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Invigorating blood circulation to remove blood stasis is a primary strategy in TCM for treating vascular dementia (VaD). Danggui-Shaoyao San (DSS), as a traditional prescription for neuroprotective activity, has been proved to be effective in VaD treatment. However, its precise molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. The specific mechanism underlying the therapeutic effects of DSS on VaD was explored by employing network pharmacology as well as in vivo and in viro experiment validation. We downloaded components of DSS from the BATMAN-TCM database for target prediction. The intersection between the components of DSS and targets, PPI network, as well as GO and KEGG enrichment analysis were then performed. Subsequently, the potential mechanism of DSS predicted by network pharmacology was assessed and validated through VaD rat model induced by 2VO operation and CoCl 2 -treated PC12 cells. Briefly, the DSS extract were first quantified by HPLC. Secondly, the effect of DSS on VaD was studied using MWM test, HE staining and TUNEL assay. Finally, the molecular mechanism of DSS against VaD was validated by Western blot and RT-QPCR experiments. Through network analysis, 137 active ingredients were obtained from DSS, and 67 potential targets associated with DSS and VaD were identified. GO and KEGG analysis indicated that the action of DSS on VaD primarily involves hypoxic terms and HIF-1 pathway. In vivo validation, cognitive impairment and neuron mortality were markedly ameliorated by DSS. Additionally, DSS significantly reduced the expression of proteins related to synaptic plasticity and neuron apoptosis including PSD-95, SYP, Caspase-3 and BCL-2. Mechanistically, we confirmed DSS positively modulated the expression of HIF-1α and its downstream proteins including EPO, p-EPOR, STAT5, EPOR, and AKT1 in the hippocampus of VaD rats as well as CoCl 2 -induced PC12 cells. HIF-1 inhibitor YC-1 significantly diminished the protection of DSS on CoCl 2 -induced PC12 cell damage, with decreased HIF-1α, EPO, EPOR expression. Our results initially demonstrated DSS could exert neuroprotective effects in VaD. The pharmacological mechanism of DSS may be related to its positive regulation on HIF-1α/EPO pathway. [Display omitted] • The mechanistic effects of classic famous formula DSS in the treatment of VaD was firstly validated through network pharmacology approaches, in viro and in vivo validation. • DSS could significantly improve the cognitive impairment, hippocampal neurons injury induced by chronic hypoperfusion, and improved synaptic plasticity in VaD rats. • DSS activated hippocampal HIF-1α/EPO/EPOR signaling pathway both in VaD rats and CoCl 2 -induced PC12 cell injury models, as contributed to alleviating cognitive impairment. • HIF-1α inhibitor YC-1 significantly weakened the neuroprotective function of DSS on CoCl 2 -induced PC12 cell injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nonlinear, time correlation, and non-Gaussian features in data present significant challenges for effective fault detection. While the Gate Recurrent Unit (GRU) network is renowned for its capacity to manage time correlation, it falls short in capturing non-Gaussian features in process data, which can likely lead to suboptimal monitoring results. To address this limitation, the Enhancement Gate Recurrent Unit (ENGRU) is developed to perfect the fault detection accuracy of the network. Specifically, The ENGRU effectively extracts high order statistics information by employing the overcompleted independent component analysis method, thereby augmenting its ability to capture non-Gaussian properties. The extracted features information are then entered into the ENGRU model further to uncover additional hidden features beyond what the GRU can achieve. The ENGRU network, which is built upon the extracted characteristic information, even farther enhances the accuracy of the fault detection. The merits of the proposed model are demonstrated by comparing it with excellent fault detection algorithms on a benchmark platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Process monitoring models play an increasingly indispensable role in promptly differentiating faults within the wastewater treatment process to maintain a safe state. The accuracy and time overhead are crucial indicators in judging whether models results are excellent or not. In terms of accuracy, deep learning methods excel, because of their generalized approximation and strong learning capabilities that enable them to infinitely approach an ideal level of monitoring accuracy. Meanwhile, they also have large computational loads that generates significant time overhead, which poses challenges for real-time monitoring of the wastewater treatment process. Hence, a novel process monitoring method called Time-Stacked Broad Learning System (Time-SBLS) is developed to alleviate these concerns in an effective and accurate manner. Time-SBLS leverages the efficiency of the BLS while incorporating the residual mechanism and time lag idea to capture necessary nonlinear features and time correlation associated with the fault detection accuracy better. Furthermore, another advantage of Time-SBLS is its inherited efficiency from BLS regarding time overhead, which is minimized by utilizing the pseudo-inverse technique to calculate weight parameters. Experimental findings on the Benchmark platform reveal that Time-SBLS offers considerable advantages in terms of accuracy and network time overhead compared to other state-of-the-art approaches. • Time-SBLS is applied for the first time to the wastewater treatment process. • Time-SBLS model can achieve satisfactory monitoring accuracy. • Time-SBLS overcomes the limitations of some deep learning networks. • Time-SBLS is compatible with accuracy and time overhead simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the major obstacles in using deep belief network (DBN) is the structure design. Numerous studies, both empirically and theoretically, show that choosing suitable structure can improve the performance of DBN. In this paper, a self-organizing DBN (S-DBN), based on the information relevance strategy (IRS), was proposed to design the structure of DBN. For this IRS, the maximal information coefficient was designed to measure the input and output information relevance of hidden neurons. Meanwhile, the mutual information was introduced to measure the information relevance among the hidden layers. Then, a novel self-organizing strategy was developed to grow and prune both the hidden neurons and layers during the training process. Moreover, a contrastive divergence algorithm was used to adjust the parameters of S-DBN. Finally, several benchmark problems were used to illustrate the effectiveness of S-DBN. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed S-DBN owns better performance for classification problems and modeling nonlinear systems than some existing methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Bicycle’s riders widely have group behaviors due to the bicycle’s features and the group behaviors may have significant impacts on bicycle flow (especially at a signalized intersection). In this paper, we propose a cellular automaton (CA) model to explore the impacts of shoulder group behavior and following group behavior of bicycles during the process that bicycles pass through a signalized intersection. In the proposed model, the acceleration/waiting phenomenon (caused by the two group behaviors at the intersection) is explicitly considered. The numerical results indicate that the proposed model can effectively reproduce the actions of group bicycles at the intersection and that the two group behaviors have prominent negative impacts on the operational efficiency of the intersection, which shows that the group behaviors should be controlled at the intersection. Highlights • Bicycle’s shoulder group behavior and following group behavior at a signalized intersection are defined. • Some rules are proposed to describe each bicycle’s motion under the two kinds of group behaviors. • The impacts of the two group behaviors on each bicycle’s motion and the operational efficiency are studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Se doping MWCNTs-graphene hybrids are prepared and used for supporting substrate. • Y-shaped DNA-aided target recycling signal amplification and hemin/G-quadruplex is used for signal amplification. • The biosensor used for PDGF-BB detection shows linear range of 0.1 pM-10 nM and detection limit of 27 fM. Abstract A highly sensitive electrochemical biosensor for detection of platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) is developed by using Se-doped multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)-graphene hybrids as electrode supporting substrate, hemin/G-quadruplex as trace labels and Y-shaped DNA-aided target recycling as signal magnifier. The aptamer-containing hairpin probes were first immobilized on the electrode. When target PDGF-BB was added, the aptamer binded PDGF-BB to trigger catalytic assembly of two other hairpins to form many G-quadruplex Y-junction DNA structures, which released PDGF-BB to again bind the intact aptamer to initiate another assembly cycle. G-quadruplex/hemin complexes were produced when hemin was added to generate substantially amplified current output. The developed assay showed a linear range toward PDGF-BB from 0.1 pM to 10 nM with a detection limit of 27 fM (S/N = 3). The method showed excellent specificity and repeatability, and could be expediently applied for sensitive detection of other molecules by simply changing the aptamers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a sandwich-type electrochemical biosensing platform is developed based on carbon sphere-MoS 2 (CS-MoS 2 ) and target recycling amplification of catalyzed hairpin assembly (CHA) strategy for ultrasensitive determination of microRNA (miRNA). The CS-MoS 2 is prepared and used as sensing substrate, which shows high specific surface area, enhanced stability and good dispersibility. The capture probe is first modified on Au nanoparticles/CS-MoS 2 modified glassy carbon electrode through Au-S band, and hairpin DNA1 (H1) then reacts with it and unfolds its loop domain by hybridizing with target miRNA-21. The opened H1 subsequently assembles with biotin labeled hairpin DNA 2 (H2) to displace the target. The liberated miRNA-21 is free and backs to the original solution to proceed next circulation, resulting in the generation of large amounts of H1–H2 duplex. Massive signal indicators horseradish peroxidase are then immobilized on electrode, and catalyze hydrogenperoxide + hydroquinone (H 2 O 2  + HQ) system to produce a strong electrochemical response. The proposed assay benefits from advantages of sandwich-type structure, favorable electrochemical properties of CS-MoS 2 and CHA target recycling amplification strategy. Therefore, it exhibits a wide linear relation between 1 × 10 −16 and 1 × 10 −10  M with a low detection limit of 1.6 × 10 −17  M for miRNA-21 detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, bicycle has become an important traffic tool in China, again. Due to the merits of bicycle, the group behavior widely exists in urban traffic system. However, little effort has been made to explore the impacts of the group behavior on bicycle flow. In this paper, we propose a CA (cellular automaton) model with group behavior to explore the complex traffic phenomena caused by shoulder group behavior and following group behavior on an open road. The numerical results illustrate that the proposed model can qualitatively describe the impacts of the two kinds of group behaviors on bicycle flow and that the effects are related to the mode and size of group behaviors. The results can help us to better understand the impacts of the bicycle’s group behaviors on urban traffic system and effectively control the bicycle’s group behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel competitive aptasensor for thrombin detection is developed by using a tetrahedral DNA (T-DNA) probe and hybridization chain reaction (HCR) signal amplification. Sulfur and nitrogen co-doped reduced graphene oxide (SN-rGO) is firstly prepared by a simple reflux method and used for supporting substrate of biosensor. Then, T-DNA probe is modified on the electrode by Au-S bond and a competition is happened between target thrombin and the complementary DNA (cDNA) of aptamer. The aptamer binding to thrombin forms an aptamer-target conjugate and make the cDNA remained, and subsequently hybridizes with the vertical domain of T-DNA. Finally, the cDNAs trigger HCR, which results in a great current response by the catalysis of horseradish peroxidase to the hydrogen peroxide + hydroquinone system. For thrombin detection, the proposed biosensor shows a wide linearity range of 10 –13 –10 −8 M and a low detection limit of 11.6 fM (S/N = 3), which is hopeful to apply in biotechnology and clinical diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs (MiRNAs) play multiple crucial regulating roles in cell which can regulate one third of protein-coding genes. MiRNAs participate in the developmental and physiological processes of human body, while their aberrant adjustment will be more likely to trigger diseases such as cancers, kidney disease, central nervous system diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, viral infections and so on. What's worse, for the detection of miRNAs, their small size, high sequence similarity, low abundance and difficult extraction from cells impose great challenges in the analysis. Hence, it's necessary to fabricate accurate and sensitive biosensing platform for miRNAs detection. Up to now, researchers have developed many signal-amplification strategies for miRNAs detection, including hybridization chain reaction, nuclease amplification, rolling circle amplification, catalyzed hairpin assembly amplification and nanomaterials based amplification. These methods are typical, feasible and frequently used. In this review, we retrospect recent advances in signal amplification strategies for detecting miRNAs and point out the pros and cons of them. Furthermore, further prospects and promising developments of the signal-amplification strategies for detecting miRNAs are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a sensitive, universal and reusable electrochemical biosensor based on stannic oxide nanocorals-graphene hybrids (SnO 2 NCs-Gr) is developed for target DNA detection by using two kinds of DNA enzymes for signal amplification through an autonomous cascade DNA duplication strategy. A hairpin probe is designed composing of a projecting part at the 3′-end as identification sequence for target, a recognition site for nicking endonuclease, and an 18-carbon shim to stop polymerization process. The designed DNA duplication–incision–replacement process is handled by KF polymerase and endonuclease, then combining with gold nanoparticles as signal carrier for further signal amplification. In the detection system, the electrochemical–chemical–chemical procedure, which uses ferrocene methanol, tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine and l -ascorbic acid 2-phosphate as oxidoreduction neurogen, deoxidizer and zymolyte, separately, is applied to amplify detection signal. Benefiting from the multiple signal amplification mechanism, the proposed sensor reveals a good linear connection between the peak current and logarithm of analyte concentration in range of 0.0001–1 × 10 –11 mol L −1 with a detection limit of 1.25 × 10 –17 mol L −1 (S/N=3). This assay also opens one promising strategy for ultrasensitive determination of other biological molecules for bioanalysis and biomedicine diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crack initiation and propagation are key scientific questions influencing rock failure. To study crack initiation and propagation during rock failure, CT scanning tests were performed on the sandstone samples. The initiation and propagation stages of sandstone cracks were analysed based on a reconstructed three-dimensional crack structure model. The types of crack initiation and propagation in minerals and the effects of mineral composition heterogeneity on crack initiation and propagation were studied using microscopic analytical techniques. The effect of mineral granularity on crack initiation and propagation was analysed using statistical methods. The results show that crack initiation and propagation can be divided into four stages: microcrack inoculation, mesocrack initiation, mesocrack evolution to macrocrack, and macrocrack penetration. Four cracks are formed at different locations, extending along the mineral edge, deflecting at the mineral edge, bifurcating at the mineral edge, and penetrating through the mineral. The poikilitic texture formed by quartz debris and cement makes it easy for cracks to extend along the mineral edges. In quartz debris with high crystallinity, the crack tends to deflect and bifurcate at the edge of quartz debris. The symbiotic structure of altered quartz and clay minerals easily causes cracks to propagate through the minerals. Furthermore, the distribution of mineral granularity affects crack initiation and propagation. The inhomogeneity of mineral granularity can easily cause the initiation and propagation of cracks. The size of the mineral granularity affects the width of the secondary crack. These research results can provide a basis and reference for predicting and evaluating the stability of rock masses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipidomics, which focuses on the global study of molecular lipids in biological systems, has been driven tremendously by technical advances in mass spectrometry (MS) instrumentation, particularly high-resolution MS. This requires powerful computational tools that handle the high-throughput lipidomics data analysis. To address this issue, a novel computational tool has been developed for the analysis of high-resolution MS data, including the data pretreatment, visualization, automated identification, deconvolution and quantification of lipid species. The algorithm features the customized generation of a lipid compound library and mass spectral library, which covers the major lipid classes such as glycerolipids, glycerophospholipids and sphingolipids. Next, the algorithm performs least squares resolution of spectra and chromatograms based on the theoretical isotope distribution of molecular ions, which enables automated identification and quantification of molecular lipid species. Currently, this methodology supports analysis of both high and low resolution MS as well as liquid chromatography-MS (LC-MS) lipidomics data. The flexibility of the methodology allows it to be expanded to support more lipid classes and more data interpretation functions, making it a promising tool in lipidomic data analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A pressure-induced phase transition from C2/m phase to a newly predicted P21/c phase is observed. [•] High superconducting temperatures were predicted for C2/m Li3Be at high pressures. [•] The origin of the superconductivity is revealed. [•] The superconducting temperature increases with increasing pressure for C2/m Li3Be. [•] The C2/m structure of Li3Be is a potential high-temperature superconductor. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In view of the urgent demand to determine neonicotinoid insecticides in real samples, we first report a photothermal-induced partial Leidenfrost superhydrophobic (PIPLS) sensor using gold colloid and highly roughened SiO 2 /PDMS surface coupled with few-layered MXene (Ti 3 C 2) nanosheets for the ultrasensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection of neonicotinoid insecticides. Under the remote control of near-infrared light, the temperature of the sensor can rise to 170 ℃ within 10 s due to the significant photothermal effect of MXene, resulting in the partial Leidenfrost evaporation phenomenon and effectively reducing the contact area between the droplet of gold colloid and the surface. Analyte concentration factors obtained from the PIPLS SERS sensor were 5.1-fold and 30.3-fold higher than those attainable by conventional superhydrophobic and hydrophobic surfaces, respectively. Due to the significant enrichment capability, the PIPLS SERS sensor detected analytes down to the fM level with a high enhancement factor (5.1 × 1011). Based on the principal component analysis method, the PIPLS SERS sensor effectively discriminated neonicotinoid insecticides (acetamiprid, clothianidin, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam). The reliable detection of neonicotinoid insecticides in real samples, including apple, green tea, wheat, and corn, also demonstrates the applicability of the PIPLS SERS sensor for pesticide sensing in real-world settings. [Display omitted] • Photothermal-induced partial Leidenfrost effect was used to improve SERS performance. • Highly roughened Ti 3 C 2 /SiO 2 /PDMS surface has significant photothermal effect. • The proposed method is applied for neonicotinoid insecticides detection in real samples. • This work was demonstrated to have high sensitivity down to fM with only 5 μL sample. • Stability and practicality of the method have been verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry represents a powerful tool for the analysis of intact glycerophospholipids (GPLs), but manual data interpretation may be a bottleneck in these analyses. The present paper proposes a least square regression approach for the automated characterization and deconvolution of the main GPLs species, i.e., phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine analyzed by class-specific scanning methods such as precursor ion scanning and neutral loss scanning, respectively. The algorithm is based on least squares resolution of spectra and chromatograms from theoretically calculated mass spectra, and eliminates the need for isotope correction. Results from the application of the methodology on reference compounds and extracts of cod brain and mouse brain are presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Kir2.4, a strongly rectifying potassium channel that is localized to neurons and is especially abundant in retina, was fished with yeast two-hybrid screen using a constitutively active Gαo1. Here, we wished to determine whether and how Gαo affects this channel. Using transfected HEK 293 cells and retinal tissue, we showed that Kir2.4 interacts with Gαo, and this interaction is stronger with the GDP-bound form ofGαo. Using two-electrode voltage clamp, we recorded from oocytes that were injected with Kir2.4 mRNA and a combination of G-protein subunit mRNAs. We found that the wild type and the inactive mutant of Gαo reduce the Kir2.4 basal current, whereas the active mutant has little effect. Other pertussis-sensitive Gα subunits also reduce this current, whereas Gαs increases it. Gβγ increases the current, whereasm-phosducin, which binds Gβγ without affecting the state ofGα, reduces it.Wethen tested the effect of G-protein subunits on the surface expression of the channel fused to cerulean by imaging the plasma membranes of the oocytes. We found that the surface expression is affected, with effects paralleling those seen with the basal current. This suggests that the observed effects on the current are mainly indirect and are due to surface expression. Similar results were obtained in transfected HEK cells. Moreover, we show that in retinal ON bipolar cells lacking Gβ3, localization of Kir2.4 in the dendritic tips is reduced. We conclude that Gβγ targets Kir2.4 to the plasma membrane, and Gαo slows this down by binding Gβγ [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Higher contents of and SS in wastewater hamper the anaerobic digestion; necessitating its pretreatment to reduce them. This study reveals optimization of struvite/MAP precipitation protocol followed by anaerobic digestion of pretreated swine wastewater for pollutants removal. Levels of different treatments: stirring speeds, 400 and 160rpm; pH values, 9.0, 9.5, 10.0, 10.5, 11.0 and 11.5; and P:Mg:N ratios, 1:1:1.2, 1:1:1.7, 1:1:2.2, 1:1:2.7, 1:1:4.0 and 1:1:5.0 were evaluated for MAP crystallization. Among various combinations, protocol comprising of initial 10min stirring at 400rpm followed by 160rpm for 30min, pH 10.0, and P:Mg:N ratio 1:1:1.2 rendered the best removal efficiency for , , COD, TC and TOC. Subsequent anaerobic biodegradation revealed superiority of MAP supernatant over raw swine wastewater for methane yield and , , COD, TC and TOC removals. It suggests that struvite precipitation as pretreatment to anaerobic digestion is highly effective and advantageous in wastewater treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Biomass is one of the important renewable energy. More attention has been paid on conversion of biomass and the upgrading of its products. In this paper, the bio-oil was prepared by pyrolysis of pine sawdust in fast pyrolysis installation. A series of ruthenium catalysts were prepared for the upgrading of bio-oil. The catalytic activity was evaluated by the reaction of the model compound (acetic acid) under 3MPa hydrogen pressure. The effects of Ru-loading and second metal addition on the catalytic activity were investigated. The 0.5Ru/γ-Al2O3 catalyst with 0.5%Co addition exhibited the highest activity, giving the highest conversion of acetic acid (30.98%). After upgrading over this catalyst, the properties of the pyrolysis bio-oil were improved. The content of the esters increased by 2-fold in the upgraded oil than in the raw one. The GC–MS spectrometry analysis showed that not only the hydrogenation but also the esterification happened in the bio-oil over the CoRu/γ-Al2O3 catalyst. Results indicate that it is possible to improve the properties of bio-oil by hydrotreating and esterifying carboxyl groups. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

SENP1 (SUMO-specific protease 1) has been shown to be essential for the stability and activity of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1α) under hypoxia conditions. However, it is unknown how SENP1 activation and hypoxia signaling are coordinated in the cellular response to hypoxia. Here, we report the essential role of SENP1 in endothelial cells as a positive regulator of hypoxia-driven VEGF production and angiogenesis. SENP1 expression is increased in endothelial cells following exposure to hypoxia. Silencing of HIF-1α blocks SENP1 expression in cell response to hypoxia. Mutation of the hypoxia response element (HRE) on the Senp1 promoter abolishes its transactivation in response to hypoxia. Moreover, silencing of SENP1 expression decreases VEGF production and abrogates the angiogenic functions of endothelial cell. We also find that the elongated endothelial cells in embryonic brain section and vascular endothelial cells in embryonic renal glomeruli in Senp1-/- mice are markedly reduced than those in wild-type. Thus, these results show that hypoxia implies a positive feedback loop mediated by SENP1. This feedback loop is important in VEGF production, which is essential for angiogenesis in endothelial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The current trend of global warming is expected to stimulate the expansion of harmful cyanobacteria blooms. Previously, the occidental type of barley straw has been used to control blooms in Europe and America, but very little is known about the antialgal abilities of its oriental relative. We tested the use of Tibetan hulless barley straw – the progenitor of oriental barley – to inhibit the growth of cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa. Flow cytometry allowed assessment at single-cell level, with morphologic parameters (cell volume, cell membrane integrity) and physiological parameters (in vivo Chlorophyll a fluorescence, metabolic activity) used as endpoints. The reduction of cell densities together with integrated cell membranes suggests that Tibetan barley may act as an algistatic agent. Doses from 2.0 to 8.0gL−1 of Tibetan barley straw efficiently inhibited the alga, but these doses were much higher than those of occidental barley. Such a large dosage introduced additional nutrients, which stimulated the intracellular metabolic activity and induced two physiological subpopulations in the acute term. After mid and long-term exposure, the growth inhibition effect exceeded the stimulation effect, so that the cells’ metabolic activity and Chlorophyll a fluorescence decayed, simultaneously with shrinkage in the algal cell volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Although dynorphins are widely involved in the control of not only nociceptive neurotransmission but also a variety of brain functions such as memory and emotion, no natural regulator for inducing the mRNA expression of prodynorphin (Pdyn), a precursor protein of dynorphins, is known. Using primary cultures of rat cortical neurons, we found that pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), a member of the vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)/secretin/glucagon neuropeptide family, markedly induces Pdyn mRNA expression. PACAP was much more effective than VIP, indicating a major role for PAC1 in the PACAP-induced Pdyn mRNA expression. The increase in Pdyn mRNA expression was independent of de novo protein synthesis. Administration of forskolin, an activator for adenylate cyclase/protein kinase A (PKA), but not TPA, an activator for protein kinase C (PKC), induced Pdyn mRNA expression, suggesting a major role for PKA. The involvement of PKA was supported by the inhibition of PACAP-induced Pdyn mRNA expression upon addition of H89, an inhibitor for PKA. The PACAP-induced potentiation of NMDA-R was involved in the mRNA expression of Bdnf or c-fos but not Pdyn. These results suggest PACAP to be an upstream regulator for inducing Pdyn mRNA expression through PKA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Though liquid chromatography electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (LC–ESI-MS2) has been widely used in the structural elucidation of triacylglycerols (TAG) in vegetable oils, its potentiality for the identification of TAG molecules in omega-3 rich oils remains unexplored till date. Hence, this article investigates the applicability of LC–ESI-MS2 for the structural characterization of naturally occurring TAG in cod liver oil without the TAG fractionation during the sample preparation. A computational algorithm was developed to automatically interpret the mass spectra and elucidate the TAG structures respectively. The results were compared against the lipase benchmark method. A principal component analysis study revealed that it is possible to discriminate genuine from adulterated cod liver oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Polychlorinated diphenyl ethers (PCDEs) are a group of important persistent organic pollutants. In the present study, geometrical optimization and electrostatic potential calculations have been performed for all 209 PCDE congeners at the HF/6-31G* level of theory. A number of statistically-based parameters have been obtained. Linear relationships between gas-chromatographic relative retention time (RRT), n-octanol/water partition coefficient (log K OW), 298K supercooled liquid vapour pressures (log p L), aqueous solubilities (log S w,L) and the immunotoxicity values (log ED 50) of PCDEs and the structural descriptors have been established by multiple linear regression method. The result shows that the quantities derived from electrostatic potential and together with the number of the chlorine atoms on the two phenyl rings () can be well used to express the quantitative structure–property (activity) relationships of PCDEs. Good predictive capabilities have also been demonstrated by leave-group(1/5)-out cross-validation and external test set. Based on these equations, the predicted values have been presented for those PCDE congeners whose experimentally determined physico-chemical properties are unavailable. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Composting is an effective methodology for the treatment of organic waste like pig manure (PM) before land application. However, nitrogen loss through NH3 volatilization during the thermophilic phase is one of the major disadvantages of composting. The presence of Cu and Zn in compost arising from pig feed additives is also an issue. In this study the effects of bamboo charcoal (BC) and bamboo vinegar (BV) added to composting piles on nitrogen conservation and immobility of Cu and Zn during PM composting was investigated. Total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) loss and mobility of Cu and Zn decreased with increased BC addition. TKN loss and mobility of Cu and Zn in the treatment with 9% BC at the end of composting significantly decreased by 65%, 35% and 39% respectively, as compared to the control. Addition of BV further decreased TKN loss. After composting, TKN loss in the treatment with 3% BC+0.4% BV was 23% lower than that in the treatment with 9% BC. The final results indicated that by adding BC or BC+BV into PM composting is an effective method to reduce TKN loss and control the mobility of Cu and Zn. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Accelerated eutrophication and nutrient loads in the lakes are of major concern for human health and environment. This study was undertaken for modeling the non-point source pollution of Taihu lake basin in eastern China. The SWAT model having an interface in ArcView GIS was employed. Model sensitive parameters related to hydrology and water quality were obtained by sensitivity analysis, and then calibrated and validated by comparing model predictions with field data. The GIS showed good potential for parameterization of hill-slopes, channels, and representative slope profiles for SWAT model simulations. In a monthly and daily time step, the model''s Nash-Sutcliffe coefficient (E) and the coefficient of determination (R 2) indicated that values of simulated runoff, NH4 +–N and total phosphorus were acceptably closer to the measured data. Surface water parameters especially CN, Soil-AWC and ESCO were the most sensitive and had more recognition in the model. It is concluded that runoff carrying N and P nutrients from chemical fertilizer inputs in agricultural areas is the major contributor to NPSP in the lake basin. So, decrease in excessive use of N and P fertilizers and their synergism with organic manures is recommended that would significantly reduce nutrient pollution in the lake ecosystem. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The denitrification capacity of refuse at different landfill ages in bioreactor landfill system was studied. Three reactors filled with 1-year-old refuse (R1), 6-year-old refuse (R6) and 11-year-old refuse (R11), respectively, were operated in the experiment. Nitrate solution (1000mgNO3 −-NL−1) was added into each reactor. The results showed that the reactors were all able to consume nitrate. However, 1-year-old refuse in R1 had both a higher nitrate reduction rate and concentration of N2. In addition, vertical differences in nitrate removal along the depth of R1 were observed. The bottom-layer refuse and the middle-layer refuse both showed higher efficiency in nitrate depletion than the top layer. Furthermore, N2O accumulation was found in R11 with the concentration up to 19.3% of the released gas. These results suggested that 1-year-old refuse, which was partly degraded, was more suitable to use as denitrification medium. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A field experiment located in Taihu Lake Basin of China was conducted, by application of urea or a mixture of urea with manure, to elucidate the interception of nitrogen (N) export in a typical rice field through “zero-drainage water management” combined with sound irrigation, rainfall forecasting and field drying. N concentrations in floodwater rapidly declined before the first event of field drying after three split fertilizations, and subsequently tended to return to the background level. Before the first field drying, total particulate nitrogen (TPN) was the predominant N form in floodwater of plots with no N input, dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) on plots that received urea only, and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) on plots treated with the mixture of urea and manure. Thereafter TPN became the major form. No N export was found from the rice field, but total nitrogen (TN) of 15.8 kg/hm2 was remained, mainly due to soil N sorption. The results recommended the zero-drainage water management for full-scale areas for minimizing N export. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The application of nitrogen fertilizers leads to various ecological problems such as nitrate leaching. The use of nitrification inhibitors as nitrate leaching retardants is a proposal that has been suggested for inclusion in regulations in many countries. In this study, using a multi-layer soil column device, the influence of new nitrification inhibitor DMPP (3,4-dimethyl pyrazole phosphate) was studied for understanding the nitrogen vertical transformation and lowering the nitrate leaching at different soil profile depths. The results indicated that, within 60 d of experiment, the regular urea added 1.0% DMPP can effectively inhibit the ammonium oxidation in the soil, and improve the ammonium concentration in soil solution over the 20cm depths of soil profile, while decline the concentrations of nitrate and nitrite. No obvious difference was found on ammonium concentrations in soil solution collected from deep profile under 20cm depths between regular urea and the urea added 1.0% DMPP. There was also no significant difference for the nitrate, ammonium and nitrite concentrations in the soil solution under 40cm depths of soil profile with the increasing nitrogen application level, among the treatments of urea added 1.0% DMPP within 60 d. It is proposed that DMPP could be used as an effective nitrification inhibitor in some region to control ammonium oxidation and decline the ion-nitrogen leaching, minimizing the shallow groundwater pollution risk and being beneficial for the ecological environment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The volatile components between stems and roots and also among five Clematis species from China were studied and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) combined with alternative moving window factor analysis (AMWFA), a new chemometric resolution method. Identification of the compounds was also assisted by comparison of temperature-programmed retention indices (PTRIs) on HP-5MS with authentic samples included in our own laboratory database under construction. A total of 153 different compounds accounting for 86.6–96.5% were identified and significant qualitative and quantitative differences were observed among the samples. The major volatile components in different essential oils from Clematis species were n-hexadecanoic acid and (Z,Z)-9,12-octadecadienoic acid. Our work further demonstrated chemometric resolution techniques upon the two-dimensional data and PTRIs can provide a complementary and convenient method for fast and accurate analysis of complex essential oils. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective To assess inter-observer variations of pulmonary nodule marking in routine clinical chest digital radiograph (DR) softcopy reading by using a lung nodule computer toolkit. Methods A total of 601 chest posterior-anterior DR images were randomly selected from routine outpatient screening in Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Two chest radiologists with experience more than ten years were first asked to read the images and mark all suspicious nodules independently by using computer toolkit IQQA-Chest, and to indicate the likelihood for each nodule detected. They were also asked to draw the boundary of the identified nodule manually on an enlarged region of interest, which was instantly analyzed by IQQA-Chest. Two sets of diagnostic reports, including the marked nodules, likelihood, manually drawn boundaries, quantitative measurements, and radiologists names, were automatically generated and stored by the computer system. One week later, the two radiologists read the same images together by using the same computer toolkit without referring to their previous reading results. Marking procedure was the same except that consensus was reached for each suspicious region. Statistical analysis tools provided in the IQQA-Chest were used to compare all the three sets of reading results. Results In the independent readings, Reader 1 detected 409 nodules with a mean diameter of 12.4 mm in 241 patients, and Reader 2 detected 401 nodules with a mean diameter of 12. 6 mm in 253 patients. In the consensus reading, a total of 352 nodules with a mean diameter of 12.4 mm were detected in 220 patients. Totally, 42.3% of Reader 1's and 45.1% of Reader 2's marks were confirmed by the consensus reading. About 40% of each reader's marks agreed with the other. There were only 130 (14.4% ) out of the total 904 unique nodules were confirmed by both readers and the consensus reading. Moreover, 5. 6% (51/904) of the marked regions were rated identical likelihood in all three readings. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between Readers 1 and 2, and between consensus and Reader 2 in determining the likelihood of the marks (P <0. 01) , but not between consensus and Reader 1. No significant difference in terms of size was observed in nodule segmentation between either two of the three readings. Conclusion Large variations in nodule marking and nodule-likelihood determination but not in nodule size were observed between experts as well as between single-person reading and consensus reading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In view of the existing technical problems about treatment of heavy metal pollution, a new organic heavy metal chelator—dipropyl dithiophosphate has been developed. This paper focuses on the mechanism about the laboratory synthesis of dipropyl dithiophosphate and chelate heavy metal, discusses the effects of pH value, added quantity of chelator, reactive time and coexistence of several heavy metal ions on the treatment effectiveness, and compares the stability of chelate complex with conventional neutral precipitation method. The results of the experiment show that, within the scope of pH 3–6, for the wastewater with the concentration of lead, cadmium, copper and mercury being 200mg/L, dipropyl dithiophosphate enjoys a removal rate about these elements up to over 99.9%, and the concentrations of the lead, cadmium, copper and mercury in the wastewater after treatment are less than 1, 0.1, 0.5 and 0.05mg/L, respectively, which meet the limit value of concentration stipulated in the Integrated Wastewater Discharge Standard (GB8978-1996). And the treatment effectiveness are not affected by pH value and coexistent heavy metal ions, which makes up the deficiency that neutral precipitation must be used under the condition of high alkalinity. The optimum quantity of dipropyl dithiophosphate chelator added is 1.2 times as much as stoichiometric amount and the optimum reactive time is 20min for lead, cadmium and copper, and 30min for mercury. Within the scope of pH 3–9, each heavy metal ion release of chelate complex will decrease along with increased pH value. But under any pH conditions, the release of heavy metal ions in hydroxide is far higher than that in chelate complex, therefore reducing the risk of polluting the environment again. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The transformation of heavy metal forms during sewage sludge bioleaching with elemental sulfur as substrate was investigated. The sequential selective extraction procedure was an effective way to reflect the variation in heavy metal forms. The exchangeable form of Cu, Pb and Zn after bioleaching accounted for 81.6, 40.2 and 75.8%, respectively. Cu at initial sludge mainly existed as sulfide precipitate form, most of which turned to exchangeable form during bioleaching, and was solubilized mostly by direct mechanism. The original forms of Pb and Zn were mainly carbonate precipitate and organically bound. Most of the carbonate precipitate Pb transformed into exchangeable form but a little of organically bound Pb. Pb was dissolved from the sludge due to transformation of carbonate precipitated and sulfide precipitated to exchangeable form by cooperation of both direct and indirect mechanisms. A majority of exchangeable Zn was transformed from organically bound and carbonate precipitated forms, and the bioleaching mechanism of Zn was mainly indirect. After bioleaching, the sewage sludge could be applied to land more safely because the heavy metals mainly existed in stable forms. The exchangeable Cu and Pb achieved an obvious increase at pH about 2, while exchangeable Zn showed higher percentage at pH about 3. The transformation of chemical forms for Cu had good relationship with ORP during bioleaching, but Zn was not influenced by ORP of sludge, which appeared to have high bioleaching efficiency at ORP less than 200mV. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The role of rhizosphere bacteria in facilitating the solubility of copper (Cu) in contaminated soil and Cu accumulation in plant were studied. The bacteria strains were isolated from the rhizosphere of Elsholtzia splendens, a Cu accumulator growing on Tonglu Mountain copper mines. After the sandy soils containing 237 mg kg−1 were incubated with the bacteria strains, it was indicated that rhizosphere microbes played an important role in influencing the availability of water-soluble Cu in soils. Soils had greater concentrations of water-extractable Cu compared with axenic soils inoculated with different bacterial strains. Further evidence for bacterial facilitation of increased solubility of Cu in the soil was obtained using the antibiotic ampicillin (0.1 mg g− 1). There were 36% decreases in Cu concentration in the presence of bacterial strain MS12 and ampicillin together compared with bacterial inoculation alone. Different bacterial strains had different abilities on soil water-soluble Cu. To achieve the highest rates of plant Cu accumulation, it was necessary for bacteria to be present in the rhizosphere of E. splendens. Inoculated plants supplied with 20 μmol L− 1 CuSO4 had significantly greater concentrations of Cu in shoots and roots than uninoculated plants and bacterial strain MS2 was the most effective strain in promoting plant Cu uptake. There were 2.2-fold and 2.5-fold increases in Cu accumulation in the shoots and roots of plants inoculated with strain MS2 compared to axenic controls. Furthermore, when ampicillin and the bacterial strains were added together to the nutrient solution, the Cu concentrations in roots and shoots of ampicillin-treated plants were lower than those in inoculated plants. When ampicillin was added to the nutrient solution, Cu accumulation was inhibited by about 24–44% in shoots and 20–44% in roots. The above results provided a new insight into the phytoremediation of Cu-contaminated soil. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Biological removal of ammonia was investigated using two types of packing materials, compost and sludge in laboratory-scale biofilters (8l reactor volume). The aim of this study is to investigate the potential of unit systems packed with these supports in terms of ammonia emissions treatment. Experimental tests and measurements included analysis of removal efficiency, metabolic products, and results of long-term operation. The inlet concentration of ammonia applied was 20–200mgm−3. The ammonia loading rates of 24.9–566gNH3m−3d−1 to compost biofilter (BF3) and 24.9–472gNH3m−3d−1 to sludge biofilter (BF4) were applied for 210 days, respectively. Removal efficiencies of the compost and sludge biofilters were in the range of 97–99% and 95–99%, respectively when the inlet concentration of ammonia was below 110mgm−3, and the maximum elimination capacities were 288 and 243gNH3m−3d−1, respectively. However, removal efficiency and elimination capacity of both biofilters significantly decreased as the inlet concentration increased to above 110mgm−3. By using kinetic analysis, the maximum removal rate of ammonia, Vm, and the saturation constant, Ks, were determined for both packing materials and the value of Vm for compost was found to be larger. Periodic analysis of the biofilter packing materials showed the accumulation of the nitrification product in the operation. During the experiment, the pressure drops measured were very low. The use of both packing materials requires neither nutritive aqueous solution nor buffer solution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The start-up and performance of the anaerobic attached film expanded bed (AAFEB) reactor with pre-aeration of carrier were investigated. The carriers of the reactors had been aerated for 10 days before they were put into the AAFEB reactors. The results indicated that the reactors advance the start-up by 15 days, and maintain higher efficiency when they were subjected to organic and hydraulic loading shock, but during steady-state operation, the reactors did not show better performance than the control reactors without pre-aeration of carrier. The thicker biofilm and higher biomass concentration of the reactors with pre-aeration were observed during the start-up period, but the difference between two types of reactors tapered with the time course, and at the steady-state operation, the difference between two types of reactors on these two parameters was not obvious. Maximum specific methane or acids production rates, dehydrogenase activity and coenzyme F420 content were continuously higher than those of the control reactors. After running 30 days, filamentous bacteria dominated in the reactors with pre-aeration, whereas the cocci were predominant species in the control reactors. It was suggested that the action of the biofilm is strongly dependent on the biofilm thickness or the biomass concentration in normal circumstances, but under adverse circumstances, such as organic or hydraulic loading shock, the characteristics and activity of the anaerobic granular sludge play key roles on the reactor performance. These results clearly indicated that pre-aeration of carrier favor to enhance the start-up and performance of AAFEB reactor. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Geogenic, as well as anthropogenic heavy metals from distant sources, gradually increase the level of toxic metals in natural environments and these will be increasingly taken up by plants and transferred further up the food chain. To control any detrimental environmental impacts of soil contaminants, it is desirable to investigate the solubility and mobility of soil chemical contaminants under land-based agricultural systems. In this paper, a greenhouse experiment was conducted to assess the effects of rhizospheric dynamics on the bioavailability of lead. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) and Ultisol were used as the test materials. The results showed NH4OAc extractable Pb in rice rhizosphere was much higher than in bulk soil, which meant that the activation processes in the rhizosphere was significant and the amount of bioavailable Pb increased. The distribution of extractable Pb at a distance of 0–10 mm from the root compartment, however, varied and had a little depletion compared to that in the rhizosphere. The significant difference of Pb forms between the rhizosphere and bulk soil further demonstrated the root-induced changes of lead bioavailability in the rhizosphere might also be related to the various levels of Pb treatment and the simultaneity of Cd. It was observed the accumulation of soluble plus exchangeable Pb (SE-Pb) in the 500 mg kg-1 Pb treatment, and relatively stronger fixation of Pb to oxides in the 250 mg kg-1 Pb treatment. The activation of SE-Pb in rice rhizosphere was weaker in the 5 mg kg-1 Cd treatment and stronger in the 10 mg kg-1 Cd treatment than that in the treatment without Cd. The activation of lead in the rhizosphere of Oryza sativa L., suggested a potential risk of heavy metal accumulation and phytotoxicity in plants and soil ecosystem. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A novel tri-primer polymerase chain reaction method (TP-PCR) was developed for the construction of a fused fpg gene, in which no endonuclease and ligase were used. Instead, two templates and three specifically designed primers were applied. Results showed that pheB and gfp genes, which encodes the catechol 2, 3-dioxygenase and the green fluorescent protein (GFP), respectively, were successfully fused into an fpg gene through the rapid TP-PCR system, indicating that TP-PCR method could be a useful tool for DNA fragment fusion in which no proper endonuclease sites were available. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The partitioning behavior of pentachlorophenol (PCP) in five sediments was studied using equilibrium sorption experiments and multiple cycles of sorption and desorption experiments. The results of the equilibrium sorption experiments showed that the isotherms of PCP on five sediments were linear and the partitioning coefficients (Kd) were proportional to the organic carbon content of the sediments. The average organic carbon content normalized partitioning coefficient (logKoc) of five sediments was 2.83±1.48. In multiple cycles of sorption and desorption experiments, the five sediments were found to exhibit statistically significant sorption–desorption hysteresis, and the hysteresis indices (HI) varied over a wide range (0.72–11.82). Correlations between the HI value and the percentage of lipid in the total organic matter in the sediment indicated that lipid was the main fraction to affect the hysteresis phenomenon, i.e., the higher the lipid percentage the greater the HI value. The hysteresis phenomenon was mostly caused by irreversible sorption of PCP on lipids, including entrapment by lipids, which induced the slow desorption rate from the sediment. Because of hysteresis in the sorption and desorption, the PCP ecological toxicity would be lower than expected. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper, downward movement of phosphorus and copper as dredged sediment applied on sandy loam soil was studied by column leaching experiments. Three sediment application rate, (i.e., 1, 2 and 5-cm depth of sediments) were applied to the top of the soil columns. Two and a half months leaching experiments were conducted, which include a 15-day un-watered period. Concentrations of phosphorus and copper in the leachate and the vertical distribution of Olsen-P and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) extractable Cu in the soil columns were determined. The results showed that, un-watered period could increase the downward movements of phosphorus and copper. Sediment application significantly increased Olsen-P concentration in the top 15 cm of the soil columns, but has not significantly affected that in the deeper soil layer. The 1-cm depth sediment treatment did not increase the DTPA extractable Cu concentration in the whole soil column. The 5-cm depth sediment treatment, however, significant increased the DTPA extractable Cu in the deeper soil layers. This study suggested that the application of dredged sediment laden with P and Cu on sandy loam soil might cause the significant downward movement of phosphorus and copper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The performance degradation of GaAs multi quantum well solar cells (MQWSCs) has been studied using 2 MeV proton irradiation with fluences from 3 x 109 to 2 x 1013 p/cm². The results have shown that the spectral response of MQWSCs clearly reduces in the short wavelength side after the proton irradiation, and the experimentally determined absolute ΔV∝ loss was found to be a good match to a model which describes the absolute ΔV∝. The cells are seen to display good irradiation tolerance for the degradation rate of the Pmax under the irradiation with a high fluence of 3 x 1011 p/cm² being only 25%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination induces a type of immune memory known as "trained immunity", characterized by the immunometabolic and epigenetic changes in innate immune cells. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the strategies for inducing and/or boosting trained immunity in alveolar macrophages remains unknown. Here, we found that mucosal vaccination with the recombinant strain rBCGPPE27 significantly augmented the trained immune response in mice, facilitating a superior protective response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and non-related bacterial reinfection in mice when compared to BCG. Mucosal immunization with rBCGPPE27 enhanced innate cytokine production by alveolar macrophages associated with promoted glycolytic metabolism, typical of trained immunity. Deficiency of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 and hexokinase 1 abolished the immunometabolic and epigenetic rewiring in mouse alveolar macrophages after mucosal rBCGPPE27 vaccination. Most noteworthy, utilizing rBCGPPE27's higher-up trained effects: The single mucosal immunization with rBCGPPE27-adjuvanted coronavirus disease (CoV-2) vaccine raised the rapid development of virus-specific immunoglobulin G antibodies, boosted pseudovirus neutralizing antibodies, and augmented T helper type 1-biased cytokine release by vaccine-specific T cells, compared to BCG/CoV-2 vaccine. These findings revealed that mucosal recombinant BCG vaccine induces lung-resident memory macrophages and enhances trained immunity via reprogramming mTORC2- and HK-1-mediated aerobic glycolysis, providing new vaccine strategies for improving tuberculosis (TB) or coronavirus variant vaccinations, and targeting innate immunity via mucosal surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An experiment for comparison of three different current limiting topologies is conducted. For the same tape consumption of 17 m, the limiting rates of R-SFCL, FC-SFCL and H-SFCL are 10 %, 28 % and 58 % respectively within the DC voltage range of 240–440 V. Both FC-SFCL and H-SFCL have good current limiting effect. Compared with FC-SFCL, the H-SFCL has stronger flexibility and adaptability, and there is no quenching recovery time, which makes it better cooperate with the DC circuit breaker to realize automatic reclosing. Therefore, H-SFCL is the most suitable superconducting current limiter for MVDC SPS. • This paper puts forward an optimal allocation method of H-SFCL on MVDC SPS. To solve the problem of optimizing the number and position of current limiters, a dual objective hierarchical optimization configuration method is proposed with the goal of minimizing the maximum allowable current and inductance energy of circuit breakers. The optimization of the number, position, and internal component parameters of current limiters is achieved on a four-terminal system. The results show that the proposed hierarchical optimization configuration method can effectively achieve the optimization of position and component parameters. • An improved four objective optimal allocation method suitable for circuit breakers and H-SFCLs is proposed to address the issue of the breaking sequence between the internal switch in H-SFCL and the external circuit breaker. The results showed that the maximum effective individual ratio within the first 20 generations of improvement was 88%; The improved iteration speed has significantly increased, and the effective individual ratio in the 5th generation can reach 100%, effectively improving the effective individual ratio in the optimization iteration process and achieving overall optimization of isolation and current limiting equipment. Medium voltage direct current shipboard power system (MVDC SPS) is the development trend of navy in the future. At present, one of the bottlenecks restricting the development of MVDC SPS is that the short fault. There is a lack of effective means to limit short fault current to protect MVDC SPS. This paper presents a method of applying a hybrid type superconducting fault current limiter (H-SFCL) to MVDC SPS protection. The architecture and system modeling of MVDC SPS are introduced, and the mechanism of bipolar DC short fault is analyzed. The topology and working principle of H-SFCL are introduced. The small-scale prototype experiment is done, the current limiting effect of H-SFCL is compared with resistive type superconducting fault current limiter (R-SFCL) and flux-coupling type superconducting fault current limiter (FC-SFCL) in the prototype test, so as to verify the superiority of H-SFCL. A dual objective hierarchical optimization configuration method is proposed, and the number and position of H-SFCLs are verified on a four-terminal system, as well as multi-objective optimization for H-SFCLs. A fault isolation and H-SFCL optimal allocation evaluation model is proposed; An improved method suitable for fault isolation and multi-objective optimal allocation of H-SFCLs is proposed to address the issue of breaking timing between internal switches in H-SFCLs and external circuit breakers in the optimization process. The research results indicate that the proposed optimal allocation method can optimize the inductance, resistance, and switch breaking time inside the current limiter, and can match the timing with the external circuit breaker; The proposed multi-objective optimization configuration method has a maximum effective individual ratio of 88% in the first 20 generations of improvement, and the improved iteration speed has significantly increased. In the 5th generation, the effective individual ratio can reach 100%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Electric bicycle (EB) has been one popular traffic tool in urban traffic system, but it has some disorder motion behaviors at a signalized intersection. In this paper, we propose a strategy to control each EB’s motion at a signalized intersection, and design some rules to explore each EB’s motion and the impacts of the proposed strategy on each EB’s motion at the signalized intersection. The numerical results indicate that the proposed strategy can enhance the operational efficiency at the signalized intersection. The results can help administrator to better manage the EB’s motion at the signalized intersection. Highlights • A strategy for EB flow is proposed. • EB’s motion rules under the proposed strategy are designed. • The effects of the proposed strategy on each EB’s motion studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, electric bicycle (EB) has been an important traffic tool in China. However, EB has some abnormal behaviors (e.g., retrograde, red-light running) in urban traffic system due to its own merits. Little effort has been made to explore the EB’s abnormal behaviors. In this paper, we propose a cellular automaton (CA) model to explore the effects of the EB’s abnormal behaviors on the operational efficiency at a signalized intersection. The numerical results indicate that the EB’s abnormal behaviors have prominent negative impacts on the operational efficiency at a signalized intersection (i.e., the two behaviors will reduce the operational efficiency) and that the impacts are dependent on the proportion of the EBs with the two abnormal behaviors. The results can help us better manage the EB’s behaviors (especially at a signalized intersection). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims to study the free and forced transverse vibrations of a nanowire on elastic substrate, in a systematic way. To this end, the governing equations are obtained from an updated mechanical model integrating the effects of surface and elastic substrate. The Winkler, Pasternak and Generalized substrate models are taken into consideration to characterize various substrates. The characteristic equations, mode shapes and effective Young’s moduli are determined for nanowires with three typical boundary conditions: simply supported, clamped-clamped and clamped-free. The Laplace transform is employed to derive the exact solutions for forced vibrations of the three typical nanowires. Numerical calculations are performed to validate the proposed solutions and to analyze the effects of surface and elastic substrates on the free and forced vibrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The glucagon receptor (GCGR) is a potential target for diabetes therapy. Several emerging GCGR antagonism-based therapies are under preclinical and clinical development. However, GCGR antagonism, as well as genetically engineered GCGR deficiency in animal models, are accompanied by α-cell hyperplasia and hyperglucagonemia, which may limit the application of GCGR antagonism. To better understand the physiological changes in α cells following GCGR disruption, we performed single cell sequencing of α cells isolated from control and gcgr-/- (glucagon receptor deficient) zebrafish. Interestingly, beyond the α-cell hyperplasia, we also found that the expression of gcga, gcgb, pnoca, and several glucagon-regulatory transcription factors were dramatically increased in one cluster of gcgr-/- α cells. We further confirmed that glucagon mRNA was upregulated in gcgr-/- animals by in situ hybridization and that glucagon promoter activity was increased in gcgr-/-;Tg(gcga:GFP) reporter zebrafish. We also demonstrated that gcgr-/- α cells had increased glucagon protein levels and increased granules after GCGR disruption. Intriguingly, the increased mRNA and protein levels could be suppressed by treatment with high-level glucose or knockdown of the pnoca gene. In conclusion, these data demonstrated that GCGR deficiency not only induced α-cell hyperplasia but also increased glucagon expression in α cells, findings which provide more information about physiological changes in α-cells when the GCGR is disrupted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ultrasensitive electrochemical biosensor for detecting microRNAs is fabricated based on hollow molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) microcubes. Duplex-specific nuclease, enzyme and electrochemical–chemical–chemical redox cycling are used for signal amplification. Hollow MoS 2 microcubes constructed by ultrathin nanosheets are synthesized by a facile template-assisted strategy and used as supporting substrate. For biosensor assembling, biotinylated ssDNA capture probes are first immobilized on Au nanoparticles (AuNPs)/MoS 2 modified electrode in order to combine with streptavidin-conjugated alkaline phosphatase (SA-ALP). When capture probes hybridize with miRNAs, duplex-specific nuclease cleaves the formative duplexes. At the moment, the biotin group strips from the electrode surface and SA-ALP is incapacitated to attach onto electrode. Then, ascorbic acids induce the electrochemical–chemical–chemical redox cycling to produce electrochemical response in the presence of ferrocene methanol and tris (2-carboxyethyl) phosphine. Under optimum conditions, the proposed biosensor shows a good linear relationship between the current variation and logarithm of the microRNAs concentration ranging from 0.1 fM to 0.1 pM with a detection limit of 0.086 fM (S/N=3). Furthermore, the biosensor is successfully applied to detect target miRNA-21 in human serum samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensitive detection of ochratoxin A (OTA) plays an important role in the field of food safety control. In this study, we are reporting for the first time an electrochemical biosensor which employs the integration of MoSe 2 nanoflowers, Au nanoparticles (AuNPs), aptamer and the guanine-rich complementary DNA sequence for the sensitive detection of OTA. MoSe 2 nanoflowers are prepared by a simple hydrothermal method and used as a promising sensing platform based on its large surface area. The methylene blue is used as a tracer and a guanine-rich complementary DNA sequence is designed to bind with the unbound OTA aptamer for signal amplification. The aptamer is immobilized on the AuNPs/MoSe 2 modified electrode surface through Au–S interaction. Since OTA can competitively bind with the aptamer due to their high affinity, the presence of OTA will induce the decrease of guanine-rich DNA on the electrode surface, in turn reduces the signal of methylene blue which can specifically adsorb to the guanine units of DNA. The proposed assay shows a good linear relationship within the range of 0.0001–1 nM with a detection limit of 0.08 pM for OTA. The developed biosensor has been applied to determine OTA concentration in wine samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Whey protein (WP) has been reported to reduce body weight gain and improve glucose metabolism in obese individuals. This study aims to assess and compare the effects of WP and its hydrolysate-leucine (Leu) supplementation in non-obese, insulin-resistant (IR) rat models, particularly the effects on insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, and antioxidant activity. Methods: Wistar rats were fed a diet consisting of 38.5% fat for 12 wk and 51.3% fat for an additional 4 wk to establish non-obese IR rats. The IR rats were then switched to regular A1N-93 diet containing 0% WP, 5% WP, 15% WP or 1.6% Leu for 8 wk. The Leu content was the same in the 15% WP and 1.6% Leu groups based on high-performance liquid chromatography. The IR rats' body weight, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance were measured before and after supplementation. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed after supplementation. Body composition, plasma concentrations of the lipids profile, and antioxidant index also were analyzed. Results: No significant difference was observed in body weight, energy intake, and fasting blood glucose in the non-obese IR rats at the end of the experiment. Compared with the 0% WP group, the fasting insulin and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance significantly decreased in the 15% WP and 1.6% Leu groups. Furthermore, the blood glucose area under the curve of the oral glucose tolerance test was significantly less in the 15% WP and 1.6% Leu groups. There were no differences in the lipids profile, except for the increase in the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the 15% WP and 1.6% Leu groups. For the antioxidant index, the 15% WP group had significantly increased plasma levels for total antioxidation capacity, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione, and a decreased malondialdehyde concentration. The 1.6% Leu group was shown to have the same effect as the 15% WP group, except for the glutathione. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that the supplementation of WP and Leu may improve IR and antioxidant stress without resulting in changes in body weight and energy intake in non-obese IR rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]