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This article focuses on the partial-nodes-based state estimation (PNBSE) issue for a complex network with the encoding-decoding mechanism (EDM) over the unreliable communication channel, where the signals are transmitted in an intermittent manner. A so-called EDM is exploited to convert the transmitted signals into a set of codewords with finite bits so as to facilitate the transmission efficiency between the complex networks and the estimator. To guarantee the state estimation (SE) performance subject to the intermittent communication nature of the channel, a buffer with limited capacity, which stores the recent measurement signals and sends them to the estimator simultaneously, is adopted to improve the utilization rate of the measurement signals in the estimation process. The main objective of the investigated problem is to construct a partial-nodes-based (PNB) estimator to generate the desired state estimates for the underlying complex networks. Considering the intermittent feature of signal transmission, the ultimate boundedness of the SE error under the constructed PNB estimator is discussed, and then, sufficient conditions are derived which ensure that the desired PNB estimator exists. An simulation example is given to confirm the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed estimator design strategy in the end. • For the first time, the ultimately bounded state estimation problem is investigated for the PNB complex network with encoding-decoding mechanism subject to unreliable communications. • A novel partial-nodes-based state estimator with buffer-aided strategy is proposed to guarantee the desired estimation performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Life cycle assessment and comparison between EVs and GVs were performed. • The resource depletion and environmental impacts of the power system of EVs are higher. • The exhaust produced by GVs during the utilisation stage is the main contributor to urban air pollution. • The optimisation of electric power structures can reduce GWP, CO and CO 2 by 15%, 37% and 14%, respectively. • The increase of battery energy density by 100 Wh/kg can reduce the emissions of air pollutants by 14–20%. Abstract Under the pressure of the global demand for environmental protection, the Chinese government has placed significant importance to the development and application of electric vehicles (EVs). However, the energy-saving and emission-reduction features of EVs remain the subject of debate. The current study conducted a life cycle assessment (LCA) on the power system of a gasoline vehicle (GV) and two EVs powered by lithium–iron ferrous phosphate (LFP) battery and nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) lithium battery based on Chinese practical production data. Results show that EVs have larger abiotic depletion potential (ADP) and environmental impact comprehensive value than GVs during the life cycle. The comprehensive environmental load of the LFP power system is 376% higher than that of the GV power system, and the comprehensive environmental load of the NCM power system remains 119% higher than that of the GV power system. The amounts of CO 2 , PM 2.5–10 , PM 2.5 , SO 2 and CO emissions from EVs are significantly lower than those from GVs with respect to Chinese energy-saving policies and actual emission-reduction techniques. In addition, sensitivity analysis results indicate that the optimisation of electric power structures can reduce GWP, CO and CO 2 by 15%, 37% and 14%, respectively. Additionally, the increase in battery energy density by 100 Wh/kg can reduce the emissions of air pollutants by 14–20%. Lastly, this study puts forward the following suggestions: optimise domestic energy structures, increase the proportion of clean energy, prioritise the promotion of the EVs in South China and increase battery energy density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To establish a genetic susceptibility assessment model of lung cancer risk potentially associated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) inhalation exposure among non-smokers in China, a total of 143 patients with lung adenocarcinoma and 143 cancer-free individuals were recruited. Sixty-eight genetic polymorphisms in 10 pathways related to PAH metabolism and tumorigenesis were selected and examined. It was observed that 3 genetic polymorphisms, along with 10 additional genetic polymorphisms via gene-gene interactions, significantly influenced lung cancer risk potentially associated with PAH inhalation exposure. Most polymorphisms were associated with PAH metabolism. According to the established genetic susceptibility score (GSS), lung cancer risk increased with a rise in the GSS level, thereby indicating a positive dose-response relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

First-principles method is used to characterize segregation and magnetic properties of alloyed Ti/TiO 2 interface. We calculate the segregation energy of the doped Ti/TiO 2 interface to investigate alloying atom's distribution. The oxidation resistance of Ti/TiO 2 interface is enhanced by elements Fe and Ni but reduced by element Co. Magnetism could be produced by alloying elements such as Co, Fe and Ni in the bulk of titanium and the surface of Ti at Ti/TiO 2 interface. The presence of these alloying elements could transform the non-magnetic titanium alloys into magnetic systems. We have also calculated the temperature dependence of magnetic permeability for the doped and pure Ti/TiO 2 interfaces. Alloying effects on the Curie temperature of the Ti/TiO 2 interface have been elaborated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The binding of programmed death-1 (PD-1) on the surface of T cells and PD-1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) on tumor cells can prevent the immune-killing effect of T cells on tumor cells and promote the immune escape of tumor cells. Therefore, immune checkpoint blockade targeting PD-1/PD-L1 is a reliable tumor therapy with remarkable efficacy. However, the main challenges of this therapy are low response rate and acquired resistance, so that the outcomes of this therapy are usually unsatisfactory. This review begins with the description of biological structure of the PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint and its role in a variety of cells. Subsequently, the therapeutic effects of immune checkpoint blockers (PD-1 / PD-L1 inhibitors) in various tumors were introduced and analyzed, and the reasons affecting the function of PD-1/PD-L1 were systematically analyzed. Then, we focused on analyzing, sorting out and introducing the possible underlying mechanisms of primary and acquired resistance to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade including abnormal expression of PD-1/PD-L1 and some factors, immune-related pathways, tumor immune microenvironment, and T cell dysfunction and others. Finally, promising therapeutic strategies to sensitize the resistant patients with PD-1/PD-L1 blockade treatment were described. This review is aimed at providing guidance for the treatment of various tumors, and highlighting the drug resistance mechanisms to offer directions for future tumor treatment and improvement of patient prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China׳s wind power industry experienced rapid growth before 2009. However, the growing rate slowed down and the problem of wind curtailment was serious recent years. This paper focuses on the analysis of the turning point of China׳s wind power industry combing with life circle theory. With a panoramic view of status quo, based on the resource endowment, capacity development and future trends, we draw the following conclusions: (1) China׳s potential wind power reserves are still rich and the development of wind power industry will sustain growth for some period in the future. (2) As for market structure aspect, oligopolistic characteristic of China׳s wind power market is still obvious. The market share of China׳s wind power generation is not very high enough in the total generation market. (3) Turning point of China׳s wind power industry has not come yet and the slowing down of development speed at present is mainly caused by inappropriate government intervention. It is estimated the turning point of wind power industry will come around 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The first potential energy surface of the reaction is presented. [•] Each reaction channel has the transient van der Waals complex. [•] The theoretical branching ratio of the reaction is illustrated. [•] The rate coefficients are in best agreement with experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Tributyltin (TBT) is a ubiquitous marine contaminant due to its extensive use as a biocide, fungicide and antifouling agent. However, the neurotoxic effect of TBT has not been extensively studied, especially in marine fish. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of TBT (10, 100 and 1000ng/L) on the predatory behavior of Sebastiscus marmoratus and to look into the mechanism involved. The results showed that TBT exposure depressed predatory activity after 50 days exposure. Dopamine levels in the fish brains increased in a dose-dependent manner, while 5-hydroxytryptamine and norepinephrine levels decreased significantly in the TBT exposure group compared to the control. The mRNA levels of dopamine receptors, which have functions such as cognition, motor activity, motivation and reward, mood, attention and learning, were significantly down-regulated by TBT exposure. Although the levels of amino acid neurotransmitters, including glutamate, did not show marked alteration, the expression of the glutamatergic signaling pathway such as N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors, a-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid receptor, calmodulin, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases-II and cyclic adenosine monophosphate responsive element binding protein, was significantly reduced by TBT exposure, which indicated that central nerve activities were in a state of depression, thus affecting the predatory activities of the fish. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The one-dimensional (1D) Sandia octahedral molecular sieves (SOMS) Na2Nb2O6·H2O nanowires were prepared by the reaction of Nb powder with NaOH via a one-step hydrothermal methods. The products were characterized by SEM, TEM, XRD, IR and EDX. A plausible sprouting growth mechanism is proposed for the formation of Na2Nb2O6·H2O nanowires based on the systematic investigation. Na2Nb2O6·H2O nanoribbons-based complex flowerlike structure were first grew on the metallic niobium surface, the growth process of SOMS nanowire is similar to the plant seed sprouting and growing, Na2Nb2O6·H2O nanowires were finally formed at the depletion of metallic niobium powder. In the end, we showed that Na2Nb2O6·H2O nanowires is hydrothermally synthesized in the 15M NaOH solution at 423K, which can be easily converted into NaNbO3 nanowires by calcination, while the NaNbO3 cubes were obtained through the same hydrothermal process at a higher temperature of 453K. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Wurtzite AlGaN solid solutions have been designed with aluminum's incorporation into GaN crystal. In this work, electronic structure and optical properties have been theoretically investigated in order to improve the optoelectronic performance of GaN semiconducting material. Lattice parameters of title materials have been provided, which shows very good agreement with experimental values, thereby making them a good choice for further studies, including delving into optical properties. It is found that the optical wavelength range has been enlarged when doping GaN with aluminum and the increased proportion of aluminum makes absorption curves shift towards higher energies. Because of excellent performance of these materials, a lot of new applications can be expected in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frequent pattern mining (FPM) on large graphs has received more and more attention due to its importance in various applications, including social media analysis. The FPM models are designed to find the patterns in a large graph with a frequency above a user-defined threshold. However, this problem is nontrivial due to the mining process's unaffordable computational and space costs. In light of this, we propose a cost-effective approach to mining near-optimal top- k patterns. Our approach applies a "level-wise" strategy to detect frequent patterns incrementally, hence can terminate once top- k patterns are discovered. Moreover, we develop a technique to compute the lower bound of support with a smart traverse strategy and compact data structures. Extensive experimental studies on real-life and synthetic graphs show that our approach performs well by outperforming traditional competing methods in efficiency, memory footprint, recall, and scalability. • This study proposes a near-optimal top- k pattern mining approach. • Computational cost is reduced through a newly early termination property. • An optimal strategy is proposed to reduce the requirements of memory space. • The algorithm is of great scalability as well as recall in real-life graphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Flower-like ZnO microspheres constructed by multilayered porous nanosheets were obtained through a hydrothermal preparation and a thermal decomposition. The products before and after thermal decomposition have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and room-temperature photoluminescence. The growth mechanism of Zn4(CO3)(OH)6·H2O curling nanopetals to ZnO stretching porous nanosheets was also proposed in this paper. The existence of a large number of oxygen vacancies improved by the adsorption of oxygen in these porous nanosheets enhanced the gas sensing property which was demonstrated by the photoluminescence spectra. The gas sensing experiments were carried out under different concentrations of ethanol and acetone at 623K. Results showed that the porous ZnO had high response value and short response time to our testing gases. We also suggested that the sensors based on the flower-like porous ZnO microspheres are more suitable for the detection of acetone in low concentration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study, TiO2 wedgy nanotubes with rectangular cross-sections were fabricated on transparent conductive substrates by using TiO2 nanorods as the precursor via the anisotropic etching route. TiO2 nanotubes with V-shaped hollow structure and the special crystal plane exposed on the tube wall possess nature of high surface area for more dye molecules absorption, and the strong light scattering effects and dual-channel for effective electron transport of the TiO2 V-shaped nanotubes based dye-sensitized solar cell exhibit a remarkable photovoltaic enhancement compared with the TiO2 nanorods. The photoanode based on our V-shaped TiO2 nanotubes with a length of 1.5μm show a 123% increase of the dye loading and a 182% improvement in the overall conversion efficiency when compared with 4μm rutile TiO2 nanorods photoanode. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Tributyltin (TBT), a ubiquitous marine environmental contaminant, has been reported to affect functioning of the central nervous system. However, the mechanism of its neurotoxicity remains unknown. In this study, an Anneal Control Primer-differential display Reverse Transcription-PCR method was employed to investigate differentially expressed genes in the brain of Sebastiscus marmoratus in response to acute TBT exposure. A total of 18 gene sequences were identified as having the potential for being differentially expressed, of which 9 could be identified with homologous database sequences. The expression profiles of 4 genes, namely cytochrome c oxidase subunit II, GRB2-associated binding protein 2, adaptor-related protein complex 2, and guanine nucleotide exchange factor p532, were analyzed in the brain using real time fluorescence quantitative PCR after treatment with 10, 100 and 1000ng/L of TBT for 50 days. The results showed that chronic exposure to TBT induced down-regulation of these genes in a dose dependent manner. The present study provided a basis for studying the response of fish to TBT exposure and allowed the characterization of new potential neurotoxic biomarkers of TBT contamination in seawater. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study analyzes the OTI (overall textile industry) energy efficiency gap between China and the US and measures the longitudinal changes in OTI energy efficiency over time. A breadthwise comparison of the energy efficiency among OTI subsectors indicates that the CFI (chemical fiber industry) is the key subsector for improving energy efficiency. This study conducts a quantitative analysis of the influencing factors of energy efficiency of the CFI in China. The energy efficiency of the CFI in Fujian and its influencing factors are compared with that of the national level. Results indicate that the main factors influencing the energy efficiency of CFI in China include economic structure, energy structure, industry scale, and technology, whereas industry concentration has no significant effect. Economic indicators show that the energy efficiency of Fujian's CFI has continued to improve yearly, and is currently above the national average. The low proportion of state-owned and state holding enterprises value, low proportion of coal consumption in the energy structure, industrial scale with a majority of medium- and large-sized enterprises, and advanced technology level are the main reasons for the success of Fujian's CFI. Finally, this study proposes several feasible policies that could be adopted by the authorities concerned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An improved method of Fission Track technique combined with Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry (FT-TIMS) was established in order to determine isotope ratio of uranium-bearing particle. Working standard of uranium oxide particles with a defined diameter and isotopic composition were prepared and used to review the method. Results showed an excellent agreement with certified values. The developed method was used to analyze isotope ratio of single uranium-bearing particle in swipe samples successfully. The analysis results of uranium-bearing particles in swipe samples accorded with the operation history of the origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid economic development in China, environmental pollution has become a major concern, particularly pollution by persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Thus, these pollutants must be monitored over the long term. In this study, we analyze the distribution levels and sources of POPs in the surficial sediments of Chinese estuaries and seas. Results showed that POPs in sediments significantly distribute spatially and temporally. Furthermore, POPs not only concentrate in densely populated cities, bays, and industrial areas, but also follow the natural distribution of and temporal changes in local industrial structures. Hence, we recommend sampling sites and frequencies to monitor POPs in China over the long term and to defer their analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs; EC 2.5.1.18) are phase II enzymes involved in major detoxification reactions of xenobiotic in many organisms. In the present study, two classes of GSTs (PvGST1 and PvGST2) were cloned from P. viridis by rapid amplification of cDNA ends method. Sequence alignments and phylogenetic analysis together supported that PvGST1 and PvGST2 belonged to the pi and omega classes, respectively. The PvGST1 cDNA was 1214 nucleotides (nt) in length and contained a 618 nt open reading frame (ORF) encoding 206 amino acid residues, and had 46 nt of 5′-untranslated region (UTR) and a 3′ UTR of 550 nt including a tailing signal (AATAAA) and a poly (A) tail. The molecular mass of the predicted PvGST1 was 23.815kDa, with the calculated isoelectric point being 5.39. PvGST2 was 1093bp, consisting of a 5′ UTR of 13bp, a 3′ UTR of 246bp and an ORF of 834bp. The deduced protein was composed of 278 amino acids, with an estimated molecular mass of 32.476kDa and isoelectric point of 8.88. Tissue distribution analysis of the PvGST1 and PvGST2 mRNA revealed that the GST expression level was higher in digestive gland and gonad, while lower in gill and mantle in both genders. Molecular modeling analysis of two GSTs implicated their various functions account for their different enzymatic features. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Tributyltin (TBT) is a ubiquitous marine environmental contaminant, which has been known to cause axial skeletal deformities in fish embryos. However, the effects of TBT on the craniofacial cartilage development of fishes remain unclear. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of waterborne TBT at environmental levels (0, 0.1, 1, and 10 ng L−1 as Sn) on craniofacial cartilage development in embryos of the rockfish (Sebastiscus marmoratus). Our study showed that TBT exposure induced craniofacial skeletal deformities, such as reduction of the craniofacial skeleton elements and a shorter lower jaw. The expressions of retinoic acid receptor α, sonic hedgehog, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen were depressed and the expressions of vitamin D receptor were increased in the rockfish embryos after TBT exposure. In addition, the activities of Ca2+-ATPase were inhibited after TBT exposure. These results suggested that TBT might perturb the proliferation and differentiation of chondrocytes, and disturb calcium homeostasis, thus disorganizing craniofacial skeletal development. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Titanium dioxide mesoporous microspheres with high surface area was successfully prepared by a facile one-step hydrothermal approach using polyethylene glycol (PEG, MW 200) as the soft template. Study shows that ∼15 nm TiO2 nanoparticles was assembled into ∼1.1 μm mesoporous microspheres. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area of TiO2 microsphere is up to 137 m2/g. TiO2 mesoporous microspheres were fabricated onto the surface of fluorine-doped tin oxide glass and used as the photoanode of dye-sensitized solar cells, which exhibits an open circuit photovoltage of 0.80 V and an overall conversion efficiency of 6.6%. Owing to the enhanced dye loading and light-harvesting efficiency, a 26% improvement in the overall conversion efficiency was achieved when compared with the commercial Degussa P25 nanoparticles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Tributyltin (TBT) is a ubiquitous marine environmental contaminant characterized primarily by its reproductive toxicity. However, the embryotoxicity of TBT has not been extensively described, especially in fishes. The aim of this study was to investigate the developmental toxicity of waterborne TBT at environmental levels (0, 0.1, 1, and 10ngL−1 as Sn) on Sebastiscus marmoratus embryos. Our study showed that TBT reduced the hatchability and caused apparent morphological abnormalities including dorsal curvature, severely twisted tails and pericardial edema. In addition, localized apoptosis was found in the tail regions of embryos after TBT exposure. The study provided a possible mechanistic link between apoptosis and TBT-induced twisted tails abnormality. TBT exposure induced retinoid X receptor α expression in S. marmoratus embryos at the 0.1 and 1ngL−1 group, which would be responsible for the increasing apoptotic cells induced by TBT. The results of the present study have widespread implications for environmental ecological assessment, management and the etiology of developmental defects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Effects of exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on Sebastiscus marmoratus were investigated using a suppression subtractive hybridization method. A total of 108 gene sequences were identified as having the potential for being differentially expressed, and 45 could be identified with homologous database sequences. Functions with which they were associated included long-term potentiation and neurotransmitter release, neuroendocrine, mitosis and cell proliferation, energy-related metabolism, general metabolism, signal protein, hemopoiesis system, immune system, and structure. The expression of 17 of these genes was analyzed in the brain using real time fluorescent quantitative PCR. The present study provided a basis for studying the response of fish to PCB exposure and allowed the characterization of new potential neurotoxicol biomarkers of PCB contamination in seawater. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Trimethyltin (TMT) is a well-documented neurotoxicant that affects the function of central nervous system (CNS). In this study, we studied the neurotoxicity of TMT on the brain of marine fish Sebastiscus marmoratus. Our results showed that TMT acute exposure induced brain cell apoptosis in the telencephalon, optic tectum and cerebellum. In addition, we observed increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO) and one asparate-specific cysteinyl protease named caspase-3 which are often associated with the processes of cell apoptosis, in the brain of S. marmoratus after acute treatment of TMT. Our results indicated that TMT induces neurotoxicity and oxidative stress in marine fish S. marmoratus. Our results suggested that TMT exposure in the environment may affect fish behaviors including schooling, sensory and motorial learnings, based on the observation of cell apoptosis in the cerebral regions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

As a high-yielding forage grass, Phalaris arundinacea widely distributed in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau region of China. To explore physiological and molecular response mechanism of Phalaris arundinacea under waterlogging, we analyzed the biomass and physiological indexes of three locally grown strains under the submerged condition of 10 cm. The material Z0611 showed the strongest waterlogging resistance while the YS showed the weakest performance. Transcriptome sequencing analysis demonstrated that the YS and Z0611 had 17010 and 7566 differently expression genes (DEGs), respectively, which were mainly concentrated in the metabolic process, cell, ribosome, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway in GO and KEGG databases. We also identified a large number of genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, hormone signaling regulation, transcription factors, antioxidant system, and ethylene signaling. Our research may provide a scientific basis for the restoration of wetland environment on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and lay a foundation for further exploration of the waterlogging resistance genes of Phalaris arundinacea and breeding of new strains resistant with waterlogging stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]