization. These Abs had binding-energy hotspots focused on FP, whereas several FP-directed Abs induced by immunization with Env trimer-only were less FP-focused and less broadly neutralizing. Priming with a conserved subregion, such as FP, can thus induce Abs with binding-energy hotspots coincident with the target subregion and capable of broad neutralization.

[Display omitted] • The level of phospholipid peroxidation in spinal cord is increased in ALS mouse model. • Anti-phospholipid peroxidation treatment reduces spinal motor neuron loss in ALS mice. • The expressions of GPX4 are decreased in lumbar spinal cords of ALS mice and patients. • Knockdown of Gpx4 results in loss of spinal motor neurons and abnormal neuromuscular connections. • Intrathecal injection of GPX4 -AAV to overexpress GPX4 alleviates the pathological phenomenon of ALS. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by oxidative stress that triggers motor neurons loss in the brain and spinal cord. However, the mechanisms underlying the exact role of oxidative stress in ALS-associated neural degeneration are not definitively established. Oxidative stress-generated phospholipid peroxides are known to have extensive physiological and pathological consequences to tissues. Here, we discovered that the deficiency of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), an essential antioxidant peroxidase, led to the accumulation of phospholipid peroxides and resulted in a loss of motor neurons in spinal cords of ALS mice. Mutant human SOD1 G93A transgenic mice were intrathecally injected with neuron-targeted adeno-associated virus (AAV) expressing GPX4 (GPX4 -AAV) or phospholipid peroxidation inhibitor, ferrostatin-1. The results showed that impaired motor performance and neural loss induced by SOD1 G93A toxicity in the lumbar spine were substantially alleviated by ferrostatin-1 treatment and AAV-mediated GPX4 delivery. In addition, the denervation of neuron-muscle junction and spinal atrophy in ALS mice were rescued by neural GPX4 overexpression, suggesting that GPX4 is essential for the motor neural maintenance and function. In comparison, conditional knockdown of Gpx4 in the spinal cords of Gpx4 fl/fl mice triggered an obvious increase of phospholipid peroxides and the occurrence of ALS-like motor phenotype. Altogether, our findings underscore the importance of GPX4 in maintaining phospholipid redox homeostasis in the spinal cord and presents GPX4 as an attractive therapeutic target for ALS treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of light intensity on three various microalga consortia collected from natural ecological water bodies (named A, B and C) towards their fatty acid profiling and fractions, carbohydrate and protein production at different light intensities of 100, 200 and 300 [mu]mol m.sup.-2 s.sup.-1. The results indicating that increasing light intensity positively correlated with the lipid production than carbohydrate and protein. Irrespective to the solids (Total and Volatile Solid) content, lipids and carbohydrate has varied significantly. Consortia C showed higher productivity toward lipids, whereas consortia A and B accumulated more carbohydrate and protein, respectively. The microscopic images revealed the breakdown of cells during the increase in light intensity, in spite, the similar algal species were observed in all consortia experimented. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that low light intensity aid relatively in high protein, Total Nitrogen and Total Phosphorus, meanwhile high intensity attributed carbohydrates and unsaturated fatty acids (USFA) contents.

The human gut microbiota influences obesity, insulin resistance, and the subsequent development of type 2 diabetes (T2D). The gut microbiota digests and ferments nutrients resulting in the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which generate various beneficial metabolic effects on energy and glucose homeostasis. However, their roles in the central nervous system (CNS)-mediated outputs on the metabolism have only been minimally studied. Here, we explore what is known and future directions that may be worth exploring in this emerging area. Specifically, we searched studies or data in English by using PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Human Metabolome Database. Studies were filtered by time from 1978 to March 2022. As a result, 195 studies, 53 reviews, 1 website, and 1 book were included. One hundred and sixty-five of 195 studies describe the production and metabolism of SCFAs or the effects of SCFAs on energy homeostasis, glucose balance, and mental diseases through the gut-brain axis or directly by a central pathway. Thirty of 195 studies show that inappropriate metabolism and excessive of SCFAs are metabolically detrimental. Most studies suggest that SCFAs exert beneficial metabolic effects by acting as the energy substrate in the TCA cycle, regulating the hormones related to satiety regulation and insulin secretion, and modulating immune cells and microglia. These functions have been linked with AMPK signaling, GPCRs-dependent pathways, and inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDACs). However, the studies focusing on the central effects of SCFAs are still limited. The mechanisms by which central SCFAs regulate appetite, energy expenditure, and blood glucose during different physiological conditions warrant further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a critical role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. The injection of a single antioxidant drug is characterized by low drug utilization and short residence time in the articular cavity, limiting the therapeutic effect of antioxidant drugs on osteoarthritis. Currently, the drug circulation half-life can be extended using delivery vehicles such as liposomes and microspheres, which are widely used to treat diseases. In addition, the composite carriers of liposomes and hydrogel microspheres can combine the advantages of different material forms and show stronger plasticity and flexibility than traditional single carriers, which are expected to become new local drug delivery systems. Chondroitin sulfate, a sulfated glycosaminoglycan commonly found in native cartilage, has good antioxidant properties and degradability and is used to develop an injectable chondroitin sulfate hydrogel by covalent modification with photo-cross-linkable methacryloyl groups (ChsMA). Herein, ChsMA microgels anchored with liquiritin (LQ)-loaded liposomes (ChsMA@Lipo) were developed to delay the progression of osteoarthritis by dual antioxidation. On the one hand, the antioxidant drug LQ wrapped in ChsMA@Lipo microgels exhibits significant sustained-release kinetics due to the double obstruction of the lipid membrane and the hydrogel matrix network. On the other hand, ChsMA can eliminate ROS through degradation into chondroitin sulfate monomers by enzymes in vivo. Therefore, ChsMA@Lipo, as a degradable and dual antioxidant drug delivery platform, is a promising option for osteoarthritis treatment. Compared with the traditional single carrier, the composite carriers of hydrogel microspheres and liposome can complement the advantages of different materials, which shows stronger plasticity and flexibility, and is expected to become a new and efficient drug delivery system. ChsMA@Lipo not only attenuates IL-1β-induced ECM degradation in chondrocytes but also inhibits the M1 macrophages polarization and the inflammasome activation. The obtained ChsMA@Lipo alleviates the progression of osteoarthritis in vivo , which is promising for osteoarthritis treatment. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The multicenter and randomized DEFINITION II (Two-Stent vs Provisional Stenting Techniques for Patients With Complex Coronary Bifurcation Lesions) trial showed less 1-year target lesion failure (TLF) after a 2-stent approach for complex coronary bifurcation lesions compared with provisional stenting (PS). The authors report the 3-year clinical outcome of the DEFINITION II trial. The aim of the present study was to investigate the difference in TLF at 3 years after a planned 2-stent approach vs PS for complex coronary bifurcation lesions stratified by DEFINITION (Definitions and Impact of Complex Bifurcation Lesions on Clinical Outcomes After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Using Drug-Eluting Stents) criteria. A total of 653 patients with complex coronary bifurcation lesions were randomly assigned to either the 2-stent group or the PS group in the DEFINITION II trial and were followed for 3 years. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of TLF at 3 years. Stent thrombosis was the safety endpoint. At 3 years, TLF had occurred in 52 patients (16.0%) in the PS group and in 34 (10.4%) patients in the 2-stent group (HR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.41-0.97; P = 0.035), driven mainly by increased target vessel myocardial infarction (8.0% vs 3.7%; HR: 0.45; 95% CI: 0.23-0.89; P = 0.022) and target lesion revascularization (8.3% vs 4.3%; HR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.26-0.96; P = 0.038). There was no difference in TLF between the 2 groups between year 1 and year 3. For patients with complex coronary bifurcations who reach 1-year postprocedure without experiencing endpoint events, there is still a risk for future events. The type of procedure performed initially is no longer a future event risk determinant. (Two-Stent vs Provisional Stenting Techniques for Patients With Complex Coronary Bifurcation Lesions; NCT02284750) [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug-coated balloons are a safe and effective option for patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, but prior randomized studies have exclusively used paclitaxel-coated devices. The aim of this study was to assess for the first time the safety and efficacy of a novel biolimus-coated balloon (BCB) in patients with small-vessel coronary disease. In a prospective trial conducted at 10 centers in China, 212 patients with small-vessel native coronary disease (reference vessel diameter 2.0-2.75 mm, lesion length ≤25 mm) were randomized to receive a BCB or an uncoated balloon. The primary endpoint was in-segment late lumen loss at 9 months. In the per-protocol population, angiographic late lumen loss at 9 months was 0.16 ± 0.29 mm in the BCB group vs 0.30 ± 0.35 mm with the plain balloon (P = 0.001). Late luminal enlargement (positive remodeling) occurred in 29.7% of patients in the BCB group vs 9.8% of patients with plain balloons (P = 0.007). In the full analysis set population, after 12 months, target lesion failure rates were 6.7% in the BCB group vs 13.9% with the plain balloon (HR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.19-1.16), and rates of the patient-oriented clinical outcome were 14.3% with the BCB vs 21.8% with the plain balloon (HR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.33-1.24). In this first-in-human study, a novel BCB showed superior efficacy to plain balloon angioplasty in patients with small-vessel coronary disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Positive vascular remodeling was more frequent, and there was a trend toward improved clinical outcomes. (A Randomized Trial of a Biolimus-Coated Balloon Versus POBA in Small Vessel Coronary Artery Disease [Brave]; NCT03769623) [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of multiphase flow characteristics of hydrate slurry was crucial for controlling the risks associated with hydrate slurry transport in deep-water oil and gas operations. Currently, multiphase flow research on the hydrate slurry flow system focuses on two-phase (solid-liquid) flow studies in single short straight pipes or elbows. This paper established a geometric model based on an experimental loop of high-pressure natural gas hydrate slurry. The Euler model contained n momentum equations and continuity equations for each term, and the Euler model can couple the pressure term with the surface exchange coefficients. Therefore, Euler model was suitable to deal with complex fluid motion problems. Such as bubble flow problem, floating problem, particle suspension problem and fluidized bed problem. In this paper, the hydrate particles in the grout were set as regular round spheres and do not decompose, so the Euler model was suitable for the simulation of the gas-liquid-solid three-phase flow of hydrate grout in the loop. The Euler model was used to simulate the three-phase (gas-liquid-solid) expansion in the loop, focusing on the influence of hydrate slurry inlet flow rate, inlet hydrate volume fraction, liquid phase viscosity and pipe diameter on slurry flow characteristics. The results are as follows:1) Based on orthogonal experiments, pipe diameter has the most significant impact on the pressure drop of the entire pipe section, while liquid phase viscosity has the greatest impact on the average aggregation particle diameter of hydrate on the cross section.2) The distribution of hydrate phase is related to the direction of the loop. Under the influence of gravity, hydrates are primarily dispersed in the liquid phase, with a high concentration in the solid-liquid mixing zone, tend towards the gas phase zone. Hydrate particles are symmetrically distributed in the vertical cross-section, with smaller particle diameters in the solid-liquid mixing zone compared to the gas phase and liquid phase zone 3). In the elbow section, centrifugal force and density difference cause hydrate particles to aggregate towards the lower pipe wall on the outside of the elbow. This results in the disappearance of the liquid phase zone, higher hydrate concentration on the outside of the elbow, and smaller hydrate particle diameter in the solid-liquid mixing zone compared to the gas phase zone.4). Throughout entire loop, the viscosity of the slurry in the solid-liquid mixing zone was the highest, and the volume fraction of hydrate particles was symmetrical both vertically and horizontally. To validate the simulation results, high-pressure multiphase flow hydrate generation experiments were conducted in a 6 MPa hydrate slurry experimental loop. The stable flow pressure drop value of the slurry was compared to the simulation results. The relative error between the simulated and experimental pressure drops is less than 15%, falling within an acceptable range and matching the experimental results. This proved that the multiphase simulation technique of hydrate slurry gas-liquid-solid in the loop can effectively guide the safe transportation of hydrate slurry under actual working conditions. • Establishing a geometric model based on an experimental loop of high-pressure natural gas hydrate slurry. • The Euler model effectively simulate multiphase flow both before hydrate formation and during hydrate flow. • The distribution of hydrate phase in multiphase flow simulation is closely related to the pipeline profile. • To enhance transmission efficiency, the flow rate can be appropriately increased to avoid dynamic loss and the transmission pipe diameter can be enlarged. • Flow velocity and pipe diameter exhibit similar degrees of influence, indicating that the average aggregate particle size on the cross-section can be effectively regulated by adjusting the liquid phase viscosity to improve the flow ability of hydrate slurry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a wideband reflectarray antenna (RA) based on a nonradiative dielectric (NRD) waveguide with an inserted metal blade for muti-bit phase quantization. The proposed design eliminates the need of resonant components that typically exist in traditional RAs. Additionally, low cross-polarization is achieved by exciting the appropriate propagation mode in NRD waveguide. The beam scanning performance based on multi-bit phase quantization is verified by a series of static prototypes. Compared to traditional rectangular waveguide RAs, the proposed design possesses collimated beam scanning up to 60° without grating lobes, due to the compact unit cell dimensions. At a collimation beam angle of 20°, a 1-dB gain bandwidth of 18 % is achieved with an aperture efficiency of over 40 % and a cross-polarization level of below −40 dB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We propose a new algorithm to estimate the aortic BP waveform non-invasively. • Imaging is used to obtain aortic flow and diameter waveforms to derive aortic PWV. • Aortic BP is reconstructed from PWV and peripheral pressure recorded tonometrically. • The algorithm's accuracy is validated from invasive and non-invasive reference values. • This new approach gives central BP and additional clinically valuable information. Aortic blood pressure (ABP) is a more effective prognostic indicator of cardiovascular disease than peripheral blood pressure. A highly accurate algorithm for non-invasively deriving the ABP wave, based on ultrasonic measurement of aortic flow combined with peripheral pulse wave measurements, has been proposed elsewhere. However, it has remained at the proof-of-concept stage because it requires a priori knowledge of the ABP waveform to calculate aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV). The objective of this study is to transform this proof-of-concept algorithm into a clinically feasible technique. We used the Bramwell-Hill equation to non-invasively calculate aortic PWV which was then used to reconstruct the ABP waveform from non-invasively determined aortic blood flow velocity, aortic diameter, and radial pressure. The two aortic variables were acquired by an ultrasound system from 90 subjects, followed by recordings of radial pressure using a SphygmoCor device. The ABPs estimated by the new algorithm were compared with reference values obtained by cardiac catheterization (invasive validation, 8 subjects aged 62.3 ± 12.7 years) and a SphygmoCor device (non-invasive validation, 82 subjects aged 45.0 ± 17.8 years). In the invasive comparison, there was good agreement between the estimated and directly measured pressures: the mean error in systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 1.4 ± 0.8 mmHg; diastolic blood pressure (DBP), 0.9 ± 0.8 mmHg; mean blood pressure (MBP), 1.8 ± 1.2 mmHg and pulse pressure (PP), 1.4 ± 1.1 mmHg. In the non-invasive comparison, the estimated and directly measured pressures also agreed well: the errors being: SBP, 2.0 ± 1.4 mmHg; DBP, 0.8 ± 0.1 mmHg; MBP, 0.1 ± 0.1 mmHg and PP, 2.3 ± 1.6 mmHg. The significance of the differences in mean errors between calculated and reference values for SBP, DBP, MBP and PP were assessed by paired t -tests. The agreement between the reference methods and those obtained by applying the new approach was also expressed by correlation and Bland-Altman plots. The new method proposed here can accurately estimate ABP, allowing this important variable to be obtained non-invasively, using standard, well validated measurement techniques. It thus has the potential to relocate ABP estimation from a research environment to more routine use in the cardiac clinic. A highly accurate algorithm for non-invasively deriving the ABP wave has been proposed elsewhere. However, it has remained at the proof-of-concept stage because it requires a priori knowledge of the ABP waveform to calculate aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV). This study aims to transform this proof-of-concept algorithm into a clinically feasible technique. We used the Bramwell-Hill equation to non-invasively calculate aortic PWV which was then used to reconstruct the ABP waveform. The ABPs estimated by the new algorithm were compared with reference values obtained by cardiac catheterization or a SphygmoCor device. The results showed that there was good agreement between the estimated and directly measured pressures. The new method proposed can accurately estimate ABP, allowing this important variable to be obtained non-invasively, using standard, well validated measurement techniques. It thus has the potential to relocate ABP estimation from a research environment to more routine use in the cardiac clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The co-combustion of coal slime (CS) and sewage sludge (SS) presents an effective method for significantly reducing solid waste on large-scale. This study conducted experimental research to investigate the combustion and co-combustion characteristics of CS and SS, focusing on exploring the synergistic effects and mechanisms during co-combustion processes. Novel multilateral double parallel models (Multi-DPM) were proposed to analyze the contributions of volatile and char components in CS/SS mixtures across different ratios during co-combustion. The effects of temperature, mixing ratio, and heating rate on the co-combustion process were evaluated using a new novel dendrite neural network (DD-NN) model. The results revealed varyied degrees of interaction between CS and SS during co-combustion. Kinetic and thermodynamic analyses revealed that the most significant enhancement in the CS/SS mixing ratio of 6:4. Both the double parallel volumetric model (DPVM) and the newly proposed multilateral double parallel volumetric models (Multi-DPVM) demonstrated the best fit with experimental conversion and proved their suitability for analyzing the co-combustion process of CS and SS. These models were further employed to predict the combustion kinetic parameters and conversion profiles of total volatiles and total char of single and mixed materials, as well as the volatiles and char of the individual CS and SS materials within the mixture. The obtained conversion data and activation energy values from the DPVM and Multi-DPVM were used to assess the best fit reaction mechanism using the master-plots method. This validation underscored the reliability of the DPVM and Multi-DPVM based on integral fitting model solution. Moreover, the application of the new DD-NN model demonstrated good predictive performance for the co-combustion process of CS and SS, identifying key transfer functions influencing the co-combustion process. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into comprehensively understanding the co-combustion mechanism of CS and SS, providing crucial information for industrial product design. [Display omitted] • The interaction effects of co-combustion for coal slime and sewage sludge. • Coal slime and sewage sludge blend at 6:4 ratio resulted in highest synergetic effect than others. • A new multilateral double volumetric model (Multi-DPVM) is proposed for the first time for the co-combustion process. • Dendrite Net is, for the first time, applied for co-combustion process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The establishment of an integrated calcium carbonate scaling monitoring system in a closed-cycle seawater cooling system, employing a combination of mechanistic and data-driven approaches, circumventing limitations associated with simple data or mechanistic models. • The successful development and validation of an integrated machine learning model using seven years of operational data from a closed-cycle seawater cooling system. • This model replaces complex scaling monitoring methods, such as △A, and enhances the efficiency of scale inhibitor utilization while reducing chemical residues. Continuous and real-time monitoring of calcium carbonate scaling of closed-cycle seawater cooling system can improve the efficiency of scale inhibitor utilization and reduce chemical residues. In this study, an integrated machine learning model was established for the monitoring and anomaly detection of calcium carbonate scaling. A novel approach is proposed, wherein changes in pH value are analyzed as an indicator of the scaling problem during the seawater circulation cooling process. The proposed framework leverages a Random Forest (RF) model to establish a predictive model for normal pH levels in the absence of scaling. By computing the difference between online pH measurements and the predicted normal pH values, the system enables online monitoring of calcium carbonate scaling. Evaluation of the RF model using key performance metrics, including the coefficient of determination (R2) and root mean square error (RMSE), demonstrates its high predictive accuracy. Furthermore, an anomaly detection algorithm based on the Gaussian distribution is developed to monitor abnormal conditions, including scaling. This model could replace complex scaling monitoring methods, such as △A, and enhances the efficiency of scale inhibitor utilization as a promising method to reduce chemical residues. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent years have witnessed a significant increase in the availability and number of geographic simulation models across various domains, leading to challenges in evaluating their relative value. Traditional model evaluations typically compare simulation results with measured data or other models. This report presents the application of the newly "Model Academic Influence Index (MAI)" method which focuses on evaluating a model's academic contributions. It offers both annual and lifetime index, and reflects the model's major application areas covered. The report evaluates the MAI of 205 models and 22 methods in 2022 from trusted digital repositories and emphasizes the importance of open-source models, providing URLs and licenses. Recognizing the complexity and importance of this task, we invite ongoing discussion and feedback from the modeling community. This report aims to support more informed decision-making in academia and the public and promote the development of a more open and scientific modeling profession and community. • This report evaluates annual and lifetime MAI of 227 models and methods in 2022. • MAI offers developers a channel to understand model academic popularity and recognition. • The MAI will provide decision support information for academia and the public. • We advocate for the enhancement of open-source models via platforms adopted FAIR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) is primarily impaired in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), leading to progressive loss of photoreceptors and sometimes choroidal neovascularization (CNV). mTOR has been proposed as a promising therapeutic target, while the usage of its specific inhibitor, rapamycin, was greatly limited. To mediate the mTOR pathway in the retina by a noninvasive approach, we developed novel biomimetic nanocomplexes where rapamycin-loaded nanoparticles were coated with cell membrane derived from macrophages (termed as MRaNPs). Taking advantage of the macrophage-inherited property, intravenous injection of MRaNPs exhibited significantly enhanced accumulation in the CNV lesions, thereby increasing the local concentration of rapamycin. Consequently, MRaNPs effectively downregulated the mTOR pathway and attenuate angiogenesis in the eye. Particularly, MRaNPs also efficiently activated autophagy in the RPE, which was acknowledged to rescue RPE in response to deleterious stimuli. Overall, we design and prepare macrophage-disguised rapamycin nanocarriers and demonstrate the therapeutic advantages of employing biomimetic cell membrane materials for treatment of AMD. Macrophage-disguised nanoparticles are fabricated so as to deliver rapamycin to choroidal neovascularization lesions in the eye. The intravenous administration of the formulation addresses the issue of current therapeutic strategies that rely on the invasive intravitreal injection. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This is first-in-man investigation of an implantable Heartech left ventricular partitioning device (LVPD) therapy for chronic heart failure (HF) after a myocardial infarction.Methods and Results: Initially, 16 patients were chosen from 3 cardiac centers within China. All patients were treated with percutaneous ventricular restoration involving the Heartech LVPD implantation. Major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events were documented. Functional status, echocardiograph evaluation, European five-dimensional health scale, 6-minute walk test before the procedure and at postoperative follow-ups were recorded. We demonstrated successful implantation and device function with a success rate of 93.75%. One patient suffered a fatal myocardial infarction within the 12 ± 1 month follow-up. However, other patients did not report any major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events at their 12 ± 1 month follow-ups. After the operation, the average left ventricular end-systolic volume index decreased dramatically (66.00 mL/m2, interquartile range [IQR] 63.00-89.00 mL/m2 vs 48.00 mL/m2, IQR 32.25-68.25 mL/m2, P = .001), along with the left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (105.00 mL/m2, IQR 90.00-130.00 mL/m2 vs 76.50 mL/m2, IQR 57.75-120.25 mL/m2, P = .002). The left ventricular ejection fraction (35.00%, IQR 27.00-38.00% vs 42.50%, IQR 34.75-50.25%, P = .003), 6-minute walk test (383.13 ± 108.70 m vs 491.17 ± 118.44 m, P = .01), and European five-dimensional health scale (65.93 ± 11.25 vs 82.50 ± 5.44, P < .001), in turn, improved significantly.Conclusions: In our study, the Heartech LVPD was demonstrated as both safe and effective in reducing LV volume, enhancing LV function after implantation. These results remain constant at least till the 12 month follow-up. (Trial Registration: NCT02938637.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evaluation of associated credit risk in supply chain is a difficult problem in the current credit risk management practice. Based on graph theory and fuzzy preference theory, we put forward a new evaluation method of associated credit risk in the supply chain. First, the credit risk of enterprises in supply chain are divided into "self-own credit risk" and "credit risk contagion". Second, the indicator system of self-own credit risk evaluation of enterprises in the supply chain is designed, and the fuzzy comparative judgment matrix of self-own credit risk evaluation indicator is obtained by using fuzzy preference relation, and the evaluation basic model of "self-own credit risk" is established. On the basis, the evaluation derivative model of "credit risk contagion" is established. Furthermore, by integrating the two kinds of evaluation results, the credit risk of enterprises in supply chain is evaluated comprehensively, and the contagion effect of associated credit risk in supply chain based on trade credit risk contagion (TCRC) is revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Associate credit risk is a kind of credit risk among the associated credit enterprises formed by credit-related enterprises. Based on the mean field theory of complex network and the classical model Susceptible–Infected–Recovered (SIR) of risk propagation dynamics, this paper explores the influence mechanism of the influence of corporate senior executives' alertness promoted by risk information on the contagion of associated credit risk. The results show that the corporate senior executives' alertness does not change the contagion threshold of associated credit risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of Pyropia haitanensis (T. J. Chang & B. F. Zheng) N. Kikuchi & M. Miyata (Porphyra haitanensis) is directly affected by nutrient availability. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the synergistic regulatory effects of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) availability on P. haitanensis quality is unknown. Here, we performed physiological and multi-omics analyses to reveal the combined effects of N and P on P. haitanensis quality. The pigments accumulated under high N because of increases in N metabolism and porphyrin metabolism, ultimately resulting in intensely colored thalli. High N also promoted amino acid metabolism and inosine 5′-mononucleotide (IMP) synthesis, but inhibited carbohydrates accumulation. This resulted in increased amino acid, IMP and decreased agaro-carrageenan and cellulose contents, thereby improving the nutritional value and taste. Furthermore, high P promoted carbon metabolism and amino acid metabolism.This study provided the basis for elucidating the mechanism behind N and P regulating the seaweed quality. [Display omitted] • Compared with P, N had a greater effect on Pyropia haitanensis quality. • High N promoted the uptake of P. • High N deepened the thallus color by promoting N and porphyrin metabolism. • High N improved flavor by inhibiting carbohydrate, promoting amino acid and IMP synthesis. • High N and P levels synergistically stimulate amino acid synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(16)31928-6 Byline: Jiang Xiu Xiu, Wu Rui Jin, Liu Yan Min, Pan Min Zhu, Xu Kai Hong, Lin Jun Abstract: With the end of 35 years of the one-child policy in China, the second-child policy presents a challenge for maternity hospitals. We aimed to inform configuration of medical resources by investigating willingness to have a second child in women with risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Author Affiliation: (a) Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China (b) Department of Gynecology, Central Hospital of Haining, Haining City, Zhejiang Province, China

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.comnet.2004.07.006 Byline: Kai Xu, Ye Tian, Nirwan Ansari Keywords: Wireless TCP; Bandwidth estimation; Explicit congestion notification; Congestion control; Loss differentiation Abstract: Many analytical and simulation-based studies of TCP performance in wireless environments assume an error-free and congestion-free reverse channel that has the same capacity as the forward channel. Such an assumption does not hold in many real-world scenarios, particularly in the hybrid networks consisting of various wireless LAN (WLAN) and cellular technologies. In this paper, we first study, through extensive simulations, the performance characteristics of four representative TCP schemes, namely TCP New Reno, SACK, Veno, and Westwood, under the network conditions of asymmetric end-to-end link capacities, correlated wireless errors, and link congestion in both forward and reverse directions. We then propose a new TCP scheme, called TCP New Jersey, which is capable of distinguishing wireless packet losses from congestion packet losses, and reacting accordingly. TCP New Jersey consists of two key components, the timestamp-based available bandwidth estimation (TABE) algorithm and the congestion warning (CW) router configuration. TABE is a TCP-sender-side algorithm that continuously estimates the bandwidth available to the connection and guides the sender to adjust its transmission rate when the network becomes congested. TABE is immune to the ACK drops as well as ACK compression. CW is a configuration of network routers such that routers alert end stations by marking all packets when there is a sign of an incipient congestion. The marking of packets by the CW-configured routers helps the sender of the TCP connection to effectively differentiate packet losses caused by network congestion from those caused by wireless link errors. Our simulation results show that TCP New Jersey is able to accurately estimate the available bandwidth of the bottleneck link of an end-to-end path; and the TABE estimator is immune to link asymmetry, bi-directional congestion, and the relative position of the bottleneck link in the multi-hop end-to-end path. The proactive congestion avoidance control mechanism proposed in our scheme minimizes the network congestion, reduces the network volatility, and stabilizes the queue lengths while achieving more throughput than other TCP schemes. Author Affiliation: Advanced Networking Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, University Heights, Newark, NJ 07102, USA

The formation of biofilms is a factor leading to chronic infection and drug resistance in melioidosis. The production of biofilm formation and many virulence factors are regulated by quorum sensing (QS). Therefore, the discovery of QS inhibitors to reduce antibiotic abuse has attracted a lot of attention. In this case, the methanol extract of a unique ethnic medicinal plant partridge tea (Mallotus oblongifolius (Miq.) Müll.Arg.) and its isolated active compound were used as biofilms and QS inhibitors against Burkholderia thailandensis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the anti-biofilm and anti-QS effect of the ethnic medicinal plant partridge tea and its active compounds against B. thailandensis. Active compound was isolated using classical phytochemical separation techniques under activity tracking. The biofilm and virulence factors (Proteases, lipases, rhamnolipids, and motility) of B. thailandensis were used to evaluate the activity of crude extracts and isolated compounds. In this study, the extract of partridge tea and MG had good QS inhibitors activity against B. thailandensis E264. MG was investigated to inhibit QS-related virulence factors and the biofilm formation against B. thailandensis E264. The lipase activity of B. thailandensis E264 decreased by 49.41% at 150 μg/mL. At 75 μg/mL and 150 μg/mL, the erasion of mature biofilms reached 28.18% and 70.87%, respectively. Correspondingly, 150 μg/mL MG could significantly decrease btaR1 and btaR3 by 55.78% and 56.24%, respectively. Contradictorily, the rhamnolipid production of B. thailandensis E264 was 1.67 folds that of the control group at 150 μg/mL MG. Through molecular docking analysis and biological phenotype data, we speculate that MG may inhibit the biofilms and virulence factors of B. thailandensis E264 by interfering two QS systems, BtaI1/R1 and BtaI3/R3. Therefore, MG should be one potential QSI for the treatment of Burkholderia pathogens. [Display omitted] • Extracts from partridge tea had QSIs activity against Burkholderia thailandensis. • The active substance methyl gallate was separated from partridge tea. • Methyl gallate inhibits the biofilm formation of Burkholderia thailandensis. • Methyl gallate treatment inhibited the expression of QS-related genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MXene (Ti 3 C 2 T x) is a promising electrode material for supercapacitors. However, the current MXene material preparation process often requires hydrofluoric acid, and the etched MXene is easily oxidized and stacked, which is not conducive to the transfer of electrons and ions. In this study, we proposed a high concentration of sodium hydroxide solution mixed with sodium hypochlorite solution as an etchant for the preparation of fluorine-free MXene (Ti 3 C 2 T x). Based on the alkali-assisted hydrothermal method, Ti 3 AlC 2 was used as the raw material, and 10 % NaClO aqueous solution was added as the oxidant during the etching process to accelerate the etching and in-situ generate TiO 2 with excellent conductivity. When the oxidation time is 12 h and the amount of NaClO is 0.2 mL, the TiO 2 particles in-situ generated by the oxidation of Ti element in MXene are evenly distributed on the surface and interlayer of the material, which effectively curbs the stacking problem between the Ti 3 C 2 T x layers and improves the specific surface area of the material. The prepared MXene/TiO 2 electrode in 1 M H 2 SO 4 electrolyte, − 0.5–0.2 V voltage window, the highest mass specific capacity can reach 321F/g, and after 10,000 charge–discharge cycles, the capacitance retention rate can still reach 86.4 %, which is higher than the capacitance retention rate of Ti 3 C 2 T x material (81.7 %). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bandpass frequency selective surface (FSS) with low loss and angular stability based on three metal layers is proposed in this paper. The top and bottom resonant layers are coupled through a metal ring layer to build the FSS structure. The equivalent circuit model is derived to explain the operation principle of the proposed FSS. In the design, two transmission zeros (TZs) are generated at both sides of the passband contributing to the high selectivity performance. Furthermore, current distributions are given to analyze the generation mechanism of the TZs. The performance of the proposed FSS is insensitive to the polarization and angle of the incident wave. To verify the performance, a prototype of the FSS is fabricated, whose measured results agree with the simulated ones. The FSS shows low-profile of about 0.07λ (λ is the free space wavelength at the center frequency). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The technical challenges for model updating of real marine engineering structures include the extraction of modal parameters associated with incomplete measurement information and the correction of a large number of structural parameters. As it is difficult to verify the effectiveness of model updating methods for engineering applications, the representative models have to be adopted in finite element (FE) analysis or lab-scale tests, leading to the incomplete reflection of actual structural performances. Based on these factors, a practical model updating method is developed in this study to make full use of field measurement data from a 4 MW offshore wind turbine for the accurate estimation of structural parameters using the random balance designs-Fourier amplitude sensitivity test (RBD-FAST) strategy and an improved particle swarm optimization (IPSO). Leveraging the measured acceleration signals from offshore wind turbines under the conditions including operation, shutdown, collision and typhoon scenarios, the complex exponential decomposition method is applied to accurately extract the time-varying acceleration components (TVAC) for the construction of the frequency response function (FRF). Following that, RBD-FAST is implemented into IPSO with adaptive inertia weights and asynchronously varying learning factors to enable efficient selection of numerous updated physical parameters, thus improving time cost and computational accuracy. The correctness of the proposed method is verified by a numerical jacket platform model. Furthermore, the 4 MW offshore wind turbine benchmark is developed to assess the feasibility of the proposed model updating method using field measured data from different scenarios. Results show that the synergy of RBD-FAST and IPSO in the proposed method can accurately update parameters and minimize a maximum discrepancy of 0.8970% for the first-three orders of natural frequencies between the benchmark and the updated models in the collision scenario. Summarily, the present work provides a potential technique and practical engineering references for model updating of offshore wind turbines subject to harsh marine environments. • Synergy of random balance design and IPSO for model updating of wind turbines. • Development of the time-varying acceleration components for modal parameters. • The feasibility validation of the proposed method by field testing data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new chalcone-based crystal BBC was designed and synthesized. • BBC crystal exhibits a SHG response 14 times larger than that of KDP. • The introduction of Br group, which contributes to strong halogen bond formation, lead to the "head-to-tail" arrangement. A new chalcone-based nonlinear optical crystal BBC (C 22 H 17 BrO 2) using long π-conjugated and halogen substituent, as a potential alternative to develop organic crystals, are reported. BBC was designed and synthesized by replacing benzyloxy and -Br groups on both sides of molecular framework. Flaky yellowish BBC single crystal with size of 5 × 5 × 1 mm3 was grown by solution evaporation method. BBC crystal crystallizes in the monoclinic system, P c (NO. 7) space group, with noncentrosymmetric structure. In the BBC molecule, benzyl oxide acts as donor (D) and Br and carbonyl group act as acceptor (A), forming D - π - A - π - A structure with electron gradient. The introduction of Br group, which contributes to strong halogen bond formation, lead to the "head-to-tail" arrangement. Remarkably, BBC exhibits strong second harmonic generation (SHG) intensity (14 × KDP and 2.2 × Urea), wide transmission range (600-1600 nm, >60%), high optical energy gap (E g =2.85 eV) and high thermal stability (T m =106 °C). In addition, to investigate the relationships between the structure and physical properties, the electronic structure and optical properties of BBC crystal were theoretically calculated. This work not only provides a newly chalcone-based NLO crystal, but also presents a feasible molecular design approach by introducing long π-conjugated and halogen substituents. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Rapid synthesis of CVD graphene film of up to 900 cm2 for each batch of growth in a 1-inch furnace by a unique configuration assembly of Cu foil and a porous mediator. • The large area of the high-quality graphene film exhibits a high crystallinity (I D /I G : 0.16) and high electrical conductivity (760 Ω/sq). • The experimental study together with the multiphysical simulation indicates that the porous mediator enhances the gas diffusion and reaction kinetics and improves the crystallinity and growth rate of graphene. • Improving the interdiffusion of reactive species results in homogeneous nucleation and equivalent kinetic growth. The yield rate for the synthesis of large-area and high-quality graphene, based on the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method, is limited by the reactor size of a tubular furnace. Additionally, the reported methods to achieve a high-throughput process are still challenging. Currently, the rolled-up or vertically stacked configuration setup is applied to increase the loading growth. However, the reported methods limit the kinetic reaction of CVD growth and lead to the degradation of the uniformity and crystallinity of as-grown graphene. Here, we propose a novel method to produce a high-yield and uniform monolayer graphene film by helical stacking of Cu with highly porous carbon cloth as an efficient interdiffusion mediator. Additionally, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is applied to simulate the dynamic distribution within the mediator. This method allows the rapid synthesis of graphene films of up to 900 cm2 for each batch of growth in a 1-inch furnace. Graphene with optimized conditions exhibits a high crystallinity (I D /I G : 0.16) and electrical conductivity (760 Ω/sq). The comprehensive study on recipe optimization together with the multiphysical simulation suggests that the proposed carbon cloth is an ideal spacing mediator for CVD graphene with a high Cu-loading density. This enhancement is attributed to the homogeneous interdiffusion of reactive gas/species in both the transverse and radial directions, resulting in homogeneous nucleation and equivalent kinetic growth. The capacity could reach 15.56 m2/hour in an 8-inch system. The CFD simulation indicates that the porous mediator can improve gas distribution and balance the pressure between the Cu foils to enhance high-yield graphene synthesis. This method provides an efficient strategy for the synthesis of high-throughput and large-area CVD graphene films, which is beneficial for cost-effective and versatile graphene-based applications. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) activation favors effective innate immune responses against viral infections. Its role in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) remains unknown. Our aim was to explore the expression, regulation, and function of STING in CRSwNP. STING expression in sinonasal mucosal samples was analyzed by means of quantitative RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and Western blotting. Regulation and function of STING expression were explored by using cultured primary human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) and cells of the line BEAS-2B in vitro. STING expression was reduced in eosinophilic nasal polyps compared with that in noneosinophilic nasal polyps and control tissues. STING was predominantly expressed by epithelial cells in nasal tissue and was downregulated by IL-4 and IL-13 in a signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6)-dependent manner. HNECs derived from eosinophilic polyps displayed compromised STING-dependent type I interferon production but heightened IL-13–induced STAT6 activation and CCL26 production as compared with HNECs from noneosinophilic polyps and control tissues, which were rescued by exogenous STING overexpression. Knocking down or overexpressing STING decreased or enhanced expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) in BEAS-2B cells, respectively, independent of the canonic STING pathway elements TBK1 and IRF3. Knocking down SOCS1 abolished the inhibitory effect of STING on IL-13 signaling in BEAS-2B cells. STING expression was positively correlated with SOCS1 expression but negatively correlated with CCL26 expression in nasal epithelial cells from patients with CRSwNP. Reduced STING expression caused by the type 2 milieu not only impairs STING-dependent type I interferon production but also amplifies IL-13 signaling by decreasing SOCS1 expression in nasal epithelial cells in eosinophilic CRSwNP. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]