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• Introduced a circular economy-based cost model for kerbside wastes. • Evaluated costs in closed-loop and open-loop recycling. • Demonstrated KGRSB cost less than KRMB model. • Alignment of cost model with attributional LCA model for kerbside waste recycling. Rapid expansion in urban areas has engendered a superfluity of municipal solid waste (MSW) stemming from contemporary civilization, encompassing commercial sectors and human undertakings. Kerbside waste, a type of MSW, has the potential for recycling and reuse at the end of its first life cycle, but is often limited to a linear cycle. This study aimed to assess the life cycle costs of different separation and recycling methods for handling kerbside waste. A new life cycle cost model, drawing from the circular economy's value retention process (VRP) model, has been created and applied to assess the continuous recycling of kerbside glass. The study investigates two key separation techniques, kerbside recycling mixed bin recycling (KRMB) kerbside glass recycling separate bin (KGRSB) and analyses their impact on the life cycle cost of the recycling process. Additionally, the research explores two approaches of recycling and downcycling: closed-loop recycling, which pertains to the recycling of glass containers, and open-looped recycling, which involves the use of recycled glass in asphalt. The results showed when use annually collected waste as the functional unit, the KRMB model incurred lower costs compared to the KGRSB model due to its lower production output. However, when evaluated over a 1-ton production of glass container and asphalt, the KGRSB method demonstrated superior cost performance with a 40–50% reduction compared to the KRMB method. The open-loop recycling method (asphalt) incurred a higher cost compared to the closed-loop recycling method due to its larger production volume over a 21-year period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Atherosclerosis (AS) is the common pathophysiological basis of various cardiovascular diseases and the leading cause of death from cardiovascular disease worldwide. When the body is in a hypoxic environment, enhanced oxidative stress and significant accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in tissue cells exacerbate the inflammatory response, resulting in increased release of myeloperoxidase (MPO), catalyzing the formation of large quantities of hypochlorous acid (HOCl), further oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and exacerbating the formation and progression of atherosclerotic plaques. The MAPK signaling pathway is important in oxidative stress-mediated promotion of atherogenesis. MPO -/- mice were used in this study to establish a hypoxia model simulating 5000 m altitude and a Western high-fat diet-induced atherosclerosis model for 12 weeks. Exploring the role of MPO in the atherosclerotic process in hypoxic mice by observing the MAPK signaling pathway to provide a therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of hypoxic atherosclerotic disease in the plateau. We found that hypoxia promotes the formation of atherosclerosis in mice, and the mechanism may be that increased MPO in vivo promotes an inflammatory response, which plays a crucial role in the formation of atherosclerosis. In addition, hypoxia further exacerbates plaque instability by activating the MAPK signaling pathway to upregulate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9), which in turn promotes angiogenesis within the plaque. Therefore, a potential target for preventing and treating hypoxic atherosclerotic disease is the inhibition of MPO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Joint Deformation Phases: Static friction, sliding, bolt yielding, and tenon-mortise contact. • Joint Deformation Phases: Static friction, sliding, bolt yielding, and tenon-mortise contact. • Cumulative hits reveal initial loading, crack formation, and ultimate failure phases. • Increased force enhances shear resistance; bolt preload boosts positive shear capacity. • Stiffness improvement decreases with higher h/t; stress compression shifts, affecting tenon failure. The dislocation of inter-ring joints in tunnel segments poses a significant risk to tunnel structural safety. Therefore, gaining insights into the shear deformation and failure behavior of these inter-ring joints is paramount. In this study, we developed a robust three-dimensional numerical simulation model grounded in the concrete damaged plasticity (CDP) constitutive model. Complementing this, full-scale experiments were conducted on circumferential joints, subjecting them to both positive and negative shear loads. To enhance our understanding, we employed distributed optical fiber sensing (DOFS) and acoustic emission (AE) detection technologies. Our investigation delved into the deformation process, mechanical behavior of bolts, and failure characteristics of inter-ring joints featuring double bolt-tenon and mortise structures. Various parameters were explored, including longitudinal force, bolt preload, and the height-to-thickness ratio of the tenon and mortise (h/t). Notably, our results unveiled distinct stages in the shear deformation process of the joints. In the final failure stage, the tenon exhibited crushing failure, while the mortise underwent shear failure. As the h/t ratio increased, the mortise's failure mode transitioned from overall failure at the root to localized failure at the contact area. Analyzing the mechanical behavior of bolts, we observed more favorable outcomes in positive shear than in negative shear. Bolt preload emerged as a modest factor for enhancing the load-carrying capacity of the joint in positive shear, with minimal impact in negative shear. Furthermore, an increase in longitudinal force was found to positively enhance the joint's load-carrying capacity in both shear conditions. Our findings contribute valuable insights for optimizing the design and safety considerations of tunnel structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urbanization growth has increased the generation of municipal solid waste (MSW) and has the potential for recycling and reuse. However, it is frequently limited to a linear lifecycle mode which end up in landfills. A novel attributional lifecycle inventory model for lifecycle assessment based on value retention process (VRP) model of circular economy was developed to quantify the lifecycle inventory and measure the environmental impacts of multiple lifecycle stages, from in-community separation to the end-of-use/life stage and subsequent lifecycles. This investigation focused on assessing the environmental impacts of two distinct in-community waste glass separation methods - separate kerbside glass recycling bin (SKGRB) and mixed kerbside recycling bin (MKRB) - in combination with two recycling approaches - open-loop (asphalt) and closed-loop (glass container). The goal of the study was to make a comparative evaluation of the environmental impacts of these methods. Results showed that the SKGRB method had better environmental performance (40–60% reduction compared to the MKRB method) for both materials. Closed-loop recycling of glass container production had higher environmental impacts due to higher energy consumption in production in one lifecycle, while the open-loop recycling method of asphalt had higher environmental impacts despite fewer circulations, due to higher production volume in 21 years. The results of the sensitivity/uncertainty analysis showed that environmental impacts decreased as the allocation coefficient decreased, reaching stability when the coefficient reached the waste materials percentage in the new product's mixed design. • Novel circular economy LCI model quantifies environmental impacts of MSW multi-lifecycles. • Comparative evaluation of early-stage separations and open-looped vs. closed-loop recycling. • Different functional units 1 ton production vs annual wastes in multiple cycles gives different results. • High environmental impacts in closed-loop recycling for the functional unit of 1-ton production compared to open-loop recycling. • Higher environmental impacts in open-loop for annual wastes in multiple cycles, due to total production weight, compared to closed-loop recycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Underground natural gas storage (UGS) serves as an environmentally sustainable remedy for mitigating regional and temporal disparities in energy supply and demand. The phenomenon of substantial well interference and non-uniform pressure distributions in UGS, resulting from high injection and withdrawal rates, requires a comprehensive examination. This study presents an analytical model aimed at investigating the ramifications of well interference on transient pressure dynamics during UGS. Employing the Laplace transform method, an analytical framework for diverse wells within UGS is derived, with well interference effects being effectively incorporated through the application of the superposition principle. To validate the proposed analytical solutions under various scenarios, a commercial numerical simulator is employed. The analysis reveals that when an adjacent well is engaged in gas withdrawal, interference induces an initial rise in pressure derivative followed by a subsequent plateau. Conversely, during gas injection into an adjacent well, the pressure derivative curve exhibits a continuous decline, akin to situations characterized by constant pressure boundaries. Notably, the likelihood of interference with a target well is more pronounced when gas injection or production occurs in a vertical well as opposed to a horizontal one. Preliminary data from the Hutubi UGS in China, one of the largest projects of its kind, indicate cumulative gas injection and withdrawal volumes of 155.43 × 108 m3 and 130.81 × 108 m3, respectively, with a maximum storage capacity of 107 × 108 m3. Ultimately, the gas storage volume reaches 93.50% of the UGS's designated capacity. This substantial quantity of stored natural gas equates to the calorific value of 9.88 × 109 kg of crude oil or 1.29 × 1010 kg of coal. In comparison to conventional fossil fuels such as oil and coal, the utilization of natural gas in the Hutubi UGS results in a significant reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, amounting to 1.04 × 1010 kg and 1.38 × 1010 kg, respectively. This contribution advances the field by proposing an analytical model for the systematic analysis of well interference on pressure dynamics within the Hutubi UGS, thereby facilitating the transition from oil and coal to natural gas, a crucial step in the pursuit of cleaner and more sustainable energy production practises. • A new meshless pressure analysis approach for well interference in underground gas storage is proposed. • Impact of well interference on transient pressure behavior during underground gas storage is clarified. • The actual data from the Hutubi case are used to show the method practicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multilateral well is a promising solution to increase natural gas hydrate (NGH) production. To simplify the production prediction of multilateral wells in NGH, this paper proposes a meshless method. The moving boundary divides the hydrate reservoir into an expanded dissociated region and an original formation. The Laplace transform and the Stehfest inversion method are used to obtain the solution of dual-porosity media in the dissociated region and the outer original formation with different flow abilities. The superposition principle is chosen to handle the interference effect among various branches. A numerical verification in the commercial simulator is performed. The case study from Shenhu area and the sensitivity analysis show that the production behaviors can be divided into three stages. The first stage of rapid production decline is controlled by the structure of multilateral wells. The second stage reflects the gas flow from matrix to natural fractures in the dissociated region and the dissociation of hydrate to natural gas in the original formation. The third stage is mainly affected by the original reservoir properties and hydrate decomposition. Since the proposed method does not require mesh generation, it has advantages in computational performance and convergence compared with traditional numerical techniques. [Display omitted] • A meshless production prediction approach for multilateral wells in natural gas hydrate is proposed. • The typical production behaviors can be divided into three stages. • The well structures comparison and sensitivity analysis are conducted. • The actual parameters from Shenhu area are used to carry out the case study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A visible-light-promoted α-oxidation of amines to amides is reported. Natural pigment chlorophyll is used as photosensitizer to generate singlet molecular oxygen 1O 2 as oxidants. [Display omitted] A novel method for the metal-free synthesis of 3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-1(2H)-ones and N -phenyl oxalamides from 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronisoquinoline and N -phenyl glycine derivatives based on visible-light photoredox catalysis under aerobic conditions is reported. Natural pigment chlorophyll is used as photosensitizer to generate singlet molecular oxygen 1O 2 , which is involved in the aerobic α-oxidation of N -phenyl amines. The protocol provides amides in good yields at room temperature under mild conditions. Based on the experimental results, a plausible photoredox mechanism is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is increasingly recognized that many human carcinomas express immunoglobulin (Ig) molecules that are distinct from B-cell-derived Ig and play important roles in cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the functions of cancer-derived Ig remain elusive. Here, we report that lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) cells frequently express high levels of cancer IgG (CIgG) that is specifically recognized by a monoclonal antibody RP215. RP215 recognizes CIgG via a novel epitope that involves an N-glycan modification at a non-consensus site within the CH1 domain. We demonstrate that RP215 recognized CIgG (RP215-CIgG) promotes survival, migration and in vivo growth of LSCC cells, and these oncogenic activities are strongly inhibited by RP215. Mechanistically, RP215-CIgG executes its oncogenic function through interacting with the integrin α6β4 complex and activating the FAK and Src pathways. Notably, the CIgG-integrin-FAK signaling depends on the N-glycan epitope, which is inhibited by RP215. Together, our studies identified a novel CIgG molecule that activates the oncogenic integrin-FAK signaling in LSCC cells. In addition, the activity of CIgG is inhibited by RP215, providing an attractive target for antibody-based therapy of LSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The damage evolution of concrete occurs earlier than that of the bolt. • Stress states of bent bolt and tenon affect inter-ring joint shearing performance. • Shearing stress mode of bolt & tenon create vulnerable areas at various positions. • Joint shear stiffness is higher under positive shearing than negative shearing. When a gas transmission shield tunnel passes through an underwater stratum under high water pressure for a long distance, structural damage due to segment joint dislocation notably affects the tunnel safety during service. Thus, the shearing characteristics of inter-ring joints constitute a critical research topic for the structural mechanical response of a segment. Considering the structure of an inter-ring joint, this study uses positive and negative shearing tests to investigate joint dislocation, shear stiffness, and the mechanism of the shear failure of segment joints. The main findings are as followings. The stress states of a bent bolt and tenon are critical factors affecting the shear performance of the inter-ring joint. Vulnerable areas appear at different positions according to the shear stress mode of the bolt and tenon. The failure process can be classified into the following three stages owing to the stress state. 1) Friction at the contact surface of the joints counteracts the shearing force, 2) the groove and convex tenons contact each other and the bolt begins to bear the force, and 3) visible cracks and collapse appear in the segment structure. Finally, the damage evolution of concrete occurs earlier than that of the bolt. Moreover, until the concrete fails, the bent bolt is close to yielding but is still not damaged. These findings can improve the design and theoretical analysis of oil and gas transmission shield tunnels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid urbanization along with population growth have led to a problem of excessive waste production worldwide. Australia is not an exception, where waste management and recycling are urgently required. The use of waste glass as a replacement for virgin aggregates can be one of the solutions. Many studies have focused on experiments and developing new materials with waste glass. However, those studies mostly ignored the embodied energies of the waste glass collection and sorting processes, which can significantly influence the environmental impact and thus demand further investigation. This research applies the life cycle assessment (LCA) technique to evaluate the environmental impacts of recovering glass material from two kerbside open-loop recycling models (early-stage separation) for asphalt production. The two kerbside recycling models belong, one with separating glass via a traditional mixed kerbside recycling bin model (MKRB model) and the other with collecting glass only through a separate kerbside glass recycling bin model (SKGRB model). It shows that the SKGRB is the most environmentally friendly model, which can lower environmental impacts by around 40–60% per ton of asphalt production compared to the MKRB model. • Comparative LCA study on open-loop recycling processes for kerbside glass waste as asphalt material was conducted. • Energy and material consumptions and environmental impacts of a full lifecycle were studied. • Early-stage separation and collection methods significantly affected the environmental impacts. • Adding glass waste stream reduced the embodied energy and environmental impacts. • Transportation distance had a marginal impact on the environmental impact of kerbside glass recycling for asphalt production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing epidemiological evidence has shown that exposure to ambient air pollution contributes to poor sleep quality. However, whether variability in air pollution exposure affects sleep quality remains unclear. Based on a large sample in China, this study linked individual air pollutant exposure levels and temporal variability with subjective sleep quality. Town-level data on daily air pollution concentration for 30 days prior to the survey date were collected, and the monthly mean value, standard deviations, number of heavily polluted days, and trajectory for six common pollutants were calculated to measure air pollution exposure and its variations. Sleep quality was subjectively assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and a PSQI score above 5 indicated overall poor sleep quality. Multilevel and negative control models were used. Both air pollution exposure and variability contributed to poor sleep quality. A one-point increase in the one-month mean concentration of particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters of ≤2.5 μm (PM 2.5) and ≤10 μm (PM 10) led to 0.4% (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.002–1.006) and 0.3% (95% CI: 1.001–1.004) increases in the likelihoods of overall poor sleep quality (PSQI score >5), respectively; the odds ratios of a heavy pollution day with PM 2.5 and PM 10 were 2.2% (95% CI: 1.012–1.032) and 2.2% (95% CI: 1.012–1.032), respectively. Although the mean concentrations of nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide met the national standard, they contributed to the likelihood of overall poor sleep quality (PSQI score >5). A trajectory of air pollution exposure with maximum variability was associated with a higher likelihood of overall poor sleep quality (PSQI score >5). Subjective measures of sleep latency, duration, and efficiency (derived from PSQI) were affected in most cases. Thus, sleep health improvements should account for air pollution exposure and its variations in China under relatively high air pollution levels. [Display omitted] • Ambient air pollution exposure contributed to multiple sleep quality problems. • Variability in air pollution exposure was negatively associated with sleep quality. • Common air pollutants had differential impacts on sleep quality. • Low level CO, SO 2 , and NO 2 exposure impaired sleep quality. • Sleep latency, duration, and efficiency were affected by air pollution exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel electrochemical sensor based on poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) functionalized graphene (PDDA-G) composite film has been developed for the detection of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). The PDDA-G was successfully prepared and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Due to PDDA-G has more functional groups which were beneficial for the absorption of 4-NP by electrostatic interaction, it was found that the sensitivity for 4-nitrophenol was remarkably improved at the PDDA-G nanocomposite film modified GCE. The experimental parameters such as the pH of buffer solution, the scan rate, the accumulation time and potential were optimized. Under the optimum experimental conditions, this sensor had a wide linear range over 4-NP concentration from 0.06 μM to 110 μM with a detection limit of 0.02 μM (S/N = 3). Furthermore, the PDDA-G sensor not only exhibited good stability with adequate reproducibility and accuracy, but also demonstrated efficiency in the detection of 4-NP in water samples. It was expected that this method has great promise for simple, sensitive, selective detection of 4-NP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfur bonds, including thioether bond and disulfide bond, have been widely used to develop tumor redox-responsive drug delivery systems. Recently, trisulfide bond was also introduced into the construction of prodrug nanoassemblies. However, the integrated effects of these sulfur bonds on prodrug nanoassemblies remain elusive. Here, three paclitaxel homodimeric prodrugs are synthesized using thioether bond, disulfide bond or trisulfide bond as linkages. Interestingly, the sulfur bonds significantly changed the molecular assembly of prodrugs, thereby influencing the colloidal stability and in vivo destiny of prodrug nanoassemblies. More importantly, the trisulfide bond is found to be a novel redox dual-sensitive linkage, and the responsive mechanism is illustrated. The differences of thioether/disulfide/trisulfide bond are investigated in-depth, and their effect on the antitumor efficacy of prodrug nanoassemblies is also clarified. Our findings provide deep insights into the impacts of sulfur bonds on prodrug nanoassemblies, and highlight the potential of trisulfide bond for the development of redox dual-responsive nanomedicines. [Display omitted] • Impact of sulfur-containing chemical linkages on dimeric prodrug nanoassemblies was clarified. • The trisulfide bond is found to be a novel redox dual-sensitive linkage for the first time. • Trisulfide bond conjugated by ester bond helps to release the intact parent drug. • This provides a new strategy for redox-responsive nanomedicines with high drug-loading capacities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: 1-Bromo-3-chloro-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (BCDMH) is a solid oxidizing biocide for water disinfection. The objective of this study was to investigate the toxic effect of BCDMH on zebrafish. Methods: The developmental toxicity of BCDMH on zebrafish embryos and the dose-effect relationship was determined. The effect of BCDMH exposure on histopathology and tissue antioxidant activity of adult zebrafish were observed over time. Results: Exposure to 4 mg/L BCDMH post-fertilization was sufficient to induce a number of developmental malformations, such as edema, axial malformations, and reductions in heart rate and hatching rate. The no observable effects concentration of BCDMH on zebrafish embryo was 0.5 mg/L. After 96 h exposure, the 50% lethal concentration (95% confidence interval (CI)) of BCDMH on zebrafish embryo was 8.10 mg/L (6.15-11.16 mg/L). The 50% inhibitory concentration (95% CI) of BCDMH on hatching rate was 7.37 mg/L (6.33-8.35 mg/L). Histopathology showed two types of responses induced by BCDMH, defensive and compensatory. The extreme responses were marked hyperplasia of the gill epithelium with lamellar fusion and epidermal peeling. The histopathologic changes in the gills after 10 days exposure were accompanied by significantly higher catalase activity and lipid peroxidation. Conclusion: These results have important implications for studies on the toxicity and use of BCDMH and its analogs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Both Diheptyl-phthalate (DHpP) and Diisodecyl-phthalate (DIDP) were used extensively as plasticizers. Recently, their occurrence in the environmental matrices and human body fluids have been reported. Unfortunately, these phthalate congeners are without basic toxicity profiles. Hence, we studied the toxic effects of both DHpP and DIDP in the median lethal concentration (LC 50 96-h) on zebrafish (Danio rerio). We assessed swimming behavior strength and tissues biomarker responses including total antioxidants capacity (TAOC), transaminases, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme. Fish exposed to phthalate congeners (Treatment-I and-II) for 15-days showed alterations on fish swimming behavior and circadian rhythm. At the end of the exposure period, both liver and heart tissue transaminases activities were found to be accelerated in DHpP and DIDP treated fish, when compared to control group. TAOC and AChE activities were found to be decreased in brain, gills, intestine, and muscle tissues of phthalate congeners treated fish than the control group. Alterations observed in the studied biomarkers were concentration-based response. Among treatment groups DHpP showed higher effects. Comparative studies on swimming behavior and biochemical activities were reasonable to know the swimming responses are mediated due to external stress or internal stress. More studies on molecular and biomarkers assessments are warranted on toxicity of emerging contaminants. Image 1 • DHpP and DIDP can cause behavior abnormal on zebrafish in online monitoring system. • Circadian rhythm disorder of zebrafish could be observed in phthalate treatments. • Phthalate congers pose negative effects on enzymes, and antioxidants activity. • Phthalate-mediated biochemical mechanism results in behavior anomalies on zebrafish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, the continuous physiological changes of zebrafish (Danio rerio) in 0.1 μg/L thallium (Tl) in 15 days were investigated. The results showed that Tl(I) stress had a significant positive linear correlation with zebrafish ammonia nitrogen excretion (ANE) (p < 0.001), and the mean value of ANE in Tl(I) treatment (435 ± 227 mg/kg/h) was approximately 2 times higher than in the control group (239 ± 168 mg/kg/h), which suggested that ANE was suitable for Tl(I) stress assessment. A substantial difference based on oxygen consumption rate (OCR) between the control group (587 ± 112 mg/kg/h) and Tl(I) treatment (260 ± 88 mg/kg/h) with a high significance p < 0.001 could be observed, and the results indicated that Tl(I) played a negative role in OCR of zebrafish. The characteristics of both ANE and OCR changes under slight Tl(I) stress could be reflected by the ammonia quotient (AQ). It was noteworthy that AQ increased rapidly in first 6 h from 0.66 to 4.50, which was 3 times higher than 1.2, indicating rapid increase in both anaerobic energy utilization and protein metabolism in 0.1 μg/L Tl(I) exposure. It is concluded that the physiological changes of zebrafish based on metabolism can be regarded as a sensitive biological indicator of Tl(I) pollution, which could work as a substitute of potassium that disrupts the normal biological metabolism in the process of transport. • Zebrafish ANE shows a significant (p < 0.001) positive linear relationship with 0.1 μg/L Tl. • 0.1 μg/L Tl played a negative role in OC of zebrafish with the significance p < 0.001. • AQ of zebrafish in 0.1 μg/L Tl exposure indicates an increase in protein metabolism. • The metabolic changes of zebrafish have the potential to be used as an indicator of Tl pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arabidopsis thaliana LONG HYPOCOTYL5 (HY5) is a positive regulator of the light signaling pathway. The hy5 mutant has an elongated hypocotyl in all light conditions, whereas the hy5 homolog ( hyh ) mutant has a very weak phenotype, but only in blue light. However, overexpression of HYH rescues the elongated hypocotyl phenotype in the hy5 null mutant. Here, we report the identification of four HYH splicing variants in Arabidopsis . Alternative splicing in the 5′ region of the HYH gene occurred such that the proteins encoded by all four HYH variants retained their bZIP domain. In hypocotyl tissue, transcript levels of HYH.2 , HYH.3 , and HYH.4 were higher than those of HYH.1 . Like HY5 , all HYH variants were induced by light. Functional analysis of the four HYH variants, based on their abilities to complement the hy5 mutant, indicated that they have similar roles in hypocotyl development, and may function redundantly with HY5 . Our results indicate that the bZIP domain in HYH is critical for the function of four variants in the compensation of hy5 mutant in hypocotyl development. Additionally, while HY5/HYH is found in plant species ranging from green algae to flowering plants, the potential alternative splicing events are distinct in different species, with certain HYH variants found with greater frequency in some species than others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The real-time swimming and respiratory gases frequency of zebrafish was determined. • Copperidus declined the swimming consistency and respiratory rates of zebrafish. • Avoidance behavior has resulted under CuSO 4 stress. • Concentration and duration-dependent responses have resulted under CuSO 4 stress. • Excess CuSO 4 caused time-delayed toxic effect and circadian rhythms defects in zebrafish. Water pollution from commonly occurring contaminants (metals, xenobiotics, etc.) is a serious global problem. Copper is a commonly occurring water contaminant. A variety of physiological and biological methods have been developed to monitor water quality. The assessment of biological responses is an effective method for identifying the harmful effects of contaminants on ecosystems. Fish is a highly recommended animal model in water quality monitoring. Swimming consistency (firmness) and respiratory metabolism (oxygen consumption rate, carbon dioxide excretion rate and respiratory quotient) are essential for fish to maintain body homeostasis toward coping with environmental stress. We exposed zebrafish to different concentrations (Treatment I-0.1 mg/L and Treatment II-1.58 mg/L) of CuSO 4. We have continuously quantified the strength of behavior (swimming consistency) and physiological (respiratory rates) biomarkers for ten days using an online monitoring system of swimming behavior and external respiration. Swimming consistency and respiratory rates of zebrafish (p <0.05) decreased in the CuSO 4 -treated groups compared to the control group. Avoidance behavior has led to an endpoint behavior at copperiedus. The time-delayed toxic effect has resulted in CuSO 4 treatment groups. We checked for swimming consistency aberration on the artificial neural array, Self-organizing map (SOM). Circadian rhythms were influenced by prolonged exposure to CuSO 4 toxicity. A concentration- and duration-dependent behavior anomaly was noted in this study. Swimming behavior and respiratory metabolism patterns are sensitive non-invasive stress biomarkers for water quality monitoring studies. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depression is characterized by debilitating symptoms and high recurrence rates, and there are relatively few large-scale epidemiological surveys of depressive disorders conducted in Shandong since 2005. Data from the largest Epidemiological Survey of Mental Disorders conducted in 2015 in Shandong were collected to investigate the prevalence of depressive disorders and associated demographic characteristics in general adult population.Methods: A multi-stage stratified cluster sampling method was adopted to select residents and a two-stage screening and assessment process was used to define the prevalence and characteristics of depressive disorders. Respondents were initially screened using the General Health Questionnaire followed by a structured clinical interview using the DSM-IV criteria.Results: Among 27,489 respondents who completed the survey, 1277 respondents met the diagnostic criteria for depressive disorders. The adjusted prevalence in the last month was 4.86%, among which the prevalence of major depressive disorder, dysthymia, and unspecified depressive disorder were 2.32%, 1.78%, and 0.75%, respectively. 40.35% of depression patients had moderate or severe functional impairment and only 10.65% of patients had visited a psychiatric service. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that age, gender, occupation, education, marital status, and urban/rural living were associated with the prevalence.Limitations: The key limitation is that this is a cross-sectional survey therefore cannot draw any causal relationship between risk factors and disease progression.Conclusions: Findings from this largest epidemiological study reveal current prevalence of depressive disorders and associated demographic factors and offers opportunities for policy makers and health-care professionals to improve mental health provision in Shandong. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel multiresidue analysis method is developed for highly sensitive and simultaneous determination of 16 sulphonamides (SAs), 4 acetyled metabolites, and trimethoprim in pork and mutton by rapid resolution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (RRLC-MS/MS). The sample was extracted with acetonitrile under ultrasonication incubation, followed by solid phase extraction (SPE). The calibration curves showed good linearity with correlation coefficient (r) more than 0.998. The limit of quantification (LOQ) was 0.35–1.0 μg/kg, which can ensure to detect studied drugs at the maximum residue level (MRL) of 10 μg/kg. The mean recoveries at addition level of 1.0, 5.0 and 50 μg/kg were in the range of 68.3–104% with the relative standard deviation (RSD) of 3.5–9.2%. The intra-day precision (as RSD) for six determinations at 50 μg/kg spiked level within a day was in the range of 4.2–8.9%. The method is sensitive, accurate, convenient and rapid, and can be used for the qualitatively and quantitatively determination of multiresidue of the studied drugs in meat. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Chronic myeloid leukemia cells exhibit strong expression of KDM5B. • Knockdown of KDM5B impairs leukemic colony-forming potential. • KDM5B epigenetically regulates a subset of genes via H3K4 demethylation. • KDM5B interacts with the mRNA processing machinery in CML cells. The histone lysine demethylase KDM5 family is implicated in normal development and stem cell maintenance by epigenetic modulation of histone methylation status. Deregulation of the KDM5 family has been reported in various types of cancers, including hematological malignancies. However, their transcriptional regulatory roles in the context of leukemia remain unclear. Here, we find that KDM5B is strongly expressed in normal CD34+ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cells. Knockdown of KDM5B in K562 CML cells reduced leukemia colony-forming potential. Transcriptome profiling of KDM5B knockdown K562 cells revealed the deregulation of genes involved in myeloid differentiation and Toll-like receptor signaling. Through the integration of transcriptome and ChIP-seq profiling data, we show that KDM5B is enriched at the binding sites of the GATA and AP-1 transcription factor families, suggesting their collaborations in the regulation of transcription. Even though the binding of KDM5B substantially overlapped with H3K4me1 or H3K4me3 mark at gene promoters, only a small subset of the KDM5B targets showed differential expression in association with the histone demethylation activity. By characterizing the interacting proteins in K562 cells, we discovered that KDM5B recruits protein complexes involved in the mRNA processing machinery, implying an alternative epigenetic action mediated by KDM5B in gene regulation. Our study highlights the oncogenic functions of KDM5B in CML cells and suggests that KDM5B is vital to the transcriptional regulation via multiple epigenetic mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Theoretical model regarding compression-bending capacity of non-bolted segmental joint (NBSJ) is proposed. • The full-scale failure tests of NBSJ are conducted to verified the theoretical model. • The influences of joint parameters on compression-bending capacity of NBSJ are investigated. • The characteristics of the compression-bending capacity of NBSJ are analyzed. • A simplified method for calculating the compression-bending capacity of NBSJ is proposed. This study aims to thoroughly investigate the compression-bending capacity of non-bolted segmental joints (without bolt connection or connect bolt failure) and provide a basis for its compression-bending safety evaluation. First, a theoretical model regarding the compression-bending capacity of non-bolted segmental joints was proposed and verified by full-scale failure tests. Second, a comparison between bolted and non-bolted segmental joints on compression-bending capacity was conducted. Third, the influence of the segment thickness and length of the core pressure zone on the compression-bending capacity of non-bolted joints were analyzed based on the proposed theoretical model and joint parameters from six segmental joints with different segment thicknesses, and the basic characteristic compression-bending capacity curves of non-bolted joints were obtained. Finally, for the convenience of engineering applications, a simplified method for calculating the compression-bending capacity of non-bolted segmental joints was proposed. The results showed that the relative errors between the theoretical model and full-scale tests under positive and negative bending were 3.4% and 6.1%, respectively, indicating that the theoretical model had high calculation accuracy. The influence of the bolt on the compression-bending capacity of a segmental joint increased with increasing segment thickness and decreasing axial force. With the same eccentricity, the compression-bending capacity of the non-bolted segmental joint generally increased with the segment thickness. The compression-bending capacity decreased with increasing length of the core pressure zone under positive bending, while under negative bending the reverse is true. The characteristic compression-bending capacity curve of the non-bolted joint passed through the origin and had three characteristic points. There was a basic compression-bending capacity curve that was independent of the joint parameters for non-bolted joints with different segment thicknesses. The proposed simplified method for calculating the compression-bending capacity of non-bolted joints is highly accurate and easy to use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A stochastic optimal scheduling strategy that considered dependencies was proposed. • A multilayer hybrid forecasting model achieves high wind and load forecast accuracy. • Improved episodic deep RL was used to build an EMS stochastic optimal scheduling strategy. • The uncertainties of the forecasting process were analyzed using LHS and regular vine copula. Isolated microgrids have been widely used on campuses, becoming an important part of their power-supply infrastructure. In this study, a stochastic optimal scheduling strategy that considered dependencies was proposed for the energy management system (EMS) of an isolated microgrid on campus, which consists of three main components: an accurate forecasting model on both the demand and supply sides, an excellent core scheduling strategy, and an effective uncertainty analysis. First, the forecasting model involved data correction, feature selection, core forecasting, and error analyses to obtain consistently good forecasting results. A multilayer hybrid forecasting model was developed, including a stacked multilevel denoising autoencoder, mutual information, bidirectional long short-term memory network (LSTM), and LSTM, corresponding to the above four model elements. Based on the forecasting results, improved episodic deep reinforcement learning was used to build a stochastic optimal scheduling strategy for the EMS, which could realize rapid propagation of reward values and achieve stable updating of episodic memory, effectively improving sample efficiency. The objective of optimizing the scheduling was to obtain the lowest operational cost. Finally, the uncertainties in the forecasting process were analyzed using the Latin hypercube sampling method, and a regular vine copula was used to determine the dependence of the uncertainty analysis between buildings. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to consider dependence in the uncertainty analysis of a campus microgrid. The performance of the proposed method was evaluated by comparing it with other existing models, aiming to obtain more efficient and stable scheduling results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skeletal muscle serving as the major organ is responsible for energy expenditure and exercise endurance, which directly influence cardiometabolic risk factors. Transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8), a Ca 2 + -permeable non-selective cation channel, plays vital roles in the regulation of various cellular functions. It has been reported that TRPM8 activation enhanced the energy metabolism of adipocytes. However, the involvement of TRPM8 in the energy metabolism of skeletal muscle remains unexplored. Our data revealed that TRPM8 was expressed in cultured C2C12 myocytes. Menthol treatment increased uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α (PGC1α) expression in C2C12 myotubes through TRPM8 activation. Moreover, dietary menthol upregulated the expression of UCP1 and PGC1α in skeletal muscle of mice. In addition, dietary menthol enhanced exercise endurance and reduced blood lactic acid and triglycerides through TRPM8 activation. It is concluded that dietary menthol improves energy metabolism and exercise endurance by increasing UCP1 and PGC1α in skeletal muscles, suggesting dietary menthol might be a novel therapeutic approach for cardiometabolic diseases management and prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A semi-analytical model in underground natural gas storage (UGS) is proposed. • The typical flow regions in UGS are diagnosed by pressure behaviors. • Case study and sensitivity analysis are performed. Carbon neutrality necessitates cleaner and more efficient use of fossil fuels. The storage of substantial amounts of energy in porous subsurfaces, such as underground natural gas storage (UGS), which is regarded the only long-term energy storage solution, is one of the promising technologies. Appropriate monitoring mechanisms are necessary for the security of UGS with a correctly configured injection-withdrawal capacity. In this research, a semi-analytical model of multi-horizontal well systems is presented and used to large-scale underground natural gas storage. The Laplace transform and Stehfest numerical inversion are used in UGS to solve the radial diffusion equation. We used the line source function and the pressure superposition principle to find a solution for a multi-horizontal well system. To illustrate the reliability of the suggested method, a numerical verification was performed. In UGS, pressure behavior at various phases identifies several types of flow regions, including wellbore storage effect stage, skin effect stage, early radial flow stage, linear flow stage, transitional flow stage, and late radial flow stage. Continuous gas injection and withdrawal from offset wells might result in pressure behavior with rising or dropping features when compared to a single well model. The evaluated permeability is 0.68 mD, the well spacing is 502 m, and the initial pressure is 27.28 MPa, according to field data from China's largest Hutubi UGS. The maximum injection and withdrawal capacities for wells with and without interference with wells are 9.46 × 105 and 1.1 × 106 m3/d/MPa, respectively, according to the productivity index. By continually injecting gas from offsetting wells, the target well's potential gas withdrawal capacity is raised by 16.2 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A forecast-driven, stochastic optimization scheduling strategy was developed. • A deep-learning end-to-end model achieves high 24 h wind and load-forecast accuracy. • Deep reinforcement learning optimization scheduling of energy management system. • Stochastic analysis of wind and load uncertainties using Monte Carlo simulations. • The energy capacity degradation of the energy storage system is considered. Balancing supply and demand constitutes the most important and challenging task in an isolated microgrid. Accordingly, it is essential to develop an optimization scheduling strategy for an energy management system of an isolated microgrid operation. In this study, a novel forecast-driven stochastic scheduling strategy was devised for the optimal operation of an isolated hydrogen microgrid. First, the change in wind power and load over 24 h was forecast using a bidirectional and long short-term memory convolutional neural network modeled end-to-end. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first application of end-to-end modeling for wind-power forecasting. Based on the forecast results, the stochastic optimization scheduling of the energy management system was resolved through deep reinforcement learning to minimize the microgrid lifecycle cost. Deep reinforcement learning combines the advantages of deep learning and reinforcement learning and uses statistical models to effectively solve sequence decisions of features of high-dimensional spaces. In addition, stochastic scenarios were generated using Monte Carlo simulations to analyze the uncertainties in wind and load. Furthermore, the energy capacity degradation of the energy storage system was considered. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed approach was validated based on comparisons of different benchmark models and the latest models. The proposed scheduling strategy can realize high operational efficiency and reliable energy management system scheduling and is expected to serve as a reference for future research in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Full-scale compression-bending tests that verifying the numerical model are carried out. • The moment–rotation curves of six different segmental joints are analyzed. • The characteristic equations of moment-rotation relationship of segmental joint are proposed. The compression–bending stiffness of segmental joints plays a crucial role in the analysis of segment lining structures, and setting reasonable values for joint compression–bending stiffness is a key determinant of the accuracy of mechanical calculations of lining structures. In this study, a three-dimensional refined numerical model of segmental joints is established, and solid elements are used to simulate important components, such as segments and bolts, which essentially reproduce the structural characteristics of the joints and accurately reflect the contact relationship between the segments. Full-scale compression–bending tests are conducted to verify the numerical model, and the compression–bending calculation and analysis of six different segmental joints are performed. The characteristic equations for calculating the compression–bending stiffness of segmental joints with different thicknesses are determined. The results show that the refined three-dimensional model can accurately reflect the compression–bending stiffness of the segmental joints, and the deviations between the numerical and the experimental results appear when damage phenomenon occur on the joint surface. Axial force can improve the compression–bending stiffness of segmental joints, and its influence increases with an increase in the bending moment and decreases with an increase in the thickness. The moment–rotation curves of the joints with different thicknesses are similar. Moreover, increasing the thickness effectively improves the compression–bending stiffness of segmental joints, and the influence increases with increasing bending moment or decreasing axial force. The moment–rotation relationship of a segmental joint has two characteristic curves, I and II, and the type of characteristic curve primarily depends on the structural characteristics of the joint surface. The characteristic equations based on the data-fitting method and the moment–rotation data of segmental joints with different thicknesses can be used to simply and accurately calculate the compression–bending stiffness of segmental joints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycotoxins and industrial chemicals, such as aflatoxin M1 and melamine, now commonly exist in milk and cause potential health risks. This study presents an indirect competitive immunoassay through multiplex planar waveguide fluorescence immunosensor (MPWFI) for rapid, sensitive, and simultaneous detection and quantification of aflatoxin M1 and melamine by applying the principle of immunoreaction and total internal reflect fluorescent. Double-channel standard curves with appropriate logistic correlation ( R 2 > 0.99) were plotted, respectively. The working ranges (0.073–0.400 ng/mL and 26.38–270.00 ng/mL, respectively) were calculated, as well as the limit of detection (0.045 and 13.37 ng/mL, respectively), when two analytes were simultaneously detected. Both results satisfied the requirements for the maximum amount set by the WHO, which illustrated that the current method was better than some other standard methods. The recovery rates in the actual samples ranged from 85% to 103%, with relative standard deviations between 1.3% and 6.5%, which indicated high accuracy and repeatability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An indirect competitive immunoassay has been developed using the planar waveguide fluorescence immunosensor (PWFI) based on the principle of immunoreaction and total internal reflect fluorescent, offering simple, rapid and sensitive detection and quantification of melamine in buffer and milk products. The chip immobilized by BSA-Mel was reusable and highly resistive to non-specific binding of proteins. The regeneration of the sensor allows more than 100 assay cycles within 20min for each assay cycle. For the standard curve, the limit of detection of 6.6μg/L and the quantitative detection range of 26.6–517.5μg/L were obtained when the concentration of antibody labeled by Cy5.5 was 2.4μg/mL. The results meet the requirements for the maximum amount of melamine allowed in infant formula (1.0mg/kg) and all the other foods (2.5mg/kg) set by the WHO, which were better than most other standard methods. Few cross-reactivity effects were noted to occur among closely resembling pollutant molecules during the melamine determination process. Recoveries from the melamine-fortified blank samples were between 89.8 and 103.2% with relative standard deviation lower than 8.1%. The results were in good correlation (R 2 =0.9963) to those measured by LC–MS/MS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) supported on nitrogen-doped ordered mesoporous carbon (N-OMC) were fabricated by one-pot synthesis strategy, in which 2D hexagonally ordered mesoporous SBA-15 and aniline were used as template and carbon precursor, respectively. Furthermore, the as-prepared composite of Ag NPs supported on N-OMC (Ag NPs/N-OMC) as electrochemical sensor towards the reduction of nitrobenzene (NB) was investigated, which displayed high sensitivity, fast response and good stability. The peak current of NB increased linearly with the concentration of NB in the range from 6.62×10−8 to 2.60×10−7 mol/L and 7.97×10−7 to 1.12×10−6 mol/L, and the low detection limit of 6.61×10−9 mol/L (S/N=3) was obtained. Therefore, this work provides a new pathway to design and fabricate novel N-OMC composites, which have unique characteristics and hold numerous applications in the fields of sensors, electrocatalysis and others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As natural experiments, famines provide a unique opportunity to test the health consequences of nutritional deprivation during the critical period of early life. Using data on 4972 Chinese born between 1956 and 1963 who participated in a large mental health epidemiology survey conducted between 2001 and 2005, we investigated the potential impact of exposure to the 1959–1961 Chinese Famine in utero and during the early postnatal life on adult mental illness. The risk of mental illness was assessed with the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and eight other risk factors, and the famine impact on adult mental illness was estimated by difference-in-difference models. Results show that compared with unexposed women born in 1963, women born during the famine years (1959–1961) had higher GHQ scores (increased by 0.95 points; CI: 0.26, 1.65) and increased risk of mental illness (OR = 2.80; CI: 1.23, 6.39); those born in 1959 were the most affected and had GHQ scores 1.52 points higher (CI: 0.42, 2.63) and an OR for mental illness of 4.99 (CI: 1.68, 14.84). Compared to men in the 1963 birth cohort, men born during the famine had lower GHQ scores (decreased by 0.89 points; CI: −1.59, −0.20) and a nonsignificant decrease in the risk of mental illness (OR = 0.60; CI: 0.26, 1.40). We speculate that the long-term consequences of early-life famine exposure include both the selection of the hardiest and the enduring deleterious effects of famine on those who survive. The greater biological vulnerability and stronger natural selection in utero of male versus female fetuses during severe famine may result in a stronger selection effect among men than women, obscuring the deleterious impact of famine exposure on the risk of mental illness in men later in life. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Reliable wind energy forecasting is crucial for the stable operation of power grids. This paper proposes a regional wind power probabilistic forecasting model comprising an improved kernel density estimation (IKDE), regular vine copulas, and ensemble learning. The IKDE is firstly used to generate the margin probability density function (PDF) of each wind farm and the KDE bandwidth is optimized via the golden-section search algorithm to obtain the best possible prediction. Then, several dependence structures are formulated by building different regular vine copulas based on multiple criteria, and all the dependence structures work together with marginal PDF to generate respective joint distribution functions. Finally, ensemble learning is applied to combine all the joint distribution functions and establish an ultimate distribution function. Furthermore, a novel multi-distribution mega-trend-diffusion (MD-MTD) with parametric optimization is proposed to improve the prediction when the data are insufficient. The results of comparative evaluations conducted on datasets from eight wind farms indicate that the proposed model outperforms existing models in wind power generation prediction. Specifically, the proposed model can reliably forecast power generation for an entire region for the next 24 h with only three months of historical data. In contrast, most benchmark models require a year of data. • A regional wind power probabilistic forecasting model is proposed. • Improved kernel density estimation/regular vine copulas/ensemble learning are joined. • Multi-distribution mega-trend-diffusion (MD-MTD) with optimization is also proposed. • MD-MTD improves the prediction when the data are insufficient. • The proposed model outperforms existing models in wind power generation prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A multi-degree-of-freedom (multi-DoF) wind power generation system based on short-term wind forecasting is proposed. • Short-term wind forecasting considering the relationship between wind speed and direction based on the Gaussian mixture model is generated. • Long short-term memory network-based model predictive control is also proposed. • A multi-DoF wind generator was developed which can rotate 360° around the rotor shaft to align itself toward the wind direction when the wind fluctuates. • The proposed system increases the efficiency of wind generators. The efficient and stable operation of wind generators is important for the realization of large-scale power generation. In this study, a multi-degree-of-freedom (multi-DoF) wind power generation system (WPGS) based on short-term wind forecasting is proposed, which is suitable for off-grid types of operation. First, the change in wind direction and speed over 24 h was obtained through short-term wind forecasting considering the relationship between wind speed and direction based on the Gaussian mixture model (GMM). Meanwhile, a novel control strategy, long short-term memory network-based model predictive control, was proposed to guide the real-time wind aligning operation of a wind generator based on wind forecasting results. Finally, a multi-DoF permanent-magnet synchronous wind generator was deflected around the rotor shaft to align it toward the wind direction, thereby substituting the yaw system in the traditional wind generator. The proposed system was evaluated by comparing it with other existing models, and its performance was found to be superior to the existing models in all aspects. This is the first study to generate a complete set of high-efficiency WPGSs, which is composed of wind forecasting results, a control system, and a new type of wind generator. The proposed system improves the passive and hysteretic operation modes of traditional wind turbines and significantly increases the efficiency of wind generators and is expected to serve as a reference for future research in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An iterative algorithm is proposed for the bending stiffness of segmental joint in the analysis of segmental linings; • The sensitivity of the proposed iterative algorithm is evaluated; • The influence of assembly angles on the structural forces and deformations are quantitatively analyzed. In current structural analyses on segmental linings, the bending stiffness of segmental joints is usually treated as a constant, which results in a deviation in the calculated internal forces and deformation. In view of this, a finite element model of segmental linings is established using one ring and two half rings. An iterative algorithm is designed with a 3D curved surface of bending stiffness for the segmental joint, obtained from a series of full-scale tests under different axial force and bending moment cases. The rational convergence criteria for the iterative algorithm are recommended by evaluating the convergence efficiency of the iterative algorithm. Moreover, the influence of load magnitude and initial value of bending stiffness, as well as the changing laws of structural internal forces and deformation with the assembly angles, are presented and analyzed. The results show that with the same load, the convergence of the iterative algorithm in staggered-jointed assembly structures (STGS) is better than that of straight-jointed assembly structures (STRS), owing to its greater overall stiffness. The initial input value of bending stiffness has no effect on the convergence of the proposed iterative algorithm, and generally the convergence performance in STGS is better than that in STRS. In STRS, the bending moment is most sensitive to the changes of assembly angles, while in STGS the assembly angles have great influence on both the bending moment and structural displacement. Without the stiffness iteration, the maximum differences for maximum axial force, bending moment, and displacement under different assembly angle in STRS are 11.7%, 31.9% and 22.3%, respectively, and that differences in STGS are 10.4%, 59.3% and 35.1%, respectively. With the stiffness iterative method, the increase amplitude of the maximum axial force, the maximum bending moment, and the maximum displacement in STRS and STGS are 50.0%, 317.4%, 77.1% and 41.9%, 459.3%, 156.5%, respectively, indicating that changing the assembly angles is a rational way to control the internal structural forces and deformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Thermal conductivity of RHA-based mortar is lower than the conventional mortar. • Addition of RHA in mortar reduces the heat transfer through the wall by 26%. • RHA substitution of 30% in the wall plaster reduces the heat flux by 10%. • RHA-based mortar decreases the greenhouse gas emissions by about 14%. The energy used to maintain the thermal comfort of buildings significantly contributes to the GHG emissions and global warming. In this study, a sustainable and cost-effective rice husk ash (RHA)-based mortar for wall plastering has been developed to provide better thermal insulation, reduce the operational energy and enhance the thermal comfort. Consequently, RHA was partially replaced with the sand in the conventional mortar to produce the RHA-based plaster. Initially, compressive strengths and thermal conductivities of the selected mortar mixes were assessed. The results highlight that the RHA can be replaced up to 30% instead of sand in mortar to produce the thermally enhanced wall plaster. Further, two identical prototype model houses were constructed with RHA-based (i.e. 30% of RHA) and conventional plasters to evaluate their heat transfer, heat flux, and the characteristics of internal and external wall surface temperatures in open weather conditions. It was noted that the average peak heat flux reduction formed by the RHA-based plaster was 10%. The average daily heat transfer reduction across the wall with RHA-based plaster was about 26%. Results also show that RHA-based plaster can reduce the energy that required to maintain thermal comfort by about 9% than the conventional plaster. Moreover, the environmental impact analysis was also conducted to assess the sustainability performance of RHA-based mortars. The environmental impact assessment revealed that the RHA-based plaster has less environmental impact than the conventional mortar. Furthermore, the CO 2 emission generated by the production of RHA-based mortar is about 14% less than the conventional plaster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The instantaneous resistivity vector difference provides a method for monitoring the predominant seepage path of oil in real time remaining in a reservoir by numerical simulation. The target stratum in Shahejie Formation, Bohai Bay Basin, eastern North China has a relatively high resistivity (15–25 Ω m), which is reduced to 3–10 Ω m with the in-pouring of viscous polymer–water solutions. The instantaneous resistivity (ρ t) of each monitored well-point changes with the continuous injection of polymer. Mitchell's improved model calculates ρ t for every well-point at time t, and its reliability is verified by the core-displacement and production-logging methods. Using first-order differences and a differential model to recognize anomalous changes in the target zone, we can effectively extract and highlight changes in the resistivity of the target layer caused by polymer injection, and determine the distribution of resistivity. The position of maximum change in instantaneous resistivity in each direction can be calculated using second-order differences, with the zero line reflecting the boundary position of the anomalous body. The ρ t differential results is consistent with 3H tracking results. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of the predominant seepage field in the study area, provide real-time technical support for the deployment and adjustment of polymer flooding schemes avoiding an inefficient polymer cycle, and improve the tertiary recovery factor of oilfields. • Mitchell's improved model is established to calculate ρ t of every well point at time t. • Instantaneous resistivity differential processing monitor the predominant seepage field. • This is an environmental, low-cost, and efficient method for Tertiary oil recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]